Thursday, April 30, 2009

Agape Assembly Website

Well, I'm going to make some minor adjustments to the Church's website homepage. I never noticed how large the type font was compared to other modern websites.
Let me know what you think.

elder todd

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

The Bottom Line



Matthew 28:19-20 (KJV)
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.


The Great Commission couldn't be any simpler. Christians are given clear, concise instructions both on what: Go. Make Disciples. and how: Baptize. Teach. But these simple words speak volumes to our expectations and perspective of what the Church ought to be and what God says the Church will be. So often, we find ourselves busy, overwhelmed even, attempting to find success in some area that is near and dear to our hearts in the name of ministry. And to be sure, there are many important works to be done for God, but this Commission is one responsibility that is shared by all yet neglected by so many.

So while we find ourselves running to and fro seeking to accomplish our own goals and vision, let's remember that above every other program, initiative, idea, or campaign, the Lord commands that we make consistent, dynamic, personal efforts to draw lost souls into the Kingdom of God.

God wants souls to be saved. And that's the Bottom Line.

elder todd

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Don't Touch That Dial!


My mother regularly listens to a Christian radio station as she drives. This afternoon she was enjoying some contemporary Christian music, when she stopped by a store. When she got back in the car to drive home, the station was running commercials. Then the music started again. The song was upbeat, energetic, and lively. She wasn't really listening and didn't notice anything wrong until the lead singer screamed the chorus: "WE'RE ON A HIGHWAY TO HELL!" (by the rock band AC/DC) It only took her a moment to realize that she had somehow changed the station she was listening to by accident, probably when attempting to adjust the volume or some other console button. Instead of her normal Christian station, the radio frequency had shifted just two positions to the classic rock channel. But what a big change that small move made!

She called me to share the story and we both a good laugh, and a sorely needed one at that. (Thanks Mom!) But I couldn't help wonder, what slight, inadvertent changes do we make in life that completely throw our God-given purpose off track? How easy is it for us to allow a seemingly minor, accidental adjustment to move us away from God's plan and vision for our life into a foreign, even dangerous place? And most importantly, will we be alert enough to notice that the station we're enjoying is not the one He set for us before we find ourselves on that undesirable "highway"?

Philippians 4:8 (KJV)
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

1 Peter 5:8 (KJV)
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:"

elder todd

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Just Do It!


I've found that the hardest thing about ministry is getting people to actually DO IT! Here's a strange paradox: The more that some people talk about doing ministry, the harder it is to get them to do ministry. It's almost like they feel some sense of accomplishment in developing some type of vision or idea whether God-given or not, to the point that the execution of that vision is all but an afterthought.

We are great talkers, and at times that can be our downfall, since talk without action just piles upon itself. Ask an inactive but great talker for their vision for ministry and they'll rattle off a list of ideas and initiatives so numerous and varied to the point of absurdity.

Here's one bit of wisdom: if you want to do ministry effectively, pick one thing, even a small idea, and do it....well. Then seek God for the next step and repeat.

elder todd

Ephesians 4:1 (KJV)

"I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,"

Monday, April 6, 2009

My Resurrection Day


The Easter Story is so familiar it hardly needs retelling. But going further than just knowing the story is identifying with it. All of us can relate somewhat to the ups and downs of Jesus' final week before His death, though of course, NONE of us can claim to have endured anywhere near the suffering He did.

Perhaps your life feels like Good Friday, the day of suffering and crucifixion. (or Wednesday or Thursday for you historical debaters out there) Maybe your life has been marked by much suffering, ridicule, rejection, abandonment, and viciously cruel attack at the hands of the same people you may have called brother or sister not so long ago. The pain is so deep and the shame so severe that you're not sure how much more you can take.

Or maybe you are feeling more like a Saturday. The violence has subsided, the damage done, and it appears the enemy has won. So-called friends have scattered and even you family considers you as good as dead. The hole you now find yourself in doesn't appear to yield survivors, only victims.

Hold On......Sunday is coming!!

Fact is, no matter how devastating your Friday or how dark your Saturday, God has a Sunday just around the corner for you. Yes, your very own Resurrection Day! And the wonderful thing is you don't have to wait until Sunday to experience your Resurrection.

Right now, right where you are, you can experience a new life and a new beginning. How is this so? Because our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ has already endured the pain and suffering for you. He conquered Death, Hell, and the Grave and today He is Risen! All you have to do is trust Him. Give Christ your life, your burdens, your sorrows and your shortcoming. Look up....weeping may endure for the night, but Joy; the joy of salvation, the joy of restoration, comes in the morning.

elder todd