Louisiana Deputy Jason Johnson attended the Memorial Service of the four Lakewood (WA) Police Officers brutally murdered on November 29, 2009. He shares his emotions and thoughts exclusively with Ten-Four Ministries.
You can read the article here.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
The Lakewood Shooting: An Exclusive Article
Louisiana Deputy Jason Johnson attended the Memorial Service of the four Lakewood (WA) Police Officers brutally murdered on November 29, 2009. He shares his emotions and thoughts exclusively with Ten-Four Ministries.
You can read the article here.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Basic Christianty
We have just received several copies of a classic book. In Basic Christianity John Stott clearly explains the fundamental claims of the Christian faith and explores how these beliefs impact the lives of believers. This volume is perfect for seekers who are desperate to know whether Christianity makes sense and believers who long for a deeper understanding of Christian belief. This resource deserves a place on every disciple's shelf.
We highly recommend this resource both as a witnessing tool or to strengthen your faith. You can order the book here.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
We Preach The Gospel
"You don’t have to teach a drowning man what to say. We preach the Gospel and the Holy Ghost will be left to work in men’s hearts. There’s no pressure, no persuasion, and no psychology to get professions or joiners by decisions. The preacher will preach the Gospel; he will preach the Word of God and will leave people alone. They will leave them in the hands of the Holy Spirit." – Pastor Henry Mahan
Who Takes the Blame for Haiti?
Rick Warren is wrong when he tweets that God does not judge the world through catastrophes (Romans 1:18). Pat Robertson is wrong when he claims to know why the Haitian earthquake happened (Deut.29:29). Perhaps these principles will help us figure out why tragedies happen and who is responsible.
God
God controls everything directly or indirectly by restraining His grace or allowing the devil a little more leash. Either way, God is sovereign over everything and happily accepts responsibility for both good and bad (but not sin).
The devil
The devil does not control the weather or rule the nations.
Humans
There are only two groups of people on the earth: pagans and Christians.
Why?
When God sends/allows disaster to the pagans, He does so for two reasons: as judgment or as a call to repentance. A disaster is not enough wrath for the pagans as it is merely a taste of God’s eternal punishment if they do not repent and trust the Savior.
When God sends/allows disaster to Christians, He does so for two reasons: to prune us or kill us and take us home. A disaster is never too much or too little for the Christian, the Pruner causes/allows just the right amount for our good and His glory.
While God may be sending judgment to an entire nation, each individual (pagan and Christian) should seek to determine why God caused/allowed himself to be hurt.
Christians are not victims of collateral damage. While there may be a primary reason God sends/allows a catastrophe, God orchestrates every detail in every situation.
Catastrophes happen to heathens as an act of God’s judgment, but they happen to Christians as an act of severe mercy.
God sends/causes a disaster for the onlookers to respond with apathy or kindness.
Biblical Support
Jesus gave us the definitive statement on catastrophes in Luke 13:1-5. Please take a moment to read that text and you will never make the mistake of Rick Warren or Pat Robertson.
Trick Question
God is not to blame for the earthquake as it was the exact right thing to do. While God gets the credit for the earthquake, He is never to blame for anything. Charles Wesley wrote a number of hymns thanking God for two earthquakes that rocked England in 1751; we should do the same.
The Bottom Line
While each individual should endeavor to learn the lesson that God has in the storm, there is an ultimate purpose (forty days or otherwise): God is endeavoring to glorify His Son. God sends a taste of His wrath to the heathens that they might look to the cross and be saved. God prunes Christians that we will live in greater gratitude for what Jesus has done to rescue us from eternal destruction.
Catastrophes, like everything, are about the cross.
Courtesy: Wretched Radio
God
God controls everything directly or indirectly by restraining His grace or allowing the devil a little more leash. Either way, God is sovereign over everything and happily accepts responsibility for both good and bad (but not sin).
The devil
The devil does not control the weather or rule the nations.
Humans
There are only two groups of people on the earth: pagans and Christians.
Why?
When God sends/allows disaster to the pagans, He does so for two reasons: as judgment or as a call to repentance. A disaster is not enough wrath for the pagans as it is merely a taste of God’s eternal punishment if they do not repent and trust the Savior.
When God sends/allows disaster to Christians, He does so for two reasons: to prune us or kill us and take us home. A disaster is never too much or too little for the Christian, the Pruner causes/allows just the right amount for our good and His glory.
While God may be sending judgment to an entire nation, each individual (pagan and Christian) should seek to determine why God caused/allowed himself to be hurt.
Christians are not victims of collateral damage. While there may be a primary reason God sends/allows a catastrophe, God orchestrates every detail in every situation.
Catastrophes happen to heathens as an act of God’s judgment, but they happen to Christians as an act of severe mercy.
God sends/causes a disaster for the onlookers to respond with apathy or kindness.
Biblical Support
Jesus gave us the definitive statement on catastrophes in Luke 13:1-5. Please take a moment to read that text and you will never make the mistake of Rick Warren or Pat Robertson.
Trick Question
God is not to blame for the earthquake as it was the exact right thing to do. While God gets the credit for the earthquake, He is never to blame for anything. Charles Wesley wrote a number of hymns thanking God for two earthquakes that rocked England in 1751; we should do the same.
The Bottom Line
While each individual should endeavor to learn the lesson that God has in the storm, there is an ultimate purpose (forty days or otherwise): God is endeavoring to glorify His Son. God sends a taste of His wrath to the heathens that they might look to the cross and be saved. God prunes Christians that we will live in greater gratitude for what Jesus has done to rescue us from eternal destruction.
Catastrophes, like everything, are about the cross.
Courtesy: Wretched Radio
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Origin Into Schools Project
I had the honor and privilege to lead a team at Oklahoma State University and distributed 1000 copies of a special edition of Origin of Species that contained the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Below is the official project video produced by Living Waters. At minute 3:03 you will see my wife passing out the book and at minute 4:04 you will see several photos of my wonderful team distributing books.
Tony Miano, the founder of Ten-Four Ministries, was the project coordinator on this wonderful project. We are grateful to have been given the opportunity to participate.
Tony Miano, the founder of Ten-Four Ministries, was the project coordinator on this wonderful project. We are grateful to have been given the opportunity to participate.
For I Am Not Ashamed...
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." Romans 1:16
From the inception of the Armor of God Project, the team has kept each other accountable. It would be easy to fall into the flesh and just do a nice thing, to get a pat on the back, to be known as someone that does a good deed.
That is not what the Armor of God Project is about. In fact, the Armor of God Project has given out 691 (as of 01/13/2010) ballistic vests free of charge to Law Enforcement and the project is not even about bullet proof vests.
What is it about?
Muscle Shoals Police Lt. Clint Reck explains what the Armor of God Project is about in this recent news story.
Thank you Clint. When the world says that faith is a private matter; Doing good deeds is admirable but don't push your religion; Lt. Reck, the co-founder of the Armor of God Project stands up for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
From the inception of the Armor of God Project, the team has kept each other accountable. It would be easy to fall into the flesh and just do a nice thing, to get a pat on the back, to be known as someone that does a good deed.
That is not what the Armor of God Project is about. In fact, the Armor of God Project has given out 691 (as of 01/13/2010) ballistic vests free of charge to Law Enforcement and the project is not even about bullet proof vests.
What is it about?
Muscle Shoals Police Lt. Clint Reck explains what the Armor of God Project is about in this recent news story.
Thank you Clint. When the world says that faith is a private matter; Doing good deeds is admirable but don't push your religion; Lt. Reck, the co-founder of the Armor of God Project stands up for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Monday, January 11, 2010
True Church Conference 2010
I will be attending the 2010 True Church Conference in Muscle Shoals, Alabama from February 18-21, 2010. This Conference each year is one of the best out there. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Let us know if you plan to attend. We'd love to meet you.
It was at this conference in 2009 that the Armor of God Project was developed and has given out 690 ballistic vests to law enforcement as of today. I am looking forward to spending time with the founders of that project.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
McCheyne Reading Plan Devotional
A few weeks ago, we told you about the various Bible Reading Plans available for you. We are enjoying the Robert Murray McCheyne Bible Reading Plan and we just located a wonderful Devotional based on this reading plan.
You can see the Devotional in digital form here and you can also purchase the book here. A free copy of the book in PDF form is located here.
Biblical Evangelism
"And He said to them, Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation.” Mark 16:15
What does Biblical Evangelism entail and how does the local church play a part in that. Join Travis Yates, Director of Ten-Four Ministries, as he discusses this issue at his home church.
What does Biblical Evangelism entail and how does the local church play a part in that. Join Travis Yates, Director of Ten-Four Ministries, as he discusses this issue at his home church.
The Rationale for Wrath
A cartoon depicted Noah's ark surrounded by desperate people drowning in the water, begging for help. The rains were coming down hard while Noah and his family were safe inside. On the outside of the ark was a "smiley face" with the words, "Smile, God Loves You."
Are you sure God loves everybody? John the Baptist didn't think so. He said, "He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him" (Jn. 3:36). Why is God justified in having wrath toward you if you have not come to Christ on His terms?
Because you are a sinner by nature. The Bible affirms that all people are "by nature children of wrath even as the rest" (Eph. 2:3). "There is none righteous, no not one" (Rom. 3:10). Like David, you were "brought forth in iniquity, and in sin [your] mother conceived [you]" (Ps. 51:5).
Because you have amassed a huge volume of sins. If you were only to commit 1 sin every day for 10 years, your total sins would be 36,500. But if you sinned at that rate for 60 years, the number would be 219,000. Yet you commit far more than 10 sins each day. And remember how many sins Adam committed before God judged him worthy of death.
Because you have committed the greatest crime possible, against the highest existing authority. The first and greatest command in the entire universe is this: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength" (Mk. 12:30). The qualifier "all" speaks loudly in this command. Only perfection will satisfy these terms. And the authority behind this law is not earthly; it is God Himself—the highest authority in the universe.
Because of your persistence in sinning against God. If a man steals once, he might be forgiven. But if he steals repeatedly and habitually over his lifetime, his crime attains a magnitude of offensiveness that demands far more punishment. You have been repeatedly and habitually committing a sin much worse than stealing, for your whole life!
Because you have spurned the greatest love gift ever. Christ's coming to the earth and dying for the sins of people like you is the most amazing act of love possible. But you have ignored it. You have just gone on your way as if it meant nothing.
Because you have spurned this gift even though you have knowledge of Christ and the way of salvation. The just judgment for sin is augmented when knowledge is involved. Jesus said that it will be more tolerable in that Day for Sodom than for Capernaum, Chorazin, and Bethsaida (Mt. 11:21-24). Sodom was full of immorality and would certainly be judged. But because these other three cities had knowledge (that is, Jesus has spoken and performed miracles in their streets, and yet they still rejected Him), their judgment will be far more severe. You have much knowledge about Christ's offer of salvation. But like those cities, you have rejected Him too.
Because you have been unwilling to admit your desperate need. "And Jesus said, 'For judgment I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may be made blind.' Then some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these words, and said to Him, 'Are we blind also?'" Jesus replied, "If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, 'We see.' Therefore your sin remains.'" (Jn. 9:39-40). The very fact that you think you are without need of Christ proves your blindness and hardness of heart.
Because you have been proud of your good works, though dependence on them damns you. Paul said, " . . .for if righteousness comes through the Law [that is, by doing the commands], then Christ died needlessly" (Gal. 2:21). The Bible makes clear that we are saved by grace. Salvation is "the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast" (Eph. 2:8-9). Those who depend on law-keeping have no part of God's grace (Gal. 5:4).
Because you have not repented even though He has been kind to you. "Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who will render to each man according to his deeds" (Rom. 2:4-5).
Because you have stubbornly refused to yield to God and His way of salvation in Jesus Christ to the last possible moment—now!
Can you say that it is unjust for God to be angry with you? Can you possibly imagine that you are a special case, different that all the rest? Certainly you cannot. But all is not lost if you will trust Christ for your salvation. Turning from the control of your life, you may depend or rest entirely on Him and what He has done on the cross to save sinful people like you. The first part of the verse we began with is as true as the second part. At this moment, God's wrath abides or rests on you. But you may place your trust in Christ now for "everlasting life." If you do not, you will once again demonstrate that God's wrath is just and reasonable.
He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him" (Jn. 3:36).
Copyright © 2005 Jim Elliff
Christian Communicators Worldwide, Inc.
www.CCWtoday.org
Are you sure God loves everybody? John the Baptist didn't think so. He said, "He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him" (Jn. 3:36). Why is God justified in having wrath toward you if you have not come to Christ on His terms?
Because you are a sinner by nature. The Bible affirms that all people are "by nature children of wrath even as the rest" (Eph. 2:3). "There is none righteous, no not one" (Rom. 3:10). Like David, you were "brought forth in iniquity, and in sin [your] mother conceived [you]" (Ps. 51:5).
Because you have amassed a huge volume of sins. If you were only to commit 1 sin every day for 10 years, your total sins would be 36,500. But if you sinned at that rate for 60 years, the number would be 219,000. Yet you commit far more than 10 sins each day. And remember how many sins Adam committed before God judged him worthy of death.
Because you have committed the greatest crime possible, against the highest existing authority. The first and greatest command in the entire universe is this: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength" (Mk. 12:30). The qualifier "all" speaks loudly in this command. Only perfection will satisfy these terms. And the authority behind this law is not earthly; it is God Himself—the highest authority in the universe.
Because of your persistence in sinning against God. If a man steals once, he might be forgiven. But if he steals repeatedly and habitually over his lifetime, his crime attains a magnitude of offensiveness that demands far more punishment. You have been repeatedly and habitually committing a sin much worse than stealing, for your whole life!
Because you have spurned the greatest love gift ever. Christ's coming to the earth and dying for the sins of people like you is the most amazing act of love possible. But you have ignored it. You have just gone on your way as if it meant nothing.
Because you have spurned this gift even though you have knowledge of Christ and the way of salvation. The just judgment for sin is augmented when knowledge is involved. Jesus said that it will be more tolerable in that Day for Sodom than for Capernaum, Chorazin, and Bethsaida (Mt. 11:21-24). Sodom was full of immorality and would certainly be judged. But because these other three cities had knowledge (that is, Jesus has spoken and performed miracles in their streets, and yet they still rejected Him), their judgment will be far more severe. You have much knowledge about Christ's offer of salvation. But like those cities, you have rejected Him too.
Because you have been unwilling to admit your desperate need. "And Jesus said, 'For judgment I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may be made blind.' Then some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these words, and said to Him, 'Are we blind also?'" Jesus replied, "If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, 'We see.' Therefore your sin remains.'" (Jn. 9:39-40). The very fact that you think you are without need of Christ proves your blindness and hardness of heart.
Because you have been proud of your good works, though dependence on them damns you. Paul said, " . . .for if righteousness comes through the Law [that is, by doing the commands], then Christ died needlessly" (Gal. 2:21). The Bible makes clear that we are saved by grace. Salvation is "the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast" (Eph. 2:8-9). Those who depend on law-keeping have no part of God's grace (Gal. 5:4).
Because you have not repented even though He has been kind to you. "Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who will render to each man according to his deeds" (Rom. 2:4-5).
Because you have stubbornly refused to yield to God and His way of salvation in Jesus Christ to the last possible moment—now!
Can you say that it is unjust for God to be angry with you? Can you possibly imagine that you are a special case, different that all the rest? Certainly you cannot. But all is not lost if you will trust Christ for your salvation. Turning from the control of your life, you may depend or rest entirely on Him and what He has done on the cross to save sinful people like you. The first part of the verse we began with is as true as the second part. At this moment, God's wrath abides or rests on you. But you may place your trust in Christ now for "everlasting life." If you do not, you will once again demonstrate that God's wrath is just and reasonable.
He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him" (Jn. 3:36).
Copyright © 2005 Jim Elliff
Christian Communicators Worldwide, Inc.
www.CCWtoday.org
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Advice For Tiger Woods (and everyone else)
"I think that Jesus Christ offers Tiger Woods something that Tiger Woods badly needs."
Monday, January 04, 2010
The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards
When Jonathan Edwards was 19 years old and not yet noted as America's most important theologian, he became dutifully focused on his life's purpose and thus penned 70 commitment statements. His initial 34 Resolutions were written in only 2 sittings, some time before December 18, 1722. His other 36 Resolutions were each written on brief occasions, through the summer of 1723.
Jonathan Edwards went on to read these 70 Resolutions once each week, for 35 years, more than 1,800 times before his death in 1758. What better way to approach 2010, a new decade than to list these resolutions so that you may also declare your dependence upon God, for Christ’s sake.
Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God's help, I do humbly entreat him by his grace to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to his will, for Christ's sake.
Remember to read over these Resolutions once a week.
1. Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God's glory, and my own good, profit and pleasure, in the whole of my duration, without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriad's of ages hence. Resolved to do whatever I think to be my duty and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved to do this, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many and how great soever.
2. Resolved, to be continually endeavoring to find out some new invention and contrivance to promote the aforementioned things.
3. Resolved, if ever I shall fall and grow dull, so as to neglect to keep any part of these Resolutions, to repent of all I can remember, when I come to myself again.
4. Resolved, never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God; nor be, nor suffer it, if I can avoid it.
5. Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.
6. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.
7. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.
8. Resolved, to act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God.
9. Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.
10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.
11. Resolved, when I think of any theorem in divinity to be solved, immediately to do what I can towards solving it, if circumstances don't hinder.
12. Resolved, if I take delight in it as a gratification of pride, or vanity, or on any such account, immediately to throw it by.
13. Resolved, to be endeavoring to find out fit objects of charity and liberality.
14. Resolved, never to do anything out of revenge.
15. Resolved, never to suffer the least motions of anger to irrational beings.
16. Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall tend to his dishonor, more or less, upon no account except for some real good.
17. Resolved, that I will live so as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.
18. Resolved, to live so at all times, as I think is best in my devout frames, and when I have clearest notions of things of the gospel, and another world.
19. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if I expected it would not be above an hour, before I should hear the last trump.
20. Resolved, to maintain the strictest temperance in eating and drinking.
21. Resolved, never to do anything, which if I should see in another, I should count a just occasion to despise him for, or to think any way the more meanly of him.
22. Resolved, to endeavor to obtain for myself as much happiness, in the other world, as I possibly can, with all the power; might, vigor, and vehemence, yea violence, I am capable of, or can bring myself to exert, in any way that can be thought of.
23. Resolved, frequently to take some deliberate action, which seems most unlikely to be done, for the glory of God, and trace it back to the original intention, designs and ends of it; and if I find it not to be for God's glory, to repute it as a breach of the 4th Resolution.
24. Resolved, whenever I do any conspicuously evil action, to trace it back, till I come to the original cause; and then both carefully endeavor to do so no more, and to fight and pray with all my might against the original of it.
25. Resolved, to examine carefully, and constantly, what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to doubt of the love of God; and to direct all my forces against it.
26. Resolved, to cast away such things, as I find do abate my assurance.
27. Resolved, never willfully to omit anything, except the omission be for the glory of God; and frequently to examine my omissions.
28. Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.
29. Resolved, never to count that a prayer, nor to let that pass as a prayer, nor that as a petition of a prayer, which is so made, that I cannot hope that God will answer it; nor that as a confession, which I cannot hope God will accept.
30. Resolved, to strive to my utmost every week to be brought higher in religion, and to a higher exercise of grace, than I was the week before.
31. Resolved, never to say anything at all against anybody, but when it is
perfectly agreeable to the highest degree of Christian honor, and of love to mankind, agreeable to the lowest humility, and sense of my own faults and failings, and agreeable to the golden rule; often, when I have said anything against anyone, to bring it to, and try it strictly by the test of this Resolution.
32. Resolved, to be strictly and firmly faithful to my trust, that that in Prov. 20:6, "A faithful man who can find?" may not be partly fulfilled in me.
33. Resolved, always to do what I can towards making, maintaining, establishing and preserving peace, when it can be without over-balancing detriment in other respects. Dec.26, 1722.
34. Resolved, in narration's never to speak anything but the pure and simple verity.
35. Resolved, whenever I so much question whether I have done my duty, as that my quiet and calm is thereby disturbed, to set it down, and also how the question was resolved. Dec. 18, 1722.
36. Resolved, never to speak evil of any, except I have some particular good call for it. Dec. 19, 1722.
37. Resolved, to inquire every night, as I am going to bed, wherein I have been negligent, what sin I have committed, and wherein I have denied myself: also at the end of every week, month and year. Dec.22 and 26, 1722.
38. Resolved, never to speak anything that is ridiculous, sportive, or matter of laughter on the Lord's day. Sabbath evening, Dec. 23, 1722.
39. Resolved, never to do anything that I so much question the lawfulness of, as that I intend, at the same time, to consider and examine afterwards, whether it be lawful or no; except I as much question the lawfulness of the omission.
40. Resolved, to inquire every night, before I go to bed, whether I have acted in the best way I possibly could, with respect to eating and drinking. Jan. 7, 1723.
41. Resolved, to ask myself at the end of every day, week, month and year, wherein I could possibly in any respect have done better. Jan. 11, 1723.
42. Resolved, frequently to renew the dedication of myself to God, which was made at my baptism; which I solemnly renewed, when I was received into the communion of the church; and which I have solemnly re-made this twelfth day of January, 1722-23.
43. Resolved, never henceforward, till I die, to act as if I were any way my own, but entirely and altogether God's, agreeable to what is to be found in Saturday, January 12. Jan.12, 1723.
44- Resolved, that no other end but religion, shall have any influence at all on any of my actions; and that no action shall be, in the least circumstance, any otherwise than the religious end will carry it. Jan.12, 1723.
45. Resolved, never to allow any pleasure or grief, joy or sorrow, nor any affection at all, nor any degree of affection, nor any circumstance relating to it, but what helps religion. Jan.12 and 13.1723.
46. Resolved, never to allow the least measure of any fretting uneasiness at my father or mother. Resolved to suffer no effects of it, so much as in the least alteration of speech, or motion of my eve: and to be especially careful of it, with respect to any of our family.
47. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to deny whatever is not most agreeable to a good, and universally sweet and benevolent, quiet, peaceable, contented, easy, compassionate, generous, humble, meek, modest, submissive, obliging, diligent and industrious, charitable, even, patient, moderate, forgiving, sincere temper; and to do at all times what such a temper would lead me to. Examine strictly every week, whether I have done so. Sabbath morning. May 5,1723.
48. Resolved, constantly, with the utmost niceness and diligence, and the strictest scrutiny, to be looking into the state of my soul, that I may know whether I have truly an interest in Christ or no; that when I come to die, I may not have any negligence respecting this to repent of. May 26, 1723.
49. Resolved, that this never shall be, if I can help it.
50. Resolved, I will act so as I think I shall judge would have been best, and most prudent, when I come into the future world. July 5, 1723.
51. Resolved, that I will act so, in every respect, as I think I shall wish I had done, if I should at last be damned. July 8, 1723.
52. I frequently hear persons in old age say how they would live, if they were to live their lives over again: Resolved, that I will live just so as I can think I shall wish I had done, supposing I live to old age. July 8, 1723.
53. Resolved, to improve every opportunity, when I am in the best and happiest frame of mind, to cast and venture my soul on the Lord Jesus Christ, to trust and confide in him, and consecrate myself wholly to him; that from this I may have assurance of my safety, knowing that I confide in my Redeemer. July 8, 1723.
54. Whenever I hear anything spoken in conversation of any person, if I think it would be praiseworthy in me, Resolved to endeavor to imitate it. July 8, 1723.
55. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to act as I can think I should do, if I had already seen the happiness of heaven, and hell torments. July 8, 1723.
56. Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slacken my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.
57. Resolved, when I fear misfortunes and adversities, to examine whether ~ have done my duty, and resolve to do it; and let it be just as providence orders it, I will as far as I can, be concerned about nothing but my duty and my sin. June 9, and July 13 1723.
58. Resolved, not only to refrain from an air of dislike, fretfulness, and anger in conversation, but to exhibit an air of love, cheerfulness and benignity. May27, and July 13, 1723.
59. Resolved, when I am most conscious of provocations to ill nature and anger, that I will strive most to feel and act good-naturedly; yea, at such times, to manifest good nature, though I think that in other respects it would be disadvantageous, and so as would be imprudent at other times. May 12, July ii, and July 13.
60. Resolved, whenever my feelings begin to appear in the least out of order, when I am conscious of the least uneasiness within, or the least irregularity without, I will then subject myself to the strictest examination. July 4, and 13, 1723.
61. Resolved, that I will not give way to that listlessness which I find unbends and relaxes my mind from being fully and fixedly set on religion, whatever excuse I may have for it-that what my listlessness inclines me to do, is best to be done, etc. May 21, and July 13, 1723.
62. Resolved, never to do anything but duty; and then according to Eph. 6:6-8, do it willingly and cheerfully as unto the Lord, and not to man; "knowing that whatever good thing any man doth, the same shall he receive of the Lord." June 25 and July 13, 1723.
63. On the supposition, that there never was to be but one individual in the world, at any one time, who was properly a complete Christian, in all respects of a right stamp, having Christianity always shining in its true luster, and appearing excellent and lovely, from whatever part and under whatever character viewed: Resolved, to act just as I would do, if I strove with all my might to be that one, who should live in my time. Jan.14' and July '3' 1723.
64. Resolved, when I find those "groanings which cannot be uttered" (Rom. 8:26), of which the Apostle speaks, and those "breakings of soul for the longing it hath," of which the Psalmist speaks, Psalm 119:20, that I will promote them to the utmost of my power, and that I will not be wear', of earnestly endeavoring to vent my desires, nor of the repetitions of such earnestness. July 23, and August 10, 1723.
65. Resolved, very much to exercise myself in this all my life long, viz. with the greatest openness I am capable of, to declare my ways to God, and lay open my soul to him: all my sins, temptations, difficulties, sorrows, fears, hopes, desires, and every thing, and every circumstance; according to Dr. Manton's 27th Sermon on Psalm 119. July 26, and Aug.10 1723.
66. Resolved, that I will endeavor always to keep a benign aspect, and air of acting and speaking in all places, and in all companies, except it should so happen that duty requires otherwise.
67. Resolved, after afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them, what good I have got by them, and what I might have got by them.
68. Resolved, to confess frankly to myself all that which I find in myself, either infirmity or sin; and, if it be what concerns religion, also to confess the whole case to God, and implore needed help. July 23, and August 10, 1723.
69. Resolved, always to do that, which I shall wish I had done when I see others do it. Aug. 11, 1723.
70. Let there be something of benevolence, in all that I speak.
Jonathan Edwards went on to read these 70 Resolutions once each week, for 35 years, more than 1,800 times before his death in 1758. What better way to approach 2010, a new decade than to list these resolutions so that you may also declare your dependence upon God, for Christ’s sake.
Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God's help, I do humbly entreat him by his grace to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to his will, for Christ's sake.
Remember to read over these Resolutions once a week.
1. Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God's glory, and my own good, profit and pleasure, in the whole of my duration, without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriad's of ages hence. Resolved to do whatever I think to be my duty and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved to do this, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many and how great soever.
2. Resolved, to be continually endeavoring to find out some new invention and contrivance to promote the aforementioned things.
3. Resolved, if ever I shall fall and grow dull, so as to neglect to keep any part of these Resolutions, to repent of all I can remember, when I come to myself again.
4. Resolved, never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God; nor be, nor suffer it, if I can avoid it.
5. Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.
6. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.
7. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.
8. Resolved, to act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God.
9. Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.
10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.
11. Resolved, when I think of any theorem in divinity to be solved, immediately to do what I can towards solving it, if circumstances don't hinder.
12. Resolved, if I take delight in it as a gratification of pride, or vanity, or on any such account, immediately to throw it by.
13. Resolved, to be endeavoring to find out fit objects of charity and liberality.
14. Resolved, never to do anything out of revenge.
15. Resolved, never to suffer the least motions of anger to irrational beings.
16. Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall tend to his dishonor, more or less, upon no account except for some real good.
17. Resolved, that I will live so as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.
18. Resolved, to live so at all times, as I think is best in my devout frames, and when I have clearest notions of things of the gospel, and another world.
19. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if I expected it would not be above an hour, before I should hear the last trump.
20. Resolved, to maintain the strictest temperance in eating and drinking.
21. Resolved, never to do anything, which if I should see in another, I should count a just occasion to despise him for, or to think any way the more meanly of him.
22. Resolved, to endeavor to obtain for myself as much happiness, in the other world, as I possibly can, with all the power; might, vigor, and vehemence, yea violence, I am capable of, or can bring myself to exert, in any way that can be thought of.
23. Resolved, frequently to take some deliberate action, which seems most unlikely to be done, for the glory of God, and trace it back to the original intention, designs and ends of it; and if I find it not to be for God's glory, to repute it as a breach of the 4th Resolution.
24. Resolved, whenever I do any conspicuously evil action, to trace it back, till I come to the original cause; and then both carefully endeavor to do so no more, and to fight and pray with all my might against the original of it.
25. Resolved, to examine carefully, and constantly, what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to doubt of the love of God; and to direct all my forces against it.
26. Resolved, to cast away such things, as I find do abate my assurance.
27. Resolved, never willfully to omit anything, except the omission be for the glory of God; and frequently to examine my omissions.
28. Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.
29. Resolved, never to count that a prayer, nor to let that pass as a prayer, nor that as a petition of a prayer, which is so made, that I cannot hope that God will answer it; nor that as a confession, which I cannot hope God will accept.
30. Resolved, to strive to my utmost every week to be brought higher in religion, and to a higher exercise of grace, than I was the week before.
31. Resolved, never to say anything at all against anybody, but when it is
perfectly agreeable to the highest degree of Christian honor, and of love to mankind, agreeable to the lowest humility, and sense of my own faults and failings, and agreeable to the golden rule; often, when I have said anything against anyone, to bring it to, and try it strictly by the test of this Resolution.
32. Resolved, to be strictly and firmly faithful to my trust, that that in Prov. 20:6, "A faithful man who can find?" may not be partly fulfilled in me.
33. Resolved, always to do what I can towards making, maintaining, establishing and preserving peace, when it can be without over-balancing detriment in other respects. Dec.26, 1722.
34. Resolved, in narration's never to speak anything but the pure and simple verity.
35. Resolved, whenever I so much question whether I have done my duty, as that my quiet and calm is thereby disturbed, to set it down, and also how the question was resolved. Dec. 18, 1722.
36. Resolved, never to speak evil of any, except I have some particular good call for it. Dec. 19, 1722.
37. Resolved, to inquire every night, as I am going to bed, wherein I have been negligent, what sin I have committed, and wherein I have denied myself: also at the end of every week, month and year. Dec.22 and 26, 1722.
38. Resolved, never to speak anything that is ridiculous, sportive, or matter of laughter on the Lord's day. Sabbath evening, Dec. 23, 1722.
39. Resolved, never to do anything that I so much question the lawfulness of, as that I intend, at the same time, to consider and examine afterwards, whether it be lawful or no; except I as much question the lawfulness of the omission.
40. Resolved, to inquire every night, before I go to bed, whether I have acted in the best way I possibly could, with respect to eating and drinking. Jan. 7, 1723.
41. Resolved, to ask myself at the end of every day, week, month and year, wherein I could possibly in any respect have done better. Jan. 11, 1723.
42. Resolved, frequently to renew the dedication of myself to God, which was made at my baptism; which I solemnly renewed, when I was received into the communion of the church; and which I have solemnly re-made this twelfth day of January, 1722-23.
43. Resolved, never henceforward, till I die, to act as if I were any way my own, but entirely and altogether God's, agreeable to what is to be found in Saturday, January 12. Jan.12, 1723.
44- Resolved, that no other end but religion, shall have any influence at all on any of my actions; and that no action shall be, in the least circumstance, any otherwise than the religious end will carry it. Jan.12, 1723.
45. Resolved, never to allow any pleasure or grief, joy or sorrow, nor any affection at all, nor any degree of affection, nor any circumstance relating to it, but what helps religion. Jan.12 and 13.1723.
46. Resolved, never to allow the least measure of any fretting uneasiness at my father or mother. Resolved to suffer no effects of it, so much as in the least alteration of speech, or motion of my eve: and to be especially careful of it, with respect to any of our family.
47. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to deny whatever is not most agreeable to a good, and universally sweet and benevolent, quiet, peaceable, contented, easy, compassionate, generous, humble, meek, modest, submissive, obliging, diligent and industrious, charitable, even, patient, moderate, forgiving, sincere temper; and to do at all times what such a temper would lead me to. Examine strictly every week, whether I have done so. Sabbath morning. May 5,1723.
48. Resolved, constantly, with the utmost niceness and diligence, and the strictest scrutiny, to be looking into the state of my soul, that I may know whether I have truly an interest in Christ or no; that when I come to die, I may not have any negligence respecting this to repent of. May 26, 1723.
49. Resolved, that this never shall be, if I can help it.
50. Resolved, I will act so as I think I shall judge would have been best, and most prudent, when I come into the future world. July 5, 1723.
51. Resolved, that I will act so, in every respect, as I think I shall wish I had done, if I should at last be damned. July 8, 1723.
52. I frequently hear persons in old age say how they would live, if they were to live their lives over again: Resolved, that I will live just so as I can think I shall wish I had done, supposing I live to old age. July 8, 1723.
53. Resolved, to improve every opportunity, when I am in the best and happiest frame of mind, to cast and venture my soul on the Lord Jesus Christ, to trust and confide in him, and consecrate myself wholly to him; that from this I may have assurance of my safety, knowing that I confide in my Redeemer. July 8, 1723.
54. Whenever I hear anything spoken in conversation of any person, if I think it would be praiseworthy in me, Resolved to endeavor to imitate it. July 8, 1723.
55. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to act as I can think I should do, if I had already seen the happiness of heaven, and hell torments. July 8, 1723.
56. Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slacken my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.
57. Resolved, when I fear misfortunes and adversities, to examine whether ~ have done my duty, and resolve to do it; and let it be just as providence orders it, I will as far as I can, be concerned about nothing but my duty and my sin. June 9, and July 13 1723.
58. Resolved, not only to refrain from an air of dislike, fretfulness, and anger in conversation, but to exhibit an air of love, cheerfulness and benignity. May27, and July 13, 1723.
59. Resolved, when I am most conscious of provocations to ill nature and anger, that I will strive most to feel and act good-naturedly; yea, at such times, to manifest good nature, though I think that in other respects it would be disadvantageous, and so as would be imprudent at other times. May 12, July ii, and July 13.
60. Resolved, whenever my feelings begin to appear in the least out of order, when I am conscious of the least uneasiness within, or the least irregularity without, I will then subject myself to the strictest examination. July 4, and 13, 1723.
61. Resolved, that I will not give way to that listlessness which I find unbends and relaxes my mind from being fully and fixedly set on religion, whatever excuse I may have for it-that what my listlessness inclines me to do, is best to be done, etc. May 21, and July 13, 1723.
62. Resolved, never to do anything but duty; and then according to Eph. 6:6-8, do it willingly and cheerfully as unto the Lord, and not to man; "knowing that whatever good thing any man doth, the same shall he receive of the Lord." June 25 and July 13, 1723.
63. On the supposition, that there never was to be but one individual in the world, at any one time, who was properly a complete Christian, in all respects of a right stamp, having Christianity always shining in its true luster, and appearing excellent and lovely, from whatever part and under whatever character viewed: Resolved, to act just as I would do, if I strove with all my might to be that one, who should live in my time. Jan.14' and July '3' 1723.
64. Resolved, when I find those "groanings which cannot be uttered" (Rom. 8:26), of which the Apostle speaks, and those "breakings of soul for the longing it hath," of which the Psalmist speaks, Psalm 119:20, that I will promote them to the utmost of my power, and that I will not be wear', of earnestly endeavoring to vent my desires, nor of the repetitions of such earnestness. July 23, and August 10, 1723.
65. Resolved, very much to exercise myself in this all my life long, viz. with the greatest openness I am capable of, to declare my ways to God, and lay open my soul to him: all my sins, temptations, difficulties, sorrows, fears, hopes, desires, and every thing, and every circumstance; according to Dr. Manton's 27th Sermon on Psalm 119. July 26, and Aug.10 1723.
66. Resolved, that I will endeavor always to keep a benign aspect, and air of acting and speaking in all places, and in all companies, except it should so happen that duty requires otherwise.
67. Resolved, after afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them, what good I have got by them, and what I might have got by them.
68. Resolved, to confess frankly to myself all that which I find in myself, either infirmity or sin; and, if it be what concerns religion, also to confess the whole case to God, and implore needed help. July 23, and August 10, 1723.
69. Resolved, always to do that, which I shall wish I had done when I see others do it. Aug. 11, 1723.
70. Let there be something of benevolence, in all that I speak.
Sunday, January 03, 2010
Across America: City #11
The Detroit Police Department protects the 11th largest city in America. This week we ask you to pray for the Detroit Department and for Chief Warren Evans. For the next 10 weeks Ten-Four Ministries will be contacting the police chiefs in the largest 50 cities in America and presenting them with The Gospel. This is an ongoing project called The Across America Project.
Saturday, January 02, 2010
Altar Call Salvation: A Doctrine of Demons
"I'm saved," the logic goes, "because I asked Jesus into my heart when I was 10, and even though I'm not living for him now, I'm going to Heaven because I prayed the prayer and walked the aisle...."
Friday, January 01, 2010
Armor of God Project 2010
It didn't take long for the first free ballistic vest to be sent out in 2010. On January 1, 2010, the first vest of the year was sent out to an officer in the State of Kentucky.
Here is an e-mail received on the same day from another officer asking for a vest: "I appreciate the consideration given and believes this is an awesome program that will bring relief in many. Giving them a little more confidence in their ability to do their job."
2010 looks to be an exciting time for this important project. If the Lord provides, we will in the next few months surpass over 1000 vests given out and we will soon be launching a new website dedicated solely to the Armor of God Project.
As we enter 2010, We would like to ask you for help. No, we aren't asking for money. This is God's Project and if He wants it to continue, He will provide for it. What we do want is for you to tell others about us. We have vests ready to go, we just need to make sure that law enforcement in your area is aware of our efforts. After being involved in this daily since April 2009, I can tell you that wherever you are reading this, there are officers working right now in and around your community without a ballistic vest to protect them. Please help us, help them.
Last week we received a shipment of over 500 pounds of vests from the State of New York. Thanks to Rochester Sergeant and AOG Team Member Roy Adams, we have a nice supply of vests as we enter 2010.
We also just received some brand new tactical vests, typically worn by SWAT Members. It was no surprise that in the same week the vests arrived we received a specific request for a tactical vest. Since the project was launched, our vest donations and monetary donations have just kept up with vest requests. The saying at our distribution center each time a vest is sent to us is: "I wonder who God will send to us for this vest."
The ballistic vest is just one item the receiving officer gets. The book above, 100% Guaranteed, presents the Gospel in a clear and biblical way. That book aong with other resources are given to the officer in addition to the vest. This Project may involve bullet-proof vests, but it is about The Gospel of Jesus Christ.
This is what our warehouse looks like on the first day of 2010. Please help us empty it out. May every officer that needs a ballistic vest be given one in 2010.
New Tract: In Times Of Crisis
As we begin 2010, we have added a new Gospel Tract in our store.
These Tracts are excellent for first responders. They are sold in sets of 50.
"You may or may not know the person who handed you this tract. In either case, please know that the person cares for you and that there are people praying for you now and in the coming days. What you’ve just experienced or what you are presently experiencing is often referred to as a “critical incident.”
Critical incidents include, but are not limited to: traffic accidents, medical emergencies, natural disasters, the loss of a friend or loved one, or being the victim of or witness to a crime. Regardless of the circumstances, critical incident or post traumatic stress can be very difficult for anyone to handle.
Common symptoms of post traumatic stress include: •Waves of emotions •Difficulty sleeping or eating •Nightmares •Reoccurring thoughts of images, sounds, and even smells from the critical incident. These symptoms can last for just a few days or several weeks, and usually decrease over time. It is important you understand that experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, does not mean you are crazy. Experiencing such things after a traumatic incident is normal. If symptoms occur for more than a few weeks, consult your physician. Here are several things you can do to help minimize and overcome post traumatic stress. •Get plenty of rest. •Engage in regular, moderate exercise in keeping with your present physical condition and/or limitations. •Eat regular, healthy meals and drink plenty of water. •Don’t try to numb the pain with alcohol or drugs. •Talk about the details of the incident with people you trust. •Don’t spend too much time alone. It’s good to be around people who care about you, during difficult times. It is also not uncommon for people who have experienced a traumatic incident (whether victim, witness, or first responder) to contemplate their own mortality, to think about life after death. Again, you are not crazy if you think this way.
It’s normal to think about the ultimate statistic, which is this. 10 out of 10 people die. And it’s normal to ask yourself the ultimate question: “What happens to a person when they die.” Most people think that they are good people. In fact most people, even those who are not sure if God exists, believe that God will see their goodness and let them into heaven when they die. There is a simple test you can take to see if you are good enough to go to heaven. Here it is. Please answer the following questions honestly. Have you ever lied? Have you ever stolen? Have you ever taken God’s name in vain? Have you ever murdered in your heart by hating another person or by being angry without cause? Then, according to God’s perfect and holy standard, you are a lying, thieving, blasphemous, murderer at heart. The Bible says, “It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31)—the God who created you and before whom you will one day stand. If God finds you guilty of breaking His Law, then He must punish you. And the punishment for sinning against God is eternity in hell (Revelation 21:8).
But there is good news! God has provided a way for you to be rescued from His wrath to come. Two thousand years ago, God the Father sent His Son Jesus Christ (fully God and fully man) to this earth (John 1:14). He lived the perfect life that you cannot live. He was nailed to a cross, shed His blood, and died taking upon Himself the wrath of God sinners deserve (Mark 15:22-26). Three days later, He rose from the dead defeating sin and death. As a result of Jesus Christ's perfect life, shed blood, death, burial, and resurrection, God grants forgiveness of sins and eternal life to all who believe (John 3:16).
But in order for this to happen, Jesus said you must be "born again" (John 3:3). Being born again is a supernatural work that only God can do when He gives you a new heart and dwells in you in the person of the Holy Spirit. This change results in a hunger for righteousness that will cause you to repent, turn from your sins, and put your faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior. Your life is but a vapor. You have no idea what tomorrow will bring. Will you even awake in the morning? Repent and believe the gospel of Jesus Christ while you still have time. Read the Bible every day and obey what it says.
Do you still have questions? Would you like help finding a good church? If so, please get in touch with us through the information and/or website below. http://www.1tract1life.com/
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