“3 Problems Christians Have” by Gene McGuire Sunday, August 31, 2008

“In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment . . .” (1 John 4:17)

COMMENT: Recently there was a startling news story about a much belated admission. Donald Brew, 62, confessed to slaying a woman 38 years ago! He told police that he was sick and he felt that he wouldn’t live much longer. Now I have no idea as to whether Donald is a Christian or not, but evidently he feels that he has some “unfinished business” he wants to set straight before his trip into eternity. Saints, I am not being morbid, but as the youngsters say, let’s “keep it real”. Personally speaking, I did some calculations and I was astonished to find out that, at age 71, I have more years behind me that I have ahead of me. And that is taking into consideration the 120 years I’m believing God for. Recently, I rediscovered a book I purchased and read some 15 years ago, The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges.

I am taking very seriously the three important problems that Jerry says many Christians have. Here they are in his own words. “(1) Our attitude toward sin is more self-centered that God-centered. We are more concerned about our own “victory” over sin than we are about the fact that our sins grieve the heart of God.  (2) Our second problem is that we have misunderstood “living by faith” (Galatians 2:20) to mean that no effort at holiness is required on our part. The Scriptures teach us that in following holiness the true Christian needs personal exertion and work as well as faith. We must face the fact that we have a personal responsibility for our walk of holiness.(3) Our third problem is that we do not take some sin seriously. But the Scripture says it is “the little foxes that spoil the vines” (Song of Solomon 2:15) It is compromise on the little issues that leads to greater downfalls” ***  As our Lead Scripture indicates, let all of us work on having confidence on the day of judgment. The Word tells us that today is the only day promised. As my Pastor mentioned Sunday, those 32 unfortunate victims at Virginia Tech had no idea that Monday, April 16, 2007 would be their very last day on earth.

***”The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges — NAVPRESS

SCRIPTURE STUDY: 1 Corinthians 3:13-15 and 1 JOHN 2:28

WISE SAYING: SEMPER PARATUS – translation: ALWAYS BE PREPARED! (US Coast Guard Motto)

Not a sermon, just a thought!

Hosanna by Indiana Bible College (Music Video) Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Skipping Church by Gene McGuire (Wednesday, July 2, 2008)

“…not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:25)

COMMENT: I know that there are some people who are reading this message who consider themselves to be Christians but are not abiding by our Lead Scripture. How can I be so sure? Well, I know that there are members of my own family who are currently in that group.This message is not meant to castigate them, but to inform them as to what the Lord’s will is regarding church attendance. Rick Warren in his bestselling book, The Purpose Driven Life, says it so succinctly :

“WHY YOU NEED A CHURCH FAMILY: A church family identifies you as a genuine believer. I can’t claim to be following Christ if I’m not committed to any specific group of disciples. Jesus said “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (John 13:35 ) When we come together in love as a church family from different backgrounds, race, and social status, it is a powerful witness to the world. (Gal. 3:28) You are not the Body of Christ on your own. You need others to express that. Together, not separated, we are His Body. (1 Cor. 12:27)”