The Torch Leader tag:www.torchleader.com,2008-11-05:/tl//1 2010-03-01T07:54:04Z Movable Type Open Source 4.12 Is The Way Too Narrow?, by Marshall Shelley tag:www.torchleader.com,2010:/tl//1.822 2010-03-01T07:49:34Z 2010-03-01T07:54:04Z "I have a hard time believing Jesus is the only way of salvation."... The Torch Leader 75676822.jpg"I have a hard time believing Jesus is the only way of salvation."

]]> Q. I have a hard time believing Jesus is the only way of salvation. So many people have never heard about Jesus. It's either unfair of God to make such a requirement, or there must be other ways of salvation. Can you help me understand?

A. Can people who've never heard of Jesus go to heaven? It's a question Christians have always struggled with for centuries. The strict answer is, "Nope. They're lost." The lenient answer is, "God's love is unconditional, his grace is irresistible, and everyone will be saved eventually." But neither of those answers seems fully based on God's character as revealed in the Bible. So, I don't have a simple answer. But I do know three truths the answer depends on:

1) God is good. He is both loving and just, and therefore, he is going to do whatever is right. He will not unjustly condemn anyone, nor will he allow sin into heaven. (If he did, heaven would be corrupted and no better than earth.) Only people willing to be regenerated, to be made new and spotless and to serve God forever, can enter heaven.

We can't know, as humans, how God will judge a particular individual who never had the chance on earth to understand that only Jesus can take away sin. But God knows everyone's heart. We can be sure that God's judgments are completely pure and righteous.

2) Death is not the end of the story. The Bible says, "man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment" (Hebrews 9:27, NIV). This means death is not the end of the story for anyone. Judgment comes afterward. (How much later, we don't know.) The Bible offers hints that people do have a conscious existence after death and before their final judgment at the "great white throne" (Revelation 20:11).

For instance, Samuel, after his death, is conjured up by Saul and the witch of Endor (1 Samuel 28). Elijah and Moses reappear, centuries after their deaths, on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17). And Jesus told a story of a rich man who, after death, asks for mercy (and water!) from a former beggar who was now in paradise (Luke 16).

3) Salvation is available only through Jesus. He said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6, NIV). The fate of anyone rests on Jesus' work of atonement, forgiveness and regeneration. He's the only one who can take sin away. Anyone who rejects that is risking everything.

But could some people be saved by Jesus' work, even though they never knew his name during their lifetime? Or if their knowledge of him was skewed or limited? We just don't know.

I had a daughter who was severely and profoundly retarded. She never spoke a word or was able to respond to her environment. In her two years of life, she was unable to "accept Jesus," at least that anyone could tell, but I'm confident that I will see her again in heaven. On what basis? On the basis of God's mercy and Christ's sacrifice for the sins of all mankind.

Might that same extended grace apply to someone raised in Mongolia or India who also never had clear and compelling exposure to the gospel? We just don't know. We can't be sure how God will judge humankind. But I do know that God can be trusted to do what's right.

SOURCE: Christianity Today Ignite Your Faith - Marshall Shelley 
]]> Read Good Books Alot, by Danita Whyte with Danae', Daniqua, & Danyelle Whyte tag:www.torchleader.com,2010:/tl//1.821 2010-03-01T07:42:21Z 2010-03-01T07:48:30Z Reading is also another important tool in helping us learn. Abraham Lincoln, one of the greatest presidents this nation has ever had, taught himself by reading the Bible and other books.... The Torch Leader 79383968.jpg
Reading is also another important tool in helping us learn. Abraham Lincoln, one of the greatest presidents this nation has ever had, taught himself by reading the Bible and other books.
]]> The first Book that we should read and master is the Bible. It is the most important Book in the world, and we can learn a whole lot from just reading it alone.

Only read books that are good and that will help you do good things. Reading bad books can turn you away from God and make you start believing in witchcraft and all of that kind of stuff. 

Reading has a powerful effect on the brain -- good or bad. Reading good books on prayer and things like that can bring you closer to God. You don't have to read books like that all of the time. You can still read fun books like Little Women.

Reading is a good thing to do when you have nothing else to do. Just get one of your favorite books and read it. Reading can take you into a whole different world, and can make you dream and think beyond your wildest imaginations.

Reading is a lot of fun. Read to Understand.
]]> Sparkle and Shine: 2010 Spring and Summer Trends, by Cheryl Lupul and Barb Klemke tag:www.torchleader.com,2010:/tl//1.819 2010-03-01T07:37:04Z 2010-03-01T07:39:17Z Get ready for romance as the spring and summer fashions of 2010 hit the stores! Ultra feminine looks offer tiers of flounce, lace, floral patterns and ruffles. Voluminous shapes of lustrous silk and organza provide for pretty party dresses and... The Torch Leader springfashion2010.jpg
Get ready for romance as the spring and summer fashions of 2010 hit the stores! Ultra feminine looks offer tiers of flounce, lace, floral patterns and ruffles. Voluminous shapes of lustrous silk and organza provide for pretty party dresses and softly tailored pantsuits. Color trends range from pastel subtle tones to light and bright summer hues.
]]> Sparkle and shine hit the runway again as embellishment continues to climb the fashion charts with sequins, crystals, beading and glitter. Even the most basic T-shirt is upgraded to total decadence this season.  If embellishment and romance aren't on your fashion palette then consider the alternate styles offered this season.

The minimal urban look gives a clean line with a precise silhouette. This architectural clothing is sleek and sophisticated especially in neutral colors. The minimalist style, shy on accessories, offers a simple yet elegant look.

Underwear is the new outerwear. Lingerie inspired pieces such as frilly lace bras over shirts and bustiers will make you blush. Victoria's Secret is moving out of the store and into the streets.

Simple and sporty weekend wear moves into the weekday. Sleeveless hoodies and drawstring details on track pants with mesh inserts provide comfort and style.  The military look carries over from last season with khaki hues in an officer jacket or trench  coat, cargo pants and chinos.

The tunic white blouse is a fashion must-try. Add a button down, wrapped or pleated style, whatever best suits your body type.

Shoes this season are skyscrapers with platform heels. Mary Janes with cut out details, T-strap diva shoes, cork wedge heels and high sling backs look great but prove difficult to wear for those long days at the office. Pointed toe flats with pretty detailing and bows or two strap sandals such as gladiators will offer casual comfort.

Transparent accessories are hot! Shop for Lucite bracelets, plastic earrings, or crystal shoes. Even Cinderella would be impressed!

One Wish Fashion List: With so much variety this season shop til you drop and enjoy browsing the racks to create your own distinctive  style. A romantic flowing dress with skyscraper heels, a crisp white  blouse with a pair of chinos or a sporty ensemble for the weekend will  take you from the office to the beach.  Have fun with the variety of this season!
]]> Worshipping God with an Intelligent Faith, by Samuel L. Madison tag:www.torchleader.com,2010:/tl//1.818 2010-03-01T07:33:36Z 2010-03-01T07:37:18Z "It is in the process of being worshipped that God communicates His presence to men." - C. S. Lewis... The Torch Leader 56903257.jpg
"It is in the process of being worshipped that God communicates His presence to men." - C. S. Lewis
]]> "O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hands are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker. For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day, if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness." - Psalm 95:1-8

I would like to say at the beginning of this final essay, that perhaps you have wondered time and time again as you have hurriedly gotten dressed on a Sunday morning to come to worship, just why it is that we sense the urgency to do so. And yet, Sunday after Sunday, we faithfully attend worship service because somehow, we believe deeply within our inner man, that God is pleased when we come into the House of the Lord to worship Him. The psalmist David said: "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord" (Psalm 122:1).

God Has Ordained Worship

So now we know that God would have us to set aside a time in our lives just for us to worship Him. We are reminded throughout the Bible to give occasion to this event because it plays such a vital part in our communion with God and also serves as a time of fellowship with those of the household of faith.

The Bible Exhorts Us to Worship

The Bible not only exhorts us to worship, but God also gives us precise instructions as to how we are to worship Him. Believers are taught in the Scriptures to worship God "in spirit and in truth." "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24). He also exhorts us not to miss meeting together for worship by stating: "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching" (Hebrews 10:25). The expressed purpose behind this command is to provide an occasion for believers to worship collectively.

God is Concerned About How we Worship

I want to say to you, God has some thoughts concerning how we should worship and He wants you to hear them. So, today, if you will hear His voice in this writing, harden not your heart.

Historical Background to Psalm 95

Psalm ninety-five is a coronation psalm written by David and adapted for the dedication of the second temple during the time when Israel was being re-gathered and was coming out of Babylon's captivity. The movement culminated in the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. During this time in Israel's history, it was an occasion of celebration because Israel had been in captivity for seventy years. And once again, God had proven Himself faithful in delivering her out of bondage. Another reason for this being a time of celebration for Israel was because God had pardoned them for their sin of idolatry and had restored them back into His good graces. And if we as black Americans will turn back to God, even in these dark days, He will pardon our sins, bring us back into His good graces, and turn our shame to glory.

Relating to Israel's Celebration

Permit me to say, if you would, that I can truly relate to the rejoicing spirit of the children of Israel, because I, too, know what it is like to be set free from the captivity of bondage. Although my bondage cannot be thought of as being in physical captivity, but I tell you, as a depraved sinner, Satan had my mind, my spirit and my soul in captivity. I thank God for having saved me and set me free from the burden of my sins. Today, I am still rejoicing in the liberties of Christ, for, "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed" (John 8:36).

A Psalm of Praise and Adoration

Psalm ninety-five is a psalm of praise and adoration written to instruct and exhort Israel to worship God in a manner and fashion pleasing to Jehovah God. The children of Israel needed instruction in how to worship and serve the Lord in the holy temple. The children of Israel needed to learn in their worship experience that God, in His holiness, will not accept anything less than true worship.

Many Christians Today are Ignorant Concerning True Worship

In many of our churches today, Christians are ignorant concerning biblical worship. They are worshipping God in their own self-styled manner. To some Christians, their attitude concerning worship is no more than to routinely show up for Sunday morning service without any regard as to what goes on in the worship service.

To others, worship service is centered around praising and extolling some preacher who entertains his congregation by whooping and hollering and running around in the pulpit. And then there are those churches which are becoming more popular among Christians today whose worship services consist of gospel choirs reeling and rocking all down the aisles, healing and deliverance services lasting for hours and culminating with "slaying worshippers in the spirit."

Sad to say, although these Christians may be sincere in their worship devotion, yet none of these experiences are what the Bible teaches concerning biblical worship. True biblical worship is not centered around exalting man, but extolling and experiencing God. God alone is only to be worshipped and praised.

How Then Shall We Worship?

Let us look at Psalm ninety-five for what biblical or true worship is all about:

1. True worship is when we come into the sanctuary and acclaim and celebrate God as Lord. "O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation" (Psalm 95:1). The children of Israel had to be taught a profound truth that when they went into the temple to worship God, they needed to be reminded that they were in the presence of the Lord their God who had delivered them out of captivity. He was their rock of salvation and their rock of safety.

When we, today, as God's people, come into the sanctuary to worship God, we need to be also in a celebrating mood as Israel, rejoicing in our spirit that Christ is not only our Rock of salvation, but He is a very present help in the time of trouble. "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1).

2. True worship is the offering of a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving unto the Lord. "Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms" (Psalm 95:2). The children of Israel needed to know that when they went into the temple to worship God, their hearts should be filled with gratitude and thanksgiving remembering where the Lord had brought them from. When we as Christians today, come into the house of the Lord, we too, need to be singing praises to Him because we are remembering the good hand of the Lord. "O taste and see that the Lord is good, blessed is the man that trusteth in him" (Psalm 34:8).

3. True worship exhorts us to be mindful of God's majesty. "For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods" (Psalm 95:3). The children of Israel needed to understand and to rejoice in the truth that when they come into the temple to worship God that He is King of kings and Lord of lords.

We, too, as Christians, need to acclaim Christ as King of kings and Lord of lords. We need to see Him in all His majesty as Isaiah saw Him in the temple "high and lifted up," and understanding that we do not deserve to be in the glory of His presence.

4. True worship is when we learn to rejoice in the knowledge that Jehovah God is the Creator of all things. "In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hill is his also. The sea is his, and he made it: And his hands formed the dry land" (Psalm 95:4-5). Israel needed to know in their attitude of worship that Elohim, the Creator of the universe, was more than their covenant God who delivered them out of captivity, but He was also the God of all flesh and the God of all creation.

We as Christians, today, also need to celebrate God as Creator of all things, the Giver of Life, and the Sustainer of the Universe when we come into the sanctuary to worship Him.

5. Finally, true and biblical worship culminates in hearing the voice of God and taking heed to how He wants us to worship Him. Israel needed to understand how they worshipped God, had a direct correlation to how they would serve Him. The children of Israel, in their past history, had provoked God in the wilderness because they made themselves idols and served not the true, living God. God's guideline for worshipping Him is the same today as always. "They that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth." (John 4:24).

If we as African-Americans are going to get back on track, not only should our families have an authentic faith, but our worship should be authentic as well. God is still speaking to His people today concerning worshipping Him with an intelligent faith. Today, "if you will hear His voice, harden not your heart."

STOP THE VIOLENCE!
A Resolution To
Get Involved
When Some Few Of Us
Control The Most Of Us
Then It Is Time
For The Rest Of Us
To Get Involved
Before The Few
Make It Bad
For All Of Us

- Samuel L. Madison
]]> Teen Girls And Modest Dress tag:www.torchleader.com,2010:/tl//1.817 2010-03-01T07:32:57Z 2010-03-01T07:35:59Z The Torch Leader teen-girls.jpg
Our society has done away with all decency in the way they dress. When Janet Jackson can have her breast exposed on national television, we have a problem in our society. The Webster's College Dictionary defines modest as: "having or showing regard for the decencies of behavior, speech, dress, etc.; decent." 
]]> Our society has done away with all decency in the way they dress. When Janet Jackson can have her breast exposed on national television, we have a problem in our society 

Christians are even falling victim to the decline in decency as well. I was watching the Christian Music Awards a few years ago, and the way some of the ladies were dressed was just unbelievable. It's even affecting our younger generation as well. Eleven year olds are even dressing revealing; showing their stomachs, wearing low cut shirts and tight jeans that show every little curve. Where are we headed as Christians? We are supposed to be lights in this world setting the standards of Godliness. Some of us have failed miserably. 

Let's take a look at what the Bible has to say about modest (or decent) dress. 

1 Timothy 2:9-10, "In like manner also, that women adorn (dress) themselves in modest (decent) apparel, with shamefacedness {bashfulness} and sobriety ;{ self-control} not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But which becometh women professing godliness with good works." 

The Bible encourages Christian young ladies to dress themselves in decent clothing. He also says to dress decently with shamefacedness. That means to bush or be bashful and shy. There is no sense of bashfulness in the way many Christian young ladies are dressing today. They are showing things that only their future husbands should be allowed to see. Young ladies should be shy when it comes to a guy, who is not their husband, looking at their body. 

It then says that they should dress with sobriety, which is self-control. Young ladies need to exercise self-control and discipline when they buy their clothes and put their clothes on in the morning. You need to ask yourselves, "Is this decent? Is this something that Jesus would want me to wear? Will it cause a guy to lust after me?" If the answer to the first two questions is no and the answer to the last one is yes, then you do not need to wear it. 

Finally, it says to dress in away that is suitable for a young lady professing godliness. If you're a Christian and claim Christ as your savior, then every part of your life should be based on that truth. Right down to the shocks you put on. That may be a little extreme, but it proves my Point. Our whole entire lives, including our clothes, should reflect Christ. Do your clothes proclaim to the world that you are a Christian who lives for Christ, or do they proclaim that you're just like the ungodly world? 

If you are dressing revealing, you're not only disobeying God's word, but you may be causing guys around you to look at you in a sinful and lustful way as well. Jesus says that if we as guys, look on a young lady to lust after her, then we have committed adultery with her in our hearts. I know there are some perverts out there who would still get turned on if you wore a dress down to you ankles and a hood over your head. You can not help that, but if you are dressing revealing, you are guilty of setting a stubbing block in front of your brothers in Christ. 

I didn't write this out of condemnation, or self-righteousness, but out of love and compassion. I am not perfect myself, but I strive to be more like Christ in my daily life. I just want to encourage you guys to live a life of holiness. However, looking holy on the outside will not get you to heaven. Only a personal relationship with Jesus Christ will get you to heaven. He will change you from the inside out. 
]]> Evangelism tag:www.torchleader.com,2010:/tl//1.816 2010-03-01T07:32:37Z 2010-03-01T07:34:01Z The Torch Leader 77869362.jpg
Evangelism - The Perfect Love
Evangelism is all about love. The perfect love -- the love that God's been showing us throughout time. There has never been a moment when His love hasn't been present, and there never will be. 
]]> I don't know about you, but God's love makes me want to shout! From the moment I wake up, I'm amazed by the love that surrounds me and the continued invitation that God extends to all humanity -- that He will come in, eat with us, and us with Him (Revelation 3:20). This invitation hasn't changed and is available to everyone. It's a reflection of God's perfect love, and it's because of His love that I can love others.

Evangelism - More Than a Commandment
Evangelism - sharing the Word of God with others -- isn't an exclusive job of the "Evangelists." As part of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19), evangelism is a calling on all Christians. However, it's more than a commandment. Evangelism is an honor, a joy, and a pleasure! It is also important to show God's love; our actions shout louder than our voices. We are living examples of the grace of God, and our attitude towards others should impact their lives. 

Sometimes it seems that we enjoy talking more about an awesome movie than God's awesome love. It seems that we prefer to have a conversation about a good drink, and not about His living water (John 7:38). Why do we spend more time talking about our economic resources than the source of eternal salvation (Hebrews 5:9)? 

How can we remain silent about God's perfect love? Jesus affirmed that we are the salt and light of the earth (Matthew 5:13-14). It's because of us that others can come to experience the enduring love of God. It's you and me who can reach out and touch the lives of our neighbors, families and friends. 

We can't change the hearts of people, but God promises to do that (Ezekiel 36:26). That's the actual miracle that doesn't belong to us. However, we can do what's in our hands and hearts, by sharing God's perfect love with others and letting that love be expressed in our behavior.

Evangelism - A God-given Privilege
Evangelism isn't a commandment-driven exercise for me - it's a God-given privilege from the heart! The reason I want everybody to feel the love of God is because I experience it. Because I know His love, I want everybody to know it. It's all for love! The same love that Jesus expressed for us on the Cross is the same love that flows through you and me. If we love our neighbors like ourselves (Mark 12:33), we should want them to have a relationship with the Ultimate Source of Love. 

Look around you. People are hurting. The world is searching for earthly answers and earthly pleasures to fill the void that only God can fill completely. They're looking for all kinds of truths, where the truth is only One (John 3:16). Who's going to tell them about the reason for our hope (1 Peter 3:15)?

Evangelism - Remember Those Who Invited You to God's Banquet!
Remember, evangelism is the direct spark that saved you and me! In my case, I'm thankful to God and to that special person that loved me enough to share God's love with me. If it wasn't for that person, I would still be hungry. That person invited me to the banquet God prepared in advance for me. Who's going to invite your coworker, roommate, or family member to the banquet that we both experience today? We can all share the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes (Romans 1:16)! We can all share His love that endures forever (Psalm 118:1)! 

Let's go out and share this peace that transcends all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Let our motive not be a commandment, but all for love!
]]> Six Reasons Small Churches are Powerful, by Joe McKeever tag:www.torchleader.com,2010:/tl//1.820 2010-03-01T07:32:35Z 2010-03-01T07:46:14Z With a few exceptions, all churches were small at one time. They began with a handful of people and went forward from there. Some grew a great deal and are still expanding, some grew a little and leveled off, while... The Torch Leader church-painting.jpgWith a few exceptions, all churches were small at one time. They began with a handful of people and went forward from there. Some grew a great deal and are still expanding, some grew a little and leveled off, while some failed to grow at all. ]]>
  • In the words of Lincoln about common folk, "God must have loved them; He made so many of them."
     
  • Small churches must be doing something right or people would not keep attending them.
     
  • The "bigness culture" that is so dominant in American life has dumped a burdensome load of guilt on these small congregations. "If you're so good, why aren't you big?" seems to be the mantra.
For every book celebrating the small church, there are a hundred telling them how to leave smallness behind and become "great."

Someone should put in a good word for small churches. Think I'll give it a try.

Here are my observations on small churches in America.

1) Size does matter
Although we sometimes say that the size of a church is irrelevant, that's not exactly right. Francis Schaeffer said there are no small churches and no big pastors. That's almost right, too, but not totally.

The numbers of people who participate in a church will usually dictate the income it receives and therefore the ministries it is able to do. Size matters.

The church that wants to send its members on missions to Haiti or Belize or Ukraine will need money. It takes members to contribute the money. A small congregation can come up with the resources to fund such excursions, but it's harder.

The church that wants to have a full-time pastor living on the field will need money for his support. The members are the ones expected to give that money. A small congregation will almost always less money.

Size is important.

2) But size does not have to be determinative
The small church can do everything it needs to do and everything the Lord wants it to do. God is its Resource, and His supplies are inexhaustible.

The greatest small church is one where the leaders and members never ask, "What can we afford?" but "What does the Lord want us to do?" Such churches are visionaries.

If the Lord wants a congregation of fifty members to send a delegation to Haiti to help with the rebuilding of lives, a "great small church" will find ways to do it. My opinion is the absolute worst way to fund such projects is for the church to set up a table at the entrance of the local supermarket and ask the public for contributions. That makes the church a charity, not a ministry. Good people will often give a contribution--I try to do so myself--but they will do it warily, unsure of whether the money will ever make it to the designated project.

Better for the members to get under the burden of funding the work. Call the members together, prayerfully set the goal, and ask each one to commit to reaching it.

The fellowship and camaraderie of working together to achieve a big goal will far outstrip the joy of collecting the money at the supermarket on Saturday. The sense of accomplishment once the mission team returns can be life-changing to a small church.

Small churches can do anything the Lord wants them to do. The first congregation assigned to reach the world with the gospel of Jesus was no more than 120 strong. And yet, look what they did.

3) It's easier to get things done in a small church
A church running 50 in attendance will have a part-time pastor and maybe 3 deacons. If a decision needs to be made today, the four of them can meet in the hallway between Sunday School and Church. All the leaders of that church combined will not number more than a dozen. Such a small group can meet easily and quickly and do their business efficiently.

The larger the organization, the longer it takes to start it up, turn it around, or bring it to a halt.

A leader once said of our denomination, "It takes a full generation to say 'hello' to Southern Baptists." He was referring to the time required for a communication to filter down through the various layers of denominational bureaucracy and to penetrate every congregation.

If the pastor of a large church requires six years to "become" the leader in the fullest sense of the word--that's a figure I've heard for years--then, it takes a lot less time for the shepherd of a small congregation. The pastor of fifty people can learn their names quickly. He can phone every home in an hour or two. In a small community, he sees his members every time he runs to the store or eats in a restaurant.

When the small church votes to begin a ministry or buy a piano or bring in a new staffer, the members fully expect to see something happening the next time they meet. They voted it, the person responsible got the message, it should be happening. There are few complications to making things happen that they all agree on.

4) A small church gives personal attention
Someone reading this will remember his name. A few months after Katrina wrought its deadly work on our part of the world, Billy and Franklin Graham held a weekend meeting in the New Orleans Arena. Each service was preceded by a colleague of theirs who played what was billed as "the world's fastest guitar." He played, sang a little, and shared his testimony. I will not forget one thing the man said.

He grew up in a small church. The church was so tiny, he and his brother were the entire youth department. Their pastor was 75 years old.

I was stunned.

I wondered what would happen if we could go back to that church, perhaps 30 years earlier, and inform them that one of their members would become a great talent and a world-renown witness for Christ. Would they believe it? Or would they take the dodge of so many small churches everywhere, that, "Nothing important will ever come out of our small church"?

The fact that this youth came from that church tells us they did something right.

Over the decades, I've spoken to college groups on many campuses. Always, before the speaker rises, the students will lead the service. They handle the welcome, pray the prayers, make introductions, and sing. My observation is that the most gifted of these young people grew up, not in mega-churches where the youth group numbered in the hundreds, but in small churches where they were encouraged to take a lead.

5) A small church puts everyone to work
The larger the organization of any kind, the smaller the percentage that will handle the actual work. In a small church, everyone is needed to work and, if it's a "great small church," everyone is put to work.

A small church uses volunteers everywhere--in the office, cleaning the buildings, mowing the lawn, teaching children, leading choirs, playing the piano. A small church will not hire a painting contractor to refurbish the buildings; it will have a "work day" and the members will do it all on a Saturday.

A small church, one that does it right, will come closer than most to fulfilling Romans 12:3-8 where each member uses his/her spiritual gifts to do the work God gives to them.

6) A small church can excel at fellowship
My personal prescription for Christian fellowship is: each member of the church loves the Lord, likes each other, and welcomes the newcomer to their midst. When they work together, they have fun doing it.

If a newcomer feels intimidated on walking into a huge religious edifice, he will feel more comfortable entering a small, humbler church building. A small church can take advantage of this.

Instead of bemoaning the absence of stained glass windows and pipe organs and vaulted ceilings, the members of a small church will recognize that those can be negatives to an unchurched fellow entering for the first time. He is far more likely to feel at home in New Home Church No. 2 than the First-Metro Church.

The danger with small churches, of course, is that they will have great fellowship within their own membership but freeze out the newcomer. The members have known each other for so long, they may function more like a large Sunday School class than a Church of the Lord Jesus Christ.

At the invitation of the pastor, I was visiting Bridgeton Baptist Church a few miles from my house. The church sits in a lovely middle-class neighborhood but has not grown in years. The pastor was trying to find the key to bringing in new people. "If we don't," he said, "this church is going to die within one generation."

The forty or fifty members seemed to average 60 in age. That morning, I met several of them and enjoyed their fellowship.

Later, I told the pastor, "What your people see as its problem, you should turn to an advantage."

The problem, most of them felt, was the age of the members. In churches and denominations all across this land, if a church is not filled with crowds of young adults and children, they're made to feel they are doomed.

I said, "Pastor, if I were a young father looking for a church for my family, I would bring them to Bridgeton Church. Think of all the grandparents and uncles and aunts my children would have. Your people would smother them with love."

That was a new idea to him, one he liked so much he shared it with the church and used it as the theme of their outreach in the community.

It's not necessary to state the obvious here, that the typical young family is looking for a large church with a variety of ministries and opportunities for their children. I think many of them are making a mistake.

I'm the product of a small church--and a large one too, come to think of it.

The small church provided the nurturing environment for our family during my childhood. I came to know the Lord in the small church. I was taught the Bible and knew I was loved there.

The large church--I joined it during college--thrust me into the middle of a great group of excited Christian young people where I could grow. It gave me a vision for the world. In my second year in that congregation, the Lord called me into the ministry.

There are small large churches--made up of hundreds of members but lacking vision, fellowship, and heart.

There are great small churches--with small numbers but excellent vision, warm fellowship, and a great soul.

Let's hear it for the small church.
]]> When Your Husband Quits, by Kim Wenzel tag:www.torchleader.com,2010:/tl//1.813 2010-03-01T07:30:30Z 2010-03-01T07:57:22Z The Torch Leader 80703278.jpg
This article is designed to help give insight to the wives of male pastors who have burned-out or have been terminated. At Smoldering Wick we do understand and support the many ministry leaders including pastors who are female, but this article is written from a male point of view because that is my personal experience.
]]> When your husband announces to the family he is totally burned-out and plans on resigning next Sunday, you and the children are thrown into a life change that has great stress and uncertainty. Even if you were expecting him to make such a decision based on all your conversations over the past many months, the finalization of the decision still has strong emotional repercussions.

What will we do now? How long until he has a new job? Will I have to work two jobs to support the family? Are we staying in the same denomination? Why are our friends not calling us anymore? Why have our pastor friends in the same denomination abandoned us? How long will this whole trial last? A year? Five years? Forever? When will I have my husband back? The zealous man I married who wanted to save the world for Jesus - now he seems a different person who is disillusioned and sometimes very cynical. Will our family ever be back to normal?

How will this impact our children? Will they give up Christianity when they realize how the church and pastor friends have treated us? Will we even have good friends again we can trust and share with?

Never stop looking to God, and place all your trust in Him. Try to understand what is happening to your husband, and give as much support and encouragement as you can. Please refrain from criticism, your husband has had all he can handle. To not support him is to further isolate him, and that is a very strong feeling that is flooding his life right now. To join the ranks of his critics will probably lead to the end of your marriage faster than you may think. Your husband is in the crisis of his life.

Being a male, your husband may have allowed his position and title to become much more than Jesus ever had in mind. Position and title and all the trappings may have become his entire life, and now, he finds himself with no identity. No longer are people seeking him out for his wisdom and counsel. No longer is he in charge of a staff that works with him and gives him the feedback he wants. No longer are his teaching gifts being used. No longer is he Pastor Joe, Reverend Smith or Mr. Smith. Now he is simply unemployed Joe, or, "hey-you."

Your husband may become a yo-yo emotionally. One day is up, positive and still enthusiastically teaching the family Bible study that evening around the kitchen table. The next day his heart may be filled with bitterness and rage against denominational leaders or church members. One minute he is praying forgiveness over all who have hurt him, the next moment his is ranting and raving about the stupid Christians who abuse people so badly. Perhaps the next day he will be sullen and introspective as he ponders all the mistakes he made and the people he hurt along the road. The desert he is walking in now will change him and draw him closer to the Jesus he moved away from when his calling and position became what your husband anchored his life to. For you, this process will not be easy. You will be there trying to give support, and his moods will swing back and forth like the desert breeze. Through it all, ladies, remember the desert is a good place. It may be a lonely, dry, thirsty place, but a good place. God has taken many a ministry leader including his own son, Jesus, out in the desert to prepare them for the next phase of ministry.

Give your husband time, just as God was patient with Elijah wandering in the desert, moaning and groaning about how he was the only worshiper left in Israel. By the way, ladies, don't expect your husband to be totally rational at this point. Burnout can create irrational reasoning. Elijah claimed he wanted to die, and if he really meant that, he should have just stayed put and let Jezebel do her thing!

Ladies, for a while don't take your husband's exaggerations and irrational statements too seriously. He is working through a lot of abuse and feelings of failure right now. If he starts talking suicide, take that very seriously and seek help immediately. But in other areas of irrational talk, just listen and let the healing love of Father flow out of you and ever so s-lo-w-l-y begin to heal your husband. Should his irrational reasoning grow to greater proportions and wilder in nature, then indeed you need to seek help for him immediately.

In another area of life your husband may become depressed over his lack of avenue of expression of his speaking, teaching, counseling gifts. He may become frustrated attending church and listening to another preach a sermon. Just walking in and sitting down to listen is something your husband has done little of. He's been the mover and the shaker, not the quiet follower.

Here are a few aspects to watch for regarding the difference between stress and burnout in your husband. If your husband is still overengaged, he is at the high stress point. He may have just been terminated by the denomination, but if he is talking about immediately doing a church plant, or packing up the family and heading to Asia for a two year mission trip - he's not burned-out yet - just stressed. Burnout is characterized by disengagement.

When he gets into those emotional swings and rants and raves a little - he's stressed. If his emotions have become blunted, almost non-existent - he's burned-out. If his physical health is not so great, that is the result of stress. In burnout, emotional damage is primary.

When he has lost his ideals, dreams and hopes - he is burned-out. Stress alone will rob him of energy, but the loss of his ideals and dreams is most definitely burnout. For a more complete explanation of the differences between stress and burnout, please read our article entitled, Stress, then Burnout. Having a better idea of where your husband is at mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically will help you serve him in a more effective manner.

We urge you, ladies, to seek the help you need to cope with your husband, and to cope with what is happening to you and the family. At Smoldering Wick we provide counseling, love and encouragement free of charge. Call or write and let us be part of your prayer cover as you walk through the desert. Kathy and I are here to serve you, and we do know how you feel. You may write to us at helpforpastors@gmail.com or call 918-919-1490. God bless you and stay godly no matter how long you have to sit in the bottom of the dry well.
]]> Let God Bless and Make You a Success, by Daniel Whyte III with Meriqua and Daniella Whyte tag:www.torchleader.com,2010:/tl//1.814 2010-03-01T07:29:38Z 2010-03-01T07:47:54Z The Torch Leader black-woman-successful.jpg
Dear Daughters & YBW:

I trust that you have been doing well since my last letter to you.

It breaks my heart to see so many defeated and discouraged young black women in the world today. One of the goals of this book is to show you how you can live a successful, blessed, and victorious life.
]]> The people who are happiest and who are genuinely successful are those who are divinely blessed by God. Well, you ask, how can I be divinely blessed by God?

First of all, God wants you to be obedient to Him. Deuteronomy 11:26-28 says: "Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you this day: And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known."

In order to obtain the blessings of God, you must obey His commandments. If you disobey them, you will be cursed. I have learned that God is no respecter of persons. He never blesses disobedience: He never has, and He never will, but He does bless those who are obedient to Him.

Second, you must study and meditate on the Word of God. It is vital to your success. All the knowledge you need for success in this life will be found in the Bible. Joshua 1:8 says: "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success."

Third, obey your parents and those in authority over you. Always respect them and love them, even though you may walk your own road as you get older. Ephesians 6:1-3 says: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth." The Bible also says in I Peter 5:5: "Likewise, ye younger submit yourselves unto the elder."

God wants you to be a grand success in this life. The road to genuine success is very simple, but not easy. As I mention above, be obedient to the Lord, which includes: prayer, read and meditate on the Word of God, listen to and honor your parents. Additionally, always tell the truth no matter what, and make up your mind to do whatever it takes to reach your God-given goals. Remember, true success in life is doing what God created and gifted you to do, and doing it well for His glory.

Blessed with Success,

Papa

P.T. (Power-Thoughts):

"We are not women of the world. We are women of God. And women of God will be among the greatest heroines of the 21st century." 
-- Sheri L. Dew

"There is one discouraging thing about the rules of success -- they won't work unless you do." 
-- Anonymous

"When we do what we can, God will do what we can't." 
-- Anonymous

"May you be truly blessed to always glitter with a radiance that shines from deep within you." 
-- Barbara Becker Holstein

BIBLE GEM: "The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it."  
-- Proverbs 10:22

TALK TO GOD: Dear God, I want to be a success, and I want You to bless me so that I can be a blessing to others. Help me to do my best for You all of my life, and help me to obey You so that I will never have my blessings hindered. I thank You in advance for everything. In Jesus' name. Amen.

BOOK: 10 Spiritual Principles of Successful Women: Discovering Your Purpose, Vision, and Blessing, by Victoria Lowe

CHECK IT OUT: www.juliomelara.com
]]> Emotional Development, by Veola Vasquez tag:www.torchleader.com,2010:/tl//1.815 2010-03-01T07:28:32Z 2010-03-01T07:45:15Z Mark and Jenny are about to have their first child. They have done everything they can to prepare for their new infant. To care for their baby's physical needs, they have diapers, formula and outfits in all sizes. To stimulate... The Torch Leader baby-emotions.jpgMark and Jenny are about to have their first child. They have done everything they can to prepare for their new infant. To care for their baby's physical needs, they have diapers, formula and outfits in all sizes. To stimulate their baby cognitively, they have colorful toys and classical music. They also finally finished childbirth classes. They are ready! ]]>
1. Be purposeful in guiding your child's emotional life. Focus intentionally on his emotional needs. These needs are just as important as his cognitive, physical and spiritual needs.

2. Build a strong bond by spending quality time with your child. Experts agree that parents who interact regularly with their children -- beginning in infancy -- develop stronger bonds.

3. Stay emotionally in tune. Connect with your child on an emotional level. Attempt to understand what she is feeling. When she is happy, be happy for her; when she is sad, cry with her.

4. Model healthy emotional relating. Your children will mimic the way you handle emotions and the way you relate to others. By managing your own emotions in a positive way, your children will learn to do so as well.

5. Teach children how to handle negative emotions. Doing this well does not come naturally. Children need to be taught how to handle defeat, deal with conflict or be angry in a healthy way. Children who are taught these skills early are better able to handle negative feelings as adults.

Development of Emotions
Infants do not have the full repertoire of emotions at birth. Various emotions emerge in the following order:

  • At birth, infants experience only simple emotional states such as distress, contentment and interest.

  • Two to four months: Evidence of happiness appears as seen in a baby's "social smile."

  • Four to six months: Basic emotions emerge, including fear, excitement, anger, disgust, surprise, joy and sadness.

  • Six to 18 months: Basic emotions continue to develop and are expressed in broader ways by the child.

  • Eighteen to 24 months: Self-conscious emotions develop, such as guilt, embarrassment and pride.

Strong Bonds
According to child development expert Mary Ainsworth, parents who are strongly bonded to their children share certain characteristics. When their children are infants, these parents tend to:

  • Respond more often and more quickly to their infant's cries.

  • Guess correctly what their child needs when he cries.

  • Respond in a positive way to their child.

  • Spend more time interacting with their child.
]]> Protecting the Shine: Why Ministers Need Ministry, Too, by Glenn Wagner tag:www.torchleader.com,2010:/tl//1.811 2010-03-01T07:28:07Z 2010-03-01T07:29:36Z Stained glass windows are a lot like pastors. They're really good at hiding stormy weather. They always look beautiful; they always appear inspirational; you can even get them to glisten when it's pitch black outside by shining manufactured light through... The Torch Leader 89173851.jpg
Stained glass windows are a lot like pastors. They're really good at hiding stormy weather. They always look beautiful; they always appear inspirational; you can even get them to glisten when it's pitch black outside by shining manufactured light through them. Stained glass, like pastors, appears to be immune from the roughness of life. But they're not--unless they're well protected.
]]> On my way home this evening I called a pastor friend of mine to see how he was doing. He informed me that he had just returned from officiating at his Mom's funeral. He shared with me the joys and the sorrow he was feeling. This was ironic since I just returned from officiating at my Grandmother's funeral. I shared many of the same feelings as my friend. 

In the midst of our conversation, most of which revolved around the legacy of these two very special women, I asked my friend, "So, are you being pastored, pastor?" He laughed and said, "Absolutely." He then told me about all of the people who are pouring into his life. They realized that they needed to protect the stained glass of my friend's life, and he willingly accepted.

I know the debates (and war stories) are lengthy and legendary about pastors opening up too much during times of personal need. There is suspicion that this can be used against them. I've been there, done that, and have the t-shirt, coffee mug, and bumper sticker.
However, despite the risks, it's essential that those of us in ministry allow others into our lives. When you're hurting, let them pray for you; let them come and visit you and your spouse; let them bring you meals; let them hug you; let them care for you any way they want to. They're simply trying to protect the person in their life that shines Christ's light into their lives. They don't want you to break; they want you to keep shining.

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matt. 5:16).

E. Glenn Wagner is the founder and president of FutureLead (www.futurelead.org), an organization committed to equipping people to live and lead with purpose, passion and power. He's the author of numerous books including, God: An Honest Conversation for the Undecided (Waterbrook Press) and his latest book, Fire In Your Bones (Life Bridge). To schedule Glenn to speak or for more information, please contact mailto: info@futurelead.org.
]]> Consistency Matters, by Daniel Whyte IV with Danyel Ezekiel Whyte V tag:www.torchleader.com,2010:/tl//1.812 2010-03-01T07:27:30Z 2010-03-01T07:31:45Z Dear YB:Sometimes, when I get a new job to do, after doing it the first few times, I get the "it's exciting, it's something new to do" feeling. But soon, that same job that was so exciting and so new,... The Torch Leader 77072905.jpg
Dear YB:

Sometimes, when I get a new job to do, after doing it the first few times, I get the "it's exciting, it's something new to do" feeling. But soon, that same job that was so exciting and so new, a few weeks ago, doesn't feel all that exciting and new any more, and I begin to fail to do that job consistently like I used to do. 
]]> When you get a job to do-like taking out the trash-you must be consistent in doing it. Sometimes, you might get tired and weary, and sometimes you may not feel like doing it at all, but you must do it inspite  of your feelings, because once you do it, you will feel better. Remember, good feelings hardly ever come before positive action; but good feelings almost always come after positive action.

God and our parents want us to be consistent so that they can depend on us to do bigger things in the future. Besides, they want to be able to reward us for good behavior. God likes to reward His children, and parents like to reward their children. Sometimes, I have even missed out on rewards because of not being consistent in a job that was entrusted to me.

Being consistent is very important, especially if we want people to be able to depend on us to carry bigger responsibilities in the future.

Consistency Matters,

Daniel IV
]]> Graduating From College Still Ignorant and Unlearned, by Daniel Whyte III tag:www.torchleader.com,2010:/tl//1.810 2010-03-01T07:26:56Z 2010-03-01T07:47:04Z Dear Y.B.M.:I trust that you are increasing in knowledge, understanding and wisdom.I am writing this letter from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia.... The Torch Leader young-black-man-reading.jpg
Dear Y.B.M.:

I trust that you are increasing in knowledge, understanding and wisdom.

I am writing this letter from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia.
]]> Now on the matter of education, I would like to kindly say to you, dear friend, please, please do not graduate from college ignorant, and sounding and looking uneducated.

To me, one of the most appalling things to see is a young man or woman for that matter, who has gone through four years of college and turned out to be just as dumb and ignorant as before he or she went in. I am forever amazed at people who have graduated from college, yet butcher the English language, come out with muddled thinking, and do not even know basic facts of history. For crying out loud, please do not come out of college like that. That is a waste of money and time.

How do people come out of a four-year institution of higher learning ignorant anyway? I believe it is because they go into college with the wrong idea of what college is for. Some go with no intentions on learning anything. These dear souls have nothing else to do, so they go to college with their buddies to pass the time and to carry on the same childish antics that they did in high school. And before they know it, the time that they wanted to pass passes away, and they barely graduate having cheated and skated their way through college, never having learned the very basics of a college education.

Sadly, often times, these dear souls come out of college throwing down the same old foolishness they were throwing down before they went to college. Then they want a Fortune 500 Company to hire them on. And when they fail a simple test to get an entry-level position, they cry racism. How ridiculous!

Dear Y.B.M., if you have the opportunity to go to college, go to college to learn something -- not to play.

Yours For Learning Something,

Daniel

P.T.: 

"We cannot afford to settle for being just average; we must learn as much as we can to be the best that we can. The key word is education - that's knowledge -- education with maximum effort."
-- Bill Cosby

"My brain is the key to set me free."
-- Harry Houdini

"The mind is a terrible thing to waste."
-- Slogan, Negro College Fund

"The best possible investment you can make in your future is an education. Even if you default on your student loan, nobody can repossess your diploma." 
-- Steven Silbiger, author, The Jewish Phenomenon
]]> Here's To Women With a Wealthy Attitude, by Michelle Singletary tag:www.torchleader.com,2010:/tl//1.809 2010-03-01T07:24:31Z 2010-03-01T07:44:04Z Except for the occasional special coin or the Martha Washington $1 silver certificate, I always wondered why the face of a woman isn't part of U.S. currency.... The Torch Leader a-purse-of-your-own.jpgExcept for the occasional special coin or the Martha Washington $1 silver certificate, I always wondered why the face of a woman isn't part of U.S. currency.]]>
How true.

So for March, in honor of Women's History Month, I've selected four financial books written by four dynamic women for the Color of Money Book Club.

Here are the books and why I've selected them.

'A Purse of Your Own'
I simply love using a purse as a metaphor for wealth. "More than anything, the purse represents our private financial identity," Deborah Owens writes in "A Purse of Your Own." "At the end of the day, creating wealth is about adding to the purse."

Owens covers much of what you should find in this type of book. She talks about investing, saving and spending less. But she does it with a conversational tone. She's the smart sister you might wish you had and could go to for financial advice. Owens is a 20-year veteran of the financial services industry, the chief executive of Owens Media Group and the host of "Wealthy Lifestyle Radio," a personal finance talk show that airs on National Public Radio's affiliate WEAA 88.9 FM in Baltimore.

'Live It, Love It, Earn It'
Marianna Olszewski is the founder and chief executive of Madison Financial Management, a broker-dealer and hedge fund marketing company.

Her book, "Live It, Love It, Earn It: A Woman's Guide to Financial Freedom," is part motivational, part personal finance, and Olszewski seeks to first inspire before she walks you down the path to prosperity.

"A healthy mind, body and bank account are all connected," she writes.

This isn't psychobabble. Often those who are poor money managers are unhappy and unhealthy people.

Olszewski suggests you get a few of your girlfriends together and read the book as a group to follow her exercises. "The power of the tools is enhanced, and abundance comes to all of us much more quickly than if we are working on them by ourselves."

'Save Big'
I'm a lifelong penny-pincher who follows the cautionary advice from Benjamin Franklin that "a small leak will sink a great ship." I use this quote to drive home to people that it's the small expenditures in life that can add up to big losses.

But in "Save Big," Elisabeth Leamy, who is a consumer correspondent for ABC's "Good Morning America," says to buy your latte in the morning and work on spending less on the big stuff.

Her personal finance philosophy: "I've always preferred to save a lot of money on a few things rather than a little bit of money on a bunch of things. I like to save big. Not small."

Every tip in her book has the potential to save you at least $1,000, she says. She shows you how to save on the five things we spend the most on -- a home, car, credit card, groceries and health care.

'Expect to Win'
Wall Street veteran Carla A. Harris is a managing director at Morgan Stanley Investment Management, and her book "Expect to Win" has a lot of sage and specific advice if you need a push to the top of the career ladder.

I know we're in a recession, so I'm not suggesting you buy all four books -- unless you can truly afford to. But at least put them all on your list to read eventually because each has something to offer and will help you, as Priest, the former treasurer, says, get your hands on some money.

It's easy to be a member of the Color of Money Book Club. We don't meet, at least not in person. We come together for a live online discussion. Join me at noon March 25 at http://washingtonpost.com/discussions. All four authors of this month's selected books will be available to take your questions. And, yes, gentlemen are welcome.

Every month, I randomly select readers to receive a copy of the featured book, donated by the publisher. This month, I'll be giving away copies of all four books.

For a chance to win one of them, e-mail colorofmoney@washpost.com with your name and address. Please identify which book you would like in the subject line of your e-mail.
]]> To Have Sight, by Dr. Marshall Robinson tag:www.torchleader.com,2010:/tl//1.808 2010-03-01T07:23:37Z 2010-03-01T07:27:04Z The Torch Leader 95580535.jpg
Dr. Marshall Robinson is the long-time pastor of the Grace Baptist Tabernacle in Chattanooga, Tennessee. 
]]> "And it came to pass that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the wayside begging: And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant. And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus stood and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. And immediately he received his sight, and followed him. Glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God."
-- Luke 18: 35-43

In the black community, tonight, there is a tremendous need for sight. There is a great blindness, not only in the black community, but in America as a whole. But I am kind of like Paul. I am concerned about my brethren according to the flesh. I want all people to be saved, but I have a special burden for my people. I feel that God is doing something in the black community of America today.  He is calling and raising up men that are taking a stand for the unadulterated Word of God. 

Now in this passage, Jesus came near the city of Jericho. This is an interesting city. Anthony had bestowed this city upon Cleopatra as an expression of his devotion. Herod erected an amphitheater in this particular place. And then, this is where the nobles went to spend their vacations. But this scene here shows a beggar sitting by the wayside when Jesus was passing by. This beggar was blind. Now physical blindness is one of the most difficult things that a human can experience. But spiritual blindness is a disease certainly unto death, unless the light of the glorious gospel shine upon a person's heart and heals them.

There are many today who are blind and searching for the light, but the only light that they can find is second-hand light. This light is bounced and tossed about by the whims of wicked men. And they have done this down through the ages to condemn and to bind men's souls to hell. However, there are still those who are seeking the true light. They are still by the wayside waiting for the true light to come by and shine on them.

For many people it's uncomfortable to be in a major crowd. And it is ten times worse to be in a boisterous crowd and not to be able to see what is going on. However, this man became excited when he heard the voices of the crowd and people passing by, nearly stepping on him. As they passed, he asked what was all the excitement about. And when they told him that Jesus was passing by, and he became more excited because he had heard about this Jesus of Nazareth. He had heard about the...

CHARACTER OF JESUS

There is no one who has ever possessed the complete character that Jesus had.  Whenever someone met Jesus, they knew that there was something different about Him. It is good to know someone who is different, someone whom you can really trust and believe in. Thank God, Jesus is different from all other men.

THE GREATNESS OF JESUS

Not only had he heard about the character of Jesus, but he had also heard about the greatness of Jesus as well. He had heard that Jesus was full of power. They had told him that Jesus was the one that stood on the deck of a ship that was rocking and reeling in a rough sea, and He had the power to calm the waves by simply saying, "Peace, be still." He had also heard that this man had healed the sick and raised the dead. He had heard about this man's greatness.
THE CLAIMS OF JESUS

And then, this poor blind man had heard about the claims of Jesus. He had heard about Jesus being the Son of God, and the Son of David. And as Jesus passed by he said, "O thou Son of David." He believed what he had heard. And in that faith, he cried out, "Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me." God, who made heaven and earth through His Son, and who by Him divided the light from the darkness is both able and willing through Christ to open the blinded eyes and minds of men to illuminate them with the glorious light of Heaven. In Him was life and the life was the light of men.

SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS -- A HORRIBLE CONDITION

This man's condition is representative of all of mankind. All of mankind is in this position before they are saved. We are all poor and blind outside of Jesus Christ. We are utterly destitute without Christ! Each one of us here tonight have been blind before. We didn't know our way. We were stumbling and crawling in the midst of darkness until someone came and shared the gospel of Jesus Christ with us.

I never will forget the time I was in religion; not Christ mind you, but religion. For you know that we can be religious but lost. I was a deacon in a church, but I was blind and on my way to a devil's hell. And a young man that worked with me on my job said to me one day, "Marshall, it seems as though that you are a Christian, but there seems to be some Galatianism in you." Now I had never heard that word before. And I began to ponder and study. And I went home and pulled out some literature that I had. For you see, I was a Sunday School teacher, even though I was lost and going to hell. Then after I read my Bible and this literature, I began to see what this man was saying. You see, I was one of those religious people who knew how to say all of the right things, but in my heart believed something totally different. You know how it is when we get a little education under our belt, we try to circumvent a lot of things. We pride ourselves in being able to be diplomatic and side step certain things. Frankly, I thought I had gotten around that man. But I could not get around the Word of God. And the Word of God started pricking my heart and I began to realize for the first time that I was blind and needed Jesus to open my eyes. We were all in that condition once. Blind, Blind, Blind!

AN ANXIOUS INQUIRY

Not only was this man blind, but he had an inquiry. Hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant. There are still crowds around today. Anytime there is something real religious going on you will find a crowd. You may not find the truth, but you will find a crowd. For example, you put on a feeding at the church, I dare not say a meal, because many people come to church dinners like animals. Yes, you put on a religious feeding, the people will be there. Since there was a boisterous crowd, the blind man had an anxious inquiry.

THOSE IN THE CROWD

This multitude was around the Lord Jesus Christ. But who was in this crowd? Let me share with you some of the kinds of folk in that religious crowd, and unfortunately many of these people are in the religious crowd today.

There is, first of all, the nominal Christian. They are always following Jesus. They are saved, but they don't want to sell out. They really do not want that much of Jesus. They want enough to get to Heaven. They want the benefits, but not dedication. They want the crown, but not the cross. They want the glory, but not the suffering. They want to follow, but they want to follow like Peter did when they had taken Jesus to be condemned, i.e. "a far off." They love following a far off.

What about you tonight? Are you really close to Jesus? Have your eyes been truly opened and has Jesus become glorious in your sight?

Then in this religious crowd one will find what I call the religious bigots. These are they who think they know it all.  They think that they have all the answers. Yet they have cold and callous hearts toward Christ and His people. These are they who know the Word of God but they deny the power thereof. They look down their noses at poor souls who are really striving to know the Lord in a real and intimate way. These religious bigots really don't want to be close to Jesus.

And then in this religious crowd one will find the controversialist. This little group loves to fight. They love to find that which is controversial and cause a ruckus. Thankfully we do not have too much of that in our circles yet. And I hope we never will. Many of this group like to say things like, Oh that should not have been put in the Bible that way. Many of these guys who try to find mistakes in the Bible, usually do not have a genuine concern and burden for the souls of lost people.

And then, one will find in this crowd the ceremonialist. These are they who go to church every time the doors are open so that they may be seen of men. Their faith is not really in the Lord Jesus Christ, but rather in what they do. These, you won't find in church when the chips are down and when the going gets rough. They will not continue to come unless someone is there to give them a pat on the back. This crowd just does things for show and to be applauded of men, not for the glory of Jesus Christ.

Because of a religious crowd like this, you see why an honest seeker like this blind man has to cry so loud. He had to cry loud enough to get through this largely phony crowd. This man had lost his sight but he had his hearing and he had his tongue. And he used them both. And I believe that is what we all should do. If we were to put to proper use what we have, we would find ourselves perhaps richer than we could imagine.

There are still great multitudes around Jesus Christ today, and somewhere in that crowd, there are a few who are willing to lay down their lives for the cause of Jesus Christ. Have you seriously asked what the multitude around Christ meant that day. What does it mean to you today? What does that crowd mean? That crowd means that there are lost souls around Jesus. There are lost souls around churches today. And we that know and have the truth should be seeking to reach these dear people with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

CRY OUT LOUDER

There is something that we as Christians can learn from this blind man and that is found in verse 38. This blind man, by faith, knew that Jesus Christ was the Saviour, and inspite of the crowd rebuking him and telling him to be quiet, "He cried out the more."  And that is how we ought to be. The more the devil, the flesh and the world tells us to shut up and hold our peace; we ought to cry out the more so that others who are blind can receive their sight. Jesus is the only one that can give sight! He is the only one that can save us. Jesus is the only one that can set the captive free. The more they rebuked him, the more he cried.

Why did this man cry in the way that he did? Because he was conscious of his desperate need and he was aware that the remedy was at hand -- "Jesus of Nazareth passes by." To this blind man, this was the "accepted time," and he took full advantage of his present opportunity. You see, the scripture tells us, "Today is the day of salvation." Unfortunately, a lot of people put it off until later. You don't know about tomorrow. Tomorrow is not promised to anyone. Don't try and wait for a "convenient season." Your convenient season is right now. Jesus said it is today. Then He tells us "harden not your hearts" as they did in the wilderness. If you are lost, you need to cry out to Jesus right now. This man cried out to Jesus and he received his sight. You can too.

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved."
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