It is interesting if one examines Billy Graham's history of serving the Lord. His victorious battles for the Lord as well as his failure...
I wish to study this further...into the Question category:
What would make Billy Graham draw a grey line on the doctrine of christology and soteriology? Someone who has, in his earlier years, proclaimed the Gospel so fervently. What Kairos may have sparked this change in his testimony?
Finally, upgraded from version 1.1.* to 1.2.8. Now I can also embed Youtube clips with ease in addition to other elegant features.
Who should Support Me?
First of all, it is God who calls, not men, to the ministry of God.
Many have wanted to support me as if I am already called by God to his ministry.
There was a pastor who wanted to sponsor me, I told her, the American Christianity is failing far worse than other countries, that she should take a look in the mirror. How can a poor said to another poor, here, I support you, as if she herself doesn't need the support. She should further her Bible study, in apologetics, in Church History and theology. In fact, many degree holding preachers in the United States should spend more time studying the Bible and less time evangelizing. So they wouldn't allow the heretic notion of co-serving the Lord with non-christians, etc.
If I hear something like this from such christians again, I will say: No, get behind me, because my calling is not yours. You want to dethrone Christ in order to make peace with everyone else. I, on the other hand, want to proclaim the Lordship of Jesus Christ to all. If you see the throne of Christ through my ministry, then we'll talk about your offering to God and support.
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Some people preach out of entertainment; some, out of burden because of love and duty; some, out of reluctance.
The first one is like that of the witch doctor, Simon, in Acts chapter 8.
The latter one is like that of Martha. But Martha had something they don't, that is she was willing to seek after the Truth from the Lord, she's willing to to submit, to learn.
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As we see some older evangelist taking the stance of Babel peace, as American Christianity has been devalued to a point of absurd heresy, we also see God raises a few others in this nation to hang tight to the Will of God. Preachers such as John Macarthur, John Piper, Francis Schaeffer, Paul Washer, etc.
Below is the full video recording of Paul Washer's sermon in Alabama in 2002: (After receiving applause for pointing out the deceits of leading people away from the only Way, Christ Jesus, he directly rebuked the audience: "I don't know why you're clapping. I'm talking about you. I didn't come to get amens. I didn't come here to get applauded. I'm talking about you.")
Often times when we listen to a good sermon, it is not easy to accept the message of God to be between God and only us ourselves. And true, many preachers have been afraid to be this direct, some have lost control and become extreme. When we listen to the message of God, we tend to consider ourselves not as the receiving end, but as the third party who loves a good story that cannot slap us on the face.
People like Paul Washer, sure is a comfort for me and anyone else who wishes God's mercy to be seen in America.
Video of Paul Washer's Sermon, 2002, Alabama:
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For many Christians who work restlessly everyday, destitude of joy when they arrive home, they thought they have done their best, but actually knew better.
Why are their emotions corrupted? Why are their spirits in need of "regeneration"?
Because they have not been able to be the ones in charge of their work, their time. They have allowed their emotions, selfishness, foolishness and laziness to get in the way of their opportunity to testify as one who works for God, one who is not afraid of challenges, hardship and even unfair tasks.
No, I am not say that they all need to fight for promotions or become bosses, for how can it be given them if they cannot even handle the littlest?
I am saying, that they have failed in the examples of patriarchs of faith such as Joseph and Daniel.
No matter what tasks are given us, we strive in faith and in wisdom to accomplish them, even if the challenge given are a bit unfair. So that if God willing, we will have the opportunity to teach them of the righteousness of God, that they may turn to God. If God wills not, we strive to better ourselves and we thank God for even this opportunity.
A prayer to escape from these trials is the result of cowardice and indolence, unless, it is a prayer of the uneducated, of the uncivilized, who is barely ready to do victorious battles for our Lord.[@more@]
Luke 10:41
This verse is revealed: So that when judgment comes, there is no one with the excuse "Lord, you see, I have not learned much of your word because I have served Thee so diligently here and there that I have no time for my own devotional growth. See how I have sacrificed myself for you?". So that it would not seem cruel when the Lord replies to such: "I never knew you, depart from me, ye that work iniquity". For no one can say he does the will of the Father, if he grows not, in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
How can one say, I do my Father's will, if he stops seeking that which he should learn, if he carried the wrong cross.[@more@]
I have no interest in involving myself in activities that destroy the ecosystem for the entertainment of mankind.[@more@]
Every second, every moment of mine be for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Not by influence of emotion, not by rationalism, not by signs, but by the Spirit.
Amen.
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I just had a phone conversation with a fellow brethren in Christ about Fellowships today. We talked about how many fellowship activities are not really productive even at the secular level: Playing useless games, wasting time on vain issues during Bible discussion.
I told my friend that while in college, I'd rather go to some scientific lectures held for the public than attending the CCF (Chinese Christian Fellowship).
I believe those who have theological training should be the ones responsible to lead a group. Not using the excuse of "training others" to allow others to lead, worse is when they take turns to lead. It is not the format of the leadership I have problem with, sure you can always gain experience on leadership when you lead with some supervisor "guiding" in the background. However, it is the motive I am most disgusted of.
Who's better at leading the Bible study? Should we not give the BEST quality to others? Especially when they take time to come to fellowship and learn of God's word.
Have some bones, time to pick up the armor of God already.
My conclusion is this: I rather spend time to share the wonders of God with non-believers than waste my time talking nonsense with fellow brothers and sisters.
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