Concrete Thistles Choking Out Life...

I was going to make an attempt to come up with a clever comparison for what I want to illustrate here. But, I've decided not too, I would rather go read my Bible. So, In light of that I just wanted to say a few things.

Living in the suburbs for many Americans has choked out any perception of agricultural life, creation's revelation of the Creator, or any understanding of the beauty of new life and death that brings forth new life, I believe it serves a sobering reminder. This reminder is penned in the pages of Scripture by the Holy Spirit, and spoken by the mouth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

When Jesus taught He often used illustrations that clarified the Kingdom of God to His hearers. Not having any idea of what it would be like the listeners conceptualizing it may have been pretty difficult. So Jesus spoke of things they knew. He drew comparisons using the leavening of bread, farmer's fields, and fisherman's nets. These are all things they would've been very familiar with (check out Starr Meade's article in Modern Reformation: May/June). But in our concrete jungle we lose sight of these things don't we?

Many of us don't bake, farm, or fish much. At least for sustenance and provision. A weekend camping trip or vacation provides time to do these things, but during the daily grind they are put away. Since I've been cutting down weeds that have turned into 20 foot trees, old overgrowth that's gone wild for 20 years, and turning over the soil to plant a garden some things have jumped out at me. Two trailers full of thorn bushes, dead branches, and useless weeds hauled to the burn pile in my father's backyard struck a vision of one of our Lord's teachings. How realistic it became to see the uselessness of the things that produce nothing of use for sustenance. These things are burned because they serve no purpose. Useless!

In light of the time I've spent actually doing something that might resemble relying on the land to produce some food for me I've had a chance to see how the walls of work, the siding on houses, the concrete precast on buildings, and the monuments men build to decorate sidewalks all serve as distractions from the creation. In that distraction not having any contact with "real" things would blur words like Matthew 7:16 "You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they?" Might not really hit the mark quite like it was intended would it? Study of the word could most certainly instill guards for making this error. But all the plant life hauled off to the burn pile and to the curb were put there because they would not bear fruit. Nor would they ever. Just more thorns and thistles.

Open Air Preaching in the Grill

Work often provides plenty of opportunities to preach Christ crucified. It also provides plenty of chances to admonish, encourage, or sometimes rebuke others in and out of the faith. This past Friday was very fruitful in many ways. I count it a blessing to have seen, spoke, and hear some of the things that occurred.

First, there was the phone call from an old friend. He mistakenly dialed the wrong number. This mistake wound up lasting over an hour and we talked about the Word, Christ's sacrifice, the power over sin He had, the sufficiency of the Holy Spirit in the believers life, and just how important it is to walk in holiness before others as a living, breathing, testimony of Christ. He counted it a blessing to have had this conversation and felt extremely happy that his "mistake" worked for the good.

Secondly, the funny question that never comes up, came up. I was asked "why I was so happy" and if it were a result of sinful behavior. I then replied that I refrain from fornication and strive to follow my Lord's commandments. This conversation was during a quiet time in the restaurant and I made sure that it was heard by any in the vicinity. Once again I was able to share with someone else the importance of God's Word, our duty to walk in His counsel, and the power of the Holy Spirit to assist us in doing so. He didn't have much to say outside of ripping scripture verses way out of context and using them to justify his personal sins. I can only pray that those listening become convicted and the seed is planted for someone else to water and the Lord to harvest.

Thirdly, while opportunities to share Christ abound my friend Ben introduced me to a new friend in faith. While sharing my testimony with him, the Lord's providence revealed there is much to be done and that there may be an open door to reach someone with similar struggles to that of my past. All in God's grace I've overcome these things, what a greater blessing to share with others that He can do it for them as well. Repentance and faith bring forth healing and regeneration of the dead man that is quickened by the power of God.

Lastly, I went to a 12-step meeting and was able to see some old friends, minister to a new friend, and establish a relationship with a complete stranger. I pray the Lord is softening his heart for the Gospel to be sown into fertile ground.

A cannot comment further on how much the Lord has shown me these past few days. If I were to do so, It may go on for quite a few pages, but the previous occurred in 12 short hours. Amazing grace no? Please pray for all these things, and continue to pray for the Muslim Outreach this week. Pray for all the saints flying in from around the country, the teachers, evangelists, and all those who are providing for those willing to go into the heart of Dearborn and face possible persecution to minister our Lord's Eternal Message.

Arabic Outreach Update

Answered prayer! The plans have been finalized and the facility has been secured. For those who have been praying for this, thank you! To the Lord of Hosts; please draw men unto yourself and soften hearts to the Gospel, and bring forth many to repentance and faith!

The evangelism conference kickoff will be free to those interested in coming to hear about the Arabic Outreach in downtown Dearborn next week June 17th-23rd. The time of the conference will be June 19th at 7:30-9:30pm. You are welcome to bring friends, invite your church groups, and bring anyone else interested in learning about Muslim evangelism. The topic being addressed is "Why Reach the Muslims?" with guest speaker George Hussney. The location is...

Calvary Baptist Church - Hazel Park
24520 N. Chrysler Dr.
Hazel Park, MI. 48030

Please come out and join us. You can find out more information about the festival outreach at the conference, email me for details, or call 1-866-533-6659. There will be thousands of tracts and DVD's to handout as well as many, many, Dearborn Arab's and Muslims to speak to about the Lord Jesus Christ. More information can be found at Ministry to Muslims Website.

Formal Professions or True Conversions?

This from A.W. Pink's "Seven Sayings of the Saviour on the Cross."

Formal professors who seem to run well for a while may grow weary and abandon the race. Those who are moved by the fleshly excitement of a "revival meeting" endure only for a time, for they have "no root in themselves." They who rely upon the power of their own wills and resolutions, who turn over a new leaf and promise to do better, often fail, and their last state is worse than the first. Many who have been persuaded by well-meaning but ignorant advisors to "join the church" and "live the Christian life" frequently apostatize from the truth. But every spirit that has been born again is eternally safe in the Father's hand.

Well said my friend.

Second Glances Bring Forth Death...

Quick thought while driving...

If we spent more time meditating on the Glory of God, we'd have less time to spend on second glances, covetousness, and idols in our minds!

That's All...

How do I live today?

Quick thought that I had this morning while mulling over how to live my life as a witness for Christ.

I wish to live my daily life TODAY in preparation of how I can best glorify God in it NOW and tomorrow.

That's all...

Scripture Interpretation - Seriousness or Just a Game?

Pistachios and Wesleyans...

No real thought provoking commentary to post today. Matter of fact, I'm just plain tired this week and won't get much done on the blog for a minute. It's gardening time and I'm wrapping up the spring cleaning.

I did get to spend a few hours with some friends of mine yesterday evening. Both are ordained Pastors of the United Methodist Church. Which is often scary whenever theology is discussed. But my closest friend of the two decided to further our past discussions on the "sinner's prayer," and the sovereignty of God in man's salvation. His basic question was, after we preach the Gospel then what? Well, as we ate pistachios and drank coffee, I shared with him in the best way I could articulate it why I think there is good reason to avoid using the sinner's prayer with people. Even the use of the prayer with seemingly contrite and genuinely repentant people rubs a raw nerve, and I feel should be avoided even then also.

I'd like to elaborate more, and I will in another post to come soon. But until then, what are your thoughts on this matter? Let me know in the comments below! I'd like your input.

I'll spare you the details of the rest of my conversations with the two Pastors. In short, they were nothing shy of interesting, that's for sure.