ENEMIES OF THE CROSS - Daily Devotion - February 25, 2012

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY, 25, 2012

Philippians 3:18 “They are enemies of the cross…”

SCRIPTURE READING: PHILIPPIANS 3:13-4:1

13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. 16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. 17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose  glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) 20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. 4.1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

REFLECTION: Four words in this passage hit me hard. They always have.  I hope they always will.  They were words that deeply moved the Apostle as he wrote to the Philippians. With scalding tears coursing down his weathered cheek Paul warns us, some are “ENEMIES OF THE CROSS.”

How could anyone be an enemy of the cross of Christ?  Where are these imposters? Who are these opponents? Why are they enemies of the dear Lamb of God?  The Apostle answers: their God is their belly (they live to eat, drink, and be merry with no reference to eternity), their glory is their shame (they are so smug and proud they have convinced themselves that their godlessness is actually godliness), and they mind earthly things (their attention is focused on the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and desires for other things).  

God knows if we are “enemies” or “friends” of the cross.  Jesus said, “Ye are my friends if ye do whatsoever I command you.” (John 14:15).  May we ever “cling to the Old Rugged Cross, and exchange it someday for a crown!”

PRAYER: Our Father which art in Heaven, Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory forever!  Our hearts are moved with deep gratitude as we think that you so loved us that you gave your only begotten Son for us.  “That God should love a sinner such as I, how wonderful is love like this!”  We pray that we would never say, or do, or think anything that would set us against the cross.  Search our hearts, know our thoughts, and see if there is any wicked way in us.  Forgive us for opposing and resisting your will.  May we always be friends of the Christ who suffered, and bled, and died to save us from the guilt, the power, and the penalty of sin. “Oh how I love Jesus, Oh how I love Jesus, Oh how I love Jesus, because He first loved me!”  In His name, I pray. Amen.

I WILL GLORY IN THE CROSS... Daily Devotion - February 24, 2012

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY, 24, 2012
Galatians 6:14 “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross…”

SCRIPTURE READING: GALATIANS 3:13-14; 24-28; 6:14-16
13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: 14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Galatians 3:24-28
24 The law [the Old Testament Law given to Moses by God] was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. 26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 6:14-16
14 God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. 15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. 16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.


REFLECTION: The law of God cannot change our hearts. But the law of God can and does reveal what is in our hearts. When the law of God says, “Thou shalt not…” natural men reply, “I will do it if it kills me!” Even so natural men feel condemned for their rebellion to God’s law. To assuage their conscience and to prove to others that they are not so bad, they emphasize their good works, hoping that if their good outweighs the bad they will earn God’s favor. But God is not impressed. God is looking for a people who are not only conformed to His will, but who are so transformed that they love His will. The Apostle Paul came to the place where he knew that his only hope for salvation—a changed heart, a changed mind, and a changed life—was found in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. It was a difficult truth to accept for it meant that he would be relying on Christ alone for His salvation. But when he died to the world—its opinions, its expectations, its approval—and died to his own self-righteousness, he proclaimed: “I WILL GLORY IN THE CROSS!” The cross made the difference! And it still does!.

PRAYER: Our Father, you alone are worthy of our highest praise. You who so loved the world that you gave your only begotten Son are worthy of our deepest gratitude. You, who has sent forth your Holy Spirit as the Spirit who convicts, who converts, who guides, who comforts, who sanctifies, and who satisfies, are worthy of our admiration and love. Were it not for the cross of Christ we would have been forever without God and without hope, but we are deeply grateful today for your sacrifice. May we never glory in the things we have done for you, but live to give you glory for what you have done for us. We love you Lord and pray that today your wonderful will would be fulfilled in our lives. In the strong name of Jesus, Amen.

WE PREACH CHRIST CRUCIFIED - Daily Devotion - February 23, 2012

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2012

“We preach Christ crucified…”

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:17-31

17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

REFLECTION: As I stood outside the University of Illinois Student Union Building preaching the Gospel to a group of skeptical fellow students I was struck by the sheer improbability of the message I so confidently proclaimed.  I quoted the Scriptures to prove that Christ was born of a virgin, that he was crucified, dead and buried, that he rose again on the third day, ascended into heaven, and is coming again. But in the empirical world of science, the material world of business, and the heady world of philosophy, my message seemed more like a fairy tale than Gospel truth. What kept Paul preaching at Athens—the cradle of philosophy? What kept Him preaching in Rome—the most powerful capital in the ancient world?  Why was he so tireless in proclaiming Christ?  Paul knew what we have found to be true:  The preaching of the Cross is “the power of God” to all them who are saved.  Science cannot change our nature.  Business cannot transform our desires. Philosophy cannot answer the deepest needs of the human heart.  But Christ crucified, buried, and risen can and does all of that and more!

PRAYER: Our Father, How grateful we are today for your amazing Love!  “How can it be?  That thou, my God shoulds’t die for me?”  We pray that your great love for us, would incite us to greater love for you.  May your wisdom, your righteousness, your sanctification, and your redemption be ours through the shed blood of Christ.  We glory only in you Lord!  We know that we are blessed to be a blessing.  May it be so throughout this day. In the name above every name, the name of Jesus, Amen.

I WILL GLORY IN THE CROSS - LENTEN DEVOTION - February 22, 2012

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012

Scripture Reading: Luke 9:18-25

18 And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am? 19 They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again. 20 He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God. 21 And he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing; 22 Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day. 23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. 25 For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?

REFLECTION: Too many professing Christians imagine they can be identified with Christ without being crucified with Christ. Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote in THE COST OF DISCIPLESCHIP, "When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die." Christ's disciples deny the pleasures of sin, pride, and the "self-centered life. They take up the cross daily--dying to the world and the flesh. Without a death there can be no resurrection. Only when we fully die to our self-centered and selfish agenda can we rise to walk in newness of life. Fanny Crosby expressed it in her hymn "Blessed Assurance," "Perfect submission, all is at rest."

PRAYER: Our Father, Thank you for sending your only begotten Son to die on the cross for my sins. Search my heart and reveal to me any area of my life that is self-centered, or selfish, or in any way disobedient to your will.(Pause here and wait for a moment to listen for God's voice). Forgive me Lord. Purify my heart. I surrender my entire life to you. Put to death any rebellious and self-centered attitudes in my heart. Fill me with your great love. In Jesus' name, Amen.

FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE: www.FCCToday.org

TO THIS END...

ST LOUIS HOLINESS CONVENTION BEGINS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16!

And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God,  even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.  1 Thessalonians 3:12-13

TO THIS END...

Is GRACE a means or an end?  
In Ephesians 2:8 we read: "By grace are ye saved..." 

In Titus 2:11-14 we read: "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works."

In Romans 6:14-18 we read, "Sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness."

Without God's grace not one of us would be saved. We celebrate God's grace. We appreciate God's grace. John Newton was right! God's grace is amazing. Yet GRACE it is not proper to think of grace as the end, it is the means to an end. 

Is FAITH a means or an end?
In Ephesians 2:8 we read: "By grace are ye saved through faith..."

In Hebrews 11:6 we read: "Without faith it is impossible to please him, for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

In Romans 5:1 we read: "Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:"

Certainly faith is necessary to salvation.  Certainly it is through faith that we have "the victory that overcomes the world."  Yet FAITH in and of itself is not the end, it is a means to an end.

IS OBEDIENCE a means or an end?
In Ephesians 2:10 we read: "We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." 

In James 2:26 we read: "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."  

Obedience is certainly natural (or I should say supernatural) for disciples who love the Lord Jesus. Jesus taught His disciples: "If ye love me keep my commandments." (John 14:15). We do love the Lord and we love to please Him!

But the Apostle John reveals that obedience is not the end, rather it is a means to an end: "He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him." 1 John 2:4-5

We see that keeping the Word of God is a means to another end, namely the perfecting of our love for God.

In his first letter to the Thessalonians (which by the way is the oldest book of our New Testament) the Apostle Paul puts it this way: "And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another,  and toward all men, even as we do toward you:
To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God,

IN FACT GOD'S REVELATION OF HIS WORD WRITTEN, GOD'S REVELATION OF HIS WORD INCARNATE (IN THE FLESH--JESUS), GOD'S REDEMPTIVE ECONOMY IS DIRECTED TO ONE END--THAT HE MAY ESTABLISH OUR HEARTS UNBLAMEABLE IN HOLINESS!

The Bible is unequivocal:  "Without holiness no man shall see the Lord." (Hebrews 12:14); "Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection." (Revelation 20:6); "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God." (Matthew 5:8).  Holiness of heart is the purpose, the "raison d'etre" for all that God has done, is doing, and will do, in us, and for us, and through us.  He knows that without holiness we can never dwell in the City of God.

If we can be distracted from pressing toward the end--hearts unblameable in holiness--the enemy knows he can keep us from heaven!  Like "Mr.By-Ends" in Bunyon's "Progress," too many people rest in forms rather than the fact.  

Some have halted along the journey unwittingly.  Entranced by the marvels of Grace, the possibilities of Faith, or the love of good works, they fail to "go on unto perfection."  (Hebrews 6:1).

Others have purposefully hesitated along the highway to holiness.  The call to discipleship--"Come and die"--is too much for them.  Like the rich young ruler, they have heard Christ say, "sell all," and they are unwilling.  

Unwilling to sell all, and unwilling to admit the truth about themselves they spend their days shouting "GRACE, GRACE, GRACE" or "FAITH, FAITH, FAITH."  Absorbed in these vital means they finally deceive themselves into thinking that the end, "a heart established in holiness," is not only improbable and implausible, but it is impossible.  

To this sort, Jesus spoke plainly: "This people draw nigh unto me with their mouth, and honor me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.  In vain do they worship me."  (Matthew 15:8-9)

THE GREAT END TOWARD WHICH ALL THE MEANS OF GRACE ARE DIRECTED, IS THAT WE SHOULD BE HOLY!  God is willing and able to purify our hearts. Malachi, that last of the Prophets before John the Baptist, saw the LORD'S COMING and declared, "Who may abide the day of His coming? and who shall stand when He appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap.  And HE SHALL SIT AS A REFINER AND PURIFIER of silver: and HE SHALL PURIFY THE SONS OF LEVI, and purge them as gold and silver that they may offer unto the Lord an offering IN RIGHTEOUSNESS." (Malachi 3:2-3).

Paul prayed, "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." And then he testified, "Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it." (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24).  

MAY GOD AWAKEN HIS PEOPLE TO THIS GREAT END--HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD NOW AND FOREVER!

Pastor Rick Jones
FAITH COMMUNITY CHURCH + A CRUSADERS USA CONGREGATION
2969 N. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Ann, MO 63074   Cell Phone (314) 607-1424; Fax (314) 298-7442
BLOG: www.PastorRickJones.blogspot.com  WEB: www.FCCToday.org

PREACHING SERVICES SUNDAYS 11AM & 6:30 PM

5 POWERFUL DAYS OF PRAYING, PREACHING, TEACHING, CONVERSATION, AND FELLOWSHIP
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15 - SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19

The Convention & Indoor Campmeeting Schedule are under the leadership of the HOLY SPIRIT and our plans will give way to HIS!

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2012       

6:30 pm  DOORS OPEN FOR PRAYER
7:00 pm  OPENING CHALLENGE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2012          

9:00 am  PRAYER GATHERING & DEVOTION
10:00      HOLY CONVOCATION
11:00      EVANGELIST BEN CRAWFORD (Bible Methodist Connection, Alabama)

LUNCH BREAK - Served in the parsonage next door. Enjoy great food and fellowship.

1:30 pm  PASTOR ANDREW DURST (Great Commission Camp, Illinois)
2:15       THE GREAT CONVERSATION (A open discussion time)
3:15       MELVIN WATERS, (Wesleyan Nazarene Church, Arkansas)
4:00       KEN THOMPSON, (Church of God Holiness, Missouri)

EVENING MEAL - Served in the parsonage next door. Stay to visit with others attending.

7:00 pm  WILLIAM CAWMAN, (Emmanuel Church Association, New Jersey)
Singing by the Duane Elmore Family (Bible Holiness Church, Missouri)

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012                  

9:00 am  PRAYER GATHERING  PASTOR JOHN POFF (Carthage Church of God Holiness)
10:00      GARY JACKSON (Bible Methodist, Pastors Troy Bible Holiness, Missouri)
11:00      WALLACE THORNTON, Sr. (Church of the Nazarene, Kentucky)
LUNCH BREAK - Served in the parsonage next door. Enjoy great food and fellowship.
1:30 pm  MISSIONARY STEVE GIBSON (Holiness Pilgrim Mission, Indiana)
2:15 pm  THE GREAT CONVERSATION (A open discussion time)
3:00 pm  MARSH JONES, (Crusaders Church, Illinois)
4:00 pm  GENE HOOD, (Independent Church of the Nazarene, Indiana)

EVENING MEAL - Served in the parsonage next door. Stay to visit with others attending.

7:00 pm  WILLIAM CAWMAN, (Emmanuel Church Association, New Jersey)
Singing by the Duane Elmore Family (Bible Holiness Church, Missouri)

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2012       
        10:00 am  SOUL-WINNING, WORK and WITNESS

6:30 pm  PRAYER SERVICE
7:00       EVANGELIST BEN CRAWFORD (Bible Methodist Connection, Alabama)

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012       

9:00 am  Sunday School Bus Rolls
10:45      SUNDAY SCHOOL CONVOCATION
11:00      MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE (Evangelist Ben Crawford)
6 pm      PRAYER SERVICE
6:30       EVENING RALLY (Evangelist Ben Crawford)

IF YOU NEED INFORMATION ABOUT HOTEL RESERVATIONS OR TRANSPORTATION FROM THE AIRPORT, BUS, OR TRAIN STATION, OR IF WE CAN HELP YOU IN ANY WAY GET TO THIS CONVENTION, PLEASE GIVE ME A CALL ON MY CELL PHONE 314 607 1424 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            314 607 1424      end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

THE MAIN THING - HOLINESS

THE ONE “MUST HAVE”

Several years ago Professor Keith Drury shocked his audience at the Presidential Breakfast of the Christian Holiness Association when he declared, “THE HOLINESS MOVEMENT IS DEAD.” That address (http://www.drurywriting.com/keith/dead.footnoted.htm) certainly stirred great passions among those of us who identify with the message of Scriptural holiness.

Drury could not have been more right when he observed, “Holiness is our stated belief. But in most places we don’t make it the main thing.” 

I am heartbroken when I see how far we have drifted from our emphasis upon holiness. 

We used to believe that “without holiness no man shall see the Lord.” 

We used to believe in first blessing holiness--loving obedience to all of God’s will—was the one infallible mark of the new birth.

We used to believe in second blessing holiness—that the grand purpose of Christ’s redemption was to “destroy the works of the devil” and that in a moment of time, God’s Spirit would purify our hearts of carnality and fill us with a perfect love for God.

We used to believe that professing Christians who went on and on about grace and faith and God’s love were tragically missing that one vital “must have”—namely Holiness. 

We used to believe that grace was grace to live godly lives not to excuse sin.

We used to believe that faith was faith that overcomes the world, the flesh, and the devil, not some silly positive affirmation grounded in nothing but pretend.

We used to believe that God’s love is amazing, but we knew that ultimately it is our love for God that is the one “must have!”  We will be judged on our love for God, not His love for us.

We used to believe that any preacher who preached without offending the devil, defending the Word, naming sin, and proclaiming holiness was wasting our time and his.

We used to believe that music that sounded sensual and of the world had no place in the worship of the Holy!

We used to be believe that holiness meant separation from the world!  Its amusements, its adornments, it attractions held no sway for us.  We didn’t want to look like the world, we didn’t want to act like the world, and we didn’t want to be of this world.

We used to believe that if any church nearby would dare to stand up and declare “HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD”—we ought to lend our influence, our support, and our encouragement to them, before spending our time with those who have taken the broad path of accommodation and compromise.

We used to believe that we were called to spread Scriptural holiness throughout our land and around the globe.  Many of our forebears “rode hard and died young” as they travelled by horseback proclaiming holiness.  Today we can’t even get a few believers together to talk missions—even if we offer them pizza.

We used to believe that if we were not holy we would be forever lost in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone.  It was holiness or hell. 

THE ST LOUIS HOLINESS CONVENTION has been called to the kingdom for such a time as this to “stir up our pure minds by way of remembrance,” and to reclaim again THE MAIN THING—namely HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD!

A SUMMONS TO LEADERSHIP

"Give me 100 men who love only God with all their heart, 

and hate only sin with all their heart,...

we will shake the gates of hell, 

and bring in the kingdom of God in one generation."  

John Wesley

 As Commander in Chief of the greatest military force on earth, the President of the United States will often summon the Joint Chiefs of Staff from the Pentagon to convene in the White House to offer a first-hand situation report from the battle front.  Their assessments, detailed analysis, and strategic recommendations are vital for victory.

As a 4^th generation preacher of holiness who has lived all his life in a parsonage, a church-planter in one of America’s largest cities, a student of Church history, a first-hand witness to the breathtaking changes sweeping across the American Church, an observer of modern culture, and a Christian optimist convinced that “the gates of hell will not prevail,” I am concerned.

Our greatest concern is not with the people who are filling our pews, rather it is focused on those who have accepted the mantle of leadership.  Those whom God has called and gifted to be prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers (Ephesians 4:11), are too often beset with complacency, lethargy, uncertainty, futility, pessimism, and distraction. 

COMPLACENCY

Unaware of the urgency of the hour, the necessity of their voice, and the importance of their place in the battle, they have succumbed to complacency and a pathetic apathy.  They lament, “There’s nothing that we can really do.”   They may not admit that they no longer care, but their choices and their voices betray their apathetic spirit.

LETHARGY

Sadly, those who see the need are often too lazy to get up and engage the enemy.  Their minds have been numbed by the idiocy of modern media and gaming, their bodies are weakened by their lack of discipline and lack of restraint, and like the sleeping disciples in Gethsemane, “their flesh is weak.”

UNCERTAINTY

Tragically, the constant din of skeptics, cynics, and the faithless, have worn down that intense sense of conviction that once burned in the hearts of those on the front lines in the battle for truth. Where are those who will declare, “Thus saith the Lord!”  Where are those who will challenge this generation, “Choose ye this day whom ye will serve.”  Where are those who will confront sinners, “Why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 5:3) Where are the men of solid Scriptural conviction? 

FUTILITY

Some are overwhelmed by the sense that their efforts are futile.  They suppose that anything they do, any call they make, any sermon they preach, any plan they make, and any prayer they pray is of little or no worth.  Futility makes them fruitless.

PESSIMISM

Pessimists are certainly not in short supply!  I would love to have a nickel for every time a leader has said to me, “We will never again experience revival,” “It will never be as great as it was in the old days,” “It’s not possible to see people genuinely converted,” “Calling doesn’t work,” or “No one will ever see the significance of separation from the world.”

These nattering nabobs of negativity are so paralyzed by pessimism, they have abandoned any expectation that God can move in their work.   I have heard them confess that if they can just get their immediate family to heaven they will be satisfied.  Sadly, some despair of their own salvation.

DISTRACTION

And distraction—the allure of entertainments, the desire for and the maintenance of our possessions, along with the never ending, always increasing press of daily life (i.e. errands, appointments, visits, caring for family needs, calls, e-mails, facebook, twitter)—has so weighted down some of our best leaders, they are delayed from, or totally kept from, their place of duty.

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THE 2012 ST. LOUIS HOLINESS CONVENTION is a wonderful place for CHRISTIAN LEADERS, PASTORS, MISSIONARIES, and CONCERNED CONGREGATIONS to assemble together for concerted prayer, insightful teaching, stimulating conversation, powerful preaching, and “koinania”—close Christian fellowship.

_________________________________________________________________

WE ARE NOT IGNORANT OF OUR SITUATION!  We are not blind to the onslaught of the enemy.  And we are not unwilling to face facts.

BUT THAT IS WHY WE ARE OPTIMISTIC!

The Lord Jesus said, “I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH!”  And He will!

Jesus declared, “YE SHALL RECEIVE POWER AFTER THAT THE HOLY GHOST IS COME!”  The disciples did, and we will too!

The empty tomb, the power of Pentecost, and the infallible revelation of God’s Word, are our guarantee.  THIS is no time for complacency, lethargy, uncertainty, futility, pessimism or distraction!

This is the time for GOD PEOPLE to gather together, pray for a fresh outpouring of Pentecostal power, and rise up to flood the whole earth with the glorious gospel of full salvation and “holiness unto the Lord.”

5 POWERFUL DAYS OF PRAYING, PREACHING, TEACHING, CONVERSATION, AND FELLOWSHIP
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15 - SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19

The Convention & Indoor Campmeeting Schedule are under the leadership of the HOLY SPIRIT and our plans will give way to HIS! 

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2012       

6:30 pm  DOORS OPEN FOR PRAYER
7:00 pm  EVANGELIST P. L. LIDDELL (Church of the Nazarene, Michigan)

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2012          

9:00 am  PRAYER GATHERING & DEVOTION
10:00      OPENING CHALLENGE - PASTOR RICK JONES (Crusaders, Missouri)
11:00      EVANGELIST BEN CRAWFORD (Bible Methodist Connection, Alabama)

LUNCH BREAK - Served in the parsonage next door. Enjoy great food and fellowship.

1:30 pm  PASTOR ANDREW DURST (Great Commission Camp, Illinois)
2:15       THE GREAT CONVERSATION (A open discussion time)
3:15       MELVIN WATERS, (Wesleyan Nazarene Church, Arkansas)
4:00       KEN THOMPSON, (Church of God Holiness, Missouri)

EVENING MEAL - Served in the parsonage next door. Stay to visit with others attending. 

7:00 pm  WILLIAM CAWMAN, (Emmanuel Church Association, New Jersey)
Singing by the Duane Elmore Family (Bible Holiness Church, Missouri)

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012                  

9:00 am  PRAYER GATHERING AND DEVOTION BY P L LIDDELL 
10:00      GARY JACKSON (Bible Methodist, Pastors Troy Bible Holiness, Missouri)
11:00      WALLACE THORNTON, Sr. (Church of the Nazarene, Kentucky)
LUNCH BREAK - Served in the parsonage next door. Enjoy great food and fellowship.
1:30 pm  MISSIONARY STEVE GIBSON (Holiness Pilgrim Mission, Indiana)
2:15 pm  THE GREAT CONVERSATION (A open discussion time)
3:00 pm  MARK AVERY, (Church of God Holiness, Missouri)
3:30 pm  MARSH JONES, (Crusaders Church, Illinois)
4:00 pm  GENE HOOD, (Independent Church of the Nazarene, Indiana)

EVENING MEAL - Served in the parsonage next door. Stay to visit with others attending. 

7:00 pm  WILLIAM CAWMAN, (Emmanuel Church Association, New Jersey)
Singing by the Duane Elmore Family (Bible Holiness Church, Missouri)

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2012       
        10:00 am  SOUL-WINNING, WORK and WITNESS

6:30 pm  PRAYER SERVICE
7:00       EVANGELIST BEN CRAWFORD (Bible Methodist Connection, Alabama)

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012       

9:00 am  Sunday School Bus Rolls
10:45      SUNDAY SCHOOL CONVOCATION
11:00      MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE (Evangelist P L Liddell)
6 pm      PRAYER SERVICE
6:30       EVENING RALLY (Evangelist Ben Crawford)

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Dear Friends of Christian Holiness,

If you believe that a revival of Scriptural Holiness is our most urgent need, then you will not want to miss the 2012 ST. LOUIS HOLINESS CONVENTION, Thursday, February 16 and Friday, February 17. 

More than economic growth, more than social reform, and more than political change, we need to recover the romance of loving God, the optimism of victorious faith, and the power of Spirit-driven living.
 

It is our conviction that as the message of holiness was supplanted in our nation by the neo-Calvinists of the early 20^th century, the Charismatic movement of the late 20^th century, and the Church Growth Movement of the past few decades, the Church lost her sanctifying influence in the life of her people and in the culture at large.

Today we are witnessing what the Apostle warned we would face: “men having a …form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.”  (2 Timothy 3:5). 

Tragically this “form” is not only powerless to transform sinners it is also unappealing to the masses.  Fewer and fewer Americans are attending Church.  Statistics show that at one time over 40% of Americans attended church on any given weekend.  Today fewer than 20% attend. 

We are witnessing the demoralization of our nation.  Our national character is anemic, our moral convictions are few, and our spiritual concern is notable for its absence.  I am convinced that at the root of our social, economic, and political malaise, is our loss of Christian conscience.   

This profound loss can be blamed on the professing Church that prefers playing above praying, feasting more than fasting, and worldliness over holiness. 

YET GOD HAS ALWAYS HAD HIS PEOPLE!  AND IF HIS PEOPLE WILL HUMBLE THEMSELVES, WILL  PRAY, WILL SEEK GOD’S FACE, AND WILL TURN FROM THEIR WICKED WAYS, (I would say this is a call to the kind of Holiness we seek), THEN GOD WILL HEAR, GOD WILL FORGIVE, AND GOD WILL HEAL.

GOD HAS RAISED UP THE JOHN WESLEY FOUNDATION of ST. LOUIS “For such a time as this.”