Archive for December, 2010

We MUST Do This ALL over the Nation!

Posted: December 27, 2010 in Vision
Tags: , ,
0

First Baptist Dallas, TX New Rendering

Dr. Criswell, who was pastor here for 50 years, was a hero to me.  I got to stop by occasionally and visit with him in his office. His close friend, Jack Pogue, and I still stay in touch.  Jack got Dr. Criswell to sign a picture for me right before he went to heaven. The writing was so broken you could barely read it, but Jack transcribed it for me so I could……..very special!  This new vision for FB so inspires me and should inspire so many churches that need major revitalization to step out and “walk on water.”  Don’t look down or you will sink and if you wait too long, it will be too late!  IT CAN BE DONE!

Watch:  Belief-Is-Building.aspx

Snow in Georgia, Christmas Day! Hey, hey!

Posted: December 25, 2010 in News
Tags: , , ,
0

Rick Warren’s New Declaration- Will you sign with me and pass on!

Posted: December 20, 2010 in Commitment
Tags: ,
0

THE PURPOSE DRIVEN DECLARATION

Today I am stepping across the line. I’m tired of waffling and I’m finished with wavering, I’ve made my choice, the verdict is in, and my decision is irrevocable. I’m going God’s way. There’s no turning back now!

I will live the rest of my life serving God’s purposes with God’s people on God’s planet for God’s glory. I will use my life to celebrate his presence, cultivate his character, participate in his family, demonstrate his love, and communicate his Word.

Since my past has been forgiven, and I have a purpose for living, and a home awaiting in heaven,  I refuse to waste any more time or energy on shallow living, petty thinking, trivial talking, thoughtless doing, useless regretting, hurtful resenting, or faithless worrying. Instead I will magnify God, grow to maturity, serve in ministry, and fulfill my mission in the membership of his family.

Because this life is preparation for the next, I will value worship over wealth, “we” over “me,”  character over comfort, service over status, and people over possessions, position, and pleasures. I know what matters most, and I’ll give it all I’ve got. I’ll do the best I can with what I have for Jesus Christ today.

I won’t be captivated by culture, manipulated by critics, motivated by praise, frustrated by problems, debilitated by temptation, or intimidated by the devil. I’ll keep running my race with my eyes on the goal, not the sidelines or those running by me. When times get tough, and I get tired, I won’t back up, back off, back down, back out, or backslide. I’ll just keep moving forward by God’s grace. I’m Spirit-led, purpose driven, and mission-focused, so I cannot be bought, I will not be compromised, and I shall not quit until I finish the race.

I’m a trophy of God’s amazing grace, so I will be gracious to everyone, grateful for every day, and generous with everything God entrusts to me.

To my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I say, “However, whenever, wherever, and whatever you ask me to do, my answer in advance is yes!  Wherever you lead and whatever the cost I’m ready. Anytime. Anywhere. Anyway.  Whatever it takes, Lord; whatever it takes!  I want to be used by you in such a way, that on that final day I’ll hear you say, ‘Well done, thou good and faithful one. Come on in, and let the eternal party begin!’”

 

Shane Craven

SIGNED

 

A Little Tomlin Tomorrow

Posted: December 18, 2010 in Worship
Tags: , ,
0

Exactly What I Sensed Has Been Happening

Posted: December 16, 2010 in Evaluation
Tags: , ,
0

According to the Barna Group, an analysis of research from the past year reveals six major religious trends in America. These “megathemes,” as Barna calls them, should encourage Christian leaders to “revisit their criteria for ‘success’ and the measures used to assess it.” According to Barna, the research also reveals that, “In a society in which choice is king, there are no absolutes, every individual is a free agent, we are taught to be self-reliant and independent, and Christianity is no longer the automatic, default faith of young adults.”

The six trends that Barna identified are:

  1. The Christian Church is becoming less theologically literate. For example, research in 2010 showed that while most people regard Easter as a religious holiday, only a minority of adults associate Easter with the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
  2. Christians are becoming more ingrown and less outreach-oriented. Less than one-third of born again Christians planned to invite anyone to join them at a church event during the Easter season.
  3. Growing numbers of people are less interested in spiritual principles and more desirous of learning pragmatic solutions for life. Spiritual practices like contemplation, solitude, silence, and simplicity are rare, while the importance of lifestyle comfort, success, and personal achievements is growing.
  4. Among Christians, interest in participating in community action is escalating. Christians are becoming more open to involvement in the community, especially as it pertains to justice and service.
  5. The postmodern insistence on tolerance is winning over the Christian Church.Possibly because of the fear of being labeled judgmental, Christians have become tolerant of a vast array of morally and spiritually dubious behaviors and philosophies.
  6. The influence of Christianity on culture and individual lives is largely invisible. While contemporary Americans find it difficult to identify any specific value that the Church has added to society, they have no problem identifying the faults of the churches and Christian people.

According to the Barna Group, “The Christian Church is in desperate need of a more positive and accessible image … and the most influential aspect of Christianity in America is how believers do — or do not — implement their faith in public and private.”