Lately, I have been reading about the great Spiritual revivals of the past. This need for a spiritual revival has been on my heart for some time. I would always mention it during my prayer time. But, as I was reading God's Word, I felt like God was saying to me, "Aaron, if you truly want to experience revival what are you doing about it?"
My mention of revival in my prayer time is not going to bring about spiritual revival in my life, church, community, or nation. However, seriously seeking for revival, and making it a focus of my prayer time/life will contribute to bringing spiritual renewal.
I have been studying the book of Deuteronomy. The more that I read it, the more that I see that it is a book that is very applicable to our Christian lives today. It is really a book all about revival. Deuteronomy is the amazing story of God bringing the Israelites out of the wilderness (physical and spiritual), and into a place of revival (a new land of blessing, a renewed passion for the things of God). Perhaps God is preparing to bring us, our churches, and our nation. out of our spiritual wilderness and into a land of renewal in Him.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Dr. S.M. Lockridge (rock mix)
A few weeks ago in a sermon series entitled, The Four Faces of God, Dr. Tom Mullins played a clip from this great pastor, Dr. S.M. Lockridge on the who God is...
Friday, July 17, 2009
Clouded Vision
From the blog of Rev. Brian Johnson, Community Wesleyan:
For over a year now my vision had gone from good to poor. My reading had even slowed down because it was just too hard to focus on the words. I went to the ophthalmologist in January and was told that I had a cataract. A cataract is where the lens in your eye becomes foggy. It is like looking out a dirty car window. Thank God for living in the USA and because of our technology, they are able to remove the old lens and put in a new one. I had the surgery on Monday and all went well…I can see clearly again. (though now I need a new glasses prescription).
Where once was a fog, the sun has now shone through and the fog has lifted. A lot of people, spiritually speaking, see life through cataracts, everything is foggy and not real clear. They need to allow the Holy Spirit to correct their vision.
I thought of this passage in Hebrews
5:12-14 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Many who should be farther up the road than they are now, aren’t because of their foggy vision. Lord, give us clear vision.
For over a year now my vision had gone from good to poor. My reading had even slowed down because it was just too hard to focus on the words. I went to the ophthalmologist in January and was told that I had a cataract. A cataract is where the lens in your eye becomes foggy. It is like looking out a dirty car window. Thank God for living in the USA and because of our technology, they are able to remove the old lens and put in a new one. I had the surgery on Monday and all went well…I can see clearly again. (though now I need a new glasses prescription).
Where once was a fog, the sun has now shone through and the fog has lifted. A lot of people, spiritually speaking, see life through cataracts, everything is foggy and not real clear. They need to allow the Holy Spirit to correct their vision.
I thought of this passage in Hebrews
5:12-14 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Many who should be farther up the road than they are now, aren’t because of their foggy vision. Lord, give us clear vision.
Friday, July 03, 2009
Founding Fathers
I love history. And I love America! Thought I'd share a little of both as we celebrate Independence Day.
Before I do, let me say a few things. First of all, this isn't meant to be a dissertation. It's a blog. Secondly, I'm not nominating all of our founding fathers for sainthood. Having said that let me say this: there is a lot of revisionist history that totally ignores or distorts the faith of our Founding Fathers. A lot of them were motivated by their faith in Christ.
Here's some back story on some of the fifty-six signers of the Declaration of Independence. Most Americans know next to nothing about these fifty-six heroes who pledged their lives, fortunes and sacred honor to the cause of freedom.
John Witherspoon was an ordained minister and authored several books of sermons, as well as editing America's first family Bible in 1791.
Charles Thomson served as Secretary of Congress and was a Biblical scholar. He helped edit the first American translation of the Greek Septuagint into English.
Charles Carroll, the last of the fifty-six signers to pass away at the age of 95 in 1832, wrote out his declaration of faith at the age of eighty-nine.
On the mercy of my Redeemer I rely for my salvation, and on His merits; not on the works I have done in obedience to His precepts.
Another Founding Father, Benjamin Rush, is considered the "Father of American Medicine." He personally trained three thousand medical students. Dr. Rush also founded "The First Day Society" which was the precursor to the Sunday School movement, as well as founding America's first Bible society. It was Benjamin Rush who said the Constitution was "as much the work of Divine Providence as any of the miracles recorded in the Old and New Testament were the effects of divine power."
Francis Hopkinson was a church music director and edited one of the first hymnals printed in America in 1767. He also set 150 psalms to music.
Roger Sherman is the only Founding Father to sign all four of America's Founding documents: the Articles of Association in 1774, the Declaration of Independence in 1776, the Articles of Confederation in 1778, and the U.S. Constitution in 1787. Roger Sherman was also a theologian. He wrote a personal creed that was adopted by his church:
I believe that there is one only living and true God, existing in three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, the same in substance, equal in power and glory. That the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are a revelation from God, and a complete rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy Him.
I could share story after story, but the bottom line is this: many of our Founding Fathers were motivated by their Faith in Christ. They wrote sermons and creeds and hymns. They founded Bible Societies and Sunday Schools. They served God's purposes in their generation. And I, for one, am grateful.
Hope that adds a spiritual dimension to your 4th of July celebration!
Borrowed from the blog of Mark Batterson.
Before I do, let me say a few things. First of all, this isn't meant to be a dissertation. It's a blog. Secondly, I'm not nominating all of our founding fathers for sainthood. Having said that let me say this: there is a lot of revisionist history that totally ignores or distorts the faith of our Founding Fathers. A lot of them were motivated by their faith in Christ.
Here's some back story on some of the fifty-six signers of the Declaration of Independence. Most Americans know next to nothing about these fifty-six heroes who pledged their lives, fortunes and sacred honor to the cause of freedom.
John Witherspoon was an ordained minister and authored several books of sermons, as well as editing America's first family Bible in 1791.
Charles Thomson served as Secretary of Congress and was a Biblical scholar. He helped edit the first American translation of the Greek Septuagint into English.
Charles Carroll, the last of the fifty-six signers to pass away at the age of 95 in 1832, wrote out his declaration of faith at the age of eighty-nine.
On the mercy of my Redeemer I rely for my salvation, and on His merits; not on the works I have done in obedience to His precepts.
Another Founding Father, Benjamin Rush, is considered the "Father of American Medicine." He personally trained three thousand medical students. Dr. Rush also founded "The First Day Society" which was the precursor to the Sunday School movement, as well as founding America's first Bible society. It was Benjamin Rush who said the Constitution was "as much the work of Divine Providence as any of the miracles recorded in the Old and New Testament were the effects of divine power."
Francis Hopkinson was a church music director and edited one of the first hymnals printed in America in 1767. He also set 150 psalms to music.
Roger Sherman is the only Founding Father to sign all four of America's Founding documents: the Articles of Association in 1774, the Declaration of Independence in 1776, the Articles of Confederation in 1778, and the U.S. Constitution in 1787. Roger Sherman was also a theologian. He wrote a personal creed that was adopted by his church:
I believe that there is one only living and true God, existing in three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, the same in substance, equal in power and glory. That the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are a revelation from God, and a complete rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy Him.
I could share story after story, but the bottom line is this: many of our Founding Fathers were motivated by their Faith in Christ. They wrote sermons and creeds and hymns. They founded Bible Societies and Sunday Schools. They served God's purposes in their generation. And I, for one, am grateful.
Hope that adds a spiritual dimension to your 4th of July celebration!
Borrowed from the blog of Mark Batterson.
God and America
Our nation was founded on the 7 guiding Biblical principles that all of our founding fathers felt deep conviction over (regardless of their personal relationship with Jesus Christ). Seven principles which our nation has strayed far from.
Principle #1: The Dignity of Human Life
The Declaration of Independence contains words stating that everyone has certain "unalienable rights" among which are "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
Matt. 22:39 - You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
Principle #2: The Traditional Monogamous Family
Our forefathers held the position that a biblical view of traditional marriage and family is the backbone of a healthy social order.
Gen. 2: 23,24 - And Adam said: "this is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man." Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
Principle #3: A National Work Ethic
Throughout all of America's trials, and economic ups and downs, our strong work ethic is what has gotten us through. We have worked our way through times such as the Great Depression (this economic downturn is long lasting; consistent with the growing lack of work ethic and reliability on government handouts, and other peoples generosity).
2 Thes. 3:10 - For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.
Principle #4: The Right to a God-Centered Education
Proverbs 1:7 states that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge". Without this knowledge of God the Creator, there is no foundation for any other type of learning. America has thrown out this foundational education component and have built a system with no firm foundation.
Our great universities (Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Dartmouth) were founded(by preachers) as a result of Americas Great Awakening(s).
Eph. 6:4 - ...but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
Principle #5: The Abrahamic Covenant
The Abrahamic Covenant states that if people and nations obey God (observing His commands and moral truths as set in the Bible), they will be blessed.
Pr. 14:34 - Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.
Principle #6: Common Decency
A good nation is made up of good people. Consider these words from the Statue of Liberty, "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me; I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
Principle #7: Our Personal Accountability to God
In order for these other seven principles to fall in line, we must each carry out this one. We must always remember that we will be held personally accountable to God. By remembering this fact, this will guide our every step and decision.
Heb. 9:27 - And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.
These are the principles that guided the thought processes of our founding fathers.
As we celebrate our Independence the July 4th, let us remember and reflect upon these 7 principles of Judeo-Christian ethics.
Adapted from, Dr. Richard G. Lee's, "7 Principles of the Judeo-Christian Ethic".
Principle #1: The Dignity of Human Life
The Declaration of Independence contains words stating that everyone has certain "unalienable rights" among which are "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
Matt. 22:39 - You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
Principle #2: The Traditional Monogamous Family
Our forefathers held the position that a biblical view of traditional marriage and family is the backbone of a healthy social order.
Gen. 2: 23,24 - And Adam said: "this is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man." Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
Principle #3: A National Work Ethic
Throughout all of America's trials, and economic ups and downs, our strong work ethic is what has gotten us through. We have worked our way through times such as the Great Depression (this economic downturn is long lasting; consistent with the growing lack of work ethic and reliability on government handouts, and other peoples generosity).
2 Thes. 3:10 - For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.
Principle #4: The Right to a God-Centered Education
Proverbs 1:7 states that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge". Without this knowledge of God the Creator, there is no foundation for any other type of learning. America has thrown out this foundational education component and have built a system with no firm foundation.
Our great universities (Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Dartmouth) were founded(by preachers) as a result of Americas Great Awakening(s).
Eph. 6:4 - ...but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
Principle #5: The Abrahamic Covenant
The Abrahamic Covenant states that if people and nations obey God (observing His commands and moral truths as set in the Bible), they will be blessed.
Pr. 14:34 - Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.
Principle #6: Common Decency
A good nation is made up of good people. Consider these words from the Statue of Liberty, "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me; I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
Principle #7: Our Personal Accountability to God
In order for these other seven principles to fall in line, we must each carry out this one. We must always remember that we will be held personally accountable to God. By remembering this fact, this will guide our every step and decision.
Heb. 9:27 - And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.
These are the principles that guided the thought processes of our founding fathers.
As we celebrate our Independence the July 4th, let us remember and reflect upon these 7 principles of Judeo-Christian ethics.
Adapted from, Dr. Richard G. Lee's, "7 Principles of the Judeo-Christian Ethic".
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
American Patriot's Bible
In light of our upcoming Independence Day, I would like to take this opportunity to recommend a resource to you. It is, The American Patriot's Bible: The Word of God and the Shaping of America
. Printed in the New King James Version, this Bible is easy to ready, and understand. The Patriot's Bible is loaded with additional information and Biblical helps. This Bible includes various articles scattered through out, all having to do with the forming of our Great Nation. Throughout the text we find articles, notes, and special passages that clearly display how our founding fathers felt about God and America. The articles give us a firm grip on the fact that we are a nation founded on Godly principals.
. Printed in the New King James Version, this Bible is easy to ready, and understand. The Patriot's Bible is loaded with additional information and Biblical helps. This Bible includes various articles scattered through out, all having to do with the forming of our Great Nation. Throughout the text we find articles, notes, and special passages that clearly display how our founding fathers felt about God and America. The articles give us a firm grip on the fact that we are a nation founded on Godly principals. If you wish to "discover biblical truths that formed the foundation of American values", experience spiritual milestones in American history, and examine the intersection of American history and the Christian faith, then this is a must have Bible for the family!
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