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Do You Truly Want Revival? Most Say “No”.
As stated last week, a genuine revival is God reviving His people—“Wilt thou not revive us again that thy people may rejoice in thee?” (Psalm 85:6 KJV). Repentance if often a mark of true revival. Recall what was said about Griffith Jones, who preached during the...
How To Discern Between True And False Revivals
Part five in a series on genuine revival How do we avoid false revivals? As stated before…determine if what they are teaching agrees with Scripture. For example, if one claims to be drunk in the Spirit, 1 Corinthians 14:40 tells us otherwise, “Let all things be done...
“Not Everything Done In God’s Name Bears His Approval”
Part four in a series on genuine revival. As stated last week, Christians can embrace one of two extremes concerning the word “revival.” At one extreme are those who embrace pure emotionalism and hysteria—“if it’s odd it’s God”—all weird behavior is excused. The other...
“Don’t Look To Experiences Alone To Validate Truth”
Part three in a series on genuine revival. As stated last week, Christians can embrace one of two extremes concerning the word “revival.” At one extreme are those who embrace pure emotionalism and hysteria—“if it’s odd it’s God”—all weird behavior is excused. The...
“Genuine Revival Doesn’t Misrepresent the Holy Spirit”
Part two in a series on genuine revival. Principles unfold throughout this series; therefore, it’s my hope that readers consider the entire series before drawing conclusions. The need to address revival and the vital role of the Holy Spirit is as relevant today as it...
True Revival—Seeking To Clear The Confusion
Part 1 in a series on genuine revival. (Principles unfold throughout this series; therefore, it’s my hope that readers consider the entire series before drawing conclusions. The need to address revival and the vital role of the Holy Spirit is as relevant today as it...
America…Wake Up—The Enemy Is Within
Historians realize that a government, like ours in America, cannot last forever. Eventually, there is a collapse due to moral decay and financial irresponsibility—liberty often leads to abundance, abundance to complacency, complacency to apathy, apathy to a loss of...
Reading Doesn’t Guarantee Success, Application Does
Part VI in a series on wisdom. Knowledge is knowing what to do; wisdom is doing it. Here is more wisdom from Proverbs: Proverbs 23:4 says, “Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint.” When I worked in the corporate world, my seventy-hour...
“Timeless wisdom from Proverbs—times change, truth doesn’t”
Part IV in a series on wisdom. Knowledge is knowing what to do; wisdom is doing it. Here are a few more areas where wisdom is vital: Wisdom involves developing a teachable Spirit. Proverbs 9:9 says, “Teach the wise, and they will be wiser. Teach the righteousness, and...
“I’m Glad I Watched Harry Potter”
I was encouraged by Potter fans to watch one in the series before critiquing; I chose Deathly Hallows Part 1. I was fully ready to apologize if the first article misrepresented the series. Extremely dark and evil, the story begins with a woman levitating, and leads...
“Harry Potter—What Should A Christian’s Stance Be?”
I’m taking a temporary detour from the series on wisdom to address the latest movie craze—Harry Potter. One youth leader told me, “I don’t worry about what I watch or listen to as long as my heart is right. Plus, I need to watch what everyone else is watching so I can...
“Does My Body Need It—Or Does It Want It?”
Part IV in a series on wisdom Although we often discuss the health of our spirit and soul, little has been said about our physical health; therefore, it’s time to shift gears. The physical health of our body can definitely play a role in our overall health—mentally,...
“Marriage Never Works—You Have To Work It.”
Part III in a series on wisdom Knowledge is knowing what to do; wisdom is doing it! We need wisdom to build a successful marriage. Proverbs 5:18 reminds men to “rejoice in the wife of your youth.” Whether married for years or just days, we are to continually celebrate...
“The Fear Of The Lord Is The Beginning Of Wisdom”
Part II in a series on wisdom Many believe that reading God’s Word gives them wisdom. It doesn’t...reading alone doesn’t guarantee success, application does. Reading fills us with knowledge, but wisdom occurs when we apply it. Many have knowledge, but not wisdom. They...
“Knowing” What To Do Is Not Enough
- Pastor Shane Idleman Part I in a series on Wisdom Last week I said that we gauge good judgment by considering the outcome of our choices. Jesus said that “wisdom is shown to be right by what results from it” (Matt. 11:19). Do your choices produce the results you...
Do Your Choices Produce The Results You Want?
- Pastor Shane Idleman As stated last week: We are in desperate need of broken, humble men—men who are not afraid to admit that they need God; men who are more worried about prayer than about status and recognition; men who petition God rather than position...
Dads…Wake Up. Life’s A Battleground!
- Pastor Shane Idleman It was last year, but I remember it well. I was taken by a comment that I read in the AV Press. The comment was, “Men don’t need to come to church and get beat up with sermons on fathers day.” Its hard to determine the motive behind such a...
6/11/11 – Deal With Pride FIRST Before Judging – Pastor Shane Idleman
Part III in a series on judging rightly Last week I ended with this statement: We must avoid being a “divisive man” who is proud, un-teachable, and eager to dispute. Some have asked for clarification on this point. Alexander Strauch’s book, If You Bite & Devour...
Deal With Pride FIRST Before Judging
- Pastor Shane Idleman Part III in a series on judging rightly Last week I ended with this statement: We must avoid being a “divisive man” who is proud, un-teachable, and eager to dispute. Some have asked for clarification on this point. Alexander Strauch’s book, If...
Are There Times When We Should Judge? Yes.
- Pastor Shane Idleman In Matthew 7:1 Jesus said, “Judge not, that you be not judged.” Judging, within this context, refers to the type of judgment that a judge would render in a court of law, such as in Romans 14:4, “Who are you to judge another’s servant?” A...
Overcoming Sin… The Battlefield Is The Mind
- Pastor Shane Idleman The enemy rarely pushes us off the cliff, so to speak. We’re often led down one step at a time, one compromise at a time, one wrong choice at a time. For example, the enemy doesn’t show a young couple the pain and anguish and the years of regret...
Pride Is At The Root Of Legalism and Compromise – Pastor Shane Idleman
- Pastor Shane Idleman As I said last week: The pendulum often swings when following truth (biblical principles). At one extreme is legalism. Legalists have self-righteous attitudes that rate spirituality by how well a person follows rules. This we want to avoid at...
The Legalist vs. The Compromiser – Pastor Shane Idleman
Pastor's Perspective The legalist vs. the compromiser; neither is right The pendulum often swings when following truth (biblical principles). At one extreme is legalism. Legalists have self-righteous attitudes that rate spirituality by how well a person follows rules....
We Don’t Negotiate Truth; We Proclaim It!
Part II in a series on speaking the truth in love As noted last week, there are three primary purpose for speaking the truth in love: 1) To mature believers (Ephesians 4:15). When truth is spoken, two choices are available--to become bitter, or better; to mature, or...
When To Speak The Truth In Love
A few years ago, a news report featured a famous athlete who was considering running for political office. When the news correspondent asked about abortion and gay-marriage, the potential candidate became visibly upset. He criticized Christians, and ended the...
What Does The Resurrection Mean To You?
The resurrection of Christ was the single most powerful event in history. It distinguishes Christianity from all other religions. It had such implications for mankind that recorded history marked events before the birth of Christ (B.C.), and after His death (A.D.). On...
It Doesn’t Matter What You Believe. Does It?
Someone recently said, “It doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you are sincere.” But you can be sincerely wrong. The gospel of John says that the Bible was “written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have...
Restoration…Don’t Be A “Velcro Man” (Or Woman)
This is the final article in a series on divorce and remarriage. A few years ago, I was asked to speak to a group of singles in Southern California. Ironically, the topic was, Broken—yet Unbreakable: rebuilding after brokenness. In prayerful preparation for this...
Divorce: Seven Ways To Rebuild After Brokenness
Part six in a series on divorce and remarriage. A few years ago, I was asked to speak to a group of singles in Southern California. Ironically, the topic was, Broken—yet Unbreakable: rebuilding after brokenness. In prayerful preparation for this message, I isolated...
You Don’t Want Revival. Do You?
I’m taking a temporary detour this week from the series on divorce. I begin by quoting a powerful book written by Duncan Campbell who was born in 1898. The title is, The Price and Power of Revival. Mr. Campbell makes this powerful declaration: “How is it that while we...
Divorce: You Can’t Control The Choices Of Others
Part five in a series on divorce and remarriage. As I said last week: Perhaps one of the most difficult Scriptures dealing with divorce or separation is found in 1 Corinthians 7:10-11, “Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from...
Divorce: Obedience To The Scriptures Brings Healing
Part four in a series on divorce and remarriage. As I said last week: Every situation is different and some divorces are inevitable, but for the large percentage of those who can rebuild and restore their relationship, two choices are available—to face the pain of...
Divorce: When To Hold On, When To Move On
Part III in a series on divorce and remarriage. As I said last week: Life after divorce can be just “existence”—peace and joy have all but left. If this describes you, let me assure you that God desires that peace and joy be restored, but we must realize that only God...
Hope In The Midst Of Divorce – Broken, Yet unbreakable
Part II in a series on divorce and remarriage. With millions of Americans now classified as divorced and “newly single, the need to address this topic in a series of articles is unavoidable and necessary. In 1998 there were estimated to be over 19-million divorced...
Does Baptism Save? No. . . Here’s Why
Some believe that salvation occurs, not when we confess Jesus as Lord, but when immersed in water. They believe that the dead condition of the church is because of failure to embrace baptismal regeneration. In reality, it's because so few actually turn to Jesus;...
There Is Hope For The Hurting This Valentines Day
Part I in a series on divorce and remarriage. In the book Sacred Thirst, the author writes, “The bride and groom are standing in front of everyone, looking better than they are ever going to look again, getting so much attention and affirmation. Everybody even stands...
The Emergent Church–Moving From Absolute To Authentic
Over the past few weeks, Shane has been revisiting articles that drew the most feedback in 2010. Here is the final one... When terms “emergent” or “postmodern” are used, I’m referring to what is known collectively as The Emergent Church Movement. This movement is very...
Can We Pray In Jesus’ Name? Yes!
Over the next few weeks, Shane is revisiting articles that drew the most feedback in 2010. Here is number five... This article has special significance for me. I was able to pray in Jesus' name last Tuesday, Jan. 25th, at the City Council meeting in Lancaster. This is...
Without Unction, Preaching Has Little Effect On The Hearer
Over the next few weeks, Shane is revisiting articles that drew the most feedback in 2010. Here is number four... Many today argue that we can’t preach with authority because we need to have a flexible approach to all aspects of theology. By “flexible” they mean...
Where Are The Bold, Authoritative Preachers Today?
Over the next few weeks, we are revisiting articles that drew the most feedback in 2010. Here is number three... A friend recently asked, “Where are those with uncompromising power and God-given authority in our pulpits today?” His statement reminded me of the...
Points to Consider Before Leaving Your Church – Part 2
Over the next few weeks, I will revisit articles that drew the most feedback in 2010. Here is number two... In America today, a significant number of people are switching churches, or leaving altogether. I’ve found that judging “rightly,” as well as unwarranted...
Points to Consider Before Leaving Your Church – Part 1
Over the next few weeks, I will re-visit articles that drew the most feedback in 2010. Here is one... In America today, a significant number of people are switching churches or leaving altogether. I’ve found that judging “rightly,” as well as unwarranted criticism,...
This Christmas, Embrace the True Gospel
As mentioned last week: If we truly want to experience the power of God, we must surrender pivotal areas of our lives. The final area of surrender is found in Matthew 16:24, “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, if any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself,...
Money, Pride & Destructive Relationships Hinder Holiness
As mentioned last week: If we truly want to experience the power of God, we must surrender pivotal areas of our lives. The first area was our “time.” I John 2:15 says, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father...
Guard Your Mind and It Will Guard You
As mentioned last week: Many of us do not want to admit that there is something lacking in our spiritual lives. Pride, religious upbringing, denominationalism, etc. will keep scores of Christians from experiencing the life-changing power of God. If we truly want to...
The Holy Spirit Seeks Surrendered Lives
This is part IV in a series on the Holy Spirit As mentioned last week: Many of us do not want to admit that there is something lacking in our spiritual lives. Pride, religious upbringing, denominationalism, etc. will keep scores of Christians from experiencing the...
The Holy Spirit… Not Just for Charismatics
This is part III in a series on the Holy Spirit Last week, I asked how many can say like Jeremiah, "His word was in my heart like a burning fire, shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, and I could not" (20:9)? If we are honest, we realize that the power...
WHAT IS THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT?
This is part II in a series on the Holy Spirit Last week I asked, "Why is the doctrine of the Holy Spirit so divisive when the Bible is crystal clear on the need for the Spirit's power?" There is a critical need for "balance". Many churches tend to embrace one...
The Forgotten God – Who is the Holy Spirit?
This is part I in a series on the Holy Spirit It may be hard to believe, but I actually knew a pastor who asked his worship leader to remove all songs mentioning the Holy Spirit. How sad…in his zeal to avoid charismatic excesses, he actually quenched the Spirit. Why...
Here’s why November 2nd is so Important. Vote! – Article 2
One of the most controversial issues of our time is the question of mixing religion and politics. One group believes that the church should be used as a political platform, the other advocates' passivity. So, what’s the answer? First and foremost, we cannot deny our...
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