Saturday, November 29, 2008

Paul Washer Testimony

I have often spoken about the movement I am seeing across the Country in regards to Reformed Theology. I am seeing young people to old people getting back to the roots of Christianity and shedding the baggage that has come with how the modern day church preaches the Gospel or the lack thereof. There have been consequences in standing up for the Lordship of Christ and some of you have suffered from that. Paul Washer is at the center of this modern day Reformed Movement. Below is his testimony.



You can hear Paul Washer and others at the 2009 True Church Conference in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Let me know if you plan to attend. I would love to meet you.

Friday, November 28, 2008

John 10:16 Conference


Our good friend Leon Brown from The Evangelism Team is putting together the John 10:16 Conference in New York City next August. Ten-Four Ministries is honored to be a sponsor of this conference. We hope to see you there.

Location: Manhattan, NY

There will be two days of biblical training followed by two days of sharing the gospel on the streets in New York.

Click here to visit the conference site.

You can see the promotional video below.

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Thanksgiving - Thank You!

As I sat here on Thanksgiving morning, I simply cannot believe the many blessings that God has given to me and my family. First and foremost, I thank God for saving me. I am saved despite my sin, despite my depravity and despite doing nothing to deserve His grace. Not only has God saved me from His wrath that awaits all sinners, he has given me an opportunity to spread The Gospel through a wonderful ministry called Ten-Four Ministries.

Through Ten-Four Ministries God has shown me his awesome power and gentleness through the healing of lives, professions of faith and the opportunity to meet and counsel His people like I never dreamed I would ever do.

The opportunity with Ten-Four Ministries came about because of God and it continues because of His followers that continue to support us both financially and through prayer. The fact that you are reading this is a form of supporting our efforts to reach the first responder community with The Gospel of Jesus Christ. For that, I am so thankful for you.

I am so thankful for the Christians in my life that have not only inspired me but continue to mentor me, showing and revealing to me what being a follower of Jesus Christ is. It is through God's use of men like Tony Miano, John MacArthur, Leon Brown, Robert Haling and several others that have and continue to help me. These men are truly my Apostle Paul and I am forever thankful for their influence on my life.

In closing, God has given me a family that I wake up to everyday and simply am in awe of the blessing He has bestowed on me. To Traci, Trevor & Tanner: Thank you. Thank you for your unbelievable love and support.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

2009 Traumas of Law Enforcement: Free Training


With the uncertainty of Federal funding to cover costs for the 2009 Traumas of Law
Enforcement, Concerns of Police Survivors sought support from corporations/ organizations for the 8 sessions planned for 2009. This 3-day, 21-hour training has been called “the Chicken Soup of law enforcement”, “the best training I’ve ever attended in my 32 year career”! Line-of-duty death, police suicide, the traumatized officer, the effects of trauma on the officer, and police disability are all explored in depth to help agencies develop general orders for these “traumas” that affect every law enforcement agency nationwide.

For Further information, or to register go to: www.nationalcops.org

“The Traumas of Law Enforcement” trainings for 2009 will be held in:

Humble, TX, January 5-7, 2009
Humble Civic Center, 8233 Will Clayton Parkway, Humble, TX 77338
Hotel: Hampton Inn Humble, 20515 Highway 59 N, Humble, TX 77338
Hotel Phone: 281-446-4800; Hotel Rate: $109.00 + 17% tax
Registration and Hotel Deadline: December 7, 2008

Marietta, GA, January 12-14, 2009
Cobb County Department of Public Safety Training Academy, 2109 Valor Drive,
Marietta, GA 30008
Hotel: Holiday Inn Express-Town Center Mall, 2485 George Busbee Parkway,
Kennesaw, GA 30144; Hotel Phone: 770-427-5210; Hotel Rate: $93.00 + 14% tax
Registration and Hotel Deadline: December 14, 2008

Baltimore, MD, February 2-4, 2009
James N. Robey Public Safety Training Center, Conference Room A and B, 2200 Scott
Wheeler Drive, Marriottsville, MD 21104
Hotel: Sheraton Columbia Town Center Hotel, 10207 Wincopin Circle, Columbia, MD
21044 Hotel Phone: 410-730-3900; Hotel Rate: $125 Single/$135 double + 11% tax
Registration and Hotel deadline: January 4, 2009

Hartford, CT, February 9-11, 2009
Aetna Insurance Incorporated Auditorium, 151 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT 06156
Hotel: Holiday Inn Express, 440 Asylum Street, Hartford, CT 06105 Hotel Phone: 860-
246-9900; Hotel Rate: $89 plus 12% tax
Registration and Hotel Deadline: January 11, 2009

Indianapolis, IN, February 23-25, 2009
Training location and hotel: Hyatt Regency Hotel, One South Capitol Avenue, Indianapolis,IN 46204. Hotel Phone: 317-632-1234; Hotel Rate: $94 + 16% tax.
Registration and Hotel Deadline: January 25, 2009
Westminster, CO, March 2-4, 2009

Training Location: Westminster Public Safety Center, 9110 Yates Street,
Westminster, CO 80031
Hotel: Doubletree Hotel Denver North, 8773 Yates Drive, Westminster, CO 80031
Hotel Phone: 303-427-4000; Hotel Rate: $109.00 + 11.85% tax
Registration and Hotel Deadline: February 4, 2009

Boise, ID, March 9-11, 2009
Training Location: Washington Group Plaza: Auditorium, 720 Park BLVD,
Boise, ID 83712
Hotel: The Grove Hotel, 245 S Capitol Boulevard, Boise, ID 83702
Hotel Phone: 208-333-8000; Hotel Rate: $86.00 + 13% tax
Registration and Hotel Deadline: February 11, 2009

Rochester, MN, March 23-25, 2009
Training Location and Hotel: Kahler Grand Hotel, 20 SW Second Avenue, Rochester, MN
55902. Hotel Phone: 507-280-6200; Hotel Rate: $85 + 11% tax
Registration and Hotel Deadline: February 25, 2009.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

The Day After The Election 2008: by James White

"There is a greater judge than any judge who will be appointed to the Supreme Court" James White

Vacation Bible School: From worse to maybe excellent?

Vacation Bible School has been very troubling for my family simply because of a weak or wrong Gospel Message being given to kids. For many children, VBS could be the only time they are exposed to the Gospel and I have yet to find a VBS Curriculum that is nothing more than Jesus Loves me wrapped around a lot of entertainment. Jesus does love but there is much more to the Gospel than that. My children are ages 5 and 8 and I would love nothing more than to be able to let them attend VBS. This may be the one. I will let you know as soon as I review the curriculum.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Are You Saved? A Historical Message

I do what I can to not post sermons every day here on the blog. I realize that not everyone can sit by the computer and listen to an entire sermon but the fact is, I have had the privilege of hearing a few sermons lately that everyone really needs to hear. Earlier in the month I shared with you Paul Washer's Ten Indictments and I labeled it a historical message that needed to be heard.

I do not recommend sermons lightly and I certainly do not say they are historic lightly. Well, this morning I listened in person to a message that was historic and powerful. In fact, you could have heard a pin drop at certain times in the service and tears were being shed as the Holy Spirit convicted sinners. I cannot recall being present for any other sermon like it. Let me introduce you to Pastor Robert Haling's message titled "Are You Saved." In addition to what a true Christian is, Pastor Haling discusses the faults that our pulpits are responsible for, the problem with the emotional alter call, sinners prayer and many other church traditions that have dismissed the truth of the Gospel. If you don't have time to listen online, e-mail me with your address and we will send you a copy on CD.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

October 31, 1517



October 31, 1517, is probably not a date that you heard in History class. As Christians it is a date we should all remember and it is a date that many in America are looking at.

October 31, 1517, was the day a Monk by the name of Martin Luther nailed a document to a church door in Wittenberg. That document contained a list of 95 Theses that started the Reformation that would eventually sweep across his native German Land, over to Europe and to the entire World. What would encompass two centuries and give us the likes of John Bunyan and John Calvin, the Reformation is continuing to play an important role today.

Today, Europe has forgotten who God is and they have turned to everything secular including the worship of Darwin over Jesus Christ.

America, once considered a Christian Nation, is anything but one today. We think that Europe is an Ocean away but the fact is we are seeing more and more of what Europe is today here in America.

In the face of what we are seeing in America, we are also seeing a revival of sorts. No, nothing has been nailed on a door but we are seeing the Gospel preached today in very isolated instances like it was preached 500 years ago. In the face of an America that has legalized Abortion and so called preachers that tell us there is more than one way other than Jesus, we are seeing bold Christians and Pastors standing up for the true Gospel. John MacArthur, Paul Washer, John Piper and many others are standing up for the Gospel.

We are seeing persecution of our Pastors here in America just like what has been happening for years in Europe. A Pastor 50 miles from me was told if he kept preaching the Gospel like he was that "he wouldn't last long." Unfortunately many other pastors have softened their message to comply with the so called Christians among them. If the Pastors are being persecuted who do you think is next?

Christians, it's time to stand for the truth. You may not be called to preach on a box in the park but if you are setting in a Church that is promoting everything other than the Gospel of Jesus Christ, you are part of the problem.

While all of Martin Luther's statements are powerful I believe any writer places great emphasis on the first and the last thing they write. Here is what Martin Luther said first and last:

1) "When our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, said "Repent", He called for the entire life of believers to be one of repentance."

95) "And let them thus be more confident of entering heaven through many tribulations rather than through a false assurance of peace."

When the persecution and imprisonment comes the Truth of Jesus Christ will stand and the pretenders will run away. Christian, are you ready?

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Ten-Four Ministries Challenge Coin


The latest version of the Ministry Challenge Coin is a couple of weeks from being complete. This coin can be used as a witnessing tool or as a reminder to who you serve. This coin also comes with a Gospel Tract and we have had some wonderful testimonies from individuals based on the initial Coin we produced in 2006.

One of the most recent testimonies involved a friend from my Church that I had given a coin to. He was with a business associate at a convenient store when he pulled the coin out of his pocket to get to his change. The man asked him what it was and he spent the rest of the day talking to him about Christ. He gave the man the coin and he later made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ.

You can download the order form here. All proceeds go to our 10-33 Fund, which is dedicated to providing financial support to first responders in need.

Thursday, November 06, 2008

10 Indictments - A Historical Message

I had the opportunity to watch a message by Paul Washer live via the internet a few weeks ago while he was giving a sermon at the Revival Conference. In his sermon, Ten Indictments, Paul Washer discusssses ten symptoms of the spiritual cancer that is spreading throughout American churches. This sermon is powerful and highly recommended.


You can listen to the audio of the sermon here.

Here is the text of the message.

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

John MacArthur: Sermon Library Free


One of the greatest preachers of our day is no doubt Pastor John MacArthur. His sermons have been an incredible blessing to my family. I have had the honor of attending his church a few times and have briefly spoke to him. So with that said, I jumped at the opportunity to watch a live webinar with him a few weeks ago. As a viewer I had the chance to ask him a question which I did. The Masters Seminary is one of the most highly regarded schools in the world. John MacArthur is the president so my question was this: "When will the Master's Seminary offer online courses?" So as I heard my question asked I was thrilled. Then the answer from Pastor MacArthur came.

"Ha, Ha, Ha." Yes, he laughed and started talking about another issue so technically the question wasn't answered. Or was it? Pastor MacArthur does not use a computer and to this day handwrites his sermon notes and books.

Despite my hopes being dashed, I did find out some excellent news. Pastor MacArthur announced that on November 5th all of his sermons would be available for free online. While you could purchase his 3000+ sermon library for $5 each, they would now be free. As promised, here they are: http://www.gty.org/Resources/Sermons/Title

November 5th: Do Not Be Discouraged

I spent most of the day hearing from Christians & Conservatives who are sickened & depressed over the victory of Obama. I must admit that before I became a Christian, I spent a lot of energy on politics but my faith was in the wrong place. Men, both Republican and Democratic are sure to dissapoint. We need to point to the Cross and know that God is in complete control. What happened on November 4th, happened because God let it happen.

Some have asked how Obama could be a Christian and believe what he believes. While it is not my place to know Obama's heart, we should not assume that he knows Christ. Anyone that has heard the infamous Jeremiah Wright preach could never assume that Obama has ever heard the Gospel or even knows it. No one can look at Obama's views, especially on the issue of abortion and opposing the Born Alive Infant Protection Act, and assume he is Born Again. As he stood in front of 500,000 citizens last night, after being elected to the most powerful position in the world, he never once acknowledged the God that placed him in that position.

So as we move towards an Obama Presidency what should we do? We should pray for him and pray hard. We should pray that he will lead this Country in a way that pleases God and that he becomes a Born Again Believer in Jesus Christ.

Yes, from what we know it sounds like a dream and it sounds like an impossibility but the Power of God is real and Jesus Christ has saved men from the bounds of hell that in the eyes of this world were much worse than Obama. Pray hard. This country & Obama need it.

Tuesday, November 04, 2008

By The Grace of God

"The true Christian is sensible and mindful of indwelling sin. He confesses that in everything he comes exceedingly short, and that his best services are not only defective--but defiled. He accounts himself as an unprofitable servant--and
is abased in his own eyes. He knows that all that distinguishes him from the vilest of men--is the free grace of God!

He derives all his hope and comfort, as well as his strength--from Jesus, whom he has known, received and loved, and to whom he has committed his soul.
He renounces all confidence in the flesh, and esteems all things as loss--compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Jesus Christ his Lord, for whose sake he has
lost all things--considering them rubbish, that he may gain Christ!"

John Newton

Monday, November 03, 2008

November 4, 2008

Yes, the day is here. The 2008 election and specifically the Presidential Election. I will not labor the various points that have already been written in papers or on Blogs but there is one thing I feel is important. When did Christians start thinking that who we vote for has nothing to do with their faith?

Seriously, when did that begin? As I was discussing Christianity and how it relates to who we should vote for, a co-worker came out of their office and said, "Travis, most people think we should separate politics and religion." I am afraid he is right. I am afraid that many Christians will go to the polls on November 4th and leave their faith in the car.

To a true disciple of Jesus Christ, being a Christian isn't a thing to do. It isn't what I do on Sunday. It isn't just "a part" of who I am. Being a follower of Jesus Christ is everything. In EVERY aspect of one's life, Christianity will dictate what is done.

So with that said, can a follower of Jesus Christ vote for someone that advocates the killing of babies? I suppose they can but I am certain of how God feels about it. Personally, I can't understand it. How could a Christian do it? There will likely be some that do it and there will be some that can do it with ease that think they are followers of Christ. The issue is likely much larger than Christians leaving their faith in the car to go vote. There may not be a faith to leave.