Am I on the wrong road...?

"I'm just wondering, is it possible that you think you are on the narrow road but you are actually on the broad road? Could it be that you have set cruise control, turned up the Christian radio, and are traveling down the road of destruction with a Jesus fish on your bumper?" -Kyle Idleman

Jesus says "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." (Matthew 7:13-14)

Am I a follower of Jesus... or just a fan of Jesus?

"The biggest threat to the church today is fans who call themselves Christians but aren't actually interested in following Christ. They want to be close enough to Jesus to get all the benefits, but not so close that it requires anything from them." -Kyle Idleman, Not A Fan

This new book I'm reading from Kyle Idleman pulls no punches! Many today think they are OK with God because they attend a church, or say they believe in Jesus, or have a fish on their car, when in fact they have fooled themselves. This book is helpful in evaluating whether or not we are simply fans of Jesus (something He is never interested in having), or if we are truly committed followers (something He absolutely requires). The difference between the two has serious consequences - both now and later! I'll be posting some quotes from it over the next few weeks.

Christ Is Everything!

What do JC Ryle, Max Lucado, and John Piper all have in common? They all "get it" when it comes to the centrality of Jesus Christ. Eternal life in heaven is not our treasure. Forgiveness of sins is not our treasure. Denominations or church affiliations are not our treasures. Jesus Christ is our supreme reward and treasure. See for yourself...

"We are all traveling fast towards a place where names and forms and Church government will be nothing, and Christ will be everything." - JC Ryle

"The reward of Christianity is Christ" - Max Lucado

"We become what we crave and what Christians crave above all else is the glory of Christ." - John Piper

Not A Smart Idea...

As a pastor, words fail me when I read about all the media craze surrounding one Florida pastor who is organizing a "burn the Koran" event for this Saturday (the anniversary of 9/11). So I'll let Kevin DeYoung speak for me: http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevindeyoung/2010/09/09/burning-the-koran-and-shooting-yourself-in-the-foot/ (click to read)

Polycarp's Prayer

Polycarp was martyred in 155 or 156AD. He was the bishop of Smyrna and a very bold witness for Christ, faithfully proclaiming his faith right up to his death. His bravery was incredible, as were his final words - this prayer uttered right before he was brutally murdered:

"O Lord God Almighty, the Father of Your beloved and blessed Son Jesus Christ, by whom we have received the knowledge of You, the God of angels and powers and of all creation and of the whole race of the righteous, who live in Your presence; I thank You because You have granted me this day and hour, that I might receive a portion amongst the number of martyrs in the cup of Your Christ unto resurrection of eternal life, both of soul and of body, in the incorruptibility of the Holy Spirit.

May I be received among these in Your presence this day, as a rich and acceptable sacrifice, as You did prepare and reveal it beforehand, and have accomplished it, You that are the faithful and true God. For this cause, yea and for all things, I praise You, I bless You, I glorify You, through the eternal and heavenly High-priest, Jesus Christ, Your beloved Son, through Whom, with Him and the Holy Spirit, be glory both now and ever and for the ages to come. Amen."

Generous Christianity

Generosity should be an attribute of every Christian. And I'm not just talking about money here. I'm talking about a generous way of life. Why should we be generous? It's rather simple. God has been very generous to us. Think about it, the gospel is the most generous news you'll ever hear! God graciously and generously crushed His Son for us so that we could be forgiven. And that is not all. He also graciously and generously gave us His Spirit to be our Helper in this life. Furthermore, He has graciously and generously secured our future where we will forever be in His Presence. Perhaps "generous" might be an understatement.

This Sunday at SHF we will begin to explore Generous Christianity together. Join us!

"Collision" - An Athiest & Christian Debate

ATHEIST AUTHOR… Christopher Hitchens

&

CHRISTIAN PASTOR… Douglas Wilson

Debating… “Is Christianity Good for the World?”

Movie Screening:
Thursday, February 4th @ 7:00pm
Mount Hermon Missionary Baptist Church
5556 Bend of the River Rd.
Rocky Mount, NC 27803

Free to the Public

Call (252) 904-9751


(Thanks Jason!)