The Power of the Gospel...

Video produced by Marshill Church in Seattle for their 10 year anniversary back in '06.

It's an awesome thing to see the gospel transform lives!

When the Enemy Attacks...

This week hasn't been easy. As I've set out to study for my keynote address that I'll be delivering at a Christian Home Educators Conference this Saturday, October 13th, I've found it difficult to concentrate. Everything seems a distraction. Things that don't normally occupy my mind have found a way to build a nest there this week.

So what does one do when these sort of things occur? Well, in reality, there's only one true way to take the hits of the enemy, (and yes, we all get hit at some point), and still serve Christ. The only thing I know to do when I feel mentally distracted with all sorts of cultural activities and find myself wandering off into unsafe waters, is to PREACH THE GOSPEL TO MYSELF. Yes, I preach to myself. I need the gospel today as much as I needed it years ago when I first believed.

The gospel of Jesus Christ shines light on darkness and has this overwhelming ability to loosen the chains that Satan likes to rattle and place on God's children. The power of the gospel is an amazing force. Rely on it. Trust in it. Believe in it.

So next time you feel like your mind is drifting off into the deep where the sharks await. STOP, and preach Christ to yourself. I know that I am powerless in my flesh to deny myself of it's sinful cravings. But Christ in me truly is the hope of glory! Amen.

The Cost of Discipleship

On Saturday and Sunday, September 5th and 6th, 2007, my family and I headed up to Fellowship Baptist Church in South Bend, IN., to see our friends the Wesco's (who lead there), and always seek to encourage families in the ways of home discipleship.

Well on this particular weekend, they had the Vogrin Family in doing family ministry, and leading the services all together. My wife had seen their music sampler on their website recently and thought it would be nice to see them in person (not knowing that were coming to Fellowship) in order to bless and encourage our children, some of which have musical talents of their own.

So we drove up there on Saturday night and Sunday, because they held a short performance and lecture on Saturday night about different aspects of family ministry, and knew it would be good for us to see it. So all in all, we probably spent about 5 hours commuting both days to and from, and were pretty tired come Monday morning. But it was a good kind of tired, if you know what I mean.

Yeah, we paid a bit in gas, spent hours driving, and had to eat out some, but for what my children were able to see, it was well worth it. It was the cost of discipleship!

The Vogrin family is strong, peaceful, and well versed in the scriptures. The Dad has done an excellent job leading his home, and the Mom has done a fine job building up her home. Not many families are doing family ministry the way their doing it. And the reason for this lack of Godly examples is that it takes time, hard word, and a commitment to the Lord that goes beyond just showing up at church on Sunday mornings.

I was able to spend some time speaking the Vogrin Dad on Sunday and had a very delightful conversation. I asked him point blank, "What must be in a home to produce Godly children who love the Lord as adults?" And without skipping a beat, he looked me in the eye and replied, "You!" "You as the Father must be there!" Ouch, I hadn't been punched like that for a while. But you know, I needed to hear that. I think all Men need to hear that. Right Men?

So Men, on behalf of George Vogrin, I ask you, where are you in your home? Are you somewhere in the background, lurking undetected, paying bills silently? Or are you front and center, leading your family and imparting vision to them about what the Lord has called them too?

Are you there? Are you teaching, discipling, instructing, disciplining, training, and educating your children as God commands you too? Or are you just your "average Christian Dad?" Not involved beyond what the Youth Pastor asks of you?

The answers to these questions will determine in large part, the future of your children. Mediocre, nominal, passive, back-slidden. Or strong, determined, faithful for generations to come!

So go ahead, pay the price of discipleship. Think of something to do soon that won't be easy and may not be free, but will help your children and wife grow stronger in the Lord as they follow your lead and are blessed for doing so!

Here a Denom, There a Denom, Everywhere a Denom...

With over 300 branches listed within Christianity, and apporximately 38,000 different Denominations within those branches, who is right? and who is wrong?

I'll tell you who's right...Jesus! Just Jesus. The rest of us, just using our 3 pound brains trying to figure out an infinite God who created everything that exists. Good Luck!!!

Read the bible, pray, and in the end, trust Jesus. Man can fail us, Jesus can't!

Watch this short clip from Mark Driscoll on Denominations. He says it pretty well!

Lifehouse Everything Gospel Skit...

This is an incredibly powerful gospel drama. The best I've ever seen!

To view in larger window click here Life House Drama.