tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-102727832024-03-13T03:01:20.017-07:00A Christ Follower's Journal A place to discuss sexual purity, skepticism about science, the gospel of Jesus Christ, God's place in the World, how to parent, marriage success, great books by authors like Ted Dekker, Dr. James Dobson, Randy Alcorn, Bill Bright, and Tim LaHaye. Political discussions about role of politics in a Christ follower's life.Randy Kirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187149342560881341noreply@blogger.comBlogger615125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10272783.post-29920050188760607092015-08-09T17:49:00.000-07:002015-08-09T17:49:59.873-07:00Planned Parenthood's Plan to Eliminate Blacks, Browns and Poor Is Working<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SrjnpSn1MPA/VcfxdJ0L_dI/AAAAAAAAPs0/eSjEfX1iTHg/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-08-09%2Bat%2B5.24.24%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SrjnpSn1MPA/VcfxdJ0L_dI/AAAAAAAAPs0/eSjEfX1iTHg/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-08-09%2Bat%2B5.24.24%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Personally Screen Shot by Randy Kirk from NY Times Archive</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<h2>
Margaret Sanger has Succeeded Beyond Her Wildest Dreams</h2>
<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">36% of black babies are aborted</span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">Black babies are aborted at over 3X the rate of white babies.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">18% of Hispanic babies are aborted</span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hispanic babies are aborted at almost 2X the rate of white babies.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">Poor babies are aborted at 5X the rate of middle class babies</span></span><br />
<br />
So just as Margaret Sanger had wished, her organization, <span style="color: red;">Planned Parenthood has created the machine to destroy black, brown, and poor babies. </span><br />
<br />
From the NY Times article quoted shown at the top of the page, and written by Margaret Sanger:<br />
<br />
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<b>It means the release and cultivation
of the better racial elements in our society, and the gradual
suppression, elimination and eventual extirpation of defective stocks —
those human weeds which threaten the blooming of the finest flowers of
American civilization.</b><span> http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1923/04/08/issue.html</span></div>
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<span>Please also keep in mind that the Democratic Party and their presidential front runner, Hillary Clinton, support Planned Parenthood and Hillary Clinton has defended Margaret Sanger even this last week, and is a recipient of the Margaret Sanger Award. </span></div>
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Randy Kirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187149342560881341noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10272783.post-17065786570450420662015-08-05T20:17:00.001-07:002015-08-05T20:17:43.314-07:00Planned Parenthood's Horrific History and the Current Outrage Over Selling Fetal Tissue<h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ewjMjdzmUP8/VcLQG9APX-I/AAAAAAAAPrY/Gt1ydk5h-jU/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-08-05%2Bat%2B6.47.42%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ewjMjdzmUP8/VcLQG9APX-I/AAAAAAAAPrY/Gt1ydk5h-jU/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-08-05%2Bat%2B6.47.42%2BPM.png" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">19 Weeks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</h2>
<h2>
How Can We Continue to Turn Away?</h2>
<br />
A close friend of mine witnessed a miracle last year. His wife delivered a baby at 20 weeks. As I write this post, that baby is 10 months old and thriving in every way. The picture at the top of the page is of a baby born at 19 weeks. The most recent undercover video by The Center for Medical Progress shows a <i><b>Planned Parenthood executive discussing the desire to fill a requisition for 120 intact babies between the ages of 18 and 22 weeks for the purpose of harvesting their organs and other tissue.</b></i> Maybe you think I'm exaggerating or have the story wrong. Maybe you think her words were taken out of context. Maybe you think there was some trick editing. See for yourself, and you decide.<br />
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Is it possible that there are sane individuals in our women's health clinics who are making a profit from the harvesting of body parts from babies aborted at a stage of life when they are VIABLE?<br />
<br />
Here is what our President had to say about the practice of dehumanizing groups of humans, killing them, and then harvesting their body parts:<br />
<br />
President Barack Obama told a group of young African leaders on Monday
that harvesting organs from humans that are killed as part of an African
ritual was “craziness” and a “cruel” tradition that needed to stop. He
warned of dehumanizing marginal groups of humans and of the problems
that arise when “you are not able to see someone else as a human being.”<br />
<br />
Again, listen to the question that is posed to the President, and then listen to his answer. Watch the entire video if you like, but the critical part starts at minute 48.<br />
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<br />
You see, he gets it when it is about killing albino people in Africa and harvesting their remains for a ritual, but somehow fails to see how his words would apply to killing defenseless babies who are viable, and harvesting their parts for profit. How can someone so intelligent fail to see how crazy his words must seem when the reason for killing these babies is almost always the convenience of the mother, the pressure of parents, or the insistence of the sperm donor or others. How can he fail to see that the cruelty to a little baby is just as horrific if not more so. How can he fail to see that it is barbaric to profit from the use of these little babies body parts in any way - not in the abortion, nor in the sale of body parts. <br />
<br />
Hillary Clinton says that the videos were "disturbing." Then she stand up and gives full support to her old friends and contributors at Planned Parenthood. And who are these heartless humans who run a butchery for human flesh. It is unsurprising that this organization is so inhumane and amoral. The founder of Planned Parenthood, Margaret Sanger, established the founding principles of the organization almost a century ago. Those founding principles were the same eugenic ideas that caused millions to March for the Third Reich - the desire to purify the human race of those who were not quite as perfect as the Margaret Sangers of the world thought they should be. And she would know best, just as Hitler would know best, which humans should be left out of the gene pool.<br />
<br />
In “<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/files/1689/1689-h/1689-h.htm">Pivot of Civilization</a>,”
Sanger penned her thoughts regarding immigrants, the poor, and the
error of philanthropy. Sanger’s ideology of racial and social hygiene
bleeds through her writings on breeding an ideal human race:<br />
<blockquote>
They are…human weeds, reckless breeders, spawning… human beings who never should have been born.<br />
Organized charity itself is the symptom of a malignant social
disease…Instead of decreasing and aiming to eliminate the stocks [of
people] that are most detrimental to the future of the race and the
world, it tends to render them to a menacing degree dominant.</blockquote>
So Christians seeking to follow Jesus by helping the poor are messing up Margaret Sanger's plans. Those efforts tend to increase human populations of those most detrimental to the future of the race.<br />
<br />
Hillary and many of her followers hold Margaret Sanger up as some kind of a leading light. Hillary received the Margaret Sanger award, and had this to say when asked about her great appreciation for Margaret Sanger:<br />
<br />
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<br />
To exert a bit and paraphrase: She admires Thomas Jefferson, even though she deplored his unrepentant slave holding. <i><b>Hillary admires Margaret Sanger even though she abhors her statement about eugenics.</b></i> How can this intelligent woman juxtapose those two ideas. <b>For Margaret Sanger, the motivation for reproductive rights, the pills, and abortion, was eugenics.</b> The closer parallel would be to say that she admired Hitler, but found it distasteful that he wanted to clear out the master race of those he deemed less admirable. Margaret Sanger and her organization and those inspired by her have killed more babies than Hitler killed Jews...many times over. <i><b>Hitler made lamp shades from the body part of the Jews. Planned Parenthood buys fancy cars and homes from the body parts of babies. </b></i><br />
<br />
What are we to do? Will we continue to watch our sitcoms and football games while this new breed of Sangerites attempt to rid the world of those who aren't as good as them? Will we continue to elect Presidents and Senators and Congressmen who use your tax dollars to fund Planned Parenthood? In the face of the horror of these undercover videos, only two Democratic Senators voted to stop sending your money to this baby butcher. EVEN THOUGH the half billion dollars we now send to Planned Parenthood would have been used to fund other women's reproductive health facilities. <br />
<br />
Thousands will protest on August 22, 2015. You could join me on that day in front of a clinic near you. The information about where the protests will occur is here: http://protestpp.com/protests/<br />
Or you could at least add your comments below, Tweet out the passages that hit your heart, put this blog on Facebook, Linkedin, or other social media where you are active.<br />
<br />
You could write your Senator or Congressman, send money to those who support life, including ACLJ.org. Talk about the issue with your friends. Take some action, large or small. Tell me in the comments what you have done or are going to do. This will help to motivate others into action. Please indicate in the comments the places where folks can go to help. Randy Kirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187149342560881341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10272783.post-72805244559865167202014-09-09T13:01:00.000-07:002014-09-09T13:01:24.283-07:00King of the Trees by William Burt 25% Off on September 18 ONLY!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DAG62tX5EXs/VA9auGKJnkI/AAAAAAAANUE/dt6qy6P3LPI/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-09-09%2Bat%2B12.46.58%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DAG62tX5EXs/VA9auGKJnkI/AAAAAAAANUE/dt6qy6P3LPI/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-09-09%2Bat%2B12.46.58%2BPM.png" height="320" width="210" /></a></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://www.greencloaks.com/the-king-of-the-trees-serie/book-i-the-king-of-the.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0633ff; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 23px;">~SEPTEMBER 18 </span><i><span style="color: #e52428; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 23px;">ONLY</span></i><span style="color: #0633ff; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 23px;">, SAVE 25% OFF THE COVER PRICE OF </span><i><span style="color: #0433ff; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 23px;">THE KING OF THE TREES </span></i><span style="color: #0633ff; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 23px;">($8.99 vs. $11.99)!!</span></a></b></div>
<br />
<b style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;">Book I in the "King of the Trees" allegorical series by William D. Burt.</b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;"><b>WINEPRESS PUBLISHING: 1st edition, 1998; 2nd edition, 2004.<br />(Softcover;
233 pages. Ill. by Terri Lahr and Rebecca Burt.) Includes glossary and
pronunciation guide at the back for easier reading.</b></span><br />
<b style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">What
do an old wooden box, a jeweled pendant and some mysterious,
green-garbed strangers share in common? When Rolin son of Gannon sets
out to solve this riddle, his adventures take him worlds beyond the
walls of his little log cabin in the mountains. With the help of some
grumpy griffins and a long-lost prophecy, Rolin and his friends battle a
fiendish foe and his underworld army; deadly snake-trees; dragons, and
other mythological creatures. On their perilous quest for the fabled
Isle of Luralin and the Tree of Life, they must trust the King with
their very lives. In the end, they learn that "The greatest help oft
comes in harm's disguise to those with trusting hearts and open eyes."</span></b><br />
<b style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><i>The</i> <i>King of the Trees</i> will enchant readers young and old, especially those who love trees and the Tree-Maker.</span></b><br />
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<b><u><i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 19px;"><br /></span></i></u></b></div>
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<b style="font-size: 1em;"><u><i><span style="color: #ff3ce4; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 19px;"><br /></span></i></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-size: 1em;"><u><span style="color: #ff3ce4; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 19px;"><i>SILVER MEDALIST IN CHRISTIAN FANTASY/SCI-FI: </i>READERS’ FAVORITE 2014 INTERNATIONAL BOOK AWARD CONTEST!</span></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="not-first-item" src="http://www.greencloaks.com/_Media/image-6_med.png" height="144" width="144" /><img alt="" class="not-first-item" src="http://www.greencloaks.com/_Media/image-6_med.png" height="144" width="144" /><img alt="" class="not-first-item" src="http://www.greencloaks.com/_Media/image-6_med.png" height="144" width="144" /><img alt="" class="not-first-item" src="http://www.greencloaks.com/_Media/image-6_med.png" height="144" width="144" /><img alt="" class="not-first-item" src="http://www.greencloaks.com/_Media/image-6_med.png" height="144" width="144" /><b style="font-size: 1em;"><u><i><span style="color: #ff3ce4; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 19px;"><br /></span></i></u></b></div>
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<b style="font-size: 1em;"><u><i><br /></i></u></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.greencloaks.com/readers-favoritebook-i.pdf" style="font-size: 19px;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff3ce4; font-family: Verdana;"><b><i><u>READERS’ FAVORITE 5-STAR REVIEW</u></i></b></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.greencloaks.com/readers-favoritebook-i.pdf" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="not-first-item" src="http://www.greencloaks.com/_Media/image-2_med.png" height="144" width="144" /><img alt="" class="not-first-item" src="http://www.greencloaks.com/_Media/image-2_med.png" height="144" width="144" /><img alt="" class="not-first-item" src="http://www.greencloaks.com/_Media/image-2_med.png" height="144" width="144" /><img alt="" class="not-first-item" src="http://www.greencloaks.com/_Media/image-2_med.png" height="144" width="144" /><img alt="" class="not-first-item" src="http://www.greencloaks.com/_Media/image-2_med.png" height="144" width="144" /></a><b><u><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 19px;"><i><br /></i></span></u></b></div>
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<div style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-size: 20px;"><span style="color: #ff3ef2;">Amazon.com Reviewer: “Leslie"—5 stars</span></b></div>
<div style="font-size: 19px; text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="not-first-item" src="http://www.greencloaks.com/_Media/gold-star_med.jpeg" height="99" width="99" /><img alt="" class="not-first-item" src="http://www.greencloaks.com/_Media/gold-star_med.jpeg" height="99" width="99" /><img alt="" class="not-first-item" src="http://www.greencloaks.com/_Media/gold-star_med.jpeg" height="99" width="99" /><img alt="" class="not-first-item" src="http://www.greencloaks.com/_Media/gold-star_med.jpeg" height="99" width="99" /><img alt="" class="not-first-item" src="http://www.greencloaks.com/_Media/gold-star_med.jpeg" height="99" width="99" /><b><span style="color: #ff3ef2;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 19px;"><b>"Great reading for ALL AGES"</b></span></div>
<b style="font-size: 14px;">"If
you've read The Chronicles of Narnia and are looking to other similar
great reads for yourself or your family, please consider reading the
"King of The Trees" series. I can't actually remember how I happened
upon this book. I bought it for myself, and it sat beautifully on a
shelf for a whole year in my home. Then, on a cold day in Texas, I
grabbed this book and a blanket and sat down by the fire— and found
myself completely enjoying Book One of the "King Of The Trees” series.
My kids caught me reading it, and then the tug-of-war was "on" to see
who would get to read it next. My 13-year-old-son stayed up all night to
read it and has asked for more books. (I ordered AUTOGRAPHED
COPIES from this treasure-trove of books through the author’s "King of
the Trees" website). I highly recommend ordering through the author's
website. When I contacted him about teaching his books as part of a
middle-school or high-school-aged class I hope to begin, I learned an
activity book was available. The author is a very kind man. When I was
charged too much for something, Mr. Burt wrote me a personal check as
reimbursement (which is why I recommend ordering through the "King of
The Trees" website). Do yourself, your students, and your classrooms a
favor—purchase this book, study it, enjoy it!</b><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>”</b></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #ff3ef2; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 20px;"><b>Amazon.com Reviewer: Kelly Andersen—5 stars</b></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 19px; text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="not-first-item" src="http://www.greencloaks.com/_Media/gold-star_med.jpeg" height="99" width="99" /><img alt="" class="not-first-item" src="http://www.greencloaks.com/_Media/gold-star_med.jpeg" height="99" width="99" /><img alt="" class="not-first-item" src="http://www.greencloaks.com/_Media/gold-star_med.jpeg" height="99" width="99" /><img alt="" class="not-first-item" src="http://www.greencloaks.com/_Media/gold-star_med.jpeg" height="99" width="99" /><img alt="" class="not-first-item" src="http://www.greencloaks.com/_Media/gold-star_med.jpeg" height="99" width="99" /><b><span style="color: #ff3ef2;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="font-size: 19px; text-align: center;">
<b>“An Imagination Inspirer all will Love"</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;"><b>"This
is a wonderful book that you and your children will absolutely love. We
read this every night together before going to bed and every night I
was begged if we could read just one more chapter. This imaginative book
will draw you and your children in and you will love the characters you
come to know... I highly recommend this book and we are anxiously
awaiting another to follow. May your sythan-ar ever flourish!”</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #ff3ef2; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 20px;"><b>Amazon.com Reviewer: “Amy"—5 stars</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="not-first-item" src="http://www.greencloaks.com/_Media/gold-star_med.jpeg" height="99" width="99" /><img alt="" class="not-first-item" src="http://www.greencloaks.com/_Media/gold-star_med.jpeg" height="99" width="99" /><img alt="" class="not-first-item" src="http://www.greencloaks.com/_Media/gold-star_med.jpeg" height="99" width="99" /><img alt="" class="not-first-item" src="http://www.greencloaks.com/_Media/gold-star_med.jpeg" height="99" width="99" /><img alt="" class="not-first-item" src="http://www.greencloaks.com/_Media/gold-star_med.jpeg" height="99" width="99" /><span style="color: #ff3ef2; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 19px;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 19px;"><b>"Awesome book! Perfect Book to read.”</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;"><b>"I
have loved this book ever since I got it. It is fascinating and the
author provides great descriptions for settings and characters in his
book. Another great thing about it is that William D. Burt puts
Christianity in his series. For any home-school mom looking for
something for her kids to read, this is a great choice. If you are just
looking for something to read, I recommend this book and the series.”</b></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #ff3ef2; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 20px;"><b>Amazon.com Reviewer: “A Customer"—5 stars</b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="not-first-item" src="http://www.greencloaks.com/_Media/gold-star_med.jpeg" height="99" width="99" /><img alt="" class="not-first-item" src="http://www.greencloaks.com/_Media/gold-star_med.jpeg" height="99" width="99" /><img alt="" class="not-first-item" src="http://www.greencloaks.com/_Media/gold-star_med.jpeg" height="99" width="99" /><img alt="" class="not-first-item" src="http://www.greencloaks.com/_Media/gold-star_med.jpeg" height="99" width="99" /><img alt="" class="not-first-item" src="http://www.greencloaks.com/_Media/gold-star_med.jpeg" height="99" width="99" /><span style="color: #ff3ef2; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 20px;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 19px;"><b>“A wonderful book for all ages! Got to read this one!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;"><b>"This
book is by far better than C.S. Lewis's "The Lion, the Witch, and the
Wardrobe." I read this book to my four-year-old son and eight-year-old
daughter. They loved it as much as I did! Each character is developed
well, and the plot surpasses any that we have read this year. If you
only read one book, please let it be this one. This is the perfect gift
for any age, expecially pre-teen and teen. These days, they seem to be
hungry for the drama and excitement that each chapter is filled with.
Rolin's adventure to find himself as well as his purpose leads him to
discover not only a world that he did not know existed all around him,
but also how important he is to that world and others. Do you have a
synth-ar? When you finish this book, please write to me and share your
thoughts. 'May your leaves never wither.'”</b></span><b><u><br /></u></b></div>
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Randy Kirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187149342560881341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10272783.post-23526557573372771872014-07-13T07:42:00.000-07:002014-07-13T07:42:39.413-07:00The Wilderness: Good for What - Sermon of the Week<h2>
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Why does God put us through wilderness experiences.</h2>
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<span class="ar3"><b><a class="navleftblack12c" href="http://www.sermonaudio.com/speaker/Dr._Jim_Berg">Dr. Jim Berg</a>, Dean of Students at Bob Jones University, provides today's sermon of the week. </b></span><br />
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http://www.sermonaudio.com/playpopup.asp?SID=3205134318Randy Kirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187149342560881341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10272783.post-78991567648952139462014-07-02T22:30:00.001-07:002014-07-02T22:30:13.069-07:00Do You Fall Prey to Christian Superstitions?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Surely in the 21st Century Christians Are Too Sophisticated to Be Superstitious</span></h2>
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This is not going to be a post about whether or not we should avoid stepping on cracks. However I will admit right now that I never purposely step on a crack, and my 88 year old Mom has a great back. Just for fun, I'm guessing that you, my faithful reader pay at least some attention to one or all of the following:<br />
<ul>
<li>Not walking under ladders</li>
<li>Friday the 13th</li>
<li>Spilt salt</li>
<li>Knocking on wood</li>
<li>Saying good luck or break a leg </li>
<li>Using a lucky charm, stance, or routine in sports </li>
<li>horoscopes and fortune cookies</li>
</ul>
So, we sophisticated types who know better because we are wise, and even more so because we know that the Bible teaches against such things, continue to be superstitious. But I want to explore a different type of Christian superstition. <br />
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As I opened my email this morning, I was confronted by one of those subject lines that is filled with foreboding. In this case it was one of my clients cutting back on services "for a time." This would results in a not-unsubstantial lost of income for the next two months. Not the end of the world, but a concern on a number of levels. Was it really temporary or truly permanent? Was it something in our services or should I take his statement about cash flow problems at face value? How did God fit into all this?<br />
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How <b>did</b> God fit into all this?! Was I being punished for some sin? Was this a signal of needing to slow down, do better work, or change approaches? Was it some kind of test of my faith? Was there any spiritual component at all?<br />
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Tending to spiritualize everything is a common rebuke, but the opposite is no better. We certainly should believe that God is at work in our lives. But while anything that happens to us in the course of our day can be used for His perfect plan, it doesn't mean that everything that happens is specifically orchestrated to create benefits, obstacles, tests, or punishments.<br />
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Those who might argue the point can give plenty of scripture references where God did all of the above, creating benefits, obstacles, tests, punishments, and more. Jesus certainly intervened during his earthly ministry, and Paul spoke of circumstances that had a spiritual source affecting his choices, including whether to travel to this town or that.<br />
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On the other hand there is no possibility of our being given a choice to do good and evil, to love or hate a brother, or to forgive someone, if that choice is merely a false choice being implanted in our head by the grand puppeteer. <br />
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Thus I would make the case that we could literally drive ourselves crazy trying to figure out why God wanted us to get a hangnail, or why he caused the USA to lose to Belgium. Stuff happens. It rains on the saved and the unsaved alike. Gravity exerts the same pull on everyone. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. The question for each of us is how we use the rain or lack of rain to further the will of the Father in making the earth more like heaven. Randy Kirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187149342560881341noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10272783.post-91109645953958441862014-06-17T23:00:00.000-07:002014-06-17T23:00:35.964-07:00The Feeding of 5000 and 4000 and a Message for Us Today<h2>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">How Could the Disciples Be So Dense?</span></h2>
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Once again the disciples are witness to supernatural events that should have their eyes popping out of their heads. A crowd comes. Jesus heals everyone in the crowd who needs healing. And Jesus preaches. It becomes obvious that the assembled group has gone a long time without anything to eat, and Jesus feeds 5000 men, which likely means 20,000 people, with a few loaves and a couple of small fish, not to mention left overs.<br />
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Within hours the, disciples are on their way across the Sea of Galilee in the middle of a fierce storm when Jesus approaches them walking on the water. At the end of this miracle, the disciples that were with Him said, "Of a truth, surely thou art the son of God." The healing and feeding were not miraculous enough? But him walking on water and empowering Peter to walk on the water did it for them. Or did it?<br />
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A while later (weeks, months), another multitude had been following Jesus for three days, and Jesus had compassion on them because they had nothing to eat. These same men give the reader of Matthew the impression that they are truly feeble minded. They ask, "Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude?" Seriously?!<br />
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Before you join me in being hard on these guys, lets all do a little soul searching. I don't know about you, but here is my resume'<br />
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Raised in the church. Considered the pastorate at age 18. Been in church leadership most of my adult life. Read the Bible cover-to-cover multiplied times. Read many dozens if not hundreds of books related to Christianity. Listened to thousands of hours of Christian radio. Taught a Bible study class for the last 9 years starting in Genesis and now in Matthew. Have published two books for the Christian market. And I'm really old. BUT: Last year I finally got clarity on what God means about pride and humility. This year I have had eye-opening revelations about the Beatitudes and what it means to be a disciple. Oh yeah, and I have the Holy Spirit to help me. The disciples had only been at this for a couple of years. Let's have a bit of grace. <br />
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Ask yourself these questions:<br />
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What does it really mean to love God?<br />
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What does it really mean to love others?<br />
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What does it really mean to be intimate with God?<br />
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<a href="http://ideaplace.blogspot.com/2014/06/true-disciples-Jesus.html">What is a true Disciple?</a><br />
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What is humility?<br />
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How are you doing with pride? What does it really mean to be prideful?<br />
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Have you died to self? Are you actively seeking to know God's will for your life? Are you prepared to fully surrender and answer any call that God places on your life?<br />
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Or are you holding tight to your possessions, relationships, income, lifestyle, leisure, sins, worldly entertainment, and personal ambitions? <br />
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If you feel that all of these issues are totally under control in your life, you are either in denial or you are merely sadly mistaken. If you know that you are not even close to getting most of these, and you aren't really that interested in working towards understanding, then you are very likely not named in the Lamb's book of life. If you are somewhere in between like most of us, consider stepping up your game and becoming a <a href="http://ideaplace.blogspot.com/2014/06/what-required-of-you-to-be-true-disciple.html">serious and true disciple</a>. The blessings of doing so are beyond most Christian's ability to imagine. <br />
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<br />Randy Kirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187149342560881341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10272783.post-90357706584412162662014-06-16T20:39:00.000-07:002014-06-16T20:39:28.101-07:00The Freedom of True Discipleship (John 8:31-36) John MacArthur <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Who is a True Disciple according to Jesus? </span></h2>
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We come now to our study of the Gospel of John, and I want you to open your Bible to eighth chapter of John. If you didn't bring a Bible with you, there should be one in the pew rack there. You'll want to follow along because we're going to be examining closely what is a very, very important portion of Holy Scripture.<br />
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Just about every verse in the Gospel of John is loaded with divine truth. The depths of this Gospel we have not plumbed by any means. Its range is vast and eternal because we're dealing with the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. All passages in the Gospel of John seem to be highlights, but this one in a sense rises up, maybe above even the other peaks in its importance. And what I'm speaking of is chapter 8, verses 31 to 36. We're going to be looking at this in our ongoing study of John's Gospel, so let me read these verses, and you'll quickly see the importance of this section.<br />
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We'll start actually in verse 30. "As He spoke these things, many came to believe in Him," speaking of Jesus. "So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed him, if you continue in My Word, then you are truly disciplines of mine, and you will know the truth and the truth will make you free. They answered Him, 'We are Abraham's descendants and have never yet been enslaved to anyone; how is it that You say, 'You will become free'?"<br />
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Jesus answered them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.'"<br />
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What jumps out of this text are the words of our Lord in verse 31. "If you continue in My Word, then you are truly disciples of Mine." This is about being a true disciple.<br />
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<b>This is an urgent and important subject. Many people profess Christ. Many people declare</b><br />
<b>themselves to be believers in Christ. Many people give witness to the fact that they are Christians. In fact, that's fairly common even in our culture, but who is a true Christian?</b><br />
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Who is a real disciple? This is an urgent and essential question. You have to be able to answer it for yourself, and you have to be able to answer it for those around you. It's not superficially answered.<br />
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Listen to the words of the apostle Paul who addresses this important matter in 2 Corinthians 13:5, "Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith. Examine yourselves or do you not recognize this about yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you unless indeed you fail the test." Paul is saying, "Test yourselves to see whether you're really in Christ. See if you can pass the test." Well, that is a similar issue to the very words of Jesus about being a true disciple of Mine. Who is a true disciple? Who is an alēthōs mathētai, a true learner, a true follower of Christ? True in the sense of real, genuine, authentic.<br />
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Now, this is a very important question for us and a very important question at this juncture in the Gospel of John because we have seen indications of faith and belief. We have seen them since the beginning of the gospel. We have seen true faith such as in the case of the early disciples in chapter one. And we've seen less than true faith such as those who believed in chapter two, but Jesus didn't commit Himself to them because He knew what was in their heart and He knew their faith wasn't the real thing. It wasn't a true faith.<br />
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Nicodemus represents those people, and he articulated that they did believe that Jesus was a teacher come from God because no one could do the works that He did unless God had sent Him, but that's not sufficient to save. There were people, we've learned, all the way into chapter 6 who had called themselves disciples, identified as disciples, but turned their back and walked away from Christ. "Walked no more with Him," chapter 6, verse 66. The prototype, we've already been introduced to, is Judas Iscariot. "Judas - " Jesus says in chapter 6, verse 70 and 71, " - is a devil and a betrayer." But the disciples don't recognize that. In fact, even at the end of his life in the upper room the night of His betrayal, Jesus said, "One of you will betray Me," and they didn't all point at Judas. They said, "Is it I? Is it I? Is it I?" Were they so insecure about the genuineness of their own salvation? Were they so blind to the greed and the avarice and the deceptions of Judas?<br />
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How hard is it to tell? This is an urgent issue. There were believers who turned their back and walked away from Christ.<br />
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Now, we meet another group of believers here in verse 30 who came to believe in Him. He refers to them as, "Those who had believed," in verse 31. And yet I want you to know how these people are referred to, these same people in verse 44. "You are of your father, the devil." How can it be that people who believe in Him, whose faith He acknowledges by His own words could be at the same time children of the devil? Well, we already know there is such a thing as false discipleship and false faith and defection. As I said, we saw that in chapter 6. We know something of the pathology of false discipleship, something of the being attracted by the crowd and the supernatural and wanting your needs met and being supplied with food and having miracles done on your behalf. We know the kinds of things that lead to superficial faith that's not real and genuine, but we haven't really had a definitive statement about what the test of true faith is until we come to this passage. This becomes a very critical section of Scripture.<br />
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Now, it's not a new issue. If you go back to the Gospel of Matthew, which in the purposes of the Holy Spirit appears first in the New Testament, we read in Matthew these words.<br />
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Chapter 7, verse 21, the Sermon on the Mount. "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven. But he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' and then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you. Depart from me you who practice lawlessness!'" These are people who are believers. They say, "Lord, Lord." They say, "We prophesied in your name.<br />
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We acted as agents on your behalf, cast our demons, performed miracles." He says, "I don't know you." And there weren't a few; there were many. There will be many who say such things.<br />
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In Matthew 13, our Lord gives us a picture of the kingdom, and it's a fascinating picture as He describes the nature of the kingdom. Perhaps the most memorable of all his parables in that chapter is the parable of the soils in which we find out that there will be people who make a superficial commitment to Christ such as the rocky soil and the weedy soil.<br />
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It's superficial. It's temporary, and when tribulation or persecution comes along or because of the love of riches or the cares of this world, they never bear fruit. They wither and die. In fact, Luke 8:13 describes such people as, "Those who believe for a while.<br />
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Those who believe for a while." And then they don't believe, and like those in chapter 6, verse 66, they walk away.<br />
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The apostolic writers including John make much of this important issue. Listen to John, the writer of the gospel when he writes his first epistle. He says this in chapter 2, verse 19, "They went out from us. They were not really of us, for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us. But they went out so that it would be shown that they all are not of us." John is saying, there are going to be people who are going to be part-time, superficial, shallow, who won't last, who will go out from us and demonstrate that they really are anti-Christ. That's the term he uses in the previous verse. The writer of Hebrews addresses this multiple times, but at the end of chapter 10 he says in verse<br />
38, quoting from Habakkuk, "But my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him. But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul." And earlier he said, "You have need of endurance." There are people who endure, persevere, remain faithful to the end, and then there are those who are defectors. Again, the prototype of all spiritual defectors, all false disciples is none other than Judas himself.<br />
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So how do we tell? We've all had that experience. We know Jesus in Matthew 13 also told the parable about the wheat and tares growing together, and that we would be unable to tell them apart in every case. Some cases clearly we can. By their fruits we can know them, but sometimes it will be hard to distinguish and the only distinguishing will come at the end of the judgment when the angels do the work of God and separate the wheat from the tares. We also know the parable of the dragnet. The kingdom is like a dragnet that drags the bottom of the Sea of Galilee, for example, and pulls in all kinds of things useful and useless. And the kingdom is going to collect all kinds of things. We also know the parable of the mustard tree, that the kingdom is going to grow out of all proportion to it's real life, and it's going to be full of all kinds of birds.<br />
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So how do we know who's real? We all have this experience. There's not a week that goes by in my life in which there's not a discussion about, is this person saved? <b>Is this person not saved? Is this a true Christian, a false Christian? How do we know? How do we tell?</b><br />
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It's constant. You have the same conversations. You may be asking about your spouse. You may be asking about your children. You may be asking about a neighbor, somebody that you know. You may be asking about a person who is at work and talks about being a Christian, but you are wondering if it's legitimate because you see the behavior. You may be asking about a person you see occasionally at church who is here less than not here, so you kind of wonder. We all have this.<br />
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Going back in my life, my best friend in high school, we did gospel evangelism together as high school kids. Went away to college and declared himself an atheist. My best friend in college, we were co-captains of the football team, was headed for seminary. He essentially denied the faith and walked way. One of my best friends in seminary, his father was the dean of the seminary. After he graduated, he set up a Buddhist altar in his house. So we all deal with this. We all are asking the question all the time who is real? Who is genuine? Now, we don't ask the question necessarily about everybody, but there are some people that we're asking the question about, and we might even be wondering for our own condition.<br />
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There are many who believe, but may not be real. We need to know that. Why do we need to know that? Because we need to know their true condition, right? So that we can call them to true repentance and salvation. We need to know. We don't want to take this for granted just because somebody says they believe in Jesus. You can't take that for granted.<br />
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You don't want to just with all good intentions and good will, just settle on that whether it looks legitimate or not. Judgment begins at the house of God. You've got to start with the people who are making the profession. So here we meet some Jews who, according to verse 30 and 31, had believed in Jesus. They believed because initially it's kind of easy to believe. You're drawn by the crowd, as we saw in chapter 6, fascinated by the supernatural.<br />
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He's healing people. He's casting out demons. He's giving free food, wonderful meals. The battle for bread, of course, occupied everybody's life. He's doing all those kinds of things that provide amazing benefits. It all seems so wonderful. He's promising forgiveness of sin. He's promising heaven, all of that.<br />
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People still seek Jesus on the basis of that. They still come after Him initially on that basis, <i>people who are seeking personal fulfillment, people who want a better life, people who want answers, people who are tired of their weakness, tired of falling to temptation, people who are weary of bad habits, who want more out of life, people who want to escape fear, want to feel secure, people who want some hope in the life to come, afraid of death, seeking heaven, desiring spiritual help, wanting to belong to a loving group</i>. For all those reasons, starting to believe in Jesus is easy. A lot of people do that, but when they start in that direction and the world, the flesh, and the devil fully empowered by their own<br />
fallen nature starts to pull hard against Christ; the half believer, loving sin because half believers still love their sin, and unwilling to yield to the hard demands of true repentance and humble submission to Christ falls back. It may take a little while. It may take a long time.<br />
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Shallow, temporary, half faith is an important reality, and it's all the time an important reality in John's day and in our day and all in between. So, again, we come back to this question. How do we know who is a true believer? Now, back into the setting, our Lord is in the city of Jerusalem. They have just been celebrating the Feast of Booths. We know all about that where He declared Himself to be the Living Water and the Light. He's there with those Jewish people in the same setting in Jerusalem 6 months before his death. He has been rejected by the leaders. They want him dead. In fact, the last verse of chapter 8 indicates they picked up stones to throw at Him to try to stone Him on the spot, something they had tried previously; not only in Jerusalem, but even as we shall see in His hometown of Nazareth.<br />
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So the leaders have rejected Him. They wanted Him dead. He exposed their hypocrisy. He confronted<br />
their false and deceptive religion. They wanted Him dead, but while their hostility was escalating<br />
and would escalate all the way to the cross, there were people who were attracted to Him and they were believing. They were believing in Him. And our Lord directly confronts that beginning belief, the nature of that initial belief speaks directly to them.<br />
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I was reading this week J.C. Ryle, and he had an interesting little paragraph in the part that I was reading in which he said, "This is the most dangerous spiritual condition any person can ever be in where you're halfway to Christ; inclined to Jesus, inclined to the truth about Jesus, wanting what Jesus provides and what He offers, but not willing to give in to the full demands that He lays on the sinner of repentance and faith in Him, declaration of His lordship, turning from sin toward righteousness." He says, "That is the most dangerous position to be in because that's the path of apostasy and if you go down that path and you reject Christ in the end, you could be an apostate." And it's impossible to be renewed again to repentance, and you're guilty of trampling under foot the blood of the covenant. And that is going to bring about the severest judgment in hell.<br />
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So, Ryle is right when he says, "This is the most dangerous place to be." You'd be better off to be a pagan in some foreign land who never heard about Jesus than to be halfway to Christ, exposed to the truth, and unwilling to let go of the world. To hang on to carnal pleasure in the face of all that Christ offers -- very dangerous, very dangerous. Reaching out toward Jesus not letting your grip go on the pleasures and the comforts of the world; these are believers at the beginning of this section who turn out to be nothing more than the children of the devil. Wow. These are people who are slaves of sin, as our text says. They are children of Satan. They are haters of truth. They are blasphemers and they are murderers. Look at verse 44. "You are of your father the devil. You want to do the desires of your father.<br />
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He was a murderer from the beginning. He doesn't stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature. He is a liar, the father of lies, but because I speak the truth, you do not believe me."<br />
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He stopped there long enough to say they believed He was from God. They believed He was very<br />
-- some of them did, that He was likely the prophet of Deuteronomy 18. Some of them said, "He is the prophet. He is the Christ, the Messiah." They believed that, but His words were what turned them off. They were far too indicting and far too demanding. And because He speaks the truth, "You do not believe Me. You do not believe Me." Verse 47, "He who is of God hears the words of God." It always comes down to the words, always comes down to the words. These people who believed like many others that Jesus could be the prophet, could be the Messiah, was sent from God, was a teacher, was a miracle worker, all of that -- were still the children of Satan, the haters of the truth. And at the end of the ministry of Jesus, they're right there screaming, "Crucify Him! Crucify Him!" with everybody else.<br />
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And by the way, when He came into the city of Jerusalem in Passion Week, they had affirmed<br />
Him as the Messiah, threw palm branches at His feet. And masses, tens of thousands of them had done this, but by the time you get to the upper room and true believers, there's. False faith is everywhere, very common and very dangerous.<br />
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So, as we come to this text, this is a very important portion of Scripture for us, and I want you to see two clear realities, just two. One, the benchmark of true discipleship. Two, the benefit of true discipleship. The benchmark and the benefit. Mental assent to Jesus, not enough, not enough. "The devils believe and tremble," James 2 says. They have orthodox theology. Mental assent is not enough. What is the benchmark? Go to verse 31. Here it is: "So Jesus was saying to those Jews - " Remember, whenever John uses Jews, he's talking about prominent leaders primarily, but it would also encompass those who followed them. "Was saying to those Jews who had believed Him -- " here's the benchmark, " -- if you continue in My Word, then you are truly disciples of Mine." What is the benchmark? Perseverance, or if you want another word: endurance, endurance. Perseverance, endurance. That's the issue.<br />
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<b>How can you tell a true believer? Perseverance, endurance. That's the benchmark. If you continuein My Word.</b>" That simple statement ought to be underlined in everyone's Bible and everyone's mind. "If you continue in My Word." What does that mean? Obedience to everything He has said, a life pattern of obedience. That's why the Great Commission, Matthew 28:19, 20 is, "To go into all the world and teach them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you." That's part and parcel of being saved.<br />
<br />
What happened when you were saved is you confessed Jesus as what? As Lord, Jesus as Lord. That's<br />
the great Christian confession. Jesus is Lord, kurios, I am doulos, His slave. He is my Lord, and that essentially defines what it means to be obedient. He is the Master. I'm the slave. He is the Sovereign. He is the Ruler. He gives the orders and the commands.<br />
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I respond in loving obedience. Now, that is the distinction that our Lord made on the Sermon on the Mount. Remembering how He ended that sermon in Matthew 7, He said, "Everyone who hears these words of mine and acts on them, does them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and slammed against that house, and it didn't fall for it had been founded on the rock. Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, the floods came, the winds blew, slammed<br />
<br />
The storm is judgment, and the house that falls is the house of the one who said but didn't do. It's not about profession. It's about continued loving obedience. This becomes clear through really all the gospel records, but listen to Matthew 12 and verse 50, "Whoever does the will of My Father -- " Jesus said, " -- whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is my brother and sister and mother." That is another way of saying, "He has a relationship with me, whoever does the will of My Father." Same thing as what was in the Sermon on the Mount. That may not be easy to do that. Listen to chapter 10, verse 22, "You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved." Enduring not only the good times, but persecution, hatred,<br />
even martyrdom. This marks a true believer. A true believer is marked by perseverance, by endurance. His faith does not fail. His faith does not fail. Matthew 24:13, "The one who endures to the end, he will be saved." The one who endures to the end.<br />
<br />
Now, this is a major theme for John and it's most opened up for us in the upper room the night that Jesus met with His disciples to share the Passover. So turn to John 14 for just a minute because it's important to get this, and this is language you're very familiar with. We're just pulling it all together around this text, John 14, verse 15. "If you love me -- " this is not a request. This is a statement of fact. "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." Down in verse 21, "He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me, and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him." Verse 24, "He who does not love Me, does not keep My words and the word which you hear is not Mine, but the Father's who sent Me." When you obey the Word of God, you are giving evidence of love that is the product of true regeneration.<br />
<br />
Romans 5 says, "God has shed His love abroad in our hearts." Those that are genuine believers<br />
are literally filled with love. The fruit of the Spirit is love and all its manifestation.<br />
<br />
So love shows itself, first of all, in eager, willing, joyful obedience, even under duress, persecution, suffering, and facing death. In the fifteenth chapter of John there is the same statement made in different words. Verse 10, John 15:10, "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in His love." How do we know the Son loved the Father? How do we know the Son loved the Father? The Son says, "You know I love the Father because I obeyed the Father, because I did what the Father commanded me to do. I did only what the Father commanded me to do."<br />
<br />
As the Son demonstrates obedience and love to the Father, we demonstrate obedience and love to the Son. That's the pattern. That's how we demonstrate the genuineness of our conversion. Verse 14, "You're My friends if you do what I command you." By the way, this is what it means to abide. Go back to verse 7, "If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, you ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you." What does it mean to abide in Christ? It means to be in a true, saving union with Christ. How do you know that's a reality? Because you know His Word and you are lovingly and eagerly obedient to it. Not perfect. You fail. You sin. You stumble, but you hate the sin and you hate the stumbling. You're motivated by love to endure.<br />
<br />
John can't let go of this, so in his first epistle, as he writes, he says this, chapter 2, verse 4, "I have come to know Him. The one who says I have come to know Him and does not keep His commandments is a liar." Wow. You say you know Him, but you don't keep His commandments, that's a lie. The truth is not in him. Pretty simple. "But whoever keeps his Word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this, we know that we are in Him." That's what it means to abide, sharing life in Him. "The one who says he abides in Him, ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked." And how did Christ walk? In obedience to the Father, and if you say you belong to Christ, then you walk in obedience to Christ as Christ walked in obedience to the Father.<br />
<br />
So what is the mark of a true believer? It's not a profession. It's not some past event. It is a continuing loving obedience. Obedience out of love. You can't separate keeping commandments from love. They're all mingled in those passages in the upper room. John also is important. It says its important for us to acknowledge that part of obeying is obeying the truth as sound doctrine. So in 2 John 9, he says, "If anyone goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, he doesn't have God. The one who abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son." If you have an errant Christology, if you err regarding who Christ is, and a lot of people say, "I believe in Christ," but it's the wrong Christ. It's the wrong Christ, not the Biblical Christ. You don't know God either. Sound theology<br />
and sound practice go together.<br />
<br />
This is an urgent issue with the apostle John so much so that in his first epistle, if I can go back there for just a moment in chapter 3 and verse 24 he says it again. "The one who keeps His commandments abides in Him and he in Him." And then in chapter 5 he says it again. In chapter 5, verse 3, "This is the love of God that we keep His commandments, and His commandments are not burdensome." So we are marked by our perseverance in loving obedience to the Word of God. That's how you know a true believer. That's how you know, and in the midst of persecution, persecution will not destroy his faith. Persecution will reveal the legitimacy of his faith, Peter says, and that will be the proof of his faith, which is a gift. You should pray for persecution. You should pray for difficulty. You should<br />
pray for suffering if you have doubts about the legitimacy of your salvation. Pray for suffering. Pray for dire circumstances, and you will be given the greatest gift. If your faith survives, you'll know it's the real thing. So where there's no perseverance, there's no salvation.<br />
<br />
So if you're asking yourself, "What about so-and-so? They don't come to church. They don't show an interest in the things of Christ -- pretty easy to answer the question. The benchmark is enduring faith, and that's a heavenly gift that cannot die because enduring faith, saving faith is a gift from God, Ephesians 2:8 and 9. That's why the devil tried to destroy Job's faith and couldn't do it. The devil tried to destroy Peter's faith and couldn't do it. The devil assaulted Paul and couldn't destroy his faith because saving faith cannot be destroyed. The kind of faith that Judas had collapsed just on the prospect that he wasn't going to get as much out of this deal as he thought he deserved.<br />
<br />
So what is the benchmark then of true discipleship? It is perseverance and endurance in loving<br />
obedience to the Word of God. Now, secondly, I want to talk for a few minutes about the benefit of true discipleship, the benefit. We talked about the benchmark. Here is the benefit, and the benefit is clear, and it's in one simple statement, which is then expandedin the conversation, but the statement is in verse 32. "You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." Those are powerful concepts aren't they? You hear a lot abouttruth and freedom, truth and freedom. It seems like that's what people exist to find out, to find the truth and be free. Very popular, very pursued realities. Truth and freedom.<br />
Nobody is looking for ignorance. Nobody is pursuing ignorance. Nobody is pursuing bondage.<br />
<br />
You know any people who are looking for bondage? You know any people who are trying really<br />
hard to get into prison and you know people who are trying to be stupid all their life and avoid information? No. People are looking for truth and freedom. The heart is driven in that direction. The unfortunate reality is they're looking in all the wrong places.<br />
<br />
They want the truth that frees them from their confusion, their lack of wisdom, their struggles,<br />
their troubles, their dissatisfactions, their unfulfilled dreams and ambitions. They want the truth that frees them from fear, fear of disease and death and the mystery of life and eternity. And the search goes on in every library and every university, in every schooland every classroom, every courtroom. And deep, deep down in the souls of men, the search goes on for truth and the freedom from the bondage of ignorance.<br />
<br />
In 1883, there was born a Jewish German man by the name of Franz Kafka. If you've studied<br />
philosophy or literature, European literature, you know about Franz Kafka. He was an existentialist.<br />
He was also what we would call, I guess, a surrealist. He created an existential world of his own making, of his own musings, of his own realities that was surreal. It was disconnected from normal people's thinking so that when you read Kafka you feel like you're -- and he died in 1924, when surrealism as a view in itself was only in its insipient years. Now, almost everything in our world is a chase for what is surreal and fantasy world has trumped almost, in our time, reality.<br />
<br />
But in his day being a surrealist was kind of a novel thing, and he wrote these stories and these books and portrayed this surreal world that was in some way, his answer to the confusion of life. Of course, Kafka was on a relentless search for truth, and my favorite thing that he wrote, I'll just give you the condensed look at it. A solitary stranger picking his way through rubble of a city that's been completely destroyed. Everywhere there is rubble, scorched earth, total disaster, death. He wanders around in this and finally finds a building, one solitary building standing. It's a very tall, cement apartment building.<br />
<br />
So he goes in the door and he goes up the concrete stairs all the way to the top, anit's totally dark and he finally gets to the top floor, trying to find someone. He sees a long, dark hallway, and he goes down that because he can see a flickering light at the very end of the hallway. He comes to the flickering light at the end; he turns in and finds it's a little bathroom.<br />
<br />
He walks into the little bathroom and there to his amazement is a man sitting, fishing in the bathtub, and the bathtub, he observes, is empty. The visitor says in Kafka's words, "You're not going to catch anything." And the defiant fisherman says, "I know," and he keeps on fishing. This is Kafka's view of higher education. Looking for what's not there while the world is being blown to bits, trying to find truth in all the wrong places. This would be 2 Timothy 3:7, "Ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." That's humanity's futile effort, and eventually they want to include religion in their search, and, of course, that's where the Jews were. They thought they were coming<br />
to the truth; they had come to the truth and knew the truth. The problem is that for unbelieving<br />
people, even when the truth shows up, they reject it.<br />
<br />
Romans 1:18 says, "It is characteristic of fallen people to suppress the truth in unrighteousness."<br />
That's what they do. They suppress it. You can pick the university of your choice. Go there. Mingle among the tens of thousands of students who are searching for the truth and offer them the truth, and see how well you are received. Go to the philosophy department. Tell them you want to lecture on the truth, that you know the truth. You know the truth from top to bottom, side to side; you're here to reveal completely the truth. See how welcome you are. Talk about Jesus Christ and the truth. Talk about the Gospel and the truth. Talk about sin and judgment. Talk about righteousness and heaven. You will not be welcome because it is the nature of fallen man to suppress the truth even when it shows up, and it was true of the Jews.<br />
<br />
But verse 32 says, here is the benefit of believing, true belief, true discipleship. "You will know the truth. You will know the truth." It's not so bold to say, "I know the truth." You will know the truth. Well, what truth is he talking about? Well, he's talking about spiritual truth, eternal truth, salvation truth. I love the phrase in Ephesians 4:21,<br />
<br />
"Truth is in Jesus," Paul says. "Truth is in Jesus." That's the only place you're going to find it. That's the only place. If you don't look to Jesus for the truth, you will not find the truth that sets you free. Jesus is the truth, John 14:6. He said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life." "The Holy Spirit is the source of truth," John 16:13 and 14. Jesus says, "I'm going to send the Spirit of truth, who will teach you about Me." "Scripture," John 17:17 "is truth." "Thy Word is truth." "Jesus is the truth." "The Holy Spirit is the truth." "The Scripture is the truth." And all of it represents the God of all truth.<br />
<br />
So he's talking about spiritual truth, and to prove that they suppress it, even people who are exposed to it, who believe to some degree, all you have to go back to is verse 45, "Because I speak the truth, you do not believe Me." If I speak truth, why do you not believe Me? "He who is of God hears the words of God. For this reason, you do not hear them because you are not of God." Only the people of God can hear and believe the truth. Everybody else suppresses it. This is the challenge we face.<br />
<br />
John makes much of the truth as he wraps up, of course, his writings before the Book of Revelation. Second John he talks about the truth and knowing the truth and loving the truth and walking in the truth; and he says that in 2 John and 3 John. He made much of the truth. The truth is in Jesus. That's what our Lord is talking about. Salvation truth, kingdom truth, eternal truth. And he says, "This is the truth that will make you free, make you free."<br />
<br />
Was there a context for that? Of course there was a context. They were part of a religious legalist system. You remember back in Matthew 11 how Jesus characterized that system, really in a very unforgettable way. He said this, "Come to Me all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." What were they weary from and what were they heavy-laden with? Legalism. Religious legalism. "Take my yoke on you and learn from Me. I am gentle and humble in heart. You will find rest for your souls. My yoke is easy. My burden is light." They had put a burden, a pile of burdens on you you can't carry, you can't bear. Matthew 23, He describes the leaders of Israel as putting a burden on people, which they didn't help them carry and they couldn't carry it anyway.<br />
<br />
In Matthew 23, He says, "You produce sons of hell," with your legal system. The Jews weren't free. They wouldn't admit that. They were in horrendous bondage to sin, false religion, but they don't see that. So verse 33, they answered Him, "We are Abraham's descendants and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say you will become free?"<br />
<br />
Now, some folks have said, "Well, boy, that's selective memory. Don't they remember the bondage of their past?" Sure. They were in bondage to Egypt. They were in bondage to Babylon. They were in bondage to Medo-Persia. They were in bondage partially to the Greeks. They were in bondage at the time as this was going on to the Romans. But they're not talking about that. They're not talking about some kind of a political situation. They're saying, "We are spiritually free because we are Abraham's children." I think t hey associated bondage with a bad position, with a position of sin and a position of impending judgment. Spiritually, they didn't buy that for a minute. They didn't think they were lost.<br />
<br />
In fact, Jesus describes them this way. "I didn't come to call the righteous to repentance, but sinners." They were the righteous in their own minds. But the truth was, they were in horrendous bondage, but they wouldn't admit that. Go back to Luke 4. There's a really powerful illustration of this that happens in Nazareth. Most of you will remember it. Jesus goes back to Nazareth, his home town, and He teaches in the synagogue. He meanders after doing miracles in Galilee and they all are excited to have their hometown boy back after all that has transpired and everything they've heard about Him. As a visiting rabbi,<br />
<br />
He is asked to speak, to read. So, verse 17 of Luke 4, the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. He opened the book and found the place where it was written, and this is Isaiah 61. "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me because He anointed Me to preach the Gospel to the poor. He sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord." He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant, sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were on Him, and He began to say to them, "Today the Scripture has been fulfilled in your ears."<br />
<br />
That's a Messianic passage. They all knew it was speaking of Messiah. Messiah is the anointed One. He is the One anointed. So He anointed Me to preach the Gospel. Messiah will come and bring good news. Messiah comes to bring good news. Amazingly, the text says,<br />
<br />
He will bring that good news to the poor, prisoners, blind, and oppressed. Okay, the poor, prisoners, the blind, the oppressed. Well, at first they were speaking very well of Him, and then He began to apply that. What obviously happened is He told them, "You are the poor, prisoners, blind, and oppressed." What was their response? Verse 28, "They were filled with rage. As they heard these things, they got up, and drove Him out of the city, and led Him to the brow of a hill in which their city had been built in order to throw Him down the cliff. But passed through their midst, He went on His way."<br />
<br />
They tried to kill Jesus after His first sermon in Nazareth. They tried to throw Him off a cliff. Why? Because He said, "You are the poor, prisoners, blind, and oppressed, and you will not acknowledge it." It's the same as your ancestors. God couldn't heal any widows in this country, had to go to a widow in Baal's world. God couldn't do wonders among Jewish people in the past. He had to do a miracle for a border terrorist named Naaman from Syria. God's never been able to work with you legalistic self-righteous people because you will not admit you're the poor, prisoners, blind, and oppressed.<br />
<br />
So that's exactly -- go back to John 8 -- that's exactly their attitude here. They're saying, "We're Abraham's descendants. We've never been enslaved to anyone. Why are you saying we will become free. We are free." They see themselves as free. They are not. So what kind of freedom is Jesus offering them? This is so important. What kind of freedom is He offering them? Go to verse 34, "He said to them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin.'" Oh, now we see. Freedom from what? Slavery to sin.<br />
<br />
They were not free. They were slaves to sin. How do you know they were slaves to sin? Because<br />
the pattern of their life was to commit sin, present tense. You all continually commit sin, demonstrating that you're the slaves of sin. Their sin was religious sin. They had corrupt religion.<br />
<br />
Our Lord is saying to them, the Gospel truth will give you spiritual freedom, which is freedom from slavery to sin, from sin's total power, total control, freedom from spiritual blindness, spiritual oppression, Satanic dominion, freedom from the fear of death, the fear of judgment, the prospect of eternal hell, freedom in the purest and truest sense. Galatians 5:1 says, "It is for freedom Christ has set us free." Boy, they just didn't want to buy into that. That infuriated them. I'm surprised that it took until verse 59 before they picked up the stones this time. They did the same thing in Nazareth, tried to throw Him off a cliff. Here, they tried to crush Him under stones. Why? Because they would not ascknowledge their sin.<br />
<br />
This is where we come when we talk about true salvation. The true disciple, the real disciple comes to the Word of God, penitently, submissively embraces the Word of God, lovingly obeys the Word of God, it's theological truth, it's assessment of his own condition, and it's mandates and commandments. The false disciple want what Jesus offers without giving up any of his own carnal pleasures. The false disciple is unwilling to take the diagnosis of his own wretchedness that is necessary to true salvation. Our Lord then says something to them that was really shocking, verse 35, "The slave doesn't remain in the house forever. The son does remain forever."<br />
<br />
They were thinking, "We are sons of Abraham. We are sons of Abraham. We're Abraham's seed.<br />
We're the elect covenant people. We have the law, the prophets, the covenants. It's all ours. We belong to God because we belong to Abraham." This is blind pride. Jesus is indicting them as being sinners and not only that, but slaves of sin. They're not about to accept that. Then He takes it a step further and sys this shocking thing, "You are slaves, not sons." Now, He may have had on His mind the whole story of Abraham. Since this is talking about Abraham, He may have been talking the same way that Paul talks in Galatians 3 and 4. You remember Paul says there are two possibilities here. There is the possibility of Hagar and Ishmael. Remember the metaphor there? And there is the possibility or the reality of Abraham and Isaac.<br />
<br />
Ishmael was a slave. Ishmael had no inheritance from Abraham. Ishmael and his mother, the<br />
slave, sent away. Sarah and Isaac stay in the house. Isaac receives the inheritance. Jesus is saying to them, "You think you're Abraham's son, but if you are, you're Ishmael50:45 You're a slave, and you're not an heir. And the slave doesn't stay in the house forever. Only the son does, and you are slaves; not sons. You will be left out of God's inheritance."<br />
<br />
The language here could not be stronger, and again, we understand why they reacted the way they did trying to kill Him. Listen to Matthew 8:11, "I say to you, many will come from East and West and recline at the table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, but the sons of the kingdom, the Jews, will be cast out into the outer darkness in the place that will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." There are going to be people at the table with Abraham. It's not going to be you. They will be the sons of Abraham, by faith, Galatians 3. Sons of Abraham by faith.<br />
<br />
There's some prophetic implications here as Israel is being set aside and set aside as a nation of slaves, Hagar and Ishmael-like. And Abraham's true children, his children by faith made up of Jew and Gentile are the heirs to God's possession. The heirs to God's possession are those who are sons or those who come to Christ that we learned in the first chapter, verse 12, "As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name." You become a child of God with true saving faith.<br />
<br />
So what is the benefit? Freedom from the bondage of sin, freedom from slavery, freedom to become<br />
a son and an heir. And he culminates it with this, "So if the Son makes you free, you will really be free," not the false freedom to which you claim. Total freedom from sin's deception, power, punishment, penalty, and presence, forever free, forever free. This is our Lord's message. "There will be no condemnation to those who are in Christ - " Romans 8 says " - because the Spirit of life in Christ has set us free."<br />
<br />
Who is a true disciple then? A genuine follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, the one who perseveres<br />
in the faith, one who endures through blessing and suffering, faithful to the end and lovingly obedient. That's a true believer, a true disciple, and that soul is a son and not a slave. And that soul has been set free from sin's bondage to the freedom of complete forgiveness, complete forgiveness and the promise of eternal glory. Very important to know this and to proclaim it.<br />
<br />
Father, we now ask that You would confirm to our hearts this truth and may it find a place in our conversation and in our witness and our testimony. May we realize that the whole world is engulfed in suppressing the truth and many would have an initial attraction to Jesus, but when confronted about the reality that, as our Lord said in the earlier passage, "You will die in your sins and where I go, you cannot come unless you repent and believe in me," -- they turn and flee. But make us faithful to speak the truth to remind them that that truth is the only thing that will set them free, really free to become sons and not slaves. Use us to that end we pray in the name of Christ.Randy Kirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187149342560881341noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10272783.post-48158073072420711482014-06-11T22:21:00.000-07:002014-06-11T22:21:06.947-07:00A Succinct Outline Concerning True Disciples of Jesus<h2>
<a href="http://executableoutlines.com/cw/cw_00.htm"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Sermon Outline regarding the definitions, marks, costs, and blessings of discipleship.</b></span></a></h2>
<pre><a href="http://executableoutlines.com/home.htm"><b>Taken from Executable Outlines</b></a></pre>
<pre><b> </b></pre>
<pre><b>You don't really need to hear your pastor preach this. The outline is so clear and</b></pre>
<pre><b>compelling that it should move any true Christian to repentance and action. </b></pre>
<pre><b> </b></pre>
<pre><b>I. <u>THE DEFINITION OF A DISCIPLE</u></b>
<b>A. THE WORD "DISCIPLE"...</b>
1. The word "disciple" literally means A LEARNER
2. According to Vine's Expository Dictionary Of New Testament
Words, it denotes "one who follows another's teaching"
3. But a disciple was not only a learner, he was also AN ADHERENT
4. For this reason disciples were spoken of as IMITATORS of their
teachers.
<b>B. THE GOAL IN BEING A DISCIPLE...</b>
1. Stated by Jesus himself: to be like the teacher - <b><a class="lbsBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="Lk 6.40" data-version="nkjv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Lk%206.40" target="_blank">Lk 6:40</a></b>
2. To be Christ's disciple, then, is to strive to be like Him!
3. According to the apostle Paul, this coincides with God's goal
in the redemption of mankind, that they be conformed to the
image of His Son - <b><a class="lbsBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="Ro 8.29" data-version="nkjv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Ro%208.29" target="_blank">Ro 8:29</a></b>
[Do you have a strong desire to follow Jesus and become like Him?
Unless you do, it cannot be said that you are truly His disciple!
There are also some "identifying marks" of discipleship given by Jesus
which can help us to further identify a true disciple of Jesus...]
<b>II. <u>THE MARKS OF A DISCIPLE</u></b>
<b>A. A DISCIPLE IS "ONE WHO ABIDES IN JESUS' WORDS" - <a class="lbsBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="Jn 8.31" data-version="nkjv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Jn%208.31" target="_blank">Jn 8:31</a></b>
1. This would imply being a diligent student of the teachings of
Christ
2. It also requires one to be a "doer" of the Word - <b><a class="lbsBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="Mt 7.21-27" data-version="nkjv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Mt%207.21-27" target="_blank">Mt 7:21-27</a>;
<a class="lbsBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="Jm 1.21-25" data-version="nkjv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Jm%201.21-25" target="_blank">Jm 1:21-25</a></b>
3. In view of this, a true disciple would not...
a. Fail to study the Bible diligently
b. Willingly refrain from opportunities to study with others
(e.g., Bible classes, church services, gospel meetings).
<b>B. A DISCIPLE IS ALSO "ONE WHO LOVES THE BRETHREN" - <a class="lbsBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="Jn 13.34-35" data-version="nkjv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Jn%2013.34-35" target="_blank">Jn 13:34-35</a></b>
1. With a love patterned after the love of Jesus ("as I have
loved you")
2. With a love that is visible to the world ("by this all will
know")
3. Therefore, a true disciple would...
a. Make every effort to get to know his brethren
b. Take advantage of occasions to encourage and grow closer to
them (e.g., attending services on Sunday and Wednesday
nights)
4. Remember, a disciple is one who wants to become like his
teacher
a. Was Jesus willing to sacrifice time and effort for His
brethren?
b. Of course, and so will we... IF we are truly HIS disciples!
<b>C. A DISCIPLE IS "ONE WHO BEARS MUCH FRUIT" - <a class="lbsBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="Jn 15.8" data-version="nkjv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Jn%2015.8" target="_blank">Jn 15:8</a></b>
1. Notice the word "much" (also found in verse <b>5</b>)
a. Jesus is not talking about an occasional good deed
b. But a lifestyle which prompts people to glorify God!
- <b><a class="lbsBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="Mt 5.16" data-version="nkjv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Mt%205.16" target="_blank">Mt 5:16</a></b>
2. This is so important, that failure to bear much fruit will
result in being severed from Christ - <b><a class="lbsBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="Jn 15.1-2" data-version="nkjv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Jn%2015.1-2" target="_blank">Jn 15:1-2</a></b>
3. How can one be a disciple if he or she is cut off from Christ?
[The point should be clear: to be a disciple of Jesus Christ means
more that just a casual church member. It requires COMMITMENT,
especially in regards to:
<b>The teachings of Christ
The love of brethren
Bearing fruit to the glory of God</b>
The kind of commitment involved is seen further when we consider the
"high cost" of discipleship demanded by Jesus in <b><a class="lbsBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="Lk 14.25-33" data-version="nkjv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Lk%2014.25-33" target="_blank">Lk 14:25-33</a></b>...]
<b>III. <u>THE COST OF BEING A DISCIPLE</u></b>
<b>A. JESUS MUST COME FIRST - <a class="lbsBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="Lk 14.26" data-version="nkjv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Lk%2014.26" target="_blank">Lk 14:26</a></b>
1. Before anyone else, including members of our own family
- <b><a class="lbsBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="Mt 10.34-37" data-version="nkjv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Mt%2010.34-37" target="_blank">Mt 10:34-37</a></b>
2. Even before one's own self - <b><a class="lbsBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="Lk 9.23-25" data-version="nkjv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Lk%209.23-25" target="_blank">Lk 9:23-25</a></b>
<b>B. WE MUST BE WILLING TO SUFFER FOR CHRIST - <a class="lbsBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="Lk 14.27" data-version="nkjv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Lk%2014.27" target="_blank">Lk 14:27</a></b>
1. Trying to live godly lives in an ungodly world, we may find
that following Christ sometimes involves ridicule and
persecution - <b><a class="lbsBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="2Ti 3.12" data-version="nkjv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/2Ti%203.12" target="_blank">2Ti 3:12</a></b>
2. Even if we are blessed to escape such things, we must still be
willing to expend time and effort in promoting the cause of
Christ in positive ways
<b>C. PUTTING IT SIMPLY, WE MUST FORSAKE ALL TO FOLLOW CHRIST
- <a class="lbsBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="Lk 14.33" data-version="nkjv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Lk%2014.33" target="_blank">Lk 14:33</a></b>
1. In other words, Jesus must be KING and LORD of our lives
2. Nothing can take precedent over Him and His Will for us
[This kind of "high cost" of discipleship demanded by Jesus caused
many people to turn away from following Him. But Jesus wasn't trying
to attract large crowds, He wanted disciples!
Is the COST worth it? I believe so, for consider some of the REWARDS
of discipleship...]
<b>IV. <u>THE REWARDS OF BEING A DISCIPLE</u></b>
<b>A. THERE IS THE PROMISE OF "FUTURE BLESSINGS"...</b>
1. We shall be saved from the wrath of God which is yet to come
upon the world for its sins - <b><a class="lbsBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="Ro 5.9" data-version="nkjv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Ro%205.9" target="_blank">Ro 5:9</a></b>
2. We can look forward with joyful anticipation of eternity with
God, free from sorrow, pain and death - <b><a class="lbsBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="Re 21.1-8" data-version="nkjv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Re%2021.1-8" target="_blank">Re 21:1-8</a></b>
<b>B. THERE ARE ALSO "PRESENT BLESSINGS"...</b>
1. Jesus offers a PEACE the world cannot give to calm the
troubled heart - <b><a class="lbsBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="Jn 14.27" data-version="nkjv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Jn%2014.27" target="_blank">Jn 14:27</a></b>
2. His words inspire JOY to lift our spirits out of any
depression - <b><a class="lbsBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="Jn 15.11" data-version="nkjv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Jn%2015.11" target="_blank">Jn 15:11</a></b>
3. He also offers to those who follow Him the ABIDING LOVE OF
GOD, which can cast out fear - <b><a class="lbsBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="Jn 15.9" data-version="nkjv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Jn%2015.9" target="_blank">Jn 15:9</a>; <a class="lbsBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="1Jn 4.18" data-version="nkjv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/1Jn%204.18" target="_blank">1Jn 4:18</a></b>
4. And he makes it possible for us to be members of THE FAMILY OF
GOD, which is able if need be to replace our physical family
- <b><a class="lbsBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="Mk 10.28-30" data-version="nkjv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Mk%2010.28-30" target="_blank">Mk 10:28-30</a></b> </pre>
<pre> </pre>
<pre>If you want to take some immediate action to change your life, and to become an </pre>
<pre>activist Christian, desiring nothing more than that God's will be done on earth as</pre>
<pre>it is in heaven, consider purchasing my new book, <i><b>God Called - He Needs Your Decision!</b></i> </pre>
<pre>Just click http://bit.ly/GodCalled </pre>
Randy Kirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187149342560881341noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10272783.post-43252818647675417412014-06-09T20:18:00.000-07:002014-06-09T20:18:11.931-07:00What Will Be Required of You to Be Seen as a True Disciple?<br />
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<br />
I've been trying to find a serious theologian who has spoken on the issue of discipleship who believes that showing up in church after making a decision constitutes your being seen as a true disciple. J Vernon McGee, John MacArthur, Charles Spurgeon, and the list could go on and on. I'm reading or listening to their sermons and they all agree: Jesus required some pretty significant obedience and humility, not to mention being in the word, before he would bestow this description on a follower.<br />
<br />
The video above goes briefly into the subject, but the book shown in the picture above takes on the issue in earnest. It is available on Amazon Kindle at http://bit.ly/GodCalled and will soon be out in paperback. Randy Kirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187149342560881341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10272783.post-48763803473713439752014-06-08T07:47:00.000-07:002014-06-08T07:47:02.589-07:00Sermon of the Week - Charles Spurgeon Isaiah 1:3 - To the Thoughtless<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The Israelites were not very good at learning their lessons. Are you?</span></h2>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span class="text Isa-1-3" id="en-NIV-17658">The ox knows its master,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-1-3">the donkey its owner’s manger,</span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-1-3">but Israel does not know,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-1-3">my people do not understand.”</span></span> </b></i></div>
<br />
What an indictment. Even the ox or the donkey gets it. They are thoughtful and aware of their master. They are quick to respond to their master's voice. <br />
<br />
In <a href="http://www.sermonaudio.com/playpopup.asp?SID=111107190493">this sermon by non other than Charles Spurgeon</a> we look at Isaiah 1:3. As is always the case with Spurgeon, you will be deeply touched by the message, and thrilled with the delivery.<br />
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http://www.sermonaudio.com/playpopup.asp?SID=111107190493Randy Kirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187149342560881341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10272783.post-65252196981596659832014-06-06T22:38:00.000-07:002014-06-06T22:38:35.028-07:00Best Father’s Day Present Ever <h2>
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</h2>
<h2>
Bless your dad with a gift that may be remembered for a lifetime</h2>
My wife and kids have complained for many years that I am impossible to buy for. I suppose that is common for many dads, and I, personally, am prone to spontaneously purchase anything I really want, depriving them of many options. On the other hand I have been very clear that I will always be pleased with:<br />
• Dark chocolate<br />
• Books<br />
• and Toys<br />
<br />
You would think that would give them a good start, but they insist that there is no surprise when the choices are so limited. I must say in my defense, I really, really like dark chocolate, books, and toys. Therefore, surprise me with unique chocolates, books I’m not asking for but which you believe will knock my socks off, and toys that we can laugh about together. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ustSYm4znu0/U5KiEayy0LI/AAAAAAAAMRE/bINnEgM5qpw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-06+at+10.23.45+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ustSYm4znu0/U5KiEayy0LI/AAAAAAAAMRE/bINnEgM5qpw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-06+at+10.23.45+PM.png" /></a>My oldest daughter Christian and her husband Nathan got the memo. They had read a book that had been very meaningful to them, and they wanted to bless me with the inspirational and transformational content they had appreciated. So among my Christmas gifts in 2012 was a short volume from a gifted New York preacher who has become a major force for the church. The book was King’s Cross and the author was Tim Keller.<br />
<br />
Through this masterfully crafted work I was able to chase away the last vestiges of sinful self indulgence that had plagued me during a few dark years of one thing after another. This same daughter had said that I was “like a Country Western song. Even my trusty old dog had died.”<br />
<br />
That book moved me so much that my smoldering cinders were fanned into a raging fire for Jesus. Out of that change of heart and mind, my own book was born. The goal in writing that book was to admonish and encourage lukewarm or stuck Christians into full surrender to the will of Christ in their lives. God Called was just released in Kindle.<br />
<br />
God Called - He Needs Your Decision! would be a perfect book for your dad this father’s day. At just over 100 pages, it was designed specifically for men, though as is usually the case, more women have read it at this point than men. <br />
<br />
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<br />
It would also be a perfect companion piece as a set with Keller’s work, also available on Kindle or in print. What could be more important to your dad than to help him improve his walk with Jesus? What would be more important to the rest of the family or to the kingdom at large? Let us know in the comments how it turned out.<br />
<br />
You will find<a href="http://bit.ly/GodCalled"> God Called here</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kings-Cross-Timothy-Keller-ebook/dp/B00BF08C6S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1402118026&sr=8-1&keywords=king%27s+cross">King's Cross here</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Randy Kirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187149342560881341noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10272783.post-58197734050371789162014-06-01T09:32:00.001-07:002014-06-02T09:33:22.505-07:00Sermon of the Week - Edward Donnelly - Jesus Washes the Disciples Feet<br />
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<br />
STRONGLY Recommended Listen of the Week! From SermonAudio.com where you can find 1000's of sermons in every possible format.<br />
<br />
"A sermon that has blessed our hearts this week. We strongly recommend the following to you: <br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: yellow;"><b><a href="http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=330101327227">You Ought to Do This</a></b></span> • 2,600+<br />
Pastor Edward Donnelly <br />
<br />
Editor's Comment: This was a powerful sermon that needs to be heard by all. A sermon that will hopefully humble every church member's heart and bring a spirit of unity in humility."<br />
<br />
<br />Randy Kirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187149342560881341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10272783.post-69768214446896695402014-05-28T20:38:00.001-07:002014-06-05T22:30:59.420-07:00The Beatitudes Are Woven Together Like a Tapestry<br />
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<h2>
Each Beatitude is powerful standing alone, but together they are a wonder: Matt 5:3-12</h2>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="poetry top-05">
<div class="line">
<i><span class="text Matt-5-3" id="en-NIV-23238"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">3 </sup>“Blessed are the poor in spirit,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Matt-5-3"><span class="woj">for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.</span></span></span><br /><span class="text Matt-5-4" id="en-NIV-23239"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">4 </sup>Blessed are those who mourn,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Matt-5-4"><span class="woj">for they will be comforted.</span></span></span><br /><span class="text Matt-5-5" id="en-NIV-23240"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">5 </sup>Blessed are the meek,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Matt-5-5"><span class="woj">for they will inherit the earth.</span></span></span><br /><span class="text Matt-5-6" id="en-NIV-23241"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">6 </sup>Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Matt-5-6"><span class="woj">for they will be filled.</span></span></span><br /><span class="text Matt-5-7" id="en-NIV-23242"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">7 </sup>Blessed are the merciful,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Matt-5-7"><span class="woj">for they will be shown mercy.</span></span></span><br /><span class="text Matt-5-8" id="en-NIV-23243"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">8 </sup>Blessed are the pure in heart,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Matt-5-8"><span class="woj">for they will see God.</span></span></span><br /><span class="text Matt-5-9" id="en-NIV-23244"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">9 </sup>Blessed are the peacemakers,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Matt-5-9"><span class="woj">for they will be called children of God.</span></span></span><br /><span class="text Matt-5-10" id="en-NIV-23245"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">10 </sup>Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Matt-5-10"><span class="woj">for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.</span></span></span></i></div>
</div>
<i> <span class="text Matt-5-11" id="en-NIV-23246"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">11 </sup>“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.</span></span> <span class="text Matt-5-12" id="en-NIV-23247"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">12 </sup>Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.</span></span></i></blockquote>
<br />
In his introduction, Spurgeon points out that the character traits pointed to in the Beatitudes are placed in an order from the least to the greatest. Then each attribute is accompanied by a specific blessing. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. The blessing in this case, as with all the others, is totally appropriate. The poor will be blessed with a very special inheritance, the Kingdom of Heaven.<br />
<br />
But as the character traits ascend, there is not any greater blessing, but merely an appropriate one. In fact, the 8th blessing is the same as the first. <br />
<br />
Then Spurgeon makes the point that each Beatitude opens the door to the next, and that each looks to the previous. For now, lets just look at the first one.<br />
<br />
We will discuss Spurgeon's analysis of what "poor in spirit" means in detail later, but for now the basic description would be someone who realized their sinfulness. We are poor in spirit prior to coming to know Jesus, and then we see the gift of forgiveness He is offering. We repent and then mourn that we have been such an offense to the Lord. Then this process continues throughout my life as a Christ follower.<br />
<br />
If I am poor in spirit and recognize it, then I will certainly repent. When I repent I should be deeply sorry and upset that I have sinned against God, and likely some individual, as well. Therefore I will mourn. And because God is gracious, He will comfort me in my time of dealing with my past sin. The interconnection continues throughout the Beatitudes, and my new understanding gives me a sense of awe and wonder beyond any previous understanding of this sermon.<br />
<br />
"The stones are laid one upon another in fair colors and polished after the similitude of a palace," Spurgeon explains poetically. He continues, "and yet each one is perfect within itself, and contains within itself a priceless and complete blessing." <br />
<br />
Each of the blessings is in the present tense, which should give occasion for
praise and thanksgiving. We are not told that our awareness of our sin,
decision to repent, and sincere mourning will result in blessings sometime later or in
Heaven. In each case the verse begins with "Blessed <i><b>are</b></i>." The use of
"will" that follows doesn't change the timing of the blessing. Only in
verse 11 are we promised future rewards in heaven because we have born up under persecution visited upon us because of Jesus.<br />
<br />
So when I recognize on a continuing basis that I am still a wretched sinner, grieving my Holy Father in heaven, that fact alone results in my inheriting the kingdom of heaven. We know how much God hates sin and appreciates repentance. The first words of the New Testament uttered by both John the Baptist and Jesus were "Repent." He rewards our acquiescence with an incomprehensible reward.<br />
<br />
Thus, each blessing that is promised is a perfect fit to the underlying character trait. If I am poor, I inherit. If I mourn, I am comforted. If I become humble I gain the whole earth. If I hunger after righteousness, I will be filled. If I am merciful to others I obtain mercy from God and others.<br />
<br />
But at the same time they are paradoxical, as is so much of what Jesus presents both here in this sermon, and throughout his ministry. Joy out of persecution? Blessedness out of poverty? Humility leading to power? Blessings from mourning and forgiving others.<br />
<br />
In verses 10 - 12 we even see Jesus confirming twice that the hatred that men will show for the saints (true disciples) who possesses these traits will result in happiness. And the world will not understand.<br />
<br />
Have you seen these interconnections between the Beatitudes before? Have you seen the power of the language which is equally offering a completely new ethic, but which at the same time is appropriate and paradoxical? As we delve more deeply into these verses, the power will become even more evident, and may unwrap for you some of the other mysteries of the Christian faith dealing with trust, abiding, and what it really means to carry your own cross.<br />
<br />
This is the third posting in a series on the Beatitudes based on the sermons of Charles Spurgeon. The plan is to eventually compile this series into a book. If you would like to take advantage of this free look behind the scenes of the creation of a book, be sure to subscribe to the blog. You may also want to go back and read the past two posts <span style="font-size: small;">linked below.</span><br />
<br />
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://ideaplace.blogspot.com/2014/05/the-beatitudes-as-youve-never-heard-them.html">The Beatitudes as You've Never Heard Them</a></span></h3>
<span class="text Mal-4-6" id="en-NIV-23145"><span class="text John-3-17" id="en-NIV-26138"> </span></span><br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://ideaplace.blogspot.com/2014/05/beatitudes-dont-tell-us-how-to-be-saved.html">Beatitudes Don't Tell Us How to Be Saved - They Describe the Saved</a></b></span></h3>
Randy Kirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187149342560881341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10272783.post-59846252606203616922014-05-25T21:09:00.001-07:002014-05-26T09:22:26.279-07:00The Beatitudes as You've Never Heard Them<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The Beatitudes are intended to change EVERYTHING</span></h2>
<br />
When Jesus gave His sermon on the mount, those who heard it were "<i><b>amazed</b></i>." They were amazed because the content of that sermon was more radical than anything uttered before or since. The life that Jesus offered to those on that hillside was beyond what anyone could have conceived. Today this sermon is counted as the most important ever spoken, and yet today's finest minds, inside and outside the church, still don't appear to get the potential for change that Jesus laid out for them.<br />
<br />
Like most who have spent their life, or most of it, in church, I have heard many sermons on the Beatitudes. Maybe more than most, I have also read numerous books that tackled the hope and opportunity that these simple sayings portended. Many of these teachings were quite beautiful and helpful in forming my Christian life. If you take your Christianity seriously, you probably think you have a pretty good idea of what Jesus was talking about that day. I certainly felt that way until late 2013.<br />
<br />
The story begins almost a decade ago. I started a small group for the purpose of reading the Bible straight through in great detail. Members came and went over the years. On some evenings I had only two others sharing their thoughts about the verses we were covering. But we kept moving along and in the Fall of 2013 we finished the Old Testament and moved on to the New Testament.<br />
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During almost all of those nine years I had relied on <i>Thru the Bible</i> by J. Vernon McGee as my primary reference. I love Dr. McGee, and had previously read the entire 5 years of Bible exposition he shares on radio even today, many decades after his passing.<br />
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As we got into the Beatitudes, however, I was unsettled by his analysis. I felt that others had done it better, and that he was far too eager to make these passages about end times rather than now. I did agree with him on one thing; many Christians have taken the Beatitudes to be the "10 Commandments" of the New Testament, and have missed out entirely on the blessing of grace that Jesus came to proclaim.<br />
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In any case, I started doing an internet study on the Beatitudes. In the course of this study I found the most amazing sermons I have ever heard preached. The content was stimulating at every level, from visceral to intellectual, and from emotional to practical. But as a special additional blessing, the writing was just beautiful. I described it to friends as like listening to a picture. I was so amazed that I listened to all eight sermons four times. It may not surprise you to hear that these sermons were the work of Charles Spurgeon.<br />
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Of course, they didn't have recording equipment in the 1860's, so we don't have his voice. However, the sermons were transcribed at the time, and a reader has read these sermons very beautifully on YouTube videos available at http://bit.ly/Beatitudes1<br />
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I encourage you to go listen to the Spurgeon sermons first hand. In addition, for some time I have been feeling led to write a modern version of these sermons as a small book so that I might share the wealth of Spurgeon's fabulous interpretation of Jesus' words. As with my last book, I am going to write this new book on this blog, and when completed make it into a final manuscript available to buy. Please subscribe to the blog if you want to be kept updated on each new chapter. <br />
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In the meantime, please consider reading my just released book <a href="http://bit.ly/GodCalled"><b><i>God Called - He Needs Your Decision!</i></b> </a>which is available on Amazon, <br />
and as you read this, may also be available in all the other normal channels. You can read the introduction above or you can see some of the <a href="http://godcalled-isaiah6.com/">reviews here.</a><br />
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Tell others! Tweet this: The <a class="twitter-hashtag pretty-link js-nav" data-query-source="hashtag_click" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Beatitudes?src=hash"><s>#</s><b>Beatitudes</b></a> as You've Never Heard Them <a class="twitter-timeline-link" data-expanded-url="http://bit.ly/1mqcNqp" dir="ltr" href="http://t.co/vpniBa5bKW" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="http://bit.ly/1mqcNqp"><span class="tco-ellipsis"></span><span class="invisible">http://</span><span class="js-display-url">bit.ly/1mqcNqp</span><span class="invisible"></span><span class="tco-ellipsis"><span class="invisible"> </span></span></a> Based on Charles Spurgeon Sermons <a class="twitter-timeline-link" data-pre-embedded="true" dir="ltr" href="http://t.co/d0Y07eWJut">pic.twitter.com/d0Y07eWJut</a> <br />
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<span style="background-color: yellow;"><b>The first chapter of <a href="http://ideaplace.blogspot.com/2014/05/beatitudes-dont-tell-us-how-to-be-saved.html"><i>The Beatitudes as You've Never Heard Them</i>, begins here.</a></b></span><br />
<br />Randy Kirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187149342560881341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10272783.post-81611859214756449322014-05-24T21:14:00.001-07:002014-06-03T22:10:05.756-07:00Beatitudes Don't Tell Us How to Be Saved - They Describe the Saved<br />
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Part 1 - Charles Spurgeon on the Beatitudes<br />
<br />
<div class="chapter-1">
<span class="text Matt-5-1"><span class="chapternum"></span><i>Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him,</i></span><i> <span class="text Matt-5-2" id="en-NIV-23237"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>and he began to teach them.</span></i></div>
<div class="chapter-1">
<span class="text Matt-5-2" id="en-NIV-23237">Matthew 5:1-2 </span></div>
<div class="chapter-1">
<span class="text Matt-5-2" id="en-NIV-23237"><br /></span></div>
As the first of the sermons opens, Spurgeon reminds us that the Sermon on the Mount is being delivered by the person, Jesus, who best knows who are blessed and who are cursed. The prophets before Him like Isaiah and Jeremiah, had heard from God and reported to the Jews about certain peoples and cities that were blessed or cursed. In the New Testament we are going to hear from the Son of God just what a blessed person should be doing. He will answer the question: How will you know a Christian when you see one?<br />
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Before we can get to those descriptions however, it is critical to <b>warn against seeing these seven points of light as the things you must do to be saved.</b> There is only one way to be saved, and that is through making a decision to accept the free gift of salvation offered by the Holy Spirit. Your part in this is only the repenting of your past sins and the decision to follow a new way of life; to put your trust and faith in Jesus, not in the world. You can't work your way into heaven, even if you were to spend the rest of your life trying to live out the beatitudes as best you knew how.<br />
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The Beatitudes are <b>not a set of works you need to do after salvation to make God happy.</b> God wants to make you happy. He knows that when you worship Him or do as He says that you will be Blessed (Happy). The Beatitudes are a prescription to a sick human soul as to how you will be blessed (happy and joyful) when you abide in Jesus and are instructed by the Holy Spirit. Those who do exhibit the characteristics of the Beatitudes will also exhibit Christ. "You will know them by their fruits."<br />
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The other night in a small group Bible study I attend, the subject turned to pleasing and displeasing God. Many agreed that they commonly felt that they "needed" to spend more time in the Bible, praying, praising, or doing good deeds in order to please God. These mature Christians, including yours truly, knew better, but still had difficulty with the ideas that our love of God should result in doing that which pleases Him, not pressure or a sense of obligation or to meet His "expectations."<br />
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Certainly God desires us to obey Him, be intimate with Him, and love Him, but He isn't keeping a checklist of your daily Christian habits to determine how much He is going to bless you, or to determine if you are saved. He already knows your heart on the latter matter. And your blessings flow consequentially out of your fruitfulness. <br />
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The opposite issue was more difficult. When we sin, we clearly grieve the heart of the Father, regardless of the fact that the sin is already covered by the blood of Jesus. But once again, whether or not we repent won't have anything to do with our ticket into eternity with Jesus. Our repenting will, however, bless us immeasurably. And to the extent that we sin, there may and likely will be some negative consequences growing out of that sin. God doesn't need to strike you with lightening, give you a disease, or mess up your life. Those consequences are built in to the act.<br />
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<h3>
<b>Jesus prepares to deliver the Sermon on the Mount</b></h3>
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Spurgeon sets the stage for the delivery of the Sermon on the Mount. He tells us that Jesus "beheld the multitude," and that this was the perfect time to give such a sermon. Spurgeon says that our hearts should be moved to pity when considering the multitude, just as Jesus was when crying over Jerusalem. This crowd, like the crowd around you on any given day, is much to be pitied. For they are damned to an eternity without God, even as they are currently damned to life on earth without Him as Master.<br />
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Do you pity the crowd or stand in judgement of the crowd? If they are not saved they have no expectation of understanding the gravity of their actions. Therefore we should not judge them. But we should be sorrowful about their condition, as we would for a little girl lost in a supermarket looking for her mom.<br />
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The sermon was likely being given to a chosen group of disciples, not the entire multitude, though fair minded individuals could come to different conclusions on this. Many of the multitude who would later hear what Jesus said from the disciples, were a long way from being saved. But even this early use of the word disciples may be better understood as students or learners, rather than as those having made a decision to be true disciples of Jesus. Later we will see that some of the multitude and some of the disciples fell away.<br />
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The opening word of the sermon is <i>blessed</i> or happy. Spurgeon points to the end of the Old Testament and the final words being about cursings.<br />
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<span class="text Mal-4-5" id="en-NIV-23144"><sup class="versenum"> </sup><i>“See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> comes.</i></span><i> <span class="text Mal-4-6" id="en-NIV-23145">He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else <b>I will come and strike the land with total destruction.</b>” </span></i><span class="text Mal-4-6" id="en-NIV-23145">(emphasis added)</span><i><span class="text Mal-4-6" id="en-NIV-23145"><br /></span></i><br />
<span class="text Mal-4-6" id="en-NIV-23145">Malachi 4:5-6</span><br />
<span class="text Mal-4-6" id="en-NIV-23145"><span class="text Mal-4-5" id="en-NIV-23144"></span> </span><br />
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<span class="text Mal-4-6" id="en-NIV-23145">Now in the New Testament, Jesus is teaching, "Repent ye, and believe the gospel." Mark 1:15b (King James). And the gospel He says we should believe is about salvation and blessing</span><span class="text Mal-4-6" id="en-NIV-23145">: </span><span class="text Mal-4-6" id="en-NIV-23145"><span class="text John-3-17" id="en-NIV-26138">"For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:17</span></span><br />
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<span class="text Mal-4-6" id="en-NIV-23145"><span class="text John-3-17" id="en-NIV-26138">So we have nine Beatitudes, nine ways that we can be assured of being blessed, and we know that Jesus desires that we be blessed. It is His mission, because He loves us. </span></span><br />
<span class="text Mal-4-6" id="en-NIV-23145"><span class="text John-3-17" id="en-NIV-26138"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text Mal-4-6" id="en-NIV-23145"><span class="text John-3-17" id="en-NIV-26138">I think we often lose sight of this idea that God said from Genesis forward that He wants His people to have the best possible life. The way to that best is through obedience. We pray a prayer of thanks after we are blessed, but we should be expectant that our prayers will be answered, our needs filled, and our days blessed if we are obedient.</span></span><br />
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<span class="text Mal-4-6" id="en-NIV-23145"><span class="text John-3-17" id="en-NIV-26138">The first seven of the Beatitudes are about character, the kind of character that will grow like ripe fruit on the vine of our faithfulness. The last two are a benediction that deals with blessings that will arise when the excellent character of the Christ followers who have just been described in the first seven has "provoked the hostility of the wicked." Many will feel threatened if you actually look and act the way the Beatitudes describe. Some of those will revile you, persecute you, and worse. But, paradoxically, you will be blessed through and because of your persecution.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Mal-4-6" id="en-NIV-23145"><span class="text John-3-17" id="en-NIV-26138"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text Mal-4-6" id="en-NIV-23145"><span class="text John-3-17" id="en-NIV-26138">The seven Beatitudes describe a person of perfect character, and each of these is remarkable by itself. If Jesus had only come to tell His followers to be peacemakers, that would have been revolutionary. But there was to be so much more that would upset the social order of the day, not just among the pagans, but even among the Jews. As revolutionary as these seven ideals were then, they still amaze us today...<b>or should</b>.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Mal-4-6" id="en-NIV-23145"><span class="text John-3-17" id="en-NIV-26138"></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mal-4-6" id="en-NIV-23145"><span class="text John-3-17" id="en-NIV-26138"></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mal-4-6" id="en-NIV-23145"><span class="text John-3-17" id="en-NIV-26138"></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mal-4-6" id="en-NIV-23145"><span class="text John-3-17" id="en-NIV-26138"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text Mal-4-6" id="en-NIV-23145"><span class="text John-3-17" id="en-NIV-26138">Are you amazed by the Beatitudes? Possibly you appreciate them, but are not amazed. Maybe you have been taught that the poor refers to poor people, and that mourning is referring to a time when you've lost a loved one. Maybe your thinking that peacemakers are those who try to broker peace in the family or at work. I think you will be amazed to hear what Spurgeon says about these things. </span></span><br />
<span class="text Mal-4-6" id="en-NIV-23145"><span class="text John-3-17" id="en-NIV-26138"> </span></span><br />
<span class="text Mal-4-6" id="en-NIV-23145"><span class="text John-3-17" id="en-NIV-26138">Spurgeon insists that we take the Beatitudes as a whole, however. He describes them as a ladder of light, where each step on the ladder requires having stepped already on the previous rung. He sees them as ascending; each one rising above the other. Going from being poor in spirit to being pure in heart would seem to be a very large leap without steps in between.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Mal-4-6" id="en-NIV-23145"><span class="text John-3-17" id="en-NIV-26138"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text Mal-4-6" id="en-NIV-23145"><span class="text John-3-17" id="en-NIV-26138">He also points out that while the character aspects are moving ever upward, the requirement for humility and sacrifice becomes greater. So just at a moment when the Christian might be feeling proud of his own meekness, he is faced with the reality that this pride must be put under the blood. Rather their self esteem is put aside, reduced, eliminated enough to take on the humblest tasks. We must die to self in order to truly love others.</span></span><br />
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<span class="text Mal-4-6" id="en-NIV-23145"><span class="text John-3-17" id="en-NIV-26138">Jesus showed this so memorably when He washed the feet of the disciples. This was a job for a slave, not a leader, a rabbi, a prophet, a king. We commonly assume that our position in life through titles, accomplishments, wealth, status, or merely having gotten to a certain age, bestows us with certain entitlements. We shouldn't need to do this lowly task any longer, and others should look up to us and be willing to serve. Jesus in His actions and in this sermon throw out that canard.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Mal-4-6" id="en-NIV-23145"><span class="text John-3-17" id="en-NIV-26138"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text Mal-4-6" id="en-NIV-23145"><span class="text John-3-17" id="en-NIV-26138">Spurgeon goes on to explain that each of the Beatitudes depends on the previous ones. This was one of the biggest eye-openers for me. We will address that in the next post. </span></span><br />
<span class="text Mal-4-6" id="en-NIV-23145"><span class="text John-3-17" id="en-NIV-26138"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text Mal-4-6" id="en-NIV-23145"><span class="text John-3-17" id="en-NIV-26138">Again, please subscribe to this blog if you would like to be alerted to the next post in the series or of other posts on related subjects.</span></span><br />
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<span class="text Mal-4-6" id="en-NIV-23145"><span class="text John-3-17" id="en-NIV-26138">You may wish to go back to an earlier post that served as in introduction to this series: <a href="http://ideaplace.blogspot.com/2014/05/the-beatitudes-as-youve-never-heard-them.html"><br /></a></span></span><br />
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
<a href="http://ideaplace.blogspot.com/2014/05/the-beatitudes-as-youve-never-heard-them.html">The Beatitudes as You've Never Heard Them</a></h3>
<span class="text Mal-4-6" id="en-NIV-23145"><span class="text John-3-17" id="en-NIV-26138"> </span></span><br />
<span class="text Mal-4-6" id="en-NIV-23145"><span class="text John-3-17" id="en-NIV-26138">Tell others. Tweet this </span></span><span class="text Mal-4-6" id="en-NIV-23145"><span class="text John-3-17" id="en-NIV-26138">Beatitudes Don't Tell Us How to Be Saved - They Describe the Saved. Charles Spurgeon <a class="twitter-timeline-link" data-expanded-url="http://bit.ly/1p9rnpz" dir="ltr" href="http://t.co/MLh4cbofiQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="http://bit.ly/1p9rnpz"><span class="tco-ellipsis"></span><span class="invisible">http://</span><span class="js-display-url">bit.ly/1p9rnpz</span><span class="invisible"></span><span class="tco-ellipsis"><span class="invisible"> </span></span></a> <a class="twitter-timeline-link" data-pre-embedded="true" dir="ltr" href="http://t.co/tazojXUD6G">pic.twitter.com/tazojXUD6G</a> </span></span><br />
<span class="text Mal-4-6" id="en-NIV-23145"><span class="text John-3-17" id="en-NIV-26138"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text Mal-4-6" id="en-NIV-23145"><span class="text John-3-17" id="en-NIV-26138"><br /></span></span>
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<span class="text Mal-4-6" id="en-NIV-23145"><span class="text John-3-17" id="en-NIV-26138"> </span> </span>Randy Kirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187149342560881341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10272783.post-31651270454043018442014-05-24T12:06:00.000-07:002014-05-24T12:06:11.801-07:00Christianity's Biggest Challenge Is Not the Unbeliever<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6bRxI6vnXFg/U4Ds32qfhHI/AAAAAAAAL-w/0QrY4P3NiDk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-24+at+12.01.54+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6bRxI6vnXFg/U4Ds32qfhHI/AAAAAAAAL-w/0QrY4P3NiDk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-24+at+12.01.54+PM.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do you really believe what this Book says?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> Convincing Christians to Believe Jesus Is Harder than Winning Converts</span></h2>
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For almost a decade I've been teaching a Bible study called "From Genesis to Revelation." In the course of those years I developed a thematic statement designed to encourage those in the class, but which was really my own issue. "If we really believed what is in this Book, we would live our lives very differently." <br />
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The further we went in the reading, finishing the Old Testaments and entering the New, my own faith grew and grew. It wasn't my first time through the Bible. Far from it. But the slow line by line reading of the Bible over so many years, including preparing a lesson each week, was impacting me. Do I still have issues of belief and trust regarding the Bible and God? Sure, but fewer than I did a decade or even a year ago. <br />
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But this much became clear to me. The vast majority of folks who call themselves Christian probably are not. They aren't doing any of the most basic requirements of being a Christian. For many the emphasis seems to be on trying to be nicer or sinning less. These are excellent goals, but have little to do with the Gospel.<br />
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In a way, it reminds me of talking with atheists, agnostics, or folks who claim they aren't Christians. You lay out simple, but profound truths that are going to impact their life in a major way for the better, and then give them the hope of heaven. But they will argue with you about evolution or how come there are so many religions or denominations. They will bring up the problem of evil, suffering, or say things like "I wish I had that kind of faith."<br />
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Compare that to conversations you might have with someone who has stated they were saved. "I feel at peace about living with my girlfriend." "Why shouldn't homosexuals who are Christians be able to enjoy loving one another?" "I just can't get into reading my Bible." There is no way I can afford to tithe." "I would go to church, but there are hypocrites there and all those Christians are judgemental.<br />
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You can point out that the Jesus they say they are following has clearly laid out the ways you are to live in order to have the best possible life on earth and earn the most crowns in heaven. You might even go so far as to suggest that if they aren't actively dealing with known sin, seeking a closer and more intimate life with Jesus, and producing fruit they may not be heading to heaven. But many are just as hard-hearted as those who make no claim of knowing Jesus.<br />
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If we believe Jesus, then we need to repent and ask the Holy Spirit to provide us with the strength and wisdom we need to be nice and sin less, but also to spread the gospel and change the world. But just as God left it up to us to accept His free gift of salvation, He has also left it up to us to decide to be true disciples. We have choices every day whether to follow Jesus, obey His words, carry His cross, and have the discipline to work out our salvation.<br />
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Most, almost all, Christians make daily decisions to seek comfort rather than sacrifice, prefer being liked rather than being holy, consuming worldly input rather than Biblical, and striving for personal gain rather than praying for Kingdom increases. <br />
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Don't you want the most that life has to offer? Are you satisfied with your current spiritual condition? Don't you desire to serve Jesus in such a way that He will say "Well done thou good and faithful servant" when you join him in eternity? The alternative is "Go away from here. I never knew you."<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BhsRV6I5EwM/U3_0OecV6JI/AAAAAAAAL9w/dWapXHFwlLg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-27+at+9.41.10+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BhsRV6I5EwM/U3_0OecV6JI/AAAAAAAAL9w/dWapXHFwlLg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-27+at+9.41.10+AM.png" height="280" width="320" /></a>If you want to change direction, that is repent, and get on a path to being all that you can be as a <a href="http://bit.ly/GodCalled"><i>God Called - He Needs Your Decision!</i> </a>This new book is designed specifically to help any born again Christian to increase their belief and faith. It takes you wherever you are today and empowers you to move to the next step, and then the next, until you are fully surrendered.<br />
follower of Jesus, you might want to pick up <br />
<br />
Once upon a time, someone helped you to see that the Gospel was real, that Jesus was the Messiah, that God loved you, and that you needed to repent and be born again. Today, I'm hoping I can be that person who helps you to see that all of those things are true, and so is everything that the Bible says. And since all those things are true, you should get serious about what the Bible directs you to do. Otherwise, your first decision seems utterly useless. Randy Kirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187149342560881341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10272783.post-38906358852457289282014-05-23T18:23:00.001-07:002014-05-23T18:23:32.206-07:00Lukewarm Christian Is an Oxymoron<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Love God more than anything else including life itself. </span></h2>
<span style="color: red;"><b>Sorry if this insults you. If you are not passionate about your Christian walk, you may not be on your way to eternal life with Jesus. </b></span><br />
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Jesus said to the church at <span class="hdg"><a href="http://biblehub.com/revelation/3.htm">Laodicea</a> in Revelation 3:16 </span><br />
<span class="hdg"><br /></span>
<i>So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth.</i><span class="p"></span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">Does that passage leave room for interpretation. Is Jesus being hyperbolic here. I don't think so. He is actually just repeating himself. </span><span class="crossverse"><a href="http://biblehub.com/matthew/7-19.htm">See Matthew 7:19</a></span><br /><br />
<i>Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.</i><span class="p"></span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">Does that sound like it leaves room for "Don't worry, you can still get into heaven if you are nice to your family and friends? Fruit mean acts, deeds, discipling others, staying in the Word, being sacrificial in your love of God and others, and so much more. </span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">There are many, many more such verses that I can site. But you probably already know them. These two should be enough to make the point. </span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">Where does this leave you?!</span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BhsRV6I5EwM/U3_0OecV6JI/AAAAAAAAL9s/gC-t5D5FmD0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-27+at+9.41.10+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BhsRV6I5EwM/U3_0OecV6JI/AAAAAAAAL9s/gC-t5D5FmD0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-27+at+9.41.10+AM.png" height="280" width="320" /></a><span class="p">I think I can say that you are somewhere on the spectrum between cold and hot. And I would maintain that where ever you are on that continuum, you are at a decision point. Will you become more devoted, more passionate, more intentional, more disciplined, or will you stay right where you are?</span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p"><a href="http://bit.ly/GodCalled">I've written a book</a> that others tell me has already moved them toward becoming true disciples, taking up their cross, giving up their worldly interests, and surrendering to God's call on their life. </span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">God Called - He Needs Your Decision is available on Amazon and depending on when you read this may also be available through other outlets.</span>Randy Kirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187149342560881341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10272783.post-47483250357731544682014-05-21T20:24:00.003-07:002014-05-21T20:27:56.949-07:00God Needs Your Decision<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">God Needs Your Decision to Follow Jesus</span></h2>
<br />
Then God needs your decision to:<br />
<ul>
<li>Trust Him</li>
<li>Listen to Him</li>
<li>Obey Him</li>
<li>Repent of known sin</li>
<li>Read His word</li>
<li>Love Him</li>
<li>Love others</li>
<li>Become a disciple</li>
<li>Disciple others</li>
<li>Spend time in prayer</li>
<li>Intercede for others in prayer</li>
<li>Go for us</li>
<li>Be fruitful</li>
<li>Tell others about Jesus</li>
<li>Be prepared to defend the faith</li>
<li>Hate your mother, father, sister and brother</li>
<li>Give up everything</li>
<li>Carry your cross</li>
<li>Go to church</li>
<li>Fellowship with believers</li>
<li>Be humble</li>
<li>Be meek</li>
<li>Seek after righteousness</li>
<li>Be a peacemakeer</li>
<li>Be pure of heart</li>
<li>Seek the kingdom first</li>
<li>Be submissive to your spouse</li>
<li>Love your wife like Jesus loves the church</li>
<li>Revere and respect your husband</li>
<li>Be slow to anger</li>
<li>Show kindness</li>
<li>Love your enemy</li>
<li>Forgive those who have wronged you</li>
<li>Forgive yourself</li>
<li>Be merciful</li>
<li>Have patience </li>
<li>Fast as necessary</li>
<li>Pray without ceasing</li>
<li>Learn your Master's voice</li>
<li>Have grace</li>
<li>Be thankful</li>
<li>Tithe</li>
<li>Give over and above the tithe</li>
<li>Give cheerfully</li>
<li>Serve others</li>
<li>Consider others to be better than you</li>
<li>Finish strong</li>
<li>Worship Him</li>
<li>Praise Him</li>
<li>Seek that His will be done</li>
<li>Pray for wisdom</li>
<li>Pray for strength</li>
<li>Do everything as unto God</li>
<li>Cast out idols</li>
<li>Put God first</li>
<li>Not judge others</li>
<li>Avoid temptation</li>
<li>Pray against the evil one</li>
</ul>
I'm hoping you didn't just scan down this list and think either, "I'm okay," or "How can I possible do this?"<br />
<br />
You aren't okay. And you don't have to do those things. You need to make a choice, a decision, to be about doing those things. You need to desire to be the kind of Christ follower who is in the process of becoming like Jesus. You need to pray that the Holy Spirit will enable you and guide you to be that person. <br />
<br />
It will take a lifetime of devotion and a huge amount of faith, but God has promised us that we can do all things through Him.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
If this post touches your heart at all, and makes you think maybe it is time to up your game in the most important relationship you have or will ever have, spend a few hours reading <a href="http://godcalled-isaiah6.com/"><i>God Called - He Needs Your Decision!</i> </a>In this book you will be provided with one path, one approach to getting to surrender, holiness, and being a true disciple. <br />
<br />
Do you know someone who should read the book? Please gift the a copy. Does your church have a bookstore. Please suggest they carry the book. <a href="http://bit.ly/GodCalled">Go to Amazon.com for current information on pricing.</a> For bulk purchases, please send me an email at RandyKirk77@gmail.comRandy Kirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187149342560881341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10272783.post-48134460838119870072014-05-20T21:41:00.000-07:002014-05-20T21:41:13.621-07:00The Number 1 Question Christians Want to Know. What Is God's Will for My Life?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Gj7Qj966SY/U3wtNJ6Iq_I/AAAAAAAAL58/hSZwqtIKUqo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-20+at+9.35.14+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Gj7Qj966SY/U3wtNJ6Iq_I/AAAAAAAAL58/hSZwqtIKUqo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-20+at+9.35.14+PM.png" height="97" width="400" /></a></div>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">God's will for your life is clear from Genesis to Revelation</span></h2>
<br />
When you Google "God's will for my life," you get 170,000,000 results. I didn't have time to read them all, but you can be sure there are plenty of differing opinions about the answer. I don't presume to know any more than the next person about the subject, but I'm going to tackle this issue from the broadest sense for this post. Then, in another post, I'll come at it from the narrow perspective.<br />
<br />
God's will for your life is the same as it is for my life and for every other Christian. It is the same in the New Testament as it was in the Old Testament. If there was ever a case of folks missing the forest for the trees, this is it. When you finish, please let me know if you think I've completely missed something in the comments section that follows.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>1. God wants you to have the best possible life on earth.</b></h3>
<br />
Once you get your arms around this, it is life changing. Other religions have gods who punish them or do deals with them or they must do crazy actions to please their god. While our God punishes unbelievers, there is no time where believers are punished. We may do crazy things in an attempt to please God, but He never requires or suggests we do so. Quite the opposite. And we can't negotiate with God.<br />
<br />
The Bible says:<br />
<br />
<span class="crossverse"><a href="http://biblehub.com/deuteronomy/4-40.htm">Deuteronomy 4:40</a></span><br />
Keep
his decrees and commands, which I am giving you today, so that it may
go well with you and your children after you and that you may live long
in the land the LORD your God gives you for all time.<span class="p"></span><br />
<br />
<span class="crossverse"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_kings/11-38.htm">1 Kings 11:38</a></span><br />
If
you do whatever I command you and walk in obedience to me and do what
is right in my eyes by obeying my decrees and commands, as David my
servant did, I will be with you. I will build you a dynasty as enduring
as the one I built for David and will give Israel to you.<span class="p"></span><br />
<span class="p"></span><br />
<span class="crossverse"><a href="http://biblehub.com/isaiah/3-10.htm">Isaiah 3:10</a></span><br />
Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://biblehub.com/exodus/15-26.htm">Exodus 15:26</a><br />
He said, "If you listen carefully to the LORD your God and do what is
right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his
decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the
Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you."<span class="p"></span><br />
<span class="p"></span><br />
<br />
<span class="crossverse"><a href="http://biblehub.com/jeremiah/7-23.htm">Jeremiah 7:23</a></span><br />
but
I gave them this command: Obey me, and I will be your God and you will
be my people. Walk in obedience to all I command you, that it may go
well with you.<br />
<br />
For the New Testament you need go no further than the most famous sermon of all time, the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus tells us who will be blessed. And blessings will flow to those who are humble, repentant, meek, seeking righteousness, and pure.<br />
<br />
Simple, straightforward. God wants us to do things that will be of benefit to our own bodies, to our own emotional health, and to our own souls. These same actions will be the best possible for the community as well. God's will for us clearly starts with our living a blessed life on earth.<br />
<br />
Knowing that God's will is that you have a blessed life should cause you to get much more serious about following His commands. Let me ask you, do you ever drink Drano? Do you have a taster check out the canned peas before you eat them? You trust the instructions and the makers of these products. We humans don't trust our maker that way. <br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>2. God wants us to love Him and love others</b></h3>
<br />
You knew that! In combination with God's desire that you live the best possible life, the greatest commandments must lead to that blessed life if you follow them. God's commands are not for the purpose of helping Him out or making Him happy. They are a love letter written to you so that you will do well. <br />
<br />
What are you doing about learning how to love God? Is it part of your plan for today? This week? This year? Do you know what it means to love others? What are you doing to become better at that?<br />
<br />
So it is God's specific will for your life that you follow the two Greatest Commandments.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>3. God wants you to be a disciple</b></h3>
<br />
Do you think that becoming a disciple is optional? Do you know what it takes to become a disciple? Can you list the items Jesus said it would take to be a true disciple? Jesus spent the greatest portion of His time of ministry taking 12 men and making them into disciples. If He saw it as being that much of a priority, my guess is that His will for your life is that you become a disciple. <br />
<br />
That would mean:<br />
<ul>
<li>Obeying Jesus</li>
<li>Taking up your cross and following Him</li>
<li>Giving up everything, even family <b></b></li>
</ul>
<h3>
<b>4. Jesus highest priority for us is that we make disciples </b></h3>
<br />
Once again, I'm suggesting that there is no mystery to God's will for us. Jesus has given us many specific directions for ways that we can be fruitful in this life. But we all agree that one of those items stands above the others. We call it the Great Commission.<br />
<br />
Most Christian I talk to are very confused by what the great commission says. It does not say go and make converts. It does not say go and convince people to try church. It says make disciples. You can't be a disciple until you have decided to accept the gift of the Gospel and follow Jesus as Lord. That is a work only the Holy Spirit can do. We are called upon to tell others, and that is certainly a high priority. But the highest priority is to make disciples. To be more specific, we need to help those who are already professing Christ to do those three things above. If they are failing to do those three things or desiring and making decisions designed to move towards those things, they are not true disciples and they are likely not saved.<br />
<br />
You therefore can know God's will. He wants you to help folks that are slipping away from the hope of heaven. In many cases they are slipping away because no one nurtured their growth after being planted. You see, thousands come to Christ every week, but as we pointed out in this post, maybe <a href="http://ideaplace.blogspot.com/2014/05/only-10-who-accept-christ-are-going-to.html">only 10% of folks who accept Jesus are headed for heaven</a>. Not my words, but the words of J. Vernon McGee.<br />
<br />
God's will for your life? Have a blessed life, love God and others, be a disciple, make disciples.<br />
If you do these things, I maintain that God's very specific will for your personal life will be made known. You won't have to ask, because you'll be too busy doing it. And because you have been faithful in these things, He will be chasing you down for new assignments.<br />
<br />
Did I leave anything out? <br />
<br />
ps My new book, <a href="http://godcalled-isaiah6.com/"><i>God Called - He Needs Your Decision!</i></a> speaks specifically to these issues, and gives a pathway to becoming a true disciple. Check it out at <a href="http://bit.ly/GodCalled">Amazon</a><br />
<span class="p"></span><br />
<span class="p"></span><br />
<span class="p"></span><br />
<span class="p"></span><br />
<span class="p"></span><br />
<span class="p"></span><br />
<span class="p"></span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>Randy Kirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187149342560881341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10272783.post-84239381683287929842014-05-18T13:34:00.002-07:002014-05-18T13:34:31.052-07:00Only 10% Who Accept Christ Are Going to Heaven<h2>
</h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0iQrlPfJj8A/U3jmXGLWW1I/AAAAAAAAL3c/SY66U4kEcTU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-18+at+9.56.23+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0iQrlPfJj8A/U3jmXGLWW1I/AAAAAAAAL3c/SY66U4kEcTU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-18+at+9.56.23+AM.png" height="216" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How many are headed to heaven? How can you make a difference?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Some church leaders think even a smaller percent are true disciples</span></h2>
<br />
The venerable J Vernon McGee makes the point that of those who come forward on any given Sunday to accept Jesus Christ as Lord, only 10% were genuine conversions. McGee points out that in his discussions with other church leaders at the time (1970's?), the number might even be smaller, even as low as 3%. His point was made during his exposition on the parable of the sowers in Matthew 13.<br />
<br />
We all know the story. Some seed (Word of God) fell by the wayside and was taken away by birds (demons). Some fell on a rocky place with little soil, sprung up fast, then withered and died under the scorching sun. Some young plants were overtaken by thorns and choked out. And some on fertile soil that prospered and bore much fruit.<br />
<br />
Whenever I hear a sermon preached on this passage or read it during my quiet time, I admit to taking an inventory. I deeply desire to go to heaven. I look forward to meeting Jesus and Old Testament saints and others who will be there. I'm so curious to see what the next great chapter looks like. Am I saved? Do I have a deep certainty that Jesus will say "Well done, thy good and faithful servant," on my arrival, and not, "I never knew you."<br />
<br />
Certainly you must take that same inventory of your spiritual life from time-to-time. Am I fruitful. Do I show evidence of having Jesus in me. Do I have a personal relationship with Him. Am I pursuing holiness. Am I surrendered. Am I doing the work of making disciples (helping saved Christians to become true disciples).<br />
<br />
J Vernon McGee and others say that only those seeds which took root in fertile soil are heaven bound. He and others say that the parable teaches that this would be 25%. I don't think the parable says that at all. It merely says some.<br />
<br />
On the first day of law school, the dean will say, "look to your right and to your left. In 3 years two of you will no longer be here." If you look to your right and to your left, is it possible that 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 of those on your right and left won't be part of your praise team in heaven?<br />
<br />
Commonly, this type of "lesson" would end with an admonition that you get your disciplines in order, get on your knees and repent, get back to church, improve your prayer life, read the Bible more, and so on. All of those are good ideas. But I think those works will grow out of the right heart. What is a right heart:<br />
<ul>
<li>Love God</li>
<li>Love Others</li>
<li>Give Up Everything</li>
<li>Die to Self</li>
<li>Take Up Your Cross</li>
<li>Obey Jesus </li>
<li>Go and Make Disciples</li>
</ul>
Seven simple concepts. Seven ways to live that will GUARANTEE the most blessed life on earth and a place in heaven. Each and every one of those seven requires something from you. That something is <i><b>a decision</b></i>. The decision to accept Jesus is only the first decision you will make as a new Christian or as an old, mature Christian. These are decisions you will make, then need to remake every day. To make those decisions you will need faith. The kind of faith that moves mountains. And the faith comes from asking the Holy Spirit to help you.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jw-nR2wDka8/U3kZDbrCurI/AAAAAAAAL30/dZFPqwa4F14/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-27+at+8.49.27+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jw-nR2wDka8/U3kZDbrCurI/AAAAAAAAL30/dZFPqwa4F14/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-27+at+8.49.27+AM.png" height="280" width="320" /></a>So where are you on this circle of life? You'll need to jump on somewhere. Will it start with being <br />
more disciplined, or start with a tearful, face down period of repentance of having too little faith and being to consumed with the things of the world. Or will it start with loving someone you haven't been able to love, forgiving someone you haven't been able to forgive, or finally giving up some idol that has you prisoner.<br />
<br />
Tell me your story in the discussion section below. Then you might want to check out the book I've written that goes deeper into this discussion about choices. <a href="http://bit.ly/GodCalled">God Called - He Needs Your Decision! is available at Amazon. </a>Randy Kirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187149342560881341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10272783.post-60487169727768112822014-05-17T22:44:00.000-07:002014-05-17T22:44:29.149-07:00Christian. Are You Interested in Finishing Strong?<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N9qO0mk-Kng/U3hGtCd7oBI/AAAAAAAAL2g/iXtOq9-P7Lg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-17+at+10.35.14+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N9qO0mk-Kng/U3hGtCd7oBI/AAAAAAAAL2g/iXtOq9-P7Lg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-17+at+10.35.14+PM.png" height="184" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finish the race, and help someone else finish strong, too.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">No matter how you've done up until this point in your life, you face a decision</span></h2>
Has your Christian walk been a straight line? Do you get up every day, enter into authentic devotionals, connect heart-to-heart with the God during prayer, read your Bible with your ears open to the leading and teaching of the Holy Spirit. Do you then go about your day loving God and others, giving others a picture of Jesus through your actions.<br />
<br />
Or maybe you are currently way off the path, even a prodigal. Or maybe you are the prodigals brother, whose self righteousness may have been the point of the parable. Maybe you're faithful, but prideful. Maybe your dealing with an area of significant sin in your life that is interfering with your ability to serve Jesus in the way that you could.<br />
<br />
Most of us are somewhere in between these extremes. And I don't know anyone whose Christian walk doesn't resemble a roller coaster more than a smooth sail on a flat lake.<br />
<br />
From my reading of the scriptures, God doesn't seem to be too concerned about what you've done up until now. Resting on your laurels and giving yourself a high five for what was done in the good old days can't be found in scripture. Have your actions been recorded and will they produce rewards in heaven? Sure! Are those accomplishments something that have produced good consequences for you and others? Of course! But the Bible seems to make clear that we need to continue to be strong in the faith and available to God's calling, right up until He calls us home. If you disagree, please note your scripture reference in the comments.<br />
<br />
On the other hand, you may have had some rough times recently. Did you steal, hurt someone, lie, have sex outside of marriage? Have you been lukewarm in your faith. Jesus says he would spit lukewarm water out of His mouth. Maybe you just feel far from God, and your prayer and devotional time is missing or meager. Maybe you aren't in church or fellowshipping with other believers. <br />
<br />
It is never too late. In the secular world there is a saying about tomorrow being the first day of the rest of your life. In the Bible we here the exact same thing very poetically:<br />
<br />
Hebrews 12: 1 (<span>NIV</span>)” So let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us ”<br />
<br />
1 Corinthians 9: 24 (<span>NIV</span>) ” Run in such away to win the <span>prize</span>." <br />
<br />
2 Timothy 4: 7 to 8 (<span>NIV</span>)” I have
fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, my coronation,
which the Lord the righteous Judge, will award unto me on that day “. <br />
<br />
Have you finished the race? Some of us act that way at times. What might you still accomplish in the time you have left?<br />
<br />
I once taught a class in goal setting. One of the men in the class came up to me afterwards and said, "Randy, I'm 66 years old. How can I set 10 year goals. I'll be dead in 10 years." <br />
<br />
Eleven years later I spoke with him about that conversation. We both enjoyed a good laugh over it. What might he have done during that decade if he had chosen to ask God for some opportunities to serve and listened for direction. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5Uxb5iwmWsU/U3hHFHuRwDI/AAAAAAAAL2o/DmlajQzenZM/s1600/3D+cover+shot+God+Called.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5Uxb5iwmWsU/U3hHFHuRwDI/AAAAAAAAL2o/DmlajQzenZM/s1600/3D+cover+shot+God+Called.png" height="320" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Go to Amazon http://bit.ly/GodCalled</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Would you do me a favor. Go over to Amazon.com and pick up a copy of my new book, <i>God Called - He Needs Your Decision! </i>You can get it in <a href="http://bit.ly/GodCalled">Kindle</a>, and it might be available in print too by the time you read this. Look at the reviews. Most of them come from solid Christian soldiers who are hard at work for Jesus. But almost ever reviewer talks about change that took place in their life after reading the book. <br />
<br />
Buy it now at http://bit.ly/GodCalled <br />
<br />
I honestly don't care about the money. I have a business that pays for my needs. If you can't afford it, send me an email. I'll find a way to get it to you for free. Do you have someone in mind who needs a copy? Can you gift them a copy? If not, send me an email. We'll get a copy to them. My personal email is RandyKirk77@gmail.com<br />
<br />
The world badly needs a bunch of Christians to finish strong. The forces of evil are winning. We know the outcome, but we are still commanded to be faithful and hard at work until Jesus comes again. We need to be sowing the seed to the lost, then discipling those who accept the gift.<br />
<br />
How else might you help in the effort to make disciples as commanded by Jesus. Let me know in the comments or by email. Randy Kirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187149342560881341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10272783.post-78066464933403524532014-05-10T18:53:00.000-07:002014-05-12T08:40:15.472-07:00Become a True Disciple, then Go and Make Disciples<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6yoT1UigZD8/U12fOfWDgUI/AAAAAAAALYg/pGOUDpEcG-E/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-21+at+10.07.01+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6yoT1UigZD8/U12fOfWDgUI/AAAAAAAALYg/pGOUDpEcG-E/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-21+at+10.07.01+PM.png" height="361" width="400" /></a></div>
</span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Jesus was very clear about disciples. Is His church getting this right?</span></h2>
<br />
Oswald chambers said in <i>My Utmost for His Highest</i> for April 24:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“We have a commercialized view—we count how many souls have been saved and sanctified, we thank God, and then we think everything is all right. Yet our work only begins where God’s grace has laid the foundation. <b>Our work is not to save souls, but to disciple them. </b> Salvation and sanctification are the work of God’s sovereign grace, and our work as His disciples is to <b>disciple others’ lives until they are totally yielded to God. </b> One life totally devoted to God is of more value to Him than one hundred lives which have been simply awakened by His Spirit. As workers for God, we must reproduce our own kind spiritually, and those lives will be God’s testimony to us as His workers. God brings us up to a standard of life through His grace, and we are responsible for reproducing that standard in others.” (emphasis added).</blockquote>
One goal in writing <b><i>God Called - He Needs Your Decision</i></b> was to provide a pathway, even a recipe, for moving from pew duster to disciple, from lukewarm to on fire, from prodigal to servant in the Father's house, or from mature dutiful soldier to fully surrendered child of God. From the early reports of those who've given me feedback, there is a unanimous chorus of conviction leading to change. See reviews <a href="http://bit.ly/GodCalled">here</a> and <a href="http://bit.ly/GodCalled2">here.</a><br />
<br />
The other goal was to share with everyone that it is Okay to hear from God. Bill O'Reilly created shocked headlines when he declared that the Holy Spirit gives him the ideas for his books, including <i>Killing Jesus</i>. I have heard from the Holy Spirit on several occasions including through visions and the "still small voice." The experiences are documented in the book along with clear directions for how to discern truth when the experience is extraordinary. There is also a section on how to avoid allowing experiences like that from becoming idols. But, the bottom line is that we need to be open to hearing from God, even if through a donkey.<br />
<br />
From <b><i>God Called - He Needs Your Decision!</i></b><br />
<br />
<b><i>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
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<span class="wordsofchrist"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Disciples
give up everything </span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 31.5pt;">
<span class="wordsofchrist"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">These texts make it clear that to be a
disciple one must:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 31.5pt;">
<span class="wordsofchrist"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></span><span class="wordsofchrist"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Obey everything that Jesus taught</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 31.5pt;">
<span class="wordsofchrist"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></span><span class="wordsofchrist"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hate his relatives (by comparison to his
love for Christ)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 31.5pt;">
<span class="wordsofchrist"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></span><span class="wordsofchrist"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Carry Christ’s Cross</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 31.5pt;">
<span class="wordsofchrist"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></span><span class="wordsofchrist"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Give up everything</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 31.5pt;">
<span class="wordsofchrist"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">That certainly leaves me out. What about
you? On the other hand, I’m not certain that Jesus intended for us to have
achieved all of those things before we can be disciples. I do believe he intends
for to make a clear decision that we want to do these things, and that we will be
available to do these things when called. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 31.5pt;">
<span class="wordsofchrist"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">If we review the lives of both Old and
New Testament saints, they did not give up everything every day or every week. Rather,
they were available to give up whatever was necessary to respond to God’s call.
They were learning how to do those four things. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 31.5pt;">
<span class="wordsofchrist"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus spent three years training the Twelve
virtually full time how to be disciples. One could argue that even our
seminaries spend more time on theology and counseling than they do on developing
disciples. I</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">n order
to “create disciples” so that there will be enough workers to gather the
abundant harvest, the church may need to become much more proactive about
specifically doing the necessary work to equip willing followers to be
disciples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
</blockquote>
To be a disciple seems almost impossible, not to mention difficult. But we are promised blessings and that our yolk will be light. I pray that if you choose to read and act based on this short book, that your blessings will be inspirational and transformational for you and those you touch. Randy Kirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187149342560881341noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10272783.post-39292792116292051622014-05-09T21:16:00.001-07:002014-05-09T21:16:36.040-07:00"Most of us (Christians) are not Disciples" - Chuck Swindoll of Insight for Living<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LI_lviz0VS0/U22m6e84HII/AAAAAAAALtE/bkAPrG1uXPI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-09+at+9.08.50+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LI_lviz0VS0/U22m6e84HII/AAAAAAAALtE/bkAPrG1uXPI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-09+at+9.08.50+PM.png" height="152" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chuch Swindoll http://Insight.org</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Do most in the church of Jesus Christ even know <a href="http://bit.ly/GodCalled1">what it is to be a disciple</a>?</span></h2>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2n4YZsVHGyU/U22n9hwPvDI/AAAAAAAALtM/wG2GUcb4hwc/s1600/godcalled3D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2n4YZsVHGyU/U22n9hwPvDI/AAAAAAAALtM/wG2GUcb4hwc/s1600/godcalled3D.jpg" height="320" width="226" /></a>I have been a huge fan of Insight for Living and Chuck Swindoll for as long as I can remember. On May 8 and 9 the sermon turned to the issue of discipleship. Since that is very near and dear to my heart, I made a special effort to tune in by computer and listen. You can, too, at http://www.insight.org/ <br /><br />Here are some of the points which line up very nicely with the key themes of my recently released book, God Called - He Needs Your Decision! <br /><br />He first noted that a new Christian should not be thrust into leadership roles or even service too quickly. He makes a comparison to a new baby and says that the baby Christian needs time to heal, learn, and spend time with Jesus prior to starting to serve. <br /><br />He also points out that the word discipleship is overused and under appreciated. I think he means that most who use the word use it incorrectly to refer to a process of seeking converts and trying to bring them to a point of accepting Jesus. This is not discipleship. Rather discipleship has two sides. <br /><br />First there is the process of being discipled or trained up in the ways of Jesus. Swindoll recommends that you ask two or three spiritually mature individuals to help you work out your faith. The goal is to reach a point where you have picked up your cross and followed Jesus, which includes giving up your possessions and your very life. <br /><br />At some point in this process you will be in a position to disciple others. You don’t have to be perfect to do so, but you have to be clear-eyed about you interests being God centered rather than earth centered. One way you might know is if those around you clearly see that you’ve been “with Jesus.” <br /><br />Swindoll told a variation on the story of the pearl of great price. He said that when the man asked the owner of the pearl what the price was, the trader said the price was not set. The man said he would pay whatever the price was. The trader said the cost would be everything. The trader showed him that this included his money, house, car, wife, kids . . . everything. The trader then said he would loan these things back to the man, but that he would have title, and could ask for them at any time. <br /><br />If you’d like to hear the entire message, please check it out at http://www.insight.org/<br /><br />Randy Kirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187149342560881341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10272783.post-30758221883680381712014-05-09T19:54:00.000-07:002014-06-06T09:38:09.525-07:00On Becoming a Gardener in God's Garden<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ewPxfM6xkSs/U22Q86V02bI/AAAAAAAALsg/t0l9Tm29Bio/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-09+at+7.31.37+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ewPxfM6xkSs/U22Q86V02bI/AAAAAAAALsg/t0l9Tm29Bio/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-09+at+7.31.37+PM.png" height="260" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Night blooming jasmine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">In my opinion, I have no gardening skills. As is common, God may have other ideas!</span></h2>
The joke in my house for many decades has been that I have a black thumb. Put me in charge of any plant and I can kill it for sure. Here in California we have a weed called the bougainvillea that is really beautiful, but still a weed. The legend about the bougainvillea is that once you have the plant in your yard it takes over. Not so for this great gardener. I have managed to kill even these.<br />
<br />
I also really despise any type of yard work or gardening. I don't particularly like any type of physical labor, have no interest in digging around in the ground, and am not great at following instructions or following up on living things. I like to start projects and then let others keep them running while I go on to the next one.<br />
<br />
When we purchased our home 25 years ago, one of the selling features we most liked was the great landscaping put in place by the previous owner. The back yard was particularly beautiful. But given neglect and a few months habitation by a golden retriever, and you have a not so great back yard.<br />
<br />
About 18 months ago, at a time when I was getting back on my horse after some difficult years, I decided to try and fix two plants that were in huge trouble. One was a night blooming jasmine that had built a glorious crown of white flowers on top of our patio for a few years. Unfortunately the stems winding up the patio support were such a mess that something had to be done.<br />
<br />
Then there was a white bougainvillea that I had hoped would blend in with a red one, but which was growing completely out of control. I bought some gloves (bougainvillea have nasty thorns) and id a bit of reading online. I called my sister-in-law with the green thumb for advice. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dpa5S7j93RQ/U22UXOxU7ZI/AAAAAAAALss/xEjoXoWSxx0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-09+at+7.47.50+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dpa5S7j93RQ/U22UXOxU7ZI/AAAAAAAALss/xEjoXoWSxx0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-09+at+7.47.50+PM.png" height="320" width="208" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Jasmine growing back</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I was told that I need to remove all the incredible beauty of the jasmine that was on top of the patio cover, and cut the plant right down to a few inches from the bottom. Even though the plant was giving a beautiful display on the outside, the core was not beautiful at all. Therefore, it needed to be pruned. Then we could start over. The jasmine survived the pruning, and is now about 2 - 3 foot high, and beginning its ascent up the patio support again.<br />
<br />
In my personal life, I feel as though I had created a lot of very nice blooms, but that maybe there was some ugliness that needed to be pruned out. God has allowed me to spend the last 7+ years being pruned and rebuilding. This time I will be keeping a careful eye on those foundations to make sure they are not allowed to take away from the potential blossoms that God has in store.<br />
<br />
Then there was the bougainvillea. In this case I bought some garden ties and I loosely guided the larger stems in ways that would create the best result. I watched the plant daily, changing those ties as needed to allow it room to express itself, while giving gentle guidance to other branches. Over the course of a year, the plant became very full and well shaped, but the blooms had stopped. Bougainvillea have several seasons per year, but even when completely out of season still have flowers if there is enough sun. I couldn't imagine why there wasn't the reward I was hoping for.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pUS31kaFto0/U22UWyJZDoI/AAAAAAAALsw/5OUoDFXSiiA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-09+at+7.44.42+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pUS31kaFto0/U22UWyJZDoI/AAAAAAAALsw/5OUoDFXSiiA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-09+at+7.44.42+PM.png" height="320" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That very morning</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In this process that God had allowed me to move through, I was feeling closer to Him than ever before, and my spiritual life was showing a lot of fruit. But there were still some really important relationships that had not been restored. Even after over a year of redirecting my paths and learning how to be disciplined in places where sin had resulted in out of control patterns, I was not seeing the hoped for flowering.<br />
<br />
Then finally, a wise counselor was able to speak truth into my heart in an area that I would have never dreamed was an issue. This wise counselor explained that this issue was for me the most important aspect of my being that was getting in my way of the greatest potential joy.<br />
<br />
I repented of my sin, and went to those who had been hurt most by it. As part of the conversation, we began to speak in metaphors. In trying to get results in others that I believed was in their best interest, I was too frustrated to allow it to happen in their or God's timing. This is the very reason why I had always failed as a gardener. But now, I had proven that I could tenderly nurture these two plants without insisting on my outcome. The outcome was up to the plants and God, not me.<br />
<br />
The very next day, I looked out at my bougainvillea. The flowering had begun. It was as if God had given me a huge high five for finally getting the point. Meanwhile my Bible reading that morning had been the book of James. In James 5 verse 7, it says <span class="text Jas-5-7"><sup class="versenum"> </sup><i>Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.</i></span><br />
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<span class="text Jas-5-7">While the context is related to the Lord's return, the lesson was still the same. Being patient with those in my life who are closest to me, and allowing them full freedom to bloom in their own way and time is a challenge for me. I have asked the Holy Spirit for wisdom and His direction in helping me to be an amazing gardener in His garden.<i> </i></span><br />
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<br />Randy Kirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187149342560881341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10272783.post-34476826446981764792014-05-02T16:03:00.000-07:002014-05-02T16:03:56.578-07:00Almost Nothing About Book Marketing Is the Same as it was 20 Years Ago<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.page1listings.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/3D-cover-shot-God-Called.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="God Called - He Needs Your Decision! Now on Kindle" class="size-medium wp-image-919 aligncenter" src="http://www.page1listings.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/3D-cover-shot-God-Called-300x300.png" height="391" title="Christian Book on Discipleship" width="391" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I launch a book and learn new stuff</span></h2>
Last week I was excited to launch my 8th book over the course of 35 or so years. My long tenure has put me in the position of having now done almost everything possible in the book biz, except for a text book. I tried pretty hard to get <i>When Friday Isn't Payday</i> and the updated version <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Running-21st-Century-Small-Business-Starting/dp/0446696188/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1399070165&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=randy+w+kirk" title="Business book"><i>Running a 21st Century Business</i></a> into the classroom, but the hill was steep (like a cliff), and the reward wasn't worth it at the time.<br />
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But I have:<br />
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<li>Sold books through a local small publisher into a niche market - bicycle retail stores</li>
<li>Sold a major book to a major publisher for wide distribution - business books noted above through Warner Business Books</li>
<li>Used a New York Literary Agent to sell a book. Same books</li>
<li>Used a smallish national publisher in the Christian market - <i>A Generation Betrayed - Its Time to End the Sexual Revolution</i></li>
<li>Self published a niche book for $50 each</li>
<li>And now, I am self publishing a Christian market theology book on Kindle, Amazon print, and audio.</li>
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Did I miss anything?<br />
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If you are a Christian who wants to take your faith to the next level, please check out my new book:<a href="http://bit.ly/GodCalled" title="Christian discipleship book"> God Called - He Needs Your Decision!</a><br />
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So how does all of this tie into our business blog? Book selling is another business. And the <a href="http://help4smallbusiness.blogspot.com/">marketing of books is very instructive for other types of business.</a> After creating the product, which requires the better part of a year, and an investment in the mid four figures, you now need to let folks know you have a product they might want to buy. As with any product or service today that might be free (<a href="http://ideaplace.blogspot.com/">blogs</a>, videos, <a href="http://godcalled-isaiah6.com/">website</a>, FB, Twitter, radio interviews, TV, etc) or have a cost (print advertising, booth space, online ads, and sometimes the use of a publicist.)<br />
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Covers (packaging) were always a critical issue, but in a book store the customer might only see the spine. Spine art and color is even a science. Now, the book cover is critical and must be very bold in a thumbnail size so that the title and mood are clear and readable.<br />
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Like any business in today's market, but even more so, the potential for sales is driven by <a href="http://bit.ly/GodCalled1">reviews</a>. Getting folks to read it and review favorably prior to and during launch can make or break a book. Yes, you can have another round of promotions, months or even years into a book, assuming it doesn't have an expiration date (due to timeliness issues), but the initial launch is where you have the best chance to build excitement. I have participated in numerous grand openings, and I always suggest spending as much as possible to get that early visibility.<br />
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What about success rate? Generally, I would speculate that it is about the same as Amway. Most authors have no stomach for marketing or speaking, and the real money is made selling the book after giving a talk (which often includes an honorarium to boot). Most authors become very discouraged after the first book doesn't do well, and don't create that string of books in the same market that establish the author's brand and build audience.<br />
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I am somewhat of a freak in the business. I don't write for money. I do know how to market. I have written in 4 distinct genre's, and I have had 80% success in terms of either making money or helping folks with the message. I'm not sure I would recommend my approach, other than to go into the book business with no expectations of making money on the books...ever. Then recognize that the only hope of doing so is luck or very hard work. OH! Once again, it sounds just like any other small business.<br />
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<br />Randy Kirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187149342560881341noreply@blogger.com1