The Torch Leader

Letters to Young Boys, by Daniel David Paul Whyte IV, with Danyel Ezekiel Whyte

2009-01-01T10:16:11Z

Letters to Young Boys is overflowing with good, practical advice, written in simple language, that makes it easy to read and easy to understand. Daniel Whyte IV (age 12 at the commencing of the writing of this book) combs through many of the messages that are being put in front of young boys today, and helps them understand the right way to go in our troubled society. This book deals with spiritual issues, moral issues and life issues. Daniel Whyte IV helps young boys understand many important things in life, including the following:

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> The Difference that God can Make in their Lives
/> The Importance of Character
/> Finding Out Your Purpose in Life
/> The Importance of Obedience to Parents
/> How to Stay away from Drugs and Gangs
/> The Power of Education
/> The Importance of Being Honest
...and Much, Much More

The Virtuous Girl, by Danita Evangeline Whyte with Danae Mary Louise, Daniqua Grace, and Danyelle Elizabeth Breedlove Whyte

2009-01-01T10:12:40Z

What does it mean to be a virtuous girl? Sisters, Danita Evangeline (10), Danaé Mary Louise (8), Daniqua Grace (6), and Danyelle Elizabeth (2), show you in their book, The Virtuous Girl, exactly what it means to be the girl that God wants you to be. Learn how to:

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> Get Saved
/> Study Hard
/> Be Cheerful At All Times
/> Dress Modestly
/> Stay A Virgin
/> Love Yourself the Way God Made You
/> Be Really Cute
...and much, much more!

As you read along, you will love the personal stories and girl-to-girl talk. The Virtuous Girl encourages young girls to build their lives on the solid foundation of God's Word.

The Girl God Wants, by Daniella Whyte

2009-01-01T10:10:59Z

Sister-to-Sister Talk about Loving God, Living a Great Life and Enjoying It

Society throws a lot of ungodly stuff at young ladies today, and it is hard to find things that can empower them to godliness and greatness. In The Girl God Wants, author, Daniella Whyte, (age 14 when she commenced the writing of this book), helps young ladies with some of the issues that they face today. Oftentimes, it is easier for teenagers to relate to each other, and they are sometimes more eager to listen to the advice of their peers. With appealing chapters and her sister-to-sister style, Daniella shows young ladies how much God loves them and how to discover their gifts and purpose in life. In The Girl God Wants, young ladies will be encouraged to memorize Scripture through the "Scripture Says" section in each chapter. They will be motivated to act on their faith through the "Celebrate" section at the end of each chapter. They will also be challenged by the "Think About It" sections placed throughout the book. By the time a young lady completes this book, she will know: who she is in Christ, what her purpose is in life, and where her obedience to God can take her, and she will be The Girl God Wants.

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Here are just a few of the chapter titles that will encourage you to be The Girl God Wants:

> God Loves You, He Really Does
/> Walking on Water: Becoming a Woman of Faith
/> Discovering Your Destiny
/> Living on Purpose
/> Big Dreams are a Big Deal
/> Be a Tough-Minded Teen
/> The Hidden Power of Purity
/> To Date or Not to Date
/> Ladies Always Lead
/> Live a Great Life and Enjoy It!

Letters to Young Black Women, by Daniel Whyte with Meriqua Whyte and Daniella Whyte

2009-01-01T10:06:36Z

Daniel Whyte III never intended to write a book to young black women. He believes, according to the Scriptures, that the older women should teach the younger women. However, after Letters to Young Black Men: Advice & Encouragement for a Difficult Journey became a bestselling book, readers requested that Whyte write a book for young black women as well. He prayed about it, and was led to do so.

]]> Regarding the purpose of this book, Whyte states

This book is more about prevention than it is about healing. There are many other great men and women of God who are doing great work in the healing and restoration department for young black women. I believe that many of the problems that young black women are dealing with today can be prevented from happening in the first place. I also believe that in order for young women to be victorious in this life, they must operate from a position of strength and power. This book will empower them to win against their enemies the devil, sorry men, and even themselves. I hope that they will read it and never live a defeated life again.

Daniel Whyte III writes a heartfelt book to his daughters and to other young black women, on the various issues of life that they face today. Whyte actually commenced the writing of this book from his hospital bed during a routine stay for chest pains. Symbolically, if Daniel Whyte III were on his deathbed, the words contained in this book are those that he would say to his six daughters.

Written just for the young black woman in your life, whether you are a father, mother, grandparent, or Sunday school teacher, Letters to Young Black Women is overflowing with loving, fatherly, advice and encouragement for a difficult journey.

Letters to Young Black Men: Advice and Encouragement for A Difficult Journey, by Daniel Whyte III

2009-01-01T10:03:54Z

Actually written from numerous historically black colleges, such as Tuskegee, Morehouse and North Carolina A&T, from the very heart of a black Baptist minister, who has himself faced all of the perils and problems young black men face today, comes forth this book, written just for the young black man in your life, whether you are a mother, father, grandmother or Sunday School teacher. Letters To Young Black Men is overflowing with "advice and encouragement for a difficult journey."

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What People Are Saying

Michael Medved
"Daniel Whyte's book is an eloquent, heart-felt plea for a more constructive and spiritual approach to one of America's most painful problems: the tragic waste of so many lives of our male black youth."
--Nationally Syndicated Talk Show Host

Carl Bennett
"Without a doubt, this book will help young black men as they travel on life's journey. It is understandable and makes easy reading as it is written in simple everyday language. The book provides significant information, advice and encouragement to young black men that will help them to improve in all areas of their lives...This book is great reading and should be read by all young black men. I am confident that any reader will glean gems from this book."
--Tallahassee Sheriff Department & Baptist Minister, Tallahassee FL.

Whom do You Really Believe?, by Mrs. Shirley Carter

2009-01-01T09:56:29Z

"And he said unto them, yea, hath God said..."

Ever since he approached the first woman, Eve, in the garden, Satan has been asking the question, "Hath God said?" challenging the authority of God's Word and tempting us to doubt and disobey it. His objective is our downfall. From the beautiful utopia of the garden until now his desire has been to use us to turn God's plans upside down and to achieve his own personal goal of being like the most high God.

]]> Notice his strategy: He told Eve that God's design and will for her life was limiting (Genesis 3:1 and 5). Poor Eve, God won't let you eat from that one tree and his command is keeping you from reaching your full potential, your true destiny, ("You shall be like God.")

He continued to tell her that she could eat from the forbidden tree and not die, and that God's Word isn't true so she didn't have to obey it. Eve, you can do whatever you want to do and get away with it. (Genesis 3:4)

Sounds familiar, doesn't it? He's still using this same strategy today to attract and capture us. He wants us to believe that we can't trust God, that God doesn't know what's best for us but he himself does.

Satan wants us to embrace his philosophy of: "You are a woman. You are invincible" and "You've come a long way, baby." Oh, how we need to learn from his deceiving Eve. He also told her that she would be invincible. (You shall be as gods, powerful and unconquerable, elevated to an exalted position, unaccountable to God.) He also promised her enlightenment. "Your eyes shall be opened. You will be wise enough to know what's right or wrong for you. You won't need God telling you what you can and can't do." He promised her liberation. "Again, you shall be as gods. When you become a god you no longer have to be restricted by Jehovah God. You'll be free." We know the tragic results, however, of his treacherous promises and of Eve's gullibility and unbelief. Satan sure brought her a long way. Didn't he? He led her farther and farther away from God into sin and that's all he'll do for us because he's a deceiver and a destroyer.

True enlightenment and liberation are only possible when we place ourselves under the authority of God's Word, and live lives that honor and glorify Him (Proverbs 1:7 and John 8:32). God's Word is true and "forever settled in Heaven." It's as authoritative and as relevant for us today as it was for Eve in the garden. He wants us to heed and obey it and appreciate His design and will for our lives. Let's earnestly pray for one another not to be like those silly women Timothy talks about in II Timothy 3:6 who were so easily led astray. But that instead we will be strong in the Lord so that we can stand against the wiles of the devil. God bless you as you stand on the truth of His Word.

The Miracle in Madison (and other observations), by Rev. Andrew Hamilton

2009-01-01T09:53:27Z

The man who sets out to build a Bible-believing church is usually motivated by what appears to be an impossible dream. I just wanted to be used of God. I said wherever you want me to go, God, I will go. Whatever you want me to do, Lord, I will do. No church is a human invention; nor is it the accomplishment of man. Those who make up a church are the "called out ones," and only God can call out people by the power of His Holy Spirit. So every time a true church is born, it is a miracle and the church that the Lord allowed me to establish in Madison, Virginia, was no exception. Following are some of the miracles and observations:

]]> MIRACLES

Certainly, the church that the Lord allowed me to start and to build up to where it is now was not my accomplishment. It was a miracle of God. I recall when we first started, a lost man by the name of Robert Schotts let us use a very nice building rent free, and he also paid the electric bill for six months. We can still use that building even to this day.

I remember we bought six acres of land and later found out that we had fifteen acres. Then, we announced that we were going to build a building. So we started a building fund, but the money simply did not come in as expected. Time was passing and the world as well as the religious crowd began to mock us asking, "Where is that building you were going to build?" The Lord wanted us to walk by faith so we took the $2000.00 that we had saved and poured a foundation. After that we didn't have any more money. The people started asking, "Preacher, what are we going to do? We have poured the foundation, but we don't have any more money to finish the building." I answered, "God will provide."

I went to the bank and told the people at the bank we have some land out there and we want to build a church building, will you lend us $35,000.00. The people at the bank said, Well, yes, we will lend you $35,000.00, if you would get the land appraised. We got the land appraised, and by God's grace, they gave us the money.

We realized that another miracle had taken place when we had almost finished the building. We needed more money so I went back to the bank and they informed me that after going through their records, they found out that they were not supposed to loan us the $35,000.00 in the first place because they had the mortgage on that particular piece of property anyway. So we had borrowed $35,000.00 on the land that the bank owned.

I recall once that many of the pastors and churches doubted that we would get people to come out to church Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday night. Often times, these people would call the lady who lived across the street from our church and ask her was anyone there? And she had to always reply, "The yard is full of cars." God moved upon the hearts of the people to get saved and to come to church regularly.

Once, I received word that a certain group of people didn't like what I was doing in Madison, so they made a plan to run me out of town. Some of my church members warned me of this plot, and God delivered me.

What am I saying? If God has called you to plant churches, He will work miracles for you and deliver you.

OBSERVATIONS

From my years of experience in church planting, especially planting the Grace Baptist Church in Madison, Virginia, I would like to share a few things with prospective church planters:

The church planter should be an obedient soul who is called by God, sent by God, and empowered by God to do the work of God.
Accept the fact from the beginning that neither the false and apostate religious community, nor the world will ever love and appreciate a godly, Bible-believing church planter and his work.
Realize that planting a church and building strong Christians does not happen overnight. Take the advice of my preacher friend, Dr. James Earls, when he asks the question: Do you want squash or oak trees? You can grow squash overnight, but it takes years to grow an oak tree.
The church planter must not build the church upon himself. Yet, he must have a pastor's heart in that he should be patient and sympathetic in dealing with young and weak Christians.
The church planter should be willing to work and accept hardship. Too many churches that are started, fail because the preacher goes out there looking for a pulpit, a parsonage, and a paycheck. Too many of our preachers are not willing to work and suffer.
The church planter should be a man of great vision. The Bible says in Proverbs, "Without a vision, the people perish." Before the church planter even gets to where God has called him, he should already see people getting saved and that church building built.
The church planter must not be self-willed, but should come as an empty vessel willing to let God fill him and use him as He sees fit. The church planter must be a yielded vessel.

Finally, let me say, I feel that the greatest need in black America is the planting and building of Bible-believing churches. May God help us to do the job.

Sticking by the Stuff, by Dr. & Mrs. Lynwood Davis

2009-01-01T09:44:11Z

I Samuel 30

Young David is in pursuit of the Amalekites who destroyed Ziglag and took the women and children captive. As David crossed the Besor brook, two hundred of his soldiers were exhausted and could not continue the chase. David took the remainder of his small army and destroyed the Amalekites and rescued the women and children.

]]> When David returned to divide the spoils, certain greedy persons objected to giving an equal share to the soldiers who stayed behind. David said:

"Ye shall not do so, my brethren, with that which the LORD hath given us, who hath preserved us, and delivered the company that came against us into our hand. For who will hearken unto you in this matter? But as his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff: they shall part alike." (v 23-24).

In marriage, we give recognition and encouragement to those who are struggling in their relationship. However, you hear very little of those who stuck by the stuff in a bad relationship and made it good.

We were at the Emmaus Road Baptist Church in Chesapeake, VA for the eighth Annual IBF Meeting. A member of the church shared with me how God took her bad marriage and made it a blessed marriage. She shared how her unsaved husband wanted nothing to do with her, her God, or her church. She applied I Peter 3:1-4, and stuck with her husband. She displayed a submissive and godly attitude to her husband, and respected him as a man. She had every right to leave him, but she stuck by the stuff. She did not push the Bible down his throat. She did not return evil for evil. And, she did not display anger toward his stubborn attitude. She just stood by her man. One day her husband attended services with her, and turned his life over to Christ. Today, they are both serving the Lord at Emmaus Road Baptist Church.

God used this dear woman's desire to "stick by the stuff," and rewarded her by convicting her husband. Her husband beheld her "chase conversation coupled with fear," and it changed his life. He saw Christ in her shoes, and turned to Christ for salvation. Wives, stick to the stuff. Do not quit because your marriage is going sour. Stick with it and God will sweeten your marriage.

The following Sunday in our church, a dear brother came forward to pour out his heart to God. As he came forward, his wife and two small children stood by his side. This man is an accountant, a lawyer, and had just graduated from Culinary School. His wife is also a lawyer. He reached out to our church family for help. He was involved with drugs. He wanted us to know his problem so we could provide the spiritual support and encouragement he needed to turn his life around. He told us that he spent his pay checks on drugs before coming home. He told us why he wanted to come before the church and make his problem known. It was his wife sticking with him that made him want to turn his life around. He brought tears to our eyes when he said, "On our eighth anniversary we held hands and walked downtown looking into the restaurants that we could have eaten in if I had not spent my check on drugs." Thus, his wife sticking by him convicted him of what he was doing to God, to her, to the children, and to himself. When you stick by the stuff, God is going to reward you.

If you are about to throw in the towel, let me encourage you to stick with the stuff. God will give you the grace to overcome. There is no reward or victory for those who quit. Stick by the stuff and God will change the situation.

Will A Man Rob God?, by Dr. LeRoy Randolph

2009-01-01T09:38:44Z

Malachi 3:6-12

The Book of Malachi records the life of the Jewish remnant who returned to the land after the captivity of the Babylonian Empire, followed by the Medo-Persian Empire. Cyrus the king of Persia had released the remnant in 538 B.C., who in small numbers returned to rebuild the Temple under Zerrubabel and Jeshua (related in Ezra, Haggai and Zechariah). Later (83 years) in 455 B.C., Ezra the priest led an expedition back to the land and found deplorable spiritual conditions and began a revival. Thirteen years later Nehemiah is commissioned to go back and rebuild the city of Jerusalem starting with its walls.

]]> When Cyrus released the Jewish remnant, that small band returned with joy, zeal, and enthusiasm all of which fizzled when opposition arose. They forgot their purpose and were swallowed up in worldliness. Haggai's prophecy encouraged them to get the Temple built. But when Ezra returns after half a century, they have violated the laws of God by intermarrying with the idolatrous people of the land and needed revival (confession and separation). Apparently, after the initial zeal wears off it's easy to forget God and His provision.

Malachi begins his message over one hundred years after the initial return to the land. His message essentially covers the same sins that Nehemiah had written about: (1) defilement of the priesthood; (2) divorcing Jewish wives and remarrying idolatrous foreign women; and our subject (3) neglect of tithes and offerings (miserliness).

In summary, there was: (1) disregard for spiritual things and their sanctity; (2) intermarriage of the covenant people with heathens; and (3) laxity of the people in tithes and offerings. Three evils caused by carelessness, indifference, and sin.

In the New Testament, the church at Laodicea had indifference problems at the close of the New Testament era. May be there was something inherent in the latter days of each era that causes the people of God to take less heed to their spiritual condition.

1. S SOVEREIGN GOD (verse 6)

What kind of God was the God of the sons of Jacob?

In 1:6 God says He is a Father to His people;

In 1:6 God says He is a master to His people;

In 1:7-8 He intimates that He is a heavenly governor;

In 1:14 He says He is a great king; all to indicate His relationship as sovereign, the One Who is in control and Who can give commandments and make covenants and promises.

God's desire to perfect His people has not changed (Romans 8:29: to conform us to the image of Christ; Ephesians 4:13: to make each of us "...a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ."

Then it was Israel, today the Church, after the rapture of the Church it will be Israel again. He is immutable and unchangeable! Promises made, He will keep, including economic promises.

2. T THIEVING PEOPLE (verse 8)

Verse 8: "Will a man rob God?" Yes. But why?

E.Because of failure to honor God ad Father, provider of life, sustainer and protector. No thanks on our lips for God as our Father. The Bible tells us what He had done for us and is constantly doing. As our children do to us, so do we to God as we begin to take our blessings for granted, giving no thanks.

F.Because of failure to fear God as master, the giver of directions to our life, the One Who tells us what to do. And we wonder why we end up in so many messes that are often our excuses for not being able to do more for God. No fear of consequences for not obeying God. The chastening of the Lord can be severe and may mean death.

G.Because we have no respect for the Word of God, the preaching was only partial and not committed to the truth according to 2:7-9. (I Timothy 5:17: "Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine.")

God's Word was not unclear as to what He required for offerings and sacrifice. In Deuteronomy 15:19-21 it is clear that God wanted the "firstling males" of the herds and flocks, and verse twenty-one makes it abundantly clear that "...if there be any blemish therein, as if it be lame, or blind, or have any ill blemish, thou shalt not sacrifice in unto the LORD thy God." (see also 17:1).

H.Because we have no respect for the Holiness of God (2:11). God says in I Peter 1:16: "As it is written, be ye holy for I an holy." We are to be careful about how we treat our bodies as the temple of God" (I Corinthians 6:19). We are to be careful about what we eat, see, or hear, that is not edifying. But God deals here with the subject of separation as it deals with marriage. Second Corinthians 6:14-17 warns us against unequal yokes with unbelievers. God constantly stressed it even in the Old Testament. Because of Solomon's marriages to ungodly foreign wives, the whole kingdom was divided.

Because marriage is a realistic possibility for anyone who falls in love with an unbeliever, we even discourage dating unbelievers. Verse 14 indicates that they were even divorcing their Jewish wives to marry the foreign women. God says they were treacherous. And He says in verse 16 that He hates divorce.

I.Because we have compromised God's morals, ethics, and standards (2:17), we have begun to lose the distinction between right and wrong. For some, it is all right now to smoke, drink alcohol, and see movies with filthy language and nudity and sex. In the church we see people who do such things put in positions of example hood. We see wrongdoing tolerated or condoned. We begin to ask the same question Habakkuk asked: Where is the God of judgement?

Tithing laws (Legal giving) were to remind the people of God's ownership of all things and to teach them to put God first in their lives. His generosity allowed them to keep nine tenth of all they produced, but He wanted the first tenth. (The word tithe means the tenth.) Leviticus 27:30 states: "All the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord's: it is holy unto the Lord."

Offerings: (Freewill giving) out of thankful hearts, having remembered God's ownership and his constant provision and blessing. "...they shall not appear before the Lord empty-handed. Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God which he has given you" (Deuteronomy 16:16-17).

Nehemiah 13:10-11 - The man could not give themselves wholly to the work of the Lord because God's people would not obey God's laws that provided for the men of God (They found other ways of putting bread on their families' tables).

New Testament Principle: When we give to God, God gives to us. (Galatians 6:7 also teaches law of sowing and reaping.)

Luke 6:38: "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom."

4. R RESOURCES FRUITFUL (verse 11)

Verse 11 - God will bless the source of your income. If it's land or the corporation, if it's providing what you need to supply for the wants of others, God will bless that source.

5. D DIVIDENDS SPIRITUALLY (verse 12)

Verse 12 - Generosity is a witnessing tool!

God is sovereign and must judge departure from His statutes. However, in His grace He exercises loving-kindness and pleads with His people to turn from their wicked ways. Why do you think that He chose the area of tithes and offerings to plead with them to return? Do you think it is because of what is said in Matthew 6:19-21? "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal, But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth not rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal; For where your treasure is there will your heart be also."

If the cares for the things of this world have diverted us from giving to spiritual work in great amounts we need to take heed to the admonition of Matthew 6:33: "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." Often our greatest fear about giving is that we won't have enough left for ourselves. That is sinful thinking. We limit God.

S-T-E-W-A-R-D: One who manages the property of another. First Corinthians 4:2 states: "Moreover, it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful." If our priorities are right, then according to II Corinthians 9:8, "And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work."

From Glory to Shame: The Rise and Fall of Black America (and How She Can Rise Again), by Samuel L. Madison

2009-01-01T09:21:35Z

Taken from the book of the Prophet Hosea, Samuel Madison reveals the desperate and dire problems in Black America by comparing the judgment of God on Israel in the book of Hosea, to the judgment that God is seemingly bringing down on blacks in America. He also provides wise counsel and Biblical solutions on how black America can return from Shame to Glory.

]]> IMPORTANT POINTS IN THIS BOOK:

Some Blacks In the News Today Vex the Spirit
The Vanishing of Our Glory Days
The Quest To be Black and Proud Again
From Glory to Shame: A Fulfilled Prophecy!
Religious, Church Going and On the Way to Hell
The Need for a Strong, Black Family
The Grand Solution!

From Glory to Shame is available in fine bookstores everywhere and through numerous online retailers. Including the following: TorchLegacy.com, Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, Books-A-Million.com, CBD.com, and BlackCBC.com.

Win Souls Today, by Rev. Glendy Hamilton with Rev. Carl Gee

2009-01-01T08:59:39Z

"But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work today in my vineyard. He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not. Whether of them twain did the will of the father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you."
--Matthew 21:28-31

]]> In the above passage, the man had two sons, and he told both sons to go work in the vineyard. Of course, one said he wouldn't, and he did; and one said he would, and he didn't. In this article, I want to share with you these five thoughts:

Those of us who are saved are God's children.
The harvest is plenteous.
We are all commanded to go work in His vineyard.
Everyday is today.
No work - no reward!

First of all, we are God's children. If there was a time in your life, when you realized that you were a lost sinner and unable to save yourself through good works, church membership, or anything else, and then you trusted Jesus Christ as your only hope of Heaven, then you are a child of God.

Second, the harvest is plenteous. People are looking for salvation. During testimony time in our church (Harvest Baptist Church, Orlando, Florida), we hear over and over again these words: "They were ready and waiting to be saved." Everyday precious souls are plunging into Hell while many of us sit home and watch television. We need to wake up and see men as the Lord Jesus Christ did while He walked upon this earth. He was moved with compassion. Lost people are waiting on a soul-winner to share the GOSPEL.

Third, we are commanded to go work in His vineyard. In Mark sixteen, Jesus was talking to a group of back-slidden, cold-hearted disciples and He told them to go soul-winning. Many times when people do not participate in the work of the church, they become critical of those who are involved in the work of the church. Until these critical folk get involved in the work of soul-winning, they will never live in victory. We are commanded to work. It is not an opinion or a suggestion.

Fourth, everyday is today. Our heavenly Father wants us to do His will today. Souls are dying today. Therefore we must work TODAY.

Fifth, NO WORK - NO REWARD! The Bible says, happy is the man that heareth my word and doeth it! We are constantly faced with opportunities to be slothful. Remember, rewards only come after labor and work.

Allow me to share with you a church testimony to illustrate the value of everyday soul-winning. At the beginning of the year, we had a revival meeting with Dr. Bob Gray and Dan Hawtree. During this meeting, Dr. Gray shared with us "THE TEN ESSENTIALS OF SOUL-WINNING." They are as follows: (1) Everyone must go. (2) Everyone must go, believing. (3) Everyone must stop the first person he or she sees. (4) Everyone must look for people under conviction. (5) Everyone should lead someone to Christ before they go in. (6) Everyone should pick up their converts for church. (7) The church needs to baptize every week. (8) Everyone should commit what he or she knows to faithful people. (9) Everyone should take his or her new converts soul-winning. (10) Soul-winning attendance has to be built up.

Through our following those ten points the Lord has allowed us to see 1600 souls come to Christ within a five months period (January 1, 1989 through May 1989). You and your church can do it.

START WINNING SOULS TODAY!

Appreciating Your Husband as Your Pastor, by Georgia Sawhook

2009-01-01T08:53:13Z

Being a pastor's wife is a wonderful adventure, isn't it? I've been one now for over 26 years and continue to be blessed by the position and the responsibility that the Lord has given me in His plan.

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Clergy Appreciation Month gives me pause to look at MY pastor ... my HUSBAND! Do I really give him the respect and honor that he deserves? Do I take the time to thank him for every message he prepares? Do I thank him for all those extra hours he has to work at the church to counsel and help a wayward member or a newly engaged couple about their upcoming marriage or the times he's had to leave the house because of someone's illness and/or death?

Or ... do I gripe about it?

"Do I have to be with the kids alone again tonight?"
"When ARE you coming home??? Dinner's getting cold!"
"It's your mother and dad that are visiting and I'm not going to entertain them all myself AGAIN!"

Sound familiar? If you've gotten into that type of rut, maybe you just need to reacquaint yourself with your dear hubby. Remember, he's got an awesome responsibility before the Lord to keep a charge over these sheep that the Lord has entrusted to him and he doesn't need to have any more added pressure than he already has.

Let your home be the haven that he needs and deserves. Welcome him with a big hug and kiss. Tell him you're praying for him (and make sure you do). Make his favorite meal and dessert for him at least once a week. Find someone to watch the children and have a night all alone. Pop popcorn, watch a movie together and look deep into his eyes and remember that wonderful young man you fell in love with.

It will jump start your 'starter,' that's for sure. And if it doesn't, ask your precious Savior to "jump start" your engine in that direction and start all over again.

Enjoy that wonderful gift that the Lord has given you and praise His name that He has chosen you both together to serve Him and minister for His glory!!

In addition to her responsibilities as a pastor's wife at Fellowship Bible Church in Fairfield, Ohio, Georgia Sawhook hosts an outreach to other wives in ministry through her Web sites. Visit them at:

The Pastor's Wife's Home Page
Georgia's Fall Garden Page
Georgia's Kitchen

She has been a pastor's wife for over 30 years and has seven children and 14 grandchildren.

Ministers and Managers for Christ, by Rev. Robert Anderson, Jr.

2009-01-01T08:31:54Z

Someone once asked Mother Theresa how could she go on ministering in such pitiful conditions with so little apparent impact, and her response was rather profound. She said: "God has not called us to be successful, but to be faithful."

]]> Being successful can be rather vague; the world usually measures success by numbers and dollars. All too often the pastor falls into a trap of measuring one's effectiveness by the numbers in the pew on Sunday morning, and how much was in the collection plate. While statistical information can be very useful and encouraging, it does not fully determine true success in the ministry.

In First Corinthians 4:1 & 2, the Apostle Paul speaks of the preacher conducting himself in two key roles: one as a minister and the other as a manager. In verse one, Paul first identifies the pastor as a minister of Christ. The word "minister" means "slave, or one who is under the direct orders of another." The Greek word originally signified the slave who was chained to his oars in the lower part of a large ocean ship traveling back and forth over the Mediterranean. This word "minister" means "under rower." In common use it took on the connotation of one who is absolutely subordinate to the wishes of another.

The point the Apostle Paul wants to make is that we as pastors are under the strict lordship of Jesus Christ. The Lord is the captain of the ship--always. Sometimes we may forget that the flock that we serve was not bought with our blood, thus giving us the right (so we think), to rule over them as an angry drill sergeant, but we were all bought with the precious Blood of Christ, and we must glorify Him (I Peter 1:19). While we are in fact a gift to the Church (Ephesians 4:8,11), it must be remembered that we are the ones most priviledged to serve such a blessed body of people--the congregation of the righteous. Furthermore, from Paul's perspective as an "under rower" we are lowest of slaves.

Second, the Apostle likens us to a manager. The word "manager" is translated "steward" in the King James Version. This word also refers to a slave, but one who has the responsibility to effectively manage the master's household, and provide those things necessary to have a well-organized house.

Perhaps you can call him a "house slave." The idea of efficiency also enters the picture of management. Thus, the pastor is one who has his priorities straight, and to the best of his ability he uses all the resources that are at his disposal to present every man perfect in Christ (Colossians 1:28). There is no place for a slothful and lazy pastor, because the work of God is too great and important for us to be complacent. Everything we do in the family of God has eternal significance.

Next in our text the author states that God has entrusted each bishop with divine mysteries. In the New Testament a "mystery" is often something previously unrevealed, but now made known. This definition is especially true in understanding the "mystery of the gospel" (Ephesians 6:19). Paul explains this mystery more clearly in the following passage: "Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; that the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel" (Ephesians 3: 3, 6).

The pastor is a manager in this mysterious body of Christ, which is made up of both Jews and Gentiles. Therefore, such things as racial hatred and prejudice have no place in the heart of a true shepherd. The racism among God's people in America and abroad is an abomination to Christ the Lord.

The scriptures speak of other mysteries, but the mystery of the body of Christ is most paramount in the New Testament, and we have been entrusted to proclaim the mystery by precept and example.

Last, the imperative order that follows in verse two for the manager (steward) is not that he be found successful, but faithful. Since it is God Who must ultimately give the increase (I Corinthians 3:7), success may greatly vary through various stages in one's ministry. However, the pastor's faithfulness should always be steady. The pastor must be consistent and progressively growing in his personal walk with Christ. As Paul instructs Timothy, the bishop must be irreproachable (I Timothy 3:2).

Is it any wonder why so many "successful" ministers have fallen? The pastor must measure success for himself and his church in light of their own personal and corporate spiritual growth (I Timothy 3:10-11; Titus 1:6-10).

While many will talk well of us (as they should), we cannot live for the praises of men. We must live for the glory of God in Christ. Thus, he has called us to be dedicated "under rowers", willing to do all the menial tasks necessary to reach the world for Christ, and faithful "house slaves" willing to oversee all the affairs of our own respective ministries placed into our care by our Great Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ.

When we have faithfully done all that the Lord has assigned for us to do, remember the words of Jesus: "So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do" (Luke 17:10)

Let Freedom Ring!, by Rev. John W. Coleman

2009-01-01T08:13:18Z

Rev. John W. Coleman, Pastor

Good News Baptist Church, Petersburg, Virginia

Allow me to say, first of all, that I try extremely hard to continue to swim against the flowing tide of preachers who have been caught up and carried away in the rushing waters of political and social movements. My desire is to stay on a spiritual course and stick with my calling as pastor/teacher. The Apostle Paul said: "For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified" (I Corinthians 2:2). That, too, is my primary objective in life. Yet, there comes a time in one's life when one must address other issues as well. Paul did (Romans 13; I Timothy 2). Therefore, I beg your indulgence as I exercise one of the most basic of our Constitutional rights as free Americans--freedom of speech.

]]> Posted on the bulletin board at Good News Baptist Church is a list compiled by our members consisting of the names of twenty-four of America's finest. I am talking about black men and women who served proudly and courageously in the Middle East. I thank God for each and every one of them and I pray for them every day; sometimes several times a day.

On Friday, February 15, 1991, as I listened to CBS This Morning, I heard the encouraging news that Saddam Hussein had made overtures relative to the withdrawal of his troops from Kuwait. A few minutes later, Paula Zahn, the co-host of CBS This Morning, introduced two of her guests: Rev. Joseph Lowery of SCLC and Rev. Benjamin Chavis of the United Church of Christ. These two men were there to voice their opposition to the war and especially black participation. They were offering sanctuary in churches to blacks who would claim conscientious objector status, and therefore, refuse to serve in Desert Storm. This all happened on the very morning that the brave engagement of our American troops had caused Hussein to finally blink and to move him to the verge of saying, "uncle." Listening to these men ignited within me several emotions: embarrassment, pity, anger (i.e. righteous indignation), etc. It also became so clear to me that if these men represent the mindset of today's so-called black leaders, then these leaders are out-of-touch with the true feelings of the majority of blacks in this country.

I have heard from the mouths of missionaries and others what life is like in Haiti, Sudan, Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa, and the list goes on. My heart goes out for my kinsmen--blacks, who are suffering all across this world. These precious souls would love to experience the privileges that we have in America. I know that we don't have all that we should have but we do have the right to have it if we would leave the pity party and join the "I can do it" party.

I thank God that I was born in the U.S.A. The movie, "Glory" was a reenactment of the experience of an actual U.S. Civil War army regiment made up of ex-slaves who found pride in serving in the same cause as other free men. How ironic that in our day our leaders are telling us that it is a reproach to fight in defense of freedom for all Americans and for the freedom of others as well. How ironic it is for them to cast aspirations upon those who have chosen to be patriotic and proud Americans (our military is all volunteer)? What are they going to say to these proud black Americans when they return, victoriously, from the Gulf? Will they shun them as the Vietnam veterans were shunned? Will they label them as deserters from the black cause? Will they try to exploit them when their families and other patriotic black Americans receive them home with praise and adoration? As a matter of fact, where is the encouragement in their words for that mother and that father who have spent sleepless nights in worry and in prayer for their sons and daughters on that distant desert? Will they ever admit that these proud black Americans represent what has always characterized blacks with real character--a quest for freedom and a will to fight for it? I have many, many more questions, but for now, I would like to know how our leaders would answer these.

Rev. Lowery and Rev. Chavis exercised a right on Friday, February 15, 1991, a right for which I would fight to maintain. But rights don't always come easy. Sometimes I have to fight for your rights and sometimes you have to fight for mine. This, I believe, is the prevailing philosophy of the brave military personnel of the United States of America. I am not ashamed to fly my flag in honor of my country and in honor of my fellow countrymen and women. I am not ashamed to voice my patriotism. But now, I must hasten back to the Gospel for I dare not stay away from it too long. But I have one final request, and that is: Black leaders, remove the shackles of doubt and despair that you constantly place on our people. Grant to us the freedom to pursue the excellence that we are so capable of accomplishing--LET FREEDOM RING!

Money Under the Car Seat and The Thanksgiving That Almost Wasn't

2008-11-11T12:11:05Z

Money Under the Car Seat is simply a light and fresh celebration of an old holiday called Thanksgiving. This book is designed to be taken seriously and it is also designed not to be taken seriously. It is largely a fun book that looks at Thanksgiving through fresh eyes. Thanksgiving Day is a big deal to us and we hope that it is to you as well. However, it is also our hope that this book will not only help you to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday, but will help you to stay in "a Thanksgiving state of mind" year around.

Here's a peek at some of the things that we have included in this book:

In a Thanksgiving State of Mind
7 Reasons Why I Thank God for Jesus Christ
100 Famous Quotations on Thanksgiving
Traditional and Non-Traditional Last Minute Thanksgiving Recipes That Will Help You Get Through the Thanksgiving Day Holiday
75 Weighty and 75 Lighter Things to be Thankful For
75 Things To Do For Thanksgiving
Children Talk About What Thanksgiving Means to Them
Thanksgiving Trivia
Papa Whyte's Famous Royal Bacon-Wrapped Turkey Recipe
A Foreigner Reflects on the American Thanksgiving Holiday
...And much much more!

Price: $11.99

Visit www.MoneyUndertheCarSeat.com to Find Out More and to Buy the Book

The Thanksgiving That Almost Wasn't is based on a true story of how the devil attacked and tried to destroy a Christian family that was trying to live right for the glory of God. As the story unfolds, you will laugh, cry and rejoice with the Johnson family as they go through a temporary but tough separation. But all is not lost. Through love, forgiveness, hope, much prayer and a strong faith in God, read and see how this family was brought back together on their favorite holiday--Thanksgiving--a holiday they had never missed celebrating together. This event in their lives truly testifies to the truth of God's Word, which says:"All things are possible with God."

Visit www.TheThanksgivingThatAlmostWasnt.com to Find Out More and to Buy the Book