Ray Comort - Cambell Live

The Reality Of Hell

I found this at www.shareyourfaith.org just thought it would create some conversation as you hear a guy named Nate witnessing to his mom! His mom! Interesting stuff! Not sure I agree with every tactic he uses here? First of all his tone is pretty mundane and seems to put his mom on the defense pretty quick! Note> this usage of the Law is not endorsed by anyone at Way of the Pastor! Wow...does this guy use the word perfect enough times? Let me know what you think!
http://www.shareyourfaith.org/audio/121Mom.mp3

Way of the Pastor,
Joe

Is Redeemer Church Emergent?

So what is it to be emergent? Is it worthit to coin a church as emergent? Is there a difference between emergent/non-emeregent churches? Can a traditional church be and emergent church? What defines the emergent? What does it mean to be emergent?

Way of the(non-emergent)Pastor,
Joe

What can one man do for God?

Encouragement for those of us who use tracks to share our faith knowing that it makes a differance...evidence for those who do not!

Way of the Pastor,
Joe

Just a prayer request for a man named Richard. Richard is going to pass form this world to the next in just a matter of weeks or days unless God takes the cancer from his body. He did not have a pastor until someone in our church hooked me up with this man. He wanted a pastor to come and talk to him to make sure that he is ready to die. I go and talk to Richard tomorrow afternoon in his room at the hospital.

Way of the Pastor,
Joe

"How do I witness to someone I know, like a family member?"

For most of us, it is far easier to witness to a stranger than to someone we know and respect. An effective way to soften the message without compromise is to speak in the "first person" or in testimonial form. Say something like, "I didn’t realize that the Bible warns that for every idle word I have spoken, I will have to give an account on Judgment Day. I thought that as long as I believed in God and tried to live a good life, I would go to heaven when I died. I was so wrong. Jesus said that if I as much as looked with lust, I had committed adultery in my heart, and that there was nothing I could do to wash away my sins. I knew that if God judged me by the Ten Commandments on Judgment Day, I would end up guilty, and go to hell."

"It was when I acknowledged my sins that I began to understand why Jesus died. It was to take the punishment for my sins, and the sins of the world." Then, depending on the person’s openness, you may ask, "How do you think you will do on Judgment Day, if God judges you by the Ten Commandments?"

Therefore, my suggestion is to use not the "Good Test" but the "Good Testimony" Tell your story to others...only after you have heard thier story first! When the spotlight shines on you and your past sins and your past destiny it is easier for people we consider friends and/or family members to reflect on their own lives. Anyway I hope that you all do not see this as merely a formula, but another tool in your evangelism toolbox that you can can use while your out in your communities connecting with the people!

Way of the Pastor,
Joe

Keith Green - Asleep In The Light

The Case for Atheism. There Isn't One.

Hey I just wanted to inform you of a great tool that was found on www.wayofthemasterradio.com scroll down to the bottom and click on the sample- It is called the Case for Atheism by Todd Friel. It is a DVD of his debate with Dan Brown. Check out the format in which the dvd is set up with breaks in the conversation with Todd Friel explaining the content of what's going on. I thought this would be icing on the cake with our discussions of God and his existence.

Way of the Pastor,
Joe

The Function of the Law

"Just as the world was not ready for the New Testament before it received the Old, just as the Jews were not prepared for the ministry of Christ until John the Baptist had gone before Him with his claimant call to repentance, so the unsaved are in no condition today for the gospel until the Law be applied to their hearts, for 'by the Law is the knowledge of sin.' It is a waste of time to sow seed on ground which has never been ploughed or spaded! To present the vicarious sacrifice of Christ to those whole dominant passion is to take fill of sin, is to give that which is holy to the dogs." -A.W. Pink

Thursday Night Theology Throw-Down

Does the Bible prove God's existance?

Have fun with this one...

Way of the Pastor,

Joe

"I Don't Believe in God"

Have you ever been in a situation with another person and they just flat out tell you they don't believe in God? Or they believe in God, just not in Jesus Christ...they don't believe in his deity or in the fact that he even existed? Or what about when someone tells you that they are going to attempt to talk to God and Satan and who ever answers them they will believe in? What do you do with such a person? Pray....sure you will pray....but what will you say? How will you help direct them from where they are to a where they can atleast see the direction they need to be? Please take some time with this one...I'm looking for answers from all of you in this situation...an idividuals eternity is at stake...can we come together and offer some Spirit led advice and encouragment on this one? This man's name is Bill...say a prayer for him before post your response...heck post a response just to let me know your praying for this guy. Until then...goodnight!

Way of the Pastor,

Joe

Caption of the week

Get creative and let us know what you think is going on in this picture.

Way of the Pastor,
Joe

8 Reasons Why I Don't Share My Faith

Hey everyone, I just wanted to have you check out a humorous but oh so real video clip on sharing our faith. You can find it at http://www.wayofthemasterradio.com/ It is called 8 Reasons Why I Don't Share My Faith. Chek it out, have a good laugh, and then go pray and ask God to search your heart and see if there are any excuses holding you back from spreading the "Good News!" So I ask...are you willing to bare the truth and let us in on why at times...you don't share your faith? The phone lines are open!

Way of the Pastor,
Joe

Messed up Mondays

Hey there everyone...it's been hard in the last few weeks to find time to write on the blog! So don't give up! To keep things fresh here at "Way of the Pastor" I have taken the spotlight off of Brian McClaren only and went out and purchased a much bigger spotlight for Mondays. Mondays will now be Messed up Mondays: where I will report individuals who are portraying messed up ideas, doctrine, and other theologies that were dug up out of a cracker jack box! Feel free to email me with any prospects for future "messed up mondays!" Todays spotlight shines in the face of Kenneth Copeland:
Found at www.apprising.org
Finally this blasphemous section must be seen to be believed. Here Copeland explains that he isn’t interested in worshipping God in heaven, but rather he’s looking for fast toys. And while he does seem to be speaking by a spirit, what you are about to read cannot possibly have come from God:
Now, I had a Sunday school teacher one time that told me we’s gon’ spend all eternity bowed down and worshippin’ God. I said, “Well, I don’t think I’m gon’ go.” (laughter from audience) “It’s hard enough here.” Nasty ol’ Sunday school room stunk like floor sweep. Ol’ wore out ol’ floors. I didn’t like that place; I don’t like it now. I wouldn’t go to Sunday school there now.
And thought, “I don’t care nuthin’ about doin’ that.” (more audience laughter) Spend eternity on my knees? Surely there’s more to heaven than that? Well, you know to a ten-year-old boy that’s the way it looked. I thought heaven ought to at least have some fast cars. (audience laughs) Later on I got to readin’ (Copeland chuckles) the Word and I found out about God’s airplane. (quickly whips his head to the right) He gonna have to let me fly that. I-that…the Word said His chariot is as fast a-lightnin’, from the east to the west. That’s the speed of light brother. Son.
I might tell that angel, “Hey Jack, check me out in this thing, man.” (Copeland chortles) Aye-yeah, and if ya’ll don’ mind I’m ‘on git me one of these man. Yeah! And by the time we get there that’ll be old hat for them. Cuz man, we goin’ to the stars. That’s the reason man got such a hard hunger to get out there. We belong out there. This whole thing belongs to us.
It doesn’t belong to the devil; it never has belonged to the devil, and if you’ll quite listenin’ to him you’ll quit stumblin’ over it. Take authority over him. Knock him in the head. Dear Lord. D’you git anything? Let’s praise God for a moment. He’s alive! Glory to God.

Because you thought about asking for more!

Hey just incase you are still having trouble breathing from having the wind knocked out of you by the last message from Paul Wahser...here is another message by Paul entitlted: The Meaning of The Cross - April 13 2003 and hey "hey..."HEY"- there is no yelling! A "must listen" for anyone who has a ears to hear!

http://www.heartcrymissionary.com/modules.php?name=Downloads&d_op=viewdownload&cid=1



Way of the Pastor,
Joe

Take a Minute and Check This Out...

Hey just wanted to take a break from the daily routine for a while here at Way of the Pastor! I heard a comment about Ray the other day here on a previous post and his style of evangelism...or for you who don't like that word...sharing your faith....and for those of you who think the word faith is too loaded...sharing your lifesong! Now to my knowledge there is no yelling and no "BS" which this method is wrongly labeled as at times. I would say in any witnessing or sharing experience that those should not be practiced...except when your first name starts with Paul Wahser! Ha!

Moving on, I was talking to a pastor friend of mine a couple of months ago and we were discussing methods of sharing one's faith. I told him about the methods practiced in the Bible and about Way of the Master bringing those methods to surface in a day and age that seems to be without them. He told me that those methods don't work anymore and that it wouldn't be effective in today's culture and society. The method I am talking about involves in a loving way and with a loving heart haveing a discussion with someone about the Ten Commandments, Hell, Judgment, and God's love and grace for us! I just know from persoanl experience that this method is most effective for me and my personality. For those out there that are turned off by a method that is more out in the open about certain Biblical topics than your everyday "friendship evengelism" methods...please spend a few moments and watch some of these clips of Kirk and Ray sharing as Jesus shared! Question...who would reach these lost souls if Kirk and Ray would not have been so bold as to carry on a conversation leading them closer to knowing and accepting Jesus Christ? Enjoy!

http://wayofthemaster.com/watchwitnessing.shtml Kirk with the gang mebers is amazing!

Way of the Pastor,
Joe

To the American Church...

Wow, I have never heard such powerful preaching! You have to check this out! Even if you only have a couple of minutes, download this mp3 onto your computer or ipod and hold on. Paul Washer from Heart Cry Missionary Society calls it straight about what it really means to be a follower of Christ.

http://www.wotmradio.com/page/12/

I believe in Christianity as I believe the Sun has risen... by it I see everything else
(C.S. Lewis).

Friday Free For All

So this last week I went to go see a friend of mine in a singing group lead worship at a revival that was being put on by a local penticostal church. Music was upbeat...fine, the congregation was into the worship...as was I, however when the lead singer of the group kept preaching inbetween songs...I was dissapointed, not that the guy was preaching, but what they guy was preaching. Now I have a lot of tolerance...but everyone has their limit. The guy was drawing a line between pentecostal churches and "nominal" non-pentecostal churches. Churches that "had the spirit" in his opinion and churches that did not. He went on to say that the worship in these nominal churches was considered "witchcraft" as they have to keep conguring up the spirit. He then went on to say that he was glad to be in a church, "where the spirit was already here!" Then they went into encouraging everyone..."everyone" to begin to pray in tongues and worship in tongues! I had never hearrd of worshipping in tongues...that was new to me! However, just wondering if any of you have seen such a line drawn from your pentecostal churches in your area? I listed a couple key doctrines off of this churches website which I will remain nameless at this time.

WE BELIEVE...the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a Special Experience Following Salvation that empowers believers for witnessing and effective service, just as it did in New Testament times. [1 of 4 cardinal doctrines of the A/G]

WE BELIEVE... The Initial Physical Evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is ‘Speaking in Tongues,’ as experienced on the Day of Pentecost and referenced throughout Acts and the Epistles.

So is this false doctrine? Bad Theology? How do you intereact with a person who thinks you are powerless without the spirit and your worship is witchcraft? If tongues is a spiritual gift how should we use it today: personally and congregationally? Does scriptures really say that the only phisical evidence of the Holy Spirit is tongues? Didn't Jesus say baptize in the name of the Father Son and the Holy Spirit? So why baptize twice in the Spirit? Should the Spirit be excluded from the trinitarian instruction of baptism? Have fun with this one this weekend! See ya'll on Monday!

Way of the Pastor,
Joe

Thursday Night Theology Throw-Down

This next question for Thursday Night Theology Throw-Down is quite simple, yet complex. I have ben asked this question more times in my ministry than any other cocerning SIN! Think about it, struggle with it, sleep on it and then get ready to THROW DOWN BABY!

Do we sin everyday? If so can "one" sin disqualify you from eternity in heaven when you die? We talked about suicide earlier this week...I heard the words unconfessed sin...so do we sin on a daily basis? Okay, it just got complex...are we eternally secure? Or can we loose our salvation? Therefore, is daily sin a beginning of a downward spiral in the process of loosing one's salvation? Or just part of our somewhat Calvanist's lifestyles? Shoot away fellas!

Way of the Pastor,
Joe

Tuesdays with Todd Friel

What a strange week it has been...I found myself agreeing with Brian McLaren on Monday and now I find myself struggling with Todd Friel's comments today (Tuesday). Surely I am not emerging? Ha. Well I encourage you all to take a listen to this podcast of Way of the Master Radio June 23, 2006 - Hour 1 "Does everyone who commits suicide go to hell?" Interesting topic! Let me know what you think of Todd's answer along with what you believe and what scriptures show us concerning this subject!

http://www.wotmradio.com/2006/06/23/june-23-2006-hour-1/

Way of the Pastor,
Joe

Mondays with McLaren

In several places, I see opposite things going on simultaneously in the church that is emerging. Many people in emergent come from communities that have always valued tradition – fixed-hour prayer, stations of the cross, the church year, and so on. Some are just discovering these practice-based approaches to faith for the first time – often the through the work of Tony Jones, Robert Webber, Mark Pierson, Scott McKnight, or Sally Morgenthaler. But at the same time, other people and groups are moving away from traditional approaches to public worship and spiritual formation.
Those who are moving farther away from tradition and historic practices are rightly rejecting traditionalism and ritualism – the inflexible tyranny of “the way we’ve always done it before.” Along these lines, I like the definition of a ritual as “using an action of your body to bond to meaning.” Ritualism and traditionalism happen when we keep doing certain actions but have no idea what the meaning is.
Conversely, those who are discovering or preserving tradition and historic practices are rightly rejecting a knowledge-fixated approach to spiritual formation – the idea that more Bible facts or more theological information will make one a better follower of Christ.
I think there is plenty of room for both trends in the emergent conversation, but both groups should be careful to preserve the freedom to celebrate both/and: both the value of ritual and tradition, always connected to the meanings they help us bond to – and the freedom to adapt or drop traditions that aren’t effective or sensible for their community. It would be a shame to throw out the bathwater of traditionalism and lose the baby of tradition too, just as it would be a shame to take on extra baggage that a community doesn’t need – just because “everybody’s doing fixed-hour prayer,” or whatever.

Friday Free For All

I apologize for the delay in daily posts. I have been extremley busy and unable to fit in time for my 11th passion in life "blogging!" Thanks for checking each day to see if anything new had been posted! I appreciate all of your responses as we continue to grow in knowledge and in truth!

So let me start out with a frustration this week. I am about tired of hearing poeple call themselves "Christians" and not knowing if they are born again! Not knowing where they would spend eternity if they were to die tonight! Jesus said you are either for me or against me! Shouldn't we be more defined in our faith and our Father and where He is leading us? So many walking around wondering spiritually? Hoping that the decision they made to follow Jesus Christ will really end up with spending eternity with Him! Let me know what you think...the phone lines are now open!

Way of the Pastor,
Joe

Thursday Night Theology Throw Down

Is Jesus Christ the only way to God? Salvation? Peace? What do you say to someone who believes that "It's intolerant to say that Jesus is the only way to God?" What would be your defense? What scriptures might you want to have memorized for sucha an occassion? What evidence do you have that backs up your beliefs? Let us know what you think!

Thursday Night Theology Thrown Down

For the sake of answering the Thursday Night Theology Question with more focus, we have decided here at Way of the Pastor to start asking just one big debatable question at a time!

1. Did Jesus decend into Hell during his three days in the tomb?

Tuesdays with Todd Friel

Happy Tuesday everyone, today is where I take a segment from Way of the Master Radio with host Todd Friel and attempt to get you to challenge yourself for approx: 1 hour by listening to Christian Radio like it's never been done before! So when you get a chance, connect to this segment, keep working, or just kick back...it's only Tuesday and keep sharpening the saw (your mind) for another episode of Way of the Master Radio!

http://www.wotmradio.com/page/3/
Show Notes:
Terry thinks Todd is a little harsh when he witnesses.
Todd precedes to tell Terry off.
Do these two verses contradict each other?
Is hell eternal?
What is baptism of the Holy Spirit…in Todd’s opinion.
John gets saved!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What to do when a Christian family member is not bearing fruit?
Yowza! A Brazilian science teacher gets saved…on the spot.
Brian and his wife both got saved recently…and he has some splainin’ to do…should he?

Monday's with McLaren

Brian McLaren’s Inferno: five proposals for reexamining our doctrine of hell found at (found at Leadership Blog out of Ur)
In this final installment of his interview on hell, Brian McLaren provides more insight into how he understands the teachings of Jesus, and offers five suggestions for rethinking our traditional understanding of hell. This monday we will just look at one suggestion!

"Let me offer five suggestions on how we could re-approach this subject by looking at the Scriptures in a fresh light. After all, my opinions aren’t worth two cents compared to what the Scriptures actually say. First, I’d suspend the common assumption that every time the word judgment occurs in the Bible, it means “going to hell after you die,” or every time the word save occurs, it means “going to heaven after you die.”

Okay, thanks alot Brian...tell us what "NOT" to think about scripture but...leave us with just wishful thinking that those words are not really packed full of God's Wrath and God's Grace? Will there be a literal judgment? Will that judgment be based on those who are under the law and those who are under the new covenant? Will God really send people to Hell for eternity to burn in torment? Brian doesn't think so....so what about you??? The phone lines are now....open! Post away!

Way of the Pastor,
Joe

Thursday Night Theology Throw-Down

1. Why did Jesus send out the 72?
(Luke 10)

2. How will the tribe in Zimbabwe, who has never heard about Jesus Christ (not to mention the 1.1 billion people who stil have not heard about Jesus Christ) be judged according to (Romans 1:18-20)?

3. So with (Romans 1:18-20) in mind, what is the relevance of the "Great Commission" (Matthew 28:19,20) since men are without excuse?

Tuesdays with Todd Friel

Folks, I just have to say that if you don't listen to Way of the Master Radio on a daily basis...you're missing out. No one does Christian Radio like these guys! In this segment of Way of the Master Radio, Todd talks with an ex-muslim who is now a Christian (very interesting history) also Todd brings in Ray comfort to talk with Atheist Dan Barker (yes this is the one Todd debated with at the University of Minnesota about a month ago) It gets crazy! Todd was a pastor for 17 years! What would you have said to Dan Barker? Click on the link, listen and let us know!
http://www.wotmradio.com/page/4/ You will be looking for podcast May 29th, Hour 1

Monday's with McLaren

Monday's quote from Brian McLaren in his book- A Generous Orthodoxy:

"I don’t mind if you think I’m wrong. I’m sure I am wrong about many things, although I’m not sure exactly which things I’m wrong about. I’m even sure I’m wrong about what I think I’m right about in at least some cases. So wherever you think I’m wrong, you could be right."

Would we accept such direction and leadership from a general???
“Alright troops, now we’re going to have to take this objective; ah, er…but maybe it’s the other one. Well, I’m not sure exactly which thing I could be wrong about, so I guess we’ll take um, the first one after-all…that is, ah, if you don’t mind. Anyway, we’ll attack by–oh, I think maybe we should use a flanking maneuver; or not, because I’m even sure I’m wrong about what I think I’m right about…at least I’m sure that is what I think…ah, I think…unless of course you think I’m wrong, you could be right.”

This is what makes it hard for me to accept McLaren's teachings about anything...His books are a good read and seem to be engaging and definite page turners, however, I do not want to feel like I am reading a Dan Brown book trying to decipher fact from fiction. When it come to books about spiritual truths, direction, and living, I should not have to read it as a mystery!

Way of the Pastor,
Joe

New Way of the Pastor Summer Showdown Schedule

First of all, let me say Thank You to the team of people who make "Way of the Pastor" possible day in and day out. Having such a network, "The Team" has informed me through your many emails and phone calls, of what you want more of in a blog! So because we care here at Way of the Pastor, here is a list of what you can look forward to in our brand new 2006 Way of the Pastor Summer Showdown:


Mondays with McLaren
Tuesdays with Todd "Freakeshly Tall" Friel
Wednesdays Ways to Witness
Thursday Night Theology Throw-Down
Fridays Freek Peek

I am looking forward to a wonderful summer with all of you who put the WAY in "Way of the Pastor.blogspot.com! Look there goes another minute...now go out and seek and save the lost!

Way of the Pastor,
Joe

Thursday Night Theology Throw-Down

Just a few quesitons to throw out there to those of you who "must have an opinion!" Please take your time to answer these questions and feel free to debate and challenge each other...as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another! If you have never posted before...here is your chance!



1. What must someone do to enter into heaven? Or if you don't like the way that question is phrased...how do we end up spending eternity in heaven?

2. What would you tell someone who said, "Why should I be a Christian (follower of Christ)?

3. What are you doing right now to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 27:18-20)?

New Caption of the Week

What do you think is going on in this picture?

The Devil’s Beatitudes

1. Blessed are those who are too tired, too busy, too distracted to spend an hour once a week with their fellow Christians - they are my best workers.
2. Blessed are those Christians who wait to be asked and expect to be thanked-I can use them.
3. Blessed are the touchy who stop going to church -- they are my missionaries.
4. Blessed are the trouble makers-they shall be called my children.
5. Blessed are the complainers-I'm all ears to them.
6. Blessed are those who are bored with the minister's mannerisms and mistakes-for they get nothing out of his sermons.
7. Blessed is the church member who expects to be invited to his own church-for he is a part of the problem instead of the solution.
8. Blessed are those who gossip-for they shall cause strife and divisions that please me.
9. Blessed are those who are easily offended-for they will soon get angry and quit.
10. Blessed are those who do not give their offering to carry on God's work-for they are my helpers.

McLaren's brown bag special on Hell...part 2

I keep posting McLaren only because he keeps talking! So here it is! McLaren: Tony [Campolo] and I might disagree on the details, but I think we are both trying to find an alternative to both traditional Universalism and the narrow, exclusivist understanding of hell [that unless you explicitly accept and follow Jesus, you are excluded from eternal life with God and destined for hell].
Tony is presenting the inclusivist alternative. The fact is, many people who claim to be exclusivists are actually inclusivists and they don’t know it. For example, if you ask them if they believe all babies who die before or shortly after birth go to hell, they’ll say no, that children who die before the age of accountability are included in Christ’s saving work. They’ll say the same for people who are mentally incompetent, and so on. So really, strict exclusivists are rather rare.
My approach is a little different. Although in many ways I find myself closer to the view of God held by some universalists than I do the view held by some exclusivists, in the end I’d rather turn our attention from the questions WE think are important to the question JESUS thinks is most important.
We obsess on “who’s in” and “who’s out.” Jesus, however, seems to be asking the question, “How canthe kingdom of God more fully come on earth as it is in heaven, and how should disciples of the kingdom live to enter and welcome the kingdom?”


Way of the Pastor,
Joe

a "Different" kind of Church

General Motors launched its Saturn brand in 1990 with the tag line, “A different kind of company, a different kind of car.” GM believed they could carve out a market niche by addressing the collective American psyche's negative view of car dealers. They were right. Saturn’s “no-haggle” sales policy earned it awards for customer satisfaction. In the car business, it pays to be different. Dave Terpstra, pastor of The Next Level Church in Denver and a regular contributor to Out of Ur, has observed that many churches are adopting the “different is good” marketing strategy used by secular companies. (Who can forget, “Little. Yellow. Different.”?) But by championing our differences, are we treating other churches like fellow communities of Christ, or like competitors? Because my church’s primary service is on Tuesday nights, I have the opportunity to visit other area churches at least once a month. I call it my church-of-the-month club. This past Sunday I read this in the bulletin of the church I visited: “[Church Name] is a different kind of church.” They went on to explain how their church is for those who don’t like organized religion or for people who have not had their needs met by a traditional church. Another church I have visited was “different” because it was a place where there’s “no pressure or guilt.” Still another church I know claims to be different because it is for a new generation. I searched Google for “a different kind of church." Here are a few examples of what I found: “Your first impression of [church name] may be, “This doesn’t seem like a typical church.” And we think that’s good.” “[Church name] is a different kind of church, making a difference.” “Even if you didn't think you would ever feel comfortable in church, this is a different kind of church. We want to be your church.” Google returned 924 results. It seems “different” churches may not be so different after all. But that got me wondering—why do church leaders feel the need to advertise how different their church is from others? Admittedly, I have used this terminology when talking about my church. And it was in the not-too-distant past that our church used similar terminology very regularly. The simplest answer is that we are marketing to Christians. If we are targeting the “already convinced,” and if our growth is from transfers and people new in town, then we need to distinguish our product from the neighboring churches’ product. That’s not a new idea. In the past Protestant churches in America used to make distinctions based on theology. Now we do it with our ethos—captured in a snappy catch phrase. In previous generations we advertised our theology—like infant baptism, or entire sanctification, or speaking in tongues, or making it clear we didn’t believe in those things. Now we make sure the world knows our ethos—we care about families, or we stand for truth, or we are young, or we are accepting. None of the new statements are necessarily bad. My problem is when they are attached to the phrase “a different kind of church.” When we say we are different because we [fill in the blank]; what we are really doing is making a judgment about the churches around us. I hope your church does care about families. I hope you do stand for truth. I hope you are accepting. But the moment those ideas are labeled as “differences,” you have condemned other churches by making the assumption that they do not do these things. If your church is a place where there is no pressure or guilt, just say that. Why do you need to imply that my church has pressure and guilt? If your church is for a new generation—great! Let everyone know. Just don’t imply that other churches are not for a new generation. If we were selling Pepsi, I would tell you to attack Coke. But we are in the business of Christ and His Kingdom, and there is no benefit in smearing one expression of the Bride of Christ to make our version look more appealing to religious consumers.

New Caption of the Week

Let us know what you think is going on in this picture!

Brian McLaren’s view of hell?????

Way of the Master Radio aired an interview of Brian McLaren, exposing some of the beliefs and theologies from Brian McLaren and the Emergent Church. I've read some of Brian's books, however, have never accepted some of the ideas that stem from his writitngs! I would encourage anyone out there to be a "Good Berean" (Acts 17:10-12) and examine Brian McLaren under scripture as you listen to the April 20th Way of the Master Radio program...and feel free to comment! http://www.wotmradio.com/page/6/ you may have to scroll back to previous posts as this link will be moved back a day, everyday! Remember your looking for April 20th!

Newly added to this post...A very confused Brian McLaren describes a very confused understanding of Kingdom Theology. We visit the Land of Os and the Land of Confusion: Dr. Os Guinness comments on Brian McLaren. April 27th 2006 http://www.wotmradio.com/ Have fun with this one fellas!

Way of the Pastor,
Joe

Airport Books...

Here is a list of some of the best book titles from the airport store. All of the religious, self-help variety. Yes, these are real.

Fasting Made Easy (Really? Somehow easy doesn't seem to fit with the whole fasting thing)

One Minute Pocket Bible (For people on the go)

The Prayer that Changes Everything: The Hidden Power of Praising God. (This is sort of a wildcard prayer, I guess)

One Minute Prayers (For your ADD friends)

You're Late Again Lord: The Impatient Woman's Guide To God's Timing

Be A People Person (SCARY Cover)

The Diet Code: Revolutionary Weight Loss Secrets From Da Vinci and the Golden Ratio

Real Life Real Love: A Marriage Guide (Written by a Catholic Priest???)

Another Secret Message of Jesus?

Brian McLaren may be one of the most controversial figures in evangelical Christianity today. Though many pastors and thinkers have referred to his writing as “refreshing”, even “compelling”, his detractors have decried him on blogs and from the pulpit as “misguided” or worse, “heretical.” Known famously, or infamously, for his “generous orthodoxy”, McLaren’s views have found him favor with a group of like-minded Christians who loosely call themselves the “emerging church”, while setting him at odds with many self-described fundamentalists. Now Brain has arrived again with what he considers to be the culmination of all his thinking and writing, his most recent book, The Secret Message of Jesus.

Not too sure what to think about all this secret message stuff? With all of the Gospel of Judas and other claims concerning Christ...we have another secret message of Jesus? I've read a couple of books from Brian and enjoyed them! Not too sure that I agree with everything he says, but his books are challenging and from a different point of view! So what have your experiences been with Brian McLaren's material? What about the "Emerging Church?" What about their evengelism methods? Has McLaren really stumbled onto something secret that no one else has figured out in the last 2000 years? Or is his title another way to sell his book to the "DiVinci disciple" society, who believes all these hidden things of Jesus Christ because someone who's initials start with Dan Brown, wrote a book? Well, I must go for now, however, I am interested in hearing your opinion!


Way of the Pastor,
Joe

WHAT TO SAY TO A SKEPTIC?

With Easter on the horizon, I thought that some of you would enjoy this article I found at www.focusonthefamily.org concerning the "empty tomb!" Check it out!

Let’s take a look at the top three arguments people use — along with some solid answers.
“Maybe Jesus wasn’t really dead, and He just rolled away the stone himself.”
Right. A man who has been beaten, tortured and mutilated for hours is going to lie unattended for two cold nights in a tomb and suddenly find the strength to roll away a 2-ton rock, fight off all the Roman soldiers guarding it, then show up convincing everyone that He has a glorious resurrected body. That would be pretty hard to believe.
And while we’re talking about His body, let’s not forget the blood and water that flowed from His side when the soldier speared it on the Cross. If He were alive, the wound would have spurted red blood. But in a dead body, the blood separates into massive red clots and watery serum, just as John described it. (See John 19:34.)
“Maybe the disciples moved Christ’s body.”
Hmmm, let’s consider the facts: A group of men who have dedicated their lives to a teacher who insisted on truth and honesty are suddenly going to turn into liars and swindlers. And each of these self-seeking no-goods will be willing to face poverty, incredible hardship, torture and even death to perpetuate that lie. Not a chance.
Then there are the Roman soldiers. Considering that they were the best fighting machines in the world, it’s not likely that the disciples could overpower them and knock them all out. But even if they could, why didn’t they hurry and race off with the body before the soldiers came to, instead of painstakingly unwrapping all of the burial clothes and neatly folding the facecloth before making their getaway?
“OK, so maybe the soldiers stole the body.”
Hardly. Think about it: The very people who have been assigned to make sure that Jesus’ body isn’t moved decide to move it. What a neat practical joke to pull on their superiors. Of course, it would mean their execution for becoming traitors, but what’s a little death for a laugh or two?
• • •
While we’re looking at evidence, let’s not forget that His resurrection was something Jesus had predicted time and time again. Then, of course, there were all those Old Testament prophecies.
Once we’ve looked at all the facts and carefully examined the arguments, we would need more faith to believe that Jesus did not rise from the grave than to believe that He did.
Copyright © 2006 Focus on the Family. All rights reserved. International copyright secured.

So there it is. Let me know if this article has been helpful for you!

Way ofthe pastor,
Joe

Does God Exist?

I came across this on www.wayofthemasterradio.com the other night and I have not stopeed listening to it since. Seriously if you have a few moments to spend listening to this debate...I promise you that you will be better off for doing so. Todd Friel from Wya of the Master Radio and also Talk the Walk Ministries found at www.ttwministries.com. did an amazing job presenting the gospel to around 200 athiests. He debated against an individual named Dan Barker who...get this... was on staff with Benny Hinn as a Evengelical Pastor. Yeah, this guy was a born again christian preacher performing healings and doing the whole church thing....and is now an Atheist? Please if just give this debate a few moments of your time and equip yourself with the tools neccesary to make an Atheist backslide!
Click here to listen to the Atheist Debate held just last week on April 3rd at the University of Minnesota.

Please respond back and let me know your experience after listening to this debate!

Way of the Pastor,
Joe

The O'Reilly Factor - Wednesday, April 12

The O'Reilly Factor - Wednesday, April 12 Kirk will be on The O'Reilly Factor on Wednesday April 12th. Please be in prayer for him. You can watch The O'Reilly Factor on Fox News at 8pm, 11pm, and 4am Eastern, 5pm, 8pm and 1am Pacific.

What Do You Think?

I was sent this article and wanted to see what you all think. I found it crazy how easy people are accepting this piece of work as Scripture? At this time I have found no comments on this subject by any Christian organizations stating their response...I will update as updated!

So here it is from National Geographic Magazine

Lost Gospel Revealed; Says Jesus Asked Judas to Betray Him

He is one of the most reviled men in history. But was Judas only obeying his master's wishes when he betrayed Jesus with a kiss?
That's what newly revealed ancient Christian text says.
After being lost for nearly 1,700 years, the Gospel of Judas was recently restored, authenticated and translated.

The Bible's New Testament Gospels-- Matthew, Mark, Luke and John -- depict Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus, as a traitor. In biblical accounts Judas gives up Jesus Christ to his opponents, who later crucify the founder of Christianity.
The Gospel of Judas, however, portrays him as acting at Jesus' request.
"This lost gospel, providing information on Judas Iscariot -- considered for 20 centuries and by hundreds of millions of believers as an antichrist of the worst kind -- bears witness to something completely different from what was said [about Judas] in the Bible," said Rodolphe Kasser, a clergyman and former professor in the Faculty of Arts at the University of Geneva in Switzerland.
Kasser, who is regarded as one of the world's preeminent Coptic scholars, led the effort to piece together and translate the Gospel of Judas. The National Geographic Society and the Waitt Institute for Historical Discovery funded the project, and it will be profiled in the May 2006 issue of National Geographic magazine.
For the whole story click the link below:
Click here: AOL Research & Learn: National Geographic - Lost Gospel Revealed; Says Jesus Asked Judas to Betray Him

So how do we defend this? What does the Bible say about these claims? How does this change or not change how oyu view the Bible? Let me know!

You can also catch a piece of video shown on Nightline tonight http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/

Watch Way of the Master

Check your local listings for the T.V. Show "Way of the Master" or go to http://www.tbn.org/index.php/2/4/p/158.html to see this weeks schedule. I highly recommend that you watch this program! If you like reality t.v.- this is "reality evangelism t.v." Post and let me know if you get a chance to catch an episode!

How to Witness to a Jehovah's Witness- By Ray Comfort

I rushed down the stairs to the sound of a barking dog and our doorbell. When I opened it, two well-dressed young men stood in front of me. I greeted them with a warm, "Hi," to which one of them asked in perfect English, "Do you know of any Spanish speaking families around here?"
"Next door there is a Spanish speaking family. Across the road there is an Indonesian family, then an India, then English, and I am Chinese. Do you want to see a picture of me on a cruise?"
They politely said they did, so I quickly opened my wallet and showed them a picture of Tom Cruise with the word, "ME," on his forehead. They laughed.
"So what are you guys selling?"
"Nothing."
"Are you Mormons?"
"No."
"Jehovah Witnesses?"
"Yes."
"Tell me this. I have a knife in my back. I have three minutes to live. My blood and life are draining from me. I know I'm dying. What are you going to say to me. How can I enter the Kingdom?"
They looked at each other. Then back at me. There was dead silence. It was obvious that they didn't know what to tell me.
"Come on guys. I'm dying. I have three minutes!"
One of them said, "I don't know. There's lots you have to do." The other one echoed, "Lots."
Then the first said, "You have to learn. You have to gain knowledge . . . "
"What about the thief on the cross? What knowledge did he get? How could he learn anything? He couldn't turn the pages of a book--he was nailed to a cross. He probably couldn't read anyway. Yet Jesus said to him, 'Today you will be with Me in Paradise.'"
"We have to go now."
"Come on guys. This is important. I want to know how to enter Jehovah's Kingdom. What are your names?"
"Jonathan."
"Javier."
"Do you consider yourself to be good people?"
"Um . . . yes."
"Have you ever told a lie?"
"Yes."
"What does that make you?"
"A liar."
Javier said he had stolen and then became very quiet. Jonathan said that he had never stolen, blasphemed, or even looked at a woman with lust. Never.
"Are you gay?"
"No."
"The reason I haven't done that is because I was born into the truth."
I explained, "We have to face a perfect Law of the Day of Judgment and nothing you and I do can save us. Only the blood of Jesus. He died for us. He took our punishment upon Himself, and now God can save us through His mercy. That's why the thief was saved. He didn't do anything to save himself because he couldn't. Only God's mercy and grace can save us. The Bible says, 'For by grace are you saved through faith, and that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God, not of works least any man boast.' 'Not by works of righteousness that we have done has He saved, us, but according to His mercy.' Revelation 21:8 says that all liars will have their part in the lake of fire. That why you need Jesus Christ, to wash your sins away. The moment you repent and trust Him, God will forgive you and grant you everlasting life."
"But we are doing what Jesus did."
"Did He go door to door?"
"Yes. He went around preaching the gospel."
"But the gospel you are preaching is different than the one He preached. The Bible says that there's nothing you and I can do to merit Jehovah's favor--to earn everlasting life. We are saved by God's mercy. That's how the thief on the cross could be saved. We are not saved by doing anything."
"Does that mean I can believe in Jesus and then run around lying and stealing?"
"No. That's hypocrisy, and no hypocrite will enter the Kingdom. You have to repent and trust Jesus Christ alone for your salvation, and not try and bribe Jehovah. I do good works and preach the gospel not to be forgiven. I do it because I am forgiven, and the difference is life and death, Heaven and Hell. Thanks, guys, for talking to me."
"Thank you."
There were no arguments about the deity of Christ because I made sure the conversation didn't go in that direction. It's important to remember that Jehovah Witnesses see Christians as misguided "Trinitarians," while they see themselves as protectors of Jehovah's glory. So they are going to be incredibly stubborn about the issue of Jehovah sharing His glory with another.
When Peter said that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the Living God, Jesus said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven," (Matthew 16:17). So I believe that the best way for anyone to find out who Jesus is, is for God to reveal it to them. If I had started quoting Bible verses to make some point about Jesus being God--"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory" (1 Timothy 3:16, italics added) or "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God," (John 1:1, italics added) they would have started quoting back, and then they would have fallen back on the argument that they have the only true translation. Jehovah's Witnesses also deny the existence of Heaven and Hell. They believe in annihilation, and that the Kingdom of God will come to this earth and be set up for a thousand years. Christians can't even agree on issues of prophecy, so I deliberately stayed away from it.
All I did was hold up the truth against error and left the results in the hands of God. Charles Spurgeon said, "I have heard it said that if there is a crooked stick, and you want to show how crooked it is, you need not waste words in description. Place a straight one by the side of it, and the thing is done directly."
All religions have their roots in idolatry. They have a wrong understanding of the nature of God and His righteous requirements. When you look closely at their beliefs, it becomes evident they are made up of the fruitless branches of self-righteousness. They think that they can bribe God with their works. Like the Jews of whom Paul spoke--they go about to establish their own righteousness, being ignorant of the righteousness which is of God (see Romans 10:3). The Law puts the axe to the root. It reveals a perfect righteousness and kills hope of self-salvation. It shows the self-righteous person that the leap he is trying to make to Heaven is infinitely beyond his reach.
I had noticed that Javier had been nodding in agreement at what I was saying. When he asked for my name again, I looked directly at him and said that they could come back any time. We shook hands and we left on good terms. I came away feeling really good because I had avoided doing what the Bible says not to do--to argue:
"But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will." (2 Timothy 2:23-26)

Commendation From The Bible Answer Man

In answer to the question, “Is [The Way of the Master] biblical?” Hank Hanegraaff said, “The answer is yes. Thank God there are some good programs on TBN. Kirk came and visited me in my office a number of years ago and I had a wonderful time with him. I don’t know Ray Comfort as well. I am certainly familiar with his teachings, and I really appreciate his emphasis in using Law to present gospel.”

You can listen to more of Hank "The Bible Answer Man," just click here!

More of Kirk Cameron on Nightline...just in case you missed it!

Just in case you missed Nightline last night:

Here are a couple of portions of the interview:
"Kirk Cameron from Sitcom, to Evangelism." HERE
Kirk speaking to stangers on his show Way of the Master. HERE

Nightline was airing this as part of thier segment of the show called "Faith Matters," but it was ironic how they asked the questions with such a negative and skeptical tone and atmosphere. The interviewer could not believe that here are two men which he pointed out were (not ordained ministers- like that amounts to a hill of beans unless your in the Church of God Anderson, Indiana Movement), witnessing to others informing them that they are going to Hell! WOW...isn't that the problem? You go out and witness to someone and know we want to see your credentials? Yet we are appauled that you just informed another individual that there is an actual Hell and brought to them the knowledge that they just might spend eternity there. I think Kirk's response was,
"I believe the Scriptures teach that there's a literal heaven and a literal hell, just like Jesus said," he explained. "And without forgiveness of sins that, yeah, the place of punishment is called hell."

Ray comfort also talked about how dissapointed he was with "Modern Methods of Evangelism" in today's churches and how they sugar coat the gospel! Amen. Which I am going to go ahead and coin the term "Sugar-free Evangelism." However...seeds were planted and the gospel is being spread. I was dissapointed that the interviewer was not presented with the good test...but then again I don't know that he wasn't before or after the interview? Well I would love to hear your reaction to this interview if you actually stayed up to watch it. If not check out the missing elements of the interview that was not shown on t.v. and let me know what you thought about it!

This Friday on NBC's Nightline!!!

You have to check these guys out! Kirk Cameron (Mike Ceaver from Growing Pains) and Ray Comfort are going to be interviewed on Nightline this Friday (March 17) on NBC.
Their ministry has been exploding in recent years and they now have a radio show and an award-winning TV program of their own, Way of the Master.
These guys are advancing the kingdom like nobodies business! Be praying for them as they are bieng interviewed....I'm positive that they will give the interviewer the "GOOD TEST" waht an opporunity! THis is sure to be a great interview!
Airtimes vary. To check your local listings click HERE, type in your zip code, and then type in "Nightline" in the search box.

If you are still unsure what you think about the Da Vinci Code, or are surrounded by those who take it as fact...take a minute and listen to Hank Hanegraaff the "Bible Answer Man," as he talks about Dan Brown and his book.

Hank Speaks Out on The Da Vinci Code
Listen Here

It is amazing to me at how many Christians in the Church go around talking about this book and this author as being the best thing they have ever read? Yet they cannot even quote 6 scriptures from the inspired Word of God! Are Christians who buy in to this mythology going against Romans 12:2 "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world?"

What are some of your thoughts on this book and this movie? Will you use this opportunity to share your faith with someone who brings up the movie or the book? Will you know what to say? Make sure not to miss any opportunity that God places before you to share the "Law to the proud, and Grace to the humble!"

THREE MINUTES TO LIVE

What if you only had three minutes to share the Gospel with a dying man? Would you be ready? Do you feel like you can't speak? Do you feel that you don't know what to say? How can you convince him of the truth? Listen and find out! You can get it on CD by clicking here.

What Will You Do?

150,000 People Will Die TODAY! The vast majority of those people are entering Hell. Christ commanded his followers to share the Gospel with those who are perishing... who have you shared with today?
Click here for free Evangelism resources.

True/False Conversion

This teaching is foundational, and goes hand in hand with Hell's Best Kept Secret. It is very important that you understand it, as it will have great bearing on how you spend your time, and how you share the principles of God's Word. If you have ever wondered why so much of the Church looks and acts just like the world, you will love this teaching.
I strongly encourage you to print off these free study sheets you can fill out while listening to the message.

4 Stepping Stones for sharing your faith!

Let me first say, that if you are not sharing your faith on a regular basis...you are missing out. Much like an individual who knows everyhting about boxing and has even been trained in how to box, yet stays in the gym practicing and never has the experience of getting into the ring. When you share your faith you step into that ring!
Here is a step by step way to effectively share your faith and stay on track, without chasing rabits or unexpected responses. This is called the W.D.J.D. method. It involves 4 stepping stones as you venture out across the scary waters of evengelism. Always remember that you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength. Even when it comes to sharing your faith. Also remember that the scripture says that the righteous are as bold as lions!
I would recommend getting comfortable with strangers. Start saying "Hi how are you doing!" everytime you run into a stranger. Remember when sharing your faith to others, the worst that can happen is rejection!
First of all we have all heard or seen of the WWJD (What Would Jesus Do) merchandise. What I am introducing to you today is the WDJD (What Did Jesus Do)...it also shows you a great way for you to have structure, confidence, and the ability to stay on track when sharing your faith. This method involves using the 10 Commandments when sharing one's faith.

It is helpful to have a good/simple track to use when going out to share your faith. (Notice I said go out....don't sit and wait for people to come to you!)

It is easy to approach someone with a tract and say,
"Did you get one of these yet? It is a tract of the gospel message?"
Then ask them,
"Do you have a church background?" ( Even if they answer yes or no, you can go onto the next question which is the first of the WDJD method:

W- Would you consider yourself to be a good person?

New Caption of the Week

Let us know what you think is going on in this picture.

Make the Most of Every Opportunity

Stuck in elevator, student shares faith with S. African airline pilot

OMAHA, Neb. (BP)--Jenny Bressel really didn't know what to expect at her first evangelism conference as she headed to Omaha for a couple of days with her youth group from First Southern Baptist Church of Salina, Kan.The unexpected happened, however, at the host hotel. Trapped in an elevator for almost 90 minutes, Bressel turned to her FAITH. Standing by a South African airline pilot she began to share what God had done for her."I've grown up more [spiritually] in these two days than I thought," said the high school senior.Bressel was among 1,200-plus youth and adults who gathered for annual "In. D.E.P.T.H." evangelism training at Omaha's Doubletree Hotel Dec. 28-29.The pilot's name was Alex is all Jenny remembers. But what she will never forget is that Alex prayed to receive Jesus as his Savior.Georgia Hickman, one of the group's sponsors, also was confined to the stuck elevator with two other members of the youth group, Ashley Pound and Jessica Davis."There we were with about 10 people in the elevator. Jenny just asked the man the transition question," said Hickman, 79, a veteran of youth mission trips. "He said, 'I do not have any idea what it means to be saved.' So we started sharing with him."He had never heard the story about Jesus' birth and death. Whenever he had a question, Ashley and Jessica would help show him a Bible verse."It was Hickman who asked the airline pilot if he would like to pray to accept Jesus Christ. "I led him in the sinner's prayer. I also prayed that God would get us out of the elevator and about that time the doors opened," Hickman recounted.

HELL'S BEST KEPT SECRET

Why do 80-90% of those making a decision for Christ fall away from the faith? What is the principle that Spurgeon, Wesley, Whitefield, etc., used to reach the lost? Why has the Church neglected it? Don't let anything stop you from listening to this incredible teaching. I dare you to listen to this! Let me know what you think!!

Just A Reminder...for those who have forgotten!

“When terrorists spend their days working to avoid death or capture, it’s harder for them to plan and execute new attacks on our country. By striking the terrorists where they live, we’re protecting the American homeland.” President George Bush explaining a foiled 2002 Al-Qaida plot.

"The Da Vinci Code" Film: WILL YOU GO SEE IT?

At a time when conservative Christian groups have been particularly quick to strike back at Hollywood fare they find offensive, Sony Pictures faced a predicament with its coming film "The Da Vinci Code."

Should the studio try to mollify the critics who say the "Code" is blasphemy, with its plot describing a church conspiracy to cover up the truth that Jesus married and never rose from the dead? Or should it ignore the complainers, sit back and watch the controversy boost ticket sales?

Second question, what will you do? Will you go see the movie? What will you tell your friends when discussion comes up in your community, work, or church? Have you read the book? It is easy to sidestep the issue and say"well it's just fiction." However, you have to believe that there are poeple out there who believe in this theory as much as we believe in the Gospel! Also check out this Dan Brown guy? Google search this guy and see if you can find some of the things that I did...that's even more of a mystery than his book! What is his intention with the book? What is Ron Howard's intention with the movie? Let us all know what you think!

So what is the work of the Church in today's world?

This question comes to surface after reading a quote from a famous preacher Billy Sunday who said "I believe that lack of effecient personal work is one of the failures of the Church today. The people of the Church are like squirrels in a cage. Lots of activity, but accomplishing nothing . It doesn't require a Christian life to sell oyster soup or run a bazaar or a rummage sale..."
So what does this tell us about the life of the Church in today's world? In what areas do you see weaknesses in the Church today?