The Fountain of Youth!

I can remember, when I was in school, something about Ponce de Leon searching for the fountain of youth. He never found it. Others have searched and some are still searching for it. Let me tell you, it is not to be found by mankind. Not a fountain that will keep you from aging and help you maintain a young and healthy body. However, there is a well of living water that can be found in you and in me, if we will drink of the water that Jesus, God's Son, gives.

John 4:14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

We would pay a large price to get that kind of water; water that would make us live forever.

I'm afraid that it would cost more than we could afford to pay. Perhaps that is why Jesus says that He will give it to us for free.

Re 21:6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

Can you imagine living forever in the bodies that we now have? These bodies that we have could not take it. We will need, and will get a new body. One that will not get old and wrinkled, or sick. That new body will not be cursed by evil but will be incorruptable and one day we will have that kind of body. I believe that Jesus is the water of life and I must drink Him in. I'm glad that anyone who wants to drink of Him can do it. It doesn't cost a cent. It's free.

Re 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

A Primer For Ministry

Everyone who is considering ministry should read the following. It is the meat of the book of 2 Timothy as I see it. It would also be helpful for seasoned ministers as well. Now and then it becomes necessary, because of the distractions of bright lights and dream castles, for me to get my focus back. This has helped me do that. This is not my 'version' of the text; it is my response to it.

I AM CALLED TO PREACH! (2 TIMOTHY)
-- Lowell Brannen

Chapter 1

4) Paul had some unfulfilled desires and Timothy had some tears.
7) There have been times when I was fearful.
8) There has been times when I was ashamed to tell that I was a
minister of the Gospel. You see, sometimes the Gospel has
afflictions, which I try to shun. But because of the power of God, I
will partake of it.
9) I was not called because of my desires or abilities, nor because of
what I was doing, but I was graciously called for His own purpose.
11) I have been appointed by God to be a preacher, an apostle and a
teacher. It's not just by luck or by chance.
12) Because of this, I will have to suffer some things, but I am not
going to be ashamed.
15) Some folks might turn away from me.
16) Afflictions may even include such things as chains.

Chapter 2

1) But I will be strong.
3) I will put up with hardness and I will be courageous, as a good
soldier.
4) As a soldier of Jesus Christ, when in battle, I will not be involved
in the affairs of this life, but I will devote myself wholly to the
battle so that I may please the Lord Jesus Christ.
9) Because of the Gospel, I suffer trouble like one who does evil.
10) Yet, I will put up with all things, for it is more important that I
preach the Gospel to the ones who will hear it, so that they may
obtain salvation.
11) My will and my desires are as though I were dead, so that I may
live with Him.
12) So, I may suffer with Him; I will also reign with Him. I will never
deny Him.
19) The Lord knows that I am His.
20) Some men are like vessels of gold or silver, and some men are like
vessels of wood or earth; Some unto honor and some unto dishonor.
21) Whether I am a vessel of gold, silver, wood or earth, I will
cleanse and purge myself from ungodliness, and therefore I will be a
vessel unto honor, made ready for the Masters use, for some good
purpose.
24) I will not strive and argue with men, but I will be gentle, patient
and ready to teach them.
25) I will teach repentance and salvation even to those who do not want
to hear it.

Chapter 3

1-5) I am aware of the perilous times that are even now upon us. There
are men who are selfish, blasphemous, unthankful, unnatural, liars,
pleasure seekers and God-haters. I will turn away from them.
7) They are continually learning, but they never learn the truth.
8) They resist the truth. Their minds are corrupt, perverted and
immoral as to the faith.
11) My persecutions and afflictions are known, but I will endure them,
until the Lord delivers me out of them.
12) Yes, a Godly life in Christ Jesus will result in persecution.

Chapter 4

2) Even so, I will preach the Gospel because I am called to preach. I
stand ready at all times.
5) I will put up with afflictions. I will overcome the obstacles. I
will do a good job.
7) I am fighting a good fight and I will complete my task.
8) I have a crown of righteousness waiting for me.
10) Though some may forsake me;
14) Though some may treat me wrong;
16) Though none may stand with me;
20) Though I may fail in some areas of ministry,
22) Yet I know, Jesus is with me and His grace upholds me.

Campmeeting Days

It's campmeeting time in Cleveland! Tennessee, that is. Yes, and I am enjoying the preaching, the praying, the singing, and the shouting. Campmeeting is not like it used to be. There is a reason for that. I need not say anything more about it. If You're under 30, I doubt you have ever seen campmeeting like some of us old-timers have seen it, but I thank God that He is still blessing and touching lives in these modern times. Thank God for campmeeting.

Long ago when but a boy, at old campmeeting time,
How my heart would fill with joy to hear the old bells chime,
Calling all the saint of God into the house of prayer,
Oh, such singing, praying, preaching, for the Lord was there.

I like the old time preaching, praying, singing, shouthing,
I like the old time reading of God's Word.
I like to hear those old time Hallelujahs, Glory,
I like the old time worship of the Lord.

Need I say more? No, I do not, but I will. I will also say that I like the new time worship of the Lord. That's right. I might like the new time worship better because the old time worship is gone and it is in the past. All I can do with it is remember it. I need something now. I want to worship now. I want to be involved in the praise now. So, when I lift my hands now and sense (lest I say 'feel') the presense of the Almighty, I like it better than just remembering the old times.

I'm calling all senior citizens in the church to a challenge. Let's just get right in there with this 'now' worship and see what happens. Oh, I know. We don't know the songs............Yet. But we will learn them. The now worship may be off our beat, but we'll get used to it. As long as we are worshiping God, let's worship NOW. We have a testimony that can only be experienced by the passing of time. We need to share this testimony with those who have not been there yet, who will listen, and who haven't lived long enough to experience what we have. One day they will, and if our testimony is fresh in there minds, it may be the help and encouragement they will need to make it through some hard times. Oh, they will face difficulties of some kind sooner or later and we know how it feels. They need our testimony, but it won't be effective if all they can think of when they see us, is an old bitter cistern or an old, ragged, worn-out bucket with holes in it. Let's rejoice about the Great and Mighty God whom we serve, even if we may not be happy about the style of praise and worship used today.

I still like the old 'Red Back Hymnal' and good old Souther Gospel, but if I'm gonna worship in church today, I'd better learn the new songs and learn to praise in the new fashioned way. I don't think it's the ways and means that matter but it's the motive and end product that counts.

Me, Religiously!

Can I still keep my Church of God Ordination? Even if it looks like I am more Methodist? And only 50% Pentecostal?????!!!!! Why don't you take the test and see what it says about you?

What's your theological worldview? created with QuizFarm.com

You scored as Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan You are an evangelical in the Wesleyan tradition. You believe that God's grace enables you to choose to believe in him, even though you yourself are totally depraved. The gift of the Holy Spirit gives you assurance of your salvation, and he also enables you to live the life of obedience to which God has called us. You are influenced heavly by John Wesley and the Methodists. Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan 93% Fundamentalist 71% Emergent/Postmodern 64% Neo orthodox 57% Reformed Evangelical 50% Charismatic/Pentecostal 50% Classical Liberal 50% Modern Liberal 32% Roman Catholic 11%

Charismatic Morality

In reference to a blog by The Dawg Howse entitled "The Fuzzy-Wuzzy World of Charismatic Morality", I mad a reply that I thought I should use as a blog of my own. If you want to read the article, go to http://thedawghowse.blogspot.com/ and read his blog. The following is my reply to his blog:

I think the "fuzzy wuzzy world of charismatic morality" is getting "fuzzaier" all the time. I have watched several of these tv evangelists with admiration and a few with a grain of salt. I looked on, helplessly, as PTL crumbled. I watched the 'Swaggert confession - I Have Sinned' and was disappointed, the Bynum 'royal wedding' and was amazed, the White 'announcement' and was puzzled, and several other dramas that left me with unanswered questions. I've seen sights, inappropriate for saints to behold in our own churches, and heard 'sermons' that, in my opion, should not have been preached. I see the COG loosing it's holiness distinctive. I know that holiness begins in the heart but if it is given a chance it will show up on the body. Lest I stray from the point, let me say that we must be serious in our desire to please God and we must get serious in our practice of holiness. I know I am convicted already when I say that, but by God's grace I will do better. I still believe that it is God's desire for one man to be married to one woman, or vice-versa, and that they should be bound by their pledge, 'until death do us part'. However, there might be a few cases where..........................Oh Lord!.............Help us!

A God of Love

I am still reading the book Carpe Diem by Ed Madden, copyright 1993, by Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Inc. I know! I'm a slow reader. Maybe that's the reason why I didn't go on to some higher level of education. I can see myself reading a book with many short chapters (like this one) instead of one with few chapters but long ones. I need a stopping place ever so often, where I can put the book down and pick it up tomorrow without loosing the value of the content. My 'hats off' to those of you who can consume a book in one evening. I envy you.

As I said in my blog on September 23rd., I would share some of the book with you as I travel through it, so here is something I'd like to share. Actually, I thought about posting this on Careplace, an internet site where people with health problems meet and support one another, but I thought it might be helpful if I could get some insight from some of you. Ed Madden was not a protestant, evangelical pentecostal, as far a I know, so I am really surprised to hear him talk as well about the love of God as he does. I would love to hear from you, and those of you who have some theological knowledge of the subject, your comment would be most appreciated.

"I went to Catholic grade school and high school and learned to fear God. I came to know a God who was always watching me, who knew my innermost thoughts even before I did and who would have no hesitation about punishing me for the least transgression of his innumerable laws, or even more importantly, the rules of the church."

Ed Madden goes on to tell us how he saw God some years later. He said, "I learned of a God who loved, and like any lover, was always ready to forgive. I studied a Jesus, the Messiah, the Christ, who taught mercy, compassion, and above all, love....

"Those of us with terminal illnesses know that in a longer or shorter period we will be face to face with our God. I am not afraid. Jesus taught us to call God "Father." .... Who loves more than a parent loves a child? Should I believe that my love for my daughter, which I consider boundless, is greater than God's love for me? If so, I would be a better parent than God.

"No, my acceptance by God will depend not so much on how good or bad I've been here, but on how much he loves me. He loves me not because I am so loveable but because he is so loving. My sinfulness cannot discourage me when I read Jesus saying that it was for us sinners that he came. Some of the most tender moments in all the Gospels are the stories of his dealings with sinners. Never once did he condemn common sinners. Indeed he reserved his scorn for those who considered themselves righteous and law-abiding."

And in conclusion he said, "Our God is a God of love, of forgiveness, of mercy. Our God...is the God of the Scriptures; this is the God that Jesus described to us. This is the God I've come to know these many latter years. This is the God who will welcome all us prodigal children back home soon."

Am I missing some important theological error here? What do you think?

Go to this link if you would like to read more of his book. There, you can also order the book if you would like to buy it. I think it costs anywhere from $19.95 to about $26.00 - plus tax, shipping and handling you know.

Theologically Incorrect, But Accepted!

In reference to a recent comment to my post entitled “I Don’t Want To Be Theologically Incorrect” and dated “Thursday, May 24, 2007”, I offer the following:

The theologian that I referred to was probably concerned with our faulty attempts to “prove” God. Our faulty attempts, i.e. our human reasoning, will never be adequate proof of the existence of God. As a matter of fact, human reasoning is not sufficient to bring a man into a personal relationship with God. It can introduce him to God, but the only thing that can bring a man to a relationship with God is “faith”. If we could “prove” the existence of God, where then, would “faith” be required?

As stated in the comment, “If I prove to someone God exists using facts and data and evidence, the chances are great that someone else will come up with their own facts and data and evidence to disprove.” That is so true, and because our human reasoning can be counter balanced by their human reasoning, we then have the grounds for ‘faith’, which God demands of those who come to Him. It may be referred to as ‘Divine Reason’, ‘His Spirit drawing us to Him’ or yet other references, but it is still because of ‘faith’ working in us that God is able to draw us to Him?

Faulty ‘proofs’ will not do the trick. It only introduces some doubtful, yet searching minds, to the possibility of the truth we intend to portray. Often, our human reasoning is, what appears to be, a hindrance to man when it comes to understanding the ‘true’ concept of God. Every time we preach, we are using human reasoning in our attempt to prove our point. Should we stop preaching? No, Of course not! So, what about those who are hindered by our human reasoning? It is ‘their’ responsibility now, at this point, to act in faith and step across the ‘gap’ between them and God. Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

All of this that I have just said and all of our human reasoning is faulty. So, I am probably theologically incorrect, but what else can a non-theologian be? Could he be ‘Accepted’?

I believe that Kirk and Ray are helping to win lost men and women to Christ and helping some to believe in the existence of God, but I must admit, I don’t think a banana would have been adequate proof to me of the existence of God if I was searching for such proof.

Thanks ‘Mike’ for your comments. I checked out your blogspot and thought it was great. I would love to receive any comments to this posting.

I still love Kirk and Ray.

Can This Be God's Will?

When we think of sickness, we usually agree that it is not God's will for any of us to be sick but it is His will for us to be healed. If it could be God's will for anyone to be sick, how could we pray the prayer of faith for their healing. I tend to believe that if God wants you to be sick, you're going to be sick and if He wants you to be healed you're going to be healed, but that brings the question to mind, "Why would God want anyone to be sick, especially when by His stripes we are healed?" Here's the question: Can sickness be God's will for someone, sometime? I'm really thinking of my condition. Can this be God's will?

I remember when Janis had to go through Chemo-therapy and have radiation treatments, she said that she believed she was supposed to take the chemo and radiation treatments but yet we believed that when she had the mastectomy done that all the cancer was removed. We believed that God let the doctor get it all. God directed the doctor, or so we prayed and believed. So, now why must she go through the treatments? I don't have the answer to that but it was so obvious that God was with her through that time. We still rejoice and give God the praise. But me! What about me?

Can it be God's will for me to go through this therapy? It's easier for me to see how that can be true than it was for me to see how it could have been true for Janis. With her, the doctors successfully removed the cancer. With me there was no operation but the hepatitis-c virus needed to be treated, so the therapy for me is, we believe, killing the virus. In that sense, perhaps God is healing me through the treatments. Now I know how this mind thinks. Why doesn't God just go ahead and do a miracle and heal me without any outside help? Does God need help? No, He doesn't need any help to do what ever He wants to do, but we sure do. This treatment, I believe, is doing more for me than just killing the hepatitis-c virus. I believe it has taught me some things that I would not have otherwise learned and it is restoring in me some qualities needed to do whatever God wants me to do in the future. I feel inadequate when it comes to explaining and proving some things I believe, but I still believe them. I still believe in divine healing. I still believe that God has everything under control. I am not about to put my trust in anything or anyone else but God, yet somehow, I believe it is God's will for me to take these therapy treatments.

And how am I doing? I'm glad you asked! I'm doing fine. I took my shot Wednesday, felt pretty good Thursday but did feel a little emotional effect - you know, the crying thing, and awoke this AM feeling quite battered. I did OK most of the day and preached tonight at the Towers and sang one song by myself and one with Janis. After the service was over, I began to feel fatigued and still do. God is great! God is good! God is wonderful! Bless His Holy Name!

Thanks for reading my post, but if you didn't read it, just don't tell me. I think it will do me good if I'll go to bed early tonight. (Jas 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.)

I Don't Want To Be Theologically Incorrect!

First, let me give you a brief report of my progress. Tuesday, I received a call from the nurse at the doctor's office informing me that my last lab work looked good. I think that means my white and red blood cells are OK. I'm not becoming anemic.

The shot I gave myself about a week ago, seemed to have very little side effect if any. I felt good all week. Last night I gave myself another shot and I feel fine this morning. However, I just checked my email and read about "The Fireman". Did any of you get it? Before I could finish reading it, I had to dry both of my eyes. Tears were streaming down both cheeks. It is a sad and touching story, and I would have felt sympathy for the mother and sorrow for the son anyway, but I normally could read things like that and at least not have to get a paper towel out to dry my eyes. That's the way this medicine seems to be working on me. Every symptom is not consistent. I do feel the fatigue working on me this morning also, but so far, not like it was week before last.

Now, to another subject: 'Theological Incorrectness'. It has occurred to me that I am living in the middle of a theological pool. Everywhere I go I see 'theology' dripping off of the the lips of the pool bathers. I never worried about that situation here when I was pastoring. Maybe that was because I was in the A/G and not a real member of the C/G community. Looking back, I can see that I was in a survivable situation then. I wonder about it now. Oh, I will survive. In case some of you may not be aware of it, after resigning my pastorate in the A/G, I did what I had to do to be reinstated as an 'Ordained Bishop' in the C/G. Now, I am attending the North Cleveland C/G and going to the 'Encourager's' S.S. class, fellowshipping with the 'Peacemakers' and socializing with some 'theologians'. Some are real theologians and some are wanna-be theologians.

I recently read a blog by 'I-don't-know-who' and was a little disturbed. This 'theologian' (I guess he was a theologian) was criticizing somebodies attempt to prove the existence of God. Now I don't know all the scientific facts about this person's proof, but I cannot understand why anyone would be upset enough to criticize someone who is on our side, really. Maybe that person trying to prove the existence of God was 'scientifically and theologically incorrect', but it seems to me that if God has anything to do with things as they are today, then we must accept things as they are and from that point begin our investigation. Now, most people are not concerned with the history and scientific facts of a thing as much as the effect of the thing. I agree that we cannot ignore truthful facts but God is in control of everything whether we agree with it or try to change it or not. He is still in control and the creator of all things.

If I keep blogging, I might blog myself right out of my life jacket and drown in this pool. I know this may not make much sense to some of you, but maybe some of you can read between the lines and understand what I'm trying to say. I think we need to "Agree with (our) adversary quickly, whiles (we) art in the way with him" Mt 5:25a (KJV), rather than criticize him. Oh! I see. Did you catch that? No, not the way the scripture reads. It's that little "(KJV)" thing. Some say that's the problem. That's why I don't see things 'theologically correct'. I don't know! I may be stepping into the arena and be fixin' to get my head straightened out, but that's OK. I will survive. I just don't want to be 'theologically incorrect'.

Oh, by the way. I am not a theologian.