The unborn baby's mind

Our friend David Crossman wrote this beautiful song about Michael, Susan, and Ryan- three unborn babies as they speak about their situation and when their parents decided to abort them. This thought provoking song is not meant to condemn those who have aborted their children, but to show the gravity of the situation.

We cannot change the past, but we can together change the future. To save just one life from abortion will be worth it all, and to see that child grow up and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior would be worth immeasurably more.

Learn more about abortion and the devastation it has caused across the world at 180movie.com be sure to watch the 33 minute movie free on Youtube. It might just change the way you view the world. You too might do a "180" and want to help protect the lives of unborn babies.

Download "Michael" free or listen online here

"Michael" by David Crossman


I would have been Michael if I'd lived, if I'd had the chance
I would have been Michael but I didn't fit into your plans
And God only knows how you justified
and God only hears when an unborn baby dies
and God only knows how you sleep at night
and God only knows...
God only knows


I would have been Susan if I'd lived, I'd have loved to dance
I would have been Susan, but you said I'd never have the chance
and God only knows how safe I felt inside
and God only knows how painful was the knife
and God only knows...
God only knows


I would have been Ryan you'd have loved me if  you'd let me live
I would have been Ryan you'll never know the love I had to give
and God only knows how much I trusted you
and God only knows whatever made you do it
and God only knows
God always knows


I would have been your child. What might have been no one else can say
I would have been your child. Somehow we'd have made ourselves a way
It might have been hard, but God only knows
It might have been good, but God only knows
It might have been.....
But God only knows. 


David Crossman is an accomplished author, musician, singer, songwriter and a man of God who loves his dear wife and children with the love of Christ Jesus his Savior. We were  blessed years ago to be able to sing and lead singing at FBC Waldoboro with David and many other wonderful Christians. The times in their home were always a tremendous blessing to us, and we miss them dearly.

Mark and Sara

Diversity, mercy, and non-essentials

I found this video this morning and thought it appropriate to share. God has shown us so much in our experiences as we have traveled across the country, and plenty right here at home. Some churches lack diversity of race, while others reject those outside a certain income bracket or preferential acceptance. I was told recently that you cannot build a local church with only poor people, while I have also seen that a church in some areas of our land would welcome those of different skin colors in their midst, yet a black woman would never bring her children to "that white church" who would love to welcome any child of God into their fold. The suppositions and cultural barriers can be broken down, but it will not happen if we remain silent.

We have learned that there is much of God's Word that is very clear, while other portions seem to have a diversity of possible interpretations. While some essential doctrines such as the deity of Christ and the means of salvation are clearly spelled out, still some would pervert God's Word to make salvation a human accomplishment prepared by our works. Some have great convictions before the Lord that they must practice, and then impose these convictions on others without mercy. Sadly, I count myself in that group at times and for that I ask forgiveness. I often fail, and I thank those who have lovingly corrected me seeking restoration rather than wagging the finger back and ruining relationships over misunderstandings. The body of Christ is to be united, yet it seems to be at war so often.

In the course of our experience we have seen white churches, black churches, and socially diverse churches. We have seen poor churches, rich churches, and economically diverse churches. We currently live in a state with almost no racial diversity, and so the churches do not seem on first appearance to be ethnically diverse, yet these would welcome any to come who are called by the name of Jesus Christ. This video may be more appropriate in content with specific cultures and regions, yet it sparked within me a desire to see like Christ sees.

In recent days, we have seen that our culture rejects many Biblical traditions, and even some Biblical commands. Many churches are equally guilty of judging without knowledge and forcing people to take sides in non-essentials. Many churches will argue over the color of the carpet in a meeting hall while others sit around a fireplace in a home that barely fits the occupants in seats at all, with the children spilled out on the floor while they sing and praise the Lord in truth. There are also some that have ornate buildings designated for gatherings of Christians who have the same experience of true worship , while there could be dead tradition even in the home church. The truth will not be found in the surroundings, the background of those gathered, of racial or economical lines, but in the hearts of the worshipers who have been called out from the world for a time in order to worship, pray, have fellowship, to teach and be taught the Word of God. These will reenter the world after a time to reach out with love and mercy, saving others from the fire of God's judgment, in compassion wishing to show the love of Christ rather than the judgment of man.

The traditions of men have no place in the church of God, nor does the fear of following God alone no matter the consequence. Many have been persecuted for their faith and practice of God's Word while others have been cast aside from the fellowship of Christians just for having an opinion. This is not how Christ desires His Bride to be. His heart is hurting when He looks down on His divided Bride, the disjointed body in which the hand says to the foot "I have no need of you" and so the body of Christ is often failing to accomplish all the Father prepared for it to do. Will we walk away from our own ideas and suppositions, preferences and comfort zones, to follow Christ, or will we make our own ways higher than His ways?

Brothers and sisters, pray for us. Pray for wisdom and guidance as we seek to do His will outside denominational boundaries. May we act and speak what we say we believe.

So my mom isn't crazy after all

I recall in my childhood years my mother telling me that they wanted to protect me from many things. As the years went by, I was home schooled for a while, went to Christian schools, and ended my formal education with 2 years at a public school. When preparing to go to public school, I was told to be careful that teachers were not portraying sinful behavior as acceptable. Mom often spoke of the propaganda  being used in schools to promote abortion, sexual promiscuity, and such things. Mom, you were righter than you know!

Today, 180movie.com  posted this video from Planned Parenthood Golden Gate. This video was used on the PPGG site and most likely in schools often over the years. Besides the blatant lies about STDs and Christians, they have used terms like "reproductive health" in place of "killing babies" or "abortion". 

The producers of this video have demonized those who teach abstinence as the only guaranteed way of avoiding STDs and unplanned pregnancy, and even made fun of killing people using condoms and a superhero kind of gun. I find it odd that they don't want to teach abstinence, though no one can argue that avoiding sexual activity outside of marriage has proven effective. Does someone need to draw a diagram of how this works better than handing out condoms and telling kids how to use them? Surely these same people would tell you the only way to stop crime is to ban guns for everyone, even law abiding citizens.

Christian parents would do well to know what is being taught in their kids classrooms, though often you will not get advanced notice or be able to provide alternate activities during such times of brainwashing.

This video is not appropriate for young viewers, though something like it may very well be in your kids classroom at public schools. 

Well Equipped Ambassador- evangelism website

Our new website is designed to bring together resources from all over the world wide web for the purpose of equipping Christians to share the Gospel. It is called "Equipped Ambassador for Christ" and can be viewed at http://www.equippedambassador.com/

Please bookmark this site and check back often for audio, video, and printed Gospel materials along with information on free speech, recommended resources, and encouraging quotes from God's Word and faithful witnesses from ages past. There is plenty to find here, and we hope you will share the site. 

We also have an attached Amazon Store to purchase associated resources through our affiliate program. All purchases through ads on our site will help support the ministry. Thank you.

"Jesus Freaks" book review.... by Virginia

We have owned a copy of "Jesus Freaks: Martyrs- Stories for those who stood for Jesus: the ultimate Jesus Freaks" by Voice of the Martyrs and DC Talk for quite some time. While Sara and I have read the book together and separately, the major use of this book has been by our children. Nathaniel has read most of the stories, but Virginia is usually found in possession of the book. Virginia is going to be 9 years old in May, but starting reading the stories of martyrs for Christ well over a year ago. She loves to read the stories over and over again, and seems to have a good understanding of what the cost of following Jesus Christ is really about.

Here is Virginia's unedited review of the book "Jesus Freaks":

I love the book Jesus Freaks. My favorite story is "Her Last Prayer". It is about a 17 year old girl in China. In an under ground church one time in the middle of the meeting about 10 cops broke in. 1 of the cops went to the pastor and asked for his bible. Amazingly the pastor gave him the bible his prized possession. the cop threw the bible at his feet. and said spit on this book of lies or else you will be shot. The rest of the cops blocked the door. Then the cop called up a man. The man spit only a little but it was enough. Then a woman came up and spit and she was allowed to go. Then a young girl came up and took her dress and wiped off the spit and prayed for them. The cop shot the girl.

I think this review from Virginia says about all that needs to be said. I know many may not like the musical style of DC Talk, while others will be taken on a trip down memory lane watching this video, but we had to include it. The song "Jesus Freak" speaks of the life of John the Baptist who was rejected by men, but was called by God to live a sanctified life, preparing the way of the Lord Jesus Christ, and who would lose his life for speaking boldly of sin, righteousness, and judgement. 

Buy the book from our links in the right column or the direct link below. Your shopping from Amazon, Christianbook.com, and Vision Forum all support our family ministry. Thank you for your support.

Jesus Freaks: Martyrs By dc Talk & the Voice of the Martyrs / Bethany House With life-changing impact, dc Talk's first book, Jesus Freaks, has captured the attention of Christians of all ages with its stories of Christian martyrs who took a stand for Christ against the culture of their day. Re-released as Jesus Freaks: Martyrs, you'll be challenged to examine your own faith and dedication with compelling real-life stories of believers who refused to deny Jesus--even in the face of death.

A voice for Carly

We were so blessed this morning to see a video on Facebook that highlights Carly Fleischmann's story. Carly is a 14 year old girl with autism. She has multiple disabilities, and has never spoken a word in her life. Carly went through the typical routine for the child with autism, with multiple therapies, physical fits and flailing, and more. Though Carly seemed distant to many, inside her mind was a world of communication just waiting to be let out.

I hope you enjoy this video from Youtube. I also hope you go to over to Carly's Voice to see more about the story of how Carly found her voice, and also what she is doing to use her voice to help others get a better picture of those suffering from autism. We have many friends with autism, and I can identify to a small part of what Carly shares about the feelings in her heart and mind when people assume things about this sweet and energetic young lady. 

"I hate religion, even though Jesus established religion"

Even the Catholic church has stepped into the fray on the "I hate religion, but love Jesus" video. Though I don't agree with the way Catholics seem to be able to make a tradition out of about anything, you have to agree that they do take seriously the command of Jesus in regard to the Lord's Supper. I qualify this by saying the Bible does not agree with transubstantiation at all, as that was added in much later. Still, the man makes a point with the following article, which is witty and informative.

Read the entire post here, or check this quote below:"It's one thing to ignore Christ's statement to 'eat my body.' It's another to ignore his command to “do this in memory of me.” Christcommanded that we have ritual. The early church followed this ritual, they obeyed his command to “do this in memory of me.” We know this because Paul says: “Is not the cup of blessing which we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ? Is not the bread which we break a sharing in the body of Christ?”

I have to clarify again, that I do not believe in the theology of this author or the article, but appreciate some of his insight into the video. The Roman Catholic church has enough problems of its own, but I have not nearly enough time to deal with all that in this post. Maybe some day!

Behind the message: "I hate religion..."

I found this article, which does a good job sharing the good and bad of the video 

"I hate religion, but love Jesus" 

Check out the full article here. Here is an excerpt. 

"It’s well and good that he’s making claims from the outside, but when he says he’s not here to judge, that’s simply disingenuous. Also, he begins to hedge even these bold claims by saying he still loves the Church, while hating religion. There are even other videos online of him “preaching” in church. So if we’re going to cast stones, let’s decide which side of the wall we’re aiming for.

But all of this doesn’t get at the heart of my biggest issue with his spoken word piece. What bothers me the most is that, despite stretching out toward a post-religious understanding of Christ, he then falls right back into the same old lexicon of substitutionary atonement language...

So my questions is this: though he seems to be bent on tearing at the fabric of at least the evangelical Christian church, if not organized religion as a whole, why does his central message sound pretty much like every evangelical altar call I’ve ever heard?"

I don't hate religion Nope, but I do love Jesus!

A Facebook friend shared this encouraging message with me. I wanted to share it with you all, as I believe I was not wrong to disagree with the video "I hate religion, but love Jesus" See below for my brother's comments.

"Mark, your review is correct and should get more visibility. Don't feel compelled to slack off.
If the poem said "*false* religion" every time he used the word "religion", he would be saying what the Bible says.

But by neglecting this one word, he creates confusion, further propagating the idea that all religion is bad. This is not good, and is certainly not Biblical. Furthermore, whether he intends to or not, he's also catering to the "iGeneration", where people think they can follow a Christ of their own imagination and ideas, and not be bound by the terms, definitions and practices of Scripture (aka, "religion").

Yet this problem is nothing new: people were doing that in Jesus' day! They didn't want the Messiah as revealed in the Scriptures (which is why He constantly said "Have you not read...?"), and therefore they didn't recognize Him as Messiah when He appeared - yet still claimed to be children of God! Jesus exposed all of them (not just the Pharisees!) for their *false* religion and false faith (John 8) while still telling people that they should emulate the correct practices of the Pharisees:

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. **These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others**. (Matt 23:23)"

Do you agree with this man, disagree, or are you just tired of talking about this? I appreciate your input, and look forward to sharing some of what the Lord does in our upcoming trip to Tampa area. We will be gone for a week or so, then home for a few days, then moving to Maine. Will try to keep up with blogging in the interim, but I can't promise anything. 

"I hate religion, but love Jesus" video

See related post here 

I watched a few more of this man's videos, and feel that the reason we find error in his "religion hating" is that his definition of grace is also flawed. A friend shared this comment on Facebook, which I believe sums it up well. I have collected a few things here to try to hit on more of the caution necessary before people embrace this video. Some have said Jesus died so we could sin freely. Others have said that this video reminds them that their church is not good enough. While the content is good to view, I cannot stress enough the need to get back to God's Word instead of just regurgitating the vernacular of the world.

Did Jesus come to abolish Religion? The Bible doesn't say that!

God's Word holds the truth, not any video or even blog post. 

Please read Romans 6-8, 1 John 1,and James 1 & 2 to see more of what God's Word says about religion, grace, and how one should live as a Christian. 

Dont' cheapen grace, and don't defy the holiness of the true and living God.

See comments below

The good, bad, and ugly from Facebook regarding this video

From Todd Caverly- my 2 cents- food for thought, remember to see what the Bible says on these subjects. Paul, referred to himself as a bondservant- not a free man, we are instructed by Luke to "not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, etc. I think this is catchy because many of us are frustrated by what the "Church" has become- the problem is that WE are all to blame. WE get to busy to be involved in people lives with the Gospel, WE place doing "fun things" or "me time" above carrying out the commands of Christ.

So, yes, I do not want what is sold as American Christianity, but am I going to complain about how it is wrong, or pick up my cross and do what Christ instructs?

This video drastically misrepresents religion. I hear a man telling me that I shouldn't develop the mindset of the New Testament Pharisees. I agree. God commands me not to. But please don't say that all religion is vile because Christianity IS religion. Yes, it's a relationship, but it is also a religion. It has a concrete law, clear-cut guidelines, and very important standards. Follow the Bible that God was gracious enough to provide us with. Not whatever makes your heart feel good.

I totally agree with Brenna...This guy does have it wrong. So here's another viewpoint on this video...

I disagree with his choice of a couple words but I couldn't agree with his message more. Please just give it a listen.

This video reminded me of a verse from Jason Gray's song: "Cause all religion ever made of me was just a sinner with a stone tied to my feet. It never set me free. It's gotta be more like falling in love than something to believe in. More like losing my heart than giving my allegiance."

Mark I read your blog and while I do agree from your perspective, as I think so myself. However, what you've gotta realize is that many people that are seeing this video have shrugged off God because of "religious hypocrites". Yes, the term "religion" is defining denominations and not the James/Biblical terminology of it. Frankly, I don't think people who have watched "religious hypocrites" are gonna bother in fact-checking the Bible. I know you may you not like it this way, but this video may show some bitter and jaded viewers that it wasn't all about repetition, rituals and rules. That Jesus is the ONLY way. I'd like to recommend a book called "Hiding God: The Ambition Of World Religion" by Warren Henderson, published by Gospel Folio Press. I think Warren's idea is where the video author was getting at. As sad as it is, this word says: Religion=Denominations=Bible Thumping Hypocrites. I wouldn't be surprized if some viewers open a Bible for the first time because of this...and isn't that what we as a collective church of believers, truly want?

I have read Warren's book, and it does a great job at this. I do suggest watching the video, but caution Christians not to embrace a hatred for religion. It is important when speaking for Christians (as this man seems to) that we are accurately portraying Jesus's own words, which the very first line is contrary to Jesus's message. He pulls a Rob Bell and speaks with authority while asking a question. Neat trick, but deceptive. Thanks for the comments, I appreciate the heart of the thing, and that is why I am also promoting it... with caution attached.

Amen to that Mark, and sharp pickup on the "Rob Bell-type" spot, I didn't quite catch that.

I noticed a lot of my friends are posting this as such a great video, and I know their intentions are right but there's just something wrong with his view that needs to be clarified.

In this video, I think he is using the word "religion" as synonymous with "legalism." So I guess it is all in how you define your terms. :)

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. James 1:27

And I do agree with your point about how he does not emphasize post-conversion works for Christians (which is incredibly important), but I do believe that he is trying to reach a different audience: those people who are putting their faith in their works as opposed to Jesus Christ. These are excellent points, Maggie, and I am not trying to just explain them away. This video is not perfect at all just as the man in it is not perfect. Thanks for posting. ;)

Defining terms is not something we can just do. The Bible uses the word and so we ought to be careful to not redefine it with common vernacular. Thanks for the insight, ladies! Legalism= bad. Pure and undefiled religion= good!

I liked the video a lot! However, a red flag popped into my mind about hating religion so much.
I can't really explain why the video didn't sit right. Guess it is time for a Bible study!

In conclusion (for now) I have to agree, it is all how you define your terms. Unfortunately, the English language isn't up for redefining words overnight. As long as major translations of the Bible use the word "religion" in its proper context, it is well to stick to this definition. 

Youtube philosophy- UPDATED

I want to give you the happy ending before the whole story. Check this out, say a loving word to help a brother see more clearly, and the Lord will make it work out for His glory. This video was uploaded 2 days ago and has 177,990 hits and counting. I submitted it to Mashable's Viral Video of the Day.

Jefferson  Bethke has now taken this post off his wall, presumably as it may be seen as bad publicity.

Mark Sara CowperthwaiteJefferson Bethke

Just wanted to let you know that I appreciate the message on the video, but caution the use of terms improperly. See my blog post at http://cowperthwaitefamily.blogspot.com/2012/01/video-worth-sharing-with-few-cautions.html to see what I meant. No ill intentions, really, I hope you understand my heart and my caution when it comes to speaking for Christ Jesus our Lord.

 ·  · 7 minutes ago · 

• • 
    

    Mark Sara Cowperthwaite Jesus didn't come to abolish religion. He fulfilled the Mosaic Law and began a true, pure, and undefiled religion as mentioned in James 1:26,27. Sorry if this got you bad press, I think we got you some Youtube visits, LOL.
    

    5 minutes ago · 
  • 
    

    Jefferson Bethke agreed brother!!! I'm 100% with ya on that one. just using a word in order to contrast my point
    

    2 minutes ago · 

This video has been circulating on social media sites, and is popular among my friends. I have a lot to say on this, though I feel many would see my thoughts as skeptical. I am trying to be fair to the writer and also true to the message of God's Word, the Bible. Check it out for yourself.

The title is "Why I hate religion, but love Jesus"

I like the idea of this video, but feel that it needs clarification. I define religion differently than this man does(by using a dictionary instead of common vernacular), and often you could insert the word "flesh" where he uses "religion". Be cautious in interpreting this video, as James 1:26,27 speaks of pure and undefiled religion as something good. In fact, the Lord Jesus Christ came to fulfill the Law of Moses, not abolish it. While the sacrifice is done(It is finished, praise God!), we are exhorted in God's Word that "If you love Me [the Lord Jesus Christ] you will keep my commandments"

Religion as the man in the video defines it, is man searching for God, but that does not agree with the dictionary, which says, " 1. The belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, esp. a personal God or gods.2.Details of belief as taught or discussed." With all these things in mind, let the message stir you, but don't throw out anything that God designed just to sound cool. I was considering also the idea that we are to obey God because we love Him. Again, this is Biblical, not man made or religious. Jesus' major objection with "religious people" was those whose self righteousness made religion a sham.

OK,I need to shut up now. I have now watched the video for the 3rd time and I think terminology is the major issue that needs to be defined. This man claims that Jesus hated religion and spoke against it. Jesus spoke against hypocrites, not religion. The religion was what Jesus Himself practiced, but the Pharisees didn't really know God, they just used God as a means to prop themselves up and feel superior. They devoured the widow's houses, while James 1:26,27 tells us to care for the widows and orphans if we want true and undefiled religion. Overall, I like the video, though I wish it was clearer, containing terminology that was more Biblical.

On a more personal note, I resonate a lot with this message of playing church. This was my life for the first 17 years. I was saved by God's grace at 25 years of age, and now see that no faking it or obeying the rules without the relationship will do. Praise God for grace that made a debtor of me, to love and mercy in Christ Jesus my Lord.

Updated- Facebook is blowing up with this video

Some Facebook comments are given below, pardon the choppy nature of the writing here

The book of James says earlier in chapter 1 that we are to be "doers of the Word and not hearers only". He goes on to say that those who hear only "are deluding themselves". See also James chapter 2 with faith and works. Telling someone to be warm and filled, but doing nothing to help them get warm, not feeding them, that is defiled religion. Religion is not bad, empty and vain religion is bad.

We DO encourage folks to watch this video as the message is really challenging. His claim to hate religion and place that hate on Jesus is in error. I believe the desire was right, the terminology was wrong. When using Bible terms, one must be cautious, so as not to be found on the wrong side of God. Pure and undefiled religion is something God seems to promote.

English: Religion
Strong's Reference:G2356
θρησκεία thrēskeia
From a derivative of G2357; ceremonial observance: - religion, worshipping.

This word is used to describe the Pharisees in Acts 23:5 but also is in James 1:26,27 in a positive way. Religion in and of itself is neutral from my understanding. Empty, vain, or say-so religion is useless, as is a faith without works is dead. Still, you cannot say you love Jesus and hate religion without encountering serious interpretive difficulties.

Regarding Jesus's supposed hatred of religion:
Jesus didn't say He hated religion. He chastised hypocrites, but then went to the Temple and never mentioned religion being bad. He scolded them for making the Temple (His Father's house of worship) into a money making place.

Evangelism Saturday- 180 movie resources

We think the "180 movie" produced by Ray Comfort and Living Waters is a great tool for sharing the Gospel and dealing with moral relativism. The parallels between Hitler's Germany and abortion are astounding. Since the movie is approaching 2,000,000 views on Youtube, we thought it good to spotlight some related resources for evangelism. You can buy tracts, stickers, and DVD copies of the 180 movie at the Living Waters site 

Buy more than 10 DVDs for just $1 per DVD and give them out. Share the link via business cards, email, Facebook, and more and people can watch free online. This is one of the easiest ways to promote a life honoring, Christ glorifying Gospel message that has the capability of changing our culture completely. The main goal of this film is not to stop abortion or change laws, but to drive people to the truth of God's Word and salvation through Jesus Christ. You can read my previous review on the movie here, but we wanted to share the associated resources today and encourage you to start the new year with proclaiming the Gospel at the front of your mind and actions.

Flash mob- best ever!

I came home after prayer meeting tonight. Sara had been home with the youngest two children, who are sick. Sara found this awesome video, and we thought we would share it. We have seen some flash mob videos before, but WOW. Don't shut it off, watch through to the end. 

Fishless Fishermen- video and review

I was sent this video by Way of the Master. Emeal Zwayne shares a cautionary tale with a very important point of obedience that should be heeded by every Christian. Please watch this short video (3 minutes) and see what we should be doing as those called as fishers of men by our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.



My experience tends to imitate this video. For some time I was passionate about sharing the Gospel. I had lots of experience and stories to share, and I praise God for the fruit He brings out of our faithful obedience to spread the seed, plant, and water. It is God alone who brings the increase.

As time went on, many figured that my passion for sharing the Gospel was the gift of evangelist found in Ephesians chapter 4. Sadly, I believe that though God granted much grace and fruit from this ministry to the church, I am not truly gifted as an evangelist. I do know a few who truly have this gift, and I am happy to share names and contact information for those seeking this ministry for their church. The gift of an evangelist is, according to my understanding of Scripture, a divinely given desire and ability to share the Gospel in truth, to labor hard in the field of harvest, and to equip others to do likewise. Many believe that a true evangelist  will also have great fruit to show from his labors, but this lacks certainty from God's Word in specific.

Partnering with a true evangelist, a brother we still minister in partnership with today, we took the job seriously of not only sharing the Gospel but also equipping others to adequately do the work. Time was spent teaching from God's Word what the true Gospel is, sharing tips on how to start conversation for the purpose of proclaiming the Gospel. I still often encourage and teach others in the work of evangelism, and have written custom Gospel literature for many outreach situations. I plan to put together a new tract each week and post it here on the blog. All these tracts are free for download, though you will have to pay printing costs for whatever you would like to have printed. We do this because we love the Lord, we love God's people, and we love to help any way we can in the proclamation of the Gospel.

What saddens me most as I think about the difference between a faithful witness and an evangelist is that most every time I see a young man or woman who is passionate about reaching the lost, they are told they have the "gift of evangelism". I have not yet found such a term in the Bible. Instead, Jesus commands all His followers to preach the Gospel faithfully, to be true fishers of men. There are those who are gifted as evangelists, that is what I believe we see in Paul's words to the church at Ephesus. For those who are scratching their heads as to the difference, let's look at God's Word.

And [Christ] Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. ~Ephesians 4:11,12 NKJV

Let us all be careful not to relegate the spread of the Gospel to those who are often called "evangelists" but take up the work of spreading God's truth and the message of eternal life ourselves. It is the privilege and responsibility of every Christian to share in this work. The evangelist is doing that work, to be sure, but also helping to equip others to do their part by God's grace in the work of fishing for men.

I hope this short message was an encouragement to think more and then DO more about your desire to share the Gospel. Truly James was correct when he said the following:

"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing." ~James 1:22-25 ESV

May we all be doers of God's Word, not leaving the work for others to do, nor spending all our time talking about what we ought to do. Prayer is necessary in preparation for Gospel proclamation, and planning is needed when putting together a large outreach, yet the day to day interactions with your friends, neighbors, coworkers, fellow students, and family members are often the most fruitful times of evangelism. Be faithful to not only hear, but to obey God's Word. Great blessings are in store for those who love Him, and remember that Jesus said "If you love me, you will keep my commandments."

Thanks for listening, until next time, may the Lord bless your faithful service for His glory.
Mark Cowperthwaite

12 days of home school

This was shared with us via Facebook, but we thought we would share a permalink here. We are often asked many of these questions regarding educating our own children, along with many more. I thought this was well done, funny, and they even sing pretty well!

"In my seat" Video

This brother in Christ, Steve Scheibner, shares his story. A pilot for American Airlines, he was scheduled to fly on flight 11 on September 11, 2001. See how his heart stirring story shares the Gospel. Many may not be willing to listen to the Gospel, but would watch this 15 minutes video about the day America was attacked by Muslim terrorists. I hope this video reminds us all that we have today to serve God and make the Gospel known. We are not promised tomorrow, so let us live in gratitude and obedience to the Savior who bought us with His precious blood. 

 

180 video- might change your life and save the lives of many