Picking a Church?

Recently, I read a disturbing article in the latest edition of Christianity Today.  It had some statistics that were recently take of a survey that was 10 years in the making about mainline Protestant and Evangelical preachers.  While I can definitely see that some of the questions elicited the responses they got, I was puzzled by one of them.  The question was "Do you believe the the virgin birth?"  Seems simple, right?  Not so fast there, padre.  25% of mainline Protestant (Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, etc.) ministers did not, I repeat, did not believe in the virgin birth of Jesus.  I know you are going back to read that last sentence again, but it won't change the stat.  One of the main tenants of Christianity is the sinless birth of a virgin foretold in Isaiah  and Micah 400 years before it actually happened.   If we don't believe in the virgin birth, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ - we must turn off the lights of the local churches and send everyone home because we are all lost. 

Now you may be wondering how do all these men and women who call themselves preachers get on the pulpit every Sunday and pontificate supposedly on the Word of God?  To many of them, preaching g is just a job - no more no less.  There was another article I read that interviewed two mainline ministers who were "leading" their flock and they were self avowed atheists.  The article went on to ask them why they were still in the pulpit and the answer was not a shock to me.  They stated that they lost their faith but the job was so good, they just couldn't give it up.  Ladies and gentleman - God will hold us accountable for our actions and we ministers are held to a higher standard.  This is called ministerial malpractice.  Here is a helpful hint when looking for a church - interview the pastor to see what his/her beliefs are.

It is no wonder that some seminaries today are nothing but a waste of time if you are looking at studying the Bible and its meaning - literally.  I know lots of mainline seminaries that teach nothing but the social gospel, work righteousness, or only parts of the Bible are true. That is why it isn't that big of a deal if a minister goes to a mainline seminary or not.  In fact, of those ministers that call themselves evangelical don't attend mainline seminaries (I didn't).  I believe the Bible as it is written, not as I think it should be. 

Jesus was born of a virgin, He was a sinless man, He died as an atonement for our sins, He rose from the dead and sits on the right hand of God the Father.  I have placed my trust in Him, I have repented of my sins, and I can't wait to live in Heaven with him.  That's what the Bible said, that's what God said, and that's what Jesus said.  If your preacher doesn't believe that - move on.  Amen.

pray4u@chaplaincare.us

Does Pornography Have a Hold On You?

Pornography, just the sound of the word makes us cringe.  But its more than the sound of it that has Christian leaders very concerned.  Why, because almost 50% of men who call themselves Christians admit surfing porn on a regular basis.  Lets take a look at this growing problem that affects all members of the families involved.

The root of this sin is the same as all other sins: the sinful nature. Man's depravity because of the fall of Adam causes innumerable sins, including sexual immorality.  So, how do we deal with sexual immorality? The same way we deal with all other sins:  Die to self, live in Christ. Die to lust and sexual immorality, mortify it, and then live in Christ and have self-control.

We heard Paul say, "For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel (body) in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the heathen, who do not know God. For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit" (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, 7).

By the Spirit, put this sin to death (mortify), as you do all other sins. The Word of God is the sword of the Spirit. And whatever the temptation, sin, attack, or challenge you must overcome, hold on to God's Word regarding this issue. Know what God says about it; seek answers in the Bible and hold on to it by faith.  It also helps to pray like nobody's business as well.  If you have any doubt in your mind that you may be sinning, just ask yourself if Jesus was standing behind you, would He be pleased? Remember, "A man's ways are in full view of the Lord, and he examines all his paths" (Proverbs 5:21).

Faith in Christ is your victory. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of Christ. Abide in Him. Pray until you have victory. If you feel weak, call someone to pray with you. Let us carry each other's burdens, helping one another. This is not about being "accountable" to someone else; this is about helping one another in the fight.

"Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, And revive me in Your way" (Psalm 119:37).

pray4U@chaplaincare.us

The Power of Prayer

Prayer is seemingly one of the easiest things to do, but it is rarely done with any regularity.  Is it because we don’t know what to say or how to say it, or is it just that we don’t believe that it works?  Before we get started on this question, let’s take a look at prayer itself.  First to have your prayers heard and acted upon we must be a believer.  Jesus said, “if you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer. The keyword – Believe (Matthew 21:22) and the Psalmist said, “the Lord is near to all who call him in truth” (Psalm 145:18).  And finally and most importantly, “the Lord is far from the wicked but hears the prayers of the righteous” (Proverbs 15:29). 

Once you are a believer, just close your eyes and bow your head and talk to God.  I find it particularly helpful to remain focused to say the prayer out loud.  That way your mind will not wander to other things Satan wants you to think about.  Don’t worry about the words that come out, God knows what is on your heart already – but he still wants you to talk to Him.  “Before they call I will answer; while they are speaking, I will hear”, (Isaiah 65:24).   What can you talk with God about?  Talk to him about anything, thank him for everything, ask Him for help.  When was the last time when you opened your eyes first thing in the morning thanked him for letting you live another day?  I know this has been a trying time for me during my extended unemployment, but I have thanked God for it and he has blessed us and has taken care of our needs. 

Remember Jesus said this, "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours" (Mark 11:24) and also "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened (Matt 7:7-8).  The Lord wants you to talk to him, keep asking, keep seeking, and keep knocking.  Amen.

Pray4U@chaplaincare.us

Atheist prime minister wants chaplains in schools

There is a headline that reaches out and grabs you.  Yes it is true, Australia has been using chaplains in theor public and private school systems since 2007 and they use state funds to do it as well.  New Proime Minister Gillard has promised to extend the program through 2014 and will add another 1000 schools to the already 2700 schools that have the program.  Even though Prime Minister Gillard is an atheist, he sees the value of having chaplains in each school working with students. 

The chaplain program is voluntary but both principals and teachers agree that students are more comfortable approaching their chaplain than other adults in the school or community.  The chaplains offer comfort and support to students and staff as well as general and personal advice and never speak about religion unless specifically asked.  Chaplains will not replace school counselors or psychologists, but will work with them referring students whenever appropriate.

It sounds like Australia is right on the money with "Chaplain Care".   Christianity Today - December 2010