Raising them Right…

And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.  Ephesians 6:4

As believers our first ministry is to our family.  We are to consistently live and teach the gospel to our children.  These gifts are our responsibility and none of us should want to get caught with our work undone.   I was so very moved when I watched the video below.  It shares the testimony of a young man, named Brady, that came to Christ during a bout with brain cancer and how it built his faith as well as his parents’.

“No Limits” Youth Explosion Conference 2008

Young people today are facing far more than the generations before them.  The enemy wants our youth to believe that they can not live victorious lives.  It is our responsibility to compel others to Christ and that includes the youth, many of whom are already laboring in the vineyard.

If you are in or around the RTP area you are invited to join other kingdom builders at the “No Limits” Youth Explosion Conference 2008 hosted by Victory Temple Holy Church.  Pastors Raymond and Regina Boney along with their youth directors Reverend Alexander and Ramona Nelson, are passionate about the Youth who have met the call and face the challenge of ministry.  The conference dates are August 7-10, 2008.

Events include a seminar, an essay contest, concert, ministering arts nightly and much more.  Registration is required.  For more information view the flyer below.  Youth Explosion Flyer.

Free Bible Software:Bible Explorer

I love convenience.  I like things that are aesthetically pleasing.  Ease of use is also extremely important to me.  However, I was not able to enjoy any of these things when it came to delving into bible study until today.  I downloaded Bible Explorer and I love it.  It is much more than a Bible or concordance on your desktop.  It is a phenomenal research tool.  Bible Explorer allows me to  have multiple translations of the Word, resources and reference tools at my fingertips.  The interface is very intuitive.  It is an ideal tool for any student of the Word of God, no matter what their skill level.  Free video tutorials are available if needed.

Bible Explorer allowed me to easily switch between books and the cross referencing tools elimante the need for multiple books all over the place.  I can see that it will be a great time-saver for me (I have two small children).  The software can be downloaded for free and there are over 2600 books available for download and many of them are free.  There is unlimited potential for what one could accomplish with this software.  Check it out and let me know what you think.

Spreading the Gospel to the Lost

As I sat watching the news tonight I saw images of the destruction and turmoil in China. It is reported that at least 3/4 of the population near the earthquake’s epicenter were killed, at least 15000 people dead. One woman watched as her husband’s lifeless body was pulled from the wreckage. Then something even more disturbing caught my attention. Many people had set up makeshift religious alters near the bodies lining the streets. A woman burned paper money near her husband to bless him in the afterlife. Yet another woman cut her husband’s clothes off in order to separate his spirit from his body. It was apparent that these people did not know Christ. This news report reminded that personal evangelism and ministry are more important than ever. We must see everyone as a potential convert. Paul shares many important principles for ministry in 1 Corinthians 9:22:

• find common ground with potential converts
• make them feel accepted (without compromising your beliefs)
• avoid being a know-it-all
• show sensitivity to their needs and concerns
• seize each opportunity to tell them about Jesus Christ

We must be prepared for, courageous in, and sensitive to God-given opportunities to spread the gospel to the lost. We need not be fearful because the Holy Spirit will empower us and help us to speak. Acts 1:8 Nor should we rely on our words or clever packaging (although I do think some people require a more radical approaches in order to initially gain their attention) it is the Holy Spirit that convicts people and opens their eyes revealing their need for salvation. 1 Thessalonians 1:5 Let’s continue to pray for more workers to harvest in the fields. Matthew 9:37