BrotherTony

I am here once again to ask for prayers for both my wife and myself. We went to the Orthopedic surgeon on Monday morning. After X-rays on her knee, and then my shoulder we were told that Vivian has a torn meniscus and needs an MRI, and possibly surgery. I have something called "frozen shoulder." I have been referred to Benchmark Physical therapy. I was told that I also may have to have surgery. It seems that we have been being hit right and left with physical challenges this past 18 months, but, we know the Great Physician. We would appreciate your prayers as we walk through this valley. Thanks in advance. BT

Over the past few months, I have been listening closely to the lyrics of many Country and Western music artists when they are singing about God, Christ, and Christianity. It distresses me that so many within our churches these days listen to and blindly follow some of the doctrines within the songs sung by these singers. Their lifestyles betray them when it comes to their Christian values. While it is true that many do many good things, and they talk a lot about God, and some even give great testimonies of salvation, they do these things with glaring issues that are inconsistent with Biblical Christianity and Salvation. Many promote the ideology of baptism as their salvation, while many make mention of a prayer they said when they were young, while, when growing older, they have left the faith and are currently only involved in Christianity or things with Christian values to help increase the size of their returns on investment…money. In listening to one country artist not too long ago, I heard him make these statements in the song he was singing…”I only talk to God when I need a favor,” and “Why should I expect to receive a savior?” This singer goes on to say that he sends up prayers like one saying the rosary. This is just one glaring example. Let’s take one of the best-known country artists of all time, Dolly Parton. Ms. Parton talks often of her grandfather who was a pastor in a small country church. She says she came to be a believer when she was very young. She is well known for her good deeds and contribution to conservative causes. She does give some indication of salvation. But, if one listens closely, she speaks of “spiritual energy,” and “having faith” but never once names the name of Jesus Christ or what he’s done for her. This is a false Christianity. There are many other examples of this false Christianity. It's definitely another "Jesus" they are putting forth to others. I'm not saying that many of these artists haven't truly been saved, but, I find it hard to believe that they are following Christ when they won't clearly come out and give HIM the glory and tell others what HE has done in their lives.

2 Timothy 4. The primary application of this chapter was to Timothy. He was being told to "preach the Word." The practical for today could be applied to all Christians. But as for the call to preach... vocationally? I believe the Holy Spirit touches a person's heart and life so that they, as the Apostle says, "Woe is me if I preach not the Gospel!."

Discipleing is always a good thing if done correctly. That would encompass most of the items you listed.

Context and content. Yes, we're given examples of people being baptized immediately. These people, at this time in history were well aware that converting to Christianity could cost them their lives. To totally commit to being a Christian, and following in baptism after having been proselytized was against the law of the Roman Empire. It was also against the law of the synagogues. Those Who were Jewish knew exactly what it could cost them. I believe this was the case with the others outside of Judaism. It's not like it is now with the 1-2-3 pray after me converts we find today being told this little prayer was save you.

PastorMatt, thank you for all you do in giving us a great site free from all of the things many sites allow. It's greatly appreciated. You and the other administrators and moderators are doing an exceptional job. Blessings.

Is it wrong? Isn't it up to each church to decide? Personally I believe there should be a baptism pretty close to the salvation decision. But, with the level of people's misunderstanding of baptism and what it really means, I can understand the length of time some churches take in allowing such. Is it ridiculous in having people understanding what they are doing?

Who's preaching this? He looks familiar. Ah, I see it's Brother Shifflet. ?

Left sock, right sock...left shoe, right shoe.

Tonight I made a meatloaf, blackeyed peas, green beans and a homemade apple pie with vanilla ice cream for dessert. Delicious!

I have more pages falling out of the Old Scofield Bible that I have had since 1971 than I have still hanging on to the binding. I have many notes and cross references as well, but it's no longer in sny condition to be used for daily devotions, nor for church services.

It seemed strange to me, too. But, being a Foster parent I knew that with the frequency that I had to change a childs diaper, I was glad they finally did. It was a pain trying to go out to the vehicle to change a diaper or to simply continue to walk through the stores with a soiled and stinky Nappy.

I very much dislike the liberalism in California. But there are still many good, moral citizens there. There are also many Christian brothers and sisters who live there and are witnessing for Christ every day. These gender neutral bathrooms are going to be coming to most states eventually. Christians need to be fasting and praying that these deplorable laws will be overturned.

Wow... there's a Link that says "View the full article." As long as this post was, Brother Chappell, one would think it was the full article. Jus' sayin'. ??

That's why it's Calvinist double speak. They say a person is actually saved before they are saved, so the work of a decision is God's.

Please, expound on these things you say are incorrect... let's start with dispensationalism. I know many here view Revelation in a dispensational light. I've been hearing this from a lot of preachers lately, but few want to actually expound on why and what portions are incorrect.

They've got those in Dollar Generals all over the country...the ones I have seen give the indication that either sex can use that particular restroom. But, it also gives the indication that it's useable by transgender people without discrimination. I would prefer that it just be for males or females separately.

The Calvinists potray nearly every facet of the salvation process as a work, usually deferring to the person being regenerated first(saved before being saved, the decision already being made for them by God im eternity past) and so in their understanding of the process the decision isn't a work. Doublespeak if you ask me, and quite unbiblical.

So, you put your socks on OVER your shoes, eh? LOL ??????

We were always taught to incinerate them if they were beyond repair. My Old Scofield Bible has fallen apart and I am going to need to incinerate it.

Because I have the hiccups!

Sometimes the Bible is VERY one sided on issues. On some things it's open to interpretation as long as it doesn't violate the clear instruction of other scriptures in conjunction with the text. It cannot violate the attributes and holiness of God. Beware of those who try to insert their opinions into the clear teachings of God's Word.

TGL, you need to learn to take the direction of Jesus to one person to give away all that he had and to follow him and do so according to the context and content. Improper hermeneutical principles aren't a good thing from someone who says they're an evangelist or preacher. Jesus said this to the one person knowing that he would not do it, and did so to show that it's a very hard decision...many people have riches as their "god." That being said, I know hundreds of wealthy and VERY wealthy people who serve God every day. Wealth in and of itself is not bad. It's the LOVE of money that is wrong. Let me add, God calls ALL Christians to follow him. This was a good subject to bring up, though, Brother. ?

Rejoice in the Lord alway, and again I say, rejoice!

Thank you sir. ?