"I will not apologize for This God of the Bible. I come from a long line of men, most of them buried but all of them well received in glory who thinks not of the opinions of men or the way the rest of the evangelical community is going to walk. I want you to know there is a God in Heaven and He is worthy of all praise and glory and honor and He demands such from you..." Paul Washer
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Armor Of God Project
On October 1, 2006, I began an 11 week journey at the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. It was a challenging and a difficult time to be away from my family but God was so gracious during that time and in His providence, I met many wonderful law enforcement professionals. One of those was a Christian by the name of Clint Reck. Clint was a Lieutenant with the Muscle Shoals (AL) Police Department and I not only had him in a couple of classes but we had the opportunity in those 11 weeks to talk, fellowship and when I left December 15, 2006, I felt like I was leaving a very good friend behind.
Clint and I have exchanged several e-mails since our stay at the academy and upon returning home, he helped provide a copy of Take Up The Shield to everyone at his agency via the Take Up The Shield Project.
In August 2008, Lieutenant Reck was approached about sending used ballistic vests to the Philippine National Police Department in Manila. Lieutenant Reck teamed up with his home church, Parkview Baptist, and they sent 24 used vests to the Philippine National Police.
One day after receiving the vests, a high ranking Philippine Officer chased a stolen car to a dead end road and was shot point blank in the chest by the suspect. The vest saved the life of the officer. You can read about that incident here.
A few weeks ago I was in Muscle Shoals attending the True Church Conference. I sat down with Clint and he reminded me of the incredible event that happened last summer and that is when we mutually began talking about continuing that effort.
Ten-Four Ministries has teamed up with Muscle Shoals Lieutenant Clint Reck, Mr. Ray Mahan and Parkview Baptist Church in providing ballistic vests to law enforcement professionals that need them.
Along with these vests, those receiving them will get something much more important. The key to everlasting life. As these vests are given to those that need them to stay alive, we will be partnering with pastors and missionaries to present The Gospel of Jesus Christ to those officers.
The Armor of God Project is dedicated to protecting those that protect us. We will recycle used ballistic vests and provide them to officers that need them.
You have the opportunity to help in several ways. If you have a used vest to donate, please contact us on the Armor of God Web Page and fill out the form. We will pick up the vest from you at no cost and in return we will send you an acknowledgement and release document signed by Ten-Four Ministries designed to hold you harmless in any future litigation and in addition supply you with a tax-deductible receipt for your donation.
Even if you do not have a vest to donate, you can help. You can direct other officers or agencies to the web page by telling them to visit: www.vestforlife.com. You can volunteer to help us transport large donations or you can help us financially.
Ten-Four Ministries will be absorbing all shipping costs within the United States for this project. A donation of just $20 will likely ship one vest. If you would like to assist us, you can mail a tax deductible donation made out to Ten-Four Ministries here:
Ten-Four Ministries
P.O. Box 52005
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74152
Above everything, we need your prayers. This is an incredible opportunity to spread The Gospel across the world and we are extremely grateful and humbled by the opportunity in front of us.
You can keep up with The Armor of God Project at www.vestforlife.com and we will place timely updates here on the Blog.
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Thursday, March 19, 2009
Tulsa Police Radio
I had the privilege of being on my department's radio program today. I couldn't contain my excitement about a new project that Ten-Four Ministries has been working very hard on. If you want to find out about a project that no doubt has the potential to impact many lives around the world, listen to the first 15 minutes of the program.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
New Tract/Bookmark
We recently developed a two-sided bookmark/tract that we will send with every book we send out from the ministry. You can see the tract in pdf form here.
We have bundles (50) of the tracts for $10. We believe this Tract is unique in that it contains over 40 scriptures and is very detailed. They would be great in books at the bookstore or to hand out. You can purchase them in our store
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Flywheel The Movie
Last year I reviewed the movie FLYWHEEL, from the same church that made Facing The Giants and Fireproof.
We have a few copies in our store for $10 each. All proceeds go to the 10-33 Fund which helps first responders in financial need.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Across America - City #41
The Virginia Beach Police Department protects the 41st largest city in America. This week we ask you to pray for the Virginia Beach Police Department and for Chief Jake Jacocks.
For the next 40 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.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Biblical Worldview Anyone?
In 1995, The Barna Group began asking Americans about their beliefs relating to God, the Bible, Jesus, Heaven and Satan in order to determine the percentage of Americans in general and the percentage of "born again Christians" who have a biblical worldview. For the purposes of the survey, The Barna Group defined a "biblical worldview" as believing that:
Absolute moral truth exists.
The Bible is totally accurate in all of the principles it teaches.
Satan is considered to be a real being or force, not merely symbolic.
A person cannot earn their way into Heaven by trying to be good or do good works.
Jesus Christ lived a sinless life on earth.
God is the all-knowing, all-powerful creator of the world who still rules the universe today.
In the research, anyone who held all of those beliefs was said to have a biblical worldview. The same questions were again asked of a random sampling of Americans in 2000, 2005 and 2008. Barna discovered that the percentage of the general population that has a biblical worldview has remained almost unchanged over the past 13 years.
In 1995, 7 percent of the population was found to have a biblical worldview. That number went up to 10 percent in 2000, 11 percent in 2005 and then down to 9 percent in 2008.
Among born again Christians, the results were only slightly more encouraging, with 18percent having a biblical worldview in 1995, 22 percent in 2000, 21 percent in 2005 and 19 percent in 2008. The survey also found that:
Thirty-four percent of all adults believe that moral truth is absolute. Only 46 percent of born again Christians believe in absolute moral truth.
Fifty percent of all adults firmly believe that the Bible is accurate in all the principles it teaches. Seventy-nine percent of born again Christians believe that the Bible is accurate in all the principles it teaches.
Twenty-seven percent of all adults, and 40 percent of born again Christians, are convinced that Satan is a real being.
Forty-seven percent of all born again Christians strongly believe that it is impossible for someone to earn their way into heaven through good behavior.
Only sixty-two percent of born again Christians believe that Jesus Christ lived a sinless life while He was on earth.
For further details about the survey visit www.barna.org.
In The American Religious Identification Survey which was based on 113,000 interviews in 1990, 50,000 in 2001 and 54,000 in 2008, it was discovered that the percentage of people in America with no religion is growing, while the percentage of people who call themselves Christian is shrinking.
In 1990, 8.2 percent of Americans claimed no religion. In 2008, that number had grown to 15 percent. The category of "no religion" includes atheists, agnostics and those who claim no religious identity.
Absolute moral truth exists.
The Bible is totally accurate in all of the principles it teaches.
Satan is considered to be a real being or force, not merely symbolic.
A person cannot earn their way into Heaven by trying to be good or do good works.
Jesus Christ lived a sinless life on earth.
God is the all-knowing, all-powerful creator of the world who still rules the universe today.
In the research, anyone who held all of those beliefs was said to have a biblical worldview. The same questions were again asked of a random sampling of Americans in 2000, 2005 and 2008. Barna discovered that the percentage of the general population that has a biblical worldview has remained almost unchanged over the past 13 years.
In 1995, 7 percent of the population was found to have a biblical worldview. That number went up to 10 percent in 2000, 11 percent in 2005 and then down to 9 percent in 2008.
Among born again Christians, the results were only slightly more encouraging, with 18percent having a biblical worldview in 1995, 22 percent in 2000, 21 percent in 2005 and 19 percent in 2008. The survey also found that:
Thirty-four percent of all adults believe that moral truth is absolute. Only 46 percent of born again Christians believe in absolute moral truth.
Fifty percent of all adults firmly believe that the Bible is accurate in all the principles it teaches. Seventy-nine percent of born again Christians believe that the Bible is accurate in all the principles it teaches.
Twenty-seven percent of all adults, and 40 percent of born again Christians, are convinced that Satan is a real being.
Forty-seven percent of all born again Christians strongly believe that it is impossible for someone to earn their way into heaven through good behavior.
Only sixty-two percent of born again Christians believe that Jesus Christ lived a sinless life while He was on earth.
For further details about the survey visit www.barna.org.
In The American Religious Identification Survey which was based on 113,000 interviews in 1990, 50,000 in 2001 and 54,000 in 2008, it was discovered that the percentage of people in America with no religion is growing, while the percentage of people who call themselves Christian is shrinking.
In 1990, 8.2 percent of Americans claimed no religion. In 2008, that number had grown to 15 percent. The category of "no religion" includes atheists, agnostics and those who claim no religious identity.
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Family Driven Faith: The Class
I chose the book, Family Driven Faith, as my top book of 2008. Centurion Fellowship member Josh Rutledge began a teaching series on this book tonight at his church. Centurion Fellowship members will get to hear each class and have the opportunity to participate through the assigned book readings and through discussions with Josh.
Session 1 was an introduction to the study. You can listen to it below. The sound quality improves just a few minutes into the class.
Across America - City #42
The Omaha Police Department protects the 42nd largest city in America. This week we ask you to pray for the Omaha Police Department and for Chief Eric Buske.
On a personal note, I have spent some time with the fine men and women of the Omaha Police Department and met then Deputy Chief Buske in early 2008. I found Chief Buske and his officers to be extremely courteous and professional.
For the next 41 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.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Across America - City #43
The Miami Police Department protects the 43rd largest city in America. This week we ask you to pray for the Miami Police Department and for Chief John Timoney. For the next 42 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.
New Tract - Survival Gear
We have received amazing feedback through the years on the book, Take Up The Shield. The Take Up The Shield Project was launched a few years ago and it continues today as thousands of law enforcement professionals have been given Take Up The Shield through the generosity of so many.
We know that there are many that would like to give this book to the first responders in their area or department and simply can't afford it. That is why we have stepped out in faith and are offering the book for free through our new tract.
The tract is available today and can be ordered through our store.
We know that there is significant potential through this tract that our financial resources may be challenged. We also believe that the message of The Gospel found in this book is one that needs to be read and we want to do all we can to empower you to give this book out to your co-workers or those first responders you may meet. We are prayerful that our needs will be met and excited about this new tract.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Across America - City #44
The Oakland Police Department protects the 44th largest city in America. This week we ask you to pray for the Oakland Police Department and for Chief Wayne Tucker. For the next 43 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.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Across America - City #45
The Tulsa Police Department protects the 45th largest city in America. This week we ask you to pray for the Tulsa Police Department and for Chief Ron Palmer. For the next 44 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.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Cell Phone Ministry
My good friend Bill over at Sowing The Seed told me about a cool ministry he is involved with where he preaches The Gospel on Friday morning to a large group of people in India (night time there). There is such a thirst for Jesus in that country that thousands of people show up to hear a translator repeat what Bill is saying from his cell phone at his residence. Bill has spent time in India doing this in person and he is going back in a few months. Here is a video of the Cell Phone Ministry.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Family Worship
A few weeks ago I documented here the importance of a book called Family Driven Faith. Along those same lines is the below devotional that also discusses the importance of Family Worship.
"Pour out Your wrath on the heathen that do not acknowledge You--and on the families that do not call upon Your name!" Jeremiah 10:25
We wonder how many of our readers have seriously pondered these awe-inspiring words! Observe what fearful threatenings are pronounced against those who disregard family worship! How unspeakably solemn to find that prayerless families are here coupled with the heathen, who do not acknowledge the Lord.
How loudly should these words speak to us! It is not enough that we pray as private individuals; we are required to honor God in our families as well. Each day, the whole household should be gathered together to bow before the Lord--to confess their sins, to give thanks for God's mercies, to seek His help and blessing. Nothing must be allowed to interfere with this duty--all other domestic arrangements are to bend to it. The head of the house is the one to lead the devotions. If he is absent--or seriously ill--or an unbeliever, then the wife should take his place. But under no circumstances, should family worship be omitted. If we would enjoy the blessing of God upon our family--then let its members gather together daily for praise and prayer. "Those who honor Me--I will honor" is His promise.
All our domestic comforts and temporal mercies, issue from the loving-kindness of the Lord. The least we can do in return, is to gratefully acknowledge together, His goodness to us as a family. Excuses against the discharge of this sacred duty--are idle and worthless! Of what avail will it be when we render an account to God for the stewardship of our families--to say that we had no time available? The more pressing are our temporal duties--the greater our need of seeking divine help. Nor may any Christian plead that he is not qualified for such a work--gifts and talents are developed by use--and not by neglect.
Family worship should be conducted reverently, earnestly and simply. It is then, that the little ones will receive their first impressions, and form their initial conceptions of the Lord God. Great care needs to be taken, lest a false idea of the Divine Character be given to them.
The advantages and blessings of family worship are incalculable! First, family worship will prevent much sin. Daily prayer in the home, is a blessed means of grace for allaying those unhappy passions to which our common nature is subject. It awes the soul, conveys a sense of God's majesty and authority, and sets solemn truths before the mind. How can those who neglect the worship of God in their families--look for peace and comfort therein?
Personal piety in the home is the most influential means, under God, of conveying piety to the little ones. Children are largely creatures of imitation, loving to copy what they see in others.
Finally, family prayer gains for us the presence and blessing of the Lord. There is a promise of His presence which is peculiarly applicable to this duty, "Where two or three are gathered together in My name--I am there among them." Matthew 18:20. Many have found in family worship, that help and communion with God--which they sought for with less effect in private prayer.
Arthur Pink
"Pour out Your wrath on the heathen that do not acknowledge You--and on the families that do not call upon Your name!" Jeremiah 10:25
We wonder how many of our readers have seriously pondered these awe-inspiring words! Observe what fearful threatenings are pronounced against those who disregard family worship! How unspeakably solemn to find that prayerless families are here coupled with the heathen, who do not acknowledge the Lord.
How loudly should these words speak to us! It is not enough that we pray as private individuals; we are required to honor God in our families as well. Each day, the whole household should be gathered together to bow before the Lord--to confess their sins, to give thanks for God's mercies, to seek His help and blessing. Nothing must be allowed to interfere with this duty--all other domestic arrangements are to bend to it. The head of the house is the one to lead the devotions. If he is absent--or seriously ill--or an unbeliever, then the wife should take his place. But under no circumstances, should family worship be omitted. If we would enjoy the blessing of God upon our family--then let its members gather together daily for praise and prayer. "Those who honor Me--I will honor" is His promise.
All our domestic comforts and temporal mercies, issue from the loving-kindness of the Lord. The least we can do in return, is to gratefully acknowledge together, His goodness to us as a family. Excuses against the discharge of this sacred duty--are idle and worthless! Of what avail will it be when we render an account to God for the stewardship of our families--to say that we had no time available? The more pressing are our temporal duties--the greater our need of seeking divine help. Nor may any Christian plead that he is not qualified for such a work--gifts and talents are developed by use--and not by neglect.
Family worship should be conducted reverently, earnestly and simply. It is then, that the little ones will receive their first impressions, and form their initial conceptions of the Lord God. Great care needs to be taken, lest a false idea of the Divine Character be given to them.
The advantages and blessings of family worship are incalculable! First, family worship will prevent much sin. Daily prayer in the home, is a blessed means of grace for allaying those unhappy passions to which our common nature is subject. It awes the soul, conveys a sense of God's majesty and authority, and sets solemn truths before the mind. How can those who neglect the worship of God in their families--look for peace and comfort therein?
Personal piety in the home is the most influential means, under God, of conveying piety to the little ones. Children are largely creatures of imitation, loving to copy what they see in others.
Finally, family prayer gains for us the presence and blessing of the Lord. There is a promise of His presence which is peculiarly applicable to this duty, "Where two or three are gathered together in My name--I am there among them." Matthew 18:20. Many have found in family worship, that help and communion with God--which they sought for with less effect in private prayer.
Arthur Pink
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Are You Lukewarm?
I would like to thank Sgt/Chaplain M.C. Williams over at Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry for pointing out Chapter 4 in Pastor Francis Chan's book called Crazy Love (which I have but have not read yet).
Pastor Chan challenges believers to examine themselves. “examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you - unless, of course you fail the test?" 2 Cor. 13:5.
What does Christ think about those of us that are Lukewarm? “So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth." Revelation 3:16
Francis Chan gives 18 examples of what a lukewarm person looks like:
1. Lukewarm people attend church fairly regularly. It is what is expected of them, what they believe “good Christians do, so they go. (Isaiah 29:13)
2. Lukewarm people give money to charity and to the church…as long as it doesn’t impinge on their standard of living. If they have a little extra and it is easy and safe to give, they do so. After all, God loves a cheerful giver, right? (1 Chronicles 21:24; Luke 21:1-4)
3. Lukewarm people tend to choose what is popular over what is right when they are in conflict. They desire to fit in both at church and outside of church; they care more about what people think of their actions (like church attendance and giving) than what God thinks of their hearts and lives (Luke 6:26; Rev. 3:1; Matthew 23:5-7).
4. Lukewarm people don’t really want to be saved from their sin; they want only to be saved from the penalty of their sin. They don’t genuinely hate sin and aren’t truly sorry for it; they’re merely sorry because God is going to punish them. Lukewarm people don’t really believe that this new life Jesus offers is better than the old sinful one (John 10:10; Romans 6:1-2).
5. Lukewarm people are moved by stories about people who do radical things for Christ, yet they do not act. They assume such action is for “extreme” Christians, not average ones. Lukewarm people call “radical” what Jesus expected of all His followers (James 1:22; James 4:17; Matthew 21:28-31).
6. Lukewarm people rarely share their faith with their neighbors, coworkers, or friends. They do not want to be rejected, nor do they want to make people uncomfortable by talking about private issues like religion (Matthew 10:32-33).
7. Lukewarm people gauge their morality or “goodness” by comparing themselves to the secular world. They feel satisfied that while they aren’t as hard-core for Jesus as so-and-so, they are nowhere as horrible as the guy down the street (Luke 18:11-12).
8. Lukewarm people say they love Jesus, and He is, indeed, a part of their lives. But only a part. They give Him a section of their time, their money, and thoughts, but He isn’t allowed to control their lives (Luke 9:57-62).
9. Lukewarm people love God, but they do not love Him with all their heart, soul, strength. They would be quick to assure you that they try to love God that much, but that sort of total devotion isn’t really possible for the average person; it’s only for pastors and missionaries and radicals (Matthew 22:37-38).
10. Lukewarm people love others but do not seek to love others as much as they love themselves. Their love of others is typically focused on those who love them in return, like family, friends, and other people they know and connect with. There is little love left over for those who cannot love them back, much less for those who intentionally slight them, whose kids are better athletes than theirs, or with whom conversations are awkward or uncomfortable. Their love is highly conditional and very selective, and generally comes with strings attached (Matthew 5:43-47; Luke 14:12-14).
11. Lukewarm people will serve God and others, but there are limits to how far they will go or how much time, money and energy they are willing to give (Luke 18:21-25).
12. Lukewarm people thinik abou tlife on earth much more often than eternity in heaven. Daily life is mostly focused on today’s to-do list, this week’s schedule, and next month’s vacation. Rarely, if ever, do they intently consider the life to come. Regarding this, C.S. Lewis wrote, “If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this” (Philippians 3:18-20; Colossians 3:2).
13. Lukewarm people are thankful for their luxuries and comforts, and rearelyconsider trying to give as much as possible to the poor. They are quick to point out, “Jesus neer said money is the root of all evil, only that the love of money is.” Untold numbers of lukewarm people feel “Called” to minister to the rich; very few feel “called” to minister to the poor (Matthew 25:34, 40; Isaiah 58:6-7).
14. Lukewarm people do whatever is necessary to keep themselves from feeling too guilty. They want to tdo the bare minimum, to be “good enough” without it requiring to much of them. They ask, “How far can I go before it’s considered a sin?” instead of “How can I keep myself pure as a temple of the Holy Spirit?” They ask, “How much do I have to give?” instead of “How much can I give?” They ask, “How much time should I spend praying and reading my Bible? instead of “I wish I didn’t have to go to work, so I could sit here and read longer!” (1 Chronicles 29:14; Matthew 13:44-46).
15. Lukewarm people are continually concerned with playing it safe; they are slaves to the god of control. This focus on safe living keeps them from sacrificing and risking for God (1 Timothy 6:17-18; Matthew 10:28).
16. Lukewarm people feel secure because they attend church, made a profession of faith at age twelve, were baptized, come from a Christian family, vote Republican, or live in America. Just as the prophets in teh Old Testament warned Israel that they were not safe just because they lived in the land of Israel, so we are not safe just because we wear the label Christian or because some people persist in calling us a “Christian nation” (Matthew 7:21; Amos 6:1)
17. Lukewarm people do not live by faith; their lives are structured so they never have to. They dont have to trust God if something unexpected happens-they have their savings account. They don’t need God to help them - they have their retirement plan in place. They don’t genuinely seek out what life God would have them live - they have life figured and mapped out. THey don’t depend on God on a daily basis - their refrigerators are ful and, for the most part, they are in good health. The truth is, their lives wouldn’t look much different if they suddenly stopped believing in God (Luke 12:16-21; Hebrews 11).
18. Lukewarm people probably drink and swear less than average, but besides that, they really aren’t very different from your typical unbeliever. They equate their partially sanitized lives with holiness, but they couldn’t be more wrong (Matthew 23:25-28).
Pastor Chan challenges believers to examine themselves. “examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you - unless, of course you fail the test?" 2 Cor. 13:5.
What does Christ think about those of us that are Lukewarm? “So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth." Revelation 3:16
Francis Chan gives 18 examples of what a lukewarm person looks like:
1. Lukewarm people attend church fairly regularly. It is what is expected of them, what they believe “good Christians do, so they go. (Isaiah 29:13)
2. Lukewarm people give money to charity and to the church…as long as it doesn’t impinge on their standard of living. If they have a little extra and it is easy and safe to give, they do so. After all, God loves a cheerful giver, right? (1 Chronicles 21:24; Luke 21:1-4)
3. Lukewarm people tend to choose what is popular over what is right when they are in conflict. They desire to fit in both at church and outside of church; they care more about what people think of their actions (like church attendance and giving) than what God thinks of their hearts and lives (Luke 6:26; Rev. 3:1; Matthew 23:5-7).
4. Lukewarm people don’t really want to be saved from their sin; they want only to be saved from the penalty of their sin. They don’t genuinely hate sin and aren’t truly sorry for it; they’re merely sorry because God is going to punish them. Lukewarm people don’t really believe that this new life Jesus offers is better than the old sinful one (John 10:10; Romans 6:1-2).
5. Lukewarm people are moved by stories about people who do radical things for Christ, yet they do not act. They assume such action is for “extreme” Christians, not average ones. Lukewarm people call “radical” what Jesus expected of all His followers (James 1:22; James 4:17; Matthew 21:28-31).
6. Lukewarm people rarely share their faith with their neighbors, coworkers, or friends. They do not want to be rejected, nor do they want to make people uncomfortable by talking about private issues like religion (Matthew 10:32-33).
7. Lukewarm people gauge their morality or “goodness” by comparing themselves to the secular world. They feel satisfied that while they aren’t as hard-core for Jesus as so-and-so, they are nowhere as horrible as the guy down the street (Luke 18:11-12).
8. Lukewarm people say they love Jesus, and He is, indeed, a part of their lives. But only a part. They give Him a section of their time, their money, and thoughts, but He isn’t allowed to control their lives (Luke 9:57-62).
9. Lukewarm people love God, but they do not love Him with all their heart, soul, strength. They would be quick to assure you that they try to love God that much, but that sort of total devotion isn’t really possible for the average person; it’s only for pastors and missionaries and radicals (Matthew 22:37-38).
10. Lukewarm people love others but do not seek to love others as much as they love themselves. Their love of others is typically focused on those who love them in return, like family, friends, and other people they know and connect with. There is little love left over for those who cannot love them back, much less for those who intentionally slight them, whose kids are better athletes than theirs, or with whom conversations are awkward or uncomfortable. Their love is highly conditional and very selective, and generally comes with strings attached (Matthew 5:43-47; Luke 14:12-14).
11. Lukewarm people will serve God and others, but there are limits to how far they will go or how much time, money and energy they are willing to give (Luke 18:21-25).
12. Lukewarm people thinik abou tlife on earth much more often than eternity in heaven. Daily life is mostly focused on today’s to-do list, this week’s schedule, and next month’s vacation. Rarely, if ever, do they intently consider the life to come. Regarding this, C.S. Lewis wrote, “If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this” (Philippians 3:18-20; Colossians 3:2).
13. Lukewarm people are thankful for their luxuries and comforts, and rearelyconsider trying to give as much as possible to the poor. They are quick to point out, “Jesus neer said money is the root of all evil, only that the love of money is.” Untold numbers of lukewarm people feel “Called” to minister to the rich; very few feel “called” to minister to the poor (Matthew 25:34, 40; Isaiah 58:6-7).
14. Lukewarm people do whatever is necessary to keep themselves from feeling too guilty. They want to tdo the bare minimum, to be “good enough” without it requiring to much of them. They ask, “How far can I go before it’s considered a sin?” instead of “How can I keep myself pure as a temple of the Holy Spirit?” They ask, “How much do I have to give?” instead of “How much can I give?” They ask, “How much time should I spend praying and reading my Bible? instead of “I wish I didn’t have to go to work, so I could sit here and read longer!” (1 Chronicles 29:14; Matthew 13:44-46).
15. Lukewarm people are continually concerned with playing it safe; they are slaves to the god of control. This focus on safe living keeps them from sacrificing and risking for God (1 Timothy 6:17-18; Matthew 10:28).
16. Lukewarm people feel secure because they attend church, made a profession of faith at age twelve, were baptized, come from a Christian family, vote Republican, or live in America. Just as the prophets in teh Old Testament warned Israel that they were not safe just because they lived in the land of Israel, so we are not safe just because we wear the label Christian or because some people persist in calling us a “Christian nation” (Matthew 7:21; Amos 6:1)
17. Lukewarm people do not live by faith; their lives are structured so they never have to. They dont have to trust God if something unexpected happens-they have their savings account. They don’t need God to help them - they have their retirement plan in place. They don’t genuinely seek out what life God would have them live - they have life figured and mapped out. THey don’t depend on God on a daily basis - their refrigerators are ful and, for the most part, they are in good health. The truth is, their lives wouldn’t look much different if they suddenly stopped believing in God (Luke 12:16-21; Hebrews 11).
18. Lukewarm people probably drink and swear less than average, but besides that, they really aren’t very different from your typical unbeliever. They equate their partially sanitized lives with holiness, but they couldn’t be more wrong (Matthew 23:25-28).
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Across America - City #46
With a population of 380,000, Minneapolis is the 46th largest city in America. This week join the Ten-Four Ministry Family and pray specifically for the Minneapolis Police Department and their Chief of Police, Timothy Dolan.
For the next 45 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.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Ten-Four Ministries Store Is Online
We have launched our online store that includes books such as Take Up The Shield, our Challenge Coin and DVD's. We will soon add our new tracts.
All proceeds from the store will go to our 10-33 Fund. In the month of February, all orders over $25 will receive free shipping. You can go to the store by clicking here.
All proceeds from the store will go to our 10-33 Fund. In the month of February, all orders over $25 will receive free shipping. You can go to the store by clicking here.
Monday, February 09, 2009
The Board
A few weeks ago I saw a movie that impacted me so much, I purchased several to sell in our Store. Written, produced and filmed by a Church in Indiana, The Board is a movie that depicts the Soul as characters in a Board Room - Mind, Memory, Emotion, Heart, Will, and Conscience each weigh in on the consequences of their sin and whether they should listen to others that have been telling them about Jesus. Here is the trailer of the movie:
If you are interested in this movie, you can purchase it here. We are currently offering free shipping for all orders over $25. All proceeds from our store go to the 10-33 Fund.
If you are interested in this movie, you can purchase it here. We are currently offering free shipping for all orders over $25. All proceeds from our store go to the 10-33 Fund.
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