Charles G. Finney writes, "When God has specially promised the thing, we are bound to believe we shall receive it when we pray for it. You have no right to put in an 'if,' and say, 'Lord, if it be Thy will, give the Thy Holy Spirit.' This is to insult God. To put an 'if' in God's promise when God has put none there is tantamount to charging God with being insincere. It is like saying, 'O God, if Thou art in earnest in making these promises, grant us the blessing we pray for."
God is in earnest about all His promises. His promises can never fail. What He says He will do, He will do.
The Bible is a book that is filled with divine promises. Each one is yours to believe and receive. God is the great promise-keeper, and you can be a promise-reaper.
How do we receive God's promises? It is by faith alone. Paul writes, "For no matter how many promises God has made, they are 'Yes' in Christ. And so through him the 'Amen' is spoken by us to the glory of God" (2 Corinthians 1:20, NIV).
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
Making Your Mark for Christ
Soon we will be at the ICRS Convention in St. Louis (June 28-30, 2012). One of the new books we will be showing in our booth (1811) is a new one by Skip Heitzig. It is entitled, God Print--Making Your Mark for Christ. A "God print" is like your fingerprint or voice print; it is your unique way of making an imprint for Christ in the world.
We must ever remember that "Only one life 'twill soon be past; only what's done for Christ will last." Pastor Skip Heitzig reminds us that the journey from fear to faith is based on what Christ has done for us.
His insightful book is based on the life of Abraham--a life that overflowed with adventure, crisis, fear, faith, and most importantly, God. Paul said that Abraham was the "father of all who believe."
Your God Print is a lasting legacy that you will leave behind after you go to Heaven. Do you want to make a lasting impression on the world? Skip shows you how to make your mark for Christ in the world.
Franklin Graham has written this about God Print: "Skip turns the spotlight on the Bible, something missing in many of our Christian books today. He hits the mark when he outlines the life of Abraham and distinctly describes the Godprint that was placed upon Abraham's heart. Skip's biblical perspective shows that while Christians battle the flesh throughout life, we can learn by looking back on past mistakes that help us grow deeper in Christ. This book will leave an imprint on your life."
Get a copy and learn how to leave your Godprint on the world!
We must ever remember that "Only one life 'twill soon be past; only what's done for Christ will last." Pastor Skip Heitzig reminds us that the journey from fear to faith is based on what Christ has done for us.
His insightful book is based on the life of Abraham--a life that overflowed with adventure, crisis, fear, faith, and most importantly, God. Paul said that Abraham was the "father of all who believe."
Your God Print is a lasting legacy that you will leave behind after you go to Heaven. Do you want to make a lasting impression on the world? Skip shows you how to make your mark for Christ in the world.
Franklin Graham has written this about God Print: "Skip turns the spotlight on the Bible, something missing in many of our Christian books today. He hits the mark when he outlines the life of Abraham and distinctly describes the Godprint that was placed upon Abraham's heart. Skip's biblical perspective shows that while Christians battle the flesh throughout life, we can learn by looking back on past mistakes that help us grow deeper in Christ. This book will leave an imprint on your life."
Get a copy and learn how to leave your Godprint on the world!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Two New Books
Two of our new Bridge-Logos books for this summer are Infusion by Jack Redmond and Jewels From E.M. Bounds, a Pure Gold Classic. Both are outstanding books, and I'd like to take this opportunity to recommend them highly to you.
Jack Redmond is the Director of Youth Ministry for Christ Church in Montclair, NJ. He founded Fourth Generation Ministries and co-founded Generation Holy Youth Coalition. His book gives a fresh perspective on being infused by the power of God and bringing the infusion of His presence to the world.
Here is a quotation from his book: "God's Word is teaching us that we must grow up in our salvation. It is not only an experience, but also a growth process. As we mature in our faith, salvation becomes more real. It begins to affect every aspect of our lives. Our thinking, emotions, actions, and outlook change to become more Christ-like. We begin to view the world as Christ does. We learn to love and forgive and to walk in the authority that brings change wherever we go. But first we have to grow up. We grow faster when we are surrounded by others who are also growing and encouraging us along the way."
Jewels From E.M. Bounds was prepared by E.M. Bounds scholar Dr. Darrel King. It contains never-before-published teachings from the "prophet of prayer," such as the following:
"Faith is brought into leadership by secret prayer. Long, habitual, closeted interviews with God are the sunny seasons for the growth of faith; interviews in which God's searching eye and light discover all the hidden hindrances to faith; interviews in which God reveals himself so faith is mightily strengthened. God's true leadership does more to strengthen its faith than to do anything else. It seeks this one element of power, this secret of spiritual success, at the sacrifice of other things. It keeps its eye fixed not on place or plans, but on God. The leadership of faith has no alliance with ambition, they are eternal foes. Ambition may give leadership in the Church, has done it, does do it, but faith has no part in this leadership. Faith is debauched by its touch; God is not in the leadership of ambition."
Interviews with God! A great concept, indeed, and this is only one of the jewels from E.M Bounds.
May you be infused with God's power as you contemplate and appropriate the jewels from God's Word.
Jack Redmond is the Director of Youth Ministry for Christ Church in Montclair, NJ. He founded Fourth Generation Ministries and co-founded Generation Holy Youth Coalition. His book gives a fresh perspective on being infused by the power of God and bringing the infusion of His presence to the world.
Here is a quotation from his book: "God's Word is teaching us that we must grow up in our salvation. It is not only an experience, but also a growth process. As we mature in our faith, salvation becomes more real. It begins to affect every aspect of our lives. Our thinking, emotions, actions, and outlook change to become more Christ-like. We begin to view the world as Christ does. We learn to love and forgive and to walk in the authority that brings change wherever we go. But first we have to grow up. We grow faster when we are surrounded by others who are also growing and encouraging us along the way."
Jewels From E.M. Bounds was prepared by E.M. Bounds scholar Dr. Darrel King. It contains never-before-published teachings from the "prophet of prayer," such as the following:
"Faith is brought into leadership by secret prayer. Long, habitual, closeted interviews with God are the sunny seasons for the growth of faith; interviews in which God's searching eye and light discover all the hidden hindrances to faith; interviews in which God reveals himself so faith is mightily strengthened. God's true leadership does more to strengthen its faith than to do anything else. It seeks this one element of power, this secret of spiritual success, at the sacrifice of other things. It keeps its eye fixed not on place or plans, but on God. The leadership of faith has no alliance with ambition, they are eternal foes. Ambition may give leadership in the Church, has done it, does do it, but faith has no part in this leadership. Faith is debauched by its touch; God is not in the leadership of ambition."
Interviews with God! A great concept, indeed, and this is only one of the jewels from E.M Bounds.
May you be infused with God's power as you contemplate and appropriate the jewels from God's Word.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Healing for Today
Yesterday afternoon (May 20, 2010) it was my honor to interview Paul Teske, author of Healing for Today, on my blogradio broadcast "We're Talking Books."
Paul's book is very inspirational, informative, and interesting. He shares his own personal testimony of having been miraculously healed of a stroke, testimonies of other healings he has witnessed, and teaching about healing that includes the following:
Paul's book is very inspirational, informative, and interesting. He shares his own personal testimony of having been miraculously healed of a stroke, testimonies of other healings he has witnessed, and teaching about healing that includes the following:
- Jesus' healing ministry, then and now
- The role of faith in healing
- Imparting the gift of healing
- How to pray
- How to keep a healing
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Do We Live in an Uncivil Society?
The word "uncivil" means "not civilized; barbarous; not civil or courteous; ill-mannered." One of its synonyms is "rude."
Does the above definition describe modern-day society? It does seem as if rudeness abounds, that's for sure. There are barbaric pirates and uncivilized terrorists in our midst.
What do we do when we encounter an ill-mannered individual? Do we wonder why he or she is acting that way?
An attorney Adam Mersereau has written a newly published Bridge-Logos book entitled, Uncivil Society. The subtitle for this book is: "Government's War Against God and the Plight of the Christian Citizen."
In this very poignant and timely book Adam deals with several timely topics, including:
Adam writes, "When the Christian learns to live in accordance with God's truth for the sake of the truth, and for no other reason, he reaches the greatest possible glory outside of heaven--greater than any victory this fallen world can offer. There is glory in standing for the truth, even when we see no cultural change for the better. There is glory in witnessing for Christ, even when our witness is met with contempt. The moment the Christian apprehends this truth is the moment his feet become most firmly planted on the rock. This is when he becomes able to take his stand, a living sacrifice, immovable, regardless of what hardships may come. This is when he joins with Christ in storing up the unseen spoils of the eternal victory Christ won on the Cross. This is the Christian's finest and dearest privilege: To render to God the heartfelt obedience that He rightfully asks. No government can extinguist such a flame.
"Western culture may change with every wind of false doctrine, but the Christian's calling will never change. Our joy is to stand firm on the side of truth--against lies, against sin, against Satan--come what may. We cannot undo the Fall, but we can, by God's grace, point others to Christ and His glory. This is not our final home. To the extent we cannot change it, we must learn to overcome it, and to teach others that if Christ is their Savior, they can overcome it, too.
"Then one awful and glorious day, when the trumpet sounds and Christ returns to gather His people, to separate the sheep from the goats, to establish His throne among men, and to make all things new--the government will be upon His shoulder."
What a glorious day that will be.
Does the above definition describe modern-day society? It does seem as if rudeness abounds, that's for sure. There are barbaric pirates and uncivilized terrorists in our midst.
What do we do when we encounter an ill-mannered individual? Do we wonder why he or she is acting that way?
An attorney Adam Mersereau has written a newly published Bridge-Logos book entitled, Uncivil Society. The subtitle for this book is: "Government's War Against God and the Plight of the Christian Citizen."
In this very poignant and timely book Adam deals with several timely topics, including:
- The West's Rejection of Truth
- The Futile Search for a Truthless Morality
- Government and the Fall
- The Separation of Church and State
- Divine Limits on Government Authority
- New Roles for Church and State
- A New View of the Individual
- New Definitions for Life and Marriage
- The Plight of the Christian in a Hostile Society
Adam writes, "When the Christian learns to live in accordance with God's truth for the sake of the truth, and for no other reason, he reaches the greatest possible glory outside of heaven--greater than any victory this fallen world can offer. There is glory in standing for the truth, even when we see no cultural change for the better. There is glory in witnessing for Christ, even when our witness is met with contempt. The moment the Christian apprehends this truth is the moment his feet become most firmly planted on the rock. This is when he becomes able to take his stand, a living sacrifice, immovable, regardless of what hardships may come. This is when he joins with Christ in storing up the unseen spoils of the eternal victory Christ won on the Cross. This is the Christian's finest and dearest privilege: To render to God the heartfelt obedience that He rightfully asks. No government can extinguist such a flame.
"Western culture may change with every wind of false doctrine, but the Christian's calling will never change. Our joy is to stand firm on the side of truth--against lies, against sin, against Satan--come what may. We cannot undo the Fall, but we can, by God's grace, point others to Christ and His glory. This is not our final home. To the extent we cannot change it, we must learn to overcome it, and to teach others that if Christ is their Savior, they can overcome it, too.
"Then one awful and glorious day, when the trumpet sounds and Christ returns to gather His people, to separate the sheep from the goats, to establish His throne among men, and to make all things new--the government will be upon His shoulder."
What a glorious day that will be.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Trouble Brings Us to Jesus
A good friend of mine, Mr. Seabury Oliver, often said, "It's trouble that brings us to Jesus." He knew, because he had experienced many troubles and hardships.
John Newton wrote, "Through many dangers, toils, and snares I have already come; 'tis grace that brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home."
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ is sufficient for us in every trouble, toil, and snare. Jesus said, "In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
Paul wrote, "We glory in triubulations also" (Romans 5:3). Why would he say such a thing? He gives the answer in the next line: ". . . knowing that tribulation worketh patience" (Romans 5:3).
Yes, trouble brings us to Jesus and tribulation is a part of life in this world. Though these things are true, we must ever remember these words: "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come. Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:37-39).
It's the amazing grace of Jesus Christ that makes us more than conquerors even when we are in the midst of tribulation, troubles, and snares.
John Newton wrote, "Through many dangers, toils, and snares I have already come; 'tis grace that brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home."
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ is sufficient for us in every trouble, toil, and snare. Jesus said, "In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
Paul wrote, "We glory in triubulations also" (Romans 5:3). Why would he say such a thing? He gives the answer in the next line: ". . . knowing that tribulation worketh patience" (Romans 5:3).
Yes, trouble brings us to Jesus and tribulation is a part of life in this world. Though these things are true, we must ever remember these words: "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come. Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:37-39).
It's the amazing grace of Jesus Christ that makes us more than conquerors even when we are in the midst of tribulation, troubles, and snares.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
It's All Love
Love is the core of the Christian life. The truth is that it's all love, from beginning to end, because God is love and love is the most excellent way of life.
Without love, we could not have anything in life that's worthwhile. Years ago, I spoke with a friend of mine who was dying. I asked her, "If you knew this was the last day of your life, what would you do?"
She said, "I'd sit on the couch and hug my two sons."
The cross of Jesus Christ represents love in its fullest expression. Its vertical beam points to the love God has for us and the love we have for Him. The horizontal beam speaks to us of the love we must have for one another.
Yes, it's all love, and the relationships in our lives are the most important part of our lives. Loving God, family, friends, neighbors, and even our enemies is what it's all about.
Here are some good quotes about love:
"Where there is love there is no sin."
"Love can hope where reason would despair" (George, Baron Lyttelton)
"How shall I do to love? Believe. How shall I do to believe? Love" (Robert Leighton).
"Love is the fulfilling of the law" (Romans 13:10).
"Love is strong as death" (Song of Solomon 8:6).
"Love sought is good, but given unsought is better" (William Shakespeare).
"There is a land of the living and a land of the dead, and the bridge is love" (Thornton Wilder).
Let us remember that love is the supreme commandment.
Without love, we could not have anything in life that's worthwhile. Years ago, I spoke with a friend of mine who was dying. I asked her, "If you knew this was the last day of your life, what would you do?"
She said, "I'd sit on the couch and hug my two sons."
The cross of Jesus Christ represents love in its fullest expression. Its vertical beam points to the love God has for us and the love we have for Him. The horizontal beam speaks to us of the love we must have for one another.
Yes, it's all love, and the relationships in our lives are the most important part of our lives. Loving God, family, friends, neighbors, and even our enemies is what it's all about.
Here are some good quotes about love:
"Where there is love there is no sin."
"Love can hope where reason would despair" (George, Baron Lyttelton)
"How shall I do to love? Believe. How shall I do to believe? Love" (Robert Leighton).
"Love is the fulfilling of the law" (Romans 13:10).
"Love is strong as death" (Song of Solomon 8:6).
"Love sought is good, but given unsought is better" (William Shakespeare).
"There is a land of the living and a land of the dead, and the bridge is love" (Thornton Wilder).
Let us remember that love is the supreme commandment.
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