theChurchGuy

Dress for Success

rg@thechurchguy.com (theChurchGuy) — 2010-01-05T02:49:00Z

think on these things...
This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardening of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to licentiousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in righteousness and true holiness. ~Ephesians 4:17-24 (NKJV)

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you also once walked when you lived in them. But now you must also put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all. ~Colossians 3:1-11 (NKJV)

For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised as he was. Our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. And since we died with Christ, we know we will also share his new life. We are sure of this because Christ rose from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him. He died once to defeat sin, and now he lives for the glory of God. So you should consider yourselves dead to sin and able to live for the glory of God through Christ Jesus. ~Romans 6:4-11 (NLT)

A Case of Mistaken Identity

rg@thechurchguy.com (theChurchGuy) — 2009-12-30T09:04:00Z

It seems that Christians have a tendency to identify themselves with everything and everyone BUT Christ--race, gender, doctrines, rituals, traditions, personalities, causes, organizations and denominations. But, until we see ourselves as God sees us--as new creatures in Christ--we will struggle to be the people He has called, chosen, and created us to be. Really, there are only two races of people in the world--those who are identified with Adam and those who are identified with Christ. Those who have received Christ have become a new breed of people, born in the image and likeness of God. I pray that God will help you embrace these life-changing truths as you listen to this message, "A Case of Mistaken Identity."

think on these things...
So we have stopped evaluating others by what the world thinks about them. Once I mistakenly thought of Christ that way, as though he were merely a human being. How differently I think about him now! What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun! All this newness of life is from God, who brought us back to himself through what Christ did. ~2 Corinthians 5:16-18 (NLT)

For this one man, Adam, brought death to many through his sin. But this other man, Jesus Christ, brought forgiveness to many through God's bountiful gift. And the result of God's gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man's sin. For Adam's sin led to condemnation, but we have the free gift of being accepted by God, even though we are guilty of many sins. The sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over us, but all who receive God's wonderful, gracious gift of righteousness will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. ~Romans 5:15-17 (NLT)

It doesn't make any difference now whether we have been circumcised or not. What counts is whether we really have been changed into new and different people. May God's mercy and peace be upon all those who live by this principle. They are the new people of God. ~Galatians 6:15,16 (NLT)

Submit and Resist

rg@thechurchguy.com (theChurchGuy) — 2009-12-07T17:59:00Z

"I have had times in my life and ministry when the burdens and the pressures seemed to be too much. Sometimes physical weariness adds to our problems and our temptation to give in to discouragement and doubt. At these times it seems that even in prayer it is impossible to rise above the load. More than once, by faith that seemed to have been imparted directly from heaven, the Lord has enabled me to claim all that I needed for body, soul and spirit.

On my knees I have been given freedom and strength to pray, 'Now, Lord, I have had enough of this--I refuse to take any more of this heaviness and oppression! This does not come from God-this comes from my enemy, the devil! Lord, in Jesus' name, I will not take it any longer--through Jesus Christ I am victor!' At these times, great burdens have just melted and rolled away--all at once." ~A.W. Tozer, "I Talk Back to the Devil"

think on these things...
"Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." ~James 4:7 (NKJV)

"So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper." ~James 4:7 (The Message)

Stop Identity Theft

rg@thechurchguy.com (theChurchGuy) — 2009-12-05T10:32:00Z

What a different world this would be if we saw ourselves as God does. Sadly, few have had a revelation of who they are in Christ. The enemy of our faith works to keep the sons and daughters of God in the dark, knowing that, if we were to discover our true identity, the very foundation of his kingdom would be shaken. Get ready to see yourself in a whole new light! (This message was recorded LIVE! at The Sanctuary of Dublin, Dublin, Georgia, November 29, 2009.)

The Bible Tells Me So

rg@thechurchguy.com (theChurchGuy) — 2009-12-02T17:00:00Z

"The Bible is the locus of God’s self-revelation and self-disclosure. The Scripture is God’s self-expression, his authoritative speech, and describes how we can have a saving relationship with him through Jesus Christ.

"By Scripture we know who we are, who God is. We know how to think and act in the world. We know where we are going, that we are free, and that God loves us. We know that God desires all men to be saved, that we can do nothing to save ourselves. We know that Jesus Christ is God incarnate, and that Christ paid the penalty for us, and that he is coming back." ~Patrick Schreiner

think on these things...
"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God's way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do." ~2 Timothy 3:16,17 (NLT)

"For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope." ~Romans 15:4 (NKJV)

"But God..."

rg@thechurchguy.com (theChurchGuy) — 2009-11-22T22:11:00Z

When it seems that it's all over--when there's nothing left to say;
Remember "BUT GOD..." in those times--He always makes a way.

Phantom Guilt

rg@thechurchguy.com (theChurchGuy) — 2009-11-11T04:16:00Z

Okay, I know my sin's forgiven, but, sometimes those things I did way back then still make me feel guilty. What's up with that? Learn how to deal with the memories of your past so you can move into the future God has for you. (This video is from a message I ministered at Life of Faith Fellowship in Port Huron, Michigan, January 11, 2000.)

http://thechurchguy.com/2009/11/11/phantom-guilt.aspx
think on these things...
"He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins." ~Colossians 1:13,14 (NKJV)

"As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us." ~Psalm 103:12 (NKJV)

"Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." ~Phillipians 3:13,14 (NKJV)

"There is no point dwelling on all the foolish mistakes we have made in our lives. For one thing, it can be very time-consuming." ~Thomas Sowell

Nothing Less Than Your Best

rg@thechurchguy.com (theChurchGuy) — 2009-11-10T15:36:00Z

“If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted or Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say: 'Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.'” ~Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

think on these things...
"Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being Christian doesn't cover up bad work." ~Colossians 3:23-25 (The Message)

A View to Eternity

rg@thechurchguy.com (theChurchGuy) — 2009-11-07T14:21:00Z

"According to the teachings of the Bible, life on earth will have eternal consequences. Our earthly belief determines our eternal destination. Our earthly behavior determines our eternal compensation." ~Ralph Doudera, "Wealth Conundrum"

Good News for Bad Times

rg@thechurchguy.com (theChurchGuy) — 2009-10-28T09:38:00Z

These days, the newspapers, television, and Internet are filled with bad news. But, don't despair, I've got some good news for you! Regardless of the state of the world, we have reason to hope in God's Word. So, do you want the good news, or the bad news first?

Reality Check

rg@thechurchguy.com (theChurchGuy) — 2009-10-27T23:19:00Z

Is your life headed in the right direction? Maybe it's time to pull over and stop for a reality check, and, if necessary, make a course correction to get yourself back on the right track.

It's Time for a Revolution

rg@thechurchguy.com (theChurchGuy) — 2009-10-27T22:26:00Z

For the past few years, I have been saying that the world is in the state it's in because the Church has failed to be what God has called her to be and do what God has called her to do. If you don't like the way things are going, for the most part, the Church is to blame.

Back in the 90s, we had a series meetings at Life of Faith Fellowship, in Port Huron, Michigan. Our focus was on the state of our nation--specifically, how we had strayed from the principles on which our nation was founded and what we needed to do to return to God. One of our worship team members, David Faley, wrote a song, "It's Time for a Revolution," for those meetings. Reminiscent of the folk/rock style of the 60s, David's ballad sought to awaken a sleeping Church to the urgency of the day and times in which we were living. With David's permission, I am sharing his song with you. Its message is relevant to these present times, too--maybe now more than ever.

Hey, Church, it's time to wake up, stand up, pray, and work together to see the hand of the Lord upon our land once again. It's time for a change. It's time for a revolution, and the revolution starts with YOU!

(By the way, that's singer/songwriter David Faley pictured above--dressing the part for "Classic NightFlight," an annual classic car show and concert held at Life of Faith "back in the day.")

I'd Rather Have Jesus

rg@thechurchguy.com (theChurchGuy) — 2009-10-27T13:40:00Z

"In our time we have all kinds of status symbols in the Christian church--membership, attendance, pastoral staff, missionary offerings. But there is only one status symbol that should make a Christian congregation genuinely glad. That is to know that our Lord is present, walking in our midst! No matter the size of the assembly or its other attributes, our Lord wants it to be known by His presence in the midst. I would rather have His presence in the church than anything else in all the wide world." ~ A.W. Tozer, "Jesus is Victor"

Be Led by the Spirit

rg@thechurchguy.com (theChurchGuy) — 2009-08-04T08:20:00Z

For the past few weeks at The Sanctuary of Dublin, I've been teaching a series of lessons titled, "You Can Get There From Here." I'll be uploading all the messages in the future, but, I wanted to share this most recent message, "Be Led by the Spirit," with you now.

What Does the Word Say?

rg@thechurchguy.com (theChurchGuy) — 2009-05-29T13:00:00Z

Here are a few thoughts about the integrity of God's Word and the importance of knowing, believing, speaking, and living by the Word.

think on these things...
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God's way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do. --2 Timothy 3:16,17 (NLT)

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.'' --John 8:31,32 (NKJV)

These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you. But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him. --1 John 2:26,27 (NKJV)

Mother's Day Memories

rg@thechurchguy.com (theChurchGuy) — 2009-05-09T19:55:00Z

Classic oldies "remakes" were commonly heard at Life of Faith Fellowship in Port Huron, Michigan. This is "Born Again Woman," sung by Laura Burrell--a remake of "Natural Woman," originally sung by Aretha Franklin. It was Mother's Day when Laura first sang this song--and it brought the house down! I dedicate it to all you "Moms" for all you give and for all you do. A heartfelt "thanks" to you!

The Sufferings of Christ

rg@thechurchguy.com (theChurchGuy) — 2009-04-13T01:23:00Z

Here's my Resurrection Sunday 2009 message from The Sanctuary of Dublin, in Dublin, Georgia. As you listen, I pray that God will give you greater understanding of what Jesus Christ suffered on your behalf when He became the sacrifice for your sin.

think on these things...
"Who has believed our message? To whom will the LORD reveal his saving power? My servant grew up in the LORD's presence like a tender green shoot, sprouting from a root in dry and sterile ground. There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him. He was despised and rejected--a man of sorrows, acquainted with bitterest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way when he went by. He was despised, and we did not care. Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God for his own sins! But he was wounded and crushed for our sins. He was beaten that we might have peace. He was whipped, and we were healed! All of us have strayed away like sheep. We have left God's paths to follow our own. Yet the LORD laid on him the guilt and sins of us all." --Isaiah 53:1-6 (NLT)

"Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." --2 Corinthians 5:20,21 (NKJV)

Trusting in God's Grace

rg@thechurchguy.com (theChurchGuy) — 2009-03-14T16:27:00Z

For the past few months, we've been having wonderful times in God's presence at The Sanctuary of Dublin, where I serve as Senior Minister. At a recent Wednesday night "Believer's Meeting,", the worship was heavenly and the ministry was powerful. In that supercharged atmosphere, I felt led to share some thoughts about the grace of God. I didn't really preach or teach--I just shared from the Word of God and from my heart. There are a lot of lessons to be learned in life, but I believe one of the most important lessons one can learn is to "trust in the grace of God."

Here's part of my message from that service. I pray that you will hear God speak to your heart as you listen.

think on these things...
I have plenty to boast about and would be no fool in doing it, because I would be telling the truth. But I won't do it. I don't want anyone to think more highly of me than what they can actually see in my life and my message, even though I have received wonderful revelations from God. But to keep me from getting puffed up, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from getting proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me. Since I know it is all for Christ's good, I am quite content with my weaknesses and with insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. --2 Corinthians 12:6-10 (NLT)

The Question of Church and State

rg@thechurchguy.com (theChurchGuy) — 2008-11-28T15:13:00Z

This article by Christopher Merola brings an extra helping of historical background and common sense to the "separation of church and state" debate. Well-written and well-documented, his piece is well-worth the time to read and to pass along to others.

think on these things...
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…” --The First Amendment, The Constitution of the United States

Got Wisdom?

rg@thechurchguy.com (theChurchGuy) — 2008-10-11T22:56:00Z

In light of the many challenges facing this nation, we would be wise to turn our hearts to the Lord--before it's too late.

think on these things...
Wisdom shouts in the streets. She cries out in the public square. She calls out to the crowds along the main street, and to those in front of city hall. "You simpletons!" she cries. "How long will you go on being simpleminded? How long will you mockers relish your mocking? How long will you fools fight the facts? Come here and listen to me! I'll pour out the spirit of wisdom upon you and make you wise. I called you so often, but you didn't come. I reached out to you, but you paid no attention. You ignored my advice and rejected the correction I offered. So I will laugh when you are in trouble! I will mock you when disaster overtakes you--when calamity overcomes you like a storm, when you are engulfed by trouble, and when anguish and distress overwhelm you."

"I will not answer when they cry for help. Even though they anxiously search for me, they will not find me. For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the Lord. They rejected my advice and paid no attention when I corrected them. That is why they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way. They must experience the full terror of the path they have chosen. For they are simpletons who turn away from me--to death. They are fools, and their own complacency will destroy them. But all who listen to me will live in peace and safety, unafraid of harm." --Proverbs 1:20-33 (NLT)