Journey to the End of the Earth

The God of Brainerd/Baxter

2009-02-27T09:22:00.004-06:00

We are seeking God to bring lasting transformational revival to the Brainerd Lakes Area.

Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You? Show us Your unfailing love, O LORD, and grant us Your salvation. I will listen to what God the LORD will say; He promises peace to His people, His saints - but let them not return to folly. Surely His salvation is near those who fear him, that His glory may dwell in our land. PSALM 85:5-6

We pray that the LORD of our salvation will bring a tender but powerful conviction of sin, exposing sin in the hope that we will be set free from its power.

Rick Warren's Inaugural Prayer

2009-01-20T11:43:00.000-06:00

Almighty God, our Father:

Everything we see, and everything we can’t see, exists because of you alone.

It all comes from you, it all belongs to you, it all exists for your glory.

History is your story.

The Scripture tells us, "Hear, O Israel, the LORD is our God, the LORD is one." And you are the compassionate and merciful one. And you are loving to everyone you have made.

Now today we rejoice not only in America’s peaceful transfer of power for the 43rd time, we celebrate a hinge point of history with the inauguration of our first African American president of the United States. We are so grateful to live in this land, a land of unequaled possibility, where a a son of an African immigrant can rise to the highest level of our leadership. And we know today that Dr. King and a great cloud of witnesses are shouting in heaven.

Give to our new president, Barack Obama,

the wisdom to lead us with humility,
the courage to lead us with integrity,
the compassion to lead us with generosity.

Bless and protect him, his family, Vice President Biden, the Cabinet, and every one of our freely elected leaders.

Help us, O God, to remember that we are Americans--united not by race or religion or by blood, but to our commitment to freedom and justice for all.

When we focus on ourselves, when we fight each other, when we forget you--forgive us.

When we presume that our greatness and our prosperity is ours alone--forgive us.

When we fail to treat our fellow human beings and all the earth with the respect that they deserve--forgive us.

And as we face these difficult days ahead, may we have a new birth of clarity in our aims, responsibility in our actions, humility in our approaches, and civility in our attitudes—even when we differ.

Help us to share, to serve, and to seek the common good of all.

May all people of good will today join together to work for a more just, a more healthy, and a more prosperous nation and a peaceful planet.

And may we never forget that one day, all nations--all people--will stand accountable before you.

We now commit our new president and his wife Michelle and his daughters, Malia and Sasha, into your loving care.

I humbly ask this in the name of the one who changed my life—Yeshua, Esa, Jesus, Jesus—who taught us to pray:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be they name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,
for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.
Amen.

Who Does God Save?

2009-01-20T10:47:00.000-06:00

2009-01-15T14:50:00.002-06:00

"What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us...Worship is pure or base as the worshiper entertains high or low thought of God...For this reason the gravest question before the Church is always God Himself, and the most portentous fact about any man is not what he at a given time may say or do, but what he in hi deep heart conceives God to be like."

~A.W. Tozer

Colossians 1:9-14

2009-01-06T09:32:00.002-06:00

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you,

asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will

in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,

so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord,

fully pleasing to him,

bearing fruit in every good work

and increasing in the knowledge of God.

May you be strengthened with all power,

according to his glorious might,

for all endurance and patience with joy,

giving thanks to the Father,

who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

He has delivered us from the domain of darkness

and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,

in whom we have redemption,

the forgiveness of sins.

Morning Prayer

2009-01-06T09:28:00.002-06:00

LORD,

Fill me with a burning desire for your manifest presence the proclaims Your mighty power and fame.

Stir in me a heart that cries out for your revival and transformation in the Brainerd Lakes Area.

O that Pointway Church would experience an awakening to your holiness and a desperate desire for Jesus Christ.

Soli Deo Gloria

Insanity

2009-01-03T08:25:00.000-06:00

Family Time

2009-01-02T15:03:00.003-06:00

New Year Self-Examination

2009-01-02T09:13:00.002-06:00

Donald Whitney recently posted a list of questions to ask yourself heading into the new year. I am asking the LORD to reveal the answers to these questions in my own life and I encourage you to do the same.

Here is the question for today:

What is one thing you can do this year to increase your enjoyment of God?

I pray that Jesus Christ would reveal to you at least one thing.

Soli Deo Gloria

May 2009 be a year of great advancement of the gospel!

Prayer for Transformation

2009-01-01T11:37:00.004-06:00

Oh that you would rend the heavens and come down,  that the mountains might quake at your presence—as when fire kindles brushwood and the fire causes water to boil— to make your name known to your adversaries,  and that the nations might tremble at your presence!

When you did awesome things that we did not look for,  you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence.

From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear,  no eye has seen a God besides you,  who acts for those who wait for him.

~Isaiah 64:1-4

"Isaiah expressed a longing for God to manifest Himself once again to a people who needed to be reminded of the awesomeness of their God."

- Pray that God will stir in you a heart that cries out for Jesus to bring revival and transformation.

- Pray that Pointway Church will experience an awakening to the holiness of God and a deserate desire for Jesus.

_ Come Lord Jesus - Transformation Prayer Guide, by Steve Loopstra

2008-12-11T13:16:00.000-06:00

IN DRASTIC DAYS - PRAY GREAT THINGS!

2008-12-06T16:16:00.002-06:00

Advent 2

2008-12-06T12:01:00.004-06:00

ADVENT 2 – December 7, 2008

Advent means coming.

We are preparing for the full coming of God’s kingdom:

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world;

the one who follows me will not walk in darkness but have the light of life.”

We light these candles as a sign of the coming light of Christ. (light two candles)

The people who walked in darkness 

have seen a great light; 

those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, 

on them has light shined.

—Isaiah 9:2,

And I will lead the blind 

in a way that they do not know, 

in paths that they have not known 

I will guide them. 

I will turn the darkness before them into light,

the rough places into level ground. 

These are the things I do, 

and I do not forsake them.

—Isaiah 42:16,

Come, Lord Jesus, our light and our salvation.

Let us walk in the light of the Lord.

Praying for Revival

2008-11-26T09:03:00.000-06:00

Prayer Focus Day 4: Pray that each person in Christian homes (particularly husbands and wives) will be humble in spirit, in order that their prayers may be answered (1 Pet. 3:8-15).

What Do Outsiders Think of the Church

2008-11-24T20:48:00.001-06:00

Courtesy of ChristianClips.com

I Have the Best Family Ever!

2008-11-14T13:56:00.001-06:00

The only thing I treasure more is JESUS CHRIST

Praying for Revival for 31 days

2008-11-14T12:10:00.002-06:00

Prayer Focus Day 2: Pray that those who have a personal relationship with the Lord will walk in the spirit of humility, as Jesus walked, and live with a daily recognition that pride leads to destruction and that humility precedes honor (Micah 6:8; Proverbs 18:12).

Praying for Revival for 31 days

2008-11-13T13:13:00.001-06:00

Join me in praying for Revival for the next 31 days and lets see how God answers our prayer.

Prayer Focus Day 1: Pray that we as Christians will bow our knees before the Lord at the beginning of each day, so that we may receive His grace daily to live as we should (Jas. 4:6-10).

Eschatology and Mission

2008-11-13T13:10:00.002-06:00

"Eschatology is central to any understanding of mission...The gospel is an eschatological message. In evangelism we declare that Jesus is King and that Jesus will be King."

~ Tim Chester

Veteran's Day and My Family

2008-11-12T11:31:00.004-06:00

My mother posted this on her blog yesterday:

Today we celebrate Veteran’s Day. There were speeches and parades and plaudits from politicians. For me, this is holiday is personified by my grandfather, my father, my father-in-law and my brother. Men in my family have served in every war and conflict from the Revolution forward. It is somewhat bittersweet when I think of friends who served and did not return from Vietnam. My reflections today are shared by families all across the country and my memories are theirs.

I have my grandfather’s letters written during his service in WW1. He wrote regularly, first from boot camp and later from Europe. It was strange to see those letters, marked “somewhere in England”. Somehow I always thought that was a bit of fiction until I saw the actual letters. He served honorably and returned home. He never talked much about his service, seeing it as just what an Indiana man would do in that situation.

My father volunteered for the Army following Pearl Harbor and was sent to England after basic training, and then to Europe with the invading forces. He rose through the ranks to Tech Sergeant (Sergeant 1st Class in today’s army) and served in a mechanized battalion, commanding a half-track. (An armored jeep with tracks instead of rear wheels capable of carrying supplies, weaponry, personnel). He took part in the Battle of the Bulge and pushed into Germany with Patton. His platoon was trapped behind enemy lines and considered MIA for a time. He was seriously wounded just before the end of the war and was evacuated to England and then home. He was awarded two Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star and numerous citations such as a sharpshooter award. He was always proud to have served his country and was seriously irritated when the Army told him he wasn’t fit to serve in Korea.

My father-in-law served in the SeaBees of the US Navy, their construction division. After the devastation of the Pearl Harbor attack, rebuilding the port facilities was a high priority. Men with peacetime jobs in the construction industry formed construction battalions to rebuild Pearl Harbor and then to build bases, airfields and support the advance through the Pacific. Their motto was “We Build, We Fight”. Dad served in Hawaii and was later assigned as part of the Iwo Jima attack force. The SeaBees arrived on the island hard on the heels of the Marines and immediately began working to repair an airfield. The field began receiving flights just a few days later. Japan surrendered on August 15, 1945 and Dad’s SeaBee battalion was decommissioned and returned to the US just thirty days later. He mustered out in California and returned to St. Paul, MN to his family, his wife and the son who was born after he shipped out.

My brother served in the “peacetime” army in Germany and at Fort Campbell, KY. He considered making the army his career, but decided against it as he had a young son at home and he wanted to be a hands-on father. Various cousins and nephews have also served.

These men all considered it an honor to serve in defense of their country. I grew up hearing the history of the military men in our family, but these I knew well. I honor them every day, and especially today as we celebrate all the veterans who have served with honor. My prayer today and every day is that the men and women currently serving will be protected and come home with honor to their families.

What is the greatest need of the church today?

2008-11-12T10:40:00.003-06:00

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied."

Mt. 5:6"

"My soul thirsts for God, for the living God"

Ps. 42:2

"O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you;"

Ps. 63:1

"Jesus said to them, 'I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger; and whoever believes in me shall never thirst."

Jn. 6:35

"Hunger and thirst vividly express desire...for the deepest spiritual famine is hunger for the word of God."1 We hunger and thirst for many things in this world and they leave us wanting more. The things of this world grab our attention and we are to easily satisfied.

Many are asking these days, 'what is the greatest need of the church today?' The answers offered abound, and many have pinpointed great needs but they miss the big picture. A.W. Tozer wrote, "What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us."

This is true because all the we feel and do flows out of our thinking. If we look at the church in America and its practices we clearly see that there is some disturbingly wrong thinking about who God is.

"The one thing we most urgently need in Western Christendom is a deeper knowledge of God. We need to know God better." 2 Jesus said that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness would be satisfied and that those who come to him and believe would never be hungry or thirst. His promise is that rivers of Living Water will flow out of our hearts through faith.

My soul is greatly comforted by these great promises from our God and King. My question is, 'where are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness?' Where are the people who will cry out with the psalmist, "my soul thirsts for God, for the living God."?

I pray that the LORD would give you an ever-deepening desire for him and an unquenchable hunger and thirst for righteousness.

O God, I have tasted Thy goodness, and it has both satisfied me and made me thirsty for more. I am painfully conscious of my need of further grace. I am ashamed of my lack of desire. O God, the Triune God, I want to want Thee; I long to be filled with longing; I thirst to be made more thirty still. Show me Thy glory, I pray Thee, that so I may know Thee indeed. Begin in mercy a new work of love within me. Say to my soul, 'Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.' Then give me grace to rise and follow Thee up from this misty lowland where I have wandered so long.

In Jesus' name. Amen 3

D.A. Carson - Expositor's bible Commentary, Matthew 1-12
D.A. Carson - A Call To Spiritual Reformation
A.W. Tozer - The Pursuit of God

Hungry?

2008-11-10T20:37:00.002-06:00

Jonathan Edwards argued for this in a sermon that he preached on Song of Solomon 5:1. The text reads, “Eat, friends, drink, and be drunk with love!” Edwards drew out of the text the following doctrine: “Persons need not and ought not to set any bounds to their spiritual and gracious appetites.” Instead, he says, they ought

“to be endeavoring by all possible ways to inflame their desires and to obtain more spiritual pleasures. . . . Our hungerings and thirstings after God and Jesus Christ and after holiness can’t be too great for the value of these things, for they are things of infinite value…[Therefore] endeavor to promote spiritual appetites by laying yourself in the way of allurement…There is no such thing as excess in our taking of this spiritual food. There is no such virtue as temperance in spiritual feasting.”

Therefore, be encouraged that God made you to rejoice in him. Do not settle for any lesser joy. Lay yourself in the way of allurement. That is, fix your eyes on the all-satisfying treasure of Jesus Christ who loved us and gave his life as a ransom for our everlasting joy. [ John Piper in What Jesus Demands from the World, pp. 90-91]

HT: Tony Reinke

One Point Calvinism

2008-10-17T11:02:00.001-05:00

J.I. Packer said, "The very act of setting out Calvinistic soteriology [the doctrine of salvation] in the form of five distinct points (a number due, as we saw, merely to the fact that there were five Arminian points for the Synod of Dort to answer) tends to obscure the organic character of Calvinistic thought on this subject. For the five points, though separately stated, are inseparable. They hang together; you cannot reject one without rejecting them all, at least in the sense in which the Synod meant them. For to Calvinism there is really only one point to be made in the field of soteriology: the point that God saves sinners.

HT: Scott Thomas

Please Pray for Me

2008-10-13T09:37:00.003-05:00

I am heading out for my quarterly Prayer Retreat at the Wilderness Fellowship. Please Pray that my time of prayer and fasting will be fruitful and that I will clearly hear the voice of my LORD during my three days in the woods.

Thank you for your prayers.

I Got One!!!

2008-10-10T12:48:00.001-05:00

I am happy to report that I purchased an ESV Study Bible today from Westminster Books for 40% off. Go get yourself one!!!

Thou Lovely Source of True Delight

2008-10-03T22:41:00.000-05:00

1. Thou lovely source of true delight 

Whom I unseen adore 

Unveil Thy beauties to my sight 

That I might love Thee more, 

Oh that I might love Thee more.

2. Thy glory o’er creation shines 

But in Thy sacred Word 

I read in fairer, brighter lines 

My bleeding, dying Lord, 

See my bleeding, dying Lord

3. ’Tis here, whene’er my comforts droop 

And sin and sorrow rise 

Thy love with cheering beams of hope 

My fainting heart supplies, 

My fainting heart’s supplied

4. But ah! Too soon the pleasing scene 

Is clouded o’er with pain 

My gloomy fears rise dark between 

And I again complain, 

Oh and I again complain

5. Jesus, my Lord, my life, my light 

Oh come with blissful ray 

Break radiant through the shades of night 

And chase my fears away, 

Won’t You chase my fears away

6. Then shall my soul with rapture trace 

The wonders of Thy love 

But the full glories of Thy face 

Are only known above, 

They are only known above

Pointway Update

2008-10-01T11:16:00.003-05:00

On September 14, 2008 we officially launched Pointway Church in Brainerd/Baxter, MN. We had 142 people join us for that first service and 106 and 114 respectively at the services that followed. We are excited about what the LORD is doing in and through us and we rejoice greatly when we consider his mighty works.

We have moved from the Gathering Season to the Developing Season and we have a lot of work to do. We have gathered and now we must work to integrate people into the life and ministry of Pointway Church.

We are overjoyed because we know that the Holy Spirit is strong within us and Jesus Christ has manifested his presence in glorious ways. It is the greatest joy of life to worship the King and watch him transform people's lives through the mighty power of the gospel.

This is just the beginning - the best is yet to come!!!

I am going to the store

2008-10-01T11:12:00.004-05:00

Asher and I were playing outside yesterday when he said, 'bye bye daddio'. I asked him where he was going. He said, 'to the store'. I asked him why he was going to the store. He said, 'to get some marshmallows and a book.' I asked him how he was going to do that since he was not allowed to ride his bike in the road. He said, 'This is a green truck, like grandpa's.'

Asher is to smart for his own good.

Shake the World

2008-09-17T13:44:00.000-05:00

"Give me one hundred men who fear nothing but sin, and desire nothing but God, and I will shake the world."

— John Wesley

Brainerd Dispatch covers Pointway Launch

2008-09-12T14:03:00.002-05:00

Baxter church opens Sunday

By HEIDI LAKE

Staff Writer

BAXTER - Gone are the days of felt banners and potpourri wreaths adorning the walls of the Christian Missionary Alliance church on Highland Scenic Drive in Baxter.

Formerly known as Heartland Alliance Church before it disbanded, the building is now home to Pointway Church.

While the same denomination, Heartland and Pointway were, in many ways, opposite in terms of presentation and target audience.

The Rev. Steve Erickson, Pointway's pastor, said the average age of Heartland members was 70. In its final months as a church, attendance dwindled, forcing the church to close its doors in June.

But the doors didn't stay shut for long. Pointway Church is having its first official service at 10 a.m. Sunday.

The Rev. Steve Erickson paused in front of Pointway Church in the former Heartland Alliance Church building in Baxter. Pointway will have its first service at 10 a.m. Sunday. Brainerd Dispatch/Heidi Lake
» Purchase reprints of this photo.

"I'm really excited to see the vision that God gave me for this church become real," Erickson said.

The opening of Pointway Church has been 10 months in the making, Erickson said. They've held four preview services in that time and are averaging about 50 people - mostly in their 20s and 30s - at those Sunday morning services. Erickson finds the numbers encouraging, considering little advertising has been done to promote the preview services.

During the months of preparation, Erickson said ministries have been established, workers are in place, and this Sunday they hope to pack the church with new faces.

"The Lord's in control, I trust him to do his thing," Erickson said.

This Sunday, Erickson plans to preach about God's plan and purpose for the world and the individuals in it. Children's programming will be available for youths in sixth grade and younger. There will be a band playing music geared toward younger generations.

"We'll be putting our own flavor on old songs," Erickson said of the updated musical style. "It's modern worship geared to reach our generation."

When Erickson initially came to the lakes area to start Pointway, he said there was no intention for Heartland to close.

He was looking into renting a school or other meeting locations when the Heartland building became available.

Erickson and other core team members have since been busy updating the church building and planning and preparing for Sunday. He said the church building and the 7.25 acres of land it sits on, a value of about $500,000, was given to Pointway for free. Computers and a sound system have also been donated.

Erickson has helped start churches in the past, but has never had the lead role in the process.

"It really takes an amazing amount of work to plant a church," he said.

Now, on the verge of Pointway's inaugural service, about to see a longtime dream become reality, Erickson's emotions are running wild.

"I'm exhausted and excited, overwhelmed and overjoyed at the same time," Erickson said.

For more information on Pointway Church, visit www.pointway.org.

HEIDI LAKE may be reached at heidi.lake@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5879.

Pointway Church Online

2008-09-04T09:52:00.006-05:00

Pointway Church Online is up and running! Please visit our site and check out what is happening.

Pointway Church

Pointing People to a Life Transforming

Encounter with the Kingdom of God

Thanks to Christy Brown of BROWN DESIGN

for her amazing work on our website.

LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK PLEASE!

Gospel-Centered Community

2008-09-03T13:30:00.003-05:00

When we use the word 'church' we are almost always miscommunicating both to the Christian and the non-Christian. It seems we've lost the battle with this word. Why should we use a term where we are almost always communicating the wrong thing?

Church is far more than a community of religious people, it is a whole new order.

~ Steve Timmis

Substitution

2008-09-01T12:22:00.001-05:00

Sin is Humanity substituting itself for God -

Salvation is God substituting himself for you.

~ J. Stott

Family Adventures

2008-09-01T12:14:00.010-05:00

Today is Every Day

2008-08-29T23:43:00.003-05:00

Every Day

Words and Music by

Joel Sczebel and Todd Twining

Verse 1 In Your grace, You know where I walk

You know when I fall

You know all my ways

In Your love, I know You allow

What I cannot grasp

To bring You praise

Chorus Thank You for the trials

For the fire, for the pain

Thank You for the strength

Knowing You have ordained

Every day

Verse 2 Your great power is shown when I’m weak

You help me to see

Your love in this place

Perfect peace is filling my mind

And drawing my heart

To praise You again

Bridge In my uncertainty, Your Word is all I need

To know You’re with me every day (repeat)

Thanks Devil

2008-08-28T07:08:00.004-05:00

I am learning to be thankful in the midst of opposition from the enemy. The devil has been active to derail the great work that Jesus Christ is doing in planting Pointway Church in Brainerd/Baxter, MN.

This morning as I cried out to the LORD of all grace and mercy he encouraged me with the truth he has revealed in his glorious word.

"For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God your may receive what is promised.

For, yet a little while,

and the coming one will come and will not delay;

but my righteous one shall live by faith,

and if he shrinks back,

my soul has no pleasure in him.

But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls."

~Heb. 10:36-39

I am so thankful for the devils attacks because they drive me to the throne of God and there I find comfort and strength to wage the good warfare. I know that we will prevail and the gospel of the kingdom will advance.

Soli Deo Gloria

O Help My Unbelief

2008-08-27T10:06:00.002-05:00

1. How sad our state by nature is!  

Our sin, how deep it stains! 

And Satan binds our captive minds  

Fast in his slavish chains 

But there's a voice of sov'reign grace,  

Sounds from the sacred word: 

"O, ye despairing sinners come,  

And trust upon the Lord."  

2. My soul obeys th' almighty call,  

And runs to this relief 

I would believe thy promise, Lord;  

O help my unbelief! 

To the dear fountain of thy blood,  

Incarnate God, I fly; 

Here let me wash my spotted soul,  

From crimes of deepest dye.  

3. Stretch out Thine arm, victorious King,  

My reigning sins subdue; 

Drive the old dragon from his seat,  

With all his hellish crew. 

A guilty, weak, and helpless worm,

 On thy kind arms I fall; 

Be thou my strength and righteousness,  

My Jesus, and my all.

But there's a voice of sov'reign grace,  

Sounds from the sacred word: 

"O, ye despairing sinners come,  

And trust upon the Lord."  

THIS IS MY PRAYER AND MY SONG

A Song of Great Comfort Today

2008-08-22T21:08:00.001-05:00

Cling To The Crucified

1. Cling to the Mighty One, Cling in thy grief
Cling to the Holy One, He gives relief
Cling to the Gracious One, Cling in thy pain
Cling to the Faithful One, He will sustain

Chorus: Cling to the crucified, Jesus the Lamb who died
Cling to the crucified, Jesus the King
Cling to the crucified, Jesus the Lamb who died
Cling to the crucified, Jesus the King

2. Cling to the Living One, Cling in thy woe
Cling to the Loving One, Through all below
Cling to the Pardoning One, He speaketh peace
Cling to the Healing One, Anguish will cease

3. Cling to the Bleeding One, Cling to His side
Cling to the Rising One, In Him abide
Cling to the Coming One, Hope shall arise
Cling to the Reigning One, Joy lights thine eyes

Timely Encouragement

2008-08-21T09:19:00.002-05:00

This morning I met with the LORD Jesus Christ and he spoke to my spirit a timely word of encouragement.

"But the LORD is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one...May the LORD direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ."

~ 2 Thess. 3:3 & 5

I thank the LORD for his timely encouragement and praise his holy name today and forever.

Soli Deo Gloria

Life is War

2008-08-20T11:09:00.004-05:00

"We cannot know what prayer is for until we know that life is war. Life is war...Our weakness in prayer is owning largely to our neglect of this truth. Prayer is primarily a wartime walkie-talkie for the mission of the church as it advances against the powers of darkness and unbelief.It is not surprising that prayer malfunctions when we try to make it a domestic intercom to cll upstairs for more comforts in the den. God has given us prayer as a wartime walkie-talkie so that we can call headquarters for everything we need as the kingdom of Christ advances in the world. Prayer gives us the significance of frontline forces and gives God the glory of a limitless Provider.

...Probably the number one reason prayer malfunctions in the hands of believers it that we try to turn a wartime walkie-talkie into a domestic intercom. Until you know that life is war, you cannot know what prayer is for. Prayer is for the accomplishment of a wartime mission. It is as though the field commander (Jesus) called in the troops, gave them a crucial mission (go and bear fruit), handed each of them a personal transmitter coded to the frequency of the General's headquarters, and said, 'Comrades, the General has a mission for you. He aims to see it accomplished. And to that end he has authorized me to give each of you personal access to him through these transmitters. If you stay true to his mission and seek his victory first, he will always be as close as your transmitter, to give tactical advice and to send air cover when you need it.'

But what have millions of Christians done? We have stopped believing that we are in a war. No urgency, not watching, no vigilance."

Let the Nations Be Glad ~ John Piper

INSANITY!?

2008-08-20T09:46:00.000-05:00

http://view.break.com/552105 - Watch more free videos

Please Pray for Asher

2008-08-19T13:41:00.004-05:00

Last night as we were getting ready for bed Asher was running around and playing just like any other night. As he did he fell down, just as he does many, many times a day. This time was different though. I heard a very loud and sickening 'crack' and Asher began to cry very hard!

I cuddled him up for a while and then the cry subsided. I laid him down on the floor to check him out. He showed us where it hurt and I began to touch and squeeze his leg to identify the origin of his pain. He did not react so I stood him up and he could not put any weight on his right leg.

So I rushed him to the emergency room to have him checked out. As we were waiting to see the doctor we got to watch a helicopter take off. Asher loved it!!! We were about 50 yards away from it when it took off, but I digress.

The doctors x-rayed Asher's leg and discovered that he had broken the tibia. The doctor called it a toddler break because they are very common. He had set three of them in the last week. Apparently he just had a strange twist when he fell and the pressure caused a curved crack in his leg.

Asher is now in a cast for the next four weeks. Please pray for Asher's healing and for Anne as she cares for him and Karis who is 4 weeks old already.

God has and is showing us his grace and mercy through all of this. Thank you for your prayers.

Soli Deo Gloria

The Almost Finished Product

2008-08-15T21:33:00.003-05:00

Launch Team

2008-08-15T20:53:00.007-05:00

Pointway Church has an amazing Launch Team! Pointway people have been at our new building cleaning, painting, setting up sound equipment, loving each other, laughing, crying and working together all week.

I am so thankful for the people that God has brought together. I love how God is building Pointway Church!

We will be beginning a series of 4 preview services leading up to our Launch on September 14th. We are two days away fro

m the first preview service and

we are psyched to see what the LORD is going to do.

This is the g

reatest and most exhausting

thing I have ever done in my life. I love it!!!

I am looking forward to Sunday and praying that the Spirit of the Living God would be strong amongst us.

What Will Today Bring?

2008-08-12T08:03:00.004-05:00

I have been spoiled lately. As we have been approaching the Launch of Pointway Church in Brainerd/Baxter, MN we have been experiencing an outpouring of God's grace in amazing ways. It seems as though something amazing is occurring daily. This morning, just as I was finishing my morning devotions, one of our launch team members called me with some very exciting news.

He had lead a Bible Study at the jail last night and was excited by the power of the Holy Spirit in the life of a brand new believer. Three others in the study saw her excitement and had questions. Long and short of it, the three others repented of their sins and confessed Jesus Christ as LORD.

Hallelujah!!! Salvation belongs to the LORD!

UPDATE: A good friend gave us a $ 3500.00 gift so we can purchase a computer and building supplies for our stage and sound booth. God is amazing!!!

Preview Services Begin!!!

2008-08-11T09:34:00.003-05:00

We are going to be conducting four preview services begin next Sunday leading up to our Launch Service on September 14. Our team is a little overwhelmed, but excited and looking forward to seeing that hand of Almighty God working in our midst.

We are in the process of acquiring a facility for our church to meet in. Our meeting place is at 7756 Highland Scenic Road. Our services will begin at 9:57.

Jesus Christ is building his church in Brainerd/Baxter, MN and the gates of hell will not prevail against us. We have the armor of God strapped on and we are fighting the good fight with the power and energy that the Father has pour out onto us and flows out from within us.

Soli Deo Gloria

Food for Thought

2008-08-08T20:19:00.000-05:00

Top 13 Reasons that Unchurched People Choose a Church
(research conducted by Ranier)

90% - Pastor/Preaching
88% - Doctrines
49% - Friendliness of Members
42% - Other Issues
41% - Someone Church Witnessed to Me
38% - Family Member
37% - Sensed God’s Presence/Atmosphere of Church
25% - Relationship Other than Family Member
25% - Sunday School Class
25% - Children’s/Youth Ministry
12% - Other Groups/Ministries
11% - Worship Style/Music
7% - Location

Top 9 Reasons that Church-Attenders Choose a Church
(research conducted by the Barna Group in 1999)

58% - Doctrine/Theology
53% - People Caring for Each Other
52% - Preaching
45% - Friendliness
45% - Children’s Programs
43% - Helping the Poor
36% - Denomination
35% - Like the Pastor
26% - Sunday School

Top 6 Things that Keep the Formerly Unchurched Active in the Church
(research conducted by Ranier)

62% - Ministry Involvement
55% - Sunday School
54% - Obedience to God
49% - Fellowship of Members
38% - Pastor/Preaching
14% - Worship Services

A Reason for Praising the LORD Jesus Christ

2008-08-08T15:27:00.003-05:00

As we rapidly approach the launch of Pointway Church here in Brainerd/Baxter, MN we are continuing to see an amazing outpouring of the grace of God. We continue to see people come to faith in Jesus Christ and grow in their faith.

We also recently had a good friend bless us with a sound system. We received a building for our church to meet in for free.

Today we saw the hand of God on us once again. We are sending out invitations for people to join us at our launch service on September 14, 2008 at 10:00 am. I met with a new friend who is in the advertising business and he is putting our invitations in his direct mailer that will reach 50,000 homes. He is not charging us for this initial mailing, but wants to be a blessing and use his business to bring God glory.

We are humbled by our friends generousity and the amazing grace of God.

Soli Deo Gloria

Asher and Karis

2008-08-04T10:13:00.005-05:00

Asher coming home from the hospital - July 2006.

Karis coming home from the hospital - July 2008.

Asher's Adventures

2008-08-04T10:03:00.006-05:00

Asher loves his baby sister Karis

Asher at the fair with the pigs

Asher and Karis with Daddy in the mission booth at the fair.

Asher helped daddy make blueberry pancakes for breakfast.

Anne's Recovery

2008-08-04T09:56:00.003-05:00

Anne & Karis - 2 weeks

Anne & Asher - 2 weeks

What a Glorious and Exhausting Week

2008-08-03T20:56:00.003-05:00

This week Pointway Church set up a mission booth at the Crow Wing County Fair in Brainerd, MN. It was both a glorious and exhausting week. As a dear friend and mentor often say, "I am tired, but it is a good tired."

During the five days of the fair we gave away 80 gallons of Kool-Aid, 100 pounds of candy,200+ copies of the ESV New Testament, 200+ copies of Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Christ Came to Die, 1500+ gospel tracts and 1500+ flyers inviting people to the Launch of Pointway Church on Sept. 14, 2008.

Also during those five days I had the honor of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with many many people and two people professed faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. I praise God for the work he accomplished through us this week. Only eternity will reveal the fruit of our labors.

May the Spirit of the Living God convict the hearts of those who heard the gospel and lead them to repentance and faith for the glory of God.

Pastor's and Push Ups

2008-07-30T10:36:00.003-05:00

Some Pastor friends of mine have recently blogged about the One Hundred Push Up Challenge. Even though Mike, Mike and Mark did not directly issue a challenge to me I have taken it as one.

I accepted the challenge and today took the initial test. My total push ups on day one - 53!!!

I am looking forward to the challenge and benefits of the six-week push up work out. Maybe we can get the pastor's together and have a push up contest in six weeks.

What do you think men!!!

Karis is home!

2008-07-26T20:44:00.010-05:00

Karis Joy Erickson

2008-07-24T22:09:00.004-05:00

Today at 4:47 p.m. our daughter - Karis Joy Erickson was born! Anne was absolutely amazing!!! When the time to push arrived Anne got it done in 7 minutes. That's right - 7 MINUTES!!!

Karis weighed in at a mighty 7 lbs. and 6 oz. and measured in at an impressive 20 inches.

She is an amazing child and she is as her name states. Karis is the Greek word for Grace and Joy is what she has filled our hearts with.

I will post some of the 200 pictures I have taken of her after we get home from the hospital on Saturday.

Asher came to visit his brand new little sister and gave her some very sweet cuddles and kisses.

We praise the LORD Jesus Christ for his mighty presence with us today and we are humbled that he has blessed us so richly.

Thank you to all of you who faithfully prayed for us today. The LORD God definately answered you.

Soli Deo Gloria

Day 0

2008-07-24T05:39:00.005-05:00

It is 5:39 am and we are preparing go to the hospital where Anne will deliver our baby. This is the first and last installment of my live blogging of the birth of my child.

The voting indicated that the majority wanted me to blog this great event and 2 (or more) of you were disturbed by the thought of it.

What this poll did not take into account was the vote of the one delivering the child and her vote is the only one that matters with regard to the poll. So, unfortunately there will be no live blogging today.

We will keep you posted though and I will upload some pictures to my facebook page as soon as it is appropriate.

Please pray for us and especially Anne.

VOTE

2008-07-23T13:54:00.001-05:00

LOOK TO THE RIGHT - VOTE

Asher and Pooh 2

2008-07-23T12:08:00.002-05:00

This Bun is Done!!!

2008-07-23T11:37:00.001-05:00

Asher and Pooh

2008-07-23T10:39:00.002-05:00

3 + 1 = 4

2008-07-23T09:42:00.002-05:00

Today we are celebrating our life as a family of three and we are rejoicing in the love that God has given us for each other. Our life was radically changed two years ago when Asher was born. I can hardly remember what life was like before God gave him to us.

Tomorrow our family of 3 will add 1 to become a family of four. Anne will be induced into labor at 7 a.m. and our lives will change forever with the arrival of our little girl (the doctors think it is a girl and we are pretty sure it is, but you don't know for sure until the little one comes out).

Please pray for Anne as she prepares for labor and delivery. Ask the LORD to give her great strength and an awareness of His presence with her.

Please pray for Asher as he prepares to be a big brother. Pray that he would always know that his mommy and daddy love him deeply. Pray that we would be wise and understanding as his world changes dramatically with the addition of a new baby to our family.

Please pray for me as I prepare to be the father of two. Pray that God would give me wisdom and understanding as I lead our family. Pray that I would have the strength and energy to lead our family and our church plant.

Pray that the gospel of Jesus Christ would take root in the lives of our children and that we would display the glory of God to every person we come into contact with.

Soli Deo Gloria

The Hand of God

2008-07-22T09:47:00.006-05:00

Today I am in awe of the goodness of my God and King Jesus Christ. We have recently acquired a building to hold our worship services in. This is the great work of God that we would recevie a 7000 square foot facility for $0.00, that's right we paid nothing for it and it is ours. Praise be to God!

Once we looked around the building and noted the needs we have to be able to hold worship services there we realized that we needed a sound system. I set up a meeting for today with a rep. from our local music store to help us design a system that will serve us well. Conservative estimates for a sound system are from $10,000 - $15,000.

Well yesterday I received a phone call from Mike V. Mike indicated that he had been talking to Richard (our music rep) and learned that we needed a sound system. I told him that we did indeed need a system and the $10,000 - $15,000 to pay for it. The long and short of it is that Mike had a sound system sitting in storage collecting dust and he gave it to us to use for our worship services.

I am incredibly thankful for Mike's generosity, but I am in awe of the way in which the LORD has granted us favor in his eyes. As I prayed and prayed for God to provide for us I had great faith that he would though I did not know how he would do it. This has shown me once again of the need to step out in faith and ask God to give me eyes to see his hand at work.

I am in awe of my great God and I am thankful for my friend Mike for listening to the Holy Spirit speak to him.

I am psyched to watch as the LORD Jesus Christ plants Pointway Church in Brainerd / Baxter, MN.

HALLELUJAH

Tim Keller 1

2008-07-20T15:05:00.001-05:00

Time Keller 2

2008-07-20T15:03:00.000-05:00

Tim Keller 3

2008-07-20T15:02:00.001-05:00

Let's Go!

2008-07-20T14:58:00.000-05:00

That's My Boy!!!

2008-07-20T09:10:00.001-05:00

I Come Running

2008-07-18T20:14:00.000-05:00

Verse 1

Jesus I am blind be my light
Darkened in my mind be my wisdom
Bend my stubborn will to Your own
Open up my ears to hear Your Spirit
Melt my conscience once again
Help me hate the slightest sin
And when Satan comes to tempt me

Chorus 1

I come running to You when I fear when I'm tried
I come running to You to Your blood to Your side
And there my soul finds rest
There my soul finds rest in You

Verse 2

Shepherd of my soul lead me on
To the pastures green in Your scriptures
Make me to lie down by waters still
Fill me with Your peace in the tempest
I take my refuge in Your cross
By Your sacrifice I'm washed
And when Satan comes accusing

Verse 3

Once I was Your foe a slave to sin
A stranger to Your love a hopeless outcast
But You have brought me near
I'm bought with blood
Now I'm Your precious child an heir with Jesus
You pour heaven into my soul
Your wondrous love it overflows
And I marvel how You love me

Thursday Check Up

2008-07-17T21:33:00.000-05:00

Anne had a doctor's appointment today and it looks like the baby will come soon. In fact, we are scheduled for an induction next thursday. One way or another by this time next week our little one will be out of the womb and into our arms.

Another Day Pressing on in the Great Commission

2008-07-15T20:27:00.002-05:00

Every day is an adventure in church planting. I plan out my day and then keep my eyes open to see what the LORD will do. Today was a good day. We had a good visit at the doctor for Asher's 2 year check up. We found out that we received a significant donation for our up coming County Fair Outreach. We had a gifted musician join our mission to plant Pointway Church. I had an opportunity to talk to two teenage girls about the LORD. I also had a great afternoon playing with Asher in our yard. All this while Anne is on the verge of moving into labor. She has been having some contractions and we are hoping that things progress soon.

It is just another day pressing on in the Great Commission. Time will tell the significance of today's events, but one thing I know: the hand of God is upon me. I can not imagine doing anything else with my life than to be on mission with Jesus Christ as he builds his church watching the gates of hell fall as the gospel advances.

I head off to bed with joy in my heart and great thankfulness for all that the Lord has done in and through me. I also head off to bed know that I could awaken at any moment needing to take Anne to the hospital so she can give birth to our child. What a life! I love it!!! THANK Y0U JESUS

Asher's Birthday Party

2008-07-14T19:41:00.004-05:00

Happy Birthday Asher!!!

2008-07-13T06:31:00.003-05:00

Today we are celebrating Asher's 2nd Birthday. It is hard to believe that he is 2 already. It is amazing how much he has become a part of our lives in such a short time. We can not imagine what life was like without him. We praise God for you Asher and look forward to helping you become a man of God. Happy Birthday!

I AM SURE - AND I AM AMAZED!

2008-07-08T06:56:00.003-05:00

I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able o separate us form the love of God in Christ Jesus.

~Rom. 8:38

Baby is coming soon

2008-07-07T16:51:00.000-05:00

38 Weeks

Asher with Mommy and Daddy

2008-07-07T16:48:00.001-05:00

Political Engagement

2008-07-05T15:17:00.003-05:00

I am not one to spend much time engaging in politics, but yesterday I did in a very unique way. Pointway Church had a float in the fourth of July parade. We distributed 2500 gospel tracts and invites to our launch in September. The float right behind us in the parade was Norm Coleman. We gave them some candy and Norm asked us to be praying, to which I responded, "without ceasing". He looked puzzled, but appreciative.

At the end of the parade route as we were heading back to the staging area we passed by Al Franken and his group. I couldn't resist so I shouted out, "vote for Jesus". Al shouted back, "put him on the ballot. (it is no secret that Al is not supportive of the Christian church.) I shouted back, "every knee will bow down and every tongue will confess that Jesus is LORD. He is your King!"

And with that my political engagement ended. It was an interesting side note to a great day in which 2500 people received a gospel tract containing truth that can transform their lives for eternity.

37 Weeks

2008-06-30T20:21:00.002-05:00

Anne is 37 weeks and holding (not for long) and our friend Julie is 38 weeks. That is a whole lot of baby belly!!!

Anne's Birthday Dinner

2008-06-30T20:00:00.002-05:00

Meditate on the Cross

2008-06-30T14:28:00.000-05:00

Asher's Day at the Zoo

2008-06-30T14:07:00.009-05:00

Happy Birthday Anne!!!

2008-06-30T06:50:00.002-05:00

Today we are going to celebrate Anne's birthday by going to the zoo and eating Lou Malnati's pizza (the best pizza on the planet).

HAPPY 30TH BIRTHDAY ANNE - YOU ARE OFFICIALLY AN OLD LADY!

My Blog is One Year Old This Month

2008-06-29T21:27:00.000-05:00

Lets Celebrate by reposting my very first post!

Witnesses of the King

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.

Acts 1:8

Jesus, the friend of sinners - and so much more

2008-06-29T20:13:00.002-05:00

Christ isn't just our friend. To call him supremely that is to damn him with faint praise. He is our friend, but he is so much more! By his death on the cross Christ has become the lamb that was slain for us, our redeemer, the one who has made peace between us and God, who has taken our guilt on himself, who has conquered our most deadly enemies and has assuaged the personal, just wrath of God."
~Mark Dever

Thought Bomb

2008-06-29T06:36:00.004-05:00

"Any purported belief without change is nothing but a base counterfeit...To say you trust without living as though you do is not to trust in any biblical sense."
~ Mark Dever

"There is a common, worldly kind of Christianity in this day, which many have, and think they have enough - a cheap Christianity which offends nobody, and requires no sacrifice - which costs nothing, and is worth nothing."
~J.C. Ryle

Are you transformed in your inner most being or are you just like the world with a little self-righteous morality sprinkled into your life?

What Defines Your Life?

2008-06-28T06:55:00.002-05:00

The gospel cannot be preached and heard enough, for it cannot be grasped well enough...Moreover, our greatest task is to keep you faithful to this article and to bequeath this treasure to you when we die.
~Martin Luther

Refuse To Be Average!!!

2008-06-25T12:29:00.004-05:00

Live Blogging

2008-06-25T10:34:00.003-05:00

With the wonders of technology I have discovered that I can blog from my iPhone. I have decided that I will liveblog the upcoming birth of my baby that will occur sometime between now and the end of July.

Stay tuned! It should be fun!!!

Asher's Adventures

2008-06-25T10:12:00.010-05:00

Morning in the Erickson Household

2008-06-25T09:56:00.004-05:00

This morning was a typical one in the Erickson household. I woke up at 4:45 and spent some time praying and reading the Holy Scriptures. Anne and Asher woke up about 7:00 and we had our family devotions together. We decided to go for a walk, so we loaded up Asher and Grover in the wagon and walked around the block.

Then we had some breakfast. Anne had a bowl of cereal, Asher had a waffle and some fruit, while I took the leftover taco meat and beans from last nights dinner and made a quesadilla. Then I got ready and headed out for a day of gospel ministry in our community.

I love church planting. You never know what a day may bring. I am excited to see what the LORD will do today!

Soli Deo Gloria

Encouragement, and a Cattle Prod!

2008-06-23T15:59:00.006-05:00

I received this very encouraging e-mail from my fellow gospelizer Trevor this morning.

Hey guys, I just wanted remind every one to examine their hearts today. I was doing that this morning, and needed to scrap away layer upon layer of apathy. Thought may be some of you would be dealing with same. I want to encourage all of you to invite Godly people, who you respect to come along and help us grow this church! To help reach the lost, to help create a church where you don't need to be perfect, or be afraid to share your struggles with the pastor, or your bother and sisters in the church. The family of God needs to be realized, as there are times when our earthly families will let us down. But I would challenge all of you to go step outside your comfort zone today, and talk to that person or people you have been hesitant to. If you are just waiting for the right time, consider this your notice, Today is that day, and now is that time. Don't be afraid to share that love that saves you and I, with those who are searching. They may not realize that their actions are all pointing to the hole that is with in them, no matter how much of this world they throw in there, it will never be filled. We are the keepers of the well that never runs dry, that will fill the void in there lives.

Thanks for striving with me to plant a church that will be a light to those in darkness, that will be that well for those who thirst, that will be the safe haven when they are in need and will Point the way to Christ!

God bless!

Your Brother
Trevor

I would love to have a few more Trevor's on board!!!

A strange and sad observation

2008-06-23T15:50:00.003-05:00

I am finding that I am enjoying me time spent with non-believers more than I am with 'believers' these days. Why is this? I am not sure completely, but one thing I have noticed is that many of the non-believers I am interacting with are real people. They generally do not put up a front and pretend to be something that they are not.

Many (not all) of the Christians I have interacted with recently talk like followers of Jesus Christ, but they do not walk like Jesus Christ. This deeply saddens me. In fact, it grieves me to the core because these are the people that many of the non-believers talk about when I ask them about church and faith in Jesus Christ.

A big question is this. If that is what Christians live like, why should I become one?

Sometimes this is a cop out people throw up so that they do not have to face their sin, but it is also a legitimate question.

Really sad if you ask me. If you are a Christian and you are reading this BE REAL WITH YOUR FAITH OR QUIT PLAYING THE GAME!!!

Do You Know What A Rhetorical Question Is?

2008-06-22T07:22:00.001-05:00

If God is for us, who can be against us?
~Romans 8:31

Hallelujah

2008-06-17T20:32:00.000-05:00

Grandpa and Nana Came to Visit!

2008-06-17T17:14:00.002-05:00

Asher's Grandpa and Nana came to visit for a few days. Grandpa was in a generous mood and got Asher a new wagon. We put it together and went for a walk around the block. He loves is wagon. Though he can not decide which is more fun, riding in it or pulling it around.

Grandpa also got daddy a fishing boat so he can take Asher fishing. We are very excited to go fishing!!!

Thanks Grandpa and Nana! We love you!!! Come back and see us soon. We miss you!

Happy Flag Day

2008-06-14T14:25:00.002-05:00

Today is one of the greatest holidays ever.

FLAG DAY is a time to rejoice and celebrate!

I will be spending this wonderful FLAG DAY with my family at home. We are going to grill up some 1 lb. T-Bones and play in the yard...

Please share your favorite FLAG DAY memories with me in the comments section!

I Remember...

2008-06-12T06:27:00.002-05:00

I remember June 12, 1998

I remember the man I was before that day.
I remember the pain, the sorrow, the hate, the despair, the hopelessness.
I remember that man - a slave to sin, in bondage reveling in debauchery.
I remember wanting it to end, but being powerless.
I remember longing for something to hope in, something to free me.
I remember that day - June 12, 1998
I remember that I was on my own road to Damascus: a path of sin, death and destruction.
I remember the light that overcame me.
I remember the deep conviction of my sin that crushed me.
I remember the sobbing and the weeping at the realization of what my sin produced.
I remember the understanding of the wrath of God rightly resting upon me.
I remember the fear and terror of that realization.
I remember the joy and relief at the revelation of your grace in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I remember understanding that Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay the penalty of my sin.
I remember the tears of sorrow in godly grief that lead to repentance.
I remember feeling the Holy Spirit come into me.
I remember the new eyes with which I began to see the world.
I remember the overwhelming compulsion to share the gospel with anyone who would listen to me urge them to repent and believe.
I remember the path that You set before me. A path filled with trials and tribulations; a path that brought suffering and opposition; A path of glory fueled by the Holy Spirit and driven by the Gospel.
I remember and I am encouraged to press on in the calling that I have received.

In remembering

I will seek You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength Father.
I will walk this path You have set before me with passion and zeal for Your glory.
I will give my last breath in service to the Kingdom of God.
I will give my life as a slave of Christ Jesus.
I will meditate on the gospel of grace daily.

Hallelujah I am free in Jesus Christ

I Remember You - Third Day

Love?

2008-06-11T15:42:00.003-05:00

I just finished reading the first chapter of Mark Dever's book The Gospel & Personal Evangelism. I like what this book is doing to me, but it is a bit painful. The first chapter is titled Why We Don't Evangelize?

Dever has a section in this chapter in which he challenges the reader to Plan To Stop Not Evangelizing and he give twelve steps to implement that plan: pray, plan, accept, understand, be faithful, risk, prepare, look, love, fear, stop and consider.

The following is from the section on love:

We are called to love others. We share the gospel because we love people. And we don't share the gospel because we don't love people. Instead, we wrongly fear them. We don't want to cause awkwardness. We want their respect, and after all, we figure, if we try to share the gospel with them, we'll look foolish! and so we are quiet. We protect our pride at the cost of their souls. In the name of not wanting to look weird, we are content to be complicit in their being lost...

...As Jesus said, 'Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks'. How much evangelism do we find flowing our of our mouths? What does that suggest about our love for God?

These are some difficult words to hear and many will not ask themselves the hard question. Rather, they justify their inaction and lack of evangelism.

The greatest act of love you can ever show a person is to share the life transforming message of the gospel of Jesus Christ with people.

Let us stop excusing ourselves and start loving the LORD we claim to serve. I must go now and repent and then seek to share Christ with someone in this coffee shop.

A Good Book

2008-06-11T14:21:00.004-05:00

Engaging with the Holy Spirit by Graham Cole

I was really eager to read this book for two reasons. First, because there is a great need for clear teaching on the Holy Spirit in our day. Second, because I had the privilege of studying under Dr. Cole while I attended Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.

The book seeks to answer six questions regarding the Holy Spirit:

What is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit?
How may we resist the Holy Spirit?
Ought we to pray to the Holy Spirit?
How do we quench the Holy Spirit?
How do we grieve the Holy Spirit?
How does the Holy Spirit fill us?

Along with good straightforward teaching on the Holy Spirit, Dr. Cole also gives us a lesson in theological method. I found this book to be greatly helpful in my own understanding and a great benefit as I teach others on how to live a Spirit-filled life.

I highly recommend it!

Read the forward, introduction and first chapter.

A Quote to Make You Think

2008-06-11T11:04:00.006-05:00

Theology and doctrine make life simpler. They protect us from reading verses out of context, restricting our diet to our favorite passages, and making decisions based on impulse rather than truth. They put meat on concepts we tend to use mindlessly like, glory, gospel, salvation, and love. They help us understand what we're actually doing every Sunday. What complicates life is not doctrine but ignorance of doctrine.

-taken from Worship Matters, p. 31.

Thunder?

2008-06-11T10:47:00.003-05:00

Over the past few days we have been hearing some strange thunder. It has been raining off and on for the past few days so we figured that it was part of the weather. Today we discovered what the thunder really is.

We live about five miles away from Fort Ripley and they are having drills this week. the 'thunder' we have been hearing is man made. They are blowing stuff up down there and we can feel it. When they explode their bombs our house shakes. Its pretty cool!