First, thank you. Since 2005,  this site has experienced yearly growth and the emails have been encouraging and uplifting. I often wonder what these writing mean to others.  Your feedback is important because it allows me to know someone is actually reading what I write and allowing it to challenge your mind to greater service than when you first began reading. Again, I thank you!

I know sometimes my writings seem "hard core" on certain topics, but I have a reason. I know one day I will stand before God Almighty and give an answer for the things I have done; some good, many bad. While standing there I also know there will be someone standing with me - Jesus. Without Him all hopes is lost and our destiny is apart from the Father. With Christ, our destiny is secured in a room in the mansion of God. I prefer a mansion to punishment that I honestly deserve. God is good, by giving us His Son.

I want to share that message with the world. We do not have to stand alone, someOne will be standing with us – that someOne will be Jesus!

God has given us powerful opportunities to share His message with the world. This time of year provides one of those great opportunities, will you take advantage of it? Jesus walked this Earth so we can walk in heaven; will others walk with us?

It is time to move!  It is time that you and I become uncomfortable in our Christianity.

• It is time we leave the comfort of church buildings and find ourselves letting our lights shine in an uncomfortable world!
• It is time we leave our comfortable plush pews for the sidewalk of a lost world!
• It is time to stop babysitting church members and actively seeking the sheep that was lost!
• It is time we stop preaching to the saved and begin preaching to the lost!
• It is time we become the church instead of playing church!

It is time we move!

I want to challenge you along the way as we lift one another up to the Father in prayer. This challenge is for 2012…let us become uncomfortable in this world so we may stand with comfort (confidence) in the Day that is coming.

Just my thoughts,

October is right around the corner and I issue a challenge to the readers of the Preacher’s Pen. This challenge is a personal 31 day challenge to build your spiritual life.

For the month of October, I am challenging you to follow the Resolve Challenge below. These ten items, when followed, will change your current outlook and the opportunities you encounter.

The Resolve Challenge

1. I resolve to not miss a single service of the church.
2. I resolve to read one chapter of Proverbs a day.
3. I resolve not to focus on complaints but on blessings.
4. I resolve not to react but to respond.
5. I resolve to release every weight and hindrance which is weighing me down.
6. I resolve to talk to people instead of about them.
7. I resolve to pray like Daniel – three times a day!
8. I resolve to model the behavior I want my children to possess.
9. I resolve to journal and write about my accomplishments and blessings.
10. I resolve to live better.

Will you take part in the Resolve Challenge? It you want to take part, you make save the graphic above and post it to your website or you may download the participant graphic below.

Will you join me in the Resolve Challenge?

Just some thoughts,

The worldly pursuits involve an aspect of self. When self takes precedence, the thoughts of God are moved aside to make room for self. This is called selfishness.

Ministers have a difficult task of changing lives through changing behavior. The task is made more difficult by some who want a changed life without changing behavior. Many ministers have been taken to task, because the have stepped on toes, but I can assure you them stepped on their own toes or broken their own hearts first.

As a minister, my responsibility is not to assist you in happiness, but to assist you in godliness. Decisions must be made and many of those are uncomfortable and inconvenient, but they are worth making the change.

If those challenges make you uncomfortable, maybe it is time to move your feet.

Just my thoughts,

Religiously, the “what if” game is a dangerous game negating personal responsibility and shifting it to one of a theologically quandary. Personal responsibility must not be taken out of the theological process. There are many scriptures which speak of the responsibility of each individual to receive and share salvation. While Christ bore the burden of our lives on the cross, it is our responsibility to live for Him and bear our cross.

The “what if” game usually goes like this, “What if someone lives on a remote island in the Pacific and never hears the gospel?” But this question simply needs rearranged to make it closer to home, “What if a neighbor, who  is an atheist, teaches their children atheism and they never hear the gospel?” Why do people reach for a remote island? I believe it takes away from our personal responsibility as Christ followers (as Christians). Using such an extreme examples places the work on someone else in the example than ourselves.

Playing the “what if” game begs the question, “What are you doing to reach everyone?” Is it our desire to plant the seed of Christ, water the seed and let God give the increase? Or is our desire to speak of endless possibilities of “what if” without reaching the people nearest to our home?

Passages such as 2 Thessalonians 1.5-15 reveal God’s words regarding ignorance. As Christ-followers, God-believers and Holy Spirit filled followers, Paul’s inspired words of 2 Thessalonians should cause tears because of the fate of those lost. Those tears should lead us to action on their behalf. The responsibility should inspire us to reach every person and not play a game of shedding responsibility.

My friends, let us put off the ‘what if” and begin putting on the “what can I do.”

Just some thoughts,

God, knowing the deeds and thoughts of man, instructed the Israelites in the Old Testament to purge the evil from the camp:

• Deuteronomy 13.5
• Deuteronomy 17.7
• Deuteronomy 17.12
• Deuteronomy 19.13
• Deuteronomy 19.19
• Deuteronomy 21.9
• Deuteronomy 21.21
• Deuteronomy 21.22
• Deuteronomy 22.24
• Deuteronomy 24.7

At least 11 times in the book of Deuteronomy, God wants to Israelites to purge the evil from their midst. Looking at this from a historical point, one can see how the relationship the Israelites had with God grew powerful when they listened to His words, then grew apart when the Israelites did not heed the words of God. As the creator and provider for mankind, God knows and has seen man struggle with the battle of good and evil on a daily basis, hence God’s words to mankind to “purge the evil” from the midst. God wants the best for man so He provided words to hear.

The apostle Paul understood the influence of one person on the congregation of the saints. Then dealing with a continual immoral-living person, Paul speaks of their influence when he says, “Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?” (1 Corinthians 5.6; ESV). Paul knew that even one person’s example effects the whole group.

As Paul continues in 1 Corinthians 5, he says the leaven must be cleansed. Each person reading this understand that the evil must be purged from the group, because of the influence which will rub off on one another. While one today may think Paul’s statement to be harsh, the history of purging evil goes back to the Old Law.

When evil is not purged from our lives, we become callused to the emotions we once felt. To give you a modern day example, several years ago the hit television show, “Leave it to Beaver” was censored for showing a bathroom. Have you seen something worse than a bathroom on television today? Has our viewing of television callused us to the things of the world once thought of as being appalling?

What do you need to purge from your life?

What influences are not what the Lord wants?

Just some thoughts,

Chris

The excitement of a risen man would be a sight to behold, but the Risen Savior would be an event you would want to experience. Just the sound of His voice or the smile from His face would shatter any earthly troubles as a moment like that would be Heaven on Earth…but one was missing. Where could he be? This follower, apostle and friend of Christ was missing in action, or maybe missing in inaction? What could have been that important to miss the news of the Risen Savior?

Whatever the reason, the fact is Thomas missed. He just missed! He missed hearing the words, seeing the breaking of the bread…he missed! Not only did he miss, but he challenged the belief of his friends . Thomas would not believe unless he could touch the holes.

So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe."  (John 20.25, ESV)

Notice the language of the English Standard Version (ESV), Thomas had to put his finger “into the mark of the nails” and “into his side.” If Thomas was not able to touch them, he would never believe…all because he missed what he missed! Most know Thomas as “doubting Thomas” because he missed seeing Jesus. Yes, Thomas got to see Jesus later, but can you believe he missed Jesus! Was feeding the camels more important? Was he that disconnected from the apostles when Jesus left? I have no idea, I just read he missed Jesus! How could you miss Jesus?

Well, the answer asked even today, some followers of Christ miss Jesus on Sundays? Some miss on Wednesdays? Some miss everyday? They try to follow him, but other things get in the way of missing him?

What did you miss last Sunday? Last Wednesday? Today?

• Did you miss seeing a small child smile as he dropped change in the collection plate coin by coin as his parents told him to hurry up?
• Did you miss hearing an elderly lady sing with her eyes closed as she reflect on the blessings of the Father?
• Did you miss seeing the visitor who struggle to be there?
• Did you miss seeing brethren from other states who came to visit while on vacation?
• Did you miss the bread of fruit of the vine as the congregation respected the wishes of the Lord?

If you did….you probably missed Jesus!

Will you miss this week?

Just some thoughts,

Chris

In such a touchy topic, I wonder if there are some common sense thoughts which apply to each follower of Christ? I will readily admit, no where does the Bible give us a list of physical clothing which should cover our bodies. There are Old Testament guidelines given to the priests (Exodus 28). Personally, I am not sure if God would have given us a simple list of clothing if some would still not followed it. No matter what guidelines God provides, there are always some who wish to push the envelope.

There are a couple of interesting points to make at this point:

• It is interesting that modesty provide a double standard in our society. A lady can wear a mini-skirt while walking down the street and she will be called immodest, when 20 minutes later, she may go to the beach and where a bikini and not be consider immodest, but instead be considered to be “in style.”
• Certain people have never considered the area of clothing to be a problem.
• There are some cultural differences in terms of clothing; but remember, culture does not necessarily make something the right thing to do.
• This topic needs to be examined and studied more than it currently is; no matter what you believe at this point in time.

While God does not provide a list of “Thou Shalt Wear” and “Thou Shalt Not Wear,” I do believe He provides some guidelines for each person to consider themselves.  I have posted some thoughts below to hopefully stir some discussion regarding the topic of “Modesty and Immodesty.”

Did God have a different standard than Adam and Eve?

Could there be a significance in the an “apron” of fig leaves that Adam and Eve made for themselves and the “coats of skin” God made afterward? There are two different words used in the Hebrew language:

• Apron (Genesis 3.7; KJV – the Hebrew word is “chagor” meaning a belt of girdle for the waist.
• Coats (Genesis 3.21; KJV) – the Hebrew word is “kethoneth” meaning a shirt, rode and garment, coming from the root word meaning “to cover.”

Is is possible that Adam and Eve created garments for themselves the were different that the garments God wanted? Remember, Adam and Eve had no knowledge of nakedness until after the fruit (Genesis 3.7). After they made aprons (KJV) or loinclothes (ESV) for themselves, God made them coats (KJV) or garments (ESV) and clothed them (Genesis 3.21; ESV).

Are there some parts of our body that need covered?

I believe Paul answers this question in 1 Corinthians 12.22-25:

“On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another.”  (English Standard Version; emphasis mine, CMG)

To Paul’s statements to the Corinthians, I would ask:

• What are the unpresentable parts of our bodies and why to they require greater modesty? I find 1 Corinthians 12.23 very interesting in the Contemporary English Version: “We take special care to dress up some parts of our bodies. We are modest about our personal parts…” Did you notice that, “We are modest about our personal parts.” The CEV seems to make that verse a little clearer to the unpresentable parts.

If there were specific physical clothes to be worn by priests under the Old Covenant, are there considerations Christians should make to the clothes they wear as “priests” under the New Covenant?

• “…you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2.5; ESV,emphasis mine, CMG)

So, what are your thoughts?

Just some thoughts for a Wednesday morning…

Chris

What others would you add to the list?

1. If someone offers you a breathe mint, take it. 
2. Speak to someone before they speak to you.
3. Look up as you walk; people look different.
4. Send a note to a member at church and never sign it.
5. When grocery shopping, take someone’s cart back to the store for them.
6. When you see trash on the ground, pick it up.
7. Buy your wife some flowers for no reason.
8. Buy your husband a new truck for no reason.
9. Grow your own vegetables with your children.
10. Buy an elderly couple’s dessert at a restaurant; tell your server only.

Just some thoughts,

Chris

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Tomorrow, September 1st, begins the Gallagher Institute 14 Day Challenge. The 14 Day Challenge will assist you in growing, mental, physically and spiritually. I want to encourage you to download the 5 page Gallagher Institute 14 Day Challenge by clicking here!

The 14 Day Challenge Brief Overview:

1. The 14 Day Challenge is designed to assist you in creating a better day each day for a better life tomorrow.
2. The 14 Day Challenge is divided into several parts to break up your day and increase your potential.
3. A checklist is provided for each week. Be sure to make off the tasks as you complete them.
4. Consider beginning a journal to track your progress during the 14 Day Challenge!
5. Remember to join in the discussion at http://14days.gallagherinstitute.com. (The Discussion Board is Free to join!)

There is not cost to participate in the 14 day Challenge. Just download the information (chart included) and get working to create a better day today for a better life tomorrow.

Take a moment and join us in the 14 day Challenge!

#1 – Many people mistake fellowship with the eating of food and a congregational meal.

#2 – People only fellowship who fits our church image, not who fits Jesus.

#3 – Churches mold people to themselves instead of Jesus.

#4 – Whoever tries to question such is termed a pagan and a “church hating people monger that devours the sinful in the false teaching of the abominable world which lusts after the flesh and not the truth contained in a checklist gospel.”

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I admit, I am concerned and prayerful the top four thoughts of this Tuesday are not relevant to any congregation I know of, but they are. Yesterday, I read from 1st and 2nd Corinthians and engaged myself in a physical and spiritual challenge on the question, “Would I fellowship the brothers and sisters in Corinth?” While this may sound odd, look at a partial list of people in Corinth:

• - Quarreling people (1 Corinthians 1.11)
• - People dividing over teachers (1 Corinthians 1:12)
• - Former sexually immoral (1 Corinthians 6.9)
• - Former idolaters (1 Corinthians 6.9)
• - Former adulterers (1 Corinthians 6.9)
• - Former homosexuals (1 Corinthians 6.9)
• - Former thieves (1 Corinthians 6.10)
• - Former greedy (1 Corinthians 6.10)
• - Former drunkards (1 Corinthians 6.10)
• - Former revilers (1 Corinthians 6.10)
• - Former swindlers (1 Corinthians 6.10)

The above list is a PARTIAL list of the people in Corinth. Would you fellowship them? Most will answer that question in the affirmative because of the word former, but remember those people still struggled with the emotions, mentality, physical desires and even the spiritual significance of what were were trying to leave. How do I know they struggled? Because Paul wrote two letters addressed to the church in Corinth. They needed help and so do we!

Our congregations are not perfect and neither are we. I will never forget a time I had invited a friend to attend services. My friend stepped outside to smoke between the Bible class as worship time. After services, a member came up and said, “If he continues to come here, he cannot smoke out there. He needs to quit smoking.” At that point, my blood pressure elevated and my laughter took over. I had heard the same thing when I was smaller but in a slightly different fashion –“If that person is going to come here, they need to were dress clothes.” It was too bad at the time, those people wore the best clothes they had, yet certain people want to conform them to our image, not the image of the Savior.

Now, while I could go on with story after story from the “Book of Church Conform-ism,” I do not want too. I want you to reach outside the box of your current thinking and ask yourself this question, “Are we converting people to Jesus or to our image?”

Converting people to Jesus means:

• Accepting people where they are and working with them to make them better.
• Looking at people and seeing the soul instead of the cover.
• Talking to God for people instead of talking to others about them.
• Shaking and hand or giving a hug, because of love, not because of a socially accepted practice.
• Assisting them in their troubles instead of only assisting them in the good.
• Reaching out too them with grace, instead of beating them with the “conformed grace.”
• Praying for them now, instead of later.

But most of all, converting people Jesus means we must first convert ourselves!

Just some thoughts on a Tuesday morning…

Chris