Galen Leather x Kaweco Review - Sport Fountain Pen Cognac - Galen Leather Edition

 I have wanted to review a Galen Leather product for quite awhile now. By which I mean, I have wanted to own and enjoy a Galen Leather product for quite awhile and share the experience with others. Their Writing Box and Medic Bag are higher-dollar items that I've constantly looked at, and I hope to own one or both of these at some point. But the newest product from Galen that prompted an instant purchase is the collaboration between Galen Leather and Kaweco. The new Kaweco Sport Fountain Pen Cognac - Galen Leather Edition. 

A few weeks ago, someone in the online pen community mentioned this collaboration, and I thought it was wishful thinking. They were discussing collaborations in general, and didn't mention this pen. But they did specify a Galen Leather x Kaweco collaboration, and I thought, "I can't wait for that 

to happen!" Turns out I didn't have to wait at all. This pen was already made and I ordered it as soon as I found out.

The color got me. I fall for the colors of Fall every time, and any pen with amber colors gets my attention, and usually my money. The Kaweco Galen Cognac edition makes me think of pumpkins, apple cider, and the colors of my favorite season. So, last weekend when my family headed out to our local pumpkin patch, Baldwin Farms, I took my new pen along for the ride.

(Kaweco x Galen Leather Cognac Edition, Nock Co. Fodderstack, Story Supply Co. Notebook, and Baldwin Farms Pumpkin)

The pen writes smoothly and consistently, as expected from Kaweco. Kaweco continues to be one of my favorite pens, and this collaboration only serves to boost my appreciation of them even more. You may be less familiar with Galen Leather Co. This family-owned business based in Turkey excels in customer service. Their products are beautiful, and they stand behind them. At the time of my pen order, I received confirmation and personalized follow-up, and the same after my order was shipped and received. 

Galen clearly cares about their customers and works to make sure the purchasing process is smooth. It was. This was my first pen order requiring customs paperwork and it went through without a hitch. Galen also included some extras with my purchase and the branded drawstring bag and postcards help enhance the great presentation of the company and its products. 

Check out the Galen Leather Co. products at https://www.galenleather.com/

The site is a gorgeous display of the leather and woodworking prowess of the company. Every image on there is what I want my desk and Study to look like.

(Galen Leather Co. Goodies and Extras)

(I purchased this product with my own funds from Galen Leather Co.)

God's Timing and a Good Book, Episodes 1-3

 Last year I wrote a brief blog about a couple of good books and how God placed them into my hands at strategic times in my life and ministry. I mentioned that I would be starting a video series to share more of those books and as a way to thank the people who helped bring those books across my path. It wasn't until this year that I was able to start the project. I've greatly enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to sharing many more! Below are links to the first three episodes on YouTube:

Episode 1, Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

Episode 2, Charlotte's Web

Episode 3, This Present Darkness

Platinum Curidas Fountain Pen Review

One of my hobbies is fountain pens. Over the course of almost three years, I've acquired a decent collection, and they are a daily tool for much of what I do as a pastor and author. I use them for all of my personal writing, study, and sermon notes, and for some sketching and illustration. The Platinum Curidas - a new retractable fountain pen - is a recent addition and this is my quick review of a pen that's quickly becoming a favorite.

Nib: Fine, stainless steel.

Ink: Platinum cartridge black

Barrel Color: Gran Red

The Mechanism: Mesmerizing, retractable, clicky pen goodness. 

The Nock: Excellent acoustics. Like a Parker Jotter with Bose speakers hooked up to it. 

CLICK * KA-CHUNK* 

Multi-Step Take-down Pen: You won't ink up this pen with the quick load of a cartridge. But...it's a really cool disassembly and reassembly process. Definitely part of the uniqueness of the Curidas. Akin to assembling Cold War era spy gear. I mean this in the best of ways. Hardware twists and clicks together like you're assembling a covert mini-rifle out of watch components and parts from your stealth camera. 

Inked: It seemed to be a slow starter. I'm not sure if that was more of a cartridge issue, or something related to the feed. But once the ink starts flowing, it smooths out and writes really well. This is my first Platinum pen, and I veered from my traditional Medium nib and went with Fine instead. This nib can handle tiny and precision lines like a needle-point pen.

Between the spy-tech gear and the really fine nib, I'm ready to write secret messages to fellow agents. I just won't be sneaking up on anyone. 

CLICK * KA-CHUNK* 

Summary: It's a new favorite in my fountain pen arsenal. It has been in daily use. The mechanics, design, and nib quality are all excellent. I can see why Platinum hyped and marketed this pen the way they did; clearly they knew they were into something good. It's a great pen I think you'll enjoy using frequently. Many people have expressed concern about the clip and the protrusion that holds it. For my standard grip, it was never in the way and was very comfortable when writing.

Purchasing: Pen Chalet, where I bought my Curidas, currently has all the colors and nib sizes available. I've seen it arriving at some other favorite vendors, too. I was fortunate to put in my pre-order in January, before the hype increased even more, and I got the pre-order pricing that provided a good discount and deal. 

I purchased my Curidas from Pen Chalet with my own funds. The opinions expressed are my own and were not influenced by the seller.

Whose Approval Are We Seeking?

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15

There it is. Summed up in Paul's words to Timothy. That's the goal of our study, our discipline, and our dedication. That we would be approved unto God. Sadly, we know there is a great temptation to seek the approval of others, even at the loss of God's approval.


I attended Bible college for four years, and received my bachelor's degree in theology. I'm thankful for that experience and education. I have never regretted the investment in my ministry. I continued my studies through the university where I'm employed. Later, I started working on studies in theology at the master's degree level. I'm a supporter of continuing education. I think our learning should be lifelong. We ought to keep working on the discipline of study. I believe we need to labor over the Word to be unashamed workmen. While we're working at it, though, let's remember Whose approval really matters. "Study to shew thyself approved unto God..."

As focus increases on academic achievements in the church and among its leadership, we must stay on guard especially in this area. Built into its DNA, academia includes a pursuit of constant and graduated approval. But whose approval? If we're not careful, our quest may become the approval of academic peers, professors, certifying boards, and those who award degrees. Yet, such approval can stand contrary to God's approval. To make the grade of man, what will we say? Will we be called upon to compromise Biblical values and doctrinal positions to receive the certification of men? One won't always demand the other, but I know cases where compromises have been expected in order to go to the next level of academics.

My secular job is a role in academic administration in a university. I have witnessed the constant pressures of measuring up for degrees and accolades. It's costly. It's unending. Ultimately the accolades of man fall far short of the one statement of approval we are supposed to seek:

"Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

It's not from our peers that we need to hear these words. It's not from committees. We must hear God say it.

I'm concerned when I see the intense pursuit of approval from unbelieving academics. It seems to have increased in the last few years. Perhaps some in the Church grew tired of having so-called scholars looking down their noses at Apostolics. Certainly it's tiring to hear other denominations misrepresent our understanding of the Bible. Of course it's frustrating to have us labeled as emotional but uneducated.

But back in the day, the closest followers of Jesus weren't identified by public accolades of their knowledge. No, the unbelieving intellectuals looked at the disciples "and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that THEY HAD BEEN WITH JESUS." (Acts 4:13)

I hope we'll continue to study, and grow in knowledge. Paul instructed Timothy to do the same. However, if we have to decide between knowledge that garners public accolades or power that illustrates we've been with Jesus, the right choice is obvious. I know the response from many will be, "We can have both. We can be highly educated, Holy Ghost-powered believers." That is true. Certainly we have many fine examples of that truth in the Church today. We even have some examples from the Bible.

Paul was, of course, educated at high levels. He put that education to good use. But when it came down to priority and preaching, Paul the scholar said,

"And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God."     1 Corinthians 2:1-5

"That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." That statement should direct our academic pursuits in these perilous times. Whose approval are we seeking? Where does our confidence rest? In the wisdom of men? In our own knowledge and education? Do we want people to praise us or praise God? I want to hear Him say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant..." 

Let's Stay Hitched!

Not long ago, author Andy Stanley dropped a hermeneutical bomb on the Christian world. The summary of his proposal: "It's time to unhitch...from the Old Testament..."
Defending his position against the backlash later, Stanley replied that critics didn't listen to his message series in its entirety. Apparently, they took a few quotations out of context and didn't give his entire message an opportunity to speak. But isn't this exactly what Stanley is proposing we do with the Bible? Isn't he suggesting we only take part of its message as our guidance?

Stanley points out that some atheistic authors and unbelievers use difficult passages from the Old Testament to discount Christianity. But I have to ask, should the Church's response be to discount the Bible, too? Listeners of Stanley's "Aftermath" series might get the impression that he considers the Old Testament as wobbly as the atheists do. Stanley quotes Harris and Dawkins repeatedly, remarking on one of Dawkins' disparaging statements about God: "That's a great line, isn't it? I mean...I don't believe it. But that's a great line."1 Then he makes up a conversation on behalf of Peter the disciple of Jesus. Note that. The atheists get quoted verbatim. Peter gets paraphrased in what I consider a gross misrepresentation. Here's that example from part 1 of the series:

Stanley explains, “If you were to ask Peter, ‘What’s the foundation…where do you find your hope…' He wouldn’t have quoted a verse from the Old Testament…he wouldn’t have quoted a verse at all…”

But this is exactly what Peter does on the day of Pentecost. He quotes the Word of God. He references David, Psalms, the prophets, Joel. When asked about the supernatural events the Church experienced on the day of Pentecost, Peter quoted Scripture. He gave as point of reference a reason for what was seen and heard that day. And it was based upon Old Testament prophecies and writings.

"But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams..."  - Peter, on the Day of Pentecost, Acts 2:16-17

Stanley's explanation within his series is that "our experience is based on a relationship with Jesus not on a book." He goes to some length to explain that the early Church didn't have the Bible we have. True. But they certainly had Scripture. And they linked their experience and relationship with Jesus to what they knew from Scripture. This Scripture is the very part that Stanley proposes unhitching from in the quest to move toward "reclaiming the new." Here's the brief promo copy of his new book, based in part on the Aftermath series: "Today we preach, teach, write, and communicate as if nothing has changed. As if 'The Bible says it' still settles it. It's time to hit the pause button on much of what we're doing and consider the faith modeled by our first-century brothers and sisters who had no official Bible, no status, and humanly speaking, little chance of survival."

On the surface, Stanley's book "Irresistible" presents an idea that the Church believes in. That is, we believe that a return to the faith, doctrine, and methods of the Church in Acts is key to what we need today. However, beneath the surface of the book there's a proposal for a dangerous move: discounting the Old Testament or seeing it as a disconnected part from the New Testament. Doing so removes so many "ancient landmarks" that help us understand what the first century Church was really experiencing at Pentecost and throughout the New Testament record. Peter understood this connection and it's clearly why he pointed out the link between the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the prophecy of Joel. "This is that." Paul understood the connection and repeatedly pointed out the Old Testament types and shadows and their parallels to the Church.

"Unhitching" from the Old Testament is not just a matter of cutting away the books of Genesis through Malachi. Readers who find those books "troublesome" will find themselves in trouble when they get to the New Testament. There they will quickly discover that the first book, first chapter, first verse immediately launches into references to the Old Testament. And those references are not just to historical markers, but to people who are important in the role of helping us understand the Who and what of Jesus Christ! Will proponents of unhitching recommend we get rid of every reference to the Old Testament? Some already have. If so, there will be conversations deleted that came right from the mouth of Jesus. There will be entire chapters that will have to be altered, since Paul quoted and referenced so much of the Old Testament in his writings. Of course, the adversary knows that removing so much of the Bible will eventually prompt the removal or diminishing of all the rest. We see this already in too many places.

Let's endeavor to say, as Paul said, "...I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God." (Acts 20:27) Let's take this precious book called the Bible in its entirety. "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." (2 Peter 1:21) Those are words worth holding on to.

Let's stay hitched!

Notes:
I communicated with Andy Stanley prior to sharing this article to convey to him my intent behind the commentary you've just read. I believe this is the Biblical mandate; to go to the person first to air a grievance before taking it elsewhere. I also want to note what I expressed to Andy regarding his books and ministry: I have been reading Andy Stanley's books for almost 15 years, and utilized some of his books and resources when my wife and I planted the first church we started in our city. Books like Visioneering, Can We Do That?, Choosing to Cheat; It Came from Within, were all instrumental in my early years as a pastor. I read them and I shared them with others. The above article is not an opposition to all of Andy's work. It is, however, in direct opposition to his views as expressed about the Old Testament and the place it ought to have in the life of Christians.

1 The Dawkins quote was, in part: “The God of the Old Testament is arguably the most unpleasant character in all fiction: jealous and proud of it; a petty, unjust, unforgiving..." I'll stop there, but the infamous quote doesn't warrant compliment, by any means.

God's Timing and a Good Book

I've lost count of the number of times someone has recommended a book or given a copy to me, and I discovered that God brought that book into my life precisely in the season I needed it most. It's one reason I try to move quickly to purchase recommended books. It's also why I try to gift books to others as God prompts me or as I come across titles that have blessed me.

As a teenager with an early call to the ministry in my life, I would receive copies of ministry and missionary books from leaders in my home church. None of them knew I had placed some restrictions on my ministry in certain areas. Let's just say I had held my ground on staying close to home for ministry. During that season, a dear Sunday School teacher gave me a copy of the wonderful book Bill Drost the Pentecost. And the limitations I had tried to maintain regarding my involvement with missions and missionaries began to crumble. A few years later, the impact of that book was built upon by Bro. Jim Sleeva, my missions instructor in college. And for the first time I really accepted that the world at home and abroad was a mission field. If I purposed to fulfill my calling, I would be a missionary one way or another, in one place or another, and I must be willing to go. At that time, my involvement began with "home missions" and I started visiting new church plants and eventually accepted an invitation to serve in a home missions work in Indianapolis. That journey took me away from home and familiar territory to where I am now, pastoring the church my wife and I planted as Kentucky Missionaries over 10 years ago in Richmond.
https://pentecostalpublishing.com/p-843-bill-drost-pentecost.aspx


This past October, on the drive to Indiana, for what would be my last Earthly visit with my Dad, I began listening to C.S. Lewis's "The Weight of Glory", recommended by my wife. I didn't finish the selection of sermons and messages on the way there. I arrived at my parents and stayed by Dad's side until he passed away late that night. On the way home to get my wife and kids for Dad's funeral, I finished "The Weight of Glory." It was profound, powerful, and perfectly timed for a grieving son. A couple days later, I re-read Lewis's The Last Battle. "Higher up and further in" resounded in my soul as I longed for the Heavenly reunion the Narnia characters were experiencing.

God's timing and a good book are a powerful combination.

A couple years ago I was introduced to a classic book at the recommendation of Rev. Philip Harrelson. I'm a little embarrassed to say I had never read A Tale of  Three

Save the Songbook

My wife is a singer and musician who plays piano and ukulele. She leads worship at our church. More importantly, she is led by God in her choices for songs in each service. I can't count the number of times that she has chosen a set of worship songs that fit in perfectly with what God wanted to say and do in our services and through the preaching of His Word. No one provides a list of songs to her and it's rare that she's asked to use a particular song. And yet, time and time again the songs connect to the words of the message that is preached and the atmosphere of the service at any given time.

Over the last couple of years, she has been on a quest that she calls, "Save the Songbook."

She has become something of a hymnal archaeologist, drawing out old beloved songs that have nearly been forgotten. She has tracked down old record albums to hear the songs. She has brought some of those hymns back into use in our worship services and it has been a refreshing experience revisiting them. There are powerful songs in those hymnals. There is great doctrine in the lyrics of many of those songs. Admittedly, we've both reached an age where our nostalgia has increased. We both grew up singing many of these songs. It's more than reminiscing, though. There is something about those old songs! More and more lately I read and hear discussions of the potential crash of modern-day worship services. Our church has newer and contemporary songs in some services that you won't find in any hymnal. But I think our worship leader chooses the songs in consideration of what made some of the older songs so powerful.

I love the way Rev. Martin Ballestero said it not long ago, "I know the Bible says sing unto the Lord a new song. But I never read where it said we had to stop singing the old ones."

(Visit my wife's YouTube channel to hear some of these great hymns revisited: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPWzN8k__BYetDTuvdyvB7w)

The Temptation in the Temporary

Every Church Planter I know has a vision and desire to see the new work eventually move from temporary locations and become an established church in their cities. If you go back to the earliest posts here on Ground Up, you'll see mentions of times when the church I pastor was meeting in coffee shops, hotel conference rooms, and small storefront buildings. Those were necessary steps in our journey and those early days hold great memories for us. In fact, we've worked to keep some of the settings as a part of our ministries even as we've grown beyond those original locations. As we've grown and expanded ministries, we've continued to look ahead to the time when we would become more established in our city. This year is the time.

It has been a busy year as we move toward a permanent location for the first time since the church was planted. We have been working on the purchase of land, and building a new building for Joyful Life Ministries. People have given sacrificially. Every person at JLM, in every age group and demographic, has gotten involved in giving, fundraising, and support. Donors from outside our church body have given toward our goal. It has been inspiring to see the excitement level!

What did we deal with on the way to this new place that God has provided? Common temptations that every Church Planter will struggle with as they move from the temporary to the permanent:

One of the temptations of God's people on the way to God's promise is the temptation to settle too soon.

Recently I read this reminder:"Don't think permanent thoughts in a temporary place." - Rev. J.B. Sims
While we have enjoyed our temporary locations, and each one has been better than the last, we've had to stay mindful of God's promise. Each place was a stop along the journey. Some lasted longer than others, but none of them have been the permanent place God wanted for His Church in this city.  Israel, after being delivered from Egypt, struggled with this temptation. In one leg of their journey, they found an oasis that was so much better than anything they had experienced in Egypt, they were ready to set up camp and stake a claim. The problem? The place was better than Egypt, but not nearly

Romans: Expository Preaching and Teaching

For the last couple of months, I have been teaching and preaching through the book of Romans. It has been a deliberate and rewarding process. I've intentionally slowed down and dug deeper into verse-by-verse study. I've pulled many books from my study at church and home: history books, word studies, Bibles and commentaries. What I've rediscovered is a book that is as culturally-relevant to our nation and world today as it was to the Church in Rome when Paul wrote it.

Romans chapter 1 was easy to stay in and dwell on for a good long while. Romans 1:21 has received much attention during this series:

"Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened." Romans 1:21

 The content of that verse and the resulting fallout that's described from verses 21-32 concludes the first chapter with a description of humanity that sounds like it could be pulled from a modern-day news headline. Paul was confronting spirits and battles that have become all too frequent to us today.

One of the books I started during my study of Romans was The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon. Originally a six-volume set considered a literary masterpiece by many, this book was recommended by Bro. Philip Harrelson in a Bible study he taught during the Summer. I tracked down my oversize three-volume set at a used bookstore and started reading. What I found so far was a indeed a

Holman CSB Study Bible, Leather, Full-Color, Review

I have really come to appreciate the Holman CSB Study Bible and it is close at hand in my study. This Bible is beautiful with color pages, photographs, maps, charts, and illustrations. With all of the notes, study guides, and commentary included, it feels like a library resource bundled with your Bible. It's BIG. 2,368 pages. It's heavy. 4 pounds. It's probably not going to be your every day carry Bible or even your take-to-the-pulpit Bible for preaching and teaching. I happen to like the size of this Bible, though. There's something special about picking up the Bible and feeling the weight of it, and turning the pages and seeing page after page of the Word of God illustrated and outlined so well. One note regarding the page-turning process: My edition has the silver gilded pages, and it is a slow process to separate the pages when you first get your copy. Be prepared for that task. The pages seem thin, even by Bible standards, and the gilded pages take some time and caution to separate.

Even if you don't carry this Bible daily, it might serve as one of your go-to study Bibles, as it has for me. If you appreciate more conservative theology, you will likely enjoy the commentary and notes included throughout this edition. I have been pleasantly surprised to read so many notes that are based on a strong conviction of the Bible as the inspired Word of God. In spite of our modern times and the redefining of many things in our culture, this Bible's notes provide a clear stance and alignment with God's Word in the areas I've read so far. For a Bible published so recently, this is a rare achievement. There are articles and study notes included that read very "old school" with conservative theology you don't find in many circles, Bibles, or books these days. It is a welcome addition and return to God's Word.

This Bible has many articles and expository notes that are distinctly counter-culture. They don't try to explain away or redefine confrontational or convicting passages throughout the Bible. This Bible is beautiful and well-made, but its content alone is worth the investment. I use it as a parallel study reference with my primary KJV Bible and commentaries. In fact, portions of it serve as a useful one-volume commentary.

I highly recommend this Bible. I purchased the real leather cover edition, at a steep discount due to a slight imperfection on the front cover. Retail price on this Bible was once around $160. Christian Books.com, where I purchased my discounted copy, had a copy recently on sale for $95. My copy was well below even that discounted price, so if you keep a watchful eye out, you might get a great deal on this excellent resource. You can currently get the hardcover version for around $30, and if you plan to keep this on your desk or in your study as a reference, hardcover might work for you.

https://www.christianbook.com/bible-black-premium-leather-thumb-indexed/9781433648069/pd/648069?event=ESRCG
I purchased my copy and provided this review without any requests from ChristianBook.com or Holman publishers.

Remembering Pastor Tom Simison, The Bible Church, Indianapolis - Pastor Appreciation Month, 2017

Bro. Tom Simison was my pastor for a short time, but the impact of his ministry will last a lifetime.

Bro. Simison preached many messages that impacted and blessed me and I remember one time during his message, "Sons Not Servants" Bro. Simison was clearly moved with a burden to connect this powerful concept to the congregation. He said, "I wish I could deliver this the way I feel it in my heart tonight." You could feel his desire to be a vessel that the Word could flow through to the Church. I know he was that vessel in many ways!I served as an assistant youth pastor and Sunday School teacher at The Bible Church in Indianapolis, Indiana, when Bro. Simison was pastor. I felt like Bro. Simison was a kind man who was always happy to see us. Even after we moved, when we would visit or see him at a conference or service somewhere, he would always smile and say "Bro. McGee!" in such a way that it was like a long-awaited reunion.

A couple of years after my wife and I started the church in Richmond, Kentucky, I invited Bro. Simison down to preach our dedication service. His health was struggling at the time, and he told me often he would have to sit down while he preached. He asked me if I still wanted him to come. I said, "Bro. Simison, you can preach better sitting down than any preacher can standing up! We will get you a special seat for the platform just for you." He came and preached for us and I remember he got so stirred up in the sermon that he barely sat down. Years later, people that attended that service still ask about Bro. Simison and reference that message!While he was with us in Richmond, we went out to eat and talked about the ministry and burden for Richmond. At the time, we had not seen very many of the major milestones a young church wants to see. I was discouraged and trying to make sure I hadn't missed God's timing. Bro. Simison asked me, "Did God call you here, Bro. McGee? Do you believe He brought you to this city?" I said I believed God did. Bro. Simison said, "Then you don't give up and don't quit. You keep believing and doing what God called you here to do. And you will see the harvest." That word kept me through many battles in the years that followed that conversation. It was Bro. Simison who told me,

Has God Said?

 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? -Genesis 3:1

In the Garden of Eden, the enemy's first attack was against the Word of God. "Has God said?" That question is being echoed in our day from many different directions, even within the Church walls.

"Has God said?" It's being labeled as a question of academic speculation. It's being painted as open-mindedness. But if these questions stir doubts about what God said, they are the beginning of deception and devilish doctrines. Every doubtful question about the accuracy of God's Word has its roots in that first question in the Garden.

"Has God said?" I've read far too many Christian books and articles lately that question the validity, the origin, and the Source of the Bible. I capitalize "Source" here because I believe God is the Source of the Bible. Detractors argue that there are many sources who contrived, wrote, and collected the Bible in a less inspired way than what we've been led to believe by the Bible.

I go to the Source and see that:

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. - 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Deception, Part 2: How to Stop It

 This is part 2 of an article I've written on Deception and the sneaking and creeping efforts to infiltrate the Church. For Part 1: How to Spot Deception, click here: Deception, Part 1

Pastors, if you've seen the red flags and warning signs that deception has worked its way into some dangerous and influential places in your church, I encourage you to take action. Letting deception continue to spin its web and gain traction and influence is deadly. If deception has been working its wiles for awhile, there is already some damage done. It's not the time for complacency or fear. This does not mean we should act in haste without prayer and wisdom preceding our actions. In fact, it's time to spend more time in prayer, call on trusted ministers who will pray with you, and prepare your heart and spirit for the battle to come. When you have covered the situation with prayer and have others praying with and for you, it's time to arm yourself with the following weapons:

Weapons Against Deception

1) Love for the Truth - Respond to deception's attack with a greater love for and examination of the Truth of God's Word. Explore more deeply the foundational Apostolic doctrines. Study verse-by-verse the book of Acts, drawing from the Apostolic Church a clear blueprint of what the Church should look like and experience. Dig into the epistles of Paul, where he openly confronted deception in the Church and admonished the Church body to love and keep the Truth. Examine Bible books and chapters verse-by-verse seeking the truth and power that comes from reading and studying God's Word. As our local Church has followed these steps, we've seen and felt a renewed dedication to the Truth and Biblical doctrine.

Deception, Part 1: How to Spot It

I have been increasingly concerned about the level of deception that is attempting infiltration in the Church. Having battled and withstood similar attempts, our church dug deeper into the Word of God to reaffirm our love for the Truth and ensure that our steps were being ordered by God's Word. The more we studied and read, the more we noted this battle throughout the New Testament, and in the churches Paul addressed in his epistles.

Deception's attack has been subtle in some cases, as is its custom. I have seen the attacks against the church I pastor and have heard other pastors express their similar concerns. On a global scale, this is also a concern for the Church body. We are seeing deception increase in our world. Read Romans 1 for the phases of this downward spiral. A key moment in that passage is verse 25, when they "change the truth of God into a lie..."
Truth is vital and deception is deadly. How can the Church guard against deception? We must know how to recognize it, and the earlier the better.

Atmospheres that Promote Deception

1) In absence of accountability and oversight, deception sneaks in. False doctrines can work their way in through unguarded gates. Paul discovered this tragic reality when his travels took him away from the churches he planted and he had to marvel that the believers were "so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ." (Galatians 1:6-9)  What are some of the unguarded gates in churches? Is there accountability between ministry leaders, teachers and the pastor? Is there a shared foundation that ensures teaching and preaching is consistent and in one accord? Are the various ministries on the same page? I'm not just talking about "We all teach from the same Bible." We know how many wrong directions people can go while citing the Bible as their common source. Among our ministry leaders and teachers, we can use shared curriculum,  and we should have a shared purpose and vision, and clear guidelines on what sources we will and will not use. After those lines are drawn, accountability helps ensure that all are following those shared paths and no one is veering off wildly from the body of Christ.

The A.W. Tozer Bible - Review

I purchased a copy of the A.W. Tozer Bible on sale recently. My version is the black flexisoft edition, King James version. I've got a couple of books by Tozer and a great little book of quotes that I got from a mentor/pastor a few years back. When I saw this Bible on sale I wanted to get a copy to see how Tozer's writings are incorporated with different topics and verses throughout the Bible.

Some great features of this Bible:

• Over 365 selections of Tozer's writings sharing the page with the Bible verse it references. 365 selections means you could do a one-a-day devotional reading with a Bible passage and commentary by Tozer. 

Inspiring Books in My Current Stack: Revival Resources!

I've been challenged the past month by a few powerful books that examine revival. If you can find these, I highly recommend them as resources to fuel your desire for revival. I checked for copies on Amazon, ChristianBook.com, and Pentecostal Publishing House, and when possible I provided a link to those editions. If you can find them elsewhere, such as used book stores, etc., they are worth the investment.


Charles G. Finney, He Prayed Down Revivals, by Basil Miller, 1941
A tremendous book for multiple reasons. One is Finney's testimony and account of his conversion after a Holy Ghost prayer service in the middle of the woods. It's a powerful testimony. The "new creature" impact it had on Finney became instantly visible to those who knew him and even to strangers who heard him preach. Miller's acknowledgment of the foundation of prayer in Finney's revivals is a powerful reminder, as is our need for a brotherhood to hold each other up in prayer and support, as illustrated by Finney's friendship with Father Nash.
Charles G. Finney, He Prayed Down Revivals
I can't remember where I got my copy of the older edition of this book, but it seems like it was in a box of books I purchased at a church's yard sale. Excellent book on revival!



The Works of the Holy Ghost, by Verbal Bean
Transcribed from sermons/lessons Bro. Verbal Bean preached and taught in the 1950s-1960s. There's a renewed interest in Bro. Bean's books and sermons thanks in part to his son, Evangelist Joel Bean, making the materials available online https://www.facebook.com/verbalbean/ and at the UPCI General Conference.
The first book I read of Bro. Bean's sermons was The Battlefield, about the revival in Laurel, MS. Also highly recommended!
These sermons and teachings will stir your heart and prompt you to get into the Word of God and prayer.




Crazy Busy, by Kevin DeYoung
Distractions are one of the enemy's tactics to detour us away from revival and the primary calling of God. But our "righteous busyness" is hard to spot because we justify it in multiple ways. After all, "we're busy for God." "We're doing the work(s) of the Lord." Without fail, crazy busyness pulls us away from time in prayer and deeper study of the Bible. Without those, there is no revival.

If you're too busy to read another book, get this book and start reading it immediately. I did and it had a great impact on slowing me down and helping me get back in the presence of God.




Why Revival Tarries, Leonard Ravenhill
This is one of those books, and Ravenhill is one of those authors, that you start highlighting quotes and paragraphs from the very first page! With a powerful introduction by A.W. Tozer, this book wastes no time in getting to the hard-hitting message of what it takes for continued revival. What this book has in common with the other 3 titles on this list is the conviction it stirs and the repentance it prompts. Great books on revival call us back to God, and draw us back to the altars of prayer and repentance. Why Revival Tarries excels in this invitation. You probably won't make it through too many pages before you take a break from reading to pray about what you've read! Ravenhill does not mince words and to those who receive them, revival will be the result.

Plant, Water, and Increase

I keep inspirational and thought-provoking quotes hanging on the wall of my office at Joyful Life Ministries. One of the quotes I look at on a regular basis is a statement by Pastor Dan Mitchell, of Columbus, Indiana:
"You are called to plant, to water, maybe both, but never to give the increase. God always takes care of the increase."
I love the fact that this straightforward statement gives me clear objectives, while helping me keep things in perspective about where my limitations end, and where God picks up and takes over.

That quote was also on my mind as I joined a group of ministers earlier this week for the newly-launched Apollos Project. The name of the project comes from the Scripture in 1 Corinthians 3:6, where Paul says - "I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase." The Apollos Project is dedicated to "strengthening ministers where they are planted to ensure maximum increase." The project will accomplish this, in part, through the networking and support of other ministers. This approach to ministry is also what Paul was talking about in his letter to the Church of Corinth. He had a clear understanding that the growth of the Church was not a one-man mission. He and Apollos were partners with God in the process. Paul also avoided the temptation to go after the credit in the ministries in which he was involved. Yes, he planted churches, but he was mindful and respectful of the additional ministries and ministers that had come along after him and continued to add to the process.

I am a church planter, and I am thankful for every minister that has come to Joyful Life Ministries and watered the seed we have planted here in Richmond. I am thankful for a team of kingdom-minded people working together with us to see the increase God has in store!

"A Series of Walks"

What does it mean to walk with God? What evidence is seen in a person's life when they walk with God? This month, JLM launched a new series entitled, "A Series of Walks" to look at the dedicated and powerful walks recorded in the Bible. From the time of Creation, God's desire was to walk among and with His people. That desire hasn't changed. Join us as we explore what it really means to walk with God, and as we commit to walking with Him more often and into more places He wants to lead us.

Part 1, "A Walk in the Garden" God's original desire was to walk with His creation. In the Garden of Gethsemane, we see that God's desire hadn't changed - He still wanted close communion with His people.

Part 2, "What Does It Mean to Walk with God?" We enjoyed the Group Bible Study as everyone shared Scriptures to help answer that question. Together, we discovered that walking with someone increases our 1) Recognition of Them 2) Our Sensitivity to Them 3)Our Awareness of Them. When you walk with someone, you go the direction they go, and if you walk closely enough, arm-in-arm, you are ready to go the direction they go at a moment's notice. That's the kind of walking we've prayed for this week. God, increase our sensitivity to You and help us to walk so close, that when You go any direction, we're right in step with You.

Current Series: "Faith That..."

As JLM worked through the book of Acts blueprint at the beginning of this year, I noticed a recurring ingredient in the early Church that we needed to examine more closely. "Without faith it is impossible to please God." That sounds like a vital ingredient for the Church. For the past three weeks we've examined faith and taken a closer look at our personal faith levels. Some interesting questions have come out of this series, and we're asking these questions no matter how painful the answer.

Part 1: How to Measure Your Faith - What's your faith level? What past hurts or disappointments have lowered that level? Are you believing in and trusting God more or less than when you first believed in Him?

Part 2: How to Build Your Faith - Now that you realize your faith level is not as high as it should be, it's time to rebuild your faith. It's time to get your hopes up again. Asking God to do something only He can do will help rebuild your trust in Him. Serve God with no plan B. Ask of Him, and don't make a back-up plan.

Part 3: Faith That Impresses God - A man with no prior relationship with Jesus Christ had faith in Jesus that caused Him to marvel. After all your experience with Jesus, how marvelous is your faith? Do you believe Jesus has the authority to solve your problem, heal your sickness, just by speaking a word? Wouldn't you love for God to look at your faith level and see "So great a faith..."

Part 4: Faith That Crosses Over - In the Gospel of Luke, chapter 8, Jesus tells His disciples to get in a ship and "go over to the other side." There was a promise in that command: You will make it to the other side. It's sometimes hard to remember those promises when the storm begins and the waves pummel the ship, when it seems like God isn't paying attention to you. But Jesus didn't say, "Let's get in the ship and sink." He promised the disciples they would cross over. Is your faith causing you to cross over to where God is calling you? Or are you holding back and staying on shore because of fear of sinking? One look at the faithful leaps of trapeze artists reminds us: "What you're holding on to is not as trustworthy as He Who wants to catch you."

Part 5: Faith That Wins - Are you tired of losing faith? How about loser faith? You want to ask God, and receive from God. You want to see your faith win. The prophet Elijah wanted this, too. So he entered Jehovah in a "God Contest" against Baal. He was not afraid to trust in God instead of the altars of dependency that others built. What non-God are you waiting on for a reply? Who or what are your altars of faith built to? If you're hoping in anything more than Jesus, tear down those altars and put your faith in the One Who will win the God Contest. You've got to have faith to ask God to be THE God of your life. And He will respond.

Current Series: "The Heart of..."

Examining the spiritual conditions of our hearts can be a painful procedure. It's also a vital necessity. Even King David, a man after God's own heart,prayed: "Search me, O God, and know my heart, try me, and know my thoughts; and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." (Psalm 139:23-24)

That prayer of openness and vulnerability before God has been the blueprint for JLM as we have continued looking at the issues of our hearts over the past few weeks. A vital necessity? Absolutely. At the heart of many of our battles are unresolved issues of the heart. And enemies of the heart work their way in through issues of the heart that were never worked out.

This prayer: "Search me, O God, and know my heart..." is one of those prayers that God is ready to answer instantly. I encourage you to pray it, but be ready for the things that will be illuminated in the dark corners of your heart as God shines His light on them. Pray this prayer when you mean it, and God will respond much quicker than you might expect.

During this series, I have been behind the pulpit preaching the messages, but I have not been immune to the conviction and challenges of the Word of God. I have felt God stirring my heart and revealing things that He wants to minister to; areas that I have put band-aids on instead of allowing a complete healing.

How about you? Are you ready to open up to God's close scrutiny? Are there childhood wounds that have dictated the course of your life? Are there old hurts that still cause pain and dominate you? Do you have unresolved issues in your heart that you keep running from or trying to camouflage? One thing I have become more aware of over the past few weeks: God never intended for us to be held captive by these wounds within us. Freedom from them is possible. It begins with vulnerability and humility in the presence of the Beloved Physician.