Church Builders #3

Walking in the Spirit

Living a Spirit-filled life might be the most often overlooked aspect of discipleship. We readily acknowledge that God is the creator and sustainer of our universe. We understand that salvation is by His grace and that Jesus died for the sins of His people! To become a Primitive Baptist you have you have to be able to quote Romans 8:29-33 and Ephesians 1:4. That might be a slight exaggeration, but not so much :-)

But how much attention do we give to the Holy Spirit? This third aspect of the Trinity is oftentimes ignored in our everyday lives, is it not? I have recently become convicted of this reality in my own personal walk. I will soon be secularly unemployed and have been seeking a new job. Needless to say, it is a tough climate to be doing such! Unfortunately, I have allowed this setback to be too much of a distraction. There have been nights that I have stayed awake worrying about things that have not yet happened. It has been a distraction in my studies and at times downright overwhelming. In other words, I have not been walking in the Spirit. If I were, this (and other) difficulties would not be so paralyzing.

I find the same to be true in our church bodies. We allow the inevitable challenges of life to elicit worldly responses instead of spiritual. We let worry and uncertainty to prevent us from doing what the body of Christ is called to do; act as the salt of the earth and shine light in this world of darkness (Matthew 6).

• We fear the consequences of sharing the doctrines of God’s sovereign grace because it is diametrically opposed to what much of the rest of our society believes.
• We despair because of our small numbers and think no one would want to be a part of our community of believers.
• We allow anger and bitterness to take over when inevitable conflict occurs amongst those who make up our church body.
• We constantly worry about when ‘the other shoe is going to drop’ when things are progressing well.

These attitudes all result from the church neglecting to walk by the Spirit. It is vital to understand what the Holy Spirit does for us. Notice what Jesus says to His disciples about the Holy Spirit:

John 14:16-18 - And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

First, we notice that the Holy Spirit is a comfort to the church. He is literally there for our aide. Strong’s defines the Comforter as the one who gives divine strength needed to enable us to undergo trials and persecutions on behalf of the divine kingdom. Do you see that we have divine empowerment as God’s people? The Spirit miraculously gives us (the church) strength that the world knows nothing about.

Second, the Holy Spirit testifies of the truth. As mentioned earlier, many have an intellectual knowledge of the truths contained in scripture. Hopefully, our churches testify of divine truth and experience the blessings of truth to some degree. But it is easy to forget them in the midst of trials. Thanks be to God that our Comforter can encourage us with the timeless truths of the Bible. In our verse above, Jesus would soon be crucified and ascend to Heaven. He would no longer walk in the midst of the disciples. But they would not be left to figure things out on their own. He would dwell in their hearts and encourage them in truth and righteousness through the Spirit.

Finally, we notice the permanence of the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised to not leave us comfortless. You may ask why then do we worry, doubt, act in the flesh, etc? It is not that the Spirit has left us. The Bible teaches that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). God is unchangeable. The difficulties arise when we forsake Him. The Apostle Paul warns us not to quench the Spirit in 1 Thessalonians 5:19. How does this happen? Based on the surrounding verses of this warning, it occurs when we are in the flesh. Forgetting to pray, being unthankful, ingratitude, flirting with evil, rendering evil for evil, and many more worldly attitudes cause us to extinguish the Spirit of God in our lives and in the life of our churches.

The good news is that the Spirit of God has not moved one inch. He is where he has always been. He dwells in the heart of every born-again elect child of God. Our responsibility is to continually recalibrate our lives to the standard of scripture. It is there that we find the divine comfort and encouragement of the Spirit of God. This is where we need to be as a church body. The alternative is unpleasant darkness. I encourage you to read about the Church of Ephesus in Revelation 2. The Spirit can remove itself from a body of believers if they insist on repeatedly quenching the Spirit and leave their first love.

On a positive note, our churches will grow both in grace and knowledge of the truth when we walk in the Spirit. I have been studying the Book of Acts over the past several days. If correct, I have noted sixty mentions of the Spirit in this book. That is significant! We oftentimes refer to Acts as the place to go to discern the correct practical/doctrinal pattern of our churches. Lord help us to also remember that everything that we do as a church should revolve around the Holy Spirit as well.

We please God and are personally comforted when we are filled with the Spirit. Lord help us to apply this truth!

Ephesians 5:14 - Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

Church Killers - 5

Love is just a word until someone comes along and gives it meaning. -Anonymous

In this article we will take a look at another attitude that is extremely destructive to our churches - forgetting our first love. You say, I love everyone in my church. Perhaps you do in word, but when we look at how the Bible defines love we quickly find out that we oftentimes forget this part of our daily walk with the Lord. This is precisely what happened at the church of Ephesus during the time of the writing of the book of Revelation. Notice the text in Revelation chapter 2:

Revelation 2:2-4 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

Here is a church that would be considered orthodox by Bible standards. They patiently worked and labored in the kingdom of God. They diligently stood for doctrinal truth and were good  judges of the true intentions of men. Yet Jesus had a problem with them because they had left their first love. This was a serious indictment pronounced by the Lord. How exactly did they leave their first love? The text does not specifically say. However, in light of other scriptures we can ascertain the general attitude which the Lord rebuked in this passage and apply it to our current situation.

1 John chapter 4 deals with us loving our brother. Is love merely a word that is arbitrarily used to describe our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ? No indeed! This passage deals with us loving our brother as Christ loved us.

1 John 4:19-20 We love him, because he first loved us. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?  

Love in this passage is translated from the Greek word, agapao which is aptly defined as a noble affection or concern for others. This attitude was expressly communicated to us (God's children) through Jesus Christ's self-sacrificing actions on the cross for our eternal salvation. Do you see how love extends infinitely beyond mere words and placation?

Here are a couple of scenarios for your consideration:

You are confronted with a new visitor to your church that does not fit the demographic (usually white, middle-aged, middle class) of the majority of others in the congregation. Perhaps they are black and you were raised to have a certain bias against people of color? Would you show them the same love and consideration as other congregants? Maybe some folks visit that are obviously destitute and you automatically assume that they must be lazy and are looking for a handout. Is this biblical love? These are important parts to ponder. Perhaps the church at Ephesus made distinctions between different races and socioeconomic groups, and this is why they were rebuked of the Lord.

Do you accept children as a part of your church? Throughout my time in the church I have been astonished at how some 'respected' members of the church treat children. Unfortunately, I have seen them marginalized and unfairly rebuked because they acted like kids. They should be loved and treated as respectfully as any other part of the congregation. Yes they can be loud. Yes they do make messes and can be rambunctious. So what! They are not only the future of the church, but the present as well. I love Jesus' teaching about children. It will do us well to constantly remember it when we find ourselves losing patience with the little ones around us.

Luke 18:16  But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

My friends we must put aside our biases and annoyances for the sake of the church. ALL who make up our congregations come with baggage because ALL are sinners. If anyone had the authority and right to give up on others, it was the Lord. Yet he loved us. He still loves his church! Have you left off loving your brothers in sisters in Christ? If so, repent! If this attitude is allowed to continue, our churches will find themselves in the same situation as the church Ephesus of old.

Revelation 2:5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.


Lord help us to follow Christ's example of loving the church, differences and all!

Church Killers - 4

Indifference

Apathy is the glove into which evil slips its hand.

-B. Thoene

Last week we examined the lack of balanced, biblical teaching as a factor in church decline. This week we will take a look at the detrimental results of an indifferent attitude towards the word of God. This is a subject that all of us should frequently consider because of our propensity to gravitate towards stagnancy. This was the concern of the Lord in Revelation chapter 3.

Revelation 3:14-16 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

They were neither cold nor hot. Have you ever found yourself at this point in your life? From time to time we all will shift into mental cruise control. There is nothing wrong with taking short breaks from the stresses and worries of life. However, problems quickly arise when these respites become prolonged, especially in the church. Let’s look closer at the church mentioned above.

Laodicea was a Roman province in Asia (modern-day Turkey) that was home to a church established early in Christian history. The province enjoyed great material prosperity because of its importance as a Roman trade route. Expensive black wool which was utilized for ornate garments was one particular product that was traded in this region during ancient times. One result of the wealth enjoyed by the citizens of Laodicea was the import of Greek art, science and literature. This led to the founding of a great medical school in the area which led to an improved quality of life. The Laodiceans enjoyed the good life. Wealth, great material possessions, and good health were commonplace in this region during the time of the Apostle John’s writing.

Apparently, these material blessings led to an indifferent attitude towards the things of God. The Bible uses the term ‘lukewarm’ to describe this church’s feelings towards the Lord and His word. Their apathy resulted in an unthankful and forgetful spirit towards the true giver of blessings, both material and spiritual.

Revelation 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

They enjoyed material wealth, but were spiritually poor. They possessed excellent health care, but their stagnancy led to wretchedness, blindness and misery. The Laodiceans enjoyed clothing of fine wool, but they were naked before the Lord. Are you beginning to get the picture of the devastating results of indifference?

How does this attitude manifest itself in the modern church? Consider the following attitudes:

• An individual begins to miss worship services because of work and other ‘important’ activities on Sunday morning. If the time is taken to meet with the saints, then they exit quickly after the final amen (sometimes before).
• The pursuit of entertainment dominates takes the place of regular prayer and Bible study in ones life.
• Weekly worship becomes merely a spot on the calendar rather than the center of all other activities.
• Godly thoughts and meditations are replaced with ideas to build more security and material wealth. Worry replaces the peace that passes all understanding.

Such attitudes are born out of an indifference to the things of God. First, we must realize that this is displeasing to the Lord. This conduct makes Him sick! The Laodicean’s apathy towards the truth of God’s word also invited severe rebuke and chastening from the Lord. We should expect nothing less for the church today. We must realize the deception of trusting in our own riches and works, or prepare to suffer the same fate. Paul warns us of the consequences of such attitudes.

1 Timothy 6:9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

Sadly, the Laodiceans were in the middle of this downward spiral and did not even realize it. Can the same be said about us today? God strengthen us to remember to source of our blessings and heed the advice of the Lord to His church throughout the ages.

Revelation 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

True peace, satisfaction, joy, healing and contentment can only be found in the Lord and His service. May we be ever diligent in our service to him and guard against spiritual cruise control.

Ask! Seek! Knock!

Here are some excellent observations from one of my fathers in the ministry, good friend, and golf buddy... Enjoy! 

 

 

 

Ask!   Seek!   Knock!      

“My Two Cents Worth”   5-25-11

We are living in a world today where many, seeking to be righteous, go by the phrase “just name it and claim it.”  Their point of theology is one of receiving everything you ask for, usually in a health or financial sense, or both; by putting God under obligation to provide it for them due to their “exercise” of faith.  They misuse and abuse a well known scripture found in Matthew chapter 7, verses  7-8.  

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”

Just what is this scripture pertaining to when it states we are to ask, seek, and knock?   It is either relating to things earthly (material) or things spiritual; one or the other.  We would be breaking one of the commandments if this were relating to things of an earthly or material nature.  One of the ten commandments states we are not to covet.  Therefore, asking for material things as a priority in our lives would be against the intended meaning of this scripture.  In addition, we are told to “seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” Matthew 6:33.  

The things which we are to ask, seek, and knock after is relating to those things which are spiritual; mainly asking, seeking, and knocking on the door of understanding of God’s will for us in our lives.  We are to continuously ask for spiritual guidance.  Peter related to this when he said we “have not, because ye ask not.”  Prayer is the path we are to use in asking God for guidance and instruction.  Reading God’s written word and praying for understanding goes a long way in achieving spiritual guidance and direction for our lives..  

The second thing we are to do is to seek.  One of the best ways to seek is to not only read God’s written word and listen to good, sound, preaching;  but also to study God’s word.  To study His word is to seek to know what His will is for us in giving Him praise, honor, and glory.  Acts 17:11 teaches us what to do when it said that those in Thessalonica “received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether these things were so.” We cannot find that which we need if we are not seeking, or looking, for it.  Remember, it is not about us; it is all about HIm. 

What then, is the knocking all about?  This is NOT a knocking in an attempt to get Jesus to open up the door of salvation to us as is taught oftentimes in the world today.  But rather, it is a knocking on the door of understanding.  It is not us who opens the door of understanding.  Jesus is the only one that can open this door for us.  We are to “knock” as a show of our faith.  

Look again at the passage found in Matthew 7:7-8.   If we ask in prayer for guidance and direction, the Lord has promised to give it to us.  If we seek to know His will, he has promised that we shall find His will for us.  And, if we knock, God has promised to open a door of understanding unto us which will result in manifold blessings and benefits in the kingdom of God.  

To ask, to seek, and to knock takes work on our part.  Listen to what James says in James 2:26, “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”  Let us today be up and about our Master’s business of giving Him that praise, honor, and glory by knowing more about His will for us.  But then, that is just “my two cents worth.”  

 

Elder Bobby Willis

ShareTheWord

“In God We Trust”

Church Killers - 3

Today I want to address another destroyer of our churches: a lack of complete biblical teaching. Sure, most of us can quote Romans 8:29-30 and Ephesians 1:4. But there is much more to the word of God than these few verses. ALL scripture is given by the inspiration of God and is profitable...

Sometimes the problem stems from the church leadership. If the pastor/preacher is not applying himself to studying the Bible, then the sheep under his charge will suffer. Sheep need sheep food. This can only come from the word of God. If a man is called to preach the gospel, then there is no excuse for neglecting the word of God. I am reminded of the following proverb:

Proverbs 29:18 -Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

During the Old Testament times, God spoke to this people through the mouths of prophets. When they were silent, the Israelites would lack direction as a people. They depended on this particular blessing from God for comfort and direction. In the New Testament times, God speaks to us through his word, and the preacher is his mouthpiece. Do you see the importance of a ministry that is committed to studying scripture? It is the spiritual food that sustains us in the wicked world!

Not only is the gospel minister to have an understanding of biblical doctrine and principles. He is to faithfully teach the whole counsel of God. If a preacher solely focuses on doctrinal points without practical teaching, then his listeners will struggle when confronted with daily trials. On the other hand, if duty is exclusively preached without a balance of grace, then the congregation will be very discouraged because of their shortcomings. The key to effective teaching is a mixture of 'DO' doctrine and 'DONE' doctrine. The Lord has done many amazing things for us. We were chosen in Christ before the world was created. Christ died for His people on the cross. Mercy and grace are extended to us daily. This is all DONE doctrine. In light of these truths we are to save ourselves from this untoward generation, make our calling and election sure, and walk worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called. This is what we are commanded to DO! Both are equally important and must be presented in a balanced manner.

Studying/preaching the gospel is very similar to eating properly. If our diet consisted exclusively of desserts, then we would quickly become lethargic and unhealthy. Conversely, if we only consumed carbs or proteins, we would suffer as well. The key is balance. If you have been called to preach the word, faithfully study and teach ALL aspects of God's word. Don't sacrifice the balanced meal of truth for the 'smooth things' of the world. Study the word! Preach the word! Apply the word!

Sadly, there are many sick and anemic sheep wondering aimlessly about our churches. If they are not soon fed and strengthened, they will leave in search for greener pastures. Or worse, they will be devoured by wolves. A body of believers will not survive long without sound, biblical balanced teaching. Lord, strengthen us for the task!

2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine

Book Review - When a Nation Forgets God

***DISCLAIMER - If I read/review a book, it does not necessarily mean that I endorse all actions and beliefs contained therein. I am a big fan of eating the chicken and throwing away the bones. If a particular book is far out in left field, I will note the issues accordingly (or you will likely not see it on this site). ;-)

It is no secret that we are living in a post-modern world has removed God and truth from almost every aspect of society. There are consequences to this decision! This book takes a historical look at Germany before/during WWII and draws some chilling parallels to the current state of our own country.
 

Here is a quick review of the book:

Bread Over Freedom?

Years ago, a cartoon appeared in a Russian newspaper picturing a fork in the road. One path was labeled freedom; the other path was labeled sausage. As we might guess, the path to freedom had few takers; the path to sausage was crowded with footprints. When given a choice people will choose bread and sausage above the free market and individual liberties. The promise of bread gets votes, even if the bread is at the expense of freedom.

The people of Nazi Germany weren’t any more barbaric, uncivilized, or depraved than any other Western nation of the early Twentieth Century, yet the Nazi regime will forever serve as an example of brutality and extreme racism run amok. What led so many people to such extreme ends?

According to Dr. Lutzer, the German people’s progression from civility to barbarity was not extraordinary, and more than a few benchmarks from their transition can be observed in present day American society (Do any of these sound familiar?):

- The Church is silenced
- The economy is king
- The lawmakers determine behaviors
- The media controls beliefs
- The Gospel and nationalism become inextricably tied to each other
- And yet, heroes still have power

This short, manageable book does not suggest the United States is definitely marching toward authoritarian oblivion, but that we — especially we believers — must be vigilant in our stand for truth, justice, and righteousness.

We must take note of these lessons from history. The parallels are real, but the conclusion is not a foregone one.

My .02:

I do not agree with much of the author's doctrine. He is Arminian in his belief system. Having said that, this book is not about his doctrine. It is a look at a some of the attitudes that permeated the churches of Germany at the time of the rise of Hitler and Nazism, and the lessons that we can learn from their mistakes.

What was particularly interesting to me was the manner in which Germany separated God from government. They did not make church illegal, but they worked intensively to marginalize God and the truth. This was a gradual, yet successful tactic that desensitized the vast majority of the German Christians to the horror of the holocaust and other barbaric practices of the Nazi party. It is shocking to see how quickly people were willing to put aside their previouslt held biblical convictions for national safety and security. Sadly, I believe that this is being replayed in our current society.

Another important parallel is drawn from the Nazi government's insistance that it was the state's resonsibility to train the youth, not the parents. Hitler passed a law that made public education compulasry and banned homeschooling. Darwinian evolution was heavily promoted in public education. Moral relativism was expounded and attitude was preferred over facts. Hitler knew that the key to power was capturing the hearts of the youth. Again, the author makes several chilling comparisons to our modern-day educational system in the US.

There is also a chapter about the use of propoganda. Lutzer also addresses the fact that God (not man) is the ultimate lawgiver. He emphasizes that we are to take a bold stand for the truth in the midst of modern-day misinformation. The warning is clear that if we do not stake a stand for that which is right, then we might find ourselves in the same predicament as Germany of old.

When a Nation Forgets God is not a feel-good read. But it tells a story that we need to hear. There are dire consequences when God's people cease to be the salt of the earth and light of the world. As Americans we are no less succeptable to compromise than the German people. We are not immune to complaceency. The author rightfully states that the preaching of Jesus Christ and firm obedience to the word of God is the answer to such wickedness.

The Bible clearly states that this world is not our home. However, we should be careful to stand upon the promises of God and fight for what is right in the midst of spritiual darkness. This book helped remind me of this important fact and examine several areas of my life that needs improvment in this realm. We might be discouraged about the current state of affairs in our nation, but we must remember that God will bless us when we repent, turn from wickness, and seek his face.  This book very nicely illustrates the truth of Santayana: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

Plastic People

Do you remember G.I. Joe? What red-blooded American male doesn't? I was a child of the 8o's so I am well familiar with the plastic version of this toy icon. My friends and I would spend countless hours waging war on Cobra Commander and his henchmen. Those were good times!

At a young age I also recall being in awe of these muscular little men. They had the coolest gadgets and rode around in awesome vehicles. This was further reinforced by the cartoon that depicted the plastic men in action. They never lost a battle and always made the right call when confronted with difficulty. Who wouldn't want to be like G.I. Joe?

The only problem with these and other plastic men is that they are not real. Countless girls can relate their experiences with plastic women. Many young girls played with Barbie and dreamed of looking and living like her. This cultural icon probably did more damage to a woman's view of a healthy body type than any other instrument in our culture.

The illusion does not end with these childhood toys. We are inundated with unrealistic depictions of physical appearance, body types, lifestyles, family structures through the myriad of media influences of modern day life. In other words, our lives are flooded with plastic people; people that only exist in the fantasy world imaginative play and Madison Avenue.

Sadly, many try to live as plastic people. They go to great lengths to give others the image that they live the life of Barbie and her counterparts.  They devote an inordinate amount of energy to developing a certain body type to live up to the 'worlds' ideal of physical beauty. Much emotional energy is expended in building a certain persona to impress others. We even have children in their early teens electing to undergo plastic surgery to look more like Barbie and her counterparts. Individuals spend money that they don't have in an attempt to achieve the unattainable life of plastic people.

The bottom line is that there are no perfect people, physically or otherwise. Many of our ideas of what is physically attractive or what constitutes success is merely a manufactured ideal of our perverted culture.  As Christians it is imperative that we consult scripture when confronted with such issues.

First, we must understand that there are no perfect people. We are all products of fallen humanity. The first man, Adam was created in the image of God. The bible states that he was created 'very good' as God concluded his work on the sixth day (Genesis 1:31). This was as close to perfection as man could have been. Interestingly enough, we really have no clue about his specific physical appearance.

Unfortunately, Adam would soon disobey the one commandment given to him by God and sin and death would enter into the world. This would drastically affect all aspects of mankind from that point forward (Genesis 3; Romans 5:12). Sin has marred all aspects of mankind. There are no perfect people physically, relationally, socially or otherwise.

Secondly, we should reject the unrealistic, unattainable ideal of plastic people because the world's standard of beauty and success are generally at odds with what is pleasing to God. In fact, Solomon describes such things as vanity. Notice the following scripture:

Ecclesiastes 1:14 I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.

In this book of the Bible, Solomon repeats this sentiment repeatedly. All of the things of this world are ultimately useless (vain) and full of frustration (vexation of spirit). These characteristics are far from the peace of God which passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7), are they not?

What a relief to know that God is not concerned with one's physical appearance. The Lord's words to Samuel are as relevant to us today as it was thousands of years ago.

1 Samuel 16:7b for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

Obedience, not appearance is what is pleasing to the Lord. The thing about plastic people is that they have nothing on the inside. Thus it is with the aforementioned characteristics of the world in the realm of pleasing the Lord. Lets be real and use our unique abilities to the glory of God and for the edification of one another.

Have a great weekend!