Soon I must go down that road from which I will never return!

(William Schenck, "Nearing Home; Comforts and Counsels for the Aged" 1868)

"Soon I must go down that road from which I will never return!" Job 16:22

An approaching journey lies before me. I have to pass from time--to eternity; from this world--to the next. And the time of my departure, although to me uncertain, cannot be very far distant. A few years--perhaps a few days--will close my stay on earth!

It is an unavoidable journey. I must go. There is no choice. Willing or unwilling, when God's summons for me arrives--I shall have to set off.

It is an unknown journey, I have never taken it before. I have no practical acquaintance with the road, the mode of transit, the dangers or the discomforts which await me. And there is no one who can clearly explain them to me. Those of my friends who have traveled that way, have never come back to relate their experience.

It is a solitary journey. I must accomplish it alone. The most beloved of my present companions cannot accompany me. They may think of me, feel for me, pray for me--but they cannot be with me. We must separate; they to remain behind--and I go forward.

It is a momentous journey. For at its termination, I enter upon my everlasting destiny! It will convey me either to the mansions of happiness--or to the abodes of misery! The narrow boundary between the present and the future state once crossed--there will be no possibility of change. "He who is unjust--let him be unjust still; and he who is righteous--let him be righteous still." Revelation 22:11

It is a final journey. "Soon I must go down that road from which I will never return." My pilgrimage will be forever ended. It will be my last journey. And if I am a Christian, how welcome is this fact! I shall be done forever with sin and sorrow. Eternal felicity will be mine--perfect holiness, and perfect happiness. This journey leads me . . .
to my eternal home,
to my Father's house,
to my everlasting rest!

Then I will not shrink from its approach, nor complain of its accompaniments. It may be linked with much that is painful and unpleasant--but it is my way home; and therefore, although life has many ties and many joys, I feel an earnest desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better than being here. "For this is not my resting place, because it is polluted, it is ruined, beyond all remedy!" Micah 2:10

Death is a solemn journey--but it is a safe journey to Christ's people; for He will not only receive and welcome them at its close--but He will be them as they are passing through it. Oh, it will not be lonely with Him! And He is a guide who is well acquainted with the way, for He has trodden it Himself. He went for the purpose of smoothing its difficulties, clearing its dangers, dispersing its terrors--and He fully accomplished His purpose. Therefore when I walk through the dark valley, I will fear no evil; for you, O Jesus, will be with me, and Your rod and your staff shall comfort me!

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A Faulty Understanding of Child Discipline

I recently listened to a panel discussion of folks who said that spanking your child is wrong.

Their 'wisdom' concluded that when you teach your child not to hit and then you spank them it sends a mixed message, and that mixed message confuses the child creating the problem.

Their solution was this ......when your child is disobedient you should take something away from them instead of spanking.

If this reasoning is correct then if we teach our children that taking things from others is wrong and we take things away from them doesn't that send the same mixed message that these people disagree with?

An incorrect understanding of discipline often creates additional problems.

Now let's take a look at true wisdom.

Proverbs 13:24 (ESV)
Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.

Proverbs 22:15 (ESV)
Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.

Proverbs 23:13-14 (ESV)
Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with a rod, he will not die. [14] If you strike him with the rod, you will save his soul from Sheol.

Proverbs 29:15 (ESV)
The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.

"Christian Love"

"Christian Love" (J.C. Ryle 1878)

Christian love does not consist in approving everybody's religious opinions. Here is another most serious and growing delusion. There are many who pride themselves on never pronouncing others mistaken--whatever views they may hold. Your neighbor may be an Atheist, or a Buddhist, or a Roman Catholic, or a Mormonite, a Deist, or a Skeptic, a mere Formalist, or a thorough Antinomian. But the "love" of many says that you have no right to think him wrong! "If he is sincere--then it is uncharitable to think unfavorably of his spiritual condition!"

FROM SUCH LOVE - MAY I EVER BE DELIVERED!

At this rate, the Apostles were wrong in going out to preach to the Gentiles!

At this rate, there is no use in missions!

At this rate, we had better close our Bibles, and shut up our churches!

At this rate, everybody is right--and nobody is wrong!

At this rate, everybody is going to Heaven--and nobody is going to Hell!

Such love is a monstrous caricature! To say that all are equally right in their opinions--though their opinions flatly contradict one another; to say that all are equally in the way to Heaven--though their doctrinal sentiments are as opposite as black and white--this is not Scriptural love. Love like this pours contempt on the Bible, and talks as if God had not given us a written standard of truth. Love like this, confuses all our notions of Heaven, and would fill it with a discordant inharmonious rabble.

True love does not think everybody right in doctrine. True love cries, "Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world!" 1 John 4:1. "If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching--do not take him into your house or welcome him!" 2 John 1:10

Delight in God!

(James Smith)

"Delight yourself in the Lord--and He will give you the desires of your heart!" Psalm 37:4

Sin has taken our attention off of God--and fixed it upon ourselves, and the things around us.
Grace calls our attention off of everything else--to fix it upon God. It directs us to . . .
look to the Lord,
come to the Lord,
trust in the Lord,
wait on the Lord,
hope in the Lord, and
even delight in the Lord.

"Delight yourself in the Lord." Take delight--not in health, or wealth, or position, or friends, or in anything that is changeable--but in the unchangeable Lord.

Delight yourself in His glorious character--as gracious, merciful, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.

Delight yourself in Him, as . . .
the father of the fatherless,
the friend of the friendless,
the hope of the wretched,
and the Savior of the lost.

Delight yourself in His gracious covenant, which . . .
anticipates your needs,
provides for your needs,
limits your trials, and
provides strength for the day, as every day's work requires.

Delight yourself in His paternal relation. He is not only your God--but your Father!
He cares for you, with a father's care!
He loves you, with a father's love!
He pities you, with a father's pity!
He will receive you to Heaven, as to your father's house!

Delight yourself in His precious promises. They are but drops from His ocean of love! They are intended to . . .
show His love,
display His grace,
manifest His care,
draw out your confidence,
banish your fear, and
assure you of all necessary supplies.

Delight yourself in his special providence. A providence that . . .
marks your steps,
directs your paths,
measures your troubles,
bounds the rage of your enemies,
numbers the very hairs of your head, and
makes all things work together for your good!

God in His providence, superintends all your affairs, even the most minute--so that nothing can happen to you by 'chance', or inadvertently do you harm!

Delight in creatures--only produces disappointment, dissatisfaction, and discomfort.

Delight in God--ensures satisfaction, comfort, and certainty.

gracegems.org

Where are you going?

(James Orr, "How to Live a Holy Life")

We have only one life to live--only one. Think of this for a moment.

Here we are in this world of time, making the journey of life. Each day we are farther from the cradle--and nearer to the grave! Solemn thought! See the mighty concourse of human lives; hear their heavy tread in their onward march. Some are just beginning life's journey; some are midway up the hill, some have reached the top, and some are midway down the western slope. But where are we all going? Listen, and you will hear but one answer, "Eternity!" Beyond the fading, dying gleams of the sunset of life--lies a boundless, endless ocean called Eternity! There, you and I are daily traveling.

Time is like a great wheel going its round. On and on it goes. Some are stepping on--and some are stepping off. But where are these latter stepping? Into eternity! See that old man with bent form, snow-white locks, and tottering steps. His has been a long round, but he has reached his end at last. See the middle-aged man. His round has not been so long, but he must also step off. See the youth. He has been on only a little while--but he is brought to the stepping-off place. He thought his round would be much longer. He supposed that he was just getting started--when that icy hand was laid upon him and the usher said, "Come, you have made your round, and you must go!" The infant that gave its first faint cry this morning--may utter its last feeble wail tonight. And thus they go. But where? Oh, where? Eternity!

If you were to start today and ask each person you met the question, "Where are you going?" and, if possible, you were to travel the world over and ask each one of earth's inhabitants--there could be but one answer, "Eternity!"

"Oh, eternity, Long eternity!
Hear the solemn footsteps of eternity!"

Only one life to live! Only one life--and then we must face vast, endless eternity! We shall pass along the pathway of life but once. Every step we take--is a step that can never be taken again.

This world is not a play-ground--or a place to trifle with time. Life is not given us to squander nor fritter away. To trifle away time, is indeed, to be the greatest of spendthrifts. If you squander a dollar--you may regain it; but a moment wasted--can never be regained. God gives us all the time we need to accomplish all that He purposes us to accomplish--but He does not give us one moment to trifle away.

We have only one life to live--only one.

www.gracegems.org

We may be doing Satan's work!

We may be doing Satan's work!

(J.R. Miller, "Daily Bible Readings in the Life of Christ" 1890)

"Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him: Oh no, Lord! This will never happen to You! But He turned and told Peter: Get behind Me, Satan!"Matthew 16:22-23 

It was Peter's love for Christ which made him so rebel at the thought of such a dire fate for Him. In his love--he sought to hold the Master back from so throwing away His life. But in doing this, he was acting the part of Satan in seeking to tempt Jesus away from His great work of atonement. This way of the cross was not an accident; it was the way marked out for Christ; to swerve from it, would be to fail in His mission.

Our best friends may become our tempters in the same way. In their love for us--they may seek to keep us from entering paths of duty which will lead us to great sacrifice. Mothers may seek to restrain their children from going to foreign mission fields. Any of us, in the warmth of our affection for our friends, may seek to dissuade them fromperilous or costly service--which it may be their duty to undertake. We need to guard ourselves at this point. 

The path of true success does not always lie along the sunny hillside! Sometimes it goes down into the dark valley of self-sacrifice! And if we try to hinder any from entering upon hard duties, urging them to choose easier ways--we may be doing Satan's work! We may be plucking the crown from the brow of our friend--by holding back his feet from the way of the cross.

We all need to guard, too, against the counsels of friends who would restrain us fromcostly or perilous service. In matters of duty--we must know only one guide, and follow the call of only one voice. 

We are not put in this world to have a pleasant and easy time!We are not put here to consult our own inclinations at all. We are here--to go where Christ leads; to follow Him to sacrifice and to death--if He leads us in these paths. We dare not allow ourselves to be turned aside by any tenderness of human love. It is the way of duty, however hard, that takes us home to Heavenly glory!

Every cent!

(J.R. Miller, "Daily Bible Readings in the Life of Christ" 1890)

"What shall it profit a man--if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?" Matthew 16:26

That is putting the case in its most favorable light! The whole world is the largest possible gain. But suppose a man does gain the whole world--
it cannot keep him from trouble;
it cannot give him peace of conscience;
it cannot comfort him in sorrow;
it cannot make a soft pillow for him when he is dying;
it cannot purchase Heaven for him when he is gone!
All that he can do with the world, after he has it--is to keep it for a short time until he dies! He cannot carry any part of it with him into eternity!

"How much did he leave?" asked one, referring to a millionaire who had just died. "Every cent!" was the reply. He left all. So it is easy to see that there is no profit--but rather a fearful and eternal loss, in gaining even all the world--at the price of one's soul.

Then, think for how much smaller price than 'the whole world' which many people sell their souls for!
Some sell their soul for a few hours' guilty pleasure!
Some sell their soul for a political office!
Some sell their soul for filthy lucre!
Some sell their soul for honor which fades in a day.
They are selling their souls also in many other ways--for pitiable trifles.
Like Esau, they are bartering their heavenly birthright--for a bowl of stew!

What shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Ah! that's the trouble. When the soul is lost--there is no way of recovering it. When we have made our choice, and lived our life, whether right or wrong--there is no possibility of changing the results! Life is given to us only once; and if we live it wrongly, there is no chance to live it over again. A lost soul cannot be gotten back; it is irretrievably lost!

Soundly Saved or Sorta Shaky

Were you ever led in a sinners prayer where someone said to you, 'If you want to go to heaven then bow your head, close your eyes and repeat this prayer after me then you will be saved', and you did this but you still somehow don't have peace or certainty that you WILL enter Heaven after you die?

The Bible says that you can know you will have eternal life. (1 John 5:13)

Maybe you've never really understood the exceeding sinfulness of your sin. It's not simply that you've not been good to others, but that you have offended the One who gave up His life for you, the One who died so you could go to Heaven.

Maybe you've never actually repented of your sins by saying to God, 'I'm so sorry I have offended You; please forgive me' then you turned away from your sin.

Maybe you've never turned away from your sins but continued your same old ways, a life displeasing to God.

Maybe you've never put your faith in Jesus Christ to save you as the Bible states. You cannot be good enough on your own, no amount of good works can earn you any favor with God, He cannot be bribed by good works. Apart from Christ you are without hope.

Maybe you've never really understood about Hell and condemnation; that you are storing up wrath for yourself on the Day of Wrath.

Has the good news that Jesus died for you while you were yet a sinner ever crushed you?
Have you ever genuinely called out to God in repentance and faith and He saved you and you know it without a doubt because your see the changes in your life outwardly that God has started in you inwardly.

When you see these changes come, then you will know God is transforming your life, your old ways will fade away, the things you once loved that offended God will become detestable to you. It will become clearly visible to those around you that you are different than before, not just older and wiser but changed by the Holy Spirit of God that now dwells inside of you. You cannot hide the change that God has made in you.
You cannot pretend to be changed, your outward deeds will eventually expose the lie you so desperately try to conceal. Your true state will become evident to all who truly love the Lord, and on the last day when Christ returns to call His church home, on the day of judgement you will be found lacking and will have no part in God's kingdom. O what a day of overwhelming sorrow that will be.

Has your eternity with Christ been secured, or are the pleasures of this world what you are living for?

Do you KNOW that you are saved from the wrath to come?
Is your new lifestyle evidence of a changed heart or are you pretty much the same as before?

Do you want to be assured that you have a new life in Christ, a place prepared for you in Heaven?

For a thorough and honest examination of your eternal condition visit www.soundlysaved.org

If you are not sure you are saved, send an email to saved@wretchedradio.com and someone will be glad to help you, someone who cares about you and your eternal destiny. Your communication will remain confidential.

Struggling with pornography?
Please don't let this sin drag your soul to Hell. Wise council is just an email away, saved@wretchedradio.com

Please do not wait, secure your eternity.

Top 10 Articles

In response to 1,000 views to my blog, I am posting the top 10 articles viewed at my site run2truth.blogspot.com

Franklin Graham on Fox News: Obama, Rob Bell and the Gospel Message
Posted on May 4, 2011
http://bit.ly/q4YQ3t

The Shack?
Posted on Sep 29, 2010
http://bit.ly/pBqNXu

What Does Dr. Oz Believe?
Posted on Apr 1, 2011
http://bit.ly/nKx6I7

The Daniel Diet?
Posted on Feb 22, 2011
http://bit.ly/nB1t3j

Ron Bell's Strange Theology
Posted on Apr 12, 2011
http://bit.ly/r1dWSR

How to Become an Atheist by Ray Comfort
Posted on Apr 12, 2011
http://bit.ly/qcqhDK

Great Commandments
Posted on Aug 10, 2010
http://bit.ly/oDczzp

6 Things Everyone Needs To Know
Posted on Aug 26, 2010
http://bit.ly/r5uZXg

Misinterpretation of Leviticus 19:18
Posted on Feb 12, 2011
http://bit.ly/mR0dWV

Youth Ministry: It's Time to be Biblical
Posted on Jun 7, 2011
http://bit.ly/n72mmG

Discipleship

When you disciple someone, you're basically teaching him or her to pursue a godly lifestyle. You're teaching them biblical responses. A person is spiritually mature when his or her involuntary responses are godly. That's how to know if the Spirit of God has control in someone's life.
In discipleship, you are to bring a person to the point biblically at which he or she can spontaneously react righteously, without having to figure certain things out.

Living expositions of the truth!

(James Smith, "The Zealous Christian!" 1864)

Coldness and lukewarmness in the ways of God, are peculiarly offensive to our Lord and Savior; for if anyone deserves our whole hearts, if anyone ought to have the whole of our energies--it is Jesus!

We should be zealous for the truth of the gospel.
It is God's mind.
It is the revelation of the Savior's love.
It is the remedy for the sinner's woes.
It is the charter of the Church's privileges.
It is dear to God's heart.
It is watched over with a jealous eye.
It should be prized as inestimably valuable.
It is . . .
the mirror, in which God is seen;
the map, on which our road is marked out;
the law, by which our duty is made plain!

"That they may adorn the teaching of God our Savior in everything!" Titus 2:10

We should zealously adorn the Gospel. Not by the tinsel of human eloquence--but by a consistent and holy walk.

We ought to be living expositions of the truth!

In our conduct--the nature and tendency of the Gospel ought to be seen!

By our meekness and gentleness,
by our fidelity and prudence,
by our self-denial and benevolence,
by our temperance and brotherly kindness,
by our patience and fervent love--
we ought to adorn the most holy truth of God!
God calls for it.
The Gospel is calculated to produce it!

from gracegems.org

Christians Cannot Brag.

We too were sinners living to satisfy selfish desire and greed. We deserve only God's punishing wrath. His love and mercy led Him to send Christ to save us.- Ephesians 2:3-5

The Lord Knows Those Who Are His

There is a continual conflict on earth between the truth of God and the lies of Satan. The Father of Lies works overtime to destroy the saving, sanctifying truth God has given us in His Word. As we get closer to the coming of Christ, these deceptions, lies, and misrepresentations will increase. (The Master's Plan For The Church; appendix 7)

2 Timothy 2:19 (NASB)
Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness."

Such I may have been--but for free and sovereign grace!

(James Smith, "The Book That Will Suit You!")

"By the grace of God--I am what I am!" 1 Corinthians 15:10

Consider what you were--before saved by sovereign grace. Your heart was enmity against God, deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked! You did not have one pure desire, one holy thought, or one feeling of love to God.

Further, what would you have been--but for the grace of God? Look at the vilest, the most debased, the most debauched of our race--and you may truly say, "Such I may have been--but for free and sovereign grace!"

"By the grace of God--I am what I am!" 1 Corinthians 15:10

gracegems.org

Understanding The Gospel

How is it that individuals today fail to understand the true gospel of Christ. Some who are even seen as intellectuals can't seem to grasp the fact that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone. If scripture is understood rightly, how can it be that so many people believe so many different things especially when it comes to salvation and sanctification? It would be better if the gospel were rejected altogether than to believe falsely. After hearing the experiences of several individuals as to their understanding of the gospel of Christ unto salvation, an all to common theme exists (understanding scripture) which is manifest in several ways. Some say that if God loves everyone He would never send anyone to Hell. Some believe if they try to be good or if they do good things God will allow them to go to Heaven and only bad people like rapists and murderers will be sent to Hell. Others don't even believe in a literal Hell. Some say they were born in a Christian home, therefore they themselves are Christians. If I was born in a garage would that make me a car? Some say they were baptized therefore they are Christians. Numerous people do not even believe in the existence of God despite the overwhelming evidence all around them. With all these differing beliefs it's no wonder that there is so much confusion, with so many opposing views the truth gets lost. Since the Jesus movement in the 1970's there seemed to be a shift in the gospel presentation that told people all they must do was believe that God existed or repeat a prayer, a sort of easy believism that only required an affirming acknowledgment that Jesus Christ was real and then He will forgive your sin. This shift led to a misunderstanding that those who followed this simplistic belief and acknowledgment could continue somewhat in their current lifestyle of sin without the fear of being damned to everlasting punishment in a lake of fire. A great number came away from this experience believing that God would continue to overlook their sins no matter how great or small by a simple apology, and they no longer had to deal with the consequences. However, they became a people who created in their own minds a god that they felt comfortable with. No more did they have to fear the wrath of a just and holy God, they had their ticket to Heaven. More and more the true gospel was watered down and made pleasant for all, the truth continued to be set aside in the name of love, tolerance and acceptance; even today greater than ever there are myriads of false converts are being created who have no distinct desire to follow Christ in their daily lives. Not only are they false converts but staunch in their beliefs of error, certain that their creation of god will forgive their wicked lifestyle. There is only one gospel and only one Christ and Redeemer of our souls. Ask anyone today to explain the gospel or who God is and you will get thousands upon thousands of different opinions, even from some who claim to be orthodox. In our efforts to reach as many people as we could possibly reach we have fashioned messages that appealed to the different wants and needs of others which ended up bringing forth results ranging from selfish unbelievers to ignorant lost souls. A very prominent pastor even said this; "If God punishes people in Hell then that is not a God I'm interested in trusting." This teaching is basically tearing apart the true gospel that many godly men gave up their lives to proclaim. Entire denominations have been built on the desires and the will of man with just enough truth to deceive it's hearers, teaching that our works somehow gain favor with God unto salvation. The gospel message of Christ can and will save the souls of men and women if proclaimed and responded to rightly. The soft, pleasing, comfortable, synthetic and counterfeit gospel will not save and will not change the hearts of this lost and dying world. As we are commanded to proclaim the gospel of Christ; be keenly aware that the words we use have the ability to lead others astray from the truth, to destroy the hearts of those who are hungry for truth and even crush the souls of the weak. Only the true gospel can save the soul. Until one acknowledges and confesses that they are a sinner, repents (turns from their lifestyle if sin), calls out to God for forgiveness, and puts their faith and trust in the work of Christ alone to save them from their sin and the wrath to come they cannot be accepted by God. We can't accept Him, He accepts us. Be diligent in your study of the scriptures, meditate on the word of God day and night, be found trustworthy, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.

---

God's prison!

(James Smith, "The Book You Will Like!" 1859)

"Then they will go away to eternal punishment--but the righteous to eternal life!" Matthew 25:46

The lost sinner takes the greatest of all risks--he risks suffering the torments of Hell forever, rather than yield himself to God.

He is in DANGER--the greatest possible danger; for he has broken God's law, is under its curse, and cannot possibly be saved--unless its demands are met, and its penalty endured.

How can he meet its demands? He is insolvent, and has nothing to pay.

How can he endure its penalty, which is to be punished with everlasting destruction?
The penalty due to sin--is Hell.
Hell is torment, wrath, despair!
Eternal torment!
Just and infinite wrath!
Never-ending despair!

If even the thought of these things is dreadful--then what must it be to actually endure them--and endure them forever, without hope, or mitigation, or end!

O what a fearful thing--to be in danger of Hell-fire! O how terrible the thought of being shut up in black despair, with devils and damned souls--the refuse of God's creation!

Hell is God's prison--where all His enemies are confined!

It is the place of punishment--where everyone suffers the just desert of his crimes!

It is a place horrible beyond description--beyond conception!

O, lost sinner! Hell is a dreadful place! To be damned is a terrible doom! It is forever! Yes, the worm that torments you--will never die; and the fire that punishes you--will never be quenched!

If you, my dear friend, live--neglecting God--walking in your own ways, and gratifying only your own passions and propensities--then you must go to Hell, and suffer God's just wrath--the punishment due to you for your sins!

God asks you, "Why will you die?" Why do you prefer . . .
death--to life,
damnation--to salvation,
Satan--to Jesus,
Hell--to Heaven?

Why?

gracegems.org

Let Fear Do It's Work

Do not fear the evil underhanded and destructive ways of the devil rather fear the power of the almighty infinite God of creation who not only has the power to extinguish your mortal body but also cast your very soul into the fiery depths of Hell where suffering never ever ends.

REPENT of your sin and TRUST in Jesus Christ, there is NO OTHER who can rescue you from the day of wrath that is coming.

Flee FROM sin.
Flee TO the Savior.

An unsaved person's perspective of Christians

(James Smith, "The Book You Will Like!" 1859)

I do not believe that you Christians believe your own creed--for if you were persuaded that things really are as your Bibles teach, and that we poor lost people were really going to such a dreadful place as you say Hell is--then you would act more humanely toward us.

If you saw our houses on fire--you would run and help us to put the fire out; or if you saw us in danger of death--you would try to do something to save us. But you pretend to believe that we are going to Hell, and that Hell burns with fire and brimstone forever, and that once there we can never get out--and yet you talk to us about all sorts of things--but never say one word to us about saving our souls from this terrible doom!

So I have reasoned thus: either you Christians don't believe what you say--or else you must be the most hardened and unfeeling wretches in the universe! Now, as I don't believe that you are such cruel, hardened, and unfeeling people as this supposes--then I must conclude that, with all your talk--you Christians don't really believe what your Bibles teach!

For if you really believe what you say about sin, and Hell, and our danger--then you would act differently; and if you have a spark of kindness in your hearts--you would try to save us from such a dreadful doom. And, on the other hand, if you do not believe what you profess--then you Christians cannot be honest; and to say the least, there must be a great deal of hypocrisy among you.

Now, I honestly tell you that these are the things which have stumbled me more than anything, and until I can see you Christians act differently--I will not be persuaded to believe what your sort of folks say.

gracegems.org

Watch out!

(James Smith, "The Pastor's Morning Visit")

"Be watchful!" Revelation 3:2

Satan is watching--to devour us,
the world is watching--to ensnare us,
and God is watching--to protect us!

Jesus, our best friend, says to us, "Be watchful!"

Watch . . .
against the vanity of the world,
against your besetting sins,
against seasons of temptation, and
against Satan, the sworn enemy of your soul.

Unite together:
prayer to God,
dependence on His holy Word,
and watchfulness.

Pray to be kept . . .
from sin,
in temptation,
unspotted from the world.

Watch therefore, and pray always!

--- gracegems.org ---

The Heavenly Traveler

(Thomas Sherman, "Divine Breathings; Or, a Pious Soul Thirsting after Christ")

"They were strangers and pilgrims on the earth!" Hebrews 11:13

What heir, traveling to take possession of a rich inheritance, allows either a green meadow or pleasant garden to detain him; or a black cloud or a dirty road to dishearten him?

O my soul, you are traveling to take possession of a glorious eternal inheritance!
Will you turn aside--to pluck every flower?
Will you linger--to listen to every melodious sound?
Will you leave your way--to drink of every gliding stream of carnal pleasure?

What is this, but . . .
to lose a mansion--to view a meadow!
to sacrifice an eternal crown--for a dying flower!
to lose immortal felicity--for a flying vanity!
to forsake the way of Zion--to gather the grapes of Sodom!

Though, my soul, your way is in tears, and your days in sorrow, all clouded; yet here is enough to comfort you: that a loving Father, an unending portion, a sweet rest, and an everlasting refreshment--will make amends for all!

Therefore, this vain world does not allure me--for I will make no deviation, because my way lies to purer comforts, and surer glory! Vexing world, do not entice me--I will not halt, because I am traveling to my heavenly Father's house!

"They were longing for a better country--a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them!" Hebrews 11:16

Evidence That You Are a Christian and Have Been Saved by God

The evidence that you have repented of your sins and were saved is that you are still repenting today.

The evidence that you believe in Jesus is that you are still believing in Him today and you are believing more than before.

The evidence that you have been truly saved by grace is that you keep walking and following Jesus and He continues changing you day by day.

The evidence that you are a Christian is that Jesus has done something in your life, and THAT something that He has done is the thing that motivates you to follow Him, and you want to be like Him and you continue on and on daily following Him.

Do not think that just because you were raised in a Christian home that you are a Christian, it is by grace you are saved, through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Do not think that just because you read your Bible that you are a Christian.

Do not think that only because you believe in God that you are a Christian, even the demons believe (James 2:19).

The greatest desire of your heart is to be totally devoted to Jesus Christ, to honor and please Him and Him alone, continually putting away the desires of yourself, abstaining from the things that bring disgrace to His glorious name.

Are these things evident in your life? If not there is still hope.

Think about your sin and your disobedience.
Think about the Savior and that He died to save you from the wrath of God that you deserve. Agree with Him that you are a sinner and that you have been living for yourself.
Apologize to God for your disobedience and repent (turn away) from your sin once and for all and put your trust in the Savior Jesus Christ to save you and give you a new heart with new desires that honor Him.
Its called being born-again. Jesus said in John 3:3 "Unless a man is born-again he cannot see the kingdom of Heaven."

He WILL save you if you trust in Him and not your own goodness. Your goodness can never be good enough. The Bible says that our righteousness/goodness is like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). His goodness must be placed upon us, His goodness must be credited to our account.
Apart from Christ, not even the most kind, compassionate, loving and caring little old lady has any hope whatsoever of an eternity in heaven.

Plead with Him today to save you and He will hear; trust in Him and He will give you everlasting life; then read His word and follow His will all the days of your life, not in order to be good but because He is good.

Spiritual Warfare

During a discussion earlier this year in our Saturday men's bible study the pastor asked, "What are the things we are up against in this church when it comes to this spiritual war?"

All were a bit reluctant to answer that question and it made me think; Do we know what we are up against in this battle of good and evil?

After some thought, I considered some reasons for the inability to offer insight into the question posed; one being self implication of our own shortcomings. When we talk openly with others about the things that hinder the work of the Holy Spirit around us, we risk shining the light on our own sin. We are terrified to expose our lives that we ourselves may be lacking in some area and possibly found to be entertaining a lifestyle that displeases God.

A second reason we may not want to point out the evil around us is fear of being seen as judgmental and possibly even thought of as being better than others by pointing out the failures around us.

Another reason even being that if we expose the battles we face in our churches it could be seen as a poke in the eye of the entire congregation who for the most part claim to be believers in Christ.

We fear that someone will be offended if we stand for truth and righteousness, and we do not want to suffer the consequences.

Christians are up against a multitude of evil things that many times we do not even recognize. Spiritual warfare is the evil that we battle around us daily, it is the thing that stands in direct opposition to the word of God.

The recent messages on holiness bring to light even more the useless, evil, worthless things we entertain every day, in our lives and in our churches.

The direction of man, even with the best of intentions will fall short of God's perfect plan. The best of men are men at best.

I've since had to ask God's forgiveness for entertaining the thoughts that our selfish desires are in some way more important that His will for the church.

May we not lose heart in proclaiming the truth of scripture, daily repenting of our own sin and moving in a direction that brings glory to God while standing on the Solid Rock, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Reaching the Lost

The best way to reach lost people is to exalt the glory of God, the grace of God, the mercy of God, and the wrath of God. For 2000 years He has been seeking people with His gospel, and He is sufficient to do it. - David Platt

Blessings Are Often Hidden

Youth Ministry: It's Time to be Biblical

It's becoming painfully clear that the 'Cool and Fun Gospel' doesn't work. Due to the silliness an entire generation has been lost.

What happens when more concern is placed on creating fun activities for getting youth into churches than preaching the gospel and teaching the truths of God's word? Their hearts are hardened, lives are lost, they become spiritually shallow, Christ is mocked, and blasphemy toward the Holy God is considered normal.

Youth programs are not biblical and the segregation is destroying churches, it's not too late to repent of this and trust in God's way.

Sounds like some people are picking up on the problem.
As you watch this 3 minute video please allow the Spirit of God to reveal to you the problems and use you in turning this around.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vEa0O5av7c&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Blood Money (Film Trailer)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYaTywSDmls&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Westboro (Baptist) Church

Recently I saw a post that read, "I get so tired of "christians" acting like idiots. Can you say "Westboro"?

When I read this I couldn't help thinking about how God's ways are infinitely higher than our ways; maybe God has hardened the hearts of such individuals in order to test the faith of others; surely there is a purpose in all of this; how and why people can read the word of God and get it so mangled has always been a mystery to me; but God's ways clearly surpass ours. Do some people not know that God is just as angry with their sinful ways as He is regarding the sins of others.

No doubt, God's plans are superior to any human mind; for example, I surely would not think that the persecution of Christians could be used to spread the gospel to unreached cities and towns as was the case when Saul was so wicked prior to his true conversion; but God did.
Read Acts 7- 9.

Terrible things used for good?
How can this be unless the sovereign God of the universe has ordained such?

Isaiah 45:7
I form light and create darkness, I make well-being and create calamity, I am the LORD, who does all these things.

Disastrous events such as hurricanes, tsunami's, earthquakes, floods, wildfires, and most recently the tornados in Alabama and Oklahoma have resulted in the dispatching of relief agencies such as Texas Baptist Men (just to name only one) to assist in cleanup efforts in these areas which result in these men verbally sharing the gospel of Christ as well. God's word is advanced once again.

Could it be that the United States itself has been so neglected as a mission field or become so lost that God is moving His word along in ways we could not even imagine?

Lamentations 3:37-40
Who has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord has commanded it?
Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that good and bad come?
Why should a living man complain, a man, about the punishment of his sins?
Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the LORD!

Punishment for sins?
It appears that is possible!
Reasons to keep fighting the good fight and not to become weary in proclaiming the saving message of the gospel? Absolutely!

Can the evil and wickedness of rulers, leaders, judges, and false prophets cause people to repent, trust the living God and turn to Him for salvation? It has for centuries!

I do tend to agree that the Westboro (Baptists) are unstable in their ways, their understanding of scripture seems to have little room for God's plan for salvation but thanks be to God for these and other opportunities so we can tell others about the true Savior of the world Christ Jesus, and thanks be to God that His ways are not only higher than our ways but His ways achieve everlasting results.

Lord please give us a wise and discerning mind as we faithfully read and study Your word, give us a heart that breaks for the souls of the lost, give us boldness of speech to proclaim Your precious word, guide us with the truth, Your word is truth.

WOW 2

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 1:3-11

Steven Tyler (Aerosmith) Comments on Abortion

Steven Tylers (Aerosmith) comments after pressuring his girlfriend to get an abortion:

Some sense of responsibility (or curiosity?) compelled him to watch the procedure, with an unanticipated result: "[T]hey put the needle in her belly and squeeze the stuff in and you watch. And it comes out dead. I was pretty devastated. In my mind, I'm going, Jesus, what have I done?"

Read the entire article:
http://online.worldmag.com/2011/05/09/dont-walk-this-way/

A Psalm of David

Psalm 139:13-16 (ESV)
For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. [14] I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. [15] My frame was not hidden from you,when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. [16] Your eyes saw my unformed substance;in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.

Response to Abortion Advocates

Many of our governmental leaders keep saying we need to strive to make abortion safe, legal, and rare.

Are you kidding me? Abortion is murder!
Murder safe, legal, and rare??
What kind of insanity is that??

Ladies, don't fall for that ridiculous way of thinking.

What about rape victims, they say.

Rape is a horrible devastating act of violence and those who commit such acts should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Does the baby inside the rape victim deserve to die?

Will the rape victim not be traumatized because of the rape regardless if the baby is murdered or not?

Killing the baby will not keep rape victims from remembering the torture they endured at the hands of their attacker, however they will be traumatized a second time physically and emotionally for years to come because of their choice to end the life of an innocent baby! Many women who have aborted their babies have said that the abortion is the emotional trauma that continually haunts them the most, not the rape.

I've heard several testimonies from individuals who were the product of violent rape, thankfully the victims of these crimes knew that murdering a child was not the answer to their situation. These children that were allowed to live, now as adults, are extremely thankful that their mothers gave birth to them and I am too.

No one would say that it is easy to carry and birth a child of rape, just that it was the right thing to do. It is a grievous thing that so much physical, emotional, and psychological pain is involved.

The murder of unborn babies is a sin against Almighty God.

Someone said to me once, "So you think ALL (emphasis added) women who have had abortions will burn in Hell?"

Clearly the answer is no, not ALL, however, according to scripture liars, thieves, fornicators, adulterers, and murderers are deserving of eternal torment in the lake of fire and ANYONE who does not repent of their sins, turn from their wicked ways and trust in the finished work of Christ to save them from their sins WILL be cast into that pit and perish on the day of judgement. Yes, including that kind little old lady down the street who has not put her faith and trust in the risen Lord.

PRO Abortion or PRO Choice as people like to call it is just an excuse for PROmiscuity.

Our choices have consequences.
Choose LIFE.

God is a just and holy God. He is also long-suffering, kind, forgiving and those who repent, turn from their sins and put their faith in Him will be saved on the day of judgement. All their sins will be forgiven, the old things will pass away and God will give them a new heart with new desires that are pleasing to Him.

It is only by God's grace and mercy that we live and breathe.
He ALONE is to be praised.

Franklin Graham on Fox News: Obama, Rob Bell and the Gospel Message

Franklin Graham in an interview on Fox News w/ Bill O'Riley weighs in on Obama, calls out Rob Bell as a false teacher/heretic and shared the entire gospel all in less than 3 minutes.
http://ow.ly/4LFxU

It is true--I do love my sins, my lusts and pleasures

GraceGems.org

("A Few Sighs From Hell" or "The Groans of the Damned Soul" by that poor and contemptible servant of Jesus Christ, John Bunyan, 1658. Being an exposition of Luke 16:19-31, concerning the Rich Man and the Beggar, wherein is revealed the lamentable state of the Damned--their cries, and their desires in their distresses, with the determined judgment of God upon them. A good warning word to sinners, both old and young, to seek salvation by faith in Jesus Christ--lest they come into the same place of torment.)

Lost sinner, I beg you to consider the state of those who die outside of Christ Jesus. Yes, I say, consider their miserable state, and think thus with yourself: "What, shall I lose an eternal Heaven--for short pleasure? Shall I buy the pleasures of this world at so dear a rate--as to lose my soul to obtain them? What advantage will these be to me--when the Lord shall separate soul and body asunder, and send one to the grave, and the other to Hell; and at the judgment-day, the final sentence of eternal ruin must be passed upon me?"

Consider, that the profits, pleasures, and vanities of this world will not last forever--but the time is coming, yes, just at the door, when they will give you the slip, and leave you in such a dreadful condition.

And therefore to prevent this, consider your dismal state, think thus with yourself: It is true--I do love my sins, my lusts and pleasures; but what good will they do me at the day of death and of judgment? Will my sins do me good then? Will they be able to help me when I come to fetch my last breath? What good will my money then do for me? And what good will my vanities then do, when death drags me away? What good will all my companions, fellow jesters, jeerers, liars, drunkards, and all my harlots do for me? Will they help to ease the pains of Hell? Will these help to turn the hand of God from inflicting His fierce anger upon me? Nay, they will rather cause God to show me no mercy, to give me no comfort; and to thrust me down into the hottest place of Hell, where I will swim in fire and brimstone!

O consider, that your doom is forever, forever! It is unto... everlasting damnation,
eternal destruction,
eternal wrath and displeasure from God,
eternal gnawings of conscience,
eternal continuance with devils.

O consider, that just the thought of now seeing the devil, makes your hair to stand straight up on your head. O but this--to be damned, to dwell among all the devils, and that not only for a short time--but forever, to all eternity! This is so astonishingly miserable--that no tongue of man, no, nor of angels, is able to express it!

Endure Temptation and Love The Lord

James 1:12-15 (KJV)
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. [13] Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: [14] But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. [15] Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

Counterfeit piety--is double iniquity!

from gracegems.org 

(Thomas Watson, "Dearly Beloved" 1662)

"Surely, You desire truth in the inward part." Psalm 51:6

Be sincere! Be what you seem to be!

Do not be like rowers in a boat, who look one way--and row another way.
Do not look heaven-ward by your profession--and row hell-ward by your life!

Do not pretend to love God--and yet really love sin.
Counterfeit piety--is double iniquity! Let your hearts be sincere and upright with God.

The plainer the diamond is--the richer it is. Just so, the more plain and sincere the heart is--the more does God value His jewel.

A little rusty gold--is far better than a great deal of bright brass. Just so, a little true grace, though rusted over with many infirmities--is better than all the glistening shows of religious hypocrites.

"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness. You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell?" Matthew 23:27-28, 33

Rob Bell's Strange Theology

This is an example of why it is vitally important to read, study, and understand God's Word so we will not be led astray by false teachers.
According to many who study scripture, including many wise theologians, Rob Bell's teaching fails the test of biblical historical accuracy not to mention the misquoted references in his new book 'Love Wins', which appear to be nothing more than an attempt to sway others toward his altered view of the gospel.
The beliefs of this apparent wolf in sheeps clothing is being exposed on national TV by exceptional journalism. Rob Bell never expected this journalist to

Please Beware of False Teachers

Beware of false teachers who lead people astray with their clever words. Like a wolf in sheeps clothing Rob Bell distorts the word of God giving false hope to tens of thousands and quite possibly millions of people. His false teachings are sure to lead many down the path of destruction. Stay away from teaching like this which oppose the words of our Lord.
Please Rob, do not cause those who hear you to stumble in their faith, do not misuse

Serious Warning

Warn the lost AND those who do not obey the Gospel of Christ, it's not a joke, this day IS approaching

2 Thessalonians 1:6-9

6 since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you,
7 and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels
8 in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
9 They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might,

How to Become an Atheist by Ray Comfort

1) Ignore design and nature.
2) Ignore your God given common sense.
3) Find other atheist's that will confirm that indeed you are intelligent.
4) Believe that you are right in all your beliefs.
5) Believe that evolution is true and believe that it's scientific.
6) Believe that there are no missing links.
7) Believe that Richard Dawkins knows what he is talking about.
8) Believe that you are an ape.
9) Believe that your conscience has been given to you by your parents and society.
10) Never ever question evolution.
11) Don't think for yourself.

Do all these things and you'll be able to call yourself an atheist, or at least as much as one CAN be called an atheist.

No one can really be a true atheist because they must have absolute knowledge to say that there is absolutely no God, so until your omniscient 'like God' you'll just have to pretend to be an atheist.

The Atheist Does Not Exist

According to God the atheist does not exist, only those who suppress the truth.

Romans 1:18-20 (ESV)
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. [19] For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. [20] For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

THE GOSPEL MESSAGE IN 30 SECONDS

You are a sinner, you've broken God's law and God is angry at sinners. But he is good and he is kind so he provided a sacrifice, a payment for your sins, He sent His Son, Jesus Christ to die on a cross for your sins. In other words, you broke Gods law and Jesus paid your fine with His lifes blood, He took the punishment that you deserve for breaking God's law. Jesus then defeated death by rising from the dead and if you respond to Him by repenting, turning from your sins and putting your trust in Him and Him alone to save you from your sins then your sins will be forgiven and He will grant you everlasting life.

Jesus died for you, it's the most loving thing anyone has ever done for you wouldn't you agree?

What must I do to be saved?

No doubt you have heard it said that you do not have to do anything to be saved, however, the Bible says that we must repent to be saved, isn't repenting doing something?
There IS something you must do but it's not your part that saves you. Nothing you DO can save you. You cannot ever be good enough or do enough good things.
The Bible says we are saved by grace, not of works (Ephesians 2:8-9), also scripture tells us that we must repent to be saved (Acts 2:38). If we must repent then isn't that a work that saves?
This too is from God, 2 Corinthians 7:10 says godly grief produces repentance.
The knowledge of our sin against a holy God is what produces godly grief, that drives us to the Savior.
The law of God (Exodus 20) is what brings the knowledge of sin.
To fully understand the truth regarding repentance, here is an analogy that may

Who am I?

Some might say I'm only interested in the big things but that's not the case at all, I love the little white lie, I encourage that second glance at that girl, I hope you take that extra drink, one little compromise, that's all I need.
I am pleased when you dress in revealing clothes for all to see. I remind you that it's ok to have sex with someone your not married to because commitment is over-rated.
I promise you that nothing is wrong with viewing pornography and lusting in your heart. I can't wait for you to do it again because I love to see a life stained and corrupted.
I promise you rich rewards, pleasure, honor, wealth and joy. I promise you great and mighty things, sometimes I even let you

In the world--and yet not of the world

by (J.C. Ryle, "Our Profession")

c/o Grace Gems

"You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world, becomes an enemy of God." James 4:4

"My prayer is not that you take them out of the world--but that you protect them from the evil one." John 17:15

Happy, indeed, is that Christian who can be in the world--and yet not of the world; who can do his duty in it--and yet not

Leviticus 19:15

"You shall do no injustice in court. You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor.

What does Dr. Oz believe?

In the past week I've heard the name of Dr. Oz mentioned a half dozen times, it was used in ways that praised his wise advice and understanding as it related to physical health.
Anytime the wisdom and advise of any individual becomes so well known and talked about, especially in the Christian community, I tend to want to know more about who they are and what their beliefs and practices are. In other words, things that stir the interest of Christians cause me to want to investigate with caution especially since we know that even the "evil one" is disguised as an angel of light.
Yes, I do want to know what the spiritual beliefs are of those whom the Christian community are lifting up as wise with great insight.
Yes, it does matter what the beliefs are of those who receive my endorsement, isn't that being discerning?
After some research into the background of the famous Dr. Mehmet Oz, some of my discoveries were a bit disturbing to say the least.
He seems to have

Is sex outside the bounds of marriage good or bad?

Our culture is filled with couples who prefer to live together prior to marriage or just skip marriage all together, this type of decision is much more serious than a fear of commitment.
Sex outside of marriage and other sexual immoral behavior according to the word of God....
Matthew 15:19
For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.
Mark 7-21-22
For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness.
Acts 21:25
But as for the Gentiles who have believed, we have sent a letter with our judgment that they should abstain from

Purity

Eric stormed into my office and flopped into a chair. "I'm really mad at God."
Having grown up in a strong church family, he'd met and married a Christian girl. Now he was the picture of misery.
"Okay...so why are you mad at God?"
"Because," he said, "Last week I committed adultery."
Long pause. Finally I said, "I can see why God would be mad at you. But why are you mad at God?"
Eric explained that for several months he'd felt a strong, mutual attraction with a woman at his office. He'd prayed earnestly that God would keep him from immorality.
"Did you ask your wife to pray for you?" I said. "Did you stay away from the woman?"
"Well...no. We went out for lunch almost every day."
Slowly, I started pushing a big book across my desk. Eric watched, uncomprehending, as the book inched closer and closer

Can we be pleasing to The Lord?

Do you remember back in September 2010, the Florida pastor who planned to burn the Quran?
I would have to agree with many who say that burning the Quran publicly doesn't appear to be a good idea according to the current worldly standards of being tolerant and loving toward another, and it definitely stirred up some additional anger and hatred.
However,do you remember the situation in 1 Kings 18? Is it possible that the prophets of Baal got angry when Elijah mocked their false god's? Were these prophets told, "you are free to practice your beliefs"? No, it was much more serious than that.
If we are to be holy as Christ is holy (1 Peter 1), would we not be compelled to remove from our midst any idols as well as all forms of evil including a book that teaches a different message than the gospel of the living God? (Galatians 1:8-9)
Is it off base to think that this book burning thing is similar to the biblical account of

Discipline

Let's face it: knowing what to do in our Christian walk is usually not the problem; having the discipline to do the right thing is. Whether it's restraining our fleshly desires against moral impurity, indulgence, or gluttony, or prioritizing the important things in life over the urgent, discipline is the key character quality of those who represent Christ best- www.thechristianworldview.com

The Daniel Diet?

In today's culture there is a topic that gets much attention, it gets attention from individual households, schools, the work place, communities, government, even television has programming devoted specifically toward targeting the problem of obesity and dieting (The Biggest Loser).
Dieting has become a daily household word. There have been numerous types of diets to fit every need and lifestyle under the sun, mentioned below are just a few.
The Adkins diet, the Buddhist diet, the Cabbage Soup diet, the Crash diet, the Earth diet, the Fruitarian diet, the Grapefruit diet also known as the Hollywood diet, the Herbalife diet, the Jenny Craig diet, the Kosher diet, the Liquid diet, the Low-carbohydrate diet, the Mediterranean diet, the Nutrisystems Diet, the South Beach diet, the Subway diet, Weight Watchers, and some of my personal favorites include the Cookie diet, the Ice Cream diet, the Junk Food diet, and the Lemonade diet.
There are even Bible based diets such as

Rejoicing For God's Word

O' Lord that all believers in America would rejoice because Your written Word is available to us, that Your precious promises and undeniable truths can be trusted.
I pray that a great hunger for Your Word will consume our every thought and an overwhelming desire to strive for holiness would take over our lives.

Lord, Your Word is the life and the light of man, woman and child.

New Testaments Arrive to the Kimyal Community, West Papal, Indonesia.
Jumping up and down, weeping, praying, thankful.
Glory be to God.

Check out this 5 minute video
http://vimeo.com/m/#/16493505

Pursue Perfection

Christian, you are to pursue perfection even though you will never attain in this life.

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy."
1 Peter 1:14-16

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12-14

Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.
2 Timothy 2:21

Misinterpretation of Leviticus 19:18

You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD.
Leviticus 19:18

This scripture passage is commonly misinterpreted that we are commanded to love ourselves.

Loving yourself is not commanded, it is assumed.

Come Quickly Lord Jesus

O Lord, this world is filled with fornication and drunkenness and we call it good.
We practice all kinds of deceit to obtain personal wealth or to advance our own agenda and we call it good.
We continue our days lacking any moral conviction and we call it good.
We are content to oppose all Your ways and praise only ourselves and we call it very good.

Come quickly, Lord Jesus.

Are We Just Fooling Ourselves?

Many will say on that day, .....

Lord, did we not attend Sunday School, worship services and mid-week Bible Study class?

Did we not attend a youth group, sing your praises in the choir and feed the homeless on weekends?

Did we not have good intentions when it came to fleeing from the sin in our own lives?

Did we not come to You in prayer when we needed Your assistance?

Do we not meditate on Your word when we have nothing else to do?

Did we not proclaim Your greatness to others even though we trusted in our own goodness?

Were we not popular among non-believers as well as believers?

Did we not visit the sick and comfort those who were down?

Did we not walk an aisle, pray a prayer and get baptized?

Were we not proud of who we are and all that we have done?

Did we not have lots of friends and pray for others needs?

Did we not try real hard not to judge or offend anyone by withholding the warnings of sin, death, and Hell so people could be satisfied by thinking all is well with their soul?

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.  Proverbs 14:12

Paul tells us of the true believers in Philippians 3!

For we are the circumcision, who WORSHIP BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD and GLORY IN CHRIST JESUS and PUT NO CONFIDENCE IN THE FLESH. 
Philippians 3:3

Most holy God, You alone are worthy of ALL praise, guide us to Your Son, may we trust fully in Him and not our own ways. Amen

Market-Driven Christianity

by Don Fortner

"Am I now trying to win the approval of men--or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men--I would not be a servant of Christ." Galatians 1:10

Religion in America is big business. Scads of money, powerful personalities, huge egos, and positions of prominence, influence, and recognition are at stake in the business of religion, just as they are in any other business. There was a time when the concern of churches and preachers in this country was the glory of God and the truth of God. Today, like any business, the concern is for success.

Christianity today is market-driven. The goal of all marketing is to make both the buyer and the seller satisfied. Consequently, market-driven churches, in utter abandonment of God’s glory and God’s truth, in their insatiable quest for success and recognition--do whatever it takes to win customers and keep them.

Be warned! False doctrine and worldliness always go hand in hand. Worldliness usually leads the way. The early modernists did not aim at destroying biblical Christianity. They simply tried to make Christianity palatable to an unbelieving world. It cannot be done. When Christianity becomes acceptable to unregenerate people--it has ceased to be Christianity!

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing!" 1 Corinthians 1:18

Does God Really See Me?

Maybe God would reveal Himself to us and through us if we would just cleanse ourselves and our homes of that which dishonors Him.

In Joshua 7, the people of Israel attacked Ai and were told by God to destroy it completely and take nothing, Achan however,  took possession of a coat and a little silver and gold, no big deal right, he didn't worship it or anything, it had no sacred significance to him, he just saw it and wanted it for himself, what could it possibly hurt anyway. However, God had said DON'T TAKE ANYTHING! The whole nation of Israel suffered because of Achan's disobedience. To make things right with God again, Achan, his wife, his entire family and all of their belongings were destroyed and burned with fire. That's a radical way to clean out and remove that which dishonors God. 

Could it be that the suffering of our nation today is directly related to our disobedience to the Almighty God!

Ever thought that your small acts of disobedience may cause others around you to suffer and possibly even die? 
Neither did Achan.