Who Is the Best Candidate?

As Americans prepare to vote for the next President of the United States on November 4, 2008, many things are going through our minds, not the least of which involves the issue of faith and its effect upon the candidates' positions regarding key issues. The question, "Who is the best candidate?" is being debated far and wide and even, in many cases, within the individual minds of the voters. Have you made up your mind yet?

Both of the presidential candidates have expressed faith in Jesus Christ. During Rick Warren's interview with both men, John McCain said, "I am saved and forgiven," and Barack Obama went into a bit more detail about his personal relationship with Christ. Joe Biden is a Roman Catholic who grew up in a very pro-life area: Scranton, PA. And Sarah Palin has Pentecostal leanings and expresses her conservative, evangelical stance quite articulately.

In the early days of Logos International Fellowship, the forerunner of the present company, Bridge-Logos, we published a series of "instant books," including People's Temple--People's Tomb, which was published within a month after the infamous mass-suicide that took place in
Guyana. We also published The Miracle of Jimmy Carter a few months prior to Carter's election as the President of the United States. A few years later we published Regan in Pursuit of the Presidency. Both Carter and Reagan were elected, and both expressed faith in Jesus Christ.

I am pleased to announce that in just a few weeks Bridge-Logos will be releasing another "instant book"--Sarah Palin--Faith, Family, Country. This is an interesting book about the Republican vice-presidential candidate, who is clearly a devout Christian and someone who will incorporate Christian values in her decision making. Though she worshiped for many years in an Assembly of God, Sarah would prefer to be known as a Bible-believing Christian rather than as a Pentecostal.

This is an interesting election year, to be sure. Several key issues will be influencing voters, not the least of which is the faltering economy. The war in Iraq has become less significant to many in light of issues related to the economy. Abortion and same-sex marriages, of course, remain important issues to believers, but it would appear that the economy has taken center stage even for many believers.

• Does it necessarily follow that a good Christian will make a good presdent?
• How much should one's faith influence his or her decision making in office?
• What does the doctrine of the separation of church and state mean to you?
• What is the most important issue to you?
• Which candidate seems to be closest to your own personal value system?
• Who is the best candidate?

Perhaps you'll be able to answer some of these questions after the presidential debate that is scheduled for Friday, September 26.
One thing's for sure: we need to be praying for our nation.
Paul writes, "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable lif ein all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour" (1 Timothy 2:1-3, KJV).
May God bless America!

What Is Truth?

Jesus said, ". . . and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me" (John 18:37, NIV).

Pontius Pilate responded, "What is truth?" Echoes from this rhetorical question continue to ring in human hearts around the world. Indeed, this is a very deep and philosophical question that demands an answer.

Now, I don't hope to provide a complete analysis of truth is this blog, but I do know that it is an important theme throughout the Bible. In fact, God has said many things about truth, and I've included some of them here:

• Jesus is truth. (John 14:6)
• The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth. (John 16:13)
• The truth will set you free. (John 8:32)
• God's Word is a Word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)
• We are to worship the Lord in spirit and in truth. (John 4:24)
• God wants us to have truth within our inner man. (Psalm 51:6)
• The way of truth is a choice. (Psalm 119:30)
• We need to speak the truth in love. (Ephesisans 4:15)

The above statements represent only a small portion of what the Bible has to say about truth--a very important subject in God's eyes, to be sure.

Abraham Lincoln said, "The truth is your very best friend, no matter what the circumstances." Why? Truth entails honesty, good faith, openness, and sincerity. It results in a superior quality of life.

This we know: our Lord Jesus was a teacher of truth, and He embodied truth. He always bore witness to the truth. He is the personification of truth, and from Him we learn what truth really is. Jesus' whole life was consumed with the truth--a very important concept to Him.

Pope Benedict XVI has explored the relationship of truth with tolerance, conscience, freedom, and religion. He writes, "Beyond all particular questions, the real problem lies in the question of truth." He has suggested that truth and love are identical, and he said that truth is "the surest guarantee of tolerance."

I think there is a very close correlation between love and truth, for one cannot walk in love without seeking truth and being truthful. Likewise, one cannot live in truth without being a loving and giving individual.

What, then, is truth? It is a way of life in which one strives to be free from duplicity and guile in any form. There can be no compromises about truth. The person who chooses to live in truth has put all lies and falsehoods behind him/her.

Let's say that a person sins or commits a serious error of some sort. The guilt that follows the act suggests to him/her that there is a way to find freedom from the sin or error, and that way is the way of truth. By speaking the truth in love (for oneself and others) he or she truly is set free. "Yes, I did it, and I'm sorry," is the best of all possible responses in such a situation. It is far better than lying or trying to hide from the facts or endeavoring to cover them up.

Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6, NIV). So, seek the truth, and you shall find it. "Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding" (Proverbs 23:23, KJV). "Know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32). As you do these things, the Holy Spirit--the Spirit of truth--". . . will guide you into all truth" (John 16:13, KJV).

Remember, the truth is your best friend, no matter what the circumstances.

Obedience and Blessing

Did you know that God is blessing you? Actually, He has already blessed you with every spiritual blessing! (See Ephesians 1:3.) It is possible for each of us to walk in the blessing, anointing, favor, grace, presence, and glory of God each day. What is the key to such blessedness?

"All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God: You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country. The fruit of your womb will be blessed, and the crops of your land and the young of your livestock--the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks. Your basket and your kneading trough will be blessed. You will be blessed when you come in and when you go out" (Deuteronomy 28:2-6).

Obeying the Lord is the key to great blessing in our lives. Our loving Father loves to bless us, His precious children. In fact, He is the Giver of every good and perfect gift. (See James 1:17.) He knows what you have need of even before you express it to Him. (See Matthew 6:8.) "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19).
Are you ready to see all that God will do when you step out in faith and obedience? Are you prepared to be blessed exceedingly, abundantly above all that you can ask or think? (See Ephesians 3:20.)

"Trust and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus." Happiness comes from being blessed. God loves to bless you, as you respond to Him in trusting obedience.

May the rich blessings of God be your portion today.

ICRS--Orlando, Florida, 2008

Last month several of my Bridge-Logos associates and I attended the ICRS Convention in Orlando, Florida. It was a very busy time for our company. We welcomed visitors to the convention with our appealing booth that had a large lighthouse in the center and Adirondack chairs for comfortable seating. We were pleased to receive numerous comments about the attractiveness of our booth, and we took many orders from booksellers from around the world. We were fortunate to have one of the best--if not the best--locations for our booth; it was right at the front entrance!

It was so good to see old friends and make new friends while we were there. I believe this was my 25th time at the convention, which used to be held in diverse places, including Atlantic City, Washington, Dallas, New Orleans, and Anaheim. Now it seems that Atlanta, Denver, and Orlando are the show's primary locations. Next year we will be going to Denver in July.

My wife, Peggy, joined me at the convention for the first time in many years, and she was able to meet a worship leader whose ministry has meant so much to her. His name is Roy Fields, and he is one of the main worship leaders at the Lakeland Outpouring. She even got one of his CDs. I think it's safe to say that this encounter with Roy made her day.

It was gratifying to see booksellers examining our products with great interest. Our new titles, our top-twenty bestsellers, and our Pure Gold Classics grabbed the attention of numerous customers, many of whom placed orders for large quantities of our books. In fact, several took the whole line of classics, and this enabled them to receive an end-cap display for the books.

Five of our authors were at the convention, as well--Margaret English, Brad Henry, JoAnna Ward, David Balsiger, and Donna Kafer. Incidentally, Brad (who is the author of Destination: the Winner's Circle) was interviewed by "Good Morning, America," and the taping of that interview is scheduled to air this Sunday morning on ABC-TV. (August 3, 2008) I hope to be able to watch it. Brad is an on-fire Christian who desires to minister to fellow-believers around the world.

One very memorable experience for me at the convention was my interview with men from a television network in India. The pastor of one of these men was martyred by Hindus a few years back, and his story is told in our best-selling book, Foxe: Voices of the Martyrs. I was very moved to hear this member of the pastor's church tell me about how wonderful the pastor was and how his attackers had killed him simply because he had passed out a tract to someone. They went so far as to pour acid down his throat! We were happy to be able to present a couple of complimentary copies of the book to him and the presentation was taped for viewing in India.

Though attendance was down somewhat at the show, spirits were high. God blessed, and we thank Him for His great faithfulness to our company, which will is celebrating its 41rst anniversay this year.

Congratulations, Dr. Cho!

Dr. David Yong-gi Cho is celebrating his fiftieth year in ministry this year. To commemorate this momentous occasion Bridge-Logos has published Dr. David Yonggi Cho--Ministering Hope fo 50 Years. This is an interesting and informative partial autobiography of a truly great man. The photos that are interspersed throughout this book give us glimpses of Dr. Cho and his family through the various stages of his life.

What a blessing this good man has been to the Body of Christ. He is the pastor of the world's largest church--the Yoido Full Gospel Central Church, and he is the author of several best-selling classic works that deal with life in the Fourth Dimension--the spiritual realm. It has been my honor to serve as the editor of many of Dr. Cho's books through the years.

I just want to take this opportunity to wish Dr. Cho the very best as he embarks on his second half-century of ministry. There is no doubt that his teachings and his books will have a lasting impact within the Body of Christ.

God bless you, Dr. Cho!

Where Do You Find Your Security?

This morning I watched the network news. This is usually a mistake, because the news seems to be less-than-inspiring, negative, and downright frightening on a daily basis. Today, for example, I learned about the rising cost of gasoline, a young man who had been decapitated on a roller coaster, the mobilization of more troops for our country's war efforts, the increased fares on airlines, and the faltering stock market. One prognosticator believes we're entering a "bear market," and a severe recession, which will get worse and worse. Let's hope these prophets of doom are not putting forth self-fulfilling prophecies that will come forth from the seeds of expectation that the newscasters and political pundits are planting in our minds.

We have just released a wonderful new book by M. Denise Baccus. It is entitled Preparing Yourself for God's Promises. This uplifting and helpful book points the reader to the promises of God, which are yes and amen in Christ Jesus. (See 2 Corinthians 1:20.) It is better to prepare to receive God's promises than to prepare to receive the negative words of the world. You can believe and receive the promises of God, such as this one from Jeremiah, which forms the main thesis of Denise's book: "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end" (Jeremiah 29:11).

The Christian life gives us so much more than the trite platitude: "Expect the best, but prepare for the worst!" Let's expect the best and prepare for the best. This is the central message of this new book by Denise Baccus. God wants you to have peace, and He has a wonderful plan for your life.

You and I can be promise-reapers by believing and receiving all God has in store for us. Even though the economy is in a downturn, natural disasters are wreaking havoc around the world, dark clouds of war continue to fill the sky, and terrorism is working its evils in so many places, we can find security in our God and His Word.

Where does your security lie? Do you find your sense of security in your bank accounts? In your 401-K plan? In your own talents and abilities? In your friends and loved ones? In your education? In your possessions? Or do you find your true sense of security in God alone?

Insecurity robs us of the peace God gives to us. It makes us ineffectual in the work of the Lord. We need to remember that the Lord is our stronghold, our high tower, our fortress, our sure defense, our hope, our confidence, our Rock, and our everything. He is our only true source of security in this world. Let me encourage you to go to Him for the security you need, to read His Word in the mornings instead of watching the news, to believe and receive all His promises in your life, and to fellowship with Him every day.

The Bible says, "The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runs into it, and is safe" (Proverbs 18:10).

Where do you find your security?

The Fear Factor

Just today a new book that we are publishing arrived in our warehouse here in Alachua, Florida. It is entitled The Fear Factor. The author is Akeem Shomade, a pastor in London who was born in Nigeria to a Muslim family. He met Jesus Christ and accepted Him as his personal Savior and Lord. Not surprisingly, he had to work his way through his personal fear of deserting and betraying his Muslim roots.

So many people today grapple with "the fear factor" on a daily basis. Fear comes to people in a variety of forms: fear of death, fear of failure, fear of success, fear of people, fear of illness, fear of terrorism, fear of public speaking, fear of snakes, fear of change, and on and on. Are you full of fear, or are you full of love? Love, as Shomade points out, cancels out the power of fear in a person's life.

He writes, "The Bible says, 'There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love' (1 John 4:18).

"This tells us that godly love is the antidote to fear. When we fight each other, leading to stress, migraines, and loss of joy, it is because we are not walking in forgiveness; and pride has taken root in our hearts. Light and darkness cannot co-habit, so when pride and discord move into the very place where the Spirit of God lives, love disappears.

"The spiritual prescription for living abundantly and flowing fully in the fruit of the Spirit is mentioned in Galatians 5:22--to specialize in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. When we do this, fear evaporates and takes a permanent leave of absence. Jesus also encourages us to specialize in love (Mark 12:30). The Bible tells us that God is love. Our heavenly Father demonstrated His unconditional love for mankind by giving His only Son to be the ultimate sacrifice for our sin.

"Love will position us for the indwelling and inflowing of the Holy Spirit because love is the nature of God. As we operate in God's nature, we have access to His supernatural power."

Yes, Akeem Shomade has found the secret of spiritual power--walking in love. This is what gives us power over fear. Actually, there are only two emotions in the human condition--love and fear. All other feelings stem from one or the other of those two.

Guilt, for example, stems from fear. Joy, on the other hand, stems from love. Let's learn to walk in love toward God, others, and ourselves. As we do so, all fear will leave us. This is a wonderful truth to ponder and a vital power to tap into.

So, walk in love and share it with all you meet.

Pure Gold Classics

Have you read any of our books in the Pure Gold Classics series? We now have more than thirty different titles in this, our signature line. These books contain a biography of the author, interesting illustrations, an audio-excerpts CD, study guides, a timeline, and updated versions of the authors' writings.

This remarkable collection includes the works of Andrew Murray, R.A. Torrey, Madame Jeane Guyon, Brother Lawrence, Saint Augusinte, Saint John of the Cross, Hannah Whitall Smith, C.H. Spurgeon, D.L. Moody, Saint Teresa of Avila, Thomas a Kempis, A.W. Pink, William Law, William Wilberforce, A.W. Tozer, Jonathan Edwards, Charles Finney, Charles M. Sheldon, Fenelon, E.M. Bounds, A.B. Simpson, Henry Drummond, John Calvin, and John Wesley. Isn't it great to know that these great men and women of God are still speaking to believers through these outstanding classics?

I'm happy to report that we will be releasing two new classics this summer: The Holy Spirit: Who He Is and What He Does by R.A. Torrey and Walking With God--the Andrew Murray Trilogy on Sanctification, which is actually three books in one: Waiting on God, Working for God, and Be Perfect. These two books are shining containers of the riches of Jesus Christ, and I know you will be blessed by reading them.

Let me conclude this entry by quoting from The Sovereignty of God by A.W. Pink: "How different is the God of the Bible from the God of modern Christianity! The image of God that is embraced most widely today, even among those who say they believe the Bible, is a miserable misrepresentation and an offensive mockery of the truth. The God of our times is a helpless, weak, and delicate being who commands the respect of no really intelligent person. The God of the modern Christian is the creation of sappy sentimentality and an object of pity rather than of awe-inspiring reverence."

Though Pink wrote these words early in the twentieth century, I fear they still hold true in many circles today. May we return to a view of God that will enable us to see Him as He really is--the sovereign Ruler of the universe, our heavenly Father, and the very essence of our being. May we return to the sense of reverence and adoration that our Creator deserves. He is so worthy of all our honor, devotion, respect, and worship, and He seeks those who will worship Him in spirit and in truth. (See John 4:23.)

Let us endeavor to glorify God in all that we say, think, and do.

Dr. Phil

I have a personal friend who is affectionately known as "Dr. Phil." This friend is not the counselor we see on TV, however. My friend is Dr. Phil Goldfedder, a neurosurgeon whose books and ministry are known around the world. I had the privilege of serving as his editor in the preparation of two of his books--Healing Is Yours and Lean God's Way.

Dr. Phil has established a Christian alternative healing ministry that is based in South Carolina. The website for this outreach is http://www.healingisyours.com/ Let me encourage you to visit his website and learn about his ministry, his books, and his CDs. I can assure you that you will be blessed as you do so.

Several years ago Phil was miraculously healed of intractable foot pain in a church service in Florida. At that time he was a Jewish neurosurgeon, and he did not know Jesus as his personal Savior. Now he knows Jesus as both his Savior and Lord, and he realizes that Jesus Christ is the Great Physician of our souls and bodies.

He has a great passion to reach the lost and to help people know that they are healed by the stripes of Jesus. His radical teachings on healing have brought health and victory to thousands of people. You will be blessed by his testimony and the testimonies of all those who have received healing through his ministry.

I want to encourage you to let God speak to you through Dr. Phil's books and teachings. There is a very good possibility that your life will be completely changed as you do so.

The Only Thing That Counts

The New International Version of the Bible says, "The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love" (Galatians 5:8). This verse reminds me of what Jesus said to Martha: "You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:41-41, NIV). What was Jesus referring to? He was saying that Mary was spending time with Him, learning from Him, and enjoying a personal relationship with Him. This is the essence of love--the only thing that counts, the "most excellent way" (1 Corinthians 12:31).

Knowing that God loves you is the most important fact in the universe. He loves you with an everlasting love. Paul writes, "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 5:8, NIV). Yes, there's a clear connection between love and hope as well as love and faith; we see this in 1 Corinthians 13: "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love" (1 Corinthians 13:13, NIV). Let the Holy Spirit pour out His love into your heart.

Jesus said, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it; Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments" (Matthew 22:37-40, NIV). I thank Jesus for helping us to see that the Christian life is always centered on love. It's true that love is the only thing that counts, that love is the most excellent way, that love is the greatest quality of all, and that love is the fulfillment of God's law. When we are coming from love, it is certain that we will obey the Lord. Jesus said, "If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love" (John 15:9, NIV).

Therefore, "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love" (1 John 4:7-8, NIV). Remember this as you endeavor to walk in love: those who are the hardest to love probably need it the most.

God loves you!

God loves you. May you experience His love more and more each day.

From Glory to Glory

Paul prayed, "That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man" (Ephesians 3:16, KJV). What are the riches of His glory? I would not presume to answer this question completely, but I believe the Great Apostle is referring, at least in part, to the riches and abundance we receive when we are in God's presence and we are experiencing His wonderful anointing in our lives. One of those riches is that we are strengthened with might by His Spirit deep within.

David wrote, "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore" (Psalm 16:11, KJV). Fulness of joy and pleasures forevermore are some of the riches that come from God's glory in our lives. On Sunday evening my wife, Peggy, and I attended the Lakeland Revival where we experienced the riches of God's glory in a most intense and delightful way. It truly was a little bit of Heaven on Earth for both of us.

Now I understand a little bit more about Heaven and how wonderful it will be to spend all eternity in God's presence, praising and adoring the Most Holy One who is worthy of our worship. I thank God that He is changing me; He is not finished with me yet. Indeed, "From glory to glory He's changing me, changing me, changing me--His likeness and image to perfect in me--the love of God shown to the world."

May God fill you with His glory and may you truly understand that God has already blessed you with every spiritual blessing in Christ Jesus, as Paul wrote, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3, KJV). Ny friend, it is a fait accompli in your life.

I pray that His glory will cover you today, as you learn to walk in His glorious presence.

Praying God's Word

Paul writes, "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17, KJV). God imparts faith to our hearts when we read the Bible, and as we learn to personalize the Bible and pray its truths, our faith begins to grow. This method of prayer enables us to take hold of the promises of God, embrace them, and walk upon the firm foundation they provide for us.

When I was in the U.S. Army, I began memorizing key verses and passages from the Bible through a study program provided by the Navigators. Memorizing the Word is very important for every believer for many reasons, not the least of which is that doing so will keep us from sin. The Psalmist writes, "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee" (Ps. 119:11, KJV).

There are several questions that we should ask ourselves in order to personalize the Scriptures. With each passage we should ask ourselves:

1. Is there any error here for me to avoid?
2. Is there any command for me to obey?
3. Is there any promise for me to claim?
4. What does this passage teach me about Jesus Christ?
5. Is there any example for me to follow?

As we ask ourselves these questions, we are driven to find answers and apply the truths of the Bible to our lives. The next step, then, in praying God's Word is to speak His truths back to Him in faith and confidence, as the Apostle John teaches: "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him" (1 John 5:14-15, KJV).

In these two verses we find an important key to answered prayer: when we pray according to God's will, we know that He hears us, and we know if He hears us, He will answer us! Isn't this a wonderful promise from the Word of God? One remaining question we need to ask ourselves regards how to know that we are praying according to God's will. God reveals His will to us in several ways, not the least of which is through His Word. Therefore, when we pray His Word, we pray His will, and we receive the petitions we ask of Him!

Let me conclude by reviewing the benefits we receive from praying God's Word:

1. Our faith grows.
2. God hears our prayers.
3. God answers our prayers.

Start praying God's Word and see what happens!

The Power of Love or the Love of Power?

During the era known as the Charismatic Renewal it was my privilege to have fellowship with several men and women who were on fire for God. One of these friends was Jamie Buckingham, who wrote Daughter of Destiny and Run Baby Run, among several other titles. I think Jamie would be thrilled to know that Run Baby Run, the life story of street-gang leader, Nicky Cruz, will become a motion picture next year.

I met Jamie at a Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship International Convention at the Washington (DC) Hilton in 1968. Ms Kathryn Kuhlman was featured at that convention, along with Harold Hill, Merlin Carothers, and several other speakers. It was at this meeting that Dan Malachuk (the publisher of the newly founded Logos International Fellowship) brought Nicky Cruz and Jamie Buckingham together. (Jamie was a Southern Baptist pastor at the time and John and Elizabeth Sherrill, the authors of The Cross and the Switchblade, in which Nicky was featured, had recommended Jamie to Dan as a good writer.) The result, as many know, was the blockbuster title Run Baby Run.

It's really hard to believe, but forty years have passed since that momentous occasion! Thinking of Jamie reminds me of something Jamie said to a committee at Logos International. He said, "What's more imporant--the love of power or the power of love?" He went on to say that we need to see people through rather than to see through people. These expressions reveal that Jamie was a master of words, but they also give a clue about the depth of his spirituality. Everyone who knew him partook of the love of God that flowed from him and surrounded him. I am thankful that I knew this great man of God.

What's more important to you--the love of power or the power of love?

Who Is the Most Controversial Person in Christian Circles Today?

This is an intriguing question: who is the most controversial person in Christian circles today? Certainly many men and women have held this distinction through the centuries of the Church's existence.

As regards the present time, there might be several candidates for this position. Without mentioning specific names, we could cite ministers who are getting divorced, ministers who believe in female angels, ministers who are alcoholics, ministers who are greedy, and ministers who engage in immoral behaviors of all sorts. Any names come to mind?

In recent years there have been several controversies surrounding certain key figures in Christianity, including certain televangelists who fell into disrepute due to their behaviors.

Certainly the Rev. Mr. Jeremiah Wright would be considered a controversial figure today, wouldn't he? Bear in mind, though, that the word "controversial" is not always a negative term. People can be right and still controversial. Certainly, Jesus and Paul were controversial figures, and so were people like Martin Luther, John Wycliffe, William Tyndale, and Joan of Arc.

I'd love to know who you think is the most controversial figure in Christian circles today and why your feel he or she deserves that distinction.

The Fires of Revival

I've been watching Todd Bentley's revival meetings from Lakeland, FL on God TV a couple of times lately. Several prophetic words have come forth about the revival fires spreading around the world. This has led me to wonder about what constitutes a true revival. In particular, what constitutes the end-times revival that is mentioned in the Bible?

Here is a good prayer for revival that was written by Saint Augustine: "O fire, that art always and never quenched, kindle me! O light, always shining and never darkened, enlighten me." I adopt this as my prayer for personal revival. May we be kindled with the fire of God and enlightened by His light, which dispells all darkness.

It seems that many revival meetings today do not focus on the Word of God, which I think is a core requirement for revival. P. Doddridge wrote, "The reading, and especially the preaching, of the word, is the grand occasion and instrument in the conversion of souls Of His own will He begets them with the word of truth; and it is admirably suited to those saving impressions which it is intended to make on the heart, being quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword."

I know that it was the Word of God that penetrated my heart when I was a boy of thirteen, leading me to receive Jesus Christ as my Savior at Camp Shadowbrook in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. The leader read these words from the Bible: "But as many as received him, to them he gave the power to become the sons of God" (John 1:12). It was then that I said yes to God, for I knew I needed to receive Christ and I knew I wanted to know God as my Father.

I'd love to hear your thoughts about revival.