Peter Cartwright, a circuit riding Methodist preacher of the 19th century, was scheduled to preach to a large audience in Maryland. When he arrived, he was informed that President Andrew Jackson would be among those in attendance. The informant commented, "We wanted to let you know that President Jackson would be in attendance so that you would not say anything that might offend him." Peter Cartwright thanked him for the information, and then mounted the platform to prepare to preach.
When he got into the pulpit, he cleared his throat and said, "I have been told that President Andrew Jackson is in the congregation today. I have also been warned about saying anything that might be offensive to the President. Thus, I want to begin my sermon today by saying that if President Andrew Jackson doesn't turn to Jesus, repent of his sin, and get saved, he will go straight to hell." Needless to say, you could have heard a pin drop. Immediately after the service, President Andrew Jackson made a b-line to Peter Cartwright and said, "If I had a army of men like you, I could whip the world."
As pastors and preachers of the gospel, we have an unpopular job. In the day of political correctness and social acceptance, even many professing, born-again believers have no appetite for the truth of the Word of God. Rather, the culture has infiltrated the church and created a desire for "feel-good" theology. The average church member marches into our services, plops down in their seat, folds their arms, looks to the platform as if to say, "Okay, preacher man, give it your best shot."
I have been doing this for about half of my life and I still get butterflies as I step behind the sacred desk. I haven't been able to determine if it is nervousness or anxiety; but, I am certain that it is partly due to the great responsibility that has been placed upon my shoulders as a shepherd of His sheep.
Sadly enough, many pastors/preachers have succumbed to the pressure of the day and ceased to be men of God who boldly declare the truth of God. I believe the apostle Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, knew this day would be upon us when he wrote to young Timothy, "Preach the Word....for the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine: but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears. And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." (2 Timothy 4: 2-4)
However, as men of God, Paul did not leave us to fend for ourselves without knowing what to do in the midst of the day. Rather, he says that we are to, "...be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine...endure afflictions...make full proof of thy ministry." (4:2, 5)
Men of God, stand before your people with a backbone like a saw log and preach convicingly, courageously, compassionately, consistently, and compellingly. We are not professionals or CEO's; nor, are we in the running of a popularity contest. We have been called of God, to be men of God, anointed by the Spirit of God, to preach the whole counsel of God. Preach it strong and preach it straight and ask the Holy Spirit to "break up the fallow ground," then sow a little while, water a little while, and allow God to get the increase.
I'm praying for you as you preach tomorrow.
Your Friend in the Fight,
Bro. Steve
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Saturday, August 23, 2008
I Got a Look at Grace
I wish that I had the linguistic ability to describe what I was privileged to witness last week as we ministered to the Shoshone/Arapaho Indians on the Wind River Reservation. I guess that the best I could describe would be, "I Got a Look at Grace."
From the moment my plane landed in Jackson Hole, WY, I saw the handiwork of God's creation manifested in the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Park. What a sight it was to behold. Upon arriving late Monday night, in Lander, WY, I already knew in my spirit that God had something great in store for the week. Well...I was right!
All totaled, I Got a Look at Grace by seeing 24 Shoshone/Arapaho's have their "robes washed white in the precious blood of the Lamb." Friday night was the volcano service of the week. We did not dismiss the service until MIDNIGHT!! That's right, MIDNIGHT! Amazingly enough, no one got up and left, and no one was looking at their watches. The power of God's Spirit broke the dam, and waters rushed forth in mighty power.
For the past couple of years, one of our biggest prayer request was for God to raise up Native Americans to preach the gospel. Truth be told, they can reach their own people much better, and much faster than we can. God heard our prayer and raised up 4 young men to preach the gospel! I Got a Look at Grace!
This blog does not afford me the space to describe to you what God is doing through EMI and Native American Ministries. But, allow me to suffice it to say that God is doing things we never dreamed possible. He is raising up native American preachers, He has provided a building to house RUI (Reformers Unanimous International) and we are leasing the building for $1/year. He is opening doors to new native American reservations in South Dakota, North Carolina, Washington, and the Yukon territory of Alaska.
I want to thank each of you who agreed with me in prayer for this endeavor. Please continue to pray that God will culitvate the soil of the hearts of these new Christians that they might tell their native American friends and family, what great things the Lord has done. If you would like to be a part of something special, I would recommend that you take a trip with me to one of these reservations so that you will be able to say with me, I Got a Look at Grace!
His and Happy,
Bro. Steve
From the moment my plane landed in Jackson Hole, WY, I saw the handiwork of God's creation manifested in the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Park. What a sight it was to behold. Upon arriving late Monday night, in Lander, WY, I already knew in my spirit that God had something great in store for the week. Well...I was right!
All totaled, I Got a Look at Grace by seeing 24 Shoshone/Arapaho's have their "robes washed white in the precious blood of the Lamb." Friday night was the volcano service of the week. We did not dismiss the service until MIDNIGHT!! That's right, MIDNIGHT! Amazingly enough, no one got up and left, and no one was looking at their watches. The power of God's Spirit broke the dam, and waters rushed forth in mighty power.
For the past couple of years, one of our biggest prayer request was for God to raise up Native Americans to preach the gospel. Truth be told, they can reach their own people much better, and much faster than we can. God heard our prayer and raised up 4 young men to preach the gospel! I Got a Look at Grace!
This blog does not afford me the space to describe to you what God is doing through EMI and Native American Ministries. But, allow me to suffice it to say that God is doing things we never dreamed possible. He is raising up native American preachers, He has provided a building to house RUI (Reformers Unanimous International) and we are leasing the building for $1/year. He is opening doors to new native American reservations in South Dakota, North Carolina, Washington, and the Yukon territory of Alaska.
I want to thank each of you who agreed with me in prayer for this endeavor. Please continue to pray that God will culitvate the soil of the hearts of these new Christians that they might tell their native American friends and family, what great things the Lord has done. If you would like to be a part of something special, I would recommend that you take a trip with me to one of these reservations so that you will be able to say with me, I Got a Look at Grace!
His and Happy,
Bro. Steve
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Partners in Prayer
I covet your prayers this week as I preach on the Shoshone/Arapaho Indian Reservation in Riverton, Wyoming. A couple of years ago, God deeply burdened my heart for the Native Americans. Thus, He has opened doors, through Evangelism Missions International (EMI), to plant Bible-believing Baptist churches on their reservations, as well as ministries of recovery and rehabiliation for their wide-spread alcohol and drug addictions.
The Native Americans are some, if not the most neglected and overlooked people of history. Many of them hold feelings of deep resentment toward the "white man," because of how they feel they have been treated by the United States government. Thus, one of the first things that must take place, in order to reach them, is a relationship of trust. They must believe that we, the "white man," have not come to take anything from them; but, we have come to bring Jesus to them.
Last year, I had the privilege of preaching to the Jicarilla Apache Indians in Dulce, New Mexico, and we watched God do an amazing work during that week. Near the end of the meeting, we watched the walls of distrust begin to come down, and God knit our hearts together with some of the sweetest people you would ever meet.
I have been informed, however, that the Shoshone and Arapaho are much different than many other Indians. They are very "suspicious" and "clannish," and are not immediately open to outsiders. Bro. Richard Morgan established a great Baptist church and has been working with the Shoshone/Arapaho for several years. This week will be their annual campmeeting, and I have been asked to come and break the "bread of Life" to them.
I will fly out early in the morning (Monday), so please pray that God will grant me travelling mercies. Also, please partner in prayer with me that the Holy Spirit will begin, right now, to cultivate the soil of their hearts so that the "incorruptible seed of the Word of God" will fall on fertile ground, and God may reap a bountiful harvest of souls.
I'm not sure if there will be any internet capabilities on the reservation, but, if so, I will try to post a blog later in the week to give an update on the meeting. If not, I will most definitely post one upon my return. Until then, I am praying that God will grant you His peace, protection, provision, and power as you stand before His people and bodly declare "the unsearchable riches of Christ."
Your Partner in Prayer,
Bro. Steve
The Native Americans are some, if not the most neglected and overlooked people of history. Many of them hold feelings of deep resentment toward the "white man," because of how they feel they have been treated by the United States government. Thus, one of the first things that must take place, in order to reach them, is a relationship of trust. They must believe that we, the "white man," have not come to take anything from them; but, we have come to bring Jesus to them.
Last year, I had the privilege of preaching to the Jicarilla Apache Indians in Dulce, New Mexico, and we watched God do an amazing work during that week. Near the end of the meeting, we watched the walls of distrust begin to come down, and God knit our hearts together with some of the sweetest people you would ever meet.
I have been informed, however, that the Shoshone and Arapaho are much different than many other Indians. They are very "suspicious" and "clannish," and are not immediately open to outsiders. Bro. Richard Morgan established a great Baptist church and has been working with the Shoshone/Arapaho for several years. This week will be their annual campmeeting, and I have been asked to come and break the "bread of Life" to them.
I will fly out early in the morning (Monday), so please pray that God will grant me travelling mercies. Also, please partner in prayer with me that the Holy Spirit will begin, right now, to cultivate the soil of their hearts so that the "incorruptible seed of the Word of God" will fall on fertile ground, and God may reap a bountiful harvest of souls.
I'm not sure if there will be any internet capabilities on the reservation, but, if so, I will try to post a blog later in the week to give an update on the meeting. If not, I will most definitely post one upon my return. Until then, I am praying that God will grant you His peace, protection, provision, and power as you stand before His people and bodly declare "the unsearchable riches of Christ."
Your Partner in Prayer,
Bro. Steve
Thursday, August 14, 2008
JUST DO IT!
NIKE has done it for more than 25 years. The "swoosh" is a recognizable as the golden arches or the peace sign, and nothing symbolizes success better that the simple symbol that flashes from feet all across the world. NIKE made its initially debut in the '72 Olympic games on the feet of Steve Prefontaine, and with the help of "Air Jordan," NIKE has never looked back from being #1 in the sports apparel market.
In the late '80's, however, sales began to slow and advertising executives were grasping at any idea to re-establish the sports mogul. In 1988, the idea was found in just 3 simple words that promoted the idea that there were no more excuses in life. Those 3 words are: "JUST DO IT!"
As I look over our denomination, and the state of affairs of "religion" as a whole, I think it is time that we adopt the motto of NIKE and "Just Do It!" In other words, it seems that all we ever hear is what we need, or how we need to do this or that; and, yet I continue to ask the question, "Okay, for the most part, we as men of God and people of God know that we need revival, and we know what it takes to have revival. We know what we need to do, so when are we going to JUST DO IT?"
That's been the question that has challenged my heart, and I pose it to challenge your heart as well. Most of us know enough from scripture as to what God desires for our lives, our family, our churches, and our ministries. Thus, we cannot plead ignorance, only negligence. We have learned how to talk a good game, but when will our nouns be converted into verbs? When will our words be translated into actions?
I often hear people say, "Well, pastor, I'm just waiting on God." And while I understand what they're saying, because I've had to wait on God many, many times in my life and ministry. However, I have begun to develop the conviction that while we say that we are waiting on God; it may very well be that GOD IS WAITING ON US!
We know what God can do, will do, and wants to do for us; but, almost every promise is predicated with the preposition, "If." If we do something, God promises to do something. If we do our part, then God does His part. I once heard John Phillips say, "When you do all you can do; God does what you cannot do."
Ladies and gentlemen, we have become masters of passing the buck and blaming everything, and everyone else for the reason we don't see more of a move of God today. But, the truth of the matter is a move of God does not begin in the White House, but in God's House! It is what it is! You know it, I know it, we all know it; so, when are we going to "JUST DO IT!"
Excited and Expectant,
Pastor Steve
In the late '80's, however, sales began to slow and advertising executives were grasping at any idea to re-establish the sports mogul. In 1988, the idea was found in just 3 simple words that promoted the idea that there were no more excuses in life. Those 3 words are: "JUST DO IT!"
As I look over our denomination, and the state of affairs of "religion" as a whole, I think it is time that we adopt the motto of NIKE and "Just Do It!" In other words, it seems that all we ever hear is what we need, or how we need to do this or that; and, yet I continue to ask the question, "Okay, for the most part, we as men of God and people of God know that we need revival, and we know what it takes to have revival. We know what we need to do, so when are we going to JUST DO IT?"
That's been the question that has challenged my heart, and I pose it to challenge your heart as well. Most of us know enough from scripture as to what God desires for our lives, our family, our churches, and our ministries. Thus, we cannot plead ignorance, only negligence. We have learned how to talk a good game, but when will our nouns be converted into verbs? When will our words be translated into actions?
I often hear people say, "Well, pastor, I'm just waiting on God." And while I understand what they're saying, because I've had to wait on God many, many times in my life and ministry. However, I have begun to develop the conviction that while we say that we are waiting on God; it may very well be that GOD IS WAITING ON US!
We know what God can do, will do, and wants to do for us; but, almost every promise is predicated with the preposition, "If." If we do something, God promises to do something. If we do our part, then God does His part. I once heard John Phillips say, "When you do all you can do; God does what you cannot do."
Ladies and gentlemen, we have become masters of passing the buck and blaming everything, and everyone else for the reason we don't see more of a move of God today. But, the truth of the matter is a move of God does not begin in the White House, but in God's House! It is what it is! You know it, I know it, we all know it; so, when are we going to "JUST DO IT!"
Excited and Expectant,
Pastor Steve
Friday, August 8, 2008
I Love the Olympics
Today marks a day that only comes around every 4 years, the Games of the Olympiad. This year is special because the games open on 8-8-08. I love everything about the Olympics. I love what they represent, the competitive spirit, and especially when "Old Glory" is raised to the singing of the national anthem. Rest assured, tonight @ 8 o'clock, my family and I will gather around to watch the opening ceremony.
I believe that the Olympics represent a spiritual principle as well. It has been well said that the apostle Paul had to be a sports fan. If that is true, and he were alive today, I would be curious to know what would be his favorite sport; because he often referred to the Christian life as a fight or a race.
The Olympic athletes represent the best the world has to offer. Not only are they talented, but they have paid the price by giving their lives to their sport. While others party, they prepare; while others trifle, they train; and while others are concerned with having fun, they are concerned with staying focused.
Yet, that same level of dedication is required to be all God wants us to be, to do all God wants us to do, and to have all God wants us to have. In 1 Corinthians 9: 26-27, Paul gathers us around to give a pre-game speech. In so doing, he outlines our personal mission; "I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air. But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." If we are not careful, we will begin to allow things into our lives that will disqualify us from the game.
Our personal mission must then develop our passionate motive. We are confronted with an interested question in verse 24, "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize?" But, he admonishes us to "run, that ye may obtain." The Christian life is not a spectator sport; it is a CONTACT sport. If I'm not motivated to be the best Christian I can be, then I will sit on the couch and eat potato chips while others are out training with blood, sweat and tears.
Once our personal mission connects with our passionate motive, it will lead to our precious medal. Paul says in verse 25 that "they do it to obtain a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible." The gold medals of the Olympic games, though inspiring, will one day fade away. However, one day there will be a medal ceremony in Heaven, and those medals will last for all of eternity.
Friend, don't get disqualified; but, run your race and fight your fight, because one day, we'll step onto the platform of Heaven's bright shore to receive our medals. There will be no need to hear "old glory," because we will be in the presence of glory, and just to hear Him say, "You fought a good fight, your finished your course, you kept the faith;" will be worth it all.
Your Friend in the Fight,
Steve
I believe that the Olympics represent a spiritual principle as well. It has been well said that the apostle Paul had to be a sports fan. If that is true, and he were alive today, I would be curious to know what would be his favorite sport; because he often referred to the Christian life as a fight or a race.
The Olympic athletes represent the best the world has to offer. Not only are they talented, but they have paid the price by giving their lives to their sport. While others party, they prepare; while others trifle, they train; and while others are concerned with having fun, they are concerned with staying focused.
Yet, that same level of dedication is required to be all God wants us to be, to do all God wants us to do, and to have all God wants us to have. In 1 Corinthians 9: 26-27, Paul gathers us around to give a pre-game speech. In so doing, he outlines our personal mission; "I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air. But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." If we are not careful, we will begin to allow things into our lives that will disqualify us from the game.
Our personal mission must then develop our passionate motive. We are confronted with an interested question in verse 24, "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize?" But, he admonishes us to "run, that ye may obtain." The Christian life is not a spectator sport; it is a CONTACT sport. If I'm not motivated to be the best Christian I can be, then I will sit on the couch and eat potato chips while others are out training with blood, sweat and tears.
Once our personal mission connects with our passionate motive, it will lead to our precious medal. Paul says in verse 25 that "they do it to obtain a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible." The gold medals of the Olympic games, though inspiring, will one day fade away. However, one day there will be a medal ceremony in Heaven, and those medals will last for all of eternity.
Friend, don't get disqualified; but, run your race and fight your fight, because one day, we'll step onto the platform of Heaven's bright shore to receive our medals. There will be no need to hear "old glory," because we will be in the presence of glory, and just to hear Him say, "You fought a good fight, your finished your course, you kept the faith;" will be worth it all.
Your Friend in the Fight,
Steve
Thursday, August 7, 2008
WHAT AM I DOING?
Well....after debating whether or not to do this, I have finally bitten the bullet. My wife, Kim, started her blog (http://1dancingwallflower.blogspot.com) a little more than a month ago, and has already received more than 2000 hits from all over the country. She is a world famous pastor's wife! Look out Beth Moore! You go baby!
I think that these blogs can serve an excellent purpose. First, the purpose of this blog will be to lift up Jesus. As Paul said in Colossians 3: 17, "Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." Blogs qualify both as "word" and "deed;" thus, the #1 purpose of this blog will be to lift high the blood stained banner of the Cross.
Next, once a blog serves the purpose to lift up Jesus, it can then serve the purpose to build up others. Nothing on this blog will be done to demean, disgrace, or destroy the character or reputation of anyone. Granted, I will, from time to time, talk about hard topics, i. e. politics, religion, entertainment, and current events; but, these thoughts will only reflect my opinion. Furthermore, I will attempt to give my opinion in a tasteful, not a disgraceful way.
Finally, once a blog serves the purpose to lift up Jesus and build up others; then, there is room to pick up myself. I must admit that Mondays and Thursdays are the 2 roughest days of my week. Both of those days follow the previous days' worship services so, needless to say, I am drained and may say things that seem somewhat depressing. Thus, it will be good for me to type out my thoughts to pick myself up.
All in all, I pray that you will find this blog to be insightful, informative, and inspiring. And I hope you will offer feedback from time to time.
Until the next post,
It is What It Is!
I think that these blogs can serve an excellent purpose. First, the purpose of this blog will be to lift up Jesus. As Paul said in Colossians 3: 17, "Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." Blogs qualify both as "word" and "deed;" thus, the #1 purpose of this blog will be to lift high the blood stained banner of the Cross.
Next, once a blog serves the purpose to lift up Jesus, it can then serve the purpose to build up others. Nothing on this blog will be done to demean, disgrace, or destroy the character or reputation of anyone. Granted, I will, from time to time, talk about hard topics, i. e. politics, religion, entertainment, and current events; but, these thoughts will only reflect my opinion. Furthermore, I will attempt to give my opinion in a tasteful, not a disgraceful way.
Finally, once a blog serves the purpose to lift up Jesus and build up others; then, there is room to pick up myself. I must admit that Mondays and Thursdays are the 2 roughest days of my week. Both of those days follow the previous days' worship services so, needless to say, I am drained and may say things that seem somewhat depressing. Thus, it will be good for me to type out my thoughts to pick myself up.
All in all, I pray that you will find this blog to be insightful, informative, and inspiring. And I hope you will offer feedback from time to time.
Until the next post,
It is What It Is!
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