Carl Light, Oct 2006

Announcements

Sounds of Freedom

The "Sounds of Freedom" is a collection of audio recordings primarily featuring singing and testimonies recorded during the services at Freedom Baptist Church in Mount Carmel, Tennessee. These recordings were originally recorded at church on cassette tapes, then transferred to computer and burned onto CD's. Many of the same recordings found in the table above are on these disks.

These CD's are not only good for personal use, but are also great for sharing with family and friends, particularly those who may not attend church. They make good witnessing tools, as ministry of the gospel through song and testimony is a proven and effective method of ministry. Often those who are not willing to attend church or even listen to someone talk to them about the gospel will be willing to listen to a CD of gospel music and testimonies.

This collection is constantly growing with a new CD's being made available periodically. They are always available at Freedom Baptist Church for a modest price to cover material cost. For those who are not able to attend Freedom Baptist Church and would be interested in obtaining one or more of these CD's, they may e-mail me for more information by clicking here.

Vacation Bible School June 1 - 5

Vacation Bible School at Freedom Baptist Church will be held June 1 - 5 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Classes for all ages, even the adults! The theme this year is "Polar Extremes"

Bible study, games, snacks and refreshments, and singing nightly.

Freedom Baptist Church is located at 1536 Independence Avenue, Mount Carmel, Tennessee 37645.

For more information call Freedom Baptist Church at (423) 357-8363

Thought(s) for the Day

God will not guide you if you're not moving.


Do something for Christ's sake!


Been thinking about being saved? Let me help... Hell is terrible, Heaven is wonderful, Hell is the default, and both are eternal. What is there to think about?


Our desire and commitment to Study God's word and attend Sunday School is proportional to our desire to have a close relationship with God.


A wealthy man without Jesus is liken to a man who is on a journey, staying in the most spectacular hotels as he makes his way, but whose permanent home is a rat infested shack in the middle of a garbage dump. The born again child of God with no earthly wealth is linen to a man who is on a journey, staying in the most humble of motels along his way, but whose permanent home is a mansion beyond compare.


A Christian who does not study his/her bible is like a man who has received a million dollars as a gift, yet continues to struggle in financial woes because he will not tap into his bank account.


There is a fine line between having a burden for a brother or sister outside of the will of God and having a judgmental and self righteous attitude toward them. The burden should cause us to pray for them and not judge, condemn, or criticize them in our hearts. This can happen more easily than we think. If we feel the need to witness to such a person we should do so in the fear and meekness of the Lord, exhibiting love and patience.

A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.
Proverbs 18:19

Quote(s)

We have staked the whole future of American civilization, not upon the power of government, far from it. We have staked the future of all of our political institutions upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves, to control ourselves, to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God.
-JAMES MADISON -


I have found that there are three stages in every great work of God: first, it is impossible, then it is difficult, then it is done."
-Hu dson Taylor-


A good man is not a perfect man; a good man is an honest man, faithful, and unhesitatingly responsive to the voice of God in his life.
-John Fischer-


If a person gets his attitude toward money straight, it will help straighten out almost every other area in his life.
-Billy Grahm-


I don't put my face to the floor for anyone except Jesus Christ.
-Leslie Nease-

Leslie is a Christian radio talk show host in Charlotte, North Carolina. She was also a contestant on the television reality show, "Survivor". She made this comment on the first episode of "Survivor China" (aired September 20th 2007) after she refused to take part in a Buddhist ceremony which involved bowing in a Buddhist temple before a statue of Buddha.


Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom.
- Charles Haddon Spurgeon-
   English preacher (1834 - 1892)

Words of Wisdom

Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour
Proverbs 14:9


Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 122:6

Words of Inspiration

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:26-28


The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.
He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.
As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.
For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.
But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children;
To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.
The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.
Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.
Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.
Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.
Psalm 103:8-22


When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Proverbs 16:7

Congradulations!!!

To Joan Light (my wife). The Lord saved Joan on November 10, 2008


 

Play a Song

The following selection of songs are from the "Sounds of Freedom" CD collection. Just click on any of the links below to play the corresponding song.

Samples from Disk number 01

I'm so glad God Saves Old Sinners (Freeman Family)

I've Never Been This Homesick Before (Norma Anderson)

He Set Me Free (Freedom Baptist Choir)

Samples from Disk number 02

He Did it All For Me (Norma Anderson)

Reunion (Freeman Family)

Four Days Late and Still on Time (Pat Manis)

Samples from Disk Number 03

Testimony and Song, "I'm the One" (Larry Riner)

Do You Know How it Feels (Three Young Ladies)

How Can You Refuse Him Now? (Pat Manis)

Samples from Disk number 04

Shackled By a Heavy Burden (Tommy Collins)

Have They Forgotten the Cross? (Wings of Faith)

Alter Call - Two Souls Saved! (Andy Sensabaugh)

Jesus, How Can I Thank You (Wings of Faith)

Testimony and Song, "Thank God I made It" (Larry Riner)

Samples From Disk Number 05

Let's Meet By the River (New Vision)

One Day at a Time (Norma Anderson)

The Hand of Time (Wings of Faith)

Fill My Way with Love (Freedom Baptist Choir)

Because He Loved Me (Freedom Baptist Choir)

Almighty God (Wings of Faith)

I Am Redeemed (Freedom Baptist Choir)

Samples from Disk Number 06

No Other Fountain (The Principles)

Testimony of Praise (Norma Anderson)

Let Us Have a Little Talk with Jesus (Freedom Baptist Choir)

Just Outside the Window (Wings of Faith)

I Just Want to Thank You Lord (Freedom Baptist Choir)

By the Blood of the Lamb (Freedom Baptist Choir)

Samples from Disk Number 07

I Never Shall Forget the Day (Freedom Baptist Choir) & Testimony of Praise (Norma Anderson)

He Will Hold to My Hand (Freedom Baptist Choir)

Through the Fire (Wings of Faith)

Were You There (The Principles)

I'll Be Back (Wings of Faith)

Samples from Disk Number 08

Joy to the World (Freedom Baptist Church)

Nothing But the Blood of Jesus

It Was Me (Wings of Faith)

Samples from Disk Number 09

Would I Still Sing? (Wings of Faith)

Samples from Disk Number 10

Testimony (Pastor Andy Sensabaugh)

How Can I Thank You? (Wings of Faith)

What Child is This? (Norma Anderson)

Gettin' Ready & I Want to See Jesus (Wings of Faith)

Samples from Disk Number 11 (comming soon)

Heavenward Bound (FBC Choir)

Under His Feet (Norma Anderson)

Waiting by the River (Rebecca)

Alter Call, Soul Saved (Andy Sensabaugh)

Samples from Disk Number 12 (comming soon)

What a Day That Will Be (Rebecca)

Go By What Jesus Has Done (Elija Woods)

There's a Light Guiding Me (FBC Choir)

 

These are just a few songs from the Sounds of Freedom CD collection. For more information on this set of CD's e-mail me by clicking here.

Feature Photos


Freedom Baptis Church


My Brother-in-Law and Pastor of Freedom Baptist Church, Andy Sensabaugh


Andy Sensabaugh, Navy photo 1968


The Sensabaugh family, Andy, his wife Helen, daughter Wendy, and son James (photo taken approx 1976)


Pastor Andy and Helen Sensabaugh (photo taken in early 1980's)


My Mother-in-Law, Kathleen Barnette (photo taken approximately 1982)


Joan's brother, Lonnie


Joan (right) with her sister Helen and their Mom


Joan whith her sister Helen (2002)


Carl's Mom (1962)


Carl's Mom (1973)


Carl's Dad (1946)


Carl and his Dad (mid 1990's)


Carl's Mom and Dad, (late 1980's)


Carl's Mom and Dad (1992)


Carl's Mom and Dad (1981)


Carl's Mom and Dad (mid 1990's)


My brother, Ted (1970)


My brother, Ted (1973)


My brother, Ted (1985)


My brother, Ted (1992)


Our friend, Larry Taylor (2002)


Our friends and next door neighbors, Barry and Sandra Smallwood and Sandra's sister (in the middle). Photo taken at Joan's birthday party, Jan13, 2002.


Our friends, "The Wings of Faith" gospel singing group. Gary and Melissa Hogston and on the right is Melanie


Carl, first grade, 1964


Carl, high school freshman photo, (1974)


Carl (1978)


Carl (1988)


Carl and Joan (1979)


Carl and Joan (1988)


Carl and Joan (early 1990's)

To view the entire photo album click here

Hi Everyone! I'm Carl Light. Welcome to my web site (The Light House). I set this site up as a means for me to share my thoughts and views on a wide range of topics. It is also a place where those who are interested, can get to know me a little better. Those who know me can visit the "Journal" page to view up to date information on various things going on in my life.

Another purpose of this site is to serve as a ministry of the gosple of Jesus Christ. In this capacity, you find articles on a variety of topics pertaining to the Christian faith. These articles are found on the "Writing" page and are divided into four main categories, "Editorials and Commentaries" which are the longer articles, "Random Thoughts" which are usually shorter and less in depth pieces, "True Stories" which are based on my actual life experiences and the spiritual lessons that can be taken from them, and "Other Writers" which are simply a collection of pieces written by people other than myself which I feel has some spiritual lesson or blessing.

On the "Listen to Church Services" page, you can listen to audio recordings of the church services of my home church, "Freedom Baptist Church" of Mount Carmel, Tennessee. New audio is added to this page periodically so keep checking for new additions. There are two links for each service. One is for listening immeadiately without downloading and the other is for downloading and saving.

On the "Listen to Testimonies and Singing" page, you can listen to extractions of church services focused only on people testifying and singing.

On the "Sunday School" page, you can read the Sunday School lessons I prepare for the Men's Sunday School class that I teach on Sunday Mornings.

This site will also serve as a testing ground for me. As I continue to learn more about web site design and develop new skills, I will try them out here first. Therefore, this site will constantly be changing, at least for the foreseeable future.


Featured Piece from the Writing Page

Man Overboard

A man on a cruise ship fell overboard and was struggling to stay afloat. Some people who were near-by witnessing his trouble, began to discuss quiet nonchalantly what they should do.

One man said, “we should throw him a sandwich so he will not be hungry.” “That’s a great idea!” said another, “and we could throw him a magazine so he will not get bored.” A lady spoke out and said, “we should throw him a bottle of wine so he can relax.” Another man said, “perhaps we should through him some sun block so that he won’t get sun burned.”

Another man who was passing by saw what was going on and was dismayed by what he heard. He spoke very strongly and said, “None of those things will save this man. What he needs is a life preserver, that is the only thing that will save him!”

For a moment the crowed just looked at him with a blank expression, but then the look on their faces turned to an expressions of resentment and anger. Then one of the men spoke out and said, “You are very intolerant of other people’s ideas! You’re one of those people that think you know everything!

The crowed then turned from this man and continued to discuss ways in which they could help this drowning man, each idea as ridiculous as the next. While they were having their discussion the man grew tired and drowned.

Christians are sometimes accused of being intolerant; not so much for what we believe, but for believing that there is only one way to salvation and eternal life and that is by believing and accepting Jesus as savior and confessing your sins and calling upon him to save you. Many people believe that while they are comfortable with the religion they have chosen to follow, other religions are acceptable as well. They believe there is more than one way to Heaven. I’m not saying that there is only one denomination that will enter the kingdom of Heaven, but I am saying that any religion outside of one that recognizes Jesus Christ as the one and only way to Heaven is a vain religion. People will sometimes use the phrase “getting religion” or being religious to identify a person who believes in or practices a certain spiritual belief. They include Christians in this category. The fact is that EVERYONE is religious. Religion is simply what you believe and if you don’t believe anything at all, then that too is a religion. Religion in itself therefore doesn’t count for anything as far as going to Heaven is concerned. Religion will not get you one inch off the ground closer to Heaven, but Salvation will take you all the way to the pearly gates and beyond where the streets are paved with gold, untarnished by a single tear where life is eternal and joy is beyond comprehension. It does matter which road you choose to follow to get there. It may not be a road easily traveled but it is the road of truth. The destination is worth taking the rocky hard to travel.

If Christians seem intolerant because they don’t accept other religions which exclude Christ as the way to salvation, it is because the very doctrine of Christianity makes it clear that all doctrines excluding Jesus as the means to salvation are vain.

 

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
John 14:6

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.
John 10:1

Some people shop for a religion as though they were shopping for a coat. They try to find something that fits and is comfortable. If you were going to spend a couple of hours out in sub zero temperatures, would you choose the pretty thin jacket that was comfortable or would you choose the heavy wool coat that irritated your skin a little and was rated for sub zero temperatures? Well in that case most people would sacrifice comfort to take the coat that would do the job and keep them from freezing to death. People that shop for a religion like they would a coat are looking for something that fits their lifestyle. God’s way is the only way that leads to Heaven however. If God’s way doesn’t fit your lifestyle, then it is your lifestyle that needs to change fit, not the other way around.

 

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Romans 12:2

And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Ephesians 4:23-24

Those scriptures show that those who are born again Christians are changed when they are saved. Their desires change, their hearts change, their attitudes change. The problem with those described above shopping for an alternative religion is that they are content with themselves and are looking for a religion that is tolerant of their own ways and does not require them to make changes in their life.

A great thing about being a Christian is that while change is required, the Holy Spirit that begins to dwell inside every Christian once they accept the Lord Jesus as their savior will enable that person to make these changes, and guide them along the right path. The Christian just has to follow where the Holy Spirit leads.

 

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
2 Corinthians 5:17

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Galatians 5:16

Don’t settle for what is comfortable and easy to live with; choose the way of truth, the only way to salvation which is found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and no other.

 

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Acts 4:12

It’s not as hard of a road to travel once you get on it as it may seem to those who are sill on the broad way leading to destruction.

 

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30

God gives his children the grace and the strength to press forward and just knowing where that road is taking you enables you to walk it with a smile no matter how rocky it is or how deep the valleys may be that that road passes through.

Christians may indeed be intolerant of religions that don’t acknowledge Jesus as the means of salvation. How can we be any other way if we know that all other doctrines are corrupt and serve only to deceive and lead people into Hell?

Carl Light

© Copyright 2006 Carl Light (Copy as is with reference to source with permission)

 

 

Carl's Soap Box

Blinded to the Truth

If there is one thing that is common to religion and politics, it is that relentless determination of folks to defend their affiliation (denomination or political party) with little to no regard for truth. Of course both sides will deny this, proclaiming simply that their side IS the side of truth. Yet when confronted with undeniable truths that contridict their stand, they tend to downplay the significance of those facts or ignore them all together. The priority is to defend their side and win the debate, rather than to seek and acknowledge the truth. Pride is the driving force behind this inattentiveness to facts and is the greatest hinderence to acquiring wisdom.

When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
Proverbs 11:2

Even among religiions that share the same core beliefes and use the same source (such as the Holy Bible) as the foundation for their beliefes, there is often great division on tributary doctrine. It is extremely rare for anyone to radically change their religeous beliefs as a result of discussing or debating their beliefs with a person having an opposing view, even when storng evidence supports that opposing view. The subconcious objective is to win the debate, or at least not to be moved from ytheir position by anyone or anything. Ironically, this relentless desire to be correct often assures that the person will continue being deceived.

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
Proverbs 12:15

When our loyalties lie with a political party or a religeous denomination, independent of truth or moral right, we tend to follow their lead while being oblivous to changes in doctrine. If I am a republican or if I am a democrate, it is not because I have any great loyalty to that particular party, but rather it is because it just so happens that my understanding of the truth and my snese of morality is more in line with that particular party. If that particular party changes it's direction so that it no longer aligns with my values and my understanding of the turth, I'm not going to go along for the ride!

I am a Baptist simply because the Baptist faith is the denomination that best matches my own beliefs which are based on God's word. My loyalty lies with God and His Word. If the Baptist denomination were to change their doctirne such that their teachings and beliefes were no longer in agreement with my own, then I would leave that denominatioin without a second thought.

Tradition is another hinderance to seeing and accepting truth. People often Democrate or Republican or Baptist or Methodist, because their parents belonged to that same group.. They believe what they believe with very little knowledge of facts. They just automatically join the group without ever seriosly investigating what the group stands for. Some just do not want to think for themselves. It's enough that Mom and Dad embraced the doctrine. Perhaps one reason some folks are so headstrong in their beliefs even in the face of facts that invalidate those beliefs is that t their allegiance to tradition is more important than knowing and living according to the truth. The bible addresses this very condition in several places.

And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.
Matthew 15:6

And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.
Mark 7:9

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
Colosians 2:8

A problem with tradition is that if one person's beliefs are challenged, then all the tradition itself is challenged as well as all who hold to the tradition. When a person is confronted fwith truths that contradics their beliefe based on tradition; accepting the truth means they are not only acknowledging their own flawed understanding, but also acknowledging that the understanding of those from which they inherited the tradition is also flawed. As difficult as pride makes it to admit a flwed understanding, it may be even more difficult to acknowledge that Mom and Dad, and Grandma, and Grandpa were wrong.

It is certainly not a disgrace to be wrong about something. None of us are perfect.However, to continue holding to a tradition after evidence is presented that disproves it's validity is to willingly choose to be wrong.At this point follwing the tradition is no longer due to ignorance, but is due to apathy.

What does this say about such a person's character? In the case of political or philosophical beliefes, it simply means the person does not think for themselves or else they don't really care about the issue(s) at all. They just wantsocial acceptence without regard for truth.

In the case of spiritual beliefes however, it reveals an even worse condition of the heart. They are placing tradition and family before the Word of God. Jesus addressed this behavior in his teachings on priorities:

34Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. 37He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
Matthew 10:34-37

People today often have a shallow understanding of what it truly means to be fully committed and devoted to the Lord. Here Jesus illustrates the degree of devotion that is expected of his followers by comparing the love of family to the love we are to have for him. To love someone more than we love our parents or our children seems extreme, but that is the point. Our devotion and commitment is to be that extreme! This same analogy is used to make the same point in another scripture…

26If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
Luke 4:26

We are certainly instructed to love and honor our parents and in fact to love all people. That love however we have for others is to be like hatred in comparison to the love we have for God. The message is not to diminish the love we have for others, but rather to exemplify the greater love we are expected to have for Christ.

The lord demands absolute total devotion to Him. Anything less than a total commitment to Him is considered luke warm and is not desirable.

15I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Revelation 3:15-16

Jesus is clear. We are to fully committed to him and his teachings. He is to be our top priority. Everything else is subordinate to living for him. To tie this fact to the focus of this issue of embracing truth rather than traditions, feelings, and other loyalties, we need to understand that JESUS IS THE TRUTH.

6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
John 14:6

Don't place too much empahsis on being right wing, left wing, democrate, rupublican, Baptist, Methodist. Place greater priority on following and supporting what is true, what is fair, what is moraly right, what is just, and what is Godly. Know what God's word says and what it means. Let the word of God show you what is moraly right, true, and Godly. Beware of those who teach false doctrines and political leaders who speak Enchantingly while there polocies are contrary to God's truth and morality. Don't allow another to tell you what to think. Examine the facts, know the truth and measure accordingly. Think for yourself. Have the humility to change your view when the real truth exposes your view to be corrupt or incorrect.

Speaking Hard Truths Vs Speaking Condescendingly

This commentary is in the context of communicating biblical principles and teachings, specifically in regard to preaching, teaching, and testifying.

What I refer to as speaking "hard truths" is communicating those biblical principles that are difficult for us to hear because they bring conviction to our hearts by showing us things about ourselves that we do not want to admit are true. In contrast, what I refer to as "speaking condesendingly" is to speak in a spiritual context outside the support or authority of scripture in a way that offends, condems, judges, criticizes, or humiliates another person.

Speaking hard truths that are supported by scripture may also cause negative feelings or discomfort. The difference is that when God's word is used in communicating those hard truths, it is the Word of God itself that convicts us and not the speaker. In such a case, God's word is doing exactly what it is suppose to do.

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12

God's word will work it's way into our inner most being (soul and spirit, and joints and marrow, thoughts and intent of s of the heart). It shows us things about ourselves that we need to know, but may not like knowing. It's not for our misery, but for out own good. It's like looking in the mirror and finding that our hair is in a mess. We may not be delighted to find that our hair is a mess, but by seeing that it is indeed a mess, we can do something about it. When God's word shows us areas in our life that are outside of God's will, then we can repent and with God's help make the necessary changes in our lives so that we can be reconciled back to fellowship with God and thereby be in a place to receive the fullness of God's belessings. It is for our benefit and so correction througth the teaching or preaching of God's word is something to be appreciated and couted as a blessing though it may sting when first received.

Sometimes the Lord will allow a preacher, teacher or even a simple child of God with a testimony to speak on a subject of which they have strong feelings. While this can certainly be a blessing for the speaker, there is also a risk involved. Any time we speak on topic that we are passionate about, there is the danger of "getting in the flesh" (speaking from personal feelings, rather than from doctrine). This will almost always have negative results. Let me give a real life example to illustrate..

One night during a revival, a man made a statement during the prayer request that may have been perceived as scornful or judge mental to some people. It was certainly perceived that way by one of the preachers that was holding the revival, because it was the focus of his sermon the next time he preached a couple of days later. The man who made the statement did indeed need to hear the message which addressed his scornful way of speaking to the congregation. However, when the preacher stood to preach, he openly brought attention to the thing this man had said a couple of nights before and then said, "I don't know if he is here tonight, and I don't care." This remark hit the man like a slap in the face. He was offended, humiliated, and angry. After that remark was made, it was very difficult for him to hear very much of the message that followed. The feelings of humiliatiion and anger put up a barrier between the preacher and himself that was difficult for anything else to filter through. This principle of offense interfearing with the message is supported by scripture..

A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.
Proverbs 18:19

The first few verses of 2 Timothy, chapter four, gives instructions pertaining to preaching the gospel and I believe it would also pertain to teaching, testifying, and witnessing. Verse 1 of 2 Timothy chapter (4) reads..

I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
2 Timothy 4:1

"Preach the word" means that the things preached should be of God's Word (the bible). I believe it means that personal feelings and opinions should be left out if those feelings and opinions can not be substantiated by the word. God's word is not to be watered down, but neither is anything to be added to it. Doing such things is commonly reffered to as "being in the flesh" as opposed to "being in the spirit".

The remark, "I don't know if he is here tonight, and I don't care." was obviously a remark made in the flesh because:

  1. It was not a comment that could not be substantiated directly or in principle by God's word.

  2. It was not in agreement with the will of God. You see it DID matter to God that the person the preacher was referring to was there.

I am all for preaching hard truths. If the hard truths of the bible being preached offends someone then so be it. Often times a message of biblical hard truth will first be received with offense, but over time it will bring that person to the realization of their sin and ultimately lead to repentence. Scornful remarks made outside scripture do not have this power to bring about Godly sorow required for repentence. It only serves to hardend hearts and generate feelings of bitterness. It can even cause a person to develop a misconception toward all men of God, the bible, the chruch, and everythig pertaining to Christianity. A simple scornful remark can indeed do all of that. Perhaps this is why the bible gives such a strong warning about speaking in such a way.

1My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. 2For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. 3Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 4Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. 5Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 6And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. 7For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: 8But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 10Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. 11Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? 12Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.
13Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. 14But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
James chapter 3

The preaching and teaching of God's word will get the job done.


Random Thoughts For Ponder

Christianity and Politics

It has been said that Christians ought not to envolve themselves in politics, even so far as to discuss political issues. I believe however, that a Christian should be concerned about the welfare of their community, their state, and their nation. How can we love people and not be concerned for their welfare? It stands to reason therefore that if we are concerned for people's welfare, we will have an interest in political issues. After all, t politicians in office have a great impact on our ecconomy, our safety, our health, our medical care, our retirement, and our liberties just to name a few.

Putting our faith in the Lord to care for us and provide all our needs does not mean that we should not care about what is going on around us. Rather than putting our heads in the sand, we ought to take a stand on these issues and present a Christian perspective to be considered when these things are being discussed, debated, and boted on. Christians believing they should remain silent on political issues is how prayer was removed from our schools, the Ten Commandments were removed from our courthouses, and same sex marriage was legalized.


Love

You've probably heard the saying and even seen it on posters...

"Love is never having to say you're sorry." I believe that is a ridiculous statement! We sometimes hurt the people we love. In a moment of frustration or anger we may say something that we do not mean. Sometimes we may do something out of ignorance or insensitivity that causes hurt to someone we love. None of us are perfect and therefore we will all do things from time to time that causes some sort of hurt to our loved ones in spite of our best intentions. Love is then demonstrated when we humble ourselves and make an appology. Implied appologies do not count. Confessions are not appologies, but should accomany the appology. The only way to give a real appology is to come out and say that you are sorry.


Living in Sin

There is an old phrase used to describe an unmarried couple living together. It is said that they are "loving in sin". The truth is that ANY person who has never put their trust in Jesus to be their savior is living in sin regardless of how moral they may be.


Christian Music

Why is it that so many people believe that God could only possibly like the same type of worship music that they like? Like everyone else, I have my favorite type of worship music which happens to be traditional gospel. While I feel that traditional gospel music is more compatible with the basics of the gospel such as the blood atonement and the work of the cross; this does not mean that all other forms of Christian music are are unfit for worship. I believe many people simply judge by the "sound" of the music (the beat, the tempo, etc..).

I know of some people who even believe that the use of certain instruments such as drums or an electric guitar makes the music unfit for worship. This is pure leagalism and has no biblical basis. More attention should be paid to the lyrics to determine if they are compatible with God's word and if the lyrics praise and honor our Lord.

I believe it is fine to have our favorite type of Christian music and only listen to that particlar style, but we should not criticise those who chose to listen or play another style based entirely on our personal feelings which are not supported by scripture.


Ye Must Be Born Again

Someone may say about a man mowing his yard on a Sunday... "Don't he know that he will go to Hell for that?" The truth is that if the man is saved, mowing his yard on Sunday will not send him to Hell, and if he is lost ceasing to mow his yard on Sunday will not get him into Heaven.

Note: The eternal security of salvation is not a free ticket to sin. Sin hinders us from receiving the fullness of God's blessings even to the point that He will not hear our prayers. There is also the Judgement Seat of Christ that every Christian must face and give an account for every thing he/she has done after they were saved.


Does God Hear All Prayers?

I've heard people say that God hears all prayers. I've heard some take it a step farther and say that God answers all prayers. As surprising as it may seem, this is not what the bible teaches. First of all, we must be a child of God (saved) to have our prayers answered. The exception is the sinner's prayer of confession and replea for God to save their soul.

Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.
John 9:31

If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:
Psalm 66:18

For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
1 Peter 3:12

I have known a number of lost people who pray on a regular basis. Many will not accept the fact that God will not hear them. Everyone wants to believe that God hears their prayers, even the lost. One might ask, "If a person prays, isn't that proof that they are a believer and therefore saved? The answer is no. Prayer is only evidence that they have an intellectual belief in God, but is not evident that they have believed in their heart which is quiet different and is the type of belief that results in salvation.

For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Romans 10:10

Even born again Christians can get into a condition of which God will not hear their prayers. There is an abundance of scripture which teaches us that if we get out of fellowship with God by living contrary to His Word, He will not hear our prayers. Here are a few...

He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.
Proverbs 28:9

And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.
Isaiah 1:15

Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
Isaiah 59:1-2

Sometimes a fellow Christian may ask other Christians to pray for him/her due to some sort of hardship. This is certainly acceptable and we should always be willing to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Sometimes that Christian who is asking for prayer is out of fellowship with God. They may not be living according to the statues and teachings of God's word. I'm not talking about a mistake here and there, after all none of us are perfect. I'm talking about someone who has grown cold and indifferent toward God. I'm talking about someone who is living in such a way that they are barely or not at all recognizable as a Christian. While we are not to judge one another, we are to encourage, exhort, counsel, and if necessary rebuke one another to help them be reconciled back into fellowship with God where they will be in a position to receive the fullness of His blessings. When properly executed, these things are not acts of judgement or criticism, but rather they are acts of brotherly love.

Open rebuke is better than secret love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
Proverbs 27:5-6

Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.
Proverbs 11:14

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
Proverbs 12:15

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
Galations 6:1

While praying for such a person's needs as they have requested, we should also pray for their restoration of fellowship with God. We should also do our part as a counselor by reminding them that the way of a transgressor is hard. Though God is faithful to answer the prayers of those who abide in Him, we can pray for until we are blue in the face, but God will not bless over sin. The best that we can do for one who has strayed from fellowship with God is to help them see their true condition and their need to be reconciled through repentance.

Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.
Proverbs 13:15

Another condition for God hearing and answering prayers is faith.

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
James 1:6-7

In contrast, we have some promises in God's word that He will hear and answer the prayers of His people who pray in faith and live in obedience.

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
James 5:16

Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 18:19

And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
Matthew 21:22

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
John 15:7

It is plain to see from scripture that God's favorable response to our prayers is contingent to our faith and obedience.

March 27, 2008

E-mail Forwards

Most of us get them whether we want them or not. I suppose some folks delight in both sending and receiving forwards. As for myself and a few others I know however, they are with few exceptions a great annoyance. To those who enjoy sending and receiving forwards I suppose that statement seems very anti-social or even down right unfriendly, but that is far from the truth. Let me explain by giving a few reasons why I personaly do not enjoy them.

They are impersonal
I have friends and family scattered all over this country. Some of them I only see every few years and others I never see at all. E-mail correspondence is a great way to stay in touch and helps to maintain those close ties. I love to hear from them from time to time, but almost every e-mail I receive from them is a forward and contains nothing personally from them. What I want to hear from them is something about how their life is going. I want to hear about their accomplishments, their woes, and their prayer requests. I want them to share some of what is on their heart. I am genuinely interested in how their life is going; not from a meddling perspective, but simply because I care. I wouldn't even mind receiving a forward from them from time to time if I also received something personally from them once in a whale. So you see, my attitude about e-mail forwards is not an anti-social attitude at all.

Most e-mail forwards are repeats
Many of these forwards have been passed around for years. It seems I get the same ones over and over again. Not that I like NEW ones, but I dislike receiving the 'repeats' even more.

Many e-mail forwards are bogus
Not all e-mail forwards are of the "social call" variety. A great number of them are in the form of a warning of some sort. Sometimes they warn us about a virus being passed along through e-mail, or about a product that is dangerous, or about a scam that is going around. While I certainly appreciate being warned about such things when they are real, the fact is that the majority (a very large majority) of these warnings are simply hoaxes. While the internet is a vast source of usable and reliable information, it is also true that a lot of what is on the internet is untrue. It is fairly easy to check out this type of forward to determine if it is a hoax. There are several web sites that list them. A few of these web sites are:

hoax busters.com

About.com - e-mail hoaxes

and here's one that tells how to spot an e-mail hoax.

About.com - How to spot an e-mail hoax

Another type of hoax is the one that plays on peoples sense of compassion. An example would be an e-mail that tells a story of a child that has been severely injured or is very sick. The e-mail goes on to explain that for every forward of this e-mail that is sent, some organization will donate a certain amount of money to help this child and their family. These type of e-mails are always a hoax. First of all no organization donates money for a cause based on a number of e-mails that get forwarded. Even if they wanted to do that, there is no way that they could possibly know how many e-mails were forwarded and even if they had the capability they most likely would not have the resources to monitor such a thing. If an organization wants to donate money, they will donate it period. Why would they determine the amount to donate based on the number of e-mails that are forwarded even if they could monitor such a thing. It doesn't make sense.

Another type of e-mail hoax is the e-mail petition. E-mail petitions are as useless as the imaginary paper they are written on. They have absolutely no legal basis. In fact, forwarding an e-mail petition is a good way to have your e-mail service terminated for violating the server's rules regarding forwarding e-mail chan letters. For more information on e-mail petitions, click here.

Blessings and Curses
Perhaps you've seen these e-mails that promise great blessings (often financial blessings) as a reward to forwarding an e-mail to a certain number of people OR a promise of a terrible curse for NOT forwarding the e-mail. I shouldn't even have to write about this, because everyone except the most naive of people surely understand how ridiculous these claims are. As a Christian I know that God is in control of my blessings and my chastisements. I also know that my blessings and chastisements are based on my obedience or disobedience to him.

The Shame Strategy
Of all the reasons I dislike forwards this one is at the top of my list! I'm talking about those e-mails that challenge my love and loyalty to my Lord and Savior based on my decision of whether or not to forward an e-mail. I have saved a couple of these for examples to show here. Below are two closings of actual e-mails that I have received in the past.

THIS IS A SIMPLE TEST.... If you believe that God is alive and well, send this to at least ten people and the person that sent it to you!!!!!!!!
This is so true.
Sometimes it's the simplest things that God asks us to do that cause us, if we are obedient to what He's asking, to be able to hear. His voice more clear than ever. Please listen, and obey! It will bless you (and the world). Phil 4:13
This is an easy test - you score 100 or zero. It's your choice.


If you aren't ashamed to do this, please follow the directions. Jesus said, "If you are ashamed of me, I will be ashamed of you before my Father." 

Not ashamed...Pass this on

For those that prefer to think that God is not watching over us...
go ahead and delete this.
For the rest of us...pass this on.

My shamelessness of my Lord is not demonstrated in sending an e-mail. It is demonstrated in living for Him each day and allowing His light to shine through me in all that I say and do or don't say and do. If a person wants Christ to show in their life, they can life a dedicated uncompromising fife for Christ before this world. Give thanks for your for your food in public as well as in private. Be faithful in church attendance by attending EVERY service that you can including Sunday School and mid week services. Praise His name openly before both the lost and the saved. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you in every aspect of your life, even in the coices of music and videos that you listen to. Make choices that reflect purity in your life and that give Him honor and glory. Be a cheerful giver to the church and other charities. Don't complain over your hardships, but instead rejoice that you are not going through them alone and that you have a better day to look forward to. Witness to others about Christ. Find a work to do in serving the Lord. Let the love of God be shed abroad in your heart that others may see that there is definitely something special about the love within a child of God. Do it all with humility, giving God the praise for any good that others may see in you.

How shallow a person's understanding must be to believe that choosing to forward or not to forward an e-mail is an indication of a person's relationship with God. Ironically, it seems that a person who thinks this way, are themselves lacking in the very things they accuse others of in these e-mails.

And these are some of the reasons that I do not like e-mail forwards.


The Essence of the Gospel

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Romans 3:23

And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Revelation 10:15

Ye must be born again.

John 3:7

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

Romans 10:9-11

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Romans 10:13

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: hen we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Thessalonians 4:16-17

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Revelation 21:4

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Acts 4:12


I hope you enjoy your visit to The Light House.
Your comments and suggestions are welcome.

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If you have problems using the above e-mail link,
just send e-mail using this address: light@embarqmail.com

Carl Light

 

"Clouds Opened Up " curtsey of "Wings of Faith" (see photo below)

The Wings of Faith

The Wings of Faith

Below are the latest changes to the web site. For a complete list of revisions,
click here or on the "Revision Log" link above

Revision Log

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Revision

Description of Change

06/13/2009 12.4
  1. On "Listen to Church Services" page added the audio for the service of October 19, 2009

This web site was last revised on : June 13, 2009

 

 

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