Christo et Doctrinae

WHEN CREEDS MOTIVATE DEEDS Pt.1

2012-02-02T09:33:00.010-06:00

Blessings MC Friends and Family,

This past month I had the opportunity to share with the youth at MC in a series of short teaching designed to help them discover the mysteries of the faith. One such question that was raised in our weekly discussion was, "What is the purpose for us reading the Biblical account of the ten plagues in Egypt?" As I was preparing to answer the question, to my amazement one of the least expected youth answered, "For God to reveal His authority and faithfulness to His people." What a profound answer from a twelve year old. Now, as Paul Harvey might say, "The rest of the story..."

Andres is a young twelve year old who attends the same school as my son. In fact, I first began to hear of Andres in the most unflattering ways. Day after day my son would come home laughing about something Andres did in school. Usually the type of pranks Andres would be involved with landed him in detention and the obvious target of teachers in every classroom. As a parent there is always the concern that you may not want your son "hanging out" with the trouble-maker in school, so I monitored the situation closely. Then an interesting event occurred.

Monthly we have a special Youth Night of praise, worship and teaching where our youth ministers minister directly to the needs of the youth. It was during one of these nights Andres, who my son invited, attended and engaged in the beginning stages of transformation for his life. It has been a slow and gradual journey for Andres but week after week he would come to church on Sunday. Then, a few weeks later he came to church with his younger brother and mother. And last week, his younger and older brother came as well as his mother. Andres still has a long way to go.....truthfully we all do. But his journey is just beginning and I am thrilled with every passing Sunday to hear out of the mouths of our youth such insightful answers about their faith. The week we were examining the questions of our faith the youth all had "homework" to study this mystery for themselves. Guess what? They did! And they all came to the discussion prepared to unravel the mystery for themselves.

A few years back a very popular pastor made the following statement, "It's no longer about creeds its about deeds." in an attempt to move his church into a more socially active role. This new slogan for the his church was his attempt to 're-brand' Christianity (those are my words) so the seeker or unbeliever would be drawn to the more pleasing attributes of Christianity. This pastor has it all wrong! It is in-fact the creeds of our faith, developed from the Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone) that motivates the intentions and actions of the dutiful Christian. My son, though he did not understand it at the time, was motivated to reach his friend Andres because of his belief in the core creed of his faith. The creeds of his faith, as developed by Scripture, motivated his actions as one of the final steps in the evangelistic chain in reaching Andres.

In my last blog I was sharing some observations of a journey I too have been on. The more reading of our deep rooted Christian faith leads me to only one conclusion: The wells of our Christian faith run deep and are by no means dry. Our collective faith has been championed by men and women, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, across the entire world and across generations. We have always been able to point to amazing deeds of Christians and the impact they had on their community but what about the deeds that were motivated less out of a concern of the world and more from a crisis of faith? When reading Foxes "Book of Martyrs" you read the accounts of sacrificial deeds motivated by an unapologetic and uncompromising creed. I can't help but wonder if the church memberships and pulpits would be comprised of people of such creed that the deeds that would follow would be the actions of real transformation?

In an simple and seemingly less profound way my son was motivated by a creed, which spurred action (deeds) and assisted in reaching a friend with the Gospel message. Of course it was very simple but also very profound. Please continue to pray for Andres and his entire family. They are all a blessing waiting to discover the mysteries of their faith.

See you in two weeks!

Pastor JOSHUA

A STRANGE THING HAPPENED ALONG THE ATHANASIUS ROAD

2012-01-19T12:24:00.014-06:00

Blessings MC family and friends!

Okay, did I grab your attention? Are you the slightest bit curious what I am going to say or where I am going to go? Well, if you are curious then come take a walk with me down an old, perhaps forgotten, but substantial road of our common faith.

Walking Path #1: In the fall of 2011 I was feeling a strong pull (more like a jerk) to re-examine some moments in church history I had long ago decided to shelve in favor of a modern and "relevant" Christian mindset. This is not to say I fell into the emergent church ranks and became a drone of popularized, self-promoting pastors and theologians. Rather, I like many in my "curious profession" (see Sherlock Holmes) struggled with communicating the greatest message to a new generation of seekers, hearers and disciples. So began my journey...

Walking Path #2: As the journey began I started to ask myself why was I so soured on words like Orthodox or Church Fathers? As I did a little soul searching I came to the conclusion much of my bias had been developed over a gradual immersion into what has been classified as post-modern Christianity. Whenever, I would drive by the beautiful structures of stone and bells or see a hymnal I would internally cringe and go running in favor for a high flying light show or a new Christian power anthem (ugh). My point is this: Whether I realized it or not I was picking fights with the foundations of my past in favor for a present version of Christianity while all the while living disassociated from my foundations (sounds counter-productive? Sarcasim added please). Many agree the "old style" of church has a disconnect with today's generations but I also have come to the conclusion that the "movie theatre" churches can be just as out of touch. By now I hope you see I am moving the topic away from style and preference towards substance.

Walking Path #3: After being jerked in this direction (isn't the Holy Spirit wonderful!) I began to comb over the accounts and records. To my amazement I discovered that all the lectures and writings I read in seminary were true and much like today the early church fathers were engaged in the same issues, topics and debates. Of course, technology has changed the instruments by which the vices are administered but the age old debate was the same. Hence, there was then and always has been a struggle to keep the church within an orthodox framework. Here, is where we may begin to diverge into different branches of Christianity whether it be Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Protestantism and further discussions on Calvinism versus Arminianism. But I want to bring us back to the word that is prominently featured in this discussion: Orthodox. Setting aside our presuppositions on what is attached to the word allow me to please apply a light treatment to this term.

Orthodox is defined as follows: Orthodox practice, custom, or belief. Did you read what I read? Practice, custom and belief stand out like massive pillars holding an entire structure. I am not advocating custom, belief and practice replace God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit but could it be said that God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit (The Holy Trinity) gave us custom, belief and practice that lays for us building blocks of this beautiful faith?

Walking Path #4: Lets bring these trails to one road. When I titled this week's blog I purposely included the name of St. Athanasius because I wanted to give you something that was very special to me. Many of the early church fathers understood the essential struggle facing the early church. As the church matured the "fathers" did their best (at times failed) to allow the church to mature and not fragment into various heresies. As such, much like our nations founders, they embarked on a noble pursuit to give the people creeds which could be read and shared to explain what it meant to be a Christian. Prayerfully these men, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, passed theses creeds on to us to consider as part of the affirming nature of our Christian walk. The creeds never were and are not today as powerful as Scripture and they were never intended to be so. Rather, they gave us some orthodox starting points where we can all build from and stay unified in.

So, as I considered how I am communicating to people, of multiple generations, living in this age I decided to not despise my roots, they are great! I decided to embrace my foundations while allowing the Holy Spirit to instruct me how to bring multiple generations under the "big tent" of the family of God. What is this big tent? Church! But not church that is cold and lifeless in structure as well as relationship. Rather church that is organic, living, growing, maturing and unifying into a beautiful living structure for the Glory of the King! If our roots run as deep as the Bible and the early church affirms then there is no reason why the church, in any region of the world and in any age, can not be a place of transformation, family and reunification into the plans and purposes of the Father!

On a final note, I wanted to close this weeks blog by sharing with you the Athanasian Creed. I hope you are as blessed I was.

See you in two weeks!

Blessings!

Pastor JOSH (An Organic Farmer)

Athanasius Creed

Whosoever will be saved, before all things it is necessary that he hold the Catholic Faith. Which Faith except every one do keep whole and undefiled; without doubt he shall perish everlastingly. And the Catholic Faith is this: That we worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity; Neither confounding the Persons; nor dividing the Essence. For there is one Person of the Father; another of the Son; and another of the Holy Ghost. But the Godhead of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, is all one; the Glory equal, the Majesty coeternal. Such as the Father is; such is the Son; and such is the Holy Ghost. The Father uncreated; the Son uncreated; and the Holy Ghost uncreated. The Father unlimited; the Son unlimited; and the Holy Ghost unlimited. The Father eternal; the Son eternal; and the Holy Ghost eternal. And yet they are not three eternals; but one eternal. As also there are not three uncreated; nor three infinites, but one uncreated; and one infinite. So likewise the Father is Almighty; the Son Almighty; and the Holy Ghost Almighty. And yet they are not three Almighties; but one Almighty. So the Father is God; the Son is God; and the Holy Ghost is God. And yet they are not three Gods; but one God. So likewise the Father is Lord; the Son Lord; and the Holy Ghost Lord. And yet not three Lords; but one Lord. For like as we are compelled by the Christian verity; to acknowledge every Person by himself to be God and Lord; So are we forbidden by the Catholic Religion; to say, There are three Gods, or three Lords. The Father is made of none; neither created, nor begotten. The Son is of the Father alone; not made, nor created; but begotten. The Holy Ghost is of the Father and of the Son; neither made, nor created, nor begotten; but proceeding. So there is one Father, not three Fathers; one Son, not three Sons; one Holy Ghost, not three Holy Ghosts. And in this Trinity none is before, or after another; none is greater, or less than another. But the whole three Persons are coeternal, and coequal. So that in all things, as aforesaid; the Unity in Trinity, and the Trinity in Unity, is to be worshipped. He therefore that will be saved, let him thus think of the Trinity.

Furthermore it is necessary to everlasting salvation; that he also believe faithfully the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ. For the right Faith is, that we believe and confess; that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is God and Man; God, of the Essence of the Father; begotten before the worlds; and Man, of the Essence of his Mother, born in the world. Perfect God; and perfect Man, of a reasonable soul and human flesh subsisting. Equal to the Father, as touching his Godhead; and inferior to the Father as touching his Manhood. Who although he is God and Man; yet he is not two, but one Christ. One; not by conversion of the Godhead into flesh; but by assumption of the Manhood into God. One altogether; not by confusion of Essence; but by unity of Person. For as the reasonable soul and flesh is one man; so God and Man is one Christ; Who suffered for our salvation; descended into hell; rose again the third day from the dead. He ascended into heaven, he sitteth on the right hand of the God the Father Almighty, from whence he will come to judge the quick and the dead. At whose coming all men will rise again with their bodies; And shall give account for their own works. And they that have done good shall go into life everlasting; and they that have done evil, into everlasting fire. This is the Catholic Faith; which except a man believe truly and firmly, he cannot be saved.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! AND A NEW YEAR THOUGHT TO PONDER

2012-01-03T13:01:00.003-06:00

Maranatha Church friends and family blessings to you this exciting and fresh new year! 2011 ended with an exciting momentum at MC that has me eager and expecting the Lord is moving in the midst of His people.

As I concluded a series of teachings on the "The Church and the Family of God" so many of you shared with me how you felt MC was a true Godly family for your natural family. What a blessing!!! As the year drew to a close the Lord has brought new faces, new families, healings and restorations which has allowed me to get a glimpse of what is in store for 2012. What I found uniquely special were our final three services where the Holy Spirit ministered to the entire fellowship (you can imagine the service rad a bit long). During our main services and prayer services the Lord began to share with the congregation a singular message for 2012. Simply put, "2012 is going to be a year of victory!" I know this may sound cliche for most of our cynical ears but I can only hope that the heart of these words ring true in your spirit.

During our "end of the year" service one of our elders was led by the Holy Spirit to share the following words with the congregation, which I would like to pass on to you for the beginning of 2012.

"I don't react, I don't respond, I set the agenda from the victory won. My footprints lie in a future foretold. The wise and bold: come walk with me. Come walk with me as I set the agenda for the victory won! This year ahead is set by the Spirit and the Spirit leads the wise and bold."

Friends and family this is an encouraging word for all of us!!! In my spirit I feel the year 2012 is a year of victory and as I shared with the local congregation we are faced with two main challenges:

1. Will we allow our reality to be shaped by Jesus?

or

2. Will we allow the world to shape our reality of Jesus?

The answer is easy and simple to say but far more challenging to execute. In this year 2012 let us all commit to being disciplined and dutiful in our walk in Him! Over the next few weeks I will begin to share several thoughts as to how we can all engage in this renewed walk throughout 2012 and I am certain of the victory already set before us!!!

Blessings!

To See Truth as Pure Beauty and Love

2011-10-29T07:45:00.003-05:00

Greetings MC friends and family.

This past week a conversation was shared with me from a person who was visiting our fellowship. After attending a series of Sunday's, where our teaching pastor was speaking on living the Spirit-Led life, our visitor felt challenged but also discouraged. Of course, you can imagine how I must have felt? Here is a visitor coming to church to be encouraged and he leaves discouraged!!! Not exactly a "Win-Sunday."

As I probed a little deeper into the source of his discouragement I discovered that part of his personal challenge was rooted in his feeling that God was some sort of tyrant in His life and well before visiting MC he struggled with living the Spirit-led life because it was such a contrast to the God he has accepted for many years.

I took some time to reflect on his dilemma because I personally feel it is a sincere challenge many of us face, especially those who are viewing from the periphery contemplating whether or not to "come in" the hallowed church doors. To answer a portion of this problem is to ask and answer a question not yet asked, "What is this person's view of the law?" This may seem like a misapplied question but allow me to explain.

In Psalm 86, 138 and 142 the poet asserts "the Law" is true or truth. However another way we can translate "true or truth" is the Law of God is faithful, sound or holds water. In other words the Law of God does not collapse under pressure or give way under the strain of our personal trials. Of course, the obvious question you may be asking is, "What Law am I referring too?" To answer, I am not speaking about rituals or practices that we read about in Leviticus rather I am going a level deeper than "do's and dont's." I speaking about loving the law of God on a heart or attitude level!!!

I want to assure you, as I would like to share with our recent visitor, the reason for our discouragement is rooted in a misplaced attitude directed towards God. To view Him as anything other than the One who has given us a standard of life birthed from His love is to see him as a horrible dictator. There is a wrong belief in God that has circulated in the church that goes something like this, "God did not command certain things because they are right, but certain things are right because God commanded them." Do you see the error in this? If this logic is to applied to God then God could have just as easily applied evil as good and good as evil just because He willed it so. However, we read....from the Law the love of God is everything contrary to evil and curses and birthed out of love. God, the Lord, is righteous and commands righteousness because He loves it (Ps.11:8) Our conclusion: "God has given us the law of His truth and it has always been intrinsically valid, rock-bottom reality and as deep rooted in His own nature, and therefore as solid as that Nature which He has created." (CS Lewis, Reflections of Psalms. pg.61)

I would like to encourage all of us to look less at trying to live life by completing the check-list of the the law and rather live the law in our hearts. But make no mistake in what I am saying because I truly believe to live the law in your heart is much more difficult than following a check-list. To live in the love of God, to love Him for who He really is requires us to live closer and deeper to Him than the casual "weekly-attender" Though we all start very casually with God a time comes, in all of our lives, through circumstance or general unhappiness that we need more of Him. This "more" can only be satisfied by starting on the journey of the Spirit-led life and pursuing the "lover of you soul." You will find the challenges are real but the rewarding life is liberating because where the truth of God is applied there is liberty!

Blessings!

READY TO LAUNCH! AND A PERSONAL THOUGHT JUST FOR YOU!

2011-10-20T08:42:00.007-05:00

Maranatha friends and family the past three weeks have been filled with a whirlwind of activity. As should be expected any launch wouldn't be a "real" launch if there were not some last minute adjustments and tweaks along the way. So, at this point I think we are ALL adjusted out. There have been so many MC people who have been working with Jeannette and me over the course of this month and even going back a few months from that. So, to that point.......BIG THANKS!!!!!

So, where are we at? Well, WE ARE READY!!!! There are some exciting changes I can't wait to share with you as well as some changes, that honestly speaking, you will never see. So what are these changes? Well, for those who are local you are going to have to just drop by and see. For those who "distant" followers then be sure to check it out on-line because some changes have already been made. Don't punish me for being a little dodgy here.....but have you ever heard of building the excitement? Well, consider this a little building from the lead pastor! Blessings to you and I will continue to share some of these changes now that all of the adjustments have been made over the next few months.

Also, I wanted to share a personal chapter from my devotional. Of course, I can't take credit for this but I can give credit to the Holy Spirit and the instrument He used to share it though. C.H. Spurgeon is personal favorite of mine. Though I am not totally "eye to eye" with him on all doctrinal points of Scripture the man's life is a exciting testimony of God's divine illumination and inspiration. This week has been a week of joyful tears for me. God has shown, spoken and used so much of life to really work me down to the deepest parts. All that has been left is the crying. But don't mistake the tears I am talking about as those of grief and despair. Rather these are tears of joy and gratefulness. So, with that in mind here is a section of Spurgeon's devotional for me and all of us.

"From Every Sin"

"He will save His people from their sins." Matthew 1:21

Lord, save me from my sins. Save me from my past sin, that the habit of them may not hold me captive. Save me from my constitutional sins, that I man not be the slave of my own weaknesses. Save me from the sins that are continually under my eye, that I may not lose my horror of them. Save me from my secret sins, sins unperceived by me. Save me from sudden and surprising sins: let me not be carried off by a rush of temptation. Let not any iniquity have dominion over me.

You alone can do this. You know temptation, for You were tempted. You know sin, for You bore the weight of it. You can save me from sinning and save me when I have sinned. It is promised in Your very name that You will do this. Save me unto holiness of life, that the name of Jesus may be glorified in me.

C.H. Spurgeon

Maranatha Church Upgrade 4.0

2011-09-28T12:24:00.003-05:00

Marantha Church friends and family!

Do you remember the good old days of Windows 98? Of course not! It seems like ages ago everybody was enthralled with the windows upgrade. No sooner did Windows 98 "hit the shelves" did we begin to hear rumors of Windows XP. You may be asking, "What's the point?"

Life is full of upgrades. Taco Bell, Burger King, Nike, etc... all have upgraded at one time or another. What is sad is it seems the church has been the last entity that has upgraded as well. Yes, there are many churches that have upgraded so poorly (like Windows Vista) that people have been sent running back to older versions of windows or Mac's. But, there is such a concept of upgrading without compromising. After four year I am thrilled to announce that MC is ready for an upgrade, and it will be without compromise! You may have noticed small changes already on the website? But those changes are far from the upgrade I am writing about. Over the next four weeks MC will be going through some "behind the scenes" upgrades. Jeannette and I, as well as the entire MC family are eagerly awaiting these changes. Stay tuned and stay live.....or better said, STAY PASSIONATE!!!

"THREE SIMPLE TRUTHS"

2011-09-06T20:13:00.003-05:00

Maranatha Church friends and family!

Blessings to you all and let me be the first to say I am glad to be back from a month off. Thank you for being patient, for those who follow, as you know I needed to take the time to finish up my school work as well as tend to some specific church matters.

This shortened week I would like to share with you "Three Simple Truths" I shared with our fellowship this past weekend. This Sunday I was sharing with Maranatha Church what I believe is the most important series of messages for the fellowship at Cool Springs Maranatha Church. In short, Maranatha Church is launching forward into an evangelistic thrust for the lives of the lost! What I am not advocating is a new "approach" to evangelism, for some our methods may be very similar to other fellowships. Rather I am praying and calling for an attitude shift in the hearts and minds of Maranatha Church and all of us towards, reaching the lost. This, of course, leads to the "Three Simple Truths:"

1. Simple Truth #1: People, who are living without Jesus Christ as their personal and sole redeemer are lost! It is tough to say and even more difficult to acknowledge but it is an inescapable truth. Everybody needs Jesus for redemption and restoration from the sin nature we are all subject to by birth. Should this not be the first thrust to feed our hunger for evangelism?

I shared a story with our fellowship of a day when I was walking a beach I was familiar with. Many years I have walked this beach and usually during the same season of the year. However, this year I came at a different time and there were red flags and warning signs along the beach. The danger? The season had brought in a dangerous riptide and people were to be warned about their swimming in the waters.

Today, there are many people who are swimmers in the ocean of life and caught in the riptide of sin. Some are already drowning while others are being pulled further out to sea. The challenge for the Christian is will we remain on the safety of the beach and watch a world drown without Him? Or will we jump in the ocean with the life-preserver of Jesus to rescue them?

Pray about this and please take the time to listen to this week's message. Next week I will share Simple Truth #2.

Blessings to you!

Pastor JOSHUA

Three Simple Truths

Blessings to you...and a month off

2011-08-15T16:58:00.004-05:00

Blessings Maranatha church friends and family!

I just wanted to send this brief notice to inform all weekly followers that I will be taking the rest of this month off on my blog. The reason? Well I am in the final months of completing my masters degree in Christian Apologetics & Christian Theology. As such between exams, papers and church duties I am just about out of time. Oh, and btw....I have a family and two kids.

So, I will resume my blog September 5th. Until then, blessings!!!!

In Christ,

Pastor JOSHUA

A THOUGHT AHEAD OF TIME...

2011-08-02T08:33:00.002-05:00

Maranatha Church friends and family, blessings to you all...

Usually, I begin my weekly blog with some additional reflections from the previous Sunday's teaching. This week however, I am sharing some "pre-teaching" thoughts. Continuing with my teaching series "The Ministry of the Underdog" I will be sharing some reflections on the transfigured life. I remember three years ago I taught a series of messages on the transfigured life and this week I am revisiting the subject again.

While in prayer I felt a strong urging prompting a deep question within my spirit. "Is everything that God touches transfigured?" The answer may seem obvious to all of us and yet we still look over the vast expanse of the Church and see the church appears less and less transfigured in the Image of God. I am well aware, I am painting in broad strokes when I make such statements however, the spiritual, moral and cultural condition of our nations strongly indicates we are a nation transfigured in the image of mammon and not of God. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE!

We are the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ! We have the power of the Holy Spirit within our midst! We possess a direct line of communication to God, through the prayers of the righteous. We are commanded to BE HOLY, for HE IS HOLY! Not only is this nation facing a crisis of financial and political disarray but so is the church. Not only does our nation need to be transfigured but so does the church. Please take the time to listen to this coming Sunday's teaching on the transfigured man. I believe this message will encourage you to continue to fight and pursue the deeper walk with Him!

THE MINISTRY OF THE UNDERDOG and the LILLY WORK OF GOD

2011-07-25T10:26:00.004-05:00

Maranatha Church friends and family I would like to take this moment to share with you a few reflections based on a series of teachings I have offered over the past two weeks. Much has been written and spoken of the "power" of the church and yet with all of this "power" the Church has been strangely "out-of-step" over the past decade. At first we really didn't notice the gradual shifting within the church walls but then as times have become more trying what was inside the church walls lacked conviction to answer the ills of a dying age. Recently I have read several books, from pastors with growing congregations, and have been encouraged that there are signs of a shift within the church walls.

More and more, and still not as quickly as I may prefer, some congregations are becoming very aware of the growing spiritual divide within our nation and church. Still, despite the challenges we are all facing there are encouraging signs that believers who have caught hold of a principle the ministry of the underdog are possessing an enduring truth for this age of doubt and spiritual need. As I was preparing for Sunday's teaching the Lord brought me to several truths, within His Word, that reassured me of the blessings in being the His underdog. This past Sunday I continued this teaching with a follow up teaching called, "The Beauty of Simplicity." The Gospel message is simple, the principles of discipleship are also simple. And though there are doctrines and teachings that require us to study and know Him more intimately the basic Gospel message is simply...beautiful! I would like to share these past two messages with you as a source of encouragement.

Blessings!

"The Ministry of the Underdog"
"The Beauty of Simplicity"

IF YOU ONLY HAD A YEAR LEFT?

2011-07-18T08:54:00.003-05:00

Maranatha Church friends and family this week's blog is a little different from what I promised I was going to be writing on two weeks ago. I'll be sure in the weeks following to finish the thoughts I was going to share with you but for this week I need to ask you an important question. "If you only had a year left what would you do for God?" I remember a few years back there was a movie called the "The Bucket List" and the main characters were left with only a brief amount of time left on this earth. So, they developed a list of things they never did before they died to accomplish.

Along the same premise I had a very similar encounter with God a few weeks ago. Actually it was more than three months ago when the entire series of events happened. Three months ago I awoke from a very vivid dream, as you are older it seems you remember your dreams a lot less, and the details of the dream were far reaching than your "run of the mill" late night pizza dream. I knew, upon waking up, the Lord was using this dream to speak to me.

Allow me to fast forward because you will be able to hear the details of the dream on-line. This dream prompted me to enter into several weeks of fasting and prayer for direction and meaning for this dream and through the course of this time spent with God He shared many personal items with me. Also, He shared with me the condition of the church and a warning to our fellowship as well. (Again, you will have to listen to the message for the content) This is where the above question was asked to me, "If you only had a year left what would you do for Me?" My reply was immediate, "Well, Lord....I have built a church for you!" But His reply was was just as fast as my thoughtless answer. "Yes, you and many other people have done so. But what will you do to declare My Name before the people?"

You see friends, His reply spoke right to the heart of the matter. There are many churches and Christian attractions available at any given time. What the Lord was not asking of me was to develop another attraction but something far deeper that spoke to a spiritual disease in our nation. Today there are few who have a heart like those of Israel in 2 Chronicles, who are crying out and calling on the Lord to hear our prayers of repentance that He may heal our land. Our county from the top down and bottom up is sick and dying and the only cure is a return to Jesus. So, after I listened further to God's question He spoke to me as to what He wanted me and Maranatha Church to do so we may answer the above stated question.

"Restoring the Promise" The Lord carefully showed me what He would require of Maranatha Church and gave me a one year time-table to prepare the church, pray, fast, make provisions and then launch. Over the course of this year I will continue to share with you every detail of "Restoring the Promise" the vehicle we will use to declare His Name to the city and the focused message He is asking us to deliver to a city and nation in need of Him!

Please take the time to listen to this message, it is vital for your understanding how to pray and the next phase of carrying the vision of God to the mission field that is NOW!!!

Blessings!!!

"Pastor Joshua's Dream"

MY Apologies...will return next week

2011-07-15T07:44:00.002-05:00

Marantha Church friends and family I would like to apologize for not sharing any thoughts with you this week as a I promised to do so in last week's blog. This week, I will be officiating my nephews wedding and the family events have just caught everybody up in a storm of activity.

So, with that being said, have a wonderful weekend! And I look forward to sharing with you next week.

Blessings!

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY

2011-07-04T10:22:00.003-05:00

This week I will not be posting any thoughts for the week. Next week I will share some further thoughts on this week's past teaching, "The Ministry of the Underdog" (I will provide the sermon link below).

To my fellow American's Happy Fourth of July and be sure to celebrate it with family, friends and loved ones. For my blog followers outside of the U.S. I consider it an honor to live in a country where the Lord has allowed His Word to be shared openly. If you are living in a country where the cost of serving Christ is a heavier burden than mine my prayers and thoughts are with you and your families. I praise God for your faithfulness to His purposes and pray the Lord will continue to move His Spirit among those who are bound and held captive to the enemy so they may be set free through His power and by the testimony of your witness. (Isiah 61:1)

"The Ministry of the Underdog"

Blessings!

THE NATURE OF GODS LOVE

2011-06-27T08:21:00.009-05:00

Maranatha friends and family this past Sunday I continued my teaching series on the love of God. This past Sunday I raised the question, "Why is God love?" The very question has been covered by theologians, disciples, apostles and philosophers. Of course, it would take extreme hubris to think in one teaching or a brief blog I could add a note of finality to this age old question. However, the Apostle Paul gives us a great beginning point to search for an answer to the question. In Romans 5:8 the Apostle tells that while we were still sinners God commended His love toward us. Different translations have worded this verse to lead us to believe that perhaps the love of God was more like a cheerleader on the sidelines of life trying to remind you of His presence. But when you break down the verse a bit more you discover the love of God was actually a proactive sovreign move of God into you life. Imagine, this was still while we were all sinners!

But what makes His love so special? Oswald Chambers encourages us to "RUN" from whatever our definitions of love are because they are so different from the true love of God. In today's blog I want share with you series points to consider and pray on while answering the question for yourself: Why is God love?

1. The Nature of God is Holy, therefore His love is Holy. Humanity can not even begin to enter the debate of holiness because we know the true heart of the fallen nature is rebellious to the holiness of God. And despite this we are commanded to, "Be Holy, for He is Holy!" If the command is clear then the holiness of God is not just reserved to God, though it is rooted in Him. The holiness of God is a command of striving for you and I. If we begin to taste the holiness of God then we will begin to experience and walk in the love of God. Does this not remind you of what we read in last week's blog from Jude 19-21, "Abide in the love of God?" Let me encourage you to meditate on God's Word, pray and seek the holiness of God to be present in your life. If God's holiness is present then His love will also be present and it is the love of God that is at the root of the Gospel message and why we are called to the mission field that is NOW!!!

Next week I will share with you points 2 and 3 of this teaching. If you would like to hear this Sunday's past message please click below and share this message with others.

Why God is Love?

Blessings!

THE 'NEW CULTURE' OF THE CHURCH

2011-06-20T13:48:00.003-05:00

Maranatha Church friends and family last week I shared with you a message on the God who is love. I have chosen my words carefully because I am not trying to repackage God according to some worldly definition of love. In fact the phrase, if read properly, will lead you to the only possible conclusion of my intent. He is love. Oswald Chambers is quoted as saying, 'Whatever God is, love is." But this is very different of how we prefer to use God within the context of love. More often than not we reverse the statement in our hearts and actions by showing "love" according to an earthly standard, and then define it as God. This slight deviation is a massive departure from what Oswald Chambers points us to in the above quote. God is love and despite our best social outreaches and attempt to sell this point, the church seems inept in changing the hearts and minds of people. Why?

For certain part of the fault is in our definition of love. Another error is in how we express and apply this love. And another still is the lack of His Holy Spirit in our midst. Each point raised, and I am sure there are more, deserve their own careful examination but I want to focus this weeks blog on a fourth that I feel is worth mentioning, the culture within today's church.

It is difficult to argue against a church with a sprawling campus, media outreaches, effective children or youth programs, etc.... And for much of America the larger churches which we are accustomed to reading or hearing about seem to be doing an effective job of sharing the gospel. It would be unfair, unless we were in weekly attendance of these churches, to skewer these ministries for what they are not doing when we thing they should be doing something else. And while I believe we can examine the fruit and message of these ministries in the light of Scripture to "test the Spirit" we must excersize a level of restraint in our critisicims.

There is however, another dimension the church in America has adopted that has corrupted most churches, large and small. It is easy to target larger ministries since they are the most readily seen and heard. But there are an abundance of mid-size and small churches that are just as guilty of promoting a culture within the church that has corrupted the Gospel message as well as corrupted the definition of love.

The purpose of this weeks blog is not to critisize but inspire those in the church to be the pioneers of a "New Culture" within the church. In a real sense I am calling for a counter-reformation, it has happened before, where the church, and I am not referring to the Sunday church, drop the large scale music acts for worship. It is time for a new culture of men, women, teens, tweens, children and infants worship God in praise and intimate worship every day! It is time church stop praying just when they are asked from the pulpit but be those who remain in a constant state of prayer. It is time a new culture in the church arise that meditates on God's Word, day and night, are educated Christian apologists who can give a defense for the great hope they have in Christ Jesus (I Peter 3:15).

I am believing and praying the Spirit of God and His love God inspire us to engage in a new culture for the church. For certain all of us can discern the church is failing to fight in a critical battle for our nation's soul. Let us in this "new culture" pray once again like the early Christians of Acts and believe that His Holy Spirit will breath on His people and inspire us with boldness to usher in a new culture for the church. I am one who is desperate that God will use Maranatha church as as a sign, in these days, to testify our God lives, loves and is calling His church to re-emerge from the ashes of this world and religion and live the Born-Again life!

This too is a prayer I have for you and your fellowship!!!

In Christ,

Next Weeks Blog will discuss the God of Love

2011-06-17T17:27:00.003-05:00

Maranatha Church friends and family. For the past two weeks I have been sharing a series of teachings on the "God of Love." There are some additional thoughts I would like to share you next week. So, stay tuned and next week I look forward to sharing with you further insights on the God of love. Below are the links to the past two weeks teachings.

Blessings!

God is Love Pt.1

This week off.....will return next week

2011-05-30T11:29:00.004-05:00

Blessings Maranatha Church friends and family.

This week I will not be posting to my blog page. I will return next week to share some further thoughts and insights on "Following the Call: You the Spear-Head of God's Armory"

Blessings and have wonderful and blessed week!

Pastor JOSHUA

YOU.....THE SPEAR-HEAD THAT IS LAUNCHED INTO THE MISSION FIELD THAT IS NOW

2011-05-30T08:55:00.003-05:00

Maranatha Church friends and family I would like to share with you some reflections on a message I shared with Maranatha Church over this past memorial day weekend. Over the past several months we have been journeying through the Scriptures and exploring the call, the call of God and our place in the mission field that is now.

In the Gospel of John Chapter 14:1 Jesus reminds us of a life that is not weighted down by the troubles and concerns of this life. Of course, our first inclination is to remark, "easier said than done." But today I want to encourage you that the words of Jesus are in fact just as easily done and He (Jesus) has said them. The cares and concerns of the day are varied and fact dependent but the entire sum of all our troubles and concerns do not change the calling of God.

As I continue to follow His calling I am beginning to see myself in a different light, or perhaps I am able to see myself as God sees me? Luke Chapter 4: 18-19 refers to the disciple as being a "Spear-Head" being used to declare the "acceptable year of the Lord." For what purposes? Isaiah 42:7, "....to set the captives free." Imagine for a moment that you and I have the possibility of being a spearhead in the armory of God. A man or a women who is launched in the the mission field that is now declaring this is the acceptable year of the Lord. And as the prophet Isaiah saw, ....setting the captives free."

Be encouraged and live the John 14:1 life! There are POW's waiting for the delivery of God in their circumstances and you and I have the opportunity to be activated into the call of God for His plans purposes. So, now you can see living the trouble free life is not just an optimistic motto but a command. And any command is an order from the King for the purposes of answering the mission field that is now!

Special Sermon from our Missions Partners in India

2011-05-24T10:40:00.003-05:00

Maranatha Church friends and family,

This week I would like to direct your attention to a special message delivered at Maranatha Church by Pastor Daniel from Voice of the Gospel Ministries. I have had the honor to know Pastor Daniel and Pastor Lilly for over twenty years and there work in India reaches far beyond their native land. Not only does Voice of the Gospel Ministries train and equip pastors in India they have spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, Kenya, and Uganda. In our continuing message of "Answering the Call" Pastor Daniel has used the "tool" God has given him to reach the people of these nations by caring for the discarded and neglected. Through the Mercy Home initiative Voice of the Gospel is not only reaching people with the truth of Jesus but also sparing children from the sex trade industry, neglect and certain death.

This week I would like to share with you his encouraging word for Maranatha Church and pray this word will also be a message in season for your life.

In Christ, Pastor JOSHUA

"The Spirit of Caleb"

Voice of the Gospel Ministries

AS THE HOLY SPIRIT LEADS....WE FOLLOW

2011-05-16T19:19:00.004-05:00

Maranatha Church friends and family I wanted to share with you an amazing testimony that was shared with our congregation this past Sunday. As you know Maranatha Church is engaging the "Mission Field that is Now" or as Oswald Chambers says in "So Send I You" answering the call of God in the ordinary of life. This past Sunday a young woman shared her amazing testimony of the hand of God moving in her life.

For privacy purposes we will name this young woman "Jane." Jane was young woman who grew up in a Muslim community within the United States. As a faithful member of her faith and community she felt little reason to challenge her beliefs until high school. It was while she met with other people she learned of Christianity and began to notice the differences in these two faiths. Later during her college experience she met with other Christians and later converted from Islam to Christianity. Of course, if this testimony stopped here then we would all call this amazing. But wait....

Jane began to walk in her new faith but soon after was hit with a series of serious physical maladies which over time began to erode her faith and weigh heavily on her spirit. Though she never left her new faith she shared how heavily the enemy had depressed her condition physically and spiritually. Over time Jane, like many of us would, began to loose hope of any change in her condition and here is where "the mission field that is now comes into play...."

Jane was walking in her neighborhood one afternoon and passed by my wife. After a passing hello Jane continued on her way....that is until the Holy Spirit led her to ask Jeannette about a neighborhood Bible study. As you can imagine one thing led to another and Jane attended the neighborhood Bible study. Though the first week didn't mark any noticeable change Jane continued to come to the weekly study when finally the Lord visited her in a life changing way.

After weeks of allowing the Holy Spirit to lead her, followed by her obedience, Jane received the "relief of the soul" she was seeking. Where Jane was once depressed and hopeless the life of Jesus entered her body. Her very being began to change and though there are still a series of physical obstacles she is trusting the Lord to touch her fight is renewed and her faith is restored.

This past Sunday's testimony has greatly encouraged me and I pray it has encouraged you as well. He is faithful and His Holy Spirit is leading us to follow Him. The question is: Are we following His leading or a leading of our own? I want to also share with you this past Sunday's message: "The Call of God Pt.1" where I shared with Marantha Church, What the Call of God is...and what the Gospel of Jesus Christ is.

Blessings as you serve Him in the ordinary of life and answer the call to the mission field that is now.

THE PULL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

2011-05-09T16:41:00.011-05:00

Maranatha Church friends and family this past Sunday I shared with our fellowship a teaching on answering the call of God and more specifically recognizing the pulling of the Holy Spirit. This past Saturday my wife and I were driving home from a birthday event when we passed a young girl walking on the sidewalk. This young girl was about eleven or twelve and wearing a mask, so as not to be exposed to the environment. Within an instant my wife looked at me and said, "Should we pray for her?" Keep in mind, this entire event happened within seconds and no sooner did the doubt begin to enter our minds I spun the car into the nearest side street, turned around and we stopped to pray for this young girl.

We have all been there, sensing His Holy Spirit tugging and pulling us into a direction that is in the opposite direction of the life we are comfortable living. We resist, rationalize, and even convince ourselves that we are hearing other voices and certainly NOT the leading of the Holy Spirit. After we have had this internal debate, the moment has passed and we feel relieved that it is finally over. The problem is we have missed the moment God was pulling us toward.

By no means am I trying to set spiritual guilt on the church for missed opportunities. Like I said, we have all been there. However, I want us, as the Church of Jesus Christ, to wake up to the mission field before us and stop supressing the leading of the Holy Spirit in an attempt to remain comfortable within our own lives. It was challenging and dare I say, "embarrassing" to stop our car and pray for a stranger. But I would like to to share a truth about following Jesus: The consecrated life is not easy and certainly challenging. The sanctified life is filled with times of worldly embarasment and the realization that following Him means leaving the life you desire for the life of your true destiny. What is our true destiny? Over the next few weeks I will continue to share with you Scriptural truths about answering the call of God and discovering your destiny in HIM! Here's a hint...your destiny is linked to answering the call to the mission field that is now.

Blessings!

TAKING THE WEEK OFF

2011-05-03T08:45:00.003-05:00

Blessings Maranatha Church family and friends. This week I will be taking the week off from posting. I will resume next week as I have several encouraging words regarding answering "THE CALL OF JESUS."

Blessings!

Pastor JOSHUA

HAPPY EASTER

2011-04-26T08:19:00.002-05:00

Maranatha Church friends and family,

This week I would like to share with you this past Sunday's Easter message. I want to strongly encourage you to take the time listen to this week's message as well as the week before. I will revise the blog page next week with some new thoughts and words of encouragement for you.

Easter Sermon

Blessings!

THE RED CHAIR

2011-04-18T08:19:00.010-05:00

Maranatha Church friends and family blessings to you this wonderful morning! This week I would like to share with a brief story of "A Red Chair" which I shared with our fellowship this past Sunday.

Four years ago when this fellowship first began there was a single red chair. The story of this red chair started as one of many red chairs just like it which rested in a church in Boston. Sunday after Sunday this red chair served its purpose while providing a place for a hungry follower of Jesus to come and learn of Him. After many years of use this red chair somehow became dislodged from the other chairs like it and made its journey to Tennessee. The red chair soon became part of our fellowship but was rarely used since it never matched the other chairs of the church. Week after week the red chair was stored to the side and for four years all but forgotten until this past Sunday. This Sunday the red chair emerged from a back storage room and found itself in the very first row of the church, a single unmatched chair in a room full of grey chairs. You see, the red chair stands out still unused though very visable and there is a reason why.

This past week a member of our fellowship passed from this world and entered into eternity. Scott was new in every sense of the word. He had just come to the church, he had just began to settle his affairs and he had just re-dedicated himself to Jesus. In the few weeks I got to know Scott I began to learn of his struggle, his life and his optimism for a born-again life. Then suddenly I learned of his passing. As his pastor I was left speechless for a few moments and asking myself the question, "Was there more I could have done for Scott?" As I tried to come to grips with Scott's life and passing I understood more so now than before the vision of Maranatha Church and the "Mission Field that is Now!"

This Sunday I finally knew why the red chair had followed us for these past four years. The red chair will forever serve as a reminder there is always one more person that is not in the fellowship of Christ. The red chair will hopefully encourage us to reach the "Scott's" of the world because they need Jesus now more than ever! I was honored that God allowed me to be in Scott's life during his final months and share with him Jesus. As I reminded our fellowship, "No matter how full our church ever is, we will leave this red chair always empty. And remind ourselves, 'Did we do all we could to share Jesus with a lost or drifting soul? There is always a place for them in the fellowship of Jesus."

Blessings to you all and share Jesus as if it is you or their last day on this earth!

THE BEAUTY OF BORN-AGAIN

2011-04-11T09:36:00.005-05:00

Maranatha friends and family:

This week I want to share with you a beautiful testimony, actually several beautiful testimonies. This past Sunday the Holy Spirit was tangible and touching the hearts of people! Yes, I know for the cynic that sounds very well measured and planned but let me explain.

During praise and worship the Holy Spirit drove a wedge through the congregation and opened the floor for the hearts of people to re-engage Him. As His Spirit started to flow through His congregation the people's hearts were melting before the King. It has been a personal desire of mine to see more people with Holy hands raised to the King than hidden in their pockets and over the past three weeks more and more hands have been reaching towards Him and He is pouring out. During this time five people came to the altar in a response for the Lord to cleanse them, change them, renew and revive them! As pastor, I knew some of the issues each person was dealing with and for one person this was a massive step of faith and letting go while letting God heal their wounds.

But God didn't stop there....as worship ended and we delved into His Word I concluded with a call for re-commitment and a step into the "Born-Again" life. With heads bowed and the appeal called out four more families raised their hands. In one Sunday a total of nine people had a life changing encounter with the living Spirit of God and took a bold step to desire more of Him. THAT IS A KINGDOM WINNING MOMENT!

But wait, there is more....

Later in the afternoon one of the families that earlier raised their hand for a re-commitment called me and said, "Pastor, I wasn't even fully sure of what you meant by being born of the Spirit, but I knew I was not and I was not feeling shame about it. Rather, I felt great joy and release as I raised my hand acknowledging I wanted to know more of Him!"

How great is our God!!! Despite how I, or any of us, may view the matters of the flesh He is moving by His Spirit and through His Spirit He is touching the hearts of men. How humbling to serve Him and be apart of the renewed lives of those He loves.

Blessings!

TOUGH TO BE A LONE VOICE

2011-04-04T21:00:00.009-05:00

"Lord, they have killed Your prophets; they have demolished Your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life. But what is God's reply to him? I have kept for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal! [I Kings 19:18.]So too at the present time there is a remnant (a small believing minority), selected (chosen) by grace (by God's unmerited favor and graciousness). But if it is by grace (His unmerited favor and graciousness), it is no longer conditioned on works or anything men have done. Otherwise, grace would no longer be grace [it would be meaningless]. (Romans 11:3-6)

Maranatha friends and family I wanted to share with you this week this power Scripture from the book of Romans. The accounting of Baal worship during the time of Elijah was some of the worst Israel had given itself over to. The level of spiritual darkness and seriousness of Israel's covenant with God was seemingly shattered. Through it all Elijah had been a faithful voice, a man where everything was "on the line" and there was nothing but the clothes on his back to show for his faithfulness. Elijah was against a powerful, though morally and spiritually weak, king in Ahab and if that was not enough of a challenge his life was in constant danger from an even more demonically anointed queen in Jezebel. Elijah was exhausted and though he never lost sight of the vision he needed to be reminded he was not a lone voice.

This past Sunday I was speaking with a brother in our fellowship and he shared, "How difficult it would have been to be the prophet who laid on his side for almost a year. And then turn to the other side only to share with the people the Lord's voice through this sign and wonder." How true this is. You have often heard, "It's lonely at the top." But how 'bout this one? "It's lonely being the lone voice?" But is it really? Are you really a lone voice?

The answer is clear, Elijah experienced the hand God deliver him from certain death, perform miracles of provision (remember the ravens) and even be the natural righteous hand of God (the killing of the prophets of Baal). Still Elijah was tired and in a moment of wonder of the mighty works of the King he was basically saying, "It's tough to be a lone voice." What is so beautiful about this account was the 7000 that Elijah never knew and possibly never met who were also "lone voices."

The 7000 lone voices have no Scriptures or accounts speaking of their call. We do not know the mission fields they were serving in or the personal loss of the "things of this world" they experienced. What a tribute of honor from God that 7000 men, women and children would find worthy mention as those brave, bold and courageous lone voices who would not bow a knee to Baal and guess what? They too were never alone.

If you are feeling alone or overwhelmed in a world drunk on the spirit of Jezebel don't be afraid. The Spirit of God is with you! Yes, He is with you and you are not a lone voice. There are the 7000 (and we know many more) who refuse to bow a knee to the anti-Christ spirit of this world. Be encouraged and share the great hope of Jesus with the world.....they need it now more than ever. (I Peter 3:15)

THE MISSION FIELD IS NOW!

2011-03-29T09:29:00.006-05:00

Maranatha Church friends and family I wanted to start this week's blog with a quote by Oswald Chambers regarding the mission field: “This can be accomplished only when we make a determination to continually remember God’s vision. But the acid test is obedience to the vision in the details of our everyday life— sixty seconds out of every minute, and sixty minutes out of every hour, not just during times of personal prayer or public meetings.”

Brothers and sisters the mission field is NOW! Over the past month I have been sharing with Maranatha Church and through this weekly blog the changing seasons for this ministry and all of us. Yes, ALL OF US! Four years ago Franklin Tabernacle (now Maranatha Church) started by teaching the apologetic message of the Lord Jesus and we have never diverged from our course. Now the Lord has expanded Maranatha Church's vision and as we continue to teach the Word of the Lord we now will begin to move into the field of missions.

You may be saying, "Pastor, every church does missions and you have always been doing missions as well. So, what is changing?" Well, here is the answer: The field...yes, we have always been engaged in foreign missions to India, Haiti, Alaska and now possibly even Spain. There is always a place for foreign missions but while we have tried to reach the world with the truth of Jesus, as found in the full Word of God, we have lost our "home turf."

In the event we have all been living underneath a "spiritual rock" the United States of America has fallen far away from serving the Lord our God with all of heart, soul and being. Our nations politics, society and even division within the church speak volumes to our eroded foundation. Though there may be a time to sit down and ask, "Why did this happen?" we are now far beyond the point of seeking answers when the call to action is now. I do understand to identify the problems we will need to ask and answer some questions but it is simple enough to recognize for all of the churches, ministries, ministers and para-ministry groups we have failed in evangelizing our our homes.

We have settled for the motto "We are a Christian nation" when little in this nation feels, sounds or lives Christian. But the purpose of this blog is not to rant about the current affairs of all things. What we need are solutions and now. Hence, "The Mission Field is Now!" Maranatha Church will begin, starting this Sunday morning, combining the apologetic mandate with the missions focus and train, equip and re-engage the church to evangelize America once again. Friends, it must start door to door, co-worker to co-worker, friend to friend. We must have the tools, confidence and the power of the Holy Spirit to embolden the church once again and give us a Holy fire to burn across our land again.

I am excited about the challenge before us? Are you? I pray so. A nation is ready to be harvested for Him and it is starting right outside your front door!

More to come....blessings!

Pastor JOSHUA

IS THE VISION BIGGER THAN YOU?

2011-03-22T10:23:00.006-05:00

WOW! How's that for a wake up call?

Blessings Maranatha Church friends and family. This past week I have been working on several papers, as well as preparation for Sunday's teaching and in the course of my multiple studies I came across a scholastic article written about the work of God in and through the life of Samson. As I was collecting multiple facts, resources and combing over a slew of written essay's on the period of Israel's history in the book of Judges, one article jumped off the page regarding Samson.

Samson is a pastors favorite Bible character. When it comes to the life of Samson there is no shortage of material. We love to tell the stories of great physical feats (at least I do) we are drawn to the forbidden rebellious nature and tales that followed his life and finally, we get this epic fall and restoration that seems to complete the saga. However, it doesn't. Hebrews 11:31, 32 continues the story one page further by mentioning Samson, Barak and Jephthah as "hero's of the faith." Far be it for me to be the judge but Samson's life speaks for itself. Barak, was unsure of God's calling so Deborah had to take the leadership role and Jephthah led a group of "worthless men" and made a rash vow towards God.

Please do not think that I am in any way finding fault with God's choices of men or arguing with completeness of Scripture. Just the opposite I take great courage and confidence of the character of God, His immutable ways, His omnipotence and omniscience. What I am really driving at is this: The vision God gives IS BIGGER than you! But, He has called YOU to be a component in the vision.

I have, at times, found myself guilty of the thought that I and the vision were one. In a sense the best I could claim is that God gave me the vision. But again, the vision is much larger than me. You can see this in Scripture time and time again. The vision was larger than Moses, and so when he had run his course Joshua carried the vision further. The vision was much larger than David and again we see his son Solomon was the one who was able to build the temple for the Lord. The examples are endless. So, back to Samson.....

All of his feats, all of his failings came down to one final moment in the temple of Dagon. As the lords of the the enemies of God partied and enjoyed the spoils of their victory they served a feast for their god. In the Hebrew the word for Dagon sounds very much like how we would pray to our God.....Sounds like but is not. When Samson calls to the Lord his expression of prayer is not to the same God of his enemies rather it is to THE LORD (Yahweh) and the commentary speaks clear to the point that Samson could never have spoken such a prayer of intimacy unless he really knew who to call on in His time of need. This is why he is a hero of the faith....INTIMACY WITH YAHWEH!

Was it Samson who prevailed against the enemies of the Lord? Perhaps you could make a case he did in way of his personal redemption. But the victory belonged to the LORD! It says that the Spirit of Yahweh came upon Samson, AGAIN! So, what destroyed the temple of Dagon? Or better said, Who destroyed the temple of Dagon? And, for what purpose? The answer is right in Scripture. From his birth it was spoken that Samson would "begin" the deliverance of God's people and at the end of His life his one act in the temple of Dagon had more effect than a lifetime of actions. The purpose? To fulfill the plan of God. Whose vision? God's (Yahweh) Who did it? God (Yahweh) but he chose to use a man named Samson.

The vision of the Lord was to deliver His people, by His power and on His timetable.
And so, the vision is bigger than you and I. And even I, as pastor, must remember this so as not to think in my victories came from the strength in my hair (as Samson once believed). Rather all of us must see the vision He has set before us, obey Him and the direction of the leadership He has provided for us to follow and advance the vision of God for His plans and purposes.

WHEN IT IS TIME TO LET GO

2011-03-15T10:50:00.004-05:00

This past Sunday the ministry of the Holy Spirit began even before the first song fired off during our praise and worship. As He settled in our midst we found ourselves praying for healing, needs and sharing testimonies of God faithfulness. At one point during the pre-service ministry there was a young lady who had come forward for prayer and I felt as if the Lord instructed me to share with her a passage from 1 Samuel 16:1"And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Beth-lehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons."

As I began to share this word with this young lady I also clearly heard to Lord say to me, "That goes for you too!" The challenges of the past few weeks left me on a roller coaster of emotions that led to an intensified time of prayer and fasting. When the window of prayer and fasting has ceased the Lord clearly got through to me it was time to stop mourning for the loss and start focusing back on the vision.

There have been many wonderful commentaries on this passage and without trying to find a "new angle" I chose to read the passage as it was presented. God had moved on from Saul due to Saul decisions and choices that were contrary to his place, calling and purpose. The vision for Samuel was to anoint a new king which God had appointed and was ready to prepare for a much larger design by God. For certain the kingship of Saul had its victories and in some ways historically began to unite the various tribes of Israel. But it was not until the reign of King David and then his son Solomon that Israel entered into its golden age.

It seems like such a high price to pay for Saul to be removed for David to enter into Gods divine purpose. But Saul's actions led to the "change of command" and based on Samuel's reaction he was also at a loss. In some small measure I could relate to Samuel but then I could also understand when God speaks it is time to let go and proceed with the vision. So God spoke to Samuel to stop his mourning and go fill his horn and anoint God's chosen. So to God has spoken the me. After Sunday's service finally concluded I felt drained emotionally and physically. As I lay down for some final thoughts and words between me and God I found myself just saying, "Thank you." Honestly, I'm not sure what all I was thankful for but at the end of two weeks that was all I could manage to get out.

Monday morning came with a flurry of support and prayers from "the four corners" of the Earth. My soul was encouraged like you can't imagine and then I also thought how Samuel felt when he anointed David. It must have brought him such a measure of joy to once again get focused on the vision of God and while looking at David he was seeing the future of God's plan for His people. Looking at Maranatha Church I am happier than ever before because I know God has shown me the vision and guess what? It is much larger than "Saul" even if it has to start with the little shepherd boy David. Amen!!!

BLESSINGS!

THE NEW YEAR: THREE MONTHS LATER

2011-03-07T16:56:00.003-06:00

Maranatha Church friends and family it has been some time since I have updated this blog page and there is an overload of information I can't wait to share with you. So, instead of writing a book in one blog posting I will spread them out over the next few weeks. Let me start with the "beginning" of this new chapter.

Though the new year started three months ago for me and most of us at Maranatha Church the new year started this month. I guess I would say that we are three months late but then I would be saying that God is late in His timing......I prefer to say the new year has started now. As you read in the earlier blog we have changed the name of this ministry. Why? An obvious question to ask for which I would like to share with you.

As 2010 drew to a close we were going through a lot of changes at Franklin Tabernacle (NOW MARANATHA CHURCH). For starters we were planning for a location and building move. This, in itself, could have been a year long project that I am thrilled to say was done in less than 10 days! Yes, you read right 10 days!!! So many people from Maranatha Church volunteered time and resources to make the move possible but in the tale of the tape God did it all! From the building, to the mics, in fact you name it God provided it all. After 10 furious, tiring and at some points exhausting days we were holding our first service and it was amazing.

But what about the name change? Yes, I will get to that....hold tight.

No sooner did we get into our new home and all the pats on the back of "Pastor, Well done, looks awesome, etc..." did the real challenge come in. Funny, I thought the challenge would be the move. But like the devil (yes he is real!) was not pleased with the God opening a dwelling place for the Name of the Lord where many could find a place to come and experience God and so he sowed his seeds of dissension. Let me pause here by explaining, this is not to say there was a church split or demon inspired rebellion BUT this is to say the enemy was working overtime looking for the slightest cracks in the foundations of the people of God. Sad to say, he found some cracked foundations and worked that voodoo that he do (trying to be funny here, but it very sad).

This may seem disjointed but let me bring all of these rabbit trails back on the main highway. 2010 was coming to a close and the Lord spoke to my wife, Jeannette, a word from Him that I later shared with the church. The gist of the word was that Franklin Tabernacle was entering into a season of "Test and Teach & Teach and Test" At the time everybody had the attitude of: BRING IT ON! But the testing was yet to begin. The following week I shared a message on "Maranatha! COME LORD, COME!" as declaration for the church to boldly proclaim into our situations. Maranatha not only became a bold proclamation but also the new banner we would proudly declare for this new dwelling place for the Name of the Lord! (Hence the name change)

So, lets fast forward to this week. Today, March 7th, 2011 we are Maranatha Church and now more than ever we are saying, COME LORD COME! Over the past two weeks I had to let go of one church family and today sadly say good-bye to another. Perhaps, if you are a pastor only you will appreciate the level of grief and loss I felt this morning. (Go ahead, grab a napkin)Do you remember what my wife told me and I shared with the church about the season of test and teach? Well we began a furious test...we all did and I was sitting in the first chair. It was a test that brought me through deep levels of prayer, fasting, tears as well as great emotions of release, love and joy. Though, in the natural, I was struggling through every hour and day (and my wife had her neck in a knot the entire week) I had a peace about the entire test and now on the other side of the test I have said, "It is well with my soul."

But before we leave this weeks blog pensive and downhearted let me send it off an ever better note than even I could have planned for. Of course the Lord, in His omniscience knew what was going to happen and so perfectly encouraged me as only He could. After a difficult 8:30am meeting I had a lunch with another person at MC (Maranatha Church) and he commented on how the vision of MC and the Word provoked him to get in "active duty" mode. Then later that day I had an email how another parent at MC's in the daughter was home typing the Sunday sermon (for tweens) in her journal, memorizing the weekly task and saying to her father how excited she was about church! Finally, if you needed more I got a late call from another man, who's co-worker went through a horrible family loss, and in her grief he felt the words of Sunday's sermon prompt him and the leading of the Spirit to give her a hug and share with her his faith in Jesus.

So, in the darkness of the morning and a difficult season of test and teach I now feel as if the year is really beginning and I am excited to see what God has in store. Over the next few weeks I will continue to share with you what God is doing at MC and I pray that He will speak to you through this testimony of test and teach. I am glad to say that I have passed, though some questions were tougher than others, the grades coming back to MC are all A+'s!!!!

Blessings!

FRANKLIN TABERNACLE IS NOW MARANATHA CHURCH

2011-02-14T10:20:00.002-06:00

Franklin Tabernacle friends and family and NOW Maranatha friends and family and I am so please to exalt God and thank Him for providing for our fellowship a new dwelling place for the Name of the Lord!

There are so many thoughts swirling around over the past 10 days, as we were in a mad dash to get everything ready for our opening service. Not only did our fellowship come for the opening service but we ran out of parking and seats!!!! God is so faithful! I will have many more thoughts to share with you over next few weeks and be sure to check out the new church website!

Blessings!

A Brief Recess

2011-02-04T22:51:00.002-06:00

Franklin Tabernacle friends and family I needed to update you on some changes on this blog page. I have some very exciting news which I will be sharing mid-next week. Part of the exciting news is that this Blog page will be changing locations.

My apologies for all of the secrecy but I will reveal the upcoming changes by next week. Until then, blessings!!!!

In Christ.

THE INTEGRITY OF THE PULPIT PT.5

2011-01-17T10:36:00.003-06:00

Greetings Franklin Tabernacle friends and family, continuing with my blog series on the Integrity of the Pulpit I would like to share with you an article that was passed my way earlier this week. Please keep in mind I do not have an anti-Haggard agenda but his past Sunday I was clicking through the TV and came across his reality television show. His heart and repentance is a matter between him and God however, the below article states my thoughts without little more to add.

Blessings

Ted Haggard Article

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2010-12-22T09:14:00.002-06:00

Franklin Tabernacle friends and family, Merry Christmas and a blessed and Happy New Year! I will resume my blog in January 2011.

THE INTEGRITY OF THE PULPIT PT.4

2010-12-13T07:14:00.003-06:00

Franklin Tabernacle friends and family this past Sunday I was sharing with our local congregation a stirring message explaining the honors due the name of Jesus. Perhaps you may be asking what do I specifically mean by the honors due the name of Jesus. For starters I would like to ask you to visit the Franklin Tabernacle podcenter or website to listen or download the past several messages on "God: How Much You Need Him" and "My Lord, My God."

Franklin Tabernacle Podcenter

Franklin Tabernacle On-Line Center

In keeping within the theme of the blog title I would also like to share with you a disturbing article which I will use to further support my call of some integrity within the pulpit, or in this case within the collective voice of Christianity.

Philip Yancey to Keynote at Gay Christian Network Conference

You may think I am going to address the obvious headline for the article above. However, I do not want to address this topic from the view of homosexuality and Biblical perspective. Rather, I want to ask hopefully a deeper question: "Where is the integrity within the faith?" The Apostle Paul, just to cite one in a chorus of many, made clear statements regarding what is unBiblical behavior or practice. You never read of their "excuses, special circumstances and exemptions based on culture, lifestyle or birth. Truthfully, there could never be a Biblical exemption because God's Word states, "All have sinned..." If in fact, there existed exemptions then people would be able to stand before the Almighty and sinless God and claim their unique failing would pardon them. But what pardon's any of us is not our uniqueness situation rather our fallen nature. Yes, our fallen nature makes us unique and because we have fallen and live without excuse the exclusive salvic message of Jesus Christ applies to us all as a free gift of love, mercy and grace for all those who would call on the Name of the Lord (Jesus).

The matter of integrity runs far deeper than just keynote engagements or sermons from the pulpit. The integrity is rooted in Him. This Holy Trinity is where the true integrity begins and is sustained. Once we move away from honoring Jesus and God then there is little shock when the integrity of the pulpit is absent and the integrity of the faith muddied, clouded and confused.

I will continue to share from this series next week. Blessings to you and your families.

THE INTEGRITY OF THE PULPIT PT.3

2010-12-07T12:16:00.003-06:00

Franklin Tabernacle friends and family I want to continue sharing with you the growing issues facing Christianity with the United States. The purpose of this blog series is not to join the chorus of complainers who seem only to live to point out the faults of others, rather to address that which is wrong and must be called out for the dangerous course charted from the American pulpits.

Rob Bell’s 40,000 something followers on Twitter were treated to this tweet where Bell calls New Age Interspiritualist author Huston Smith’s book “great. Here Huston Smith holds forth on one of the world’s religions. YouTube is filled with Mr. Smith’s praise for Hinduism, Buddhism and other world religions and their “truth.” Christianity is just one of many choices, according to Smith.

We can thank Rob Bell for openly admitting what many of us have been warning about for years. He represents a version of Christianity that is, in fact, anti-Christ. While Bell roots around in the books of rank interspiritualists for “truth”, true Christians look to our only and final authority, the unchanging Word of God.

From "Rob Bell Promotes New Age Author Huston Smith"

Friends and church family why do we continue to allow such statements to go unchallenged? Why do we fill the pews and support ministries whose Biblical positions can not be Biblically supported? Of course, I may be preaching to the choir but I want to begin to develop a larger issue. Men, such as Rob Bell, and others are part of a larger issue than endorsing interfaith pluralist. What is the larger issue? The integrity of the Word of God! For the past few blogs I have been speaking to the integrity of the pulpit but we can no longer expect men and women would hold such standards of integrity from their pulpits if they no longer subscribe to the integrity of the Bible. Yes, the very book we all claim to read, study and mediate on is not held with the same standard as it should be. And there in lies the rub...the Bible is not considered by most as what it is: the WORD OF GOD! Yes, I said it! But these are not my words John 1:1 already spoke with such definative proclamation. The Bible is the Word of God and today the pulpit wants to ignore this fact. What are the reasons for such omissions? Well, they are varied and a blog could not list them all. However, I want to share with you some words for thought from Dr. Charles Stanley when asked why ministers falter and fail. He said, and I am paraphrasing, Pride, jealously, greed, and the list continues from there.

Perhaps we have begun to diagnose the cancer in the pulpits? Pride. The mega-ministires, superstar public speakers, million dollar motivational authors have all contributed to a spirit of pride in the pulpit and a departure from the Word of God.

I will continue this thought in next weeks blog.

Blessings!

THE INTEGRITY OF THE PULPIT PT.2

2010-11-24T15:03:00.003-06:00

Franklin Tabernacle Friends and Family, I would like to continue the theme of last weeks blog on the integrity of the pulpit. Often I have struggled with the questions of why certain ministries, ministers and churches are allowed to operate without any real rebuke from their peers. On this question alone I am sure many of you would have volumes to add your opinions as to why. But a deeper and perhaps more profound question that could be asked, which is related would be, Why would God allow such ministers to continue? Setting aside, for the moment my personal thoughts on this I would like to share with you the thoughts of another, Jim Bublitz:

Like many of you, I come from a church that is accustomed to "binding and loosening" the devil and evil spirits of various kinds. The first few chapters of Job however, give us a different depiction of who exactly is in charge. We know it's God, and the power of the devil does not even come close; in fact in Job we see the devil asking God's permission to carry out his schemes.

So the question arises, if God is in charge - why does He allow so many false teachers today that are deceiving people by the bus load. A quick glance at the Top 50 churches in America leaves one wondering how we've gotten to this point where so many suspect teachers have accumulated giant crowds and such positive critic acclaim. A while ago however, I found this helpful excerpt from AW Pink that seemed to make some sense of the matter:

This is a very solemn question, and we must restrict ourselves to what the Scriptures say by way of reply."You shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams. For the Lord your God is testing you, to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul". (Deuteronomy 13:3).

From those words it is clear that God allows teachers of error for the same reason as He does persecutors of His people: to test their love, to try their fidelity, to show that their loyalty to him is such that they will not give ear unto His enemies. Error has always been more popular than the Truth, for it lets down the bars and fosters fleshly indulgence, but for that very reason it is obnoxious to the godly.

The one who by grace can say "I have chosen the way of Truth" will be able to add "I have stuck unto Thy testimonies" (Psalm 119:30, 31), none being able to move him therefrom."For there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized." (1 Corinthians 11:19).

Error serves as a flail, separating the chaff from the wheat. Let some plausible and popular preacher come forward with an old error decked out in new clothes and empty professors will at once flock to his standard; but not so with those who are established in the Faith. Thus, by means of the false prophets, God makes it appear who are the ones who hold the Truth in sincerity: they are faithful to Him despite all temptations to turn away unto a "broader-minded" way. The genuine gold endures every test to which it is subjected. Thus too are the unregenerate "converts" revealed: the counterfeit gold will not withstand the fire. Those who are attracted by a novelty do not endure but are soon carried away by some newer innovation.

From Pink's writing in Sermon on the Mount

Next week I will share with my personal thoughts and reflections on this important topic. Until then, blessings from myself and my family and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!!

THE INTEGRITY OF THE PULPIT

2010-11-15T22:25:00.004-06:00

Franklin Tabernacle friends and family I wanted to share with you an article by John MacAurthur. Today, we live in an age where the pulpit is often criticized. The purpose of my sharing this article is not to add to the voices of many scoffers rather to remind those who are serving in the pulpit to please read this article and consider your divine calling carefully with great fear and respect for God.

It has been my experience that many who seek to complain against the church or pastors far too often fail to apply their same standards to themselves. Of course, the pastors are highly accountable before the Lord, Scripture speaks as much. But let us all be very careful not to apply a broad brush stroke of judgment against the church or those serving as God's shepherds because of the foolish few rebels.

Over the past few weeks I have been sharing with our Franklin Tabernacle family a series of messages the Lord has been speaking to me. Friends and family a large portion of the problem from the pulpits to the pews come from our lack of understanding and true belief in God. I would like to share the past two weeks messages with you and feel free to share them.

Sermon Download Center:

1. How Much Depend on God
2. Do You Know God?

Should Fallen Pastors Be Restored
1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:7, 1 Corinthians 9:27, Proverbs 6:33
John MacArthur

It has always saddened me over the years as I've watched church leaders bring a reproach on the church of Jesus Christ. What's shocking to me is how frequently Christian leaders sin grossly, then step back into leadership almost as soon as the publicity dies away.

Some time ago I received a CD that disturbed me greatly. It was a recording of the recommissioning service of a pastor who had made national news by confessing to an adulterous affair. After little more than a year of "counseling and rehabilitation," this man was returning to public ministry with his church's blessing.

That is happening everywhere. Restoration teams--equipped with manuals to instruct the church on how to reinstate their fallen pastor--wait like tow-truck drivers on the side of the highway, anticipating the next leadership "accident". Our church has received inquiries wondering if we have written guidelines or a workbook to help restore fallen pastors to leadership. Many no doubt expect that a church the size of ours would have a systematic rehabilitation program for sinning leaders.

Gross sin among Christian leaders is a signal that something is seriously wrong with the church. But an even greater problem is the lowering of standards to accommodate a leader's sin. That the church is so eager to bring these men back into leadership is a symptom of rottenness at the core.

Some have claimed that a leader's failure makes him more effective in shepherding fallen people. That is ludicrous. Should we drag the bottom of sin's cesspool for the most heinous sinners to lead the church? Are they better able to understand the sinner? Certainly not! Our pattern for ministry is the sinless Son of God. The church is to be like Him and her leaders are to be our models of Christlikeness.

We must recognize that leadership in the church cannot be regarded lightly. The foremost requirement of a church leader is that he be above reproach (1 Timothy 3:2, 10; Titus 1:7). That is a difficult prerequisite, and not everyone can meet it.

There are some sins that irreparably shatter a man's reputation and disqualify him from a ministry of leadership forever. Even Paul, man of God that he was, said he feared such a possibility. In 1 Corinthians 9:27 he says, "I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified."

When referring to his body, Paul obviously had sexual immorality in view. In 1 Corinthians 6:18 he describes it as a sin against one's own body--sexual sin is in its own category. Certainly it disqualifies a man from church leadership since he permanently forfeits a blameless reputation as a one-woman man (Proverbs 6:33; 1 Timothy 3:2).

Where did we get the idea that a year's leave of absence and some counseling can restore integrity to someone who has squandered his reputation and destroyed people's trust? Certainly not from the Bible. Trust forfeited is not so easily regained. Once purity is sacrificed, the ability to lead by example is lost forever. As my friend Chuck Swindoll once commented when referring to this issue--it takes only one pin to burst a balloon.

What about forgiveness? Shouldn't we be eager to restore our fallen brethren? To fellowship, yes. But not to leadership. It is not an act of love to return a disqualified man to public ministry; it is an act of disobedience.

By all means we should be forgiving. But we cannot erase the consequences of sin. I am not advocating that we "shoot our wounded." I'm simply saying that we shouldn't rush them back to the front lines, and we should not put them in charge of other soldiers. The church should do everything possible to minister to those who have sinned and repented. But that does not include restoring the mantle of leadership to a man who has disqualified himself and forfeited the right to lead. Doing so is unbiblical and lowers the standard God has set.

So why is the contemporary church so eager to be tolerant? I'm certain a major reason is the sin and unbelief that pervade the church. If casual Christians can lower the expectations on their leadership, they will be much more comfortable with their own sin. With lower moral standards, the church becomes more tolerant of sin and less tolerant of holiness. The "sinner-friendly" church is intolerable to God--that is a frightening condition.

Conservative Christians have for most of the previous century focused on the battle for doctrinal purity. And that is good. But we are losing the battle for moral purity. Some of the worst defeats have occurred among our more visible leaders. The church cannot lower the standard to accommodate them. We should hold it higher so we can regain purity. If we lose here, we have utterly failed, no matter how orthodox our confession of faith. We can't win if we compromise the biblical standard of moral purity.

What should you do in the current crisis? Pray for your church's leaders. Keep them accountable. Encourage them. Let them know you are following their godly example. Understand that they are not perfect, but continue nonetheless to call them to the highest level of godliness and purity. The church must have leaders who are genuinely above reproach. Anything less is an abomination.

THERE IS GREATNESS IN THE HOUSE!

2010-10-14T10:57:00.004-05:00

Franklin Tabernacle friends and family I wanted to share with you the excitement in my spirit in what the Lord is stirring. Last week we were blessed to have Pastor Ron Durham share with Franklin Tabernacle (the link to his message will be provided below) and during his ministry he spoke of the greatness in the house. Plainly put he stated: "We are a Church that gets it!" You may be asking what does he mean by "gets it?" Well, God is stirring the hearts and spirit of F-Tab (Franklin Tabernacle). Of course, this is a subjective testimony but I have already to pray, declare and profess the subjective testimony will become an impossible to dismiss reality.

As we have gathered for intercession appointed time set aside for prayer and thanksgiving we are beginning to feel our spirits once again stirred towards to heart of God. Below, I want to share with you something shared with me by Michael Edds. I pray this will encourage you and stir you as well. THERE IS GREATNESS IN THE HOUSE!

Pastor Ron's Sermon to Franklin Tabernacle

"OLD WELLS, FALLEN MANTLES, NEW FOUNTAINS"

by Michael Edds

I moved to a major U.S city in June 2000 to assume the position as Head of School for an interdenominational Christian High School. The school was new but had numerous problems, the most severe totally unknown to me. Prior to my arrival, a teacher had been arrested for involving a student in pornography. The teacher had been convicted and sentenced. Upon my arrival, the incident had become front-page news in the community. To say the least, I was shocked and stunned. One night I could not sleep. I was very angry with the Lord for putting me into this greatly stressful mess. “Surely, I thought, I deserve better than this.” Around 2 am, I got up to sit on the couch and pout. In spite of my upset state, anger and disgust, the Presence of the Lord settled in the living room. God did not even pay attention to or address my complaint. Instead, His presence was so strong that I physically trembled. He spoke these words, “Old Wells, Fallen Mantles, and New Fountains.” He instructed me to get my Bible. By that time, I too had set aside my complaint. His Presence was so great that I did not know if I could survive it. I opened my Bible to Isaiah 35: 3-7: “The eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as a hart, and the tongue of the dumb shall sing, for IN
THE WILDERNESS SHALL WATER BREAK OUT and streams in the desert. AND THE PARCHED GROUND SHALL BECOME A POOL and the thirsty land SPRINGS OF WATER.”

The Lord led me to Isaiah 41:17 -18, "The poor and needy seek water but there is none. Their tongues fail for thirst. I, the Lord, will hear them. I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them. I will open rivers in the desolate heights and fountains in the midst of valleys.I will make the wilderness a pool of water and the dry land springs of waters." Next came Isaiah 43:20, " I will give waters in the wilderness and rivers in the desert to give drink to my people, my chosen."
I was directed to verse 19 of [Isaiah 43]: “Behold I WILL DO A NEW THING. Now it shall SPRING [BURST] FORTH. Shall ye not know it?” The Lord was moving so quickly through the scriptures that I could hardly keep up. His presence was incredibly strong. I felt like I was floating. Leaving Isaiah, the Lord took me to Joel 2:23: “He will cause to come down for you the rain, THE FORMER RAIN AND THE LATTER RAIN IN THE FIRST MONTH.” Then Joel 2:28 was given which states: “It shall come to pass
afterwards that I WILL POUR OUT MY SPIRIT ON ALL FLESH. Your sons and daughters shall PROPHESY, YOUR OLD MEN SHALL DREAM DREAMS and your YOUNG MEN SHALL SEE VISIONS.”
Finally, Genesis 26:18 finished the scriptures that the Lord was rapidly giving me: “AND ISAAC DUG AGAIN the WELLS of water which they had DUG IN THE DAYS OF ABRAHAM HIS FATHER.” The Lord revealed the meaning of this vision: The Early Church experienced the fullness of God. They had the fullness, the gifts and revelation of the Holy Spirit. They were full of boldness, power and anointing. God turned the world upside down through them. The dead were raised, the blind received sight, the
possessed were set free, the sick healed and the Gospel was preached to the poor. The anger of Hell was violently aroused. The more the devil persecuted and killed them, the more they multiplied and spread. So Satan changed his tactics. By 300 AD, Roman Emperor Constantine made Christianity the official religion of the Empire. What Satan
could not do through persecution, he accomplished through promotion, position, power, prestige, acceptance and prosperity. They SOLD OUT! The Church backslid and humanity later fell into the brutality of the Dark Ages. The purpose of each Great Awakening or the bursting forth of a spiritual well was to restore an element of truth that the Early Church possessed back to the church. Luther restored "the just shall live by faith." Wesley, Whitefield, Edwards and the First Great Awakening restored repentance, inward holiness and “Christ in you.” The Second Great Awakening with Barton Stone at Cane Ridge in the West and Francis Asbury in the East brought restoration in society through evangelism, missions, and great social renewal such as abolition, child labor laws, and suffrage movement. The Third Great Awakening of
1857 restored the power of prayer. Azusa Street Outpouring of 1905 restored the in filling and gifts of the Holy Spirit. The Lord stated that He was going to reopen all of the “old wells” of revival in order to restore TOTAL truth to His church.
Fallen mantles of ministry and anointing that rested upon the great men and women of God of old would be picked up and placed on godly men and women today to finish what was started long ago. They are the “Isaacs” that will revisit the old wells of revival and reopen them. The mantles of ministry did not die nor were they buried with Asbury, Wesley, Stone, Amanda Berry Smith and others. They have only been “on
hold” until a generation would be born that could relate to them and pick them up. Isaiah 58:12 refers to them: “And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places, thou shall raise up the foundations of many generations, and thou shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of paths to dwell in.” The Lord said, “What once was shall be again.” Malachi 4:5 prophecies that “I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. And He shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the
children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.” The Lord said this was not just a generational reconciliation between the old and the young. It is a restoration of His people to the Faith once delivered to the Saints, the Faith of our fathers. The Lord said He was tired of the apostasy, deadness, programs,
personality cults, plans and politics that have nearly destroyed His church. He is going to restore HIS church by returning the “Faith of our Fathers to their children (descendants) and the children (descendants) to the Faith of our Fathers.”

The old wells will BURST forth and the fallen mantles will be picked up. This will be a “suddenly”. Isaiah speaks of it occurring in the desert places and on the barren heights. In other words, it will happen in the most unlikely of places.

The Lord continued His interpretation of the vision by explaining to me that “NEW FOUNTAINS” would gush or break forth also. Something that has never occurred in any Great Awakening or in any historic move of God will exploded upon the scene in our day.

Joel 2:23 speaks of God sending the former rain (the Old Wells of revival) and the latter rain (The New Fountains) in the SAME MONTH!!! In other words, all of the moves of God and fallen mantles from Pentecost until now will be reopened and picked up and combined with a totally new thing from God. It will literally shake the church and the world. HE WILL RESTORE A CHURCH WITHOUT SPOT OR WRINKLE! He will not allow the church to go out defeated. HE WILL ARISE FOR HIS OWN NAME’S SAKE! God has been preparing a "Joseph Generation" that has been enrolled in the "School of Dung.” In this schooling, they have endured the pain of rejection, slander and isolation. The ‘Word of the Lord’ has tried them severely. They cry out, “God why? All I wanted to do is serve you. All seems to have ‘gone to hell in a hand basket’. It seems just
the opposite of what You promised. I am lonely, the organized church thinks I am crazy, a fanatic, out on a limb. They have rejected me and hated me because of my love for you. WHY, OH LORD?” God has been preparing and perfecting these Josephs in the darkness and in the prison houses of loneliness and isolation for a day and
hour that they will be unleashed as a secret weapon on the kingdom of darkness. He has allowed all of these things to happen to them for their good. He has prepared a people whom He can trust with His power, gifts, and anointing. In holiness, humility and boldness they will fulfill His plans in our day. They will give HIM the glory. They will give HIM total control of the coming Great Awakening. The door of
their prison house of utter loneliness and rejection is about to open. Their “word” is about to come. That word is “the King has need of thee.” In a moment, they will be ushered from prison to position. In a moment, they will fully understand their long and severe sufferings.In a moment, they will be brought out into the light of God’s divine destiny for them. God will greatly use them to lead the Coming Great
Awakening. Along with this final Great Awakening is coming Divine Judgment.
Isaiah 35:4 declares, “Your God shall come with vengeance, even God with a recompense.” God is going to overthrow the abuse and control of man in His church. He’s going to take back the "ship" that has been turned into a luxury liner and restore her back to her original state: a ship of war. HE IS GOING TO TAKE BACK CONTROL OF HIS CHURCH!!! The Church is HIS bride, not someone else’s.

This nation is going to be greatly shaken. The First Great Awakening
preceded the American Revolution. Before the Second Great Awakening
began at Cane Ridge , Kentucky, a massive epidemic of Cholera
occurred. In its early days, the Third Great Awakening saw every bank
in the nation collapse. This awakening was followed by the greatest
disaster in American History when the nation was ripped apart and
600,000 Americans perished in the horrific War Between The States. A
great earthquake hit California at the same time as the Azusa Street
Outpouring. He is going to shake the Church and this nation. Only that
which is of Him will be left standing.
A great hunger for repentance, seeking God, seeking holiness and
seeking truth has exploded within the "Joseph Generation." They have
studied, researched and sought out the Old Wells of revival. They
intensely hunger for God to do it again! They cry out, “Just one more
time, oh Lord!” Programs, politics, personalities, manipulation, and
plans in the church sicken them. THEY MUST HAVE GOD! They MUST be in
His presence! They are meeting in the homes, in the fields, in the
woods, in their prayer closets and any place that they can totally
seek His face. Their despair has turned into an all-consuming hunger
that says, “Give me God or let me die.” GOD HAS HEARD! He is about to
reopen the old wells of revival, He is picking up the fallen mantles
and placing them on men and women, and He is about to do a new thing!
Every Awakening has incurred the wrath and persecution of man. When
the Presence and holiness of God confronts mankind, they must make a
decision for or against Him. When they choose to reject Him, they lash
out and fight against His messengers. In the mid-1700s, the Baptist in
Colonial Virginia were beaten, imprisoned, and killed for preaching
the Gospel. The Methodist circuit riders were jailed, tarred and
feathered, beaten, abused and martyred for the message of God. The
reason there is little persecution against the Church in America today
is that there is so little of the Presence and Message of God to
confront mankind. The world has heard how to get rich, how to prosper,
how to have self-esteem, and to feel good. They have not heard the
message, “Repent or perish.” They have not heard the anointed Word of
God that demands a decision. Be forewarned, The Final Great Awakening
will usher in a wave of persecution against the true Church of God.

Old Wells of Revival are on the threshold of being reopened. Fallen
Mantles of ministry are being picked up. New Fountains are rumbling
beneath the surface and about to burst forth. Frank Bartleman
(chronicler of the Azusa Awakening) once said, “To understand what God
is going to do, we must understand what He once did.” The most
incredible move of God will suddenly explode upon the scene.
Judgment and a great shaking are coming to the land and to the church.
Persecution of the Isaacs and Josephs, the true saints of God will
occur. However, they will be covered with such zeal and boldness, they
will be like the Fathers of old: “And they loved not their lives even
until death.” (Rev 12:11) God will harvest a holy remnant from this
generation. He will have a church that is without spot or wrinkle, a
pure bride for His Son. Be encouraged. Lift up your heads. Your God
has come! “The King has need of thee!”

IS THIS THE CHURCH IN AMERICA?

2010-09-20T17:12:00.002-05:00

Franklin Tabernacle friends and family I wanted to share with you an excellent article which was shared with me earlier this week. Pastor John MacAurthur has been a steady voice for truth in the church while most of the doctrine of God's Word has been vacated in today's pulpits. In light of the recent responses from my Tennessean article the following by Pastor MacAurthur begs the question what is the state of the church in the United States?

Many of you are well aware of my position and if you follow any of the weekly sermons you know the stance Franklin Tabernacle holds with respects to God's Word and the role of the Biblical church. I want to encourage you to please continue to intercede for the churches in the United States. Men and women across this nation need to rise up as a new generation committed to the truth of God's Word without compromise. In many respects we are seeing the subtle signs of changes here at Franklin Tabernacle but we know there is much more God desires of His people and even more He desires to share and pour out.

Article by Pastor MacAurthur

FEATURED OPINION ARTICLE IN THE TENNESSEAN BY PASTOR JOSHUA: "A CHRISTIAN NATION HAS LOST ITS WAY"

2010-09-07T07:09:00.003-05:00

Franklin Tabernacle friends and family. This week I would like to share with you an article I wrote this week for the Tennessean. I was contacted late Friday morning by the Tennessean asking me to write an article for Tuesday's paper. Please visit the on-line portion and share as well as comment.

Blessings!

"A Christian Nation Has Lost its Way"

RESTORING A NATION? TO WHAT END?

2010-09-02T20:45:00.006-05:00

Franklin Tabernacle friends and family when I was a young man I started my pursuits of life within the "halls of power" in Beacon Hill. At the time, just graduating college and looking at the possibility of a life in politics seemed to be the an exciting dream. I was young, eager and ready to prove myself. "The ends justify the means" a phrase which I vigorously defended. It wasn't too long after my dream had started I "woke up" asking the question: "Do the ends justify the means?" By now, you can guess how my story ended in politics but really began in serving the King of Kings.

The reason I wanted to share this story with you is because everybody seems to have an opinion about the recent Glenn Beck rally in Washington D.C. Of course, many have little issue with the purpose of the rally but those who led and organized the rally. All week the local radio has been wall to wall coverage on the discussion of Mormonism and Evangelical "Born Again" Christianity.

I have decided to spend the time of the blog to share with you my opinion on this topic. To be clear, I am not avoiding the topic by not giving my opinion. I have a very strong opinion on the matter (which you may guess what it is) but there is a higher question that begs asking? Long after Glenn Beck's rally has passed and the discussion of Mormonism settles down there will still be a question unanswered. The question: Who has set the bar of Truth? Once you have answered who has set the bar then you will know what the truth really is.

Friends, Scripture has never supported the ends justifying the means. In my youth and now adulthood the Truth of the Holy Bible has been the only constant given from on High and validated by His Holy Spirit in the hearts of his disciples. If we fail to discern Truth then how will know the signs of the coming time? On a final note I would like to share with you two articles for perspective.

Blessings!

Article #1
Article #2
Article #3
Article #4

THE PRAYERS THE WERE HEARD

2010-08-17T15:37:00.003-05:00

Franklin Tabernacle friends and family this past Sunday prayers were heard, saints were encouraged and the heaviness of the Spirit was revived. Brethren, the previous week was laden with challenges across the entire front of Franklin Tabernacle and our church's extended family.

As Sunday's service opened people, some of which I had never met before this Sunday, came to share in our service dedicated to worshiping God, prayer and the Word. It was as if God had already rested at Franklin Tabernacle that Sunday morning and when the first note was sung to open our worship service the results were tears of joy and release. These were not tears of regret or despair but tears of refreshing and hunger.

How beautiful when saints are gathered to worship Him! Every bit of the Scripture was true when when I saw, not because of an instant miracle, people responding to I AM in the midst were two or more were gathered. Brethren this was a fight worth fighting and for every attack on our "front lines" we responded with the power of the Holy Spirit! The counter-attack worked as again the Scripture proved true: Resist the enemy and he will flee! But, the counter-attack can't stop there, we need to continue the advance! The needs still remain, the enemy still holds ground we must reclaim to the Glory of God! Here are some pressing requests that still remain that I will ask all of you to consider prayer and fasting for until there is victory:

Hope T. (Cancer)
Montinique B. (MRI Test Results)
Eric S. (Job Interview)
Jeremy E. (Favor at work)
Carl H. (Favor at work)
Michael L. (Favor in work)
Jeannette J. (Favor in work)
Richard E. (Favor in work)
James J. (Favor in work)
Keith and Roda M. (Favor in a special project)
Steve and Pam S.

Prayer

2010-08-13T11:11:00.005-05:00

Franklin Tabernacle friends and family:

I want to ask of you a simple yet powerful request: PRAY! This week has been challenging for many people within our church family as well as others. If I were to say the gates of Hell have been flung open and targeted many of our precious saints then I would be an understatement. Such an attack must be countered with our most powerful weapon: PRAYER.

This Sunday we will not conduct services "as normally" planned. Rather, we will all unite in Him and worship Him! It will be during this time of worship we will unite in prayer and seek the Lord for His counsel and leading. If you are able to make attend Sunday's service then please come prepared. (See Exodus 19:9-19). If you are unable to attend this Sunday then please unite with us in prayer during this time.

Friends and family we are not facing times for the faint of heart and the casual. These are serious times and we are in need of divine intervention.

TRUTH: THE LAST LINE OF DEFENSE

2010-08-06T14:14:00.004-05:00

Greetings Franklin Tabernacle friends and family I wanted to share with you a powerful message that should serve as a warning and also a call for action in the church. Over the past two months I have been teaching a long running series of messages titled: "Building the Biblical Perspective on the Church." If not now, then when will the Church get back to the truths of the Holy Word of God and stand on the last line of defense?

Let me make this very clear: TRUTH IS THE LAST LINE OF DEFENSE! If we fail to stand for Truth then we will allow our faith to be redefined by a post-modern church whose investment in the faith is more attached to superstar ministers and Church CEO's. Of course the critic will say, "Who are you to define truth? And how can you claim to hold the corner on truth!" Well, simply put: If I or anybody is willing to stand on the authority of the defined, not redefined, Word of God then we will hold the keys of Truth necessary to make such bold and liberating statements.

I want to encourage you to please follow the series of messages I have shared at Franklin Tabernacle. They are available for streaming and download via ITUNES. Also, please be sure to click the link below to read this stirring message by John MacAurthur.

Blessings!

A Biblical Perspective on the Church: A Community of Power
Apostates Be Warned, John MacAurthur

WHAT PRICE ARE WE WILLING TO PAY FOR THE TRUTH?

2010-07-24T07:34:00.004-05:00

We all want a good deal, especially when we know what we are paying for is the finest quality. There is a "special feeling" we all feel when we share with our friends the reward of our great deal. I have been asked and forced to think the unthinkable and yet I continue to come to the same conclusions when I am asked question: What price are we willing to pay for the truth? As you ponder the question let me share with you the following clip.

The Price of Truth

Friends and family of Franklin Tabernacle I wanted to share this with you because I feel the times warrant us to all ask and answer the question. Whether or not you agree with the Manhattan Declaration or with Chuck Colson on every point is not really the issue of the question facing us all. As Christian's living in the nation the question has been asked even if we have chosen not to want to answer it.

Please pray and consider your role in the forging of your Christian witness during these times.

Blessings.

AN OPEN LETTER TO PASTOR HOUSTON (HILLSONG)

2010-07-12T20:10:00.002-05:00

Franklin Tabernacle friends and family below is a personal email that I sent to Pastor Brian Houston (Hillsong). I want to make this very clear: The below open letter to Pastor Houston is not a complaint or a critique of Him or Hillsong. Rather, it is a desperate appeal to a pastor, that in many ways I admire. I have also provided two links, which speak for themselves, that gave me cause to send the below open letter. The subject matter of the below links deals with Pastor Ed Young, who is one of the featured speakers at the upcoming Hillsong conference. After viewing the links then I trust you will understand the heart of my open letter and you too will have your zeal for God voiced in prayer and public outcry for our men and women of God to make the voice of truth heard over the rabble of post-modern Christianity.

In Christ!

Pastor Ed Young Rap #1

Ed Young Rap #2

Ed Young Investigation

*****************

An Open Letter to Pastor Brian.

I will make this brief. I pastor a small congregation in Tennessee and every morning as I prepare to leave for our worship services I am able to view a portion of the Sunday teaching. For certain, I am blessed to see Pastor's passion and zeal for God, a zeal which I too share. I am encouraged by the use of Scripture, real-life application for the searching believer and professional presentation of the most powerful message for mankind.

That being said I am also now greatly grieved. I couldn't help but notice Hillsong is having a major conference with guest ministers from across the world sharing. Why I am grieved is due to some of the guest ministers that will be sharing the "Word." Perhaps you are unaware of the doctrinal destruction some of these ministers regularly share in the US? Suffice to say their large ministries are helping destroy the unity and integrity of the Word here in the US.

If you were able to see the years of damage such superficial and doctrinally false teaching has inflicted on our nation then you would never desire to have them share anything with your Church. My congregation, about 30-40, are the scarred carnage of such inspirational and "trendy" teaching that sells books, grows churches and gets ministers big speaking engagements. For certain my congregation are not without personal responsibility for their own walk of faith. But their shelves are filled with many of these men's teachings, CD's and DVD's that have left them abandoned and in my care.

As one pastor to another allow me to place this plea in an example you will understand. I'm an educated pastor in political science, history, Christian Apologetics and Theology, I say that not to brag but to validate I know a little about the topic at hand.

The British, French, Australians and New Zealanders all fought a courageous battle in WW1 at Gallipoli. If you recount your history then you will know the ill-conceived mission failed as many courageous men stormed the beaches for King and country. The staggering losses have never been forgotten which is why Anzac Day holds a special place in your hearts. Why have I use this example? It was the generals and planners who sent men to their death under a ignorant and flawed plan. Today, our "Christian Generals" have sent many to storm the beaches with the same hazzah and flag waiving of past wars. But I am a pastor on the beachhead of Gallipoli who is amongst those who are living and dying because our generals have preached and sold flawed plan of attack. I am not looking for sympathy or whining about my trench rather I am hoping this "runner" gets a message back to a respected general in Pastor Houston. The plan has failed! Many of these Christian generals refuse to study the Word well enough to teach its truths to a once great nation and her people. We, Franklin Tabernacle and I their pastor, will continue to hold the line and stay in our trench. If we must we will "go over the wall" but I pray in your conference and future planning you do not forget about us because we are the Christian warriors in no mans land who are doing the living and dying. So I ask, Where are the sound generals in these days of war?

Cheers!

Pastor JOSHUA
Www.franklintabernacle.org

THE VOICE OF TRUTH IS GETTING LOUDER

2010-07-06T19:20:00.002-05:00

Maybe you are starting to hear it? It's the truth! Mind you the road is very long and the fight is still an uphill battle. Perhaps the alarming reality of the fight for truth is we are waging it now and not ten, fifteen or twenty years ago. The church has been seeing the trend of a nation steering away from the Truth of Scripture and God and we remained silent.

But, the battle is getting more fierce and the enemy is trying harder than ever to hold onto the ground they have gained over these many years. Despite their best efforts Truth is managing to do what only the Truth of Jesus and His Word is able to do: beat the odds, defeat the enemy and exhort the believers to stay strong in the fight and endure! Yes, ENDURE!!!! Below is a story I want to share with you about Truth shining forth in some of the darkest of regions. Also, I want you to please visit the Manhattan Project and see what part you can play in getting Truth out in the marketplace of life.

Blessings in Him!

California Education

Manhattan Declaration

SMALL STREAMS OFTEN LEAD TO LARGER RIVERS

2010-06-28T14:15:00.002-05:00

Have you ever taken a nature walk and observed the beauty of a small running brook? Growing up near Boston the last thing most people think of is the beauty of nature for all of the rich history of the big city. However, I grew up in a small town where "the Fells" was its own little piece of God's creation. Often I would take walks with my parents, play with my best friend and even stole my first kiss from my wife in these very same Fells.

Growing up in near the Fells was a my own little "Middle Earth" full for grand trees, ruins of the burned down lodge and creeks, rivers and lakes. Have you ever wondered where those small streams start and where they often run to? You do not have to be a naturist to know the answer: larger rivers.

Even though there are still many challenges facing this country and the church can you hear it? Or better said, Do you see it? There are small streams forming within the church and they are driving towards a mighty rushing river. What I find amazing, though not new, is when the river of God is driving the spirit of man then nations start to change. Several months ago Tennessee was hit with a devastating flood and the wake of damaged caused from the rising water have still left many of us cleaning up. Still it was amazing that technology and even manpower couldn't stop the rains and the rushing waters.

So it is with God! He is pouring out in small streams and they are picking up momentum driving all of those who are "riding" on the stream toward a greater river. I have said before and continue to believe if the Church will return to the Biblical principles of our foundation then we will be in the position to change a people and even a nation. Below is an article I want to share with you to encourage you to continue to pray, spread the Word and get spiritually healthy! Things are changing.....and our small streams and flowing into Gods larger rivers. Best of all our nation still has time to change: For His glory!!!!

A Biblical Perspective on the Church: The Community of Fellowship by Pastor Joshua

Governors Call for Prayer

The Church: Active and Vocal

2010-06-21T14:07:00.002-05:00

Franklin Tabernacle friends and family over the past three weeks I have been sharing several teachings on "A Biblical Perspective on the Church." As I stated in last weeks post the TRUTH is what is at stake in the great battle within the church and society. In my sermon titled, "Jesus, The Head of the Church" the real power and authority of the church will never and never has been found in visionaries, people or even the pastor but the church that has allowed Jesus to remain as head of the church and as such He pours his Holy Spirit into the Kahal (Assembly) or Eklessia (Called out Ones) or for our modern purposes Kurikon (The Lord's House: Church). When His presence and power is present then the Church has the authority of Jesus' name that even the gates of Hades can't overcome.

Most of all my friends we need not be ashamed of the this great Truth since it is the only hope left for humanity and society. Below are two articles that I want to share with you. Though they are not directly related they do serve to remind us of the battle in front of us, the cost of fighting the good fight and the Truth worth speaking for everybody despite race, creed or religion. Also, I have included the third part of my message on The Biblical Perspective on the Church for your streaming. (Please remember these sermons can be downloaded through ITUNES or PODBEAN).

Blessings.

CHRISTIAN EVANGELIST ARRESTED AT ARAB FESTIVAL
DEARBORN, MI - Police in the heavily Arab Detroit suburb of Dearborn say they arrested four Christian missionaries for alleged disorderly conduct at an Arab cultural festival.

Police Chief Ron Haddad says his department made the arrests Friday. The four, who are free on bond, insist they only spoke with people who wanted to speak with them. Christian proselytizing at the festival has been a matter of dispute for several years.

Haddad told the Detroit Free Press he isn't taking sides, but police have to keep peace at a festival that draws 300,000 people over three days.

On Thursday, a federal appeals court said evangelist George Saieg could distribute information on the festival's perimeter. He was not one of the four Christians arrested.

RIGHTS RESTORED TO MICHIGAN PASTOR
A federal appeals court has granted an emergency motion to allow a pastor to distribute Christian literature to Muslims in Dearborn, Michigan.

Pastor George Saeg immigrated to the United States from Sudan -- but according to senior attorney Robert Muise of the Thomas More Law Center, he is being denied the very rights that caused him to emigrate.

"He came to the United States because he understands the beauty of the Christian faith and how important it is for Muslims to hear Jesus's Word and to hear the gospel," says Muise. "And so he took it upon himself to leave Sudan to come to the United States, particularly because we have the right to free exercise of religion and the freedom of speech -- and here he is in Dearborn, being told that he doesn't have those rights."

A federal judge issued an order keeping Saeg from distributing leaflets near the annual Arab Festival in Dearborn, which runs Friday thru Sunday. But the Sixth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued the emergency order granting Saeg the right to proceed. Muise says the pastor has done so in the past in a peaceful fashion.

"He's never caused any disturbance to the public or any disturbance to the festival," says the attorney.

The emergency order will remain in effect pending outcome of the appeal.

Dearborn, Michigan, is one of the most densely populated Muslim communities in the U.S. An estimated 30,000 of its almost 100,000 residents are Muslims.

A Biblical Perspective on the Church: The Community of Faith by Pastor Joshua

YET ANOTHER WARNING!

2010-06-15T13:22:00.002-05:00

Franklin Tabernacle friends and family I would like to take this opportunity to share with you a very well reasoned and argued article about the ever growing divide within the post-modern church. In fact, these two past weeks I have taught on "The Biblical Perspective of Church" and though I have chosen not to touch on the issues of the below article I have spoken at length on this subject matter. Friends and family the growing divide is not over style, jeans, tee's or haircuts. The real divide is over TRUTH and what truth the Church will stand for. Please take the time to read the article below and also take the time to listen or view the past two weeks messages on the "The Biblical Perspective on the Church."

Blessings

Who Knows Anything Anyway by Mike Adams

A Biblical Perspective on the Church by Pastor Joshua Johnian

"A Biblical Perspective on the Church Pt. 2 (video)

SECULARIZATION AND AND THE CHURCH IN EUROPE

2010-06-04T15:35:00.003-05:00

Franklin Tabernacle friends and family I wanted to email you the below article. Though it is a bit long you will find the article well reasoned and supported by facts. Mid-week, while I was spending time in prayer and studying for this Sunday the Lord spoke to my spirit and instructed me on a course of study for the church. It is essential we see the blessing and God has placed in the church however, we must keep a Biblical perspective so we do not "loose our way" as so many in the clergy and pulpit have. lease take the time to read the article and pass along to your friends.

Blessings....

**************************

Secularization and the Church in Europe
Date: 6/3/2010 8:50:50 AM
Written by Rick Wade

Introduction

At the end of a talk about the state of the evangelical mind in America, the subject turned to Europe, and a man said with great confidence, â€œThe churches in Europe are all empty!â€ Iâ€™ve heard that said before. It makes for a good missions sermon; however, it doesnâ€™t quite do justice to the situation. Not all the churches in Europe are empty! The situation isnâ€™t like in Dallas, Texas, where churches dot the landscape, but there are thriving churches across the continent.

That said, however, there is more than just a grain of truth in the claim. Church attendance in Europe is down. Traditional Christian beliefs are less widely held.

Itâ€™s important to know what the situation is in Europe for a few reasons.

First, we have a tendency to write Europe off in a way we donâ€™t other parts of the world. The church is struggling there, but it isnâ€™t a lost cause by any means! Maybe we can even learn from the thinking and lifeâ€™s experience of believers across the Atlantic.

Second, learning about the church around the world is good because it broadens our understanding of the interaction of Christianity and society. This should be of interest to us here in America.

Letâ€™s look at a few numbers in the area of church attendance. To provide a contrast with the situation today, the best estimate for church attendance in Britain in the mid-nineteenth century was between forty and sixty percent of the adult population.{1} By contrast, in 2007, ten percent attended church at least weekly. About a quarter of those (about two million people) self-identify as evangelicals.{2} Although there has been large growth in so-called â€œnew churches,â€ that growth hasnâ€™t offset the loss across other denominations, especially the Church of England.

What about some other countries? In 2004, Gallup reported that â€œweekly attendance at religious services is below 10% in France and Germany, while in Belgium, the Netherlands, [and] Luxembourg . . . between 10% and 15% of citizens are regular churchgoers. . . . Only in Roman Catholic Ireland do a majority of residents (54%) still go to church weekly.â€{3}

As weâ€™ll see later, reduced numbers in church doesnâ€™t mean all religious beliefâ€”even Christianâ€”is lost.

The Golden Age of Faith

There is a story of the prominence and demise of religion in Europe that has become standard fare for understanding the history of Christianity in the modern world. The story goes that Europe was once a Christian civilization; that everyone was a Christian, and that the state churches ensured that society as a whole was Christian. This was the so-called â€œgolden age of faith.â€ With the shift in thinking in the Enlightenment which put man at the center of knowledge, and which saw the rise of science, it became clear to some that religion was really just a form of superstition that gave pre-modern people an explanation of the world in which they lived and gave them hope.{4}

This story has come under a lot of fire in recent decades.{5} Although the churches had political and social power, there was no uniform religious belief across Europe. In fact, itâ€™s been shown that there was a significant amount of paganism and folk magic mixed in with Christian beliefs.{6} Many priests had the barest notions of Christian theology; a lot of them couldnâ€™t even read.{7} Sociologist Philip Gorski says that itâ€™s more accurate to call it an Age of Magic or an Age of Ritual than an Age of Belief.{8}

On the other side of this debate are scholars such as Steve Bruce who say that, no matter the content or nature of religious belief in the Middle Ages, people were still religious even if not uniformly Christian; they believed in the supernatural and their religious beliefs colored their entire lives. â€œThe English peasants may have often disappointed the guardians of Christian orthodoxy,â€ Bruce writes, â€œbut they were indubitably religious.â€{9}

So what changed? Was there a loss of Christianity or a loss of religion in general, or just some kind of shift? Historian Timothy Larson believes that what has been lost is Christendom.{10} The term Christendom is typically used to refer to the West when it was dominated by Christianity. The change wasnâ€™t really from religion to irreligion but from the dominance of Christianity to its demise as a dominant force.

Religion has come back with significant force in recent decades even in such deeply secular countries as France, primarily because of the influx of Muslims.{11} Although the state Christian churches are faltering, some founded by immigrants are doing well, such as those founded by Afro-Caribbean immigrants in England. It seems that critics sounded the death knell on religion too soon.

European Distinctives

Although Christian belief is on the demise in general in Europe, the institutional churchâ€”the state church specificallyâ€”still has a valuable place in society.

In Europeâ€™s past, the church was a major part of peopleâ€™s lives. Everyone was baptized, married, and buried in the church. That tradition is still such a part of the social psyche that people fully expect that the church will be there for them even if they donâ€™t attend. Sociologist Grace Davie describes the church in this respect as a public utility. â€œA public utility,â€ she writes, â€œis available to the population as a whole at the point of need and is funded through the tax system.â€{12} Fewer people are being married in churches now, and far fewer are being baptized. However, thereâ€™s still a sense of need for the church at the time of death along with the expectation that it will be there for them.

Another term that characterizes religion in Europe is vicarious religion. Vicarious religion is â€œreligion performed by an active minority but on behalf of a much larger number, who . . . understand [and] approve of what the minority is doing.â€ Church leaders are expected to believe certain things, perform religious rituals, and embody a high moral code. â€œEnglish bishops,â€ Davie writes, â€œare rebuked . . . if they doubt in public; it is, after all, their â€˜jobâ€™ to believe.â€ She reports an incident where a bishop was thought to have spoken derogatorily about the resurrection of Jesus. He was â€œwidely pilloriedâ€ for that, she writes. Soon after his consecration as bishop, his church was struck by lightning. That was seen by some as a rebuke by God!{13}

Another indicator of the importance of the church in European life is the fact that, in some countries, people still pay church tax, even countries that are very secular. Germany is one example. People can opt out, but a surprisingly high number donâ€™t, including some who are not religiously affiliated. Reasons include the possibility of needing the church sometime later in life, having a place to provide moral guidance for children, and the churchâ€™s role in positively influencing the moral fabric of society in general.{14}

From Doctrine to Spirituality

I described above two concepts that characterize religious life in parts of Europe: public utility and vicarious religion. Thereâ€™s a third phrase sociologists use which points to the shift in emphasis from what one gets through the institutional church to personal spiritual experience. The phrase is â€œbelieving without belonging.â€

Sociologist Peter Berger believes that, as America is less religious than it seems, Europe is less secular than it seems. â€œA lot goes on under the radar,â€ he writes.{15}

A phrase often heard there is heard more and more frequently in the States: â€œIâ€™m not religious, but Iâ€™m spiritual.â€ This could mean the person is into New Age thinking, or is interested in more conventional religion but doesnâ€™t feel at home in a church or in organized religion, or just prefers to choose what to believe him- or herself. A term some use to characterize this way of thinking is â€œpatchwork religion.â€

One frequently finds a greater acceptance of religion in Europe when religion in general is the subject and not particular, creedal religions. Davie notes that â€œ[generally speaking] if you ask European populations . . . do you believe in God, and you're not terribly specific about the God in question, you'll get about 70 percent saying yes, depending where you are. If you say, do you believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God, you'll get a much lower number. In other words, if you turn your question into a creedal statement, the percentages go down.â€ A â€œcerebralâ€ kind of belief doesnâ€™t hold much appeal to the young. The essence of religious experience isnâ€™t so much what you learn as it is simply taking part. â€œItâ€™s the fact that youâ€™re lifted out of yourself that counts.â€{16}

The loss of authority in the state church hasnâ€™t resulted in the triumph of secular rationalism among young people, which is rather surprising. They experiment with religious beliefs. â€œThe rise occurred right across Europe,â€ Davie notes, â€œbut is most marked in those parts of Europe where the institutional churches are at their weakest.â€ This isnâ€™t seen, however, â€œwhere the church is still strong and seen as a disciplinary force and is therefore rejected by young people.â€{17}

Some Closing Thoughts

Allow me to make some observations about the subject of secularization and the church in Europe.

Here are a few things to keep in mind as we face a Western culture that is increasingly hostile to the Gospel. First, we routinely hear the charge from people that religious people are living in the past, that they need to catch up to modern times. Such people simply assume as obviously true the long-held theory that secularization necessarily follows from modernization. This theory is sharply disputed today. Europeâ€™s history isnâ€™t the history of the rest of the world. Modernization appears in different forms around the world, including some that have room for religious belief and practice. America is a prime example. It isnâ€™t the backward exception to the rule, as haughty critics would have us believe. Some say itâ€™s Europe that is the exception with its strong secularity.{18} In fact, I think a case can be made that the modern propensity to separate our spiritual side from our material one is artificial; it violates our nature. But thatâ€™s a subject for another time. What we can be sure of is that the condescending attitude of people who want Christians to catch up to modern times is without basis. There is no necessary connection between modernity and secularity.{19}

A second thing to keep in mind is that the church doesnâ€™t require a Christian society around it in order to grow. Christianity didnâ€™t have its beginnings in a Christian society, but it grew nonetheless. The wide-spread social acceptance of Christian beliefs and morality is not the power of God unto salvation. It is the word of the cross.

Third, religion per se will not disappear because we are made in Godâ€™s image and He has put eternity in our hearts (Eccl. 3:11). Christianity in particular will not die either, for the One who rose from the dead said even the gates of hell wonâ€™t prevail against it (a much more serious adversary than the new atheists!).

What should we do? The same things Christian have always been called to do: continue in sound, biblical teaching, and learn and practice consistent Christian living. It is the way we live that, for many people, makes our beliefs plausible in the first place. And proclaim the gospel. Despite any constraints society may put on us, the Word of God is not bound.

Notes

1. Steve Bruce, God is Dead: Secularization in the West (Wiley-Blackwell, 2002), 63-64.
2. Tearfund, "Churchgoing in the UK," available on the Web at www.tearfund.org/webdocs/Website/News/Final%20churchgoing%20report.pdf.
3. Robert Manchin, "Religion in Europe: Trust Not Filling the Pews," Sept. 21, 2004, www.gallup.com/poll/13117/religion-europe-trust-filling-pews.aspx.
4. Kevin M. Schulz, "Secularization: A Bibliographic Essay," The Hedgehog Review, vol. 8, nos.1-2 (Spring/Summer 2006), 171. Online at www.virginia.edu/iasc/HHR_Archives/AfterSecularization/8.12RBibliography.pdf.
5. Sociologist Rodney Stark is one of the most prominent doubters of secularization theory. See his "Secularization, R.I.P. - rest in peace," Sociology of Religion, Fall, 1999, available online at findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0SOR/is_3_60/ai_57533381/.
6. Keith Thomas, Religion and the Decline of Magic (London, England: Weidenfeld and Nicolson, 1971), 41; quoted in Philip S. Gorski, "Historicizing the Secularization Debate: Church, State, and Society in Late Medieval and Early Modern Europe, ca. 1300 to 1700," American Sociological Review, Vol. 65, No. 1 (Feb. 2000), 144.
7. Stark, "Secularization, R.I.P."
8. Gorski, "Historicizing the Secularization Debate": 146.
9. Steve Bruce, God is Dead: Secularization in the West (Wiley-Blackwell, 2002), 47.
10. Timothy Larsen, "Dechristendomization As an Alternative to Secularization: Theology, History, and Sociology in Conversation," Pro Ecclesia, Vol. XV, No. 3.
11. See Jean-Paul Williame, "The Cultural Turn in the Sociology of Religion in France," Sociology of Religion 65, no. 4 (Winter 2004): 373-389.
12. Grace Davie, "Is Europe an Exceptional Case?" The Hedgehog Review 8, nos.1-2 (Spring/Summer 2006): 27. Online at www.virginia.edu/iasc/HHR_Archives/AfterSecularization/8.12DDavie.pdf.
13. Grace Davie, "Is Europe an Exceptional Case?": 24-26.
14. See Peter Berger, Grace Davie, and Effie Fokas, Religious America, Secular Europe? A Theme and Variations (Ashgate Publishing, 2008), 15.
15. Charles T. Mathewes, "An Interview with Peter Berger," The Hedgehog Review, vol. 8, nos.1-2 (Spring/Summer 2006):155. Online at www.virginia.edu/iasc/HHR_Archives/AfterSecularization/8.12PBerger.pdf
16. "Believing Without Belonging: Just How Secular Is Europe?" A discussion with Grace Davie at the Pew Forum's biannual Faith Angle Conference on religion, politics and public life, December 2005. pewforum.org/events/?EventID=97.
17. Ibid.
18. Berger, Davie, and Fokas, Religious America, Secular Europe?.
19. Sociologist Christian Smith edited a volume titled The Secular Revolution: Power, Interests, and Conflict in the Secularization of American Public Life (UC Press, 2003) in which the case was argued that secularization became so powerful here because of a concerted effort by people who wanted it, not because of some natural, teleological progression.

The Power of the Pulpit

2010-05-25T14:31:00.002-05:00

Franklin Tabernacle Friends and Family,

I wanted to share this blog that was passed on to me. Though these are not my words they speak to "the heart of the matter", something of which I am sharing with Franklin Tabernacle on Sundays. I have also included the link for your bookmarks. Blessings...

http://www.ptsalt.com/about

“And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light” Luke 16:8 With all do respect to Ronald Reagan I sense many of you reading this are sighing and proclaiming, “Well, there you go again” as I set my crosshairs on the pulpit. I’m sorry, but I can’t get away from it. All of the problems we are facing in this nation are a direct result of the watered-down Gospel seeping from the pulpits of America. Better men than I have said it. “"If there is a decay of conscience, the pulpit is responsible for it. If the public press lacks moral discernment, the pulpit is responsible for it. If the church is degenerate and worldly, the pulpit is responsible for it. If the world loses its interest in Christianity, the pulpit is responsible for it. If Satan rules in our halls of legislation, the pulpit is responsible for it. If our politics become so corrupt that the very foundations of our government are ready to fall away, the pulpit is responsible for it." ~ Rev. Charles Finney (1792-1875) The pastors think they are immune from criticism. Their condescending attitude towards those of us who question their effectiveness smacks of cowardly-arrogance. Most are insecure men who have followed a “call” to the ministry. Unfortunately, many were called by their Momma, not by God. Well I was called as well...called to hold their feet to the fire. How dare they criticize me for criticizing them. “Oooh Coach, you are so critical. You shouldn’t be saying such harsh things against “God’s” men. They are given the difficult responsibility of leading their flocks.” I hear the pastor’s wife cooing. Well pardon me, but I am not talking about “God’s” men. I am referring to the six-foot icicle drawing a paycheck from your congregation for petting the sheep. I don’t apologize for it. Someone has to expose the frauds spewing poison from America’s pulpits. Their bilge is doing to the American-culture what BP has down to the Gulf of Mexico. Soon it will be uninhabitable unless someone shuts off the valve. Somehow I fear the Lord is reaching for the spigot. Like mixing oil and water, the Truth will not mix with a lie. He will not allow His sheep to be fed poison. Look folks. Your pastor is not the “expert” you have been led to believe. Perhaps he has a seminary degree, perhaps he has built a huge church, or perhaps his sermons make you cry. But he is really no different from you. No matter how experienced he is or how much education he has, only the Holy Spirit can guide him to the Truth; The same Holy Spirit that indwells you. There is no hierarchy in the Lord’s Kingdom…God is no respecter of people…we all have access to the Throne. Do you remember the old game show “You Don’t Say?” The tag line in the intro to the show is appropriate to the pulpits today. “It’s not what you say that counts, it’s what you don’t say.” Yep my friends. “It’ not what you know that counts…it’s what you don’t know!” Hosea said it this way “My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge…” uttered, by the way, as a warning of the wrath of God to come. More specifically, it is not what your pastor is telling you that counts…it is what he is not telling you. My last commentary must have hit the bulls-eye. I heard from several “men of the cloth” who tried to convince me that I was wrong to “mix religion and politics” and that I was “tarnishing” the Gospel by mixing it with “worldly” affairs. Although it does bother me that “ministers” of the Gospel can be so oblivious to the power of the Gospel, it concerns me a great deal more that there are people sitting in the pews listening to these wonks. (If you are one of them getting ready to write me today please include the answer to this question so we can more quickly open to the same page. “What aspect of life does the Gospel not apply to?”) Sometimes the enemy comes as an angel of light. Heck, Nancy Pelosi gets it. Why should we be surprised? Jesus told us “for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.” I hate to break the news to you but Nancy Pelosi is wiser IN THIS GENERATION, than the pastors. Pope Pelosi knows that the quickest way to impact the culture is by getting the men in the pulpit to push the agenda. Margaret Sanger knew it. One of the first things she did when she started Planned Parenthood was to get the black pastors to buy into the Negro Project which was nothing short of a program to eliminate the “human weeds” that Sanger felt were destroying America. Jesse Jackson and the Demoncat party know it. How else can you explain Reverends Sharpton and Jackson being so revered in the black community today? Has there ever been a stronger voting block than black-church goers and their blind goose-stepping behind the godless Donkey Party? What in the world are Hillary Clinton and John Kerry doing in the pulpits of black-churches? The Social Justice movement knows it. Self-confessed Marxist Jim Wallace has replaced socialist Jeremiah Wright as an advisor to President Obama. The Marxists/Socialists have seized modern-day Christianity. When was the last time you heard the ACLU scream “separation of church and state” in regards to the High Priest of Socialism Barack Obama’s agenda? Hmm? Enter Pope Pelosi. Just last week the Speaker of the House scolded the Catholic priests for not speaking about illegal immigration FROM THE PULPIT. Here is what she said. “The cardinals, the archbishops, the bishops that come to me ... say, 'We want you to pass immigration reform,' and I said, I want you to speak about it from the pulpit…"Some (who) oppose immigration reform are sitting in those pews, and you have to tell them that this is a manifestation of our living the gospels." Take 3 minutes and watch it for yourself. She understands what are pastors do not. Pope Pelosi is urging the Priests and Bishops to TELL THE SHEEP WHAT TO DO. No wonder we are losing the cultural war. The leaders on our side are ashamed of their own shadows. Pelosi knows the pulpit impacts the culture. Our pastors believe it shouldn’t Pelosi is the voice of government. She speaks for the People’s House and she is encouraging the “men of the cloth” to tell their sheep what to believe. How will the boys on our team respond when Pope Pelosi has so clearly invited the Pastors into the political arena? They are probably hiding under the table. Okay boys, grab your Bibles and open them up. The Speaker of the House has ordered you to tell your people what to think. For years I have heard that we must obey our leaders. Well, you wouldn’t want to disobey such a direct order, now would you? Grab the sword of the Spirit and start swinging. Pope Pelosi has given the order and we must obey God’s ordained authority. What are you waiting for? Allow me to offer an immediate game-plan. • Start a weekly class on the US Constitution. Suggest books for informed reading. • Show videos on Communism and their infiltration into the American society. • Invite historians to talk about our Christian Heritage. • Educate them on abortion and the stages of pregnancy. • Present evidence on the medical consequences of homosexuality. • Study the accounts of civil disobedience in the Bible. • Hold “candidate” nights where Christian issues are front and center. • Clearly spell out God’s position on cultural issues…use the Bible to validate. • Raise up and support candidates who share God’s values. • Educate your folks on Secular Humanism: the religion of America’s schools. • Expose Islam as the hellish religion it is and Obama’s affinity for it. Our pulpits could change the direction of this nation in less than a year. What did Margaret Sanger know that we don't? What has Jesse Jackson used to deceive millions? What is Nancy Pelosi hijacking right before our very eyes? What don't our pastors understand? The Power of the Pulpit. Come on girls, man up and let's take it back! Pope Pelosi has ordered you into the battle.

Franklin Tabernacle Survived the Flood

2010-05-07T09:22:00.003-05:00

Franklin Tabernacle friends and family.

I just wanted to take this moment to thank you all for your prayers and concerns during the recent flood that damaged many areas throughout Middle Tennessee. Thankfully, Franklin Tabernacle was not damaged during any of the storms nor were any congregants of Franklin Tabernacle endangered.

God has been faithful! Thank you Jesus!!!!

SOME PERSONAL THOUGHTS...

2010-04-28T09:44:00.005-05:00

Franklin Tabernacle friends and family I wanted to take the a moment to share with you some personal thoughts on what I have re-learned about God. Ready? He is faithful! He is Real! He is all I need! Allow me to set a little background: Three weeks ago Jeannette and I were sitting down having light lunch when I began to share with her I was needing God to speak into some dry areas of my life. We have all been there: When God seems to be silent, distant or our choices in life have caused us to want to hide from the presence of God much Like Adam and Eve did in the Garden.

During the course of my complaining I felt God impress upon me to take a step of faith and visit an out of state church. In a flurry of planning Jeannette and I were on a plane early Friday morning to catch a church service later that night. Within the course my visit there were many things I saw. The purpose of this blog is not to critique a church, their music or ministry. Rather I want to share with you that I have re-learned some crucial truths about God.

1. He is Faithful: Yes, He is. In the two services we attended God captured my attention and opened my eyes to what the "new normal" should be for the church. As I stood in the midst of this congregation I saw the beautiful sight of men, women, children and teens fully engaged in corporate worship and praise to their God. Truthfully, engaged is still too light of a word because what I saw was passion! Real intense passion! Why is God faithful? By my following of His prompting His faithfulness refreshed dry areas in my life. Just standing in the corporate unity of the Body of Christ began to lift the heaviness I was feeling leading up to my visit. Again, God reminded me: HE IS FAITHFUL.

2. He is Real: Standing in this congregation of passionate believers I saw a real movement of His Holy Spirit. I, of all people, am often critical of emotional "follow the leader" manipulations from the pulpit. And though there may have been some who were caught up in the moment of revival I never felt the pulpit was attempting to fabricate the Holy Spirit. You know what real is? Of course you do. Every day you follow a leading of the Holy Spirit to guide you into truth and keep you far from error. If the Spirit is present then even those who are "caught up in the moment" will soon flush themselves out in search of other emotional adventures. However, where the Spirit is truth should be close by as a marital partner. The combination of Truth (God's Word) and Spirit will be real and those who love Him will know it.

3. He is All I Need: There is little more to be said and yet in the hustle and fury of life I had neglected to remind myself of this truth. The spiritual dryness I felt partially came from my laziness. For all of us, we need to be reminded to take the necessary time to pray, fast and remind ourselves relationship with God and dependency on Him should be a lifestyle for all disciples.

Lifestyle about sums it up. What I experienced three weeks ago while sitting with a congregation of 900+ people was sincere changing of peoples lifestyles. Friday night, Saturday night and even Sunday morning the same people were gathering to praise and worship their God. He was ready to pour out in their midst and the Spirit of Truth was present. What God imparted to me over this weekend was a personal refreshing and a glimpse of the "New Normal" and lifestyle for the disciple. I pray He will pour out in your lives as well!

Blessings.

Obedience...the Way of the Master (A Biblical Perspective on Tithing Pt.2)

2010-04-21T12:05:00.003-05:00

Greetings Franklin Tabernacle friends and family,

Last week Don Cobble, teaching minister at Franklin Tabernacle, continued his message on A Biblical Perspective on Tithing. What an amazing message! Tithing has been and continues to be a topic within the church which can quickly polarize a congregation. In over 10 years of serving within different churches I have heard many a pastor tackle this issue. With great fear, and at times, pride they have rolled out their bullet points on tithing to their unprotected flocks. Why are they unprotected? Because some after rehashing the same Scriptures followed by a steady litany of desperation many of the congregants either leave feeling guilty, depressed or ineffectual due to the lack of money they were able to contribute. One major by-product continues to be the lack of anything real ever being accomplished ex post facto. Unfortunately, after the money has been harvested the emotional guarantees of wealth, health or wisdom soon wear off and the giver is left fleeced and violated. Meanwhile, the men and women who were asking for the harvest continue to beg with the threat of, "If we don't get then..."

It is this fill in the blank that continues a heretical doctrine of tithing as practiced in today's church. Now, before you jump the gun, I am NOT saying tithing is heretical, I am saying: "WHAT IS TAUGHT TODAY ABOUT TITHING IS HERETICAL!" For certain there are some pulpits that have maintained an Biblical integrity on tithing: to them I applaud them for holding the hard-line of doctrinal truth. We must also acknowledge there are other pulpits that are just uneducated. Ready? This is NOT an excuse! If you are uneducated then perhaps you need to take down your worthless honorary doctorates and open up the Bible! Education is essential, we must be educated from people who have "studied to show themselves approved" Today, too many men and women exit seminaries believing and teaching heresies that make for Hollywood movies and do their best to join the ranks of clergy and denominations absorbed in the heretical litany of mammon. Likewise there are other pulpits that grow and are allowed to operate without ant question because they are members of a "good old boy" network and a policy of "You scratch my back..."

So, where so we become educated? Thankfully there are still seminaries, ministries and pulpits that agree on the authority if Scripture, Jesus Christ and fundamental Christianity. Despite what has been sown into modern Christianity there is nothing wrong with the "F" word (Fundamental). Today the steady diet of inspirational books, TV church, music and magazines would lead one to believe the fundamentalists are small in number and do not speak for Christianity. But this could be farther from the truth. Like the Tea Party movement within US politics today there are "Tea Party" Christians who have seen their faith overgrown, bloated, fat and so far in spiritual debt we are incapable of turning the tide of spiritual and moral death within our nation.

But there is still hope! Wherever there is a Bible, people who love the Word of God and defenders as well as keepers of the truth then there will be victory. Why? Because the Word says so, and it never lies! (Despite what the emergent church fathers say)It is imperative we return to sound doctrine on all fronts of our faith. I would like to provide for you Pt.2 on "A Biblical Perspective on Tithing" and keep in mind the point of obedience. An obedient church and an obedient people are part of the key to return this nation back to God! Please share in the Word and make it available to as many who have ears to hear.

Blessings!

A BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE ON TITHING

2010-04-14T16:25:00.003-05:00

Franklin Tabernacle Friends and Family,

I am going to raise a dreaded topic within the church: tithing. Before you go running into the hills worried about another twisting of Scripture and "new revelation" coming from the pulpit I urge you to remain calm. First off, I wanted to make very clear what I am going to share with you is not new but old. By old I mean, as in found in the Old Testament.

Secondly, critics will often refer to tithing as a matter of Old Testament Mosaic Law, and thus done away with because of a New Testament work of Jesus. Without trying to dismantle the various doctrinal errors of this statement let me address this brief critique with Genesis Chapter 14:18-20. Clearly Abraham's encounter set a precedent of tithing far before the Law of Moses. Thus, we are to conclude tithing is a Biblical and God principle which applies pre-law and into today.

Thirdly, we are all too familiar with popular Christianity and its practitioners which often evokes the emotional, spiritual and natural "perfect storm" to financially "loosen the windows of heaven." Though this may have jaded many of you, including myself, we can not loose site of the Biblical principle Christ wants us to honor. So again, please remain open.

This past Sunday Don Cobble, teaching minister at Franklin Tabernacle, shared with us part one on "A Biblical Perspective on Tithing." I want to make this message available to you and strongly urge you to listen, share and consider for your walk. I believe you will be pleasantly surprised with the truths imparted in this message. Also, be sure not to miss part two of this message series.

"A Biblical Perspective on Tithing Pt.1"

We will continue this topic further in next weeks blog.

Blessings in Christ,

The Promise: Him!

2010-04-05T08:35:00.002-05:00

Greetings Franklin Tabernacle Friends and Family!

Two weeks ago I delivered a concluding message on "Patience, Endurance, Suffering to Receive the Promise." What a wonderful series of messages this was for all of us to share in. Over the past two months many of you shared with me how these messages helped re-evaluate your walk and faith. God is good and greatly to be praised!

With each passing week I always reminded us about "The Promise." Drawing from Hebrews 10:36,39 we are reminded of the reality of the promise mentioned Scripture. The Promise? Him, Jesus Christ! Today we live in a society were we are promised many things. Life, liberty and happiness are just a few promises in a long list of guarantees we feel entitled to. As a Christian it has become popularized to teach on "taking hold of the promises of God in your life." Here I would like to pause.

Throughout Scripture the promises of God can readily be found. I would never dispute that. Today many ministers focus their teachings, books, and tours to helping believers grab access to the promises of God for their life. Without being cynical I highly doubt any minister would admit they are trying to take the focus off of Jesus and place it 100% dependent on your active faith working in combination with the guaranteed promise. But, this is a ministry "slight of hand." If we continue to focus the attention of people on promises, blessings, and freedoms they will, because we are a lazy lot, by default take the easiest path of resistance to attain the highest yield of reward.

If we are to be ministers of the Word of God and His promises we should never teach this as a first reward for the life of the believer. He, Jesus, is the greatest reward. He is the promise already gained for those who have confessed He is Lord and love the Lord our God with all our heart, all our mind, and all our soul! I want to share this message with you in greater detail so please feel free to click either of links below to view or listen to the message.

"The Promise: Him!" (audio)
"The Promise: Him!" (video)

I pray this word will speak to your heart!

Blessings.

On Vacation...No Blog for the Next Two Weeks

2010-03-21T15:02:00.002-05:00

Franklin Tabernacle friends and family, for the next few weeks I will be on vacation. Please be sure to check back in two weeks!

Blessings!!!!

Pastor JOSHUA

Suffering? Is that Godly?

2010-03-15T15:47:00.003-05:00

Franklin Tabernacle Friends and Family:

How often have you heard this statement: "If there is such a good God then why is there so much suffering?" This question, or some something similar, is often the first line of assault against the Christian. What perhaps is most shocking is not the infant logic that makes room for such a question to asked but rather the infant response from some Christians who are unable to answer the question due to the fact they too don't believe in suffering.

First off, nobody likes to suffer! Suffering, at its least is annoying and at its worst is life-robbing. But suffering is apart of this world and it is essential the disciple offers a sound and Scriptural apologetic to the questions of suffering.

Secondly, I would like to point you to the writings of C.S. Lewis on this question. In his work, "The Problem of Pain" Lewis not only addresses suffering but the various pains we all endure through this life. I would encourage any reader to pick up a copy and make it part of your library.

Finally, in last Sunday's message I sought to address a portion of this topic through the Biblical understanding of endurance and suffering. I would like to share this message with you as part of a larger series of messages available on-line.
"Endurance to Receive the Promise."

It is my continued hope and prayer these messages encourage you to help build your faith as you serve Him!

P.S. As a side-note I will not be posting a blog message for the next two weeks. So please be sure to check back in a few weeks when I share the Good News about "The Promise."

Blessings in Christ!

Patience, Endurance to Receive the Promise Pt.1

2010-03-09T16:05:00.006-06:00

Greetings Franklin Tabernacle friends and family.

Last week I shared with you some personal reflections on patience, endurance and the promise of God. For the past three weeks I have traveled through a dark and times very lonely road. Mind you, this brief passage through life was not encouraged through family issues or financial burdens. Rather this sojourn began at the crossroads of patience and endurance with the final destination pointing towards His promise.

Last week I shared with my Franklin Tabernacle family the difference between patience for a fine meal when hungry and patience when it comes to the all too important "things of God." In fact, earlier this morning I received a phone call from a friend who was sharing some personal thoughts on this very same subject matter.

Two years ago, this friend and his family relocated from the Nashville area to the Midwest in what, they believed at the time, was a God appointed move. After a few months of struggling with the transitions they soon found themselves working with a pastor in the local community and giving their talents to building the house of God. As time progressed they soon came to the, all too familiar for most of us, conclusion they had missed God and made a move that was now straining every area of their lives (Keep in mind, these are Godly people who feel the calling of God on their lives. After a wonderful conversation, some words of encouragement and prayer my friend made this statement: "Sometimes we go through a door that God opened thinking we are going into another room. What if God is opening a door to a hallway that we need to travel until we reach the intended room he has set for us?"

I found this thought very insightful. Not only have I felt my life has gone through a series of hallways but even Franklin Tabernacle has traveled through a series of hallways in a few short years (I will explain this later). My friend I would like to share with you this past Sunday's message on "Patience, Endurance to Receive the Promise." I trust this message will speak to you in the area of life you are in. Next week I will further share on endurance and then finally the promise. For now, I will close this week's blog with this: Stay patient! Endure! The promise is well worth it!

For His Glory!

Sunday's Message: "Patience, Endurance to Receive the Promise Pt.2"

Love What God Loves...Hate what God Hates

2010-03-02T09:27:00.005-06:00

Greetings in the Name of the Lord Franklin Tabernacle friends and family.

The above title of this week's blog has echoed within my spirit since I heard Pastor David Decker share the Word with Franklin Tabernacle. Of course, we have read this phrase before in Scripture but, like most of God's Word, it effects us differently according to the stage of life we are in. To be open and transparent the past two weeks were personally very challenging. In the natural, life could not be better. But spiritually I found myself in a battle, over a two week span, that swung my emotions and up and down as if I was riding a roller coaster.

Looking further back before the two weeks I now see the Lord was beginning to deal with me, like pealing a thin layer off an onion, and what I found was the next layer was something I was not wanting to face. It was also during this time I was studying for an upcoming Sunday message on being "Born-Again" that I started to hear, "Love what God loves...Hate what God hates."

Friends, even now I find myself still emerging from the laborious emotional and spiritual battle that dominated the better part of the past two weeks but the conclusion I have come to is this week's blog title. Over the next few weeks I will begin to share with you further insight on this title and how it is applicable to the life of the disciple. If you find yourself in your "dark night of the soul" rest assured that God is teaching you a lesson about Him that he wants you to adopt. The best relationships are those that are most intimate. The intimate walk with Him is the most rewarding if, even at times, the most painful.

Teen Challenge...Our Challenge

2010-02-22T15:44:00.003-06:00

Greetings Friends and Family of Franklin Tabernacle,

I would like to take this moment to share with you the wonderful message of hope we received at Franklin Tabernacle this past Sunday. Teen Challenge Nashville has been one of our our local mission partners since we started this work two years ago. Since then we have witnessed men and women share their testimonies of hope and lives changed by the power of the Holy Spirit. Lives ripped from the grasp of death and Hell and set on a course to fulfill the plans and purposes of Christ Jesus!

Throughout the morning and with each testimony I was struck with the awesome truth that no matter how desperate or lost the condition of the human soul can sink, it can never sink out of sight from the great I AM. Later that same Sunday I shared with the congregation a message of endurance to receive the God's reward.

Take the time to read from the Book of Hebrews Ch.10 versus 30-39. Through the next few weeks I will elaborate on this passage and what it means for the life of the disciple. For a link to this Sunday's message please click here.

Blessings

Building the House of God Pt.5 "A Signet Ring"

2010-02-16T06:55:00.002-06:00

Friends and Family of Franklin Tabernacle,
Do you have a favorite ring? Does it have a special meaning? When I was serving as a youth pastor I wore nine rings; yes, nine rings. Each ring had a unique meaning and story behind it that allowed me to connect with my youth. In the concluding verses of Haggai 2 the prophet spoke into Zerubbabel’s life a prophetic word that was relevant to his present situation and would also be relevant to his future situation. In the giving of this prophecy Haggai mentioned that Zerubbabel would be worn as a signet ring on the hand of God.

Throughout ancient and medieval history, kings and rulers would often send decrees and edicts across vast stretches of their empire to ensure the proper rule of law was followed. To further ensure such orders were followed, the decrees would bear the mark of the king. Oftentimes, these marks served as a seal that rested on the ring of the king. Imagine how Zerubbabel must have felt to hear such a prophetic promise spoken to him. Despite his unfaithfulness, lack of focus, and regular dealing with an unsanctified people, he heard from Haggai that God would wear him as a signet ring! In the text of Haggai 2 an interesting word is used that refers to Zerubbabel being chosen by God. Barchur refers to a choosing by divine appointment. This same word is also found in the choosing of David, Abraham, and Moses, which begs the reader to ponder the question, “Have I been chosen to be a signet ring for God?” (The Apostle Paul answers this question in Ephesians 1:4).

Allow me to connect a vital “dot” in this Biblical picture for you. Prophetically Haggai was speaking to Zerubbabel’s position within the lineage of Christ Jesus (see Matthew 1). Furthermore, Haggai’s reference to the signet ring worn on the hand of God (or the authority of God on earth) is Christ Jesus, whose ministry is identified by preaching repentance and building the kingdom of heaven (or building the House of God). Paul’s understanding of the Gentile plan in the larger scheme of building the House of God also speaks to you and I having the opportunity, if we have been barchur, to be worn as a signet ring by God.

Like the kings of old who sent out decrees and edicts, we too can be sent out as bearers of truth and hope for the King of kings! Is this not the great commission? You see, the great commission is not just evangelism or missions, but in the larger and more involved sense the great commission is the building of the House of God! For us, the blueprint has already been laid—all we need to do is commit and obey in our combined resolution to pursue God in His holiness and build His kingdom!

Blessings.

Building the House of God Pt.4: Clean or Dirty Hands?

2010-02-09T08:42:00.004-06:00

Friends and Family of Franklin Tabernacle,

How have you faired this week in your pursuit of building the House of God? Did you find yourself challenged or did you forget about the task altogether? This past Sunday I asked the Franklin Tabernacle family an important question which I would like to pose to you: What is easier to learn—holiness or sin? For many of us we may answer the question with little thought and with an automatic reply. But a second part of my question is this: Is building the House of God enough?

This second question places holiness, sin, and building the House of God in a different context. Thomas Moore is quoted as saying, “The slightest drop of filth taints the entire vase. But many drops of pure water will never cleanse a vase of filth.” In chapter 2 of the Book of Haggai the prophet is once again led by the Spirit of the Lord to address an area of unseen sin within Israel. In fact, these were the same people who had been stirred by the spirit of Zerubbabel and re-committed themselves to seeing through what the Lord had commanded: to rebuild the House of God.

As I shared this past Sunday, one can only imagine the level of excitement that must have been in the air as the Temple was being rebuilt from its ruins. No doubt the priests were pleased that God’s house would no longer lie in ruins, and then Haggai emerged again as a perpetual thorn in their side. He asked the priest a two-fold question, which cut to the core of the hearts of the people and exposed the lack of spiritual discernment within the priests. At the root of the issue was the heart. In all the re-building, the people’s hands (physically) and hearts (inwardly) were defiled, and as such, in their building the house of God they were robbing themselves, due to sin, of any blessing. There are many lessons to be learned here; however, for this week’s blog I will focus on two:

1. God’s Kingdom will be built despite the wickedness of men. Man and/or sin will never diminish God but will only rob those whom He sought to bless because of their sinful priorities.
2. God’s pursuit of man is not in structures, memorials, or titles (though He has used all of these in the past). God’s pursuit of man, and God’s blessing of man, comes when man in pursuing His holiness.

Haggai clearly explained to the priests in chapter 2 that, due to people’s contamination before a holy God, there would be no blessing on the people, land, or nation. Of course, the Temple was an important structure and was essential to daily life amongst the Israelites. But the Temple was also “just a structure” when God was calling all of His people to be a holy nation. Later in chapter 2 we see Haggai instruct the priests and address what they missed—the heart of Israel. By using a two-part example of sacrifice and worship he helped the priests set right what they were missing.

Of course, in the context of the Law of Moses many Israelites were still blind to what the prophets were even speaking of. To be fair, the Holy Spirit had revealed to them a portion of the larger picture, but even their “picture” gave all of Israel a greater hope outside of the Law. The greater hope to come would be in Christ Jesus. Next week we will delve further into this and speak to the blessings God has for those who pursue His holiness.

Blessings.

Building the House of God Pt. 3: A Time of Thawing

2010-02-01T19:49:00.003-06:00

Friends and Family of Franklin Tabernacle,
What a busy weekend we have experienced in Middle Tennessee! Many of you have probably read about or witnessed the winter storm that passed through and deposited about six inches of snow and a fine layer of ice to seal it off. Being from Boston winter weather is nothing new, but unlike Boston the lack of preparation and equipment here in Tennessee made a small winter storm a life-changing event for the residents of Middle Tennessee.

Most Tennessee residents decided to stay inside and wait out the storm while others sledded on the freshly fallen snow and ice. In my case, I stayed inside most of the storm, occasionally venturing out to the grocery store or somewhere else to run a small errand. While in the midst of my travels I took notice of how a normally vibrant town was virtually shut down. The past few weeks I have been sharing several messages on “Building the House of God,” and the level of commitment and obedience that stands before the disciple seeking to follow Him.

Make no mistake about it: the life of the vibrant disciple can be shut down in one fell swoop of a spiritual “ice-storm” that blankets the disciple and seals him or her under a sheet of ice. What am I talking about? I am talking about the man or woman who, when initially saved by Christ Jesus, has built the House of God with gladness multiple times over. But a few storms, a little ice, and some well-planned series of distractions of the world will shut the disciple down and turn him or her into an ineffectual believer often defeated with little spiritual effort put forth.
The sad truth is if you ask your fellow brother or sister in Christ why they have grown cold or indifferent most of them will be able to tell you. The truth about sin is this: we know what has separated us from Christ and we know when it started. We also know we are still not willing to bow are knee to the One who can lift the heavy burden of sin and help put a tool in our hand telling us, “Go about building My House.”

I want to encourage you that no matter what you have done or what season of winter you feel yourself buried in, none of this heaviness is greater than the healing and forgiving power of Jesus. The great thing about Jesus is, like the sun in today’s forecast was able to melt away the ice and snow, He able to melt away the ice and snow of sin. But after the thaw be prepared to grab a set of tools and to start building the Kingdom of God!

Blessings.

Building the House of God Pt.2

2010-01-26T10:25:00.001-06:00

Friends and Family of Franklin Tabernacle,
Last week I continued to share with you several thoughts and scriptural insights on commitment and obedience within our lives and the Body of Christ. Every person I have met, at some time or another, has asked me this question: “What is my purpose in life?” Truth be told, I too struggled with this same question for many years as I moved from different professions and even various positions within ministry. For certain the question seems “loaded.” As is commonplace with humanity we have a tendency to compartmentalize our lives into areas of work, family, passions, wants, desires, goals, etc. But such an analytical pursuit of ones life often creates more questions even after some answers have been determined.

This Sunday I continued to share with Franklin Tabernacle from the Book of Haggai the stern prophetic message Haggai spoke to the leadership and children of Israel about building the house of God. Continuing our study in Haggai and our new commitment to build the House of God we shared in the simplest of answers to a looming question in all our lives (Read Haggai 2). What is your purpose? What are you designed for? I would like to share with you this past Sunday’s message, and please be sure to visit next week as I share my thoughts on: A Life: from Defilement to Blessing.
Blessings.

Building the House of God. Pt.1

2010-01-19T19:02:00.002-06:00

Friends and Family of Franklin Tabernacle,
Last week I shared with you several thoughts about commitment and obedience within our personal lives and the Body of Christ. Commitment is something that most people struggle with. The reason a diet or a gym membership fails is not because of the method or rationale of attempting to make necessary life changes, but because we lose focus on the goal we sought to achieve. After we exhaust all of the excuses and reasons for failure it comes down to commitment.

This past Sunday I shared with Franklin Tabernacle from the Book of Haggai the stern prophetic message that Haggai spoke to the leadership and children of Israel. In short, “Build the House of God!” (Read Haggai 1:1-15). Setting aside the stern warning the Lord gave His children, the additional truth of re-focusing on building the House of God should not be ignored. I would like to share with you this past Sunday’s message, and please be sure to visit next week as I share my thoughts on why we were created to build the House of God.

Blessings

The Disciple's New Year Commitment

2010-01-12T12:03:00.000-06:00

Friends and Family of Franklin Tabernacle, the New Year has begun! It seems with every passing year as the calendar soon approaches November time escapes us like sand running through our fingers. Hopefully time does not pass us by so quickly that we forget to spend time with friends and loved ones.

With the holidays now past the new thought on every person’s mind is the ill fated “New Year’s Resolution.” For most, a New Year’s resolution may include ideas about weight loss, better eating habits, taking a vacation, reading a book, etc. However, for the Christian I have a different kind of resolution; I want to challenge all of us to strive for a quality that, when deficient, is what dooms New Year’s resolutions: Commitment.

Commitment is something that most people struggle with. The reason a diet or a gym membership fails is not because of the method or rationale of attempting to make necessary life changes, but because we lose focus on the goal we sought to achieve. After we exhaust all of the excuses and reasons for failure it comes down to commitment. If I told you I had a several step method to success, and further stated it would require you to stay the course and not alter the “winning formula” one iota, how committed would you be? Of course, there are flaws in my example: I am not a millionaire, nor do I own a chain of successful businesses. I have not achieved any major success (by the worlds standards). However my example fits this week’s blog topic perfectly because the several step method I am speaking of is a guaranteed “winning formula” found only in the Bible.

Before you begin to worry about some hidden secret I have uncovered by manipulating Scripture, don’t fear. What I am challenging all of us to is a commitment to Christ and His Word like never before. This past year we were all shaken by the economic and moral slide of this nation. As 2010 has now entered our lives we see much of the same trends still ravaging our country and, by default, affecting our lives. Over the next several weeks I will begin to share with Franklin Tabernacle and you, the reader, the steps of commitment necessary for the disciple to take so as to stay on the course of reaching the God goal in our life. It is my prayer that the year 2010 brings in a group of committed disciples who are affecting the membership of Hell by preaching Christ crucified, Christ risen, and Christ coming again! Stay tuned…

New Year, New Expectations, Last Year's Amazing Report!

2010-01-04T17:07:00.002-06:00

Franklin Tabernacle Family and Friends:

Greetings in the Name of the Lord and Happy New Year!

I would like to take this opportunity to share with you a few thoughts on the role of Christianity in today’s ever changing society. From the well informed to the casual follower we are seeing life change dramatically daily. The social, moral, economic, and political landscape of our great nation is ever shifting and the Church, for the most part, seems to be unable to meet the growing demand of people in search of truth.

In the fall of 2007 the Lord clearly spoke to me saying, “Build a dwelling place for My name.” His mandate was clear and there is much He is revealing to us at Franklin Tabernacle. This journey has been nothing short of spectacular! I consider it a profound blessing and honor that the Lord has chosen to deliver His Word to us at Franklin Tabernacle, and it is the sharing of His Truth that we hope with great expectancy those who are seeking will find Him. Since February 2008 Franklin Tabernacle has given:

• Over $3,000.00 to Mercy Homes (Orphanages) in India and Voice of the Gospel Ministries which were the target of Hindu persecution.
• Over $3,000.00 in benevolance to Graceworks Ministries (Williamson County) in assistance to the growing need of families most affected by the current economic downturn.
• Over $2,000.00 in local missions to Teen Challenge (Nashville) which aides men and women defeat the addiction to sin through the life changing message of Jesus Christ.
• $3,500.00 in financial and personal enrichment ministry to people within our local church body.

Most important are the lives I encounter daily who are living in the “new humanity” of the transformed. Only Jesus can do this! I consider it a profound blessing that Franklin Tabernacle has been able to build such relationships with people to serve the message of Jesus: train, equip, and establish many unto discipleship in Christ Jesus. N.T. Wright asks the question, “…is our church, in the sort of life it leads, posing a challenge to the powers of evil which provokes a reaction?” I can say we at Franklin Tabernacle are provoking such a reaction!

I look forward to sharing Christ with you throughout 2010 and the mighty works He is doing in and through Franklin Tabernacle. May the Lord richly bless you as you serve His plans and purposes.

New Year's Greeting

2009-12-29T20:03:00.002-06:00

Franklin Tabernacle friends and family next week I will share several thoughts about the new year as well as the exciting vision the Lord is showing us at Franklin Tabernacle. For now, Happy New Year and see you next year!

Pastor Joshua and Jeannette

Pastor Joshua Sunday Sermon: "Milk and Honey"

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2009-12-22T11:21:00.003-06:00

From everybody at Franklin Tabernacle, Jeannette, Joshi, and Zoe we want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a wonderful holiday season spent with family, friends and loved ones.

Pastor JOSHUA

A SEASON OF GREATNESS

2009-12-15T11:56:00.005-06:00

This season, and for that matter this past year, may be remembered as far from great; however, despite the political and economic forecast, disciples of Christ need to focus on something far greater than worldly standards can convey. This past weekend I asked myself the following question: “How many Christians spent a Christmas huddled in fear of persecution and, though there seemed to be doom waiting for them, were still able to find solace in the greatness of the God they served?”
This question is not just a question for believers of times past, but is also a question for believers today. I want to share with you a sentiment C.S. Lewis observed in Letters to an American Lady:

“Just a hurried line...to tell a story which puts the contrast between our feast of the Nativity and all this ghastly ‘Xmas’ racket at its lowest. My brother heard a woman on a bus say, ‘Oh Lord! They are bringing religion into everything. Look they're dragging it even into Christmas now!’”

It’s a shame we should so denigrate this season, or any time of life, to a sarcastic passing of ‘religion’ being part of our everyday life. Of course, religion as an institution is lifeless without the power of God's Holy Spirit, and then once His Spirit is present we are no longer practicing religion but relationship with Him. This aside, for the purposes of this blog, we are a Western society that has even commercialized the Nativity into a sales pitch. This week the government, the very same government that picks and chooses the ‘separation of Church and State’ at its convenience, now has made the greatest of all births just a slogan and a poster:

Nativity Story

Our nation sits in the shadow of a former glory in which the favor of God was with our land and people. Now as the glory has departed, we cannot even muster a sincere nod to the event that created the season. Where is the Church? It is sadly distracted and self-consumed. Where are the pastors? They have been sadly absent from the debate for the past twenty years or more. Of course, not all pastors and churches have been silent, but please take the opportunity to let people know there are those who still declare the greatness of God and invite Him to dwell in our land again, not just on Christmas day, but every day.

The Fame of Our God! Thanks Unto Him

2009-12-08T19:15:00.002-06:00

Franklin Tabernacle friends and family last week I shared a message entitled, "The Fame of Our God." The message the Lord imparted to me opened my eyes to the extent I was taking His greatness for granted. In this special season of thanks and praise to this great God I wanted to share with you an encouraging selection from this nations leaders. The following is the text of the Continental Congress national Thanksgiving Day Proclamation on Nov. 1, 1777, as printed in the Journals of Congress:

The committee appointed to prepare a recommendation to the several states, to set apart a day of public thanksgiving, brought in a report, which was taken into consideration, and agreed to as follows:

Forasmuch as it is the indispensable duty of all men to adore the superintending providence of Almighty God; to acknowledge with gratitude their obligation to him for benefits received, and to implore such farther blessings as they stand in need of; and it having pleased him in his abundant mercy not only to continue to us the innumerable bounties of his common providence, but also smile upon us in the prosecution of a just and necessary war, for the defense and establishment of our unalienable rights and liberties; particularly in that he hath been pleased in so great a measure to prosper the means used for the support of our troops and to crown our arms with most signal success:

It is therefore recommended to the legislative or executive powers of these United States, to set apart Thursday, the 18th day of December next, for solemn thanksgiving and praise; that with one heart and one voice the good people may express the grateful feelings of their hearts, and consecrate themselves to the service of their divine benefactor; and that together with their sincere acknowledgments and offerings, they may join the penitent confession of their manifold sins, whereby they had forfeited every favor, and their humble and earnest supplication that it may please God, through the merits of Jesus Christ, mercifully to forgive and blot them out of remembrance; that it may please him graciously to afford his blessings on the governments of these states respectively, and prosper the public council of the whole; to inspire our commanders both by land and sea, and all under them, with that wisdom and fortitude which may render them fit instruments, under the providence of Almighty God, to secure for these United States the greatest of all blessings, independence and peace; that it may please him to prosper the trade and manufactures of the people and the labor of the husbandman, that our land may yield its increase; to take schools and seminaries of education, so necessary for cultivating the principles of true liberty, virtue and piety, under his nurturing hand, and to prosper the means of religion for the promotion and enlargement of that kingdom which consisteth in righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.

And it is further recommended, that servile labor, and such recreation as, though at other times innocent, may be unbecoming the purpose of this appointment, be omitted on so solemn an occasion.

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BUT GOD! THERE IS STILL HOPE!

2009-11-30T16:57:00.002-06:00

Franklin Tabernacle friends and family I wanted to share with you a wonderful selection from "Days on Heaven on Earth" by A.B. Simpson. As I was sharing with Franklin Tabernacle this past Sunday in a message entitled, "A Faith Bewitched" despite the darkness of the hour there is still yet hope! The Book of Ezra 10:2 gives the account of an unknown man, to us, but his words echo loudly to our generation. Shechaniah the son of Jehiel replied to his own sin, the sin of his generation and found hope in the promise of the Lord as spoken by Ezra. Please be encouraged by the below selection believe their is still hope!

"What else do we really need? What else is He trying to make us understand? The religion of the Bible is wholly supernatural. The one resource of faith has always been the living God, and Him alone. The children of Israel were utterly dependent upon Jehovah as they marched through the wilderness. The one reason their foes feared them and hastened to submit themselves was that they recognized among them the shout of a King and the presence of One compared with whom all their strength was vain. Wherein, asked Moses, shall it be known here that Iand thy people have found grace in thy sight? Is it not in that thou goest with us? (Exodus 33:16). A church relying on human wisdom, wealth or resources ceases to be the body of Christ and becomes an earthly society. When we dare to depend entirely upon God and do not doubt, the humblest and feeblest agencies will become mighty through God, to the pulling down of strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4). May the Holy Spirit give to us at all times His own conception of these two great words, But God!"

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2009-11-23T14:48:00.002-06:00

Franklin Tabernacle friends and family:

Jeannette and I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a blessed and wonderful Thanksgiving with friends and family. As we prepare to enter into one of the most exciting times of the year I pray the Lord will bless your homes with His grace and provision. It has been a sincere joy to serve and co-labor with you throughout this year and I pray the Lord will continue to join us together for His plans and purposes!

In Christ

Pastor Joshua

A SOBERING REMINDER BUT WE ARE ON THE CUSP OF REVIVAL

2009-11-16T18:29:00.007-06:00

Franklin Tabernacle friends and family I want to share with you a sobering yet inspiring message from the Dutch Parlimentarian, Geert Wilders.

Dear Friends,

Thank you very much for inviting me.

I come to America with a mission. All is not well in the old world. There is a tremendous danger looming, and it is very difficult to be optimistic. We might be in the final stages of the Islamization of Europe . This not only is a clear and present danger to the future of Europe itself, it is a threat to America and the sheer survival of the West. The United States as the last bastion of Western civilization, facing an Islamic Europe .

First I will describe the situation on the ground in Europe . Then, I will say a few things about Islam. To close I will tell you about a meeting in Jerusalem .

The Europe you know is changing.

You have probably seen the landmarks. But in all of these cities, sometimes a few blocks away from your tourist destination, there is another world. It is the world of the parallel society created by? Muslim mass-migration.

All throughout Europe a new reality is rising: entire Muslim neighborhoods where very few indigenous people reside or are even seen. And if they are, they might regret it. This goes for the police as well. It's the world of head scarves, where women walk around in figureless tents, with baby strollers and a group of children. Their husbands, or slaveholders if you prefer, walk three steps ahead. With mosques on many street corners. The shops have signs you and I cannot read. You will be hard-pressed to find any economic activity.. These are Muslim ghettos controlled by religious fanatics. These are Muslim neighborhoods, and they are mushrooming in every city across Europe . These are the building-blocks for territorial control of increasingly larger portions of Europe , street by street, neighborhood by neighborhood, city by city.

There are now thousands of mosques throughout Europe . With larger congregations than there are in churches. And in every European city there are plans to build super-mosques that will dwarf every church in the region. Clearly, the signal is: we rule.

Many European cities are already one-quarter Muslim: just take Amsterdam , Marseille and Malmo in Sweden. In many cities the majority of the under-18 population is Muslim. Paris is now surrounded by a ring of Muslim neighborhoods. Mohammed is the most popular name among boys in many cities.

In some elementary schools in Amsterdam the farm can no longer be mentioned, because that would also mean mentioning the pig, and that would be an insult to Muslims.

Many state schools in Belgium and Denmark only serve halal food to all pupils. In once-tolerant Amsterdam gays are beaten up almost exclusively by Muslims. Non-Muslim women routinely hear 'whore, whore'. Satellite dishes are not pointed to local TV stations, but to stations in the country of origin.

In France school teachers are advised to avoid authors deemed offensive to Muslims, including Voltaire and Diderot; the same is increasingly true of Darwin . The history of the Holocaust can no longer be taught because of Muslim sensitivity.

In England Sharia courts are now officially part of the British legal system Many neighborhoods in France are no-go areas for women without head scarves. Last week a man almost died after being beaten up by Muslims in Brussels , because he was drinking during the Ramadan.

Jews are fleeing France in record numbers, on the run for the worst wave of anti-Semitism since World War II. French is now commonly spoken on the streets of Tel Aviv and Netanya, Israel . I could go on forever with stories like this. Stories about Islamization.

A total of fifty-four million Muslims now live in Europe . San Diego University recently calculated that a staggering 25 percent of the population in Europe will be Muslim just 12 years from now. Bernhard Lewis has predicted a Muslim majority by the end of this century.

Now these are just numbers. And the numbers would not be threatening if the Muslim-immigrants had a strong desire to assimilate. But there are few signs of that. The Pew Research Center reported that half of French Muslims see their loyalty to Islam as greater than their loyalty to France . One-third of French Muslims do not object to suicide attacks. The British Centre for Social Cohesion reported that one-third of British Muslim students are in favor of a worldwide caliphate. Muslims demand what they call 'respect'. And this is how we give them respect. We have Muslim official state holidays.

The Christian-Democratic attorney general is willing to accept Sharia in the Netherlands if there is a Muslim majority. We have cabinet members with passports from Morocco and Turkey .

Muslim demands are supported by unlawful behavior, ranging from petty crimes and random violence, for example against ambulance workers and bus drivers, to small-scale riots. Paris has seen its uprising in the low-income suburbs, the banlieus. I call the perpetrators 'settlers'. Because that is what they are. They do not come to integrate into our societies, they come to integrate our society into their Dar-al-Islam. Therefore, they are settlers.

Much of this street violence I mentioned is directed exclusively against non-Muslims, forcing many native people to leave their neighborhoods, their cities, their countries. Moreover, Muslims are now a swing vote not to be ignored. I

The second thing you need to know is the importance of Mohammed the prophet. His behavior is an example to all Muslims and cannot be criticized. Now, if Mohammed had been a man of peace, let us say like Ghandi and Mother Theresa wrapped in one, there would be no problem. But Mohammed was a warlord, a mass murderer, a pedophile, and had several marriages - at the same time. Islamic tradition tells us how he fought in battles, how he had his enemies murdered and even had prisoners of war executed. Mohammed himself slaughtered the Jewish tribe of Banu Qurayza. If it is good for Islam, it is good. If it is bad for Islam, it is bad.

Let no one fool you about Islam being a religion. Sure, it has a god, and a here-after, and 72 virgins. But in its essence Islam is a political ideology. It is a system that lays down detailed rules for society and the life of every person. Islam wants to dictate every aspect of life. Islam means 'submission'. Islam is not compatible with freedom and democracy, because what it strives for is Sharia. If you want to compare Islam to anything, compare it to communism or national-socialism, these are all totalitarian ideologies.

Now you know why Winston Churchill called Islam 'the most retrograde force in the world', and why he compared Mein Kampf to the Quran. The public has wholeheartedly accepted the Palestinian narrative, and sees Israel as the aggressor. I have lived in this country and visited it dozens of times. I support Israel . First, because it is the Jewish homeland after two thousand years of exile up to and including Auschwitz, second because it is a democracy, and third because Israel is our first line of defense.

This tiny country is situated on the fault line of jihad, frustrating Islam's territorial advance. Israel is facing the front lines of jihad, like Kashmir, Kosovo, the Philippines, Southern Thailand, Darfur in Sudan, Lebanon, and Aceh in Indonesia . Israel is simply in the way. The same way West-Berlin was during the Cold War.

The war against Israel is not a war against Israel . It is a war against the West. It is jihad. Israel is simply receiving the blows that are meant for all of us. If there would have been no Israel , Islamic imperialism would have found other venues to release its energy and its desire for conquest. Thanks to Israeli parents who send their children to the army and lay awake at night, parents in Europe and America can sleep well and dream, unaware of the dangers looming.

Many in Europe argue in favor of abandoning Israel in order to address the grievances of our Muslim minorities. But if Israel were, God forbid, to go down, it would not bring any solace to the West It would not mean our Muslim minorities would all of a sudden change their behavior, and accept our values. On the contrary, the end of Israel would give enormous encouragement to the forces of Islam. They would, and rightly so, see the demise of Israel as proof that the West is weak, and doomed. The end of Israel would not mean the end of our problems with Islam, but only the beginning. It would mean the start of the final battle for world domination. If they can get Israel , they can get everything. So-called journalists volunteer to label any and all critics of Islamization as a 'right-wing extremists' or 'racists'. In my country, the Netherlands , 60 percent of the population now sees the mass immigration of Muslims as the number one policy mistake since World War II. And another 60 percent sees Islam as the biggest threat. Yet there is a danger greater danger than terrorist attacks, the scenario of America as the last man standing. The lights may go out in Europe faster than you can imagine. An Islamic Europe means a Europe without freedom and democracy, an economic wasteland, an intellectual nightmare, and a loss of military might for America - as its a llies will turn into enemies, enemies with atomic bombs. With an Islamic Europe, it would be up to America alone to preserve the heritage of Rome , Athens and Jerusalem .

Dear friends, liberty is the most precious of gifts. My generation never had to fight for this freedom, it was offered to us on a silver platter, by people who fought for it with their lives. All throughout Europe American cemeteries remind us of the young boys who never made it home, and whose memory we cherish. My generation does not own this freedom; we are merely its custodians.. We can only hand over this hard won liberty to Europe 's children in the same state in which it was offered to us. We cannot strike a deal with mullahs and imams. Future generations would never forgive us. We cannot squander our liberties. We simply do not have the right to do so.

This past Sunday I shared with Franklin Tabernacle a message titled: A People Bewitched. Though the heart of this message serves as a sobering reminder of the state of our country I reminded them as well as you, the reader, we are on the cusp of the greatest revival this generation has ever seen "IF." If we do as King David instructed his son Solomon: "If you keep the commandments of our Lord, If you walk in His ways, if you keep the law, then He will endure with your seed forever.

Friends it is time we "IF" and move from complacency to action. The Lord has already promised His Name and His strength behind our cause..."IF" we walk in His ways. I agree, this is a large "If" but one within reach because I can look to Scriptures and see God raised up men such as Ezra and Nehemiah to restore a nation, people and faith back to God.......and HE blessed it!

WHY WE ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE PT.2

2009-11-10T19:04:00.002-06:00

Franklin Tabernacle friends and family I wanted to take this moment to share a few thoughts on "Why we are winning." Of course, the events at Ft. Hood have shaken some of America but not everyone. Today the president of the United States shared words of condolence with America as we tried to answer the questions of: Why, and who was to blame?

The purpose of this weeks blog is not to evaluate the president or our nations policy toward terror. Rather I want to encourage us: Despite what we are reading and seeing, we are winning! The disciple of Jesus Christ must understand we are engaged in an ideological, religious, and at times, physical war against an Anti-Christ agenda. This Anti-Christ agenda has taken many forms over centuries with one common goal: Silence Jesus, Silence Christian Principles, and submit Christianity to the Anti-Christ agenda of the age.

This past Sunday I shared a message with our Franklin Tabernacle congregation entitled, "A Nation Be-witched." I want to share this message with you to stream or download and please share this important message addressing the leadership we need in our nation. Below, I have provided you with an encouraging message from the Prime Minister of Australia as well as the former Prime Minister of Australia, PM Howard.

Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told on Wednesday to get out of Australia , as the government targeted radicals in a bid to head off potential terror attacks.

Separately, Howard angered some Australian Muslims on Wednesday by saying he supported spy agencies monitoring the nation's mosques.
Quote: 'IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT. Take It Or Leave It. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali , we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians'.

'This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom'.. 'We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society . Learn the language!'

'Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push, but a fact, because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture.'

'We will accept your beliefs, and will not question why. All we ask is that you accept ours, and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us.'

'This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great Australian freedom,

'THE RIGHT TO LEAVE'.'

If we can muster this type of leadership in America then we can make such bold declarations. My friends this is why we are winning!!!

Source Article

WHY WE ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE

2009-11-03T17:31:00.002-06:00

Franklin Tabernacle friends and family:

I wanted to pass this brief email I received from our local West End / Franklin ACT for America chapter leader. I was in attendance for this lecture, which was very informative and eye opening for the "less informed."

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WHY ACT FOR AMERICA IS IMPORTANT
WHY BEING PART OF THE CHAPTER IS IMPERATIVE
WHY PARTICIPATION MAKES A DIFFERENCE

IN CASE YOU MISSED WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT VANDERBILT..........

Wednesday night, ACT! Chapter member, Dr. Bill Warner lectured at an event sponsored by The Vanderbilt Youth for Western Civilization. Our ACT! chapter supported this event in several ways, including (and most importantly), showing up in force! Imagine what would have happened if we had not been there....imagine a room with 15 Muslim students, a professor of Islamic studies, and 8 non-Muslim students.

Despite having almost 100 event posters ripped down around campus, this event was a success. Instead, over 30 ACT! chapter members attended. We were the very kafirs that Dr. Warner spoke about, forcing the Muslim attendees to confront the kafir-centric perspective of which Dr. Warner spoke. Of particular interest, was Dr. Warner's assertion that the study of political Islam is highly relevant, yet glaringly absent, across the course catalogue within the many academic departments such as African Studies, Women's Studies, Political Science, Sociology, etc. One of the highlights during the q&a was commentary posed by Professor Richard McGregor, a Vanderbilt professor of Islamic studies. Whether he realized it or not, his comments proved the very thesis offered by Dr. Warner and forcefully communicated a complete rejection of scholarly debate or alternative commentary offered about the Koran and Islam based solely on primary source texts such as the Koran itself, the Hadith and the Sura (the very texts used by Dr. Warner). No substantive questions were asked by any of the Muslim participants in attendance, but more would have been asked by ACT! chapter members if we had not run out of time.

As Devin Saucier, the student chair of the Vanderbilt Youth for Western Civilization, aptly noted in his opening remarks, the opposition to western civilization is being waged through written and spoke words and the push-back must respond in kind. College campuses are one of the key places where we must help undo the indoctrination of America's students and the institutionalized mindset to squelch free speech, open debate and independent critical thinking.
We MUST continue to "suit up and show up". Let's continue to support student efforts. Thank you to Dr. Warner and Devin Saucier. Thank you to our chapter members that took the time to come and support ACT! and Youth for Western Culture.

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Friends this is a long protracted fight that will require all of us to fight this issue from the classrooms of America to the pulpits of this great nation. If you feel compelled to learn more about ACT for America or more information on this ongoing struggle please click the links below.

ACT for America
Political Islam
Jihad Watch

VOICE OF THE MARTYRS: A FRANKLIN TABERNACLE MISSIONS OUTREACH

2009-10-29T11:26:00.002-05:00

Friends and family of Franklin Tabernacle this week I wanted to share with you a special link to Voice of the Martyrs. Several weeks ago Franklin Tabernacle committed to adding our voice to the voiceless and persecuted. The below link is an excellent way for you to also add your voice.

Please take the time to read through their site and join the ranks of many Christians who dare speak while a voice is still allowed to echo in this age.

Voice of the Martyrs

God Dependency, He was in our Midst!

2009-10-19T17:29:00.002-05:00

Franklin Tabernacle friends and family, I wanted to share some exciting news with you from yesterday’s worship service: “God was in our midst!” For the cynic I know you are already dismissing what I have just stated, but hear me out and be encouraged. This past week, in many respects, was not any different from weeks past. There were challenges, setbacks, emotional swings, and even victories. Yes, in a sea of tumult and fury there was victory. Do you know why? God was in our midst. I am reminded of the account of Jesus resting in boat while a great storm encompassed His disciples and, naturally speaking, threatened everybody’s life. Though it did not appear as if a solution from the raging storm was immanent, the solution, Jesus Christ, was there resting through it all with no concern, doubt, or fear. The natural storm did not wake Jesus or cause him to panic and ask His disciples, “How did this happen?” His resounding words that instantly calmed storms, fear, and even doubt were: “Peace! Be still!” And it was. This past week I felt a small storm brewing off the bows of Franklin Tabernacle and for certain the dark clouds seemed to be gathering, but this past Sunday Jesus came to the “deck of the ship” and said “Peace! Be still!” And then His presence poured out in worship, praise, prayer, word, and testimony. That, my friend, is an amazing and all-powerful God! So, now you can see how excited I am to share that God was in our midst! Below I want to share with you some thoughts from A.W. Tozer.

Self-dependency and God-dependency

“I will wait for the LORD, who is hiding his face from the house of Jacob. I will put my trust in him.” Isaiah 8:17

Traditionally Christianity has been the religion of the common people. Whenever the upper classes have adopted it in numbers, it has died. Respectability has almost always proved fatal to it. The reasons back of this are two, one human and the other divine.

Schleiermacher has pointed out that at the bottom of all religion there lies a feeling of dependence, a sense of creature helplessness. The simple man who lives close to the earth lives also close to death and knows that he must look for help beyond himself; he knows that there is but a step between him and catastrophe. As he rises in the social and economic scale, he surrounds himself with more and more protective devices and pushes danger (so he thinks) farther and farther from him. Self-confidence displaces the feeling of dependence he once knew and God becomes less necessary to him. Should he stop to think this through he would know better than to place his confidence in things and people; but so badly are we injured by our moral fall that we are capable of deceiving ourselves completely and, if conditions favor it, to keep up the deception for a lifetime.

Along with the feeling of security that wealth and position bring comes an arrogant pride that shuts tightly the door of the heart to the waiting Savior. Our Very Important Man may indeed honor a church by joining it, but there is no life in his act. His religion is external and his faith nominal. Conscious respectability has destroyed him.

God Dependency, He was in our Midst!

2009-10-19T17:29:00.001-05:00

MELTDOWN? WORRY? HOPE!

2009-10-13T10:33:00.002-05:00

Is there a church meltdown in this current economic situation? Everywhere we turn we are inundated with meltdowns. There is a meltdown in local economics, a meltdown in world economics, a meltdown in morality, a meltdown in war efforts, and last but not least, the big meltdown of 2012 (just kidding, but not really). Today we live in a society and a world without hope. Hope is the fastest dropping value, not the United State dollar. The reason? Hope has been misplaced.

For years the country placed hope in “being American” and now that is not enough. The vast amounts of speeches, promises, and even ebbs and flows in the stock market can’t seem to convince people to have hope. Now this same sense of hopelessness has filtered into the Church. Yes, people, who in historical times of desperation, were willing to turn to the answers and truth of “the Church” are turning away. Why? The Church has lost its salt. Please take the time to read the article below:

Religious life won't be the same after downturn

Here are some thoughts from Pastor Ed Young Sr.

"We are troubled on every side" (2 Cor. 7:5).

Why should God have to lead us thus, and allow the pressure to be so hard and constant? Well, in the first place, it shows His all-sufficient strength and grace much better than if we were exempt from pressure and trial. "The treasure is in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us."

It makes us more conscious of our dependence upon Him. God is constantly trying to teach us our dependence, and to hold us absolutely in His hand and hanging upon His care. This was the place where Jesus Himself stood and where He wants us to stand, not with self-constituted strength, but with a hand ever leaning upon His, and a trust that dare not take one step alone. It teaches us trust. There is no way of learning faith except by trial. It is God's school of faith, and it is far better for us to learn to trust God than to enjoy life. The lesson of faith once learned, is an everlasting acquisition and an eternal fortune made; and without trust even riches will leave us poor. --Days of Heaven upon Earth

"Why must I weep when others sing?
'To test the deeps of suffering.'
Why must I work while others rest?
'To spend my strength at God's request.'
Why must I lose while others gain?
'To understand defeat's sharp pain.'
Why must this lot of life be mine
When that which fairer seems is thine?
'Because God knows what plans for me
Shall blossom in eternity.'"

Though trouble may be on every side there is a greater purpose the disciple of Jesus Christ has been called to. It is the purpose to suffer alongside of Christ and give a hope to the hopeless of a coming King, a coming age, and a coming restoration for those who are faithful…to the end. His own words remind us, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo I am with you always, even unto the end of the world” (Matt 28:18-20, KJV). Amen, these are words the believer in Jesus Christ can have hope in no matter what meltdown and worry may be ahead.

Anti-Semetism, Anti-American and Anti-Christ

2009-10-05T14:31:00.006-05:00

Franklin Tabernacle Family, I wanted to take this opportunity to share with you an outrageous article that's anti-Semitic bias is not only obvious but encouraged through "respectable" news.

Human nature dictates Iran wants nukes

Commentary by Saritha Prabhu • THE TENNESSEAN • October 2, 2009

At the moment, world attention is focused on Iran. Excuse me, but my perspective on this differs from that of most Western media. On issues like this, my "otherness" seems to kick in.
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Iran, these days, seems to revel in thumbing its nose at the West.

When you boil it down to its essence, it seems to be asking: Can we do what other nations have done in the past? Can we, as a sovereign nation, take care of our national interests or not?

It is evident that its nuclear program is a source of great national pride in Iran. Also, its defiance is, seemingly, due in part to its being told by mostly Western powers what it "can't" and "mustn't" do.

As Iran's ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency succinctly put it, "If you tell me "you must," I say "no." If you say "please," the answer might be "yes" or "maybe."

It is elementary psychology — and a primal instinct — that humans do what someone tells them they can't or shouldn't do.

It is one reason why my native country, India, defied world opinion and tested nukes in 1998. It is also partly why Pakistan soon followed suit.

And on a smaller, unrelated matter, it is why New York Gov. David Paterson bristled and decided to run for governor in 2010. Why? Because the White House merely suggested that he not do so.

This is not about being for or against Iran. Its president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is, at best, a buffoon and its government is authoritarian at home. But this should not cloud the issue.

How much more dangerous will the world be if Iran gets nuclear weapons? Again, it is a matter of perspective. As some respected commentators (Fareed Zakaria, Roger Cohen) have been saying, the Iranian government, though authoritarian, has actually been pragmatic and rational in many of its global actions. Its rhetorical bark has, typically, been worse than its bite. Empirically, it doesn't fit the "messianic, apocalyptic" description thrust on it by its critics.

And as some other commentators point out, a nuclear Iran vs. a nuclear Israel might actually lead to the kind of standoff that is present in South Asia — where India and Pakistan, though at loggerheads, have been forced, by their nuclear status, to tone down their rhetoric and mellow their positions.

This one-sided "ends justifies the means" rationale is to be expected from a Middle-Eastern reporter from downtown Damascus, but Clarksville, Tennessee? The surprise is not that Ms. Prabhu holds this opinion; rather, I am surprised how few people in the "Buckle of the Bible-Belt" decided NOT to confront such blatant political, social, and religious error. Perhaps there are many whose soft and silent anti-Semitism causes them to feel that Israel should have no part in nuclear deterrence or first-strike, but then again few people, with the exceptions of the Armenians and the Jews, can appreciate the real terror and extremes Islam and fascists are willing to go just to obliterate a race of people.

In the United States we are oblivious to such realities and, worse yet through the media and opinions such as Ms. Prabhu’s, we choose to live in the contentment of our subdivisions and sinking economy. As the pastor of a local congregation I will not be one of the silent church who will take part in such naiveté and isolationism. Rather, my church and I will stand with Israel because of God's promise to Abraham in Genesis, and we will stand for our nation against such dangerous writers and thinkers as Ms. Prabhu. The entire assembly of modern day thinkers, columnists, and religious leaders can attempt to re-write the facts of a modern world through polls and made up statistics. But the events of the Armenian Genocide in the 1800’s and 1900’s (though Turkey denies it) and the Jewish Holocaust of the 1940's (though Iran denies) speaks too loudly for an American church and nation, who wants to live in denial of history, to ignore it.

WHO IS NEXT? WE ARE! AND I SAY GOOD...

2009-09-29T19:59:00.002-05:00

Greetings in the Name of the Lord!

A famous German once said, “I was against Hitler. But when they came for the communists I said nothing. When they came for the democrats I said nothing. When they came for the Jews I said nothing. When they came for the gypsies and homosexuals I said nothing. When they came for me it was too late.” We live in an age that in many ways is no different than past ages for the Church. George Muller, founder of the English Orphanage System, wrote of the spiritual void within the churches of Germany and England.

This past Sunday I was sharing with my church about a camp founded by and run by atheists and agnostics who claim, in their new tolerance, to be open to all while they boast of “de-baptizing” 100 children from religious ignorance. Of course, these children were not Muslims, or children of other faiths, but Christians!
Below is a story I want to share with you.

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Maryam Rustampoor, 27, and Marzieh Amirizadeh, 30, were arrested and sent to Evin Prison in Tehran, Iran. The two women did not rob a bank, kill a man or beat up someone.
Their crime? Loving Jesus. And it is for this reason alone they are still imprisoned.
In August during a court hearing, the two were questioned repeatedly about their faith. They were told to return to Islam.
"We love Jesus," was their reply. Prosecutors asked the women, who had already spent five months in prison, if they regretted being Christians.
"We have no regrets," they said. "We will not deny our faith."
The judge sent them back to Evin Prison - notorious for its brutality - to "think about" their decision.
"We have already done our thinking," they told him.

****************************************************************

If we will not speak up for these women then who will speak for us? From the atheists to the growing tide of Islam globally and nationally, we need to be active and vocal for the truth and the way of Jesus Christ! The reality is the above article indicates that within the borders of the United States this is not the trend or the attitude within the church walls.

We must be the clarion call! When the Muslim call to prayer in Washington D.C. was announced some of the Church became zealous. From fasting and prayer, to standing in the midst of the sea of Muslims, people declared in this nation a stand for a righteous God; His name is Jesus! No matter the size of our church or the amount of resources we have, we all have the ability to stand and make ourselves known in our society and known in the sight of Jesus. Please click here to see how the church responded. Let us please make sure we do so before they come for us and it is too late because we did not know the hour of our visitation. I am encouraged and also concerned because the fight is from now until the return of the great and coming King—KING JESUS!

PRAY AND FAST: OUR NATION IS ON THE LINE

2009-09-22T11:19:00.001-05:00

Friends of Franklin Tabernacle earlier this week you received an email with several articles and a special call to prayer from Lou Engle in light of this week's Muslim call to prayer in Washington DC. This past Sunday I asked our church family to join in a time of fasting and prayer for our nation. I can not stress this enough: THESE ARE DESPERATE TIMES! We need to be a praying people who beg that God's righteousness will not be mocked in our land and in the mouths of the people. Below is a glimpse of the shroud of Islam attempting to cover this state and nation.

FAST and PRAY!!! His Word has already declared what Holy Spirit power is in the prayers of the righteous.

From the West End and Franklin Chapter of
ACT for America

As we enter the fall season, legislative session for 2010 looms large. ACT! West Nashville is beginning to mobilize to get things done in the coming session. We have just added a new project leader for our college outreach/monitoring project. The stopshariahnow! project...(CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO) also is going to be a large portion of what we will be doing. Our immigration project leader has been busy looking into shenanigans at the local Somali Center...see below for details.

The chapter is growing in size, but we need to get BUSY. Our next chapter meeting, which will be held in Franklin, will concentrate on projects that we are undertaking, and recruitment of volunteers to lead and help with those projects. Put October 6th on your calendar, and come to the chapter meeting ready to ACT. Peruse our list of projects....CLICK HERE

NEXT CHAPTER MEETING
TUESDAY OCTOBER 6TH
7PM TO 9PM
FRANKLIN TABERNACLE CHURCH
4150 CLOVERCROFT ROAD
FRANKLIN, TN 37067
AGENDA
7-7:10PM VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH AWARD
7:10-8PM INTRODUCTION OF STOP SHARIA NOW PROJECT
8-9PM PROJECT GROUP MEETINGS AND RECRUITMENT FOR PROJECTS

The Somali Community Center in Nashville could wind up being a local version of the ACORN scandal.

Please read this article below by our Immigration project group leader. Please consider taking the time to contact Rep. Cooper's office with the information below.become a volunteer for this project group by emailing our project leader at yesinin@gmail.com ..db

we are only investigating at this point. No one is accusing anyone of anything; we are just trying to get answers.

First, read/watch the investigative reports below if you haven't seen them yet.

Three-part series by the I-Team of Channel 4 :

Video Link 1: Local Director Receives Grants Despite Charges
http://www.wsmv.com/iteam/13224577/detail.html

Video Link 2: Somali Center Director Claims No Wrongdoing
http://www.wsmv.com/iteam/13238280/detail.html

Video Link 3: Sudanese Community Says Tax Dollars Misused
http://www.wsmv.com/iteam/13247394/detail.html

Congressman Cooper is quoted as saying he wants to investigate the Somali Community Center for grant fraud. According to the report "U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper said he wants an investigation into why more than $400,000 per year is still going to the center".

What happened to the investigation?

ACT! members have called and e-mailed Rep Cooper's office to ask about the investigation. So far, there has been no answer from Rep Cooper's office. In fact, key personnel in his office seem to know nothing about the charges or the promised investigation.

ACT! members asked Abdelghani Barre and others at the Somali Community Center about the fraud charges.
They claim to have gotten a clean bill of health from Rep. Cooper's office and that they fended off the charges with the help of the ACLU.

An ACT! member has called and e-mailed Channel 4's Dennis Ferrier (the reporter who did the above stories) and the news director of channel 4 to see if there has been any follow through on this case. There has been no answer to e-mails or voice mail messages.

We need to contact both Channel 4 and Rep Cooper's office and find out what is going on with this investigation.

Here are some contacts for Rep Cooper:
His assistant in charge of immigration is Don Majors (Don.Majors@mail.house.gov) in Nashville.
His Press secretary is Lisa Quigley ( Lisa.Quigley@mail.house.gov)
Nashville Office · 605 Church Street · Nashville, TN 37219 · Phone: 615-736-5295 · Fax: 615-736-7479
Washington D.C. Office · 1536 Longworth HOB · Washington, D.C. 20515 · Phone: 202-225-4311 · Fax: 202-226-1035

Tel # for Dennis Ferrier - 513-9494

If you send a letter (better to fax), you may use this as a model:

here is the link to Cooper's page for sending messages
click here

The Honorable Jim Cooper
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Representative,

I am writing concerning the Center for Refugees and Immigrants of TN, also known as the Nashville Somali Community Center. Over the last couple of years, there have been numerous charges brought against this organization and its representatives-such as illegal banking schemes, allegedly funneling money to jihadist causes, applying for federal, state and local grants while under criminal investigation, fleeing the country, and supposedly misdirecting funds meant to stop domestic violence and female mutilation among the immigrant population. You yourself said, "I think it's a very upsetting story. I get mad every time I see even a dollar of taxpayer money misspent. It looks like in this case hundreds of thousands of dollars were wasted or misspent. I think we welcome the diversity in our community but it also worries me that there may be a safety issue here. This is an amazing and troublesome story. We need to make sure that this is solved and solved quickly."

Recent attempts to contact Don Majors and Lisa Quigley have proven rather frustrating. No one seems to know whether there has been any investigation into this case. As a constituent, I trusted that you would live up to your promise and that a thorough investigation was to have followed. Please let me know as swiftly as possible what current legal proceedings or investigations are underway.

TROUBLING SIGNS AND A PRAYING PEOPLE

2009-09-21T17:02:00.003-05:00

Friends many of you already sense by the Spirit of the Lord we are in troubling times. I feel it is necessary to share with you as many resources available to properly educate the body of Christ that we may accurately pray and be called to action. Please take the time to read Lou Engle, founder of The Call, on Friday's Muslim Prayer Action in Washington DC.

Urgent Call to Prayer: Signs of the Times

Convergence

It is critical that the church in America understands the times and what needs to be done now. The natural things speak of the invisible. Natural happenings on the earth are revealing something that is going on in the spiritual realm. There is a great spiritual conflict with a rising tide of Islamic boldness being manifested. Several happenings are converging this week. First of all, our President has recently proclaimed, honored, encouraged the Muslim holy days of prayer and fasting called Ramadan. He was very silent on the National Day of Prayer but very vocal on the support of Ramadan. Interestingly at the same time a major Christian leader of the Emergent Church called for forty days of fasting and prayer in the same Ramadan period with the goal that the church will better understand our Muslim friends. We are all for understanding but we must have spiritual discernment as to the spiritual dark powers that are being invoked into our nation.

Cause for Concern

At the same time, on the 25th of September, Muslims are calling for a Muslim Day of Prayer in Washington DC (http://www.islamoncapitolhill.com/). They are calling for 50,000 Muslims to gather and pray on the DC Mall. This is the exact word of one of the Sheikhs who is leading this historic gathering, “Muslims should march on the White House. We are going to the White House so that Islam will be victorious, Allah willing, and the White House will become into a Muslim house.” These are not empty words. They speak of a dark spiritual intent and a coming day of great trouble to America.

A Divine Moment

Now one of these events is enough to awaken us to this significant throbbing moment, but when they all converge it becomes a massive spiritual alarm that must be responded to by the praying Church. However, I believe in this moment of divine providence God has raised up on the stage of history a little “Esther” that if we pray and fast for her she could be a major voice to expose the dark under-belly of Islam and radiate a bright hope for a day of salvation for Muslims in America.

Headlines

On Monday, Rifqa Bary, a young 17-year-old woman, will be in the headlines of US news. Four years ago, while living in a very devout and radical Muslim home, Rifqa met Jesus in a powerful way as her savior. She hid her conversion, began praying secretly, and began hiding her bible from her parents. Then, on Facebook, her love for Jesus was exposed to the radical Muslim community in Ohio. Rifqa’s father demanded that she renounce Jesus or he would kill her as is commanded by the Koran. As a radiant believer in Jesus she refused to renounce her Lord and fled to Orlando where she was taken in and cared for by a Christian Church and family. Now, the father is appealing to the courts to bring her back under his custody. Major television networks have already covered her story. How must the Church of America respond in this moment for our sister who is a part of the Body of Christ?

A Major Sign

This convergence, I believe, is urgently summoning us in the midst of the rising tide of Islamic influence in America to recognize that our God is above every god and that if we return to Him with all of our hearts and call upon Him with fasting and prayer then God could use what the enemy meant for evil to bring about a great day of salvation for Muslims in America, of which Rifqa is but a major sign.

Here is The Call

First of all, we cannot be passive as a Church to let these kinds of developments go on without being challenged in the spirit. Our fight is not against Muslims, it is against principalities, powers, and forces of darkness. We are calling the Church of America at the end of Ramadan, from September 21st through 25th, to five days of concerted prayer. On Monday, we must pray that God would grant supernatural wisdom to the courts so that the testimony of Jesus would be proclaimed and that the best situation for Rifqa and her family would take place. We must pray for Rifqa to be bold in proclaiming Jesus that even thousands of Muslims would hear and be awakened to the love of Christ. She has already said that this is not about her but about many Muslims coming to Jesus. We must pray for her lawyers who are being bullied, threatened, and challenged on every side. On Friday, September 25th, the Muslim Day of Prayer, we are calling the Church of America to fast and pray that Muslims would be moved by the Holy Spirit, convicted by the testimony of Christ, and even be visited by Jesus in dreams. We must pray that God would restrain the spiritual powers behind Islam and grant us the great awakening that we desperately need for America.

Let us hear the call to prayer and not miss this moment,

Lou Engle
The Call

A Letter from ACT for America Founder

2009-09-16T16:03:00.002-05:00

Friends I would like to take this moment to share with you one of the many missions Franklin Tabernacle is in partnership with. This past September Franklin Tabernacle and the West End Chapter of ACT for America combined efforts and held a 9/11 Prayer and Memorial Service. This meaningful time of sharing served as a reminder as to what America and Christians are facing from the spread of Islam within our own borders. Below is a letter from the founder of ACT for America I would like to share with you. If you would like to learn more or be involved with ACT for America feel free to visit them here.

Why Is CAIR Rejoicing?
by Brigitte Gabriel

If you or I were a fly on the wall inside the national headquarters of CAIR today (Council on American-Islamic Relations), I have no doubt we would be witnessing a celebration.

Anyone who follows CAIR understands that the organization is intent on convincing Americans that Islam is a peaceful religion, that terrorists are just a few “extremists” who do not follow “true” Islam, and that Muslims in America are the constant victims of discrimination, hate, and a massive and organized campaign to falsely smear them.

Government statistics don’t support the claim that Muslims are frequent, or even occasional, victims of discrimination or hate crimes.

But CAIR understands full well that if Muslims can be successfully portrayed as victims, and critics of radical Islam successfully portrayed as “bigots” or “intolerant,” efforts to stop the infiltration of cultural Jihad into America will be seriously undermined.

This is why CAIR has worked hard for years to lobby political officials, members of the media, and leaders in academia. CAIR is quick to attack any person or group or silence any effort that speaks out against radical Islam and the threat it poses to America. Just recently CAIR-San Diego tried to stop an ACT! for America chapter presentation at a San Diego library.

CAIR’s confidential strategy memo of last year, which we obtained from an inside source, reveals CAIR understands very well how important it is to win the public relations battle.

And a recent Pew Research Center poll reveals that CAIR’s strategy is beginning to bear fruit.

For instance, the poll found that 58% of Americans now believe that Muslims are subject to “a lot of discrimination.” The same poll found that 52% believe Hispanics are subject to a lot of discrimination, and 49% believe blacks are subject to a lot of discrimination.

In other words, more Americans believe Muslims are discriminated against than Hispanics or blacks. The public relations drumbeat to cast Muslims as victims appears to be working.

But what is most disturbing is that 45% of those polled do not believe Islam is any more likely to encourage violence among its believers than other religions.

Consider that shocking finding for a moment. Since 1970, over 50,000 different acts of Islamic terrorism or violence have been documented across the globe. No other religious belief comes even remotely close.

Yet 45% of Americans polled by Pew believe Islam is no more likely to encourage violence than Christianity, Judaism or Hinduism. In other words, 45% of Americans now believe something that is demonstrably and provably incorrect.

How has this happened? Disinformation in our schools and universities and rampant political correctness in the media and government, fueled by the actions and activities of organizations like CAIR.

Like I said, CAIR is rejoicing today.

This is a good wake-up call for us. The good news is that 38% of those polled did believe Islam is more likely to encourage violence than other religions, so a lot of Americans “get it.”

But if the trends of the past four years revealed in this poll continue for the next few years, the time will come when a majority of Americans will believe the politically correct misinformation that is flooding our schools, colleges, news programs and films and television shows.

CAIR understands how important the public relations effort is to winning the hearts and minds of Americans. We do too.

This is why I’m writing you today, to unveil an ambitious and powerful public relations effort we are starting to put together for early next year.

Our plan is simple: Create a 30 minute ACT! for America infomercial and air it on cable TV stations nationwide. The infomercial will show viewers the truth about the multiple threats of radical Islam, from nuclear terrorism to cultural Jihad.

We will tell them how they can get involved in ACT! for America, and how their voice and action will help us make a difference.

In the struggle against radical Islam, no other program like this has ever been launched on this large a scale. Our goal is to reach tens of millions of viewers, through the power of film, to fight back against the politically correct disinformation that is flooding our society.

Can you envision the power of this? We know that such infomercials work because numerous companies and other organizations continually spend the money to air them. If they didn’t work, those organizations wouldn’t spend the money to produce them and show them.

CANDLE LIGHT'S OR FLOOD LIGHTS?

2009-08-20T09:53:00.008-05:00

“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because these days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15–16

On a recent airplane flight I began to thumb through the Skymall magazine to survey the latest gadgets and gizmos available for purchase to lessen your wallet size while making your life easier. One invention was claimed to be a light with the power of 1000 candles. When I was younger I remember from time to time the power would be knocked out by a severe storm and for most of the night we would navigate our house by candlelight. Room by room the small candle generated just enough light to get to the next room without running into something. Even though I had the small light I wished I could have had 1000 candles because the dark was frightening, and though the room was perfectly safe in the light it suddenly became dangerous in the darkness.

C.S. Lewis said, “He (St. Paul) told us to be not only ‘as harmless as doves,’ but also ‘wise as serpents.’ He (Christ) wants a child’s heart, but a grown-up’s head.” Paul reminds us the days in which he lived were evil and so are the days of true disciples in our age. In reality, today is not more evil than before; rather, our lights seem all the more dim. The church is in need of "1000 candle bright" disciples to give true light in the the midst of growing darkness.

By its nature evil is dark and rebellious. It has been this way from the great fall of Lucifer and a third of the angels. Did evil become worse as Lucifer fell further? Certainly not! Evil is, has been, and will always be true to its nature. What is distressing is the Church’s inability to see, due to dim or snuffed out candles, the evil of today. Paul instructed the Ephesians to walk circumspectly or heedful of circumstances and potential consequences. In keeping within such practices and discipline, the Church is then able to be not only wise, but also to redeem time.

Yes! This is the great “do over” for the Church. How many times have you heard, “If I just had a little more time?” Time is a fleeting commodity. After one second is spent we are told it is forever lost to history. But Paul provides us with an insight that speaks to our ability to redeem time and not for the glory of self and other foolish pursuits, but for the wise pursuits of God’s great commission. Please acknowledge we are living in evil days. This is fact! But the light of your testimony has the ability to be 1 or 1000 candles bright. The witness of the wise gives the light of the eternal hope found only in the “Great Hope” of Jesus Christ! It continues to be my prayer that we will burn bright, hot, and wise in this evil day so as to reclaim the day and bring more lost souls from darkness into a marvelous light.

SIN: A PILL NO HEALTHCARE PLAN CAN SWALLOW

2009-08-11T07:05:00.002-05:00

“In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.” Romans 6:11–12

This past Sunday I was sharing with our congregation several insights concerning the early ministry of Elijah. Most of us can remember the encounter of Elijah and the widow soon followed by the tragedy of the death of the widow’s son. What I found so reassuring in Scripture was the courageous nature of Elijah. In the face of poverty, famine, drought, and even death he remained resolute in God.

Before Elijah was even called to leave the inhabitants of Gilead and confront Ahab there was a disease gripping the children of Israel: sin. The healthcare debate in our nation is very serious and people on both sides of the issue are staunch in their beliefs with little sight of either side moving from their points. The problem with any healthcare reform is it will fail to treat the disease afflicting our nation. A.W. Tozer said, “Go to God's Word and you will find that sin is the most pressing, the most compelling, the most imperative problem in human life and society. The most pressing problem is not sickness. It is not war. It is not poverty. Sin is the basic problem because sin has to do with a person’s soul. Sin does not relate merely to a person's short years on this earth. It involves that person's eternal future and the world to come.

No one has ever overstated the seriousness of the sin question. It is a question that continues age after age. It comes to every human being: "What am I going to do about sin?" That question takes precedence over all other questions that we are called upon to answer. Whether we are world famous or an unnamed member of the human race, we must make confession concerning our relationship with sin.”

I understand that the national debate over healthcare will never address sin, but the Church can and should. A question may arise from this statement: “Where do we start?” In the house of God! If we hope to ever sincerely address the sin in the world then we need to first address the sin in the Church and in our own person. From time to time I cite other ministers’ statements and standards. This week I am addressing you and me. Here are a few questions worth asking:

1. Have I had a relationship (love affair) with sin?
2. Have I played (like with a best friend) along with sin?
3. Has sin ever betrayed or stung me?
4. Has sin ever entered my life, mind or judgment?
5. Have I ever collaborated with sin?

This brief self-evaluation is by no means exhaustive, but it is a good place to begin. Our personal walk, as well as that of the Church, is in need of serious reform. The disease of sin has broken the Church’s back and her ability to lead in times of chaos. But there is still time! Yes, we still have an opportunity to stand with conviction like Elijah. It is right to show compassion, concern, and even sadness for our nation trapped in violation to God by living a life against a Holy God. But it is even more necessary to be stern and zealous in our convictions and give an account for a great hope in a true reform for all who are afflicted by evil desires.

If judgment will start first in the house of God then let us judge ourselves and pray: O Lord, cleanse me from sin and grant to me heightened sensitivity to it. Allow me to recognize it for what it is and deal with it accordingly.

BE GLAD, IN HIS SPIRIT

2009-08-03T16:53:00.003-05:00

“Vance Havner used to remark that too many are running for something when they ought to be standing for something. God's people should be willing to stand! We have become so brainwashed in so many ways that Christians are afraid to speak out against uncleanness in any form. The enemy of our souls has persuaded us that Christianity should be a rather casual thing—certainly not something to get excited about.
I have shared these things with you because I am of the opinion that the glad oil, the blessed anointing of the Holy Spirit, is not having opportunity to flow freely among church members of our day. We can hardly expect any such spiritual movement among those who proudly class themselves as liberals. They reject the deity of Christ, the inspiration of the Bible and the divine ministries of the Holy Spirit. How can the oil of God flow among and bless those who do not believe in such an oil of gladness?” A.W. Tozer

As a pastor in the local church I must confess I struggle with seesaw emotions. In times past a “good Sunday” consisted of good attendance, good giving, and the overall feeling of a message well delivered. No sooner would a “good Sunday” pass that a “bad Sunday” would follow. You may ask, what is a “bad Sunday?” A “bad Sunday” includes low attendance, poor giving, and a message undeliverable—the perfect recipe for seesaw emotions. Unfortunately, these emotions are not only found in pastors, but in every person striving to follow Jesus Christ. You see, church attendance and a pastors seesaw emotions are born and nourished in the same place: unbelief.

I am reminded of a story my father, who is also a pastor, told me when he was feeling discouraged. After calling another senior pastor, who was also a friend of his, my father shared every seesaw emotion he was feeling. His friend’s analysis was summed up in one question: “Paul, did God call you to preach?” Said another way, my wife commented, “Joshua, people’s attendance in church is representative of their desire for Jesus.” A.W. Tozer’s quote above speaks to the heart of such emotions that creep at the door of every believer. Though from time to time I still struggle with seesaw emotions, I have found peace and security in the answer A.W. Tozer gives, and in a similar manner, the answer my father’s friend gave him. For Tozer it comes down to standing for Jesus, and for my father his answer was, “Then just preach!”

“Fellow Christian, we only have a little time. We are not going to be here very long. Our triune God demands that we engage in those things that will remain when the world is on fire, for fire determines the value and quality of every person's work.” A.W. TOZER

I want to encourage you with these words shared by Tozer with the hope that they will refine you to His plans and purposes. Our triune demands a higher quality from us. Whether you are a pastor or parishioner, we are all disciples of Jesus Christ and where much is given much is required. My friends, whether our time on this earth is short or long let us not rest on the seesaw of emotions, or on a good or bad Sunday. Rather, let us be glad in His Holy Spirit and declare, “This is the day the Lord hath made! I will rejoice and be glad in it!” Now more than ever we must rely on the Holy Trinity in Father, Son, and Spirit. Though the seesaw continues to wait for us, let us now more than ever cling to the manifest presence of God. Through the power of His Word may we see His holy fire consume the lives of those who are hungry and desirous for Him. I choose to live and have faith in the “oil of His gladness.”

Close Your Book...Pop Quiz

2009-07-28T15:09:00.001-05:00

Do you remember walking into class on any given school day, settling into your desk, and the teacher calling the class to attention with the words, “Close your books, Pop Quiz?” Depending on the subject, hearing the words “Pop Quiz” may have caused a great sense of relief because you knew the subject matter well, or these words may have caused immediate panic because you knew you were caught unprepared. This past Sunday I was sharing with Franklin Tabernacle a message on, “Jesus, the author and finisher of your divine detour.” In the course of the message I forgot to share an insight the Lord gave me on pop quizzes that I would like to share with you in this week’s blog.

Pop quizzes, tests, and final exams are a part of life. In every profession, school and relationship we face daily challenges that test our proficiency during the encounter at hand. What truly bothers us is not the test or the teacher; rather, it is our exposed ignorance when the pressure is on. Looking back at my schooling I realize the teachers were not “popping” us because they had it in for us. Rather, they were reminding us of the need to be prepared at all times and thoroughly know the subject matter.

The Apostle Paul instructs Timothy to be trained and thoroughly equipped for every good work. Later Paul also reminds Timothy to be sound in his doctrine and teaching. In a sense, Paul was sending Timothy a pop quiz so he (Timothy) would be faithful in his duty as a young pastor, shepherd of people, and disciple of Jesus Christ. For us, there will always be people God places in our life to sharpen us, teach us, and force us to excel when we feel like coasting. And so, I want to encourage you: God is our great teacher and his class is “Establishing the Kingdom of Heaven.” As His students (disciples) we need to take a page from Paul’s instruction to Timothy and also be sure to brush up on 1 Peter 3:15: “But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully.”

The pop quiz is coming. Are you ready?

Jesus, not Isa,is the light for all humanity. Who said? God!

2009-07-21T05:58:00.000-05:00

Source 1: http://www.ocregister.com/articles/warren-convention-muslims-2483889-interfaith-want

Source 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJeNsPIC3vE (Be sure to listen to the closing)

Open letter to Pastor Rick Warren:

Pastor Warren, what Bible are you reading from? I am not openly trying to “pick a fight” but I am trying my hardest to understand the Bible and theological institution that led you to the stance and beliefs you are promoting. You are quoted as saying, “I am not interested in interfaith dialogue, I am interested in interfaith projects.” You also said, “Talk is very cheap.” And for once, you and I agree. Your talk is cheap, and worse, is heresy.

The Apostle Paul tells us in I Corinthians 2:5-8 (Amplified) So that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men (human philosophy), but in the power of God.

⁶Yet when we are among the full-grown (spiritually mature Christians who are ripe in understanding), we do impart a [higher] wisdom (the knowledge of the divine plan previously hidden); but it is indeed not a wisdom of this present age or of this world nor of the leaders and rulers of this age, who are being brought to nothing and are doomed to pass away.

⁷But rather what we are setting forth is a wisdom of God once hidden [from the human understanding] and now revealed to us by God--[that wisdom] which God devised and decreed before the ages for our glorification [to lift us into the glory of His presence].

⁸None of the rulers of this age or world perceived and recognized and understood this, for if they had, they would never have crucified the Lord of glory.

So, Pastor Warren, what dialogue must we have with those who claim that Jesus is not the living Son of God? That God has no son? That Isa, who is not Jesus, is not the same person that Christians accept? Perhaps your answer is found in another statement you are quoted as saying:

"Every time I speak to any non-Christian group, I get criticized by well-meaning believers who don't really understand how much Jesus loves lost people. They are more concerned with their own perceived purity than the salvation of those Jesus died for.”

I see...so “well meaning believers” lack understanding? Then allow me to shed some scriptural illumination from a “well-meaning” disciple of Jesus Christ.”

· John 8:12, Jesus, not Isa, said, “He was the light for humanity. Follow Me and you won’t be walking in the dark.

· 1 John 1:5-7, “And this is the message [the message of promise] which we have heard from Him and now are reporting to you: God is Light, and there is no darkness in Him at all [no, not in any way]. If we say we are partakers together and enjoy fellowship with Him when we live and move and are walking about in darkness, we are [both] speaking falsely and do not live and practice the Truth [which the Gospel presents]. But if we [really] are living and walking in the Light, as He [Himself] is in the Light, we have [true, unbroken] fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses (removes) us from all sin and guilt [keeps us cleansed from sin in all its forms and manifestations]”

· 2 Corinthians 6:14, Stay away from people who are not followers of the Lord! Can someone who is good get along with someone who is evil? Are light and darkness the same?

· John 1:9-14, That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

You see, Pastor Warren, your very premise of the ends justifying the means runs contrary to the Jesus you claim to believe and who Muslims claim is a heresy. But what is far worse is the standard you’re encouraging the Church to adopt for solving the ills of the world. The above Scripture is evidence enough that Jesus is God and God is the only answer for humanity, the only answer for evil, and the only answer for forgiveness of sin and eternal salvation.

Lest you forget, John 1:1-9 settles the debate once and for all. Your interfaith cooperation is interfaith dialogue, and Christianity, not Islam, is suffering from the watering down of truth. Why? Because Islam does not perceive the light and believers in Islam already live in darkness. Christianity should be the city situated on a hill whose light is seen by all, but our light is muddled in the interfaith pluralistic initiatives of pastors such as you. I challenge you to speak with Paul’s boldness on Mars Hill and address the Muslims who so embrace your progressive thoughts and declare that Jesus Christ, the only anointed Son of the living God, is the answer for all humanity, sin, and evil. But why have you not said this? Are you afraid of the truth? The Word? The light? Or do you not believe what you say you believe? I am for sharing the Gospel of Jesus with all, but even Jesus knew when to shake the dust from His feet.

STAND! STAND! STAND!

2009-06-30T16:05:00.002-05:00

This past Sunday Franklin Tabernacle was blessed to hear the Word of God delivered from Chaplin Julio Calderin. For over ten years I have had the privilege of co-laboring with Julio in our pursuit of God’s name being preached to all who have “ears to hear, let them hear.” I want to encourage you to please listen to his stirring message: http://www.franklintabernacle.org/index-3.html

Starting in May 2009 the Lord gave me the beginning of what would develop into several messages: Fighting, Training, and Standing for Your Faith. At the time I was unsure in what direction the Lord was revealing His Word for all of us, but as the series of messages began to unfold I kept hearing the Lord say: STAND! STAND! STAND! Below I want to share something my wife shared with me in May of this year. Please keep in mind Jeannette was not sharing this as a “Thus saith the Lord…” or a “God is telling me to tell you…” Rather she received this from her personal prayer time spent with the Lord and felt led to encourage me, not knowing what the Lord was already beginning to birth in my spirit.

“God has issued a call............... It's a call to combat!!!
It is a call for us to fight the good fight and to stand fast in the faith, to be STRONG IN THE LORD in the midst of the battle. If we choose to ignore the call then we become casualties. We can't remain neutral. We must align ourselves with Lord. We must put on our armor and stand our ground or the battle will roll over us. So we must learn to recognize how the dark systems work. But more than that, we must learn the process of overcoming. Paul tells us that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal. Rather, OUR WEAPONS ARE MIGHTY, THROUGH GOD, UNTO THE PULLING DOWN OF STRONGHOLDS AND BRINGING INTO CAPTIVITY EVERY THOUGHT TO THE OBEDIENCE OF CHRIST. This is the path to VICTORY! Stand strong and having done all STAND! HE IS THE LORD OF THE BATTLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” (See Ephesians 6) Jeannette Johnian 5/12

Brothers and sisters in the Lord, after listening to Chaplin Julio Calderin, the giving of the Word at Franklin Tabernacle (over the past month), and now this word of encouragement, I see, and hope you do as well, that we are being called to a day of standing. So much of this world is shaking and even crumbling under the crushing weight of sin and lack of knowledge of Jesus. But the Church, if we are willing and able, can STAND in the midst of the battle.

I am not marginalizing the daily struggles we all face. I understand they are very real and can be consuming, if we allow them to be. But we serve a mighty God and He will stand through all of the battle with us, as long as we place our total faith, trust, and dedication in Him. In your daily struggles stand with Him. Our adversary wants nothing more than to consume us in the daily battle and have us get lost in the smoke and haze of the warfare. He wants us to be defeated and left sulking and crying in a foxhole. But Christ formed in you is able to make you stand, to place on the full armor of God and resist the enemy…and then he has to flee! It’s time to STAND!!!

Where is Job in the Church?

2009-06-24T09:13:00.002-05:00

One of my favorite books in the Bible, if not my favorite book, is the Book of Job. Many times in my life I have asked questions similar to those Job raised as he dealt with severe adversity in every area of his life. If any of us encountered a mere fraction of the Job experience we may have collapsed well into the first chapter of his chilling and yet revealing account. And despite wave after wave of adversity, silence, and lack, Job remained consistent in his faith. Where did his “inner strength” reside and why didn’t it dissipate over time? For forty-two chapters and an unknown number of days, weeks, months, and maybe even years, Job endured. Such endurance and such training ultimately led me to ask the question, “Where is Job in the church today?

It may seem foolish to place Job in a modern day scenario. But would “Church USA” even acknowledge a present day Job in all of his suffering and declare: “This is a man who is worthy of honor and notice?” Or would we be prone to be more like his “friends,” or worse, and demean his witness and suffering by stating he was irrelevant for this generation? I ask the question not to highlight any personal suffering, but rather to point out something in Job the Church has lost focus of.

Job 1:2-5: “He had seven sons and three daughters, and he owned seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen and five hundred donkeys, and had a large number of servants. He was the greatest man among all the people of the East. His sons used to take turns holding feasts in their homes, and they would invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. When a period of feasting had run its course, Job would send and have them purified. Early in the morning he would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them, thinking, ‘Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.’ This was Job's regular custom” (NIV).

Today’s Church would prefer to build an entire message out of Job’s wealth, status, and superior reputation, and though they are impressive we need to look to the more important aspect of Job’s story: “’Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.’” This was Job’s regular custom.” The regular practice or custom of Job was to spend time with his God, not just for the maintenance of his personal wealth, but also for a wealth far more valuable than earthly treasure: the faith of his family.

It should be a concern in all of the Church to plead with God for the areas in our “Church Family” where we have sinned against God. Certainly we can find many examples and areas where the Church has grossly missed the mark. And yes, we are to call out the misdirection’s of those who are not disciplined unto the wise teachings of Christ, as Paul instructs Timothy. But we are also to possess a level of righteousness and concern that Job had. I believe this brings us to the heart of Job’s true wealth and inner strength. At his core was a repentant heart and a concerned disciple of God. Today in the Church we need to have our houses filled more with people who have the spirit Job had. It should be the daily routine to intercede and cry out for the Church and those in our faith. There are those who have lost their way, misguided and even in gross sin. Despite this reality we need not come to the debate with the heart of Bildad (one of the three friends), but with the heart of Job. We need to be men and women consumed with the holiness of God; men and women who speak for our faith and make room for the Holy Spirit to correct our brethren who live in error. I pray we all can find Job in our local church houses.