Part Fourteen: Where is Your Faith?

There are two things that 'kill' a Gospel preaching ministry to the world, the first is a hardened heart and the second is disbelief; such are the final nails in the coffin. over hte years I have seen many spirit-inspired men, whom later became well-known pastors, preach on the streets of San Francisco, whom now have large and successful congregations here in Sacramento, some whom even serve on evangelistic boards of a street preaching ministry in San Francisco; but to ask these same men today to join in (or even verbally support) preaching the Gospel is like pulling teeth. These men often say "Been there done that.", and they will give you every reason in their bean-counting book on why it isn't effective to preach the Gospel out on the street or go witnessing, but the real reason is that they have hardened their heart and their faith is lacking. Many times these are the very people whom oppose the preaching of the Gospel the most, most notably through their through their puffed-up and regurgitated sermons.

"Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen." Mark 16:14

God has appeared to all of us through the power of the Gospel, and those whom go forth and preach proclaim repentance and remission of sins to all those will believe. Likewise He chastens those whom He loves to have faith, believeing that when we accurately preach the Gospel from the Scriptures it has the power to convert the hardest of hearts. It is always effective when the Gospel of Jesus Christ is preached.

"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." Mark 16:15-16

Jesus did not say: "go ye into a church each Sunday, tithe and spend the rest of your days in hibernation.", nor did He say: "bring the world into the Church" (bad company corrupts good judgement). Instead He emphatically said: "go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature". This is a great and high command and a wonderful privledge to be called ot preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ... our Lord, our King and our God. Let no man steal your joy; when you go out go with boldness, proclaiming repentance from sin and remission of sin through Jesus Christ. Do not be put off if no man will go with you, even Paul the Apostle said once that no man would stand up with him, but that the Lord was with him. Likewise the Lord is with us, even when we feel at our faintest.

"Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." 2 Corinthians 12:10

Steven Styles - 5/30/2008

Effective Ministry - Part 13: The Devil's Role (A)

A solider does not go into battle without knowing his enemy, nor does he plan a mission without intel on the enemy's movements and position. As Christians, we should not think ourselves to be so wise and not know, or be concerned with the evil workings of the Devil and his minions. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places]." Ephesians 6:12

I suspect most modern, professing Christians, when reading this passage of Scripture, do not get far past the words: "We wrestle not...". In fact, most of modern Christians may have 20 Spiritual swords (Bibles) in their homes with which to fight the enemy, but have not learned the skill and artistry to wield them. This is one of the chief goals of the Devil within modern Christendom: to foster a weak, inept church ruled by their own flesh.

We, however, whom are Christians understand there is always a spiritual dynamic when we take up our cross and follow Christ.

The Devil works within the realms of the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye and the pride of life; these are areas as Christians that we must be super-sensitive towards the Spirit in, when we feel we are being tempted. "For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." 1 John 2:16-17

The Devil is the king of fear, and preys on our weaknesses and sins. The devil is a murderer, a liar and the father of all lies. "Ye are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it." John 8:44

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:" 1 Peter 5:8

Effective Ministry - Part 13: (B1) Rebuking the Devil

Matthew 4: Jesus, Himself, was tempted by the Devil with the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye and the pride of

life. In verse 4, Jesus answers the Devil out of his own words from Deuteronomy, "But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."

This is the first time we see Jesus dealing with the Devil; by rebuking the enemy with The Word, He lays down the very doctrine in how we, as Christians doing effective ministry, are to deal with the Devil and his minions. Bread alone will not defeat the Devil; we must use the words of the One and Living God. Like Israel before they received manna from heaven, the Lord allows us to be hungry, that we may partake of the Bread of Life, and we defeat the enemy by faith and God's Word.

Jesus, in the face of temptation, rebukes the Devil with God's word and God's word alone, laying down a pattern for us on how we are to rebuke the scheme of the father of lies, by faith and God's word.
"And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every [word] that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live." Deuteronomy 8:3

Effective Ministry - Part 13: (B2) Hungering After God's Word

"And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither

did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every [word] that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live." Deuteronomy 8:3

It is God whom allows us to become hungry, that we may depend on Him for all our sustinance. God, through His Word, has broken us and made us new through His redeeming work; as spiritual Israelites, we have only to go look for the manna that He has provided for us through His word. There is not a single, healthy baby that comes into this world not hungry for food. Likewise, all true believers hunger for God's word. All false believers do not.

As Christians, we always have our flesh to deal with, and this is where the Devil does his work: he begins to tempt us with other things, speaking into our ear that there is more to life than God's Word. This is what befell Israel as they wandered the desert, eating God's provisions of manna in the morning and quail at night. However, the people wanted the fish of the Nile, the melons, onions and cucumbers of Egypt, saying "we have only this manna on the ground". God's wrath was kindled against them, and made them eat flesh for thirty days, and brought a plague upon them even as the food was in their mouths; His wrath came upon them because they desired food from a source other than God. (Numbers 11)

God cares today for His people, the Church, as much as He did then; but, when we desire sources of spiritual nourishment, other than God's Word, His wrath is kindled against us. A hunger for God's Word is essential to effective ministry, of which the Lord's annointing comes upon you and obedience follows by faith. Thus is how we effectively extinguish the flaming arrows of the Devil.

Effective Ministry - Part Thirteen: (B3) Obedience, the Antidote to the Devil's Infection

"What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you?" James 4:1

Ongoing quarrels and fights show the motivation of one's heart, that one is lusting after the things of this earth. James does not waste time in trying to mediate a quarrel, telling two parties to 'come to a common ground'; he simply tells them that they possess wicked desires and thus is the reason they are fighting among themselves. In other words, in this particular case both parties are guilty because the longing for worldly pleasure is more important than their love for The Church.

James does not rebuke Brethren here for debating Scripture, but talks of those whom are covetous and full of lusts.

"You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God." James 4:2

James elaborates a little more on his point, going so far as to say they have killed; this may be literal or figurative to the doctrine that John laid out, inspired by the Spirit of God: "Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him." 1 John 3:15.

One of the key components of disobedience, and that empowered by Satan, is one whom says he is in Christ but hates the Brother that he claims to love. By hatred of the Brethren through envy and strife the Devil tries to divide the Body of Christ.

"When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." James 4:3

These covetous men are consumed by their pleasures and think on them day and night; when they approach the Lord, they do so with only their pleasures in mind. With long, extended and eloquent prayers, they go on and on, asking for things which are amiss. Instead of being obedient, they become tools of Satan, to waste time and distract the true saints away from seeking the Lord.

"You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God." James 4:4

These people are adulterous in their hearts towards God, claiming to be the Bride of Christ and yet being a whore, having all the outward attributes of a chaste virgin. If that wasn't good enough, with spoiled doctrines they have bedecked others with many heavy jewels and metals, but such have becomes burdens that they themselves cannot bear. Jude describes them like cloud with no rain, as if one is in the desert with a tremendous thirst and hoping for just a drop of water to fall on you that you may be refreshed; yet the cloud merely teases you with it's appearance, and gives no comfort, and save the Lord intervene, you are left to rot. Because of their disobedience, these people become agents for the Devil and his schemes.

This verse states that we, as Christians, cannot be friends with the world. Such a friendship will compromise our walk with Christ. James refers to more than just having friends within the world, but speaking of the entire ideology of the world, that we are to be separate from it. When the world views us by our neighbors and by our co-workers, that they see we are different and set apart, that we have not partaken of their ideology and devilish pleasure, but abhor such things. Clearly, this remands Christians from making friends with the world in order to 'witness'; such 'friendship evangelism' is cowardly, dishonest and corrupt and is completely disobedient to the Scriptures.

"Or do you think Scripture says without reason that the spirit he caused to live in us envies intensely?" James 4:5

God, in His infinite love for the Church and his people, is one whom is possessive and jealous. So much so that He saw the sins of the world and sent His only begotten son to bear our sin upon the Cross. "For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present [you as] a chaste virgin to Christ." 2 Cr. 11:2

God will not share us with anyone else; we are His bride and we have been perfected through the atoning work of Christ and empowered by His Spirit, to walk obediently; the Devil because of his intense hatred and evil jealously of us, does his best to stumble us by introducing 'new and improved', hip bridegrooms. The enemy entices with gifts and betrothal rings, which are nothing more than lifeless idols.

The true Bride, however stays chaste, like the wise virgins making certain the lamps are full of oil and ready. When the foolish, disobedient, Satanically-inspired virgins come and beg oil of us, for they were not ready, we must refuse them... lest we denied by our Lord.

Effective Minstry - Part Thirteen: (B4) Resist the Devil

"But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6

To the rigtheous, those of us whom live righteouss because we walk obedienctly to Christ becuase of His power and Spirit, He show grace; where sin abounds Grace abouds all the more. When we sin, we have an advocate with the Father on our behalf, to whom we can go, confess our sins and be forgiven. And, dare I propose, I do not believe the Lord is concerned with the amount of sin that one may commit, but of our attitude of repentance and our heart's condition, with one possible exception of the sins mentioned in 1 Corinithians 6:9-10, which are describe people committing certain sins and continuously, that such will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

For as the Scriptures say, God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." James 4:7

When we feel the breath of the Devilish beast upon our neck, and perceive his readiness to maim us and kill us, and fear begins to take hold of our heart, let us trust in Christ, knowing that we are His and the Devil is under the control of God, Himself; God will not allow one hair of our head to be harmed if He so desires. When we feel the temptations or the flaming darts fo the Decvil, let us stand our ground with the sheild of faith, the helmet of salvation, the breatplate of righteouness and oppose the enemy with the sword of Truth.

Effective Ministry - Part Thirteen: (B5) Seeking Humility

"Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you

double‑minded." James 4:8

The Lord is always near to those whom are in Christ. We have but to call on His name, with our heart being one of contrition, realizing our position as finite beings: corrupted by sin at birth, deserving Hell and to be thrown into the lake of Fire, but yet, through Jesus Christ, we are granted eternal life in the Kingdom of God. Where wrath was justified, Mercy was given.

So, when we come to God, our hands are washed clean, and our hearts purified through His wonderful works and His Word. And, being inpsired by the Spirit we repent and obey. Thusly, we resist the Devil and he flees.
"Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." James 4:9-10

Many times God does His best work in us in our greatest pain, as if God speaks the loudest when we are hurting the most. Much grief can be equated with God's blaring voice, that we may hear and obey and be comforted, and find hope and peace. This is contrary to the Devil, whom does his best work when we are comfortable, whispering in our ear to take our pleasures while we can. Knowing this, we must always be on guard, but especially when things are going well for us.

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:" 1 Peter 5:8

The devil does not seek humiliy, but seeks to be immediately lifted up, and likewise those whom follow the neemy and his lies seek not to be humble, but seeks to keep men down, weighed by their sins.

As Christians, when the time is right, either on our death or when the Lord returns, we shall be lifted up from our flesh and made new; while we wait, the Lord will lift up our countenance and will avenge us to our enemies, for the Lord promises: "vengenace is mine; I will recompense."

Steven Styles - 5/29/2008

Part12 - Wasting Time

One thing we must avoid is wasting time. When we do ministry, it shoud be effective and have Eternal benefits. Today, there are aimless ministries which seem adept at wasting time; they make a great show for all to see, but in reality they just spasmatically beat the air.

Some examples of this are basketball-type 'minstries', where we all get together and slam dunkin' shoot hoops for Christ; in reality it should be called 'bolster-the-ego-ministry'. It merely wastes time building a 'good' veneer. Other examples: karate-type ministries which claim to spread the Gospel, but instead they waste time 'kickin' ass' for Jesus; ministries that specifically concentrate on preaching only to the given-over sodomites; attending a Sunday service in which you spend two hours at, in which you do not fellowship with Brethren, or edify the Brethren nor preach the Gospel. One of my pet peeves is the infamous 'After-church-let's-watch-the-Superbowl-for-Jesus (alcohol and smoke free) Party'. Aren't those lascivious ads great? Let's enjoy them together.

"Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every [branch] that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit." John 15:2

The fact is that if your ministry does not produce fruit, God promises it will be taken away.

Part 12: Vain Building

Psalm 127:1 "Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it..."

Today's Christendom probably has more ministry going on than at any other time in history; we have more churches, Christian books, papers, studies, even Christian video games... right down to the 'Christian Faith' Master Card. We have mega-churches which make the Vatican seem puny. I am certain that if you asked most folks in America today they would most likely say they do believe in God, and either had a Christian origin or are currently calling themselves Christians.

So, Christendom today has become a kind of mega-global corporation, in which billions of dollars are filtered through the guise of non-profits to the hands of corrupt men; and, there is big money to be made, and many have profited handsomly.

However, at no other point in Amercian history have we seen more lascivious and wicked behavior than at this time. The very fibres of our society have begun to unravel, and the only answer from the churches on this issue is to comfort those in thier sin in some vague hope that they may 'see the moral light', when they themselves live contrary. Consequently, Christendom as a whole, here in America, has become inept, impotent and fat. Yes, modern Christianity has labored and labored much, but the labor has been in vain, instead working for conceited, decadent and perverted ends.

"Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The broad walls of Babylon shall be utterly broken, and her high gates shall be burned with fire; and the people shall labour in vain, and the folk in the fire, and they shall be weary." Jer. 51:58

American modern christendom has taken the one talent from the master, and instead of investing it in the Kingdom and earning interest, they have buried it in the things of this Earth, which are perishing. Jesus told the Laodiceans: "Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent." Revalations 3:17-19

Steven Styles - 5/28/2008

Effective Ministry Series: Part 11 - Training

Our walk should be one which encompasses our ministry; it is not just something we do from 9-5, 40 hours a week,

but is ingrained in our very fibre from the moment we are Born Again. Paul refers to our walk with Christ as one may run in a race, to win the prize.

"Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." 1 Corinthians 9:25-27

The way we train for this race is by beating our flesh into submission. When I played football as a youth, one of the copious ways our coach would prepare us for the inevitable Overtime-trying-to-get-the-three-pointer-play was to run the bleachers; some of us would run so much we'd puke. Another way we'd train was to run a Big 1600 yard warm-up, where we'd sprint a hundred yards, and think "that was a piece of cake"; then we'd run backwards a hundred yards; then we'd crawl a hundred yards, and do up-downs for a hundred yards. Then we'd repeat the process, again and again... until we had acheived the 1600 yard objective. Not to mention an additional hour of weight training, and stretches and other excersizes relatied to our place on the field. All to prepare us for the possible forth-quarter or overtime win.

And yes, as Christians we run to win the prize, not for our salvation (for there is nothing we can do to attian Salvation) but, we run in obedience to our Lord, from whence comes many disciplines and 1600 pre-warm-ups. Depending on our gifts, which God has given us, He has set forth a custom-made rigorous training program to hep us stay the course, lest our work be futile.

Steven Styles - 5/27/2008

Preaching at the Jazz Jubilee, Sacramento:  5/23 - 5/26

It was a great blessing and honor to be able to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We passed out several thousand tracts and Brother Chris did a lot of open-air preaching and was joined by his son Matt in handing out tracts. Brothers from the Jesus People were out preaching with us; Jews for Jesus also was out preaching and on the last day of the Jubilee, a group from SOS ministries came out as well. SOS is an evangelistic ministry in San Francisco preaching in that city for approximately 35 years; the ministry is run by Larry Rosenbaum, a man whom has been instrumental in training hundreds, if not thousands of brethren to preach the Gospel over the years.

 It was great encouragement to see so many brethren out preaching, who see the need to communicate the Gospel to the lost and to extol the name of Jesus Christ. We understand that broad is the road which leads unto destruction, for those whom do not believe in Jesus Christ as Lord. Out of love for God’s word and in obedience by faith we have committed ourselves to preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which demonstrates true love.

 Not all ‘Christians’ feel this way; many feel satisfied with merely attend a church service once a week. In many cases, this attendance is a compensation of sorts for sins committed during the week, as if attending services on Sunday is somehow receiving a wafer from a priest or stepping into a confessional booth. Many among said group feel that open-air preaching and the passing out of Gospel literature “chases people away from belief in Christ”, as one supposed ‘Christian’ said to a brother from SOS ministries out preaching with us. Almost 20 years ago, when I was a new believer I felt similarly, that open-air preaching did more harm than good… but I was ignorant of the Scriptures. Paul the Apostle, whom wrote 2/3 of the New Testament (inspired by God) convinced me otherwise.

The Scriptures (God’s Word being the final authority) say this: “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where [is] the wise? Where [is] the scribe? Where [is] the disputer of this world? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.” 1 Corinthians 1:18-21

Steven Styles - 5/27/2008

Effective Ministry Series - Part Ten:

Many ministries today are self-seeking and self-indulging, often set up to make gain of the sheep and their fruit is evident of such. "But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God." Acts 20:24

As Paul, we must not count our lives so dear to ourselves that we may be effective ministers.... but not for: (A.) worldly-gain, (B.) self-service, (C.) making an idol of family, (D.) the pleasures of the world, (E.) hypocrisy & outward appearance, (F.) accusation, (G.) idleness or (H.) self-indulgence.

No minister should live a lavish life or a life of ease; if you are a minister whom has become wealthy off the sheep, then your gain is a shame to you. One of the signs of a false prophet is making gain of the sheep."Dishonest gain" (Titus 1:11), "false prophets...false teachers" (2 Peter 2:1-3), "multitude of merchandise" (Ezekiel 28:16), "prophets for money" (Micah 3:11), "gain the whole world but lose his soul" (Matthew 16:26, Mark 8:36, Luke 9:25). In Jesus' ministry, the two times He became violent were when He saw that His father's house had become a den of thieves (Mark 11:15-17) and a place of merchandise (John 2:14-17).

When faced with a covetous church, Paul went out of his way to refuse money from them, instead worked himself to support his own needs. "And when I was with you and needed something, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what I needed. I have kept myself from being a burden to you in any way, and will continue to do so." 2 Cornithains 11:9

"Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you? I desired Titus, and with [him] I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? [walked we] not in the same steps?" 2 Corinthians 12:17&18

Paul worked with his own two hands to support himself while doing ministry. "I have not coveted anyone's silver or gold or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” Acts 20:33-35

As ministers we do have the right to collect for our needs, and I am not negating that... however, when we are being supported by preaching we have no right to live lavishly. In fact, Paul, when it came to the covetous and lavish cornthians, said he would rather die than collect money from them, and righteously boasted about not collecting from them. "If others have this right of support from you, shouldn't we have it all the more? But we did not use this right. On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ. Don't you know that those who work in the temple get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar? In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel. But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing this in the hope that you will do such things for me. I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of this boast."

Because Paul did not collect from the Corinthians, he was able to speak freely and as he stated: "Be that as it may, I have not been a burden to you. Yet, crafty fellow that I am, I caught you by trickery!" 2 Corinthians 12:16

In this Day and age I believe we have a visible church which is corrupted by greed and covetousness, and we should nto collect a dime from time, so that we are not sucked into such corruption, instead being able to speek freely. This just may build up our faith, havingt o rely on God to provide our needs,outside the temple.

"For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses." 1 Timothy 6:10-12

Self-Service: Part Ten (B.)

Annanias & Sapphira are classic examples of this; they made an outward show of religious piety, but lied to the Holy Spirit. (Acts 5) They sold a piece of land and kept back part of the profit for themselves and brought the rest to Peter, making a pretence that they brought the whole amount the land sold for.

This is a warning, to those whom are in minsitry; if we are going to boast of giving we better make sure we are giving all we say we are, whether it be of our time, our labor, or our money... our boast must be true and accurate, not distorting the facts for our own benefit, lest we be found lying to the Holy Spirit. By the way, Annanias and Sapphira were struck dead by the Holy Spirit, because they lied.

Family Worship: Part Ten (C.1)

Christendom as of late, seeing the direction of the modern perverse culture and devious hatred of godly principles, or anything to do with morality, has attempted to counter-act such depravity with 'family values'; in principle this is fine, but it did not stop at family values, but began the institution of the Religion of Family. This is evident with ministries like 'Focus on the Family' whose title says it all; instead of focusing on Christ, the focus is consumed with family matters, wrapped in modern psychology. Another example is 'Family Life'; it is only God whom provides and sustains life.

A lot of these so-called ministries have built their focus on platforms which are not based on Biblical principles, evidences by the man-created religious traditions, other that what Christ taught, and the love of such traditions verses the Love of God. "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes [shall be] they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me." Mathew 10:34-37

The sin that is committed is that of idolatry, making the family an idol, not looking to the Lord for solutions but instead to man's wisdom, man's theology and man's understanding.

Family Worship: Part Ten (C.2)

"[As for] my people, children [are] their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead

thee cause [thee] to err, and destroy the way of thy paths. The LORD standeth up to plead, and standeth to judge the people." Isaiah 3:12&13

Feminism (or in other words women ruling over the men) is the 'dry rot' of the church, slowly but surely destroying the structure and foundation, making it weak and anemic. Although the gates of hell will never prevail against the Church, feminism will always take out the phony believers, oppose the Truth and cause undo stress for the saints. It may just be the strongest tool that the Devil is using in modern christianity against those whom are trying to serve Christ, either taking them out through illicit relationships outside of marriage or destroying marriage itself, creating such bitterness among men and women that they are no longer useful for the service of the Lord, having disqualified themselves through disobedience. Worst of all, it causes men to begin to lose their first Love, thus becoming cold and indifferent towards their fellow Brethren.

For this reason, in my opinion, Feminism today is the chief opposition of those whom preach the Gospel; it enslaves women to the pursuit their desires, of which they never satisfied, taking on burdens they were not intended to bear, which they ultimately grow to loathe completely.

As a result of men's authority being removed in 'modern Christendom', there is friction and rebellion in marriages and power struggles of who is going to lead the home; the Scripture clearly put this responsibility on the man, whom is the head of his house, whom is responsible for his wife’s and children’s actions and should be held accountable for any inability to lead with Scriptures.

The modern idea of marital counseling is decidedly unbiblical; nowhere in the Scriptures will you find Jesus, Paul the Apostle or any other apostle, any of the old testament prophets, Moses, or Abraham practicing in the secular art of marriage counseling. The Scriptures speak generally or corporately to or about marriage and of roles of wives and husbands within the Body of Christ. No where do you find marriage counseling/intervention into a marriage, save for one possible example: Ananias and Sapphira, where the Apostle Peter called into question their offering, they lied and were struck dead by the Holy Spirit as a result. This even was not about their marriage, but of their holding back a portion of what they had promised as a couple, and then lying to the Holy Spirit.

The practice of marriage counseling has not led to the success of marriages but has instead led to the further success of feminism, oppressive children and homosexuality. As a result, the tentacles of feminism have all but choked out most 'ministries' today, trading good, Biblical hermeneutics for feeling, emotions and bad doctrine. For this reason, feminism is the chief platform on which the family idol sits.

Seeking Worldly Pleasure: Part Ten (D.)

Seeking the pleasures of this world is not a new phenomenon. Moses knew that the reproach of Christ had greater

riches than all the treasure in Egypt; he did not seek the pleasures of the world, but instead chose to follow God. (Heb. 11:24-26)

Many think that they can have their pleasures and as well as be named as servants of God; in other words, they want the Spirit but not the Cross. They want to experience the power of God, but they refuse to lift a finger to do anything. Worst of all they think that getting pleasure here and now is somehow a sign of their 'godliness', as seen in the modern name-it-and-claim-it type movements.

Jesus gave us a warning: those whom go on with Christ are not those whom seek the pleasures of this world. The seed sown among the thorns grew, but was soon choked out by the deceitfulness of riches and the cares of the world. (Matthew 13:22) Many Christians today have been choked out, all the while claiming they have some form of godliness or a ministry, but these are empty of the Holy Spirit.

"Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed..." (2 Timothy 4:9-10)

Like Demas or John Mark, those whom love this present world will not stick around to preach the Gospel and tend to leave, or even lead people away on various rabbit trails.

Idleness: Part Ten (E.)

Ministries that once saw the hand of God upon them begin to lose their effectiveness when experiencing ease and comfort, become slothful... not addressing the decay and dry rot which slowly creeps in. With a little bit of folding of the hand and shutting of the eye towards sinful leaven entering into the camp, poverty of spirit comes upon them. Idleness causes the structure to collapse after a period of neglect. "By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through." Ecc. 10:18

Idleness is a slow killer to any ministry; it does not necessarily mean you are doing nothing, but more that you have become proud and fat. Like gluttons whom overindulge, not knowing the meaning of need, with lavish increase their pleasures are not satisfied, and their eyes are weary of riches. These find themselves continually burnt-out of the things of God because they are focused on indulgence and riches, thus becoming spiritually idle. "Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint." Proverbs 23:4; "...put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony." Proverbs 23:2

As in the case of Sodom, much idleness leads to lasciviousness and hell-inspired perversions. "Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fullness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy." Ezekiel 16:49

Ministries infected with idleness become filled with people whom live to gossip and meddle, causing division among brethren and ultimately attempting to undermine the Church from its very foundation by despising Christ, their Lord and Maker. "And withal they learn [to be] idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not." 2 Timothy 5:13

This is intrinsic to why modern christendom here in America is so anemic and weak: we are fat, happy and idle. The visible church is fast decaying and at the final stages of breakdown, the structure being all but completely compromised. The shepherds, whom were charged to oversee the flocks, have become proud, riddled with lasciviousness and some even caught in the most shameful and vile of sins. It would have been better for most of these pastors to work with their own two hands, rather than to accept the money of corruption from those whom do not have a heart towards Christ, but towards their own pleasures. "For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake." Titus 1:11-12 (used in the present tense, Paul is speaking directly to the church today)

Idle pastors are like trees which can produce fruit, but do not. "For if these things be in you, and abound, they make [you that ye shall] neither [be] barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins." 2 Peter 1:8-9

In turn, the idle people of modern christendom have becomes gossips, tearing the true Brethren to shreds, causing evil dissension and going from house to house destroying marriages. Those whom are slothful and idle will not inherit the promise of Faith.

"For God [is] not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises." Hebrews 6:10-12

Steven Styles - 5/26/2008

Effective Ministry - Part Nine

7. The love for God's word produces faith: "So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Romans 10:17

A man whom walks by faith shows evidence of the Love of God in his life, by the fact that he trusts in the Lord for his provisions and that He will fulfill His promises. This man believes God's word, and in it places his hope and trust; he believes by faith, not seeing the promise. "These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of [them], and embraced [them], and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth." Hebrews 11:13

A man whom walks by faith has peace. "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." Romans 5:1-5

The man whom walks by faith ultimately believes in Jesus Christ as Lord and ruler over him, even unto the point of death. "They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and [in] mountains, and [in] dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect." Hebrews 11:37-40

Steven Styles - 5/22/2008

6. As ministers of Love, ambassadors of the Gospel, guardians of the flock, teachers and preachers, one of the most important jobs is to guard the flock of God. "Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight [thereof], not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over [God's] heritage, but being ensamples to the flock." 1 Peter 5:3

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:" 1 Peter 5:8

"For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them." Acts 20: 29&30

A good pastor oversees his flock and its spiritual condition, testing the fruit and keeping away the wolves. "If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, [even] the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself." 1 Timothy 6:3-5

"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit." Matthew 7:16&17

When you find open and corrupt fruit you expel it from among you. "Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret." Eph. 5:11&12; "...having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them." 2 Timothy 3:5 ; "... Spots [they are] and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:" 2 Peter 2:13&14

This is true love to care for God's flock, for as Jesus whipped and scourged the money changers out from His temple, so likewise we must aggressively toss out anyone who'd turn the house of God into a den of thieves or attempt to hurt His little ones. "And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise." John 2:15&16

Now, I am not advocating violence, but diligence; when you see grievous or open sin among you, you must act quickly, for as the Scriptures say, "A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump." Galations 5:9

"And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name [was] Barjesus... But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. Then Saul, (who also [is called] Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, [thou] child of the devil, [thou] enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord [is] upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand." Acts 13: 6-11

"For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person." 1 Cornthians 5:12&13

As ministers of His Gospel and those whom edify His Body, God has charged us and so this charge should be our continual creed: "In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage–with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry." 2 Timothy 4:1-5 "Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching." 1 Timothy 4:13

Paul instructs Timothy, in what is often referred to as the 'pastors epistles', to endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist and set up men for ministry and to devotedly read the Scriptures publicly.

Steven Styles - 5/21/2008

Effective Ministry Series - Part Seven

5. Our walk of love demonstrates the work of the Holy Spirit within us, our faith, our heart towards God, and ultimately shows that we have been taught sound doctrine. The basic aspect of our walk as Christians, and the beginning of any ministry we perform, is showing love towards our brethren as we serve Christ. "We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not [his] brother abideth in death." 1 John 3:14

"Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, [see that ye] love one another with a pure heart fervently:" 1 Peter 1:22

If the love of the brethren does not exist in your ministry, then your ministry is not led or empowered by the Spirit of God, regardless of what kind of services you produce. "And though I have [the gift of] prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed [the poor], and though I give my body to be burned, and have not love, it profiteth me nothing." 1 Corinthians 13:2-3

Showing love towards the brethren exhibits not only the work of God in our hearts but also the strength of our ministry in Christ, and sound doctrine, which permeates and unites the Church. "Finally, [be ye] all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, [be] pitiful, [be] courteous:" 1 Peter 3:8

When the love of a body of believers grows cold, that church becomes anemic and self-serving; not that religion will not thrive, but the love for God and His word dwindles to extinction, save for the remnant God keeps to Himself. "And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" Luke 18:7-8

Steven Styles - 5/20/2008

Are you happy?

I recently read some statements by Jay Leno regarding how very spoiled we are in the United States.  As he pointed out, even though we have so much to be grateful for, we complain about everything and are generally very unhappy with our circumstances, blaming our government for the many woes we experience daily.

Then I read in the Sacramento Bee how happy the homosexuals are today when they found out they will be allowed to marry under California law. I see their joyous faces as they shout with triumph and exhilaration at the state´s Supreme Court ruling.   

I compare this with the faces of those who rejoice when their team wins at soccer, or basketball, or football. They look exactly the same. I remember this look on the crowds during the hippie movement, or the Jesus movement  Or when we won the war. Or women got the vote  The look of liberation. We can see historical photographs with many such crowds.

Then there are the photographs of the rest of the story  Not so happy anymore. I suppose much unhappiness is caused by brief thrills of joy dispelled by long stretches of reality  Reality is  God is going to judge us by our works. Whether or not the California Supreme Court and governor Arnold Schwarzenegger agree together to topple what is good.  Homosexuality is perversion of God´s creation and those who practice it or promote it will perish under God´s judgment. 

This is why they are so unhappy all the time. They are under God´s judgment presently and await the hell coming for them. They may get high for a few moments by misusing sex, drugs, or other God-given things, but because they use these things to defile themselves, God will destroy them both body and soul. 

Happy is he who is sad now, said Jesus. He has true happiness knowing he is bound for glory even though he must put up with evil for the present time. In the end, he will meet his Lord and enter in the joy prepared for him before the world was made. 

So let us be content with what we have. If we struggle to get more, then we may wind up as practicing things that will exclude us from the kingdom of God ourselves, whether or not we call ourselves Christians.  We know that no sexually immoral person, or a person who relishes filthiness, or a greedy person, will be going to heaven. So if we want to be happy, separate from such and follow Christ.

Chris Simonson - 5/19/2008

Effective Ministry Series- Part Six

4. As Christians we should examine our so-called love. One of the fruits of love is this: longsuffering... meaning slow to avenge wrongs, constant, enduring and perseverant. In other words, we should not be quick to do evil when we are wronged. Another fruit of love is simply showing kindness, not 'uppity' or self-conceited. Love is never envious, boiling with hatred or anger. Love is not covetous, wanting your neighbor's wife or possessions, or even coveting your Brother's walk with the Lord.

Love does not exaggerate of one's self-importance. The fruit of love is not proud and lofty. The fruit of love is not un-sociable, un-becoming, discourteous or improper. The fruit of love is not being self-consumed or having continual self-interest, self-indulgence or self-gratification; the fruit of love is not being consumed with the health and/or well-being of one's physical body.

The fruit of love is not being easily provoked, too easy to burn with anger or scorn. Love thinks no evil; it is not a depraved thing, and does not think of sexual relations, whether physical or emotional, outside of marriage. True, godly love has nothing to do with sexual sin.

Love is not concerned about keeping an account of evil. Love does not rejoice in any iniquity, nor does it take pleasure in any sin, whether fornication, adultery, murder, homosexuality, covetousness or any other depravity. Such are not love, and are absolutely contrary to the Love of God.

The fruit of Love rejoices in the Truth, God's Holy word as spelled out in the Bible; Love opposes the superstitions of pagans and the corruption of false teaching. The fruit of Love is enduring all things patiently. Love believes all things, meaning ‘to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ).

Love hopes all things, (hopes: ‘elpizo’, meaning ‘to expect or confide, hope(-d) (for), trust’); love endures all things. (endures: meaning ‘to stay under (behind), figuratively, to undergo, bear (trials), have fortitude, persevere’)

The greatest influence of love was Christ's demonstration on the cross: "But God commendeth his own love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, shall we be saved from the wrath [of God] through him." Romans 5:8&9

Christ's love in his death on the cross, burial & resurrection permeates every aspect of a believer's life, affecting his mind, heart, what he does with his body and his speech. God's very loving-kindness towards us is what leads us unto repentance, and it is that grace, knowing we were once lost and now are found, that continually reminds us of God's great love for us.

With that passion, we see those whom are perishing and we respond by going forth and preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which often confirms our gratitude and servitude to our Lord, for His marvelous saving works.

But, others go out and preach for reasons that may be financial gain, or to acquire attention from someone and most often this is out of envy and strife, not because they love Christ. "Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defense of the gospel." Philippians 1:15-17

For as David heard the evil Philistine blaspheme the living God, despite everyone's fear he felt stirred from his love of God to respond. (1 Sam. 17:26) His brethren, however, had covetousness on their mind, and seeing David's zeal for God, their anger was kindled against him and they accused him of pride. (1 Samuel 17:28) This is classic envy and strife, aimed at those whom have found the love of the living God whom is Christ and retain it in their hearts and minds.

This is a warning for all of us in ministry, that we strive to retain our first Love, and to not become envious or bitter of our brethren... especially for their zeal and love for God.

Steven Styles - 5/14/2008

2. The indication of the love that we as believers have for God is the love of Truth, the love of His doctrine, the love of His law and the love of His word, the Bible... that this is so precious to us that is it the closest thing to our heart, by which we are refreshed and made new. Jesus said: "If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever–the Spirit of truth."

The true anointing of the Holy Spirit is being empowered by God's word. It is the word of Truth brought by the breath of God from His Word which communicates the magnificent, awesome and glorious Gospel. (Col. 1:5)

The love of God's Truth brings true peace. (Zec. 8:19, 2 John 1:3)

We as believers purify ourselves through obeying the Truth; in other words because of our love of the Truth we have confessed and repented of our sins in concordance with the Gospel, and put our faith in Christ, the Lord. (1 Peter 1:22)

A good evangelist/pastor/teacher loves, admires and feels impassioned about God's Truth, and he does not shrink back from this point: that those whom do not love the Truth perish, and cannot be saved. (2 Thess. 2:10)

Steven Styles - 5/13/2008

Man #1: “Hi Mom, here are some flowers for Mother's Day to show my appreciation for your nurturing and careful loving of us children."

Mom: "Oh thanks honey, how sweet!" Mom thinking: I was hoping for more, maybe tickets to Hawaii.

Man #2: "'Hi Mom, there's a Lexus in the driveway. You raised such a good son that I thought you should reap a percentage of my earnings. Plus, I need to get rid of a few thousand dollars or the auditors might inspect me."

Mom: "Well your such a good son, I knew I went right with you, too bad my other kids gave up their lives to serve God; I might have a new garage to go with that."

Man #3: "Mom, I've been putting this off too long, but here's a gift of all gifts that I could get you." Mom opens her package.

Mom: "A Bible?"

"Yeah Mom, it has the words of Christ in it. He is the resurrection and the life. If you reject Him you'll be thrown into Hell; please read it."

Mom: "Why Tommy, I never thought you would say such a thing! You should know if anybody is going to heaven your mother is; I spent seven hours in labor with you! Where did I go wrong?"

Jesus: If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple.

Matt Simonson - 5/12/2008

All things are of God...

If we look at what is going on in Myanmar, we see the horrible effect that sin has had upon this world.  Before Adam and Eve fell, the world was a paradise; then; tragedy.  Our entire history has been one tragedy after another, with some bright spots to show us the way to God.

When we look at the situation in Myanmar, we can see a real-time example of God´s dealings with His creation.  Man is under a curse, as shown by the devastating cyclone that hit them.  Man is proud and hard-hearted, as shown by the government that rules over the people.  God is showing His mercy, as modeled by nations trying to get aid into the country. The U.S. and other rich countries are trying to get aid into Myanmar, but the rulers of Myanmar are rejecting our pleas to help them.

Even though we could fly over them and make air-drops, we will not go against their will.  "It's sovereign air space, and you'd need their permission to fly in that air space," U.S. Joint Chiefs Chairman Michael Mullen told reporters. "I cannot imagine us going in without permission of the Myanmar government," U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said.

"There is an opportunity here to save a lot of lives," Gates said. "We are fully prepared to help and to help right away. And it would be a tragedy if these assets, if people didn't take advantage of them."

God holds out His hands to a rebellious people who refuse His help.  Even if it kills them, they will not admit their need.  Even if it kills everyone around them, they will not accept the help of God.  On His part, God says there is an opportunity to save lives.  He waits for us to allow Him to fly over our air space, to give Him permission to drop the gift of everlasting life onto our famished souls.

Jesus Christ came into this world to save sinners.  The Father looks for those who want to be saved.  We are all dying from something, but we will live if we call upon the Name of Jesus Christ in all sincerity; that is, if we humble ourselves and ask.

Chris Simonson - 5/09/2008

Right Between the Eyes

Interestingly, our economic woes seem to fit into various prophecies in the Old Testament. When a prophecy speaks to us, it should hit us between the eyes... but sin causes blindness and dullness of ear. Nonetheless, the application holds true whether or not we listen. The original prophecies were against Babylon, Assyria, even Israel itself. By extension, we could apply them to modern-day America, which is composed of a majority of those who call themselves Christian. Do we fit the following prophecy? I'll let the reader decide:

Woe to him who heaps up wealth to himself using credit gained at others' expense!
How long will that last?
Won't your creditors suddenly arise?
When they wake up, won't they make you tremble?
You will become their prey.
Because you robbed from other nations
Those who survive will rob you...
Woe to him who builds his house by evil gain!

Habakkuk 2:6-9... between the lines.

Chris Simonson - 5/08/2008

Gospel Events for Ministry in India:

Dear Beloved Steven, Greetings to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I am very much glad in the Lord Jesus to write you, thank you very much for your kind prayers and encouragement towards our faith ministry. By the Grace of God and by your fervent prayers we are doing His work faithfully and sincerely.

I and my team brothers are regularly attending to the ministry and conducting cottage prayers, street Gospel meetings, tracts distribution, street Evangelism, Gospel Crusades, youth meetings, help the poor and praying for the sick etc. Our vision and burden is Gospel work and help the poor.

Since 1993we always engaged in preaching the Good News. In fact every thing we are doing by your fervent prayers and encouragement. In fact we always need your kind prayers and encouragement to do His work more. I hope through your kind prayers and encouragement we are able to do more.

"Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation". Mark 16:15

Your fervent prayers and encouragement enable us to reach the unreached. Whenever we go with a team, the villagers responding positively. En though adverse winds were blowing in other parts of our country, fortunately in our region no one obstructs us to preach the glad tindings. We afraid, in the days come the anti elements may cause unrest. In the days to come Indian doors may be closed for the Gospel. Hindus and other religions 97.5%, Christians 2.5%. Most of the people are groping in the gross darkness, without knowing the real God. The world events alarming us the soon coming of our Lord. Before that awful incidents we ought to fulfill the Lord?s commission with great exertion by all means.

Coming Up Gospel Events May 2008: -

Gospel Outreach work May 12 to 16 Friday in Annthavarpadu and beside 9 villages among the Hindus and Muslims.

1. Gospel Crusades May 20, 21, 22 in Podli, Kunchapli villages Prakasam District.
2. Gospel Outreach work May 26 to 31 Saturday in Gangadipalem and beside 11 villages among the poor people

I hope these work will be fruitful for the King. Please kindly for these coming up work and to bring many souls to Jesus Christ and needs.

Please kindly pray for us, we are praying for you and your kind services. Awaiting for your kind reply soon.

Yours in His Services

Katta.Edukondalu, Pastor

5/07/2008

I do believe

I don´t believe that I love as I should
But I do believe in God.

I don´t believe that men do what is good
But I do believe in God.

I don´t believe every word that is given
But I do believe in God

I don´t believe that many men go to heaven
But I do believe in God.

I don´t believe that the earth will remain
But I do believe in God.

I don´t believe in too many things
But I do believe in God.

I don´t believe that man can know God
Unless he believes in His Son.

As told in gospel, the Word of His Truth
And I do believe in His Son.

Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father
Who is the Living God

Chris Simonson - 5/06/2008

April Ministry Work Report From India

Dear Beloved brother Steven

Greetings to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

I am very much glad in the Lord Jesus to write you, thank you very much for your kind prayers and encouragement towards our poor ministry. By the Grace of God and by your fervent prayers we are doing His work faithfully and sincerely.

I and my team brothers are regularly attending to the ministry and conducting cottage prayers, street Gospel meetings, tracts distribution, street Evangelism, Gospel Crusades, youth meetings, children Bible study and praying for the sick etc., Our vision and burden is Gospel work and help the poor.

In fact we always need your kind prayers and encouragement to do His work more. I hope through your kind prayers and encouragement we are able to do His work more. It is our heartfelt desire to work with you for the cause to bring the people to the LIGHT and save them from the great poor condition. Your prayers will change us and our people from great miserable condition.

At present through your kind fervent prayers and encouragement we are working many villages preaching the Word of God and help the poor. The Jesus love gone to the villages through us many are saved and blessed, but it is very little what we have done for the Glory of God. In fact the Lord has put great burden in our hearts to reach the unreached. It is our vision and burden in the days to come Winning Millions of Souls for Christ. The world events alarming us the soon coming of our Lord. Before that awful incident we ought to fulfill the Lord's commission with great exertion by all means.

                 "The Harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.." Luke 10:2

Please kindly read the following April 2008 Ministry News, what we have done among the unsaved people. I hope the last month work will be fruitful for the King. In April month 19 villages we worked, 14000 tracts distributed and conducted few cottage and street meetings and Gospel Crusades went well in Krishna District. Through these crusades 3 people were saved and 11 people were healed from different diseases.

                                MINISTRY NEWS OF APRIL 2008

                        01 - April - 08 Tuesday to 05 - April - 08 Saturday.

During in this week we were worked in 3 villages. Each village 33 to 48 km far for us we reach these villages by motor cycles and buses. By walk we cover 3 villages distributing tracts, street Evangelism and in two villages conducted street Gospel meeting. Beside the Road Street meetings went well, 26 to 32 people were attended. After street meeting over we prayed for the sick. God has mighty healed 4 sick people from their diseases and one soul saved. Praise to be God. The name of person who is saved Bro. Muthla Rao. Please kindly pray for all of them.

                      07 -April - 08 Monday to 12 - April - 08 Saturday.

During in this week I and my team brothers were worked among the fisher men community in 5 villages. Actually it is not easy to work among these people, because they are fully against for Gospel. These 5 villages 28 to 43 km far for us by bicycle and motor cycle we reach these villages and by walk every village and every street. Many people are illiterates, we are not distributed many tracts. Through street Evangelism with mega phone we preached the Word of God.

After 7 pm we had conducted street Evangelism on the tree. Some people are given much trouble for not conducted meeting. Then we are ready to cancel meeting, but wonderfully meeting went well. 16 to 19 people are attended and hear the Word of God with much interest. Please kindly pray for these unsaved people and need to work there again.

                          14 - April - 08 Monday to 18 - April - 08 Friday.

During in this week we had conducted 3 days Gospel Crusades at Krishna District, Peddavarm village. Here in these villages one of team brother working since few years on faith lines among the strong Hindus. We are started to conduct Gospel Crusades in 2004, our first Gospel Crusades conducted in this village of Peddavarm.

With much language on 14th 6 pm 12 people we were reached this village. This place very long for us 160 km far for us. After change the two buses we need to take private vehicle of auto (3 vehicle) to reach this village. There are no bus or train services only private vehicle services have to this place.

3 days Gospel Crusades went well and during our trip to this place we worked 9 villages. Day time after 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm we take an auto for rent and went to the villages invite them Gospel Crusades and distributed the tracts, every day 3 villages we covered.

3 days Gospel Crusades went well, every day God?s power on the Crusades. Every day 200 people were attended and hear the Word of God very much.. On the last day 17th we had done marriage for a poor people and also we had done a drama.

Through these Gospel Crusades 3 people were saved and 11 people healed from their diseases. The following names of who are saved 4 women and 2 men.

1.    Lakhimma

2.    Rathnalu

Men:

1.    Narayana

Please kindly pray for them.

                        21 - April - 08 Monday to 25 - April - 08 Friday.

During in this week we are not does much work, because after return to home from the Gospel Crusades we are very sick. We worked only local area and visited church members? and growth in spiritual life.

                     28 - April - 08 Monday to 30 - April - 08 Wednesday.

During in these 3 days we worked in 3 villages. Here in India very hot summer season running. We can able to attend the ministry after 4 pm, only we can do tracts distributing. Although we have much work in this month of May.

Prayer Requests: -

1.    For May month Gospel Crusades

2.    To buy 400 Amplifier

3.    To buy two sound boxes

Please kindly pray for us, we are praying for you and your kind services. Awaiting for your kind reply.

Yours in His Services

Katta.Edukondalu,Pastor

If you wish to donate to Katta's ministry, please contact him here: katta_inf@yahoo.com

Team Leader

We know that God created all things, including team leaders.  However, team leaders should not exalt themselves as though they are indispensable.  God can raise up bums to be princes if He so chooses, but woe to the bum if he lifts himself up!

Today´s churches are havens for egocentric men and women who feel as though God has called them to be special.  They may have special talents or special spirits, but this does not mean that God has called them to be leaders of His church.  According to end-time prophecies, special people will lead many astray. 

We have a Team Leader.  His name is Jesus Christ.  We call him King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  To do otherwise is to demean him.  There is no fear of God when we do not see Christ as the Lord of Armies.  If we do not see him reigning in battle, we will see him as a baby in swaddling clothes, protected by his mom.  When there is no fear of God, only fear of man remains.  Without fear of God, we must have a team leader that is not God, and he (or she) will tell us what to do.

This is why so many women disrespect their husbands.  They have many counselors, but no Father and no Lord.  Their leaders lead them astray, mangling Bible verses to prove it´s godly for women to correct their husbands, thus violating the commandment of God that teaches the wives to remain silent and the men to teach their wives at home (1 Corinthians 14:35, 1 Timothy 2:11-12).

Some partial verses they love to quote:  "Submit to one another..."  "Husbands love your wives..."  This is taken to mean that the husbands should submit to their wives in the love of Christ; meaning, do as she says.  This would be the same as Christ doing as we tell him.  And many "faith preachers" say exactly that.  These are in danger of eternal punishment, because they do not fear God.

If pastors would stop preening themselves and look at what the scripture actually states, it shows that we should all submit to one another in the "fear of God" (Ephesians 5:21).  Of course, this does not mean we throw away God-given authority or order.  I don´t tell the policeman to submit to me, and I don´t try to take over church hierarchies. 

 I do not interfere with a pastor´s homily or liturgical function, even though I might disagree with the program.  A team leader presides over the proceedings in his arena.  This is why the scripture says, "Wives submit to you own husbands as to the Lord." (Ephesians 5:22), and, "The head of every man is Christ, and the head of woman is the man, and the head of Christ is God" (1 Corinthians 11:3). 

Wives will be protected if they follow this advice.  Otherwise, they will follow any false team leader, probably dragging their feminized husbands along with them, as recent church history attests.

Chris Simonson - 5/02/2008

Effective Ministry: a series...

Part Three

1. When we are born again we are given the Holy Spirit as a gift from God. The holy Spirit is the third 'person' of the triune God, in Hebrew is called "ruah haqodesh" and in Greek "pneuma", coequal and coeternal with God. He is a light unto our feet directing us towards holiness and righteousness, peace, patience and joy, mercy, grace and, in fact, works directly with our conscience, sharpening it. The Holy Spirit serves as the great teacher, and patiently speaks to us through God's word, helping us to be transformed more to the image of Christ, and our minds to be renewed. The holy spirit is like the very breath of God falling upon us, empowering us through the Gospel to proclaim good news to them which are lost, and to minister to the saints. The holy Spirit seals us unto the day of redemption.

Part of love for the Holy Spirit is to obey the word of God, being very careful to test our heart by what we are reading in His word as if our heart is on trial in front of the all-knowing, all-seeing God that very moment; by grace and mercy we cry out to God for forgiveness of our sin. By the Holy Spirit we warn the lost of the coming judgment. By the same Holy Spirit we rebuke, exhort and encourage our brethren. By that same holy Sprit, we can be struck dead, as in the case of Ananias and Sapphira whom lied to the Holy Spirit and were struck dead. Our ministry therefore should be led and closely directed by the Holy Spirit in order to be effective.

But, the fruit of the Spirit is: "... love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." (Galatians 5:22-25)

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Part Two

Some of the foundational points for being a effective minister of God:

1. Possessing a love for the Holy Spirit: "...for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in [your] prayers to God for me;" Romans 15:30

2. And, inspired by the Spirit of God a love for the Truth, through God's word: "...because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved." 2 Thessalonians 2:10

3. Being influenced and inspired by love, though some be inspired by envy: "Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel." Philippians 1:15-17 (see envy: "Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers," Romans 1:29)

4. Testing the fruit of your love: "Therefore, as ye abound in every [thing, in] faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and [in] all diligence, and [in] your love to us, [see] that ye abound in this grace also. I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love." 2 Corinthians 8:7-8

5. Walk in Love, doing that which is befitting: "But if thy brother be grieved with [thy] meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died." Romans 14:15

6. Learning to spot the blemishes on your love feasts: "These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds [they are] without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;" Jude 12; "And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, [as] they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots [they are] and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;" 2 Peter 2:13

7. Keeping love with faith and hope: "Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God." 1 Thess. 1:3&4; "Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love [which ye have] to all the saints, For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel" Col. 1:4-5; "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of [our] faith without wavering; (for he [is] faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." Hebrews 10:22-25

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Part One

In modern Christendom there are two ministries for every parishioner; there are pastoral/elder ministries, feed-the-hungry-ministries, collect-the-tithe ministries, door-greeter ministries, etc... and there are street-preaching ministries. Though there are copious ministries, in order to be legitimately in the service of Christ they must they share one paradigm: they must be based upon Love.

This love 'agape' is not vague, and there are 8 characteristics which describe it, along with many sub-categories: affection, good will, benevolence, (John 15:13, Romans 13:10, 1John 4:18) brotherly love, especially the love of Christians for other Christians as prompted by their religion, (Matthew 24:12, 1 Co. 13:1-4&8, 1 Co. 14:1, 2 Co. 2:4, Gal. 5:6, Philemon 5,7), of the love of men towards God, (Luke 6:42, John 5:42), of the love of God for men, (Romans 5:8, Romans 8:39), of the love of God for Christ (john 15:10, John 17:26) and of the love of Christ toward men (John 15:9, 2 Co. 5:14, Romans 8:35, Eph. 3:19).

Now this love is not to be mistaken for the love of men for themselves, but the love of God and His Word, nor should we flippantly throw the word 'love' about as if it is some common buzz-phrase, knowing that our Lord's, and our God, blood was shed that we may boast in His abundant Love, not to mention those whom toiled, suffered and died under His banner of love.

Steven Styles - 5/01/2008