Am I Still A Broncos Fan?

Joshua 14:8-10

Nevertheless my brethren that went up with me made the heart of the people melt:but I wholly followed the Lord my God. And Moses sware on that day, saying, Surely the land whereon thy feet have trodden shall be thine inheritance, and thy children's for ever, because thou hast wholly followed the Lord my God. And now, behold, the Lord hath kept me alive, as he said, these forty and five years, even since the Lord spake this word unto Moses, while the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness:and now, lo, I am this day fourscore and five years old.

I have been a Denver Broncos fan for 19 years. I have been through the highs and the lows. I was there from John Elway's Super Bowl wins and retirement through Peyton Manning's historic record breaking season and crushing Super Bowl loss. I have cheered for the greats and also for men like Bubby Brister, Gus Frerotte, Mark Brunell, Jake Plummer, Jay Cutler, Kyle Orton and the boy wonder Tim  Tebow. I have seen stars come and seen them go. I have not always agreed with the decisions the front office made, whether firing a coach, not signing a free agent, cutting a contributing team player or overpaying for a new free agent. However, regardless that was "my team". So, I found the good in whatever the decision was and decided to cheer anyway.

Each year, no matter what reality or the critics said, I believed and shouted from the roof tops that "my team" the Broncos had a chance. A chance???.... Chance nothing... I had them in the Super Bowl every year!!! I was truly a team guy, they were my team and I was their guy. I buy all of the team gear every year and wear it proudly, supporting "my team". 

Over the last 19 years it has been up and down. We have won our division a few times, but have only made it to the AFC Championship Game once in the 16 years since the 1998 Super Bowl win. The Broncos have been good to me of late, winning the AFC West Division Championship 3 straight years. Last year, they lost a heartbreaking Divisional round game to the eventual Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Ravens. This year.... well this year Peyton Manning broke all sorts of records. This year, we owned the AFC. This year, we beat the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game. This year, Seattle embarrassed us in the Super Bowl. 

Am I still a fan? Of course. Denver all the way in 2015!

I didn't stop cheering for the Broncos when John Elway retired. I am a BRONCOS fan, not just a John Elway fan.

I didn't stop cheering for the Broncos when they cut Shannon Sharpe, Elvis Dumervil or Champ Bailey. I wasn't just a follower of man, I was fan of the Broncos.

Many new "fans" have came along over the past few years. Many fans came with Tim Tebow and even more fans have come with Peyton Manning. However, when Peyton is gone and it's Brock Osweiler's team, I will still be a Denver Broncos fan!

Now you may not be a Broncos fan, but if you are a true fan, and not a fair weather fan, you can agree that a fan prides himself in his loyalty to his team.

My question is this.... 

If we are so loyal to our sports teams, why are we so quick to toss our allegiance to our church and "the things we have heard of many witnesses" to the wayside?

Why when someone in church does something we do not like are we so quick to look for another church?

We don't do that when our "team" messes up?

Why when a Pastor falls into sin or compromises do we begin to write books and blogs in an attempt redefine a movement? 

We don't do that with our "team" do we?

Why when a Bible Standard conflicts with the culture are you so quick to conform to culture and banish the Bible Standard as "unnecessary" "petty" or "minor"?

You don't do that when your expectations for your team conflict with ESPN do you?

Why when other churches with rock music and false bibles have large crowds do you suddenly begin to rethink your commitment to your local Independent Fundamental Baptist Church?

I didn't do that when the NFL was dogging the Broncos in February...

Why?  Because I am a team fan, not a man fan.

I did not join an Independent Fundamental Baptist Church because it was the cool thing to do.

I did not become an Independent Fundamental Baptist Preacher because of the latest flash in the pan Youth Pastor, fancy buildings or large institutions.

I am an Independent Fundamental Baptist Preacher! Why?

Because of Scripture NOT Social Status.
Because of Christ NOT College.
Because of Truth NOT Trends.
Because of a Calling NOT a Crowd.

I was saved, baptized, married, called and have served now for 14 years in an Independent Fundamental Baptist Church.

Have some of the moves of other Pastors baffled me?  Yes.
Have some of the failures of men shocked me?  Yes.
Have some of the directions of colleges and churches changed? Yes.

Does this make me not want to "cheer" for my "team"?  NO!!!
Does this make me question whether I still want to be one?   NO!!!
Does this make me want to find a new "Team"? NO!!!

To the college student, fresh from the Youth Department...
To the Young Couple raising children...
To the Senior Saint tired of standing...

Don't lower your expectation of church for a new program, nicer buildings and looser standards.
Follow God. Follow His Word. Follow your Faith. The Faith that Saved you and Teaches You!

If you are a fair weather fan Preacher and you are just looking for the "Next Big Thing", then go ahead and keep reading those emerging church books, listening to that CCM and excusing your compromise by blaming others on the team. Eventually you will find some evangelical big shot to pattern your ministry after instead of doing it the Bible way.

It's not Jack Hyles' fault you are compromising!
It's not Lee Roberson's fault you are changing!
It's not a college, a "camp" or a periodical that is changing your church.

It's YOU!!!

Maybe that player that got you to like the Team, changed colors or left.
Maybe the scouts and analysts have made you believe another team is better.
Maybe you don't get mentioned or patted on the back as much any more.
Maybe it's just too hard to cheer for "the Team" in the area you live.

Let's be honest... maybe you just became a Fundamentalist for all the wrong reasons!

Not all men and churches are like that though.  Some of us are Independent. Fundamental. Baptist.

There is something about being loyal to God, The Bible and the Truths we have been taught.

In our text, Caleb "wholly followed" God for his life. What if we gave our God, our Bible and our Church the loyalty we give to the sports teams we cheer?

#fuel

Staying Spiritual In the Summer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

John 17:12
While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name:....

 

 

Every year as the school year draws to a close, I am reminded of this passage. Students leave the safety and security of a daily routine, a Christian environment and Godly influences only to be bombarded with a barrage from the world and the Devil. From being helped and encouraged to read the Bible and pray, walk with God and obey His Word, to a freedom that the majority cannot withstand.

 

Statistics among Youth Departments show that 60-70 % of the young people in churches backslide, make bad decisions, and banish their Bible during the summer. This is an alarming stat. It is usually not until Camp or Youth Conference (most of which are toward the end of the summer) that teenagers make things right with God and allow him to work in their lives.

 

Is this how things have to be? Jesus didn't think so. He taught the Disciples how to live while He was away. He showed through His prayer in John 17:12-26, how to have a Spiritual Summer. Over the next few weeks, I am going to show you from Jesus' prayer, how you can avoid that summer slump. You can have a spiritual summer....

 ....a summer where you grow closer to Christ instead of colder on Christ

 ....a summer where you go to Camp fired up and not to get fired up and God can really work on you

 ....a summer where afterward, you start school and you bring Revival to your school!

 

That is a Spiritual Summer... Here is how Jesus said we could do it...

 

1.    Summer Fun    

 

 John 17:13b    .... that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.

 

 I know, I know... not what you were expecting right? Jesus tells the Disciples that He wants them to have joy.

 

If you want to have a Spiritual Summer have some fun. Sleep in, go camping, go fishing, play outside, kill some Xbox, hang out with friends, attend all of the Teen Activities, help someone, get a summer job, and BY ALL MEANS... go to Teen Camp  (www.circlecbaptist.org).

 

Enjoy your summer. If you find yourself saying those dreaded words.... I'm Bored...  WATCH OUT! The Devil is on your trail. Do some fun things this summer. Don't get bored. Stay connected with your Youth Pastor and Church, stay busy, stay active and enjoy the Summer. Having fun is not a sin. This is the last summer you will ever have this year!  LOL... Enjoy your Summer!

 

As we keep reading in John 17 we see more advice from Jesus for the summer...

 

John 17:14-16
I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

 

Jesus is preparing the disciples for success during the time when He would leave for Heaven. Here Jesus gives us another great tip for having a Spiritual Summer...

 

 2.  Stay Separated

 

OH NO! I just said the dreaded S-word! But especially during the summer, staying separated from the world is a key component to having a Spiritual summer. There are 3 areas of life that I must guard and maintain spiritual separation in during the summer to ensure success:

 

 

A. People

 

Prov 13:20

He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

 

 In the summer we often spend much more time with friends and family who we may not see during the school year.We must be careful to be an influence and not just be influenced. The people we hang around during the summer, will often determine the spiritual decisions we make during this time.

 

 Gal 5:7

Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?

 

 Stay close to those who are close to God. Keep your distance from those who are distant from God. You can reach them for Christ, but if you are not careful, even good friends and close family can pull you away from Christ during the summer.

 

B. Places

 

Prov 4:14-15
Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.
Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.

 

It is during the summer that we have free time to visit places that we don't usually get to visit during the year. We also have more opportunities and temptations to go places and do things we shouldn't. Just because it is summer does not mean it is acceptable for Christians to go places they are not supposed to go. The Holy Spirit of God goes everywhere you do, so wherever you go and whatever you see there, God goes and sees with you.

 

 C. Projects

 

I Cor 10:31
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

 

 

 am sure there will be many activities and things to do during your summer. The Devil will make sure to attempt to include sin and wrong to your calendar every day. In order to have a spiritual summer, you must separate from projects and activities that are sinful and wrong. Do not deviate from Christ, deviate from the culture.
No one wants to come to the end of summer and be backslidden, but many have and will.

 

 III.   Search The Scriptures

 

 

John 17:17
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

 

 Jesus reminds the Disciples here that they have the Word of God with them. Jesus was going to be crucified and would be leaving, but they would still have the Word of God. He also prays that God would reveal some things to them about His Word.

 

1. Spiritual Growth Through The Word

 2. Simple Faith In The Word

 

 "Sanctify them through thy truth: ..."  - Jesus lets them know that it is through the Word of God that we are sanctified. Spiritual growth is achieved through the Bible.

 

 "thy word is truth" - The key to growing spiritually through the Word of God is to simply believe it is the ultimate, absolute truth.

 

 Jesus did not leave the Disciples without a connection to Him or His Father. He knew they had the Word of God. During the summer, we step away from our schedules, and we have a lot more free, relaxed time. The days are less rigorous and demanding and more relaxing and mellow.

If we are not careful we will lay down our Bibles from Sunday to Sunday and only pick them up to go to church. In doing so, we do ourselves a great disservice.

 

Remember, spiritual growth comes through the word as well as simple faith.

 

NO BIBLE = NO GROWTH

 

Tell me how much you have been reading your Bible this summer and I will tell you whether or not you are headed for a spiritual summer or for a backslidden one.

 

Without spending time in the Word of God, we become cold to the things of God. Church is not important nor interesting, friends of God become enemies and sin is easier and more acceptable.

 

All of this because of not reading the Bible? YES! It is that Important!

 

1.  Decide to Read the Bible Everyday

 

If you are new to reading it, start in John, Psalms, Proverbs, or Romans. Start with 1 Chapter a day, then 2, then 3. Read and let God speak to you through the Words. The Bible is GOD's WORDS.

 

 2.   Decide to DO What You Read

 

James 1:22
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

 Take God at His Word. Try Him. Put Him to the test. Take the Bible and put it to practice in your life. When you find a truth, a promise, a warning, or an example, take it, claim it, believe it, obey it and watch God work it in your life.

 

 3.  Keep Your Bible Open This Summer

 

 Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

 

 Don't close your Bible like a book you sit on a shelf. Leave it open on your dresser. Let it stare at you every morning. Let those black and white pages stare back at you like God's eyeballs. He can see you you know!?

 

Maybe with the Bible open, you wont forget to read it. Maybe with the Bible open you wont listen to that song, watch that movie, say those words or disrespect your parents. Maybe knowing God is looking right at you and you seeing those pages stare back at you will "Sanctify" you.

 

How do we have a Spiritual Summer?

 

 1.  Summer Fun

 

2.  Stay Separated

 

3.  Search the Scriptures

 

 

#fuel

The Dangers of Cell Phones

 

 

 

The Dangers of Cell Phones

 

 

 

II Cor 2:11 

Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

 

It was in 1973 in the research and development lab of the Motorola Corporation that Dr. Martin Cooper gave us the wonderful invention known as the cellular telephone. These phones were not very popular in the 70’s and 80’s due to the large size, expensive cost, and bulky attachments. But in the 90’s the cell phone craze began.  Now in the year 2013, 88% of teenagers between the ages of 13-18 have a cell phone. What is even more shocking is that 50% of children ages 8-12 have a cell phone. The average age when a person receives their first cell phone is age 11. It is needless to say, the once unpopular invention is now one of the most coveted and purchased items for a teenager.

Let me begin by saying, I don’t believe cell phones are wrong. However, like anything else, they can be used for wrong. I believe cell phones give us a way to communicate with people, a way to report emergencies, and a way to stay in contact when traveling. They hold addresses, play music, send emails, surf the web, give directions, take pictures and of course make phone calls.

I am not the only one that has noticed the increased popularity and function ability of the cell phone. The Devil is a sly and cunning tempter. He knows there are some Christian teenagers he has failed to trap with his wiles and darts. In a very strategic and effective move he has placed four of the greatest enemies of Christian teenagers in a small handheld device that most of them have or want.  Rock Music, Pornography, Worldliness, and Teenage Dating are all facilitated by the cell phone.  While I don’t think every teenager with a cell phone is involved in these things, I am not naïve enough to believe that none are; especially when most cell phones make it available.

I believe it would be foolish of me to try to get you to get rid of your cell phone. You have probably begged, pleaded, saved, and worked hard to get it. In our society, you will probably have one for the rest of your life. What I would like to do is to give you some warnings about some dangers that cell phones bring to the life of a teenager.

I. Social Pressure

For a teenager a cell phone is a symbol of your social standing. What kind of phone, what features, how many minutes, and how much it costs are steps in your cell phone reputation. Be careful that the “Everyone is Doing It” and the “Mine Has To Be Bigger and Better” philosophies don’t invade your life. You do not have to have a cell phone. We lived for centuries without them. If you have one, you don’t have to have the newest, most expensive one. Be happy with the one you have. This attitude while cute with toys and phones, can be brutal to you as adult with relationships, jobs and spending.

II. Sensual Pictures

 “Sexting” as it is called is where teenagers take inappropriate pictures on their cell phones and then send them to another cell phone. To many of you this may seem silly and trivial. But to 45% of teenagers this is real. This is of course pornography. Also, once these pictures are sent, there is no controlling how many others will see. This issue is not just important to preachers and parents, but even the legal system is taking a stand. In LaCrosse, Wisconsin a 17 year old boy was charged with possessing child pornography because he had nude pictures of his girlfriend on his phone. In Utah, a 16 year old was charged with a felony for sending inappropriate pictures of himself to his girlfriend, and in Daphne, Alabama two teenage girls were charged for sending pictures of themselves to boys. This is a serious subject. Be careful what you record and what pictures you take with your phone. Remember, once you send that picture you cannot get it back and you can’t control where it goes next.

III. Sinful Music

Most of the modern cell phones come equipped with Itunes or MP3 players. With some adults being technologically challenged, it is becoming easier and easier to hide wicked music. Cell phones can download the music, store the music, and play the music. It is a portable music shop. As Christians, we must be very careful what we allow to enter our ears. Don’t download worldly music on your phone. Everyone knows there is not any good music promoted by the world. If you must have music on your phone upload your own good gospel music. Watch your ring tones. Many times good Christians will excuse rock music because it is being played as a ring tone. Rock music is rock music. Whether it is a clip or the whole song, it is either right or wrong.

IV. Senseless Addiction

I must say, there are times that even I fall into this danger. I have too often found myself doing the "Where's my phone" dance. Recently on vacation, I took an entire day and timed how long I could go without looking at my phone. I didn't check to see how many likes I had, who tweeted me, or what the score was. For the entire day, I spent time focusing on having fun, spending time with my wife and enjoying Hawaii. It was great.

Be careful that you don't become addicted to your phone. As silly as that sounds, take a moment to think about it. Do you check it every few minutes? Do you jump to it when it beeps? Who is in control of your relationship with your phone?

V. Secret Conversations

This is probably the greatest danger among our Independent Fundamental Baptist teenagers. Your preacher and your parents have rules for dating. You disagree with their rules. You have a special someone and you want to talk to them. Knowing your parents won’t let you use the house phone to call them, you sneak outside or up to your room and talk on your cell phone. In fact, with texting you don’t even have to talk. So, you are fueling an improper relationship that is not pastor approved, parent approved or God approved and you say and text things on the phone that you would be embarrassed to say in person. The devil is using this device to destroy your emotions, your obedience, your purity, and your spirituality. Be careful about calling late at night. If you can’t talk to someone with your parents in the room, you probably shouldn’t be talking to them. Watch your text messages. Once you send that message, you can never get it back and you cannot control who sees it. Don't delete your messages. Live a life so that if Mom or Dad want to view your messages, they can. Live above reproach.

Cell phones are wonderful, powerful, and time saving devices. Just as we can use them for good things, the Devil can use them for sinful things. You must be aware and pay attention to the “wiles” of the Devil. Your phone can be used to help, but it can also be used to hurt. Be aware of the dangers and do right even with your cell phone.

 

#fuel

CHARGED

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHARGED 

 

 

I Kings 2:1-4

Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying,

I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man;

And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself:

That the LORD may continue his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said he) a man on the throne of Israel.

In your Bible, the heading above Chapter 2 probably says something like "David's Charge to Solomon". Here, David is getting close to his death and he calls his heir into his chambers to challenge him. He gives him a charge. An order, a command, a declaration of duty. A charge.

When we hear the word "charged" most of us think of our cell phone and whether or not we plugged it in last night. Why? Because if we want the battery to last, it must be charged. We give it a charge each night that keeps it going the next day. If we are to maintain our service for the Lord, we must stay "charged".

Over the next few weeks, I am going to write about the "Charge" for our youth departments today. At CMRBC that is our theme for our Teen Sunday School classes. When we unveiled this theme, I gave to our teenagers the Mission Statement of our Youth Department. Why do we have a youth department? Is the youth department just a babysitting service? Is the youth department a game time for kids during church? Is the youth department all about having fun and doing activities? 
My answer is NO!

As YPs (Youth Pastors), we should establish a purpose for our Youth Departments. We should have a reason why we do what we do. Without a purpose, we are just babysitting. Teenagers have a desire to find purpose. Our Youth Departments should begin to help structure that purpose.

If the Pastor came to you tomorrow and said that he was thinking of disbanding and doing away with the Youth Department.. what would be your reason for asking him to keep it?  What is your purpose? Why do you do it?  What keeps you going?  What is your CHARGE?

Let us resolve that we have a CHARGE to keep, a CHARGE to give and a CHARGE to continue.

#fuel

You Move Too Much

You Move Too Much

Psalm 4:2
O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah.


Psalm 5:6
Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man.


For most of my years growing up, we did not own a house. We always rented or leased houses. Mom was a nurse and we bounced from Louisville to Harlan so many times I cannot count them. As an adult, I see the benefits of renting in certain circumstances, but if you plan on being somewhere for a number of years, buying a house is such a better investment.

Some people even lease cars. They pay a lower monthly payment and turn the car back in after a year or so. After paying those payments, they give the car back with nothing to show for it. Why would anyone do that?  For many it is because they enjoy having a new car every year or so. They want a different car rather than buying one and paying on it for 3-5 years.

In the Old Testament, we read in Psalms about "leasing". Here it denotes a life of deception, falsehood, change and delusion.

When people ask if we had a house, I said yes. But really we didn't "have" a house. We were renting a temporary house. We faked the fact that it was ours. It was leased.

I think there are many Christians who are seeking and speaking leasing today, rather than buying into serving God with all their heart.

I say... YOU MOVE TOO MUCH!!!!

 

1.  Leasing Lasciviousness

There are many young people who are leasing the actions attitudes of this world.

Be honest.....  that is not you. It's not even who you really want to be. Its surely not who God created / saved you to be.

You don't own that music......   You are just leasing.

Newsflash!!!!!   You are not a gangster, a punk, a vampire or a cowboy. You are just leasing that music to feel real. You're just leasing.

You don't own that look.... You are just leasing.

You are not a harlot! You may lease the look of one by wearing short skirts and low tops but that is not you.

You are not a punk, a prep or a pop star!   You may lease the look of one, by wearing those tight clothes, expensive clothes and wild accessories.

You may want people think that, but that is not you... You are just leasing.

You don't own that bad attitude.... You are just leasing.

You are really a sweet girl, you are just leasing that bitterness, anger, hatred and jealousy.

You are really a nice guy, you just leasing that cold, mean stare.

You are a loving, caring, helpful and compassionate young person... 

Let's be honest...  you are just leasing.

Stop leasing.... YOU MOVE TOO MUCH!!!

 

2. Leasing Love for God

Some young people are leasing a REAL relationship with God.

We quickly learn as young people how to look the part for church!
We know what to say, what to wear, how to talk, activities to attend, sin to not talk about, etc.

The sad part is that while we look like we have everything together, many are only leasing their relationship with God.

Some of you don't own a prayer life. You lease one when you have need or when you are convicted by a sermon.

Some of you don't own a walk with God. You lease one when you feel bad or when you know someone is going to ask.

Some of you don't own an obedience to the Holy Spirit. You lease a good deed, good word or good thing when you feel like it benefits you.

You move from walking with God to disobeying to questioning God to rebelling against God to hating God to loving the world and then back to walking with God...

YOU MOVE TOO MUCH  !!!!!

 

3.   The Loss of Leasing

Leasing has all of the owner costs, but non of the owner privileges.

When we rented those houses, we didn't have to fix the A/C or anything like that, however, we also couldn't paint the walls or build a storage building in the backyard. It was not our property, we were just leasing.

You can lease all you want... lease lasciviousness, lease love for God, lease all those things....

But you are just leasing...


As your life is passing by...

Your heart is broken, your parents are hurting, your friends are suffering, your family is watching, your church is needing and your Pastor and Youth Pastor are pleading.....

YOU MOVE TOO MUCH !!!!

 

4. The Leap in Leasing

At some point in every lease, you are given the option to buy in or give up.

That time is now!!!   Decisions need to be made.

If you have been leasing lasciviousness..... GIVE IT UP!!!

If you have been leasing love for God.... BUY IN !!!!
Prov 23:23 says "Buy the TRUTH" 

Don't lease it... BUY IN!!!! 

Decide you are tired of just leasing and looking like you love God and his Word....

#fuel

Brand New J's

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brand New J's

 

 

 

 

II Cor 5:17

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

 

I remember the first pair of Jordan’s I ever bought. They were awesome. They were special because my parents had not paid for them. I worked and I bought them myself. $160.00 !!! Too much for shoes… sure, but not for Jordan’s. When I got them home I put in matching shoelaces and sprayed the shoes with a stain resistant. Every time I wore those shoes, I washed them. If it was nasty outside or I was playing I was sure not to wear my new "J’s". It was awesome to have a pair of brand new Jordan’s.

When Jesus saved us He made us new creatures. He gave us a new song, a new walk, a new purpose, a new life, a new heart, a new mind, a new spirit, and a new future. He made us new and clean. Just as those new Jordan shoes, we are precious and very important to God. 

However, we walk in a very dirty world. Every day we are faced with temptation and sin. As hard as it is to keep shoes clean and new, it is much harder to stay clean and pure in the wicked world in which we live. The new song, new mind, new spirit, new heart and new life that God has given us is often blemished by the world, the flesh, and the Devil. The Christian life is often spent trying to keep those new things, clean and new. Just like those Jordan shoes.

How do I keep my Christian life "like new"?  I believe it is the same way that we do those brand new shoes.....

I. PROTECTION

Psalm 119:154
Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word.


The first thing I did when I got my Jordan’s home was to cover them with some stain repellent. This was an invisible substance that bonded to the shoe to protect it from harmful things that it might come in contact with.

We have a Spiritual stain repellent. He is called the Holy Spirit. The first thing you should do is cover your mind, spirit, heart, and life with the Holy Spirit. Submit to Him and allow the Holy Spirit to guide and protect you from the stains of the world.  

Another thing I did to protect my brand new Jordan's was to check where I stepped. The last thing I wanted to do was to step in mud, gum or........ well anything else! LOL. I was careful where I stepped when wearin my new shoes.

As Christians, how much cleaner could we be if we would just check where we stepped. What we do, what we say, what we listen to, who we hang around with and where we go are all vital parts to keeping our lives clean. Just as we avoid mud when in our new shoes, we should watch what we allow in our new lives. The Bible repeatedly tells us to "watch", "be vigilant" and "be sober". We must be careful what we allow into our lives. It has been said, you can control what influences your life, you just cannot control how things influence your life. Be careful!

II. INSPECTION

Psalm 51:2, 10

Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.  

Create in me a clean heart

Every time I wore those Jordan’s, I would take them off, look them over, and then wash them real good. I mean every single time I wore them, I sat down and took a wash cloth, cleaner, and scrubbed everything. They looked new again after every wear. The reason anything gets to looking old is because we stop taking care of it and keeping it clean.  

As Christians, you and I must be sure to take time to inspect our lives. I know we are all busy. But sit down for a minute. How is your spirit? How is your mind? How is your heart? How is your life? When was the last time you cleaned them up? When was the last time you spent some time at an altar or anywhere with God, cleaning your life up? 

This is why church is so important. We come in on Sunday or Wednesday and we have been running through this old world. We need some time to apply preaching, soak in some singing and then scrub our lives at the altar in prayer.

 

III. AFFECTION

Eph 4:24

And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

I remember that first day I bought those Jordan shoes. I remember how excited I was, how proud I was that I had the new Jordan’s. I was so happy and I loved those shoes.

I am not sure of the exact time frame, but I believe it was about 2 years that I was able to keep those shoes looking new and clean. Even though I was able to keep them looking good, there were times I would see a new pair of shoes or a new color of the ones I had. It was hard at times to keep myself satisfied with what I had. Today there is a new pair of Jordan's every week... What keeps me from buying the new ones?  I keep the ones I have clean and looking new.

Teenager, the same is so true with those things God has given us. Our new song, our new mind, our new spirit, our new heart, our new life, and our new future are awesome things. So are the blessings of our parents, our Church, our Salvation, our Youth Department, our Bible, our Christian School, and all that God has given us in our lives. ]

But if we are not careful, we will begin noticing all that is in the world and all that the Devil offers and we will begin to not appreciate what God has done for us. In fact, we can get so unthankful and so ungrateful that we can actually misuse and waste what God has given us. Don’t lose the affection for the things God has blessed you with. If you begin to see your Christian life as dull and boring... SHINE IT UP!!! Spend some time with the one who saved you and gave you a new life, He will clean things up for you.

 

IV. EVALUATION

Why would anyone baby a pair of shoes like that? Maybe because they cost $160.00! That’s why!

In order for God to save us and give us our new life, new mind, new spirit, new heart, and new future; the price was much higher. It cost Jesus his life. Why would I want to spend more time and effort on my shoes and clothes than I do on the things it cost Jesus His life to give me. Let’s take care of our minds, hearts, spirits, and lives. They are new and clean. Let’s work to keep them that way.

 

How is your view of the Christian life?  Is it old hat to you? Boring, dull, senseless, tired?  Does the Devil have you thinking that you need to try something sinful or worldly?

 

Why don't you just decide you are going to protect, inspect and affect your Christian life? You do it with your shoes.... isn't your spiritual life more important than your shoes? Let's clean it up and keep it clean.

 

#fuel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where Should I Go To College?

Where Should I Go To College?

In the culture of Independent Fundamental Baptist Churches, young people are exposed to Bible Colleges on the regular. Whether at Youth Conferences, College Days, the YP's alumni or the Pastor's alumni; Bible College is not an anomaly for most of us. Most young people learn early to align with a College with like emphasis, standards and ministries.

However, it was for me.

You see, I didn't grow up in a church that actively sent young people to Bible College. If I am not mistaken, I was the first to attend Bible College from our Church EVER!!!! As a teenager there was not a common knowledge, expectancy or push for young people to attend Bible College.

As I write, Commonwealth Baptist College is finishing up College Days 2013 and I have just preached to a chapel full of prospective students. The majority of them will end up going to a Bible College. Whether for a year or for a degree, the choice for them is not what kind of college, it is Which College? ....And it made me think....

Why did I go to Commonwealth Baptist College?

• It wasn't because of an allegiance or because my favorite Preacher was there.....

No, to be honest, I didn't even know Pastor Fugate or any of the staff at CBC...

• It wasn't because of the location or looks of the College...

There was no huge buildings, no fancy chandeliers and no tropical climate...

• It wasn't because of the female population...

I was engaged to be marry when I decided to leave and go to Bible College.

• It wasn't because of a super fun Youth Conference or College Days experience.

I had never been to Clays Mill Road Baptist Church.

• It wasn't because I had no other options....

I had a 4 year scholarship to the University of Kentucky to study engineering.

• It wasn't because I had heard about it my whole life, it wasn't because of who my parents were or where I went to high school....

So... Why did I choose to go to Bible College? Why did I choose Commonwealth Baptist College?

1.   Because I Listened to My Preacher

Well...not really MY Preacher... It was a dinner with Pastor Buster Mullins. He preached a Revival at our church and I went to dinner with him and Bro. Kelly. At that dinner, Bro. Buster casually, kindly asked me "Have you prayed about Bible College?"

He did not tell me that I needed to go. He did not tell me where I needed to go. He did not guilt me into going somewhere...

He kindly asked me "Have you prayed about Bible College?"

Sadly, even as a Preacher-Boy... the answer was NO.

2.   Because I Prayed About It

I went home that night and I had a dart in my heart. I had not even thought about let alone prayed about Bible College. I got on my knees by my bed and I poured my heart out to God. For the next 30 days I fasted, prayed, walked with God and did everything spiritually possible to be as close to God as I could when I made a decision.

3.   Because it Was God's Will

From the first night I prayed about it, I knew... God's Will was for me to go to Bible College.
God had called me to be a Preacher. I had allowed the Devil to sell me a bill of goods on how God would be fine with me being a Preacher for a hobby and an engineer for life. I had allowed making money, being successful, pleasing parents and having things to control my thinking. Preachers should go to Bible College... and God had called me to Preach.

4.   Because I was Surrendered

On August 9, 2000 I surrendered to Preach. In May of 2002, I surrendered to go to Bible College.

Why?

Because I Listened, Because I Prayed, Because it was God's Will and so... I surrendered....

Should you go to Bible College?  HONESTLY... I don't know.

Want to know for sure?    HONESTLY... I can tell you...

Listen to Your Pastor-   Counsel with your Pastor or Youth Pastor about College. Why is it we are so afraid to talk about a decision we supposedly made in God's Will?

Pray-  Seriously Pray. Fast and Pray. Walk with God for 30 straight days before you make a decision.

Know God's Will-  He will lead and guide you the way you need to go. Parents may have a will, you may have a will, friends may have a will... but God's Will is the best. Invest in the Best! Trust Him.

Surrender-  When God speaks, say YES!   Don't question!  Don't doubt!  Don't run!  Just say Yes.

Do you know what those who have wrecked their lives with selfish, sinful choices say is the reason they chose wrong? What do they say is the reason? What do they say???

They Say.....

I Didn't Listen    I Didn't Pray        I Didn't Know God's Will            I Didn't Surrender

Deciding where to go to school is more of spiritual decision than many realize.
Don't get sidetracked by the logistics of a college. Cost, climate, co-eds and career should not make those decisions for you.
Listen. Pray. Know God's Will and Surrender.

So... Where should you go to College?

I don't know!           But have you prayed about Bible College?

www.commonwealthbaptist.org

#fuel