Heartcry Journal - Issue 31

Fri, Apr 1, 2005
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Includes articles form Jeremiah Bass, Bill Elliff, Brian Hedges, Bill Elliff, Charles Spurgeon, Joseph Carroll, and Steven Lawson.

Articles In This Issue

Article
Tue, Aug 30, 2005
Jeremiah Bass
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Heartcry Journal - Issue 31

The Dangers of Orthodoxy

In his letter to Titus, Paul instructs him to "Exhort servants to . . . adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things" (2:9-10, KJV). Adorn the doctrine. The word "adorn" translates the Greek word cosmeo, from which we get our word "cosmetics." So the idea is that Christians should make the gospel look attractive to the world. The reality is that the world judges Christ and the gospel by the Church. Tragically, many Christians have discredited God's truth by their attitudes and actions. When this happens, unbelievers often reject the Bible because they see that even those who ...

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Article
Tue, Aug 30, 2005
Bill Elliff
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Heartcry Journal - Issue 31

Personal Meditations on Powerful Texts

Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has also rejected you from being king. (1 Samuel 15:22-23, NASB) We love worship. It’s almost trendy to throw your head back, lift your hands, close your eyes, and sway to a glorious song about God ...

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Article
Tue, Jul 19, 2005
Brian G. Hedges
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Heartcry Journal - Issue 31

Staying in the Battle

Several years ago I was asked a very thought-provoking question: “What is your greatest fear?” My answer was something like this: “My greatest fear is that God might find me unusable and put me on the shelf.” It happens. Many pastors who once were aflame with passion for God have made choices that ruined their lives and ministries. We’ve all heard the stories. Off the top of my head, I can think of a youth pastor who molested boys, a deacon who embezzled money, and a seasoned preacher who devastated his family through an adulterous affair.   Shortly after accepting ...

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Article
Tue, Jul 19, 2005
Bill Elliff
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Heartcry Journal - Issue 31

The Value of Large Groups

Small groups abound, and I’m glad. One of the most significant trends in the American church has been the growing value placed upon small groups. There is NO substitute for the house-to-house, life-to-life environment of 10-20 people where “everybody knows your name.” This is the primary (but not the only) place where authentic community occurs in the life of the church. The special kind of honest communication, life application, and accountability that takes place in small groups is hard to replicate in any other setting.  But now, we hear the rumblings of an over-correction. It always seems to happen ...

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Article
Mon, Jul 18, 2005
Charles Spurgeon
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Heartcry Journal - Issue 31

Preparation for Revival

I trust that most of us who are in Jesus feel a deep and sincere agreement with God. We have been guilty of murmuring at his will, yet our new nature at its core knows that the will of the Lord is wise and good. We therefore bow our heads with reverent agreement and say, “Not as I will, but as thou wilt” (Matt. 26:39).   Our soul, though she is tempted to rebellion, nevertheless struggles after complete resignation of her wishes and desires to the will of the Most High. As the mercury feels the mysterious changes of the ...

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Article
Mon, Jul 18, 2005
Joseph Carroll
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Heartcry Journal - Issue 31

The One Thing Needful

During my years as a missionary in Japan , a whole army of attendants would descend on you whenever you pulled into a gas station. One would wipe your windshield, another would check your engine and water, yet another would check your tires, while the final attendant was busy with a little broom sweeping out your car. You just had to get out of their way.  
On one occasion, a friend of mine was driving in Tokyo when he saw a little light blinking on his dashboard indicating that he was short of oil. When he pulled into a gas station ...

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Article
Fri, Jul 1, 2005
Steven Lawson
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Heartcry Journal - Issue 31

Playing Church

On a family vacation years ago, I decided to have our own church service on Sunday morning. My five year-old son James was the preacher. His twin brother, Andrew, was the worship pastor. My wife Anne, my daughter Grace (one-and-a half), and I formed the congregation.   The living room was our sanctuary. An end table, the pulpit. A love seat and sofa, our pews. And a candy tray, the collection plate.   To start the service, Andrew led us in singing “Amazing Grace.” As he orchestrated the music, his arms waved frantically in the air—like a man fighting off a ...

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