“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?”

(John 14:1-2)

Years ago, I heard the testimony of an older man who was terminally ill and had only months left to live. I was struck as he said, “You know, when I was a little boy, I was afraid of heaven. To me, it was a million miles away.”

He went on, “Then, I had a little brother die. So heaven became a place where I knew somebody. And through the years as family and friends have passed on, heaven became less scary and seemed to be more of a home than even this world. My loved ones, my friends, and my Savior are waiting for me there.”

Many people I know have such an abstract view of heaven: spires, gold streets, and pearly gates. But the wonderful reality of heaven is that God’s people are there and most importantly, Jesus is there. How much better could it be?!

As you look forward to your eternal home, remember what makes heaven heaven: Jesus. He is your eternal hope and destiny if you’re in Him. Look forward to the day you’ll meet Him face to face and live your life today to lead others to that moment!

We will be sharing the new Dr. Billy Graham video on "Heaven" tomorrow night at church. I encourage everyone to watch this powerful 30 minute film by Dr. Graham.

We Need A Physician!

There are 900 SBC churches a year closing their doors. And we have a high percentage of our churches stagnant or in decline. Below is a list of a few things that were gleaned from a recent meeting with SBC leaders dealing with evangelism and decline in baptisms in churches:

1. Any church can and will die if it does not reach the next generation.

2. A growing number of churches no longer have Vacation Bible School. I was amazed. The reason most often given is the church does not have enough workers.

3. Church revitalization is a critical need. There are several ways to go at this. But the key is dying churches must admit they are in critical condition before any plan can be attempted. This is a tough step.

4. Church planting is a must in our cities.

5. Cooperation among churches needs to grow. Healthy churches helping struggling churches is a big challenge. It is not an easy task but is often fruitful.

6. The pastor is key. If a church is going to reach people, it begins with the pastor. If his heart is not on reaching souls for Christ, neither will the church.

May God send revival to our nation, but it must first of all begin in our churches!


Bro. Ron

2nd Ammendment Rights

Gun rights and gun control is currently a hot topic in America. The 2^nd Amendment of the Constitution is a mere twenty-seven words. It is straight forward. I do not see how it cannot be understood.

“A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.”

The second amendment is not about hunting. It has nothing to do with how many shells it takes to kill a deer. The amendment is about "We The People" being able to defend ourselves when needed.

The Founders saw the fear of arms being in the hands of the government alone and the people having no power to defend themselves if need be. They did not want the right of the people to bear arms to be infringed.

 

Now, the issue of permits, mental health, and who can own what is a great dialogue to have. However, when the government infringes on the rights of the people, we are headed down a road that is very dangerous in the long run.

Blind Sided?

LifeWay Stores of the SBC recently took a movie, The Blind Side, off the shelves. There was a complaint it was offensive due to racial slurs and other language.

Maybe they should pull the SBC Holman Christian Standard Bible. I just read Song of Songs. There is some stuff in there that may not be appropriate for the younger crowd.

Ridiculous you say? I agree.

If the church is going to touch the lost world, we better move out of our pious circles. The Blind Side tells a real life story of hope and courage. God help us if we are caught like Jesus at a well telling a woman of salvation.

And God help us if we bow to cultural correctness.

Bro. Ron

Change You Can Believe In?

Yesterday (5-8-12), North Carolina voters went to the polls. One item on the ballot was a constitutional amendment that defines marriage as between a man and a woman. It is hard to believe we are debating this issue in America.

A few days ago Vice President Biden said he was absolutely comfortable with same sex marriage. The next day Secretary of Education Arne Duncan endorsed marriage equality. Their boss, President Obama, has said in the past that while he opposes same sex marriage his view is evolving. Today (5-9-12), President Obama came forward and said he indorses same sex marriage. This is a hotly debated topic in our nation.

So what are we to think? Many wonder what the problem is with allowing people of the same sex to marry. What will it hurt? This is a slippery slope. If we allow marriage between same sex individuals what keeps the definition from including three or more? Or what of wedding between siblings? Or why not marriage across species like a man and a goat? Many say that is foolish talk. We would never allow such. Not many years ago we said that of same sex marriage.

In reality same sex marriage is not marriage at all. Biblical and natural law tells us that marriage is a two-in-one-flesh communion of persons. This communion is consummated by sexual acts that are reproductive. Only a man and a woman can be capable of human procreation. This is true even if the couple is incapable of having children due to infertility.

Romans 1:24-27 speaks of the same sex act as being unnatural. You see, same sex marriage is not marriage at all. Marriage is a basic building block of society and reproduction is a large part of that. Same sex partners are physically incapable of marriage. Only male and female can become one flesh.

This is not a political issue but a moral issue. God's Word is clear and has always been clear on this issue. God has not changed His mind nor will he change His mind on this issue or any other issue cleary defined in His Word.  

Bro. Ron

A Muzzled Pulpit?

For years there has been a movement against having God mentioned in any
fashion when connected to the state. No prayer or Bible reading in school was
the beginning. Crosses being removed from public ground is common place.
Christmas is given very little space if a manger is involved. But this week
America changed.

Our nation took a dangerous step down a slippery slope. The US government
walked right into the pulpit of Army chaplains and told them what they could and
could not proclaim regarding abortion and the health care debate.

When the government begins to silence the pulpit you can know America is no
longer seeking neutral ground. The state wants to control the church and its
message.

An unfettered pulpit has always been a hallmark of religious liberty in this
country. I realize many will think this over the top. But in Germany the pulpit
was muzzled when Hitler came to power. We cannot stand for such behavior. Some
will be called on to speak when told to be silent.

May God give us boldness to speak, persistence to stand and courage to count
the cost. God help America.

Bro. Ron

Giving In The New Year!

Imagine what your life would look like if you only committed 2.56% of
yourself to what you do. Marriage? Career? Recreation? Think about this during
this New Year.

The average church member only gives 2.56% of his/her
income to any church or charity. The church will never get all of its assignment
accomplished with that low financial investment from the membership.

As we begin this New Year, we need to evaluate our giving as well as
planning our 2012 giving. Here are 4 things to ponder:

1. Give at least the first tenth of your income to your local church.

2. Give over and above the first tenth of your income.

3. Leave a legacy of at least one-tenth of your estate to your local
church.

4. Leave a legacy of at least five percent of your estate to Great
Commission ministries, or enities of our state: Children's Home, ALCAP, etc.

You are never more like Jesus than when you are giving. Think about
it!


Bro. Ron