Weekly Newsletter Jan. 16, 2008
Snow!
Just a little though, but I'll take it.
I like snow, as long as I do not have to get out in it. My family
lived in Colorado for nine years when I was growing up and I loved
the big snows. I like walking through the woods or an big field
when it is quietly falling, it's like another world. I also like it
when the weather clears; the sun shines brightly, glistening off
the snow. It has been years since I have seen that. Anyway, I will
take the light dusting we got Monday and are supposed to get
tomorrow night.
The beauty of our world is a blessing from God.
The iPod Contest Winners Are Below
Time for the launch of the new web site is drawing nearer. I am
tentatively planning it for mid-February. This is subject to change
for one reason or another, but I will keep you updated.
In the meantime, I hope you are getting some benefit from this
newsletter. I am trying to keep it short and simple, yet practical
and informative. I appreciate all the feedback I have received so
far and encourage you to continue to email me.
*****
Shots For The Savior?
FoxNews.com reported the other day that a church in Charlotte, NC
plans to visit local bars and “hand out shot glasses which ask
patrons to ‘give us a shot' and bear the slogan, ‘Real church for
real people.'”
“Next Level is a nontraditional church that encourages members to
dress casually and snack on coffee and doughnuts during services.”
They have grown to 700 members. Any surprise?
Can you imagine the Lord handing out shot glasses in bars? Me
neither. He spent time with sinners, but He did not contribute to
or condone their vices in any way.
Also, this church is an example of how many, many churches have
gotten away from the purpose of the church. It is the “pillar and
ground of the truth” (1 Tim. 3:15). The services are not for
feeding our bellies or tickling our funny bone (1 Cor. 11:22-34).
They are to be a time of sober worship, praising God, examining
ourselves in light of God's Word (Jn. 4:23, 24; Acts 2:42; 20:7).
People have strayed far away from the church found in the New
Testament. Their faith in God's Word as the power to draw men in
has all but disappeared (Rom. 1:16; Jn. 6:44, 45). Rather, they
have drunk from the well of secularism and incorporated “marketing
techniques” to bring in a crowd. Some are beginning to wake up and
see the problem. However, most are not. If you draw men based on
carnal appetites and in worldly ways, you will end up with carnal,
worldly people—and churches. If the crucified Savior and His truth
is not enough of an enticement to leave sin and serve the Lord,
then coffee and doughnuts won't do the job.
It is time for folks to do away with casual churches. They breed
casual attitudes toward an almighty, serious God. They make worship
a common activity, not a holy occasion of bowing before the great I
AM.
Let us not be careful to fall into this trap, but recognize the
need to be reverent before God, trusting that His Gospel is truly
the power unto salvation.
*****
iPod Contest Winners
1st Place: Kesa Ennen
8GB iPod Nano ($190 value)
3-month website membership
2nd Place: John Fix
iPod Shuffle ($74 value)
3-month website membership
3rd Place: Carl Jenkins
3-month website membership
Congratulations!
I really appreciate everyone who entered the contest and sent folks
our way. There were also several who advertised the email list, but
did not enter the contest—thanks to you too.
All the best,
Steven
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