Steve McQueen: The Salvation of an American Icon
By
Greg Laurie and Marshall Terrill
This book was sent to me recently as a gift. I did not quite know what to think about it at first glance. It certainly was not on my Winter 2017 Reading List.
Steve McQueen was affectionately known as the “King of Cool” in the 60’s and 70’s. Most men idolized him as a man’s man and most women adored him and his baby blue eyes.
In his day, he was the number one movie star in the world. (Great Escape, Bullet, Towering Inferno…) This book unfolds his highly dysfunctional upbringing and sins, his longing to know his biological father who he never found, his driven purpose to achieve stardom, wealth, fame and women in the hope that it may satisfy a deep longing within him.
In the 70’s, God began to send His servants into Steve McQueen’s life who began to faithfully witness to him and point him to the real reason for life, Jesus Christ. When Steve McQueen finally started attending a Christian church, one of his first questions to the Pastor was if all his sins could be forgiven and if the Bible could be trusted? Steve shortly thereafter received Christ as his Savior. Six months later, he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. He once recorded these words while getting treatment to cure his cancer, “That’s what I’d like, and try and be able to change some people’s lives. To tell people that I know the Lord, what I have to offer, what happened to me.” Steve never had the chance to witness to many people about forgiveness and God’s love.
But you can! God has given you the opportunity now to be His witness to your friends and family members. Why wait any longer?
Billy Graham came to visit Steve in his last days and gave Steve his personal Bible. Inside was written these words, “To my friend Steve McQueen. May God bless you and keep you always. Billy Graham, Philippians 1:6, November 3, 1980”
This book is a great read winter, spring, summer and fall. Our stories are powerful tools.
Pastor Greg
In 1976, Francis Schaeffer came out with his famous Christian classic, “How Should We Then Live?”. Francis and his wife, Edith, founded the ministry L’Abri Fellowship in the Swiss Alps. Many young seekers from around the world would travel there with their questions and find answers through meeting Jesus Christ and becoming His disciples. A friend of mine journeyed there and knew Francis Schaeffer personally.
Schaeffer wrote, “People have presuppositions and they will live more consistently on the basis of those presuppositions than even they themselves may realize”. “Schaeffer was also right that the threats to the Christian’s faithfulness were the promises of ‘personal peace’ and ‘affluence’, says Albert Mohler (Table Talk, June 2017).
We are seeing a growing trend, not only among millennials but many other professing evangelicals, not to commit themselves to a specific local church or spiritual authority figures, unwilling to commit to marriage vs. cohabitation. This is a reflection of a presuppositional worldview on life. It is often a mirror of the culture in which we live.
Since the Word of God states that Christ’s Church is like His Bride (Ephesians 5), are we not committing spiritual adultery when we routinely disown Christ’s Church, or hop from one local church to another like a person who goes from one date to another with no real commitment in view? All in the name of being “led by His Spirit”.
I can’t help but remember Jesus’ own words recorded in Matthew 7:21, “Not everyone who says to me Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven…and then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me you workers of lawlessness’”. “Many will say” but Jesus will declare “I never knew you”. It is a serious deception when a professing Christian can say that they love Jesus yet disregard His Bride, the Church.
The Apostle John wrote in I John 4:20-21, “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.” The mature follower of Christ must realize the truth, that it is hypocritical on our part to claim to love God and yet hate, dislike or not care to be around His people, the local Church. “Do not forsake the assembling together of the saints” (Hebrews 10:25).
Cyprian of Carthage once stated, “You cannot have God for your Father unless you have the Church for your mother.” Calvin in his “Institutes of the Christian Religion” agrees and writes, “For those to whom He is Father the Church may also be Mother.” The Church is necessary or all believers, not just for getting but also for giving, serving, and accountability.
The Apostle Paul was referring to the Philippian Church when he wrote, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4). How we treat fellow believers is important to Jesus, the Head of the Church. It is not just about our happiness and peace. It is not just about our own financial security. As true followers of Christ, our lives are not our own. We have been bought at a price. We are called to be stewards of the finances, gifts, and blessings of God (I Corinthians 6:18-19).
Albert Mohler concludes in a recent article by stating, “We are about to find out if professing Christians, in this generation, are going to believe and to live authentic biblical Christianity.”
What About You?
Abraham and Sarah had waited many years for their promised son to arrive. We often put the patriarch on a high pedestal. In reality, he was a sinner like us who struggled with faith in the Lord when being “tested”. Even Abraham grew tired of waiting on God’s promises and ended up taking matters into his own hands by fathering a child, Ishmael, with his wife’s maid servant Hagar. After waiting many more years, Abraham finally received his promised child, Isaac, only to have the good Lord test Abraham to see if Abraham would “cling” to Isaac more than he would cling” to God. Abraham struggled like we would yet he was willing and able to put Isaac on the altar and prepared to slay the child knowing and believing God was able to raise him up and provide a substitute sacrifice. (Genesis 22:1-14)
What is your Isaac? Have you asked the Lord recently? Is it your child? Your career? Your identity? Your spouse? Have you surrendered or are you willing to surrender your Isaac to the Lord?
Jesus Christ came to the earth as the incarnate one, representing the Father and stated clearly, “Seek first His kingdom and righteousness and all things will be added to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33-34)
I do not believe this is to be understood as a one-time deal or prayer but instead a daily occurrence for the follower of Christ.
Captured & Kept By His Grace,
Pastor Greg
This year marks the 500th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation (October 31 1517). There still tends to be a great deal of misunderstanding about the history of it and what was really accomplished through the Reformation. Depending upon your upbringing as either a Catholic or Protestant, your understanding and perspective can be radically different. Some view it as a very necessary and positive movement, while others view it as destructive to the “one” true Church.
There were at least five key doctrinal truths that stood out to the early reformers., such as Luther and Calvin. These were non-negotiable truths that they felt needed to be restored to the church. The Five “Solas” were foundational to the early reformers of Christ’s Church. The following explanation of the “Solas” are taken from the Cambridge Declaration” April 20, 1996.
Sola Scriptura – Scripture Alone – We affirm the inerrant Scripture to be the sole source of written divine revelation, which alone teaches all that is necessary for our salvation from sin and is the standard by which all Christian behavior must be measured.
Solus Christus – Christ Alone – We affirm that our salvation is accomplished by the mediatorial work of the historical Christ Alone. His sinless life and substitutionary atonement alone are sufficient for our justification and reconciliation to the Father.
Sola Gratia – Grace Alone – We affirm that in salvation we are rescued from God’s wrath by His grace alone. It is the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit that brings us to Christ by releasing us from our bondage to sin and raising us from spiritual death to spiritual life.
Sola Fide – Faith Alone – We affirm that justification is by grace alone through faith alone because of Christ alone. In justification, Christ’s righteousness is imputed to us as the only possible satisfaction of God’s perfect justice.
Soli Deo Gloria – For God’s Glory – We affirm that because salvation is of God and has been accomplished by God, it is for God’s glory and that we must glorify Him always. We must live our entire lives before the face of God, under the authority of God and for His glory alone. (Coram Deo)
I believe God has and will raise up men and women to bring about reform to His Church so that His Church will remain the “salt and light” of the earth and “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it”, so that you will know and glorify Him.
Captured and Kept By His Grace,
Pastor Greg
The One Year Christian History Devotional by E. Michael and Sharon Rusten
“All things happen just as God decided long ago.” (Ephesians 1:11)
In this daily devotional, the authors help the reader gain a deeper appreciation for the God of history who is sovereign over all people, circumstances and time. The authors state in their introduction that “God is the author of history and as such is intimately involved with every detail of life…In this book we highlight an event associated with each day of the year. These events teach us some things about God and His dealings with human-kind. Our desire is to make the stories come alive by giving readers a glimpse of real people behind the historical event. Each daily reading ends with a reflection designed to help readers interact with a historical account and learn the lesson God has for us.”
Some of the historical characters you will read about are D.L. Moody, Billy Graham, C.H. Spurgeon, Martin Luther, John Calvin, Shu-Tsu Nee (“Watchman” Nee), Tisquantum (Squanto) and many other lesser known saints that God mightily used. After reading and reflecting upon these historical figures and events, the reader can not help but see more clearly and have a deeper appreciation for God’s sovereignty over all events in history!
As we begin a New Year, many of us reflect upon the achievements, failures, and events of the past year and approach the New Year with new goals and desires and expectancy. I trust that each of us are examining our lives spiritually to see what we can do in 2017 to help us draw closer to the Lord. As this will differ from one person to another, there is something I would like to suggest that I feel will help all of us regardless of where we are in our relationship with the Lord. I would like to encourage each of us to be intentional to live by the Word of Truth. We are called not only to read His Word but to live it!
Below you will find Five Reasons for Christians to Live by the Word of Truth in 2017:
Reason #1: The Word of Truth helps us to know what sin is and is not.
Read Psalm 119; 11, 105.
The Word of God is like a headlamp that can be worn to help see the path and obstacles ahead..
Reason #2: The Word of Truth keeps you anchored.
Read II Timothy 4:1-4.
The Word of God keeps us anchored during the storms of life just as an anchored boat in a storm will hold fast.
Reason #3: The Word of Truth always tell the Truth!
Read Hebrews 4:12-13.
Many voices in this world tells us what we want to hear but the Word of Truth tells us what we need to hear.
Reason #4: The Word of Truth equips and trains us to be competent followers of Jesus Christ.
Read II Timothy 3:16-17.
Like a good coach who instructs his players, the Word of Truth reproves us, corrects us, and encourages us…so we can become competent followers of Jesus Christ.
Reason #5: The Word of Truth is the True Gospel
Read Galatians 1:6-7.
Many social gospels are being taught today. God’s gospel is a gospel of grace.
Reading God’s Word teaches the truth so we can spot the counterfeit.
May we all determine in our hearts to read God’s Word and apply God’s truth to our lives. May we take to heart Jesus’ words:
“If you abide in my Word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32).
In His Grace,
Pastor Greg DiMeolo
I admit that I am not always the most patient shopper or very patient in a waiting room.
While sitting in a waiting room, I am amazed at the health magazines that grab consumers’ attention with captions like “3 Simple Steps to Burning Fat” or “Five Keys to Six Pack Abs”. But when was the last time you heard a message or saw a magazine caption that said, “Ten Benefits to Fearing the Lord and Three Consequences of Refusing”.
Here are Ten Benefits of Fearing the Lord:
Benefit #1 – The Fear of the Lord is the true starting place for wisdom, knowledge and understanding. (Proverbs 9:10)
Have you ever been around a braniac, someone with great intellect and educational prowess but they lack wisdom.
Benefit #2 – The Fear of the Lord helps a person to avoid and hate evil. (Proverbs 8;13; Proverbs 16:6)
Benefit #3 – The Fear of the Lord can lengthen your life. (Proverbs 10:27)
I have spoken with many followers of Christ who have said, “If it were not for Jesus Christ rescuing me I probably would not be alive”.
Benefit #4 – The Fear of the Lord leads a person to a desire to keep the Ten Commandments in order to please the Lord.
“Fear God and keep His commandments for this is the whole duty of man.” (Ecclesiastes 12;13)
Benefit #5 – The Fear of the Lord leads us to be thankful and and to worship. (Hebrews 12:28; Ecclesiastes 5:1-7)
Benefit #6 -The Fear of the Lord leads a person to be holy as He is holy. (I Peter 1:15-17)
“For without holiness, no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14)
Benefit #7 – The Fear of the Lord leads a person to respect and honor others.
“Fear God, honor the emperor.” (I Peter 2:17)
Benefit #8 – The Fear of the Lord helps to delver a man from the fear of man. (Luke 12:4-5)
Benefit #9 – The Fear of the Lord brings great security to the believer.
“The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him.” (Psalm 34:7, 9)
Benefit #10 – The Fear of the Lord leads you to walk in His ways vs. your old ways. (Deuteronomy 10:12)
The fear of the Lord acts as a tutor then a mentor.”
Now let us consider Three Consequences of Choosing Not to Walk and Live in the Fear of the Lord:
Consequence #1 – You will eat the fruit of your ways. (Proverbs 1:29-31)
Principle of sowing and reaping. (Galatians 6:7-8)
Consequence #2 – It will prove to be a snare to you. (Jeremiah 2:19)
You will end up getting busted!
Consequence #3 – Ruin and misery mark their ways.
“There is no fear of God before their eyes.” (Romans 3:18; II Timothy 3:1-5)
As the old Bob Dylan son says, “You gotta serve somebody…”
Let us be sure we are serving the right Someone!
When studying Chapter 8 in the book of Nehemiah, we see the people weeping and lamenting over their sin. This caused me to ponder over the thought, “do we truly mourn over our sin? Does it grieve us when we sin against God?”
Let us take time to consider the spiritual condition of our hearts. I have listed below Eight (8) Ways to Look into the Mirror of God’s Word to help us in determining our spiritual condition (James 1:22-25). Will you take a few minutes before the Lord and consider these aspects of our Christian life that our indicators of how your relationship with God is doing?
1. Are you more passionate about other things than your relationship with God? (i.e. sports, work, fitness, family, entertainment, etc.)
Read Psalm 37:4; Matthew 6:21
2. Do you find it a chore to read your Bible and are disinterested in it? Read II Timothy 3:16, 17; Hebrews 4:12.
3. Are you uninterested in attending church? I do not attend or go because it is expected of me. Read Hebrews 10:25.
4. Is your prayer life what it should be? “I never feel like praying or I rarely pray to God for more than 5 minutes.” Read I Thessalonians 5:17.
5. Do you share your faith or do you consider it a private matter? Read II Corinthians 5:14-18.
6. Do you find yourself often critical of the church and Christians? Read Revelation 12:10.
7. When was the last time where you have been used by God to lead a person to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior? Read Acts 11:19-21.
8. Do you tithe on a regular basis or do you view it as “my money” or “you don’t really trust the church” or do you feel the church does not need your money. Read Malachi 3:6-10.
Will we follow the example of the Jewish people in Nehemiah and weep and repent over our sin asking God to forgive us? God desires for us to be free to worship Him, love Him and serve Him. So “let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:1:1, 2).
In His Service,
Pastor Greg
Dear Friends,
We are in training.
By running and training yourself every day, you are in a much better condition to run in a road race. Likewise, the more often you come into the presence of the Lord in prayer, the greater confidence and freedom it will bring to you!
No doubt by praying we learn to pray. The more often we pray, the easier it becomes and the better we get at it. He who just prays when he has to or at a meal should not be surprised that he suffers ineffectual and infervent prayers.
Prayer is good. The habit of prayer is better but the Spirit of prayer is best of all. It is in the Spirit of prayer that we pray without ceasing, and this can never be acquired by the man who ceases to pray.
As we watch the 2016 Rio Olympics, it is amazing what distances, speed and endurance these female and male athletes can attain. Many of us have desired to be able to run like them but few of us are willing to take the time to train like them. Practice, repetition, discipline is what it takes to be an Olympic champion.
How much more for the Christian and their prayer life. It also requires practice, repetition, and discipline to learn how to pray effectively.
What about you? Are you growing in your prayer life, both privately and publicly? Are you, like Christ’s disciples, asking the Lord to teach you to pray? Why not consider training with us at our Wednesday evening or this Friday’s Prayer Watch?
“Long as they live should Christians pray, for only while they pray,
they live.”
[Adapted from C.H. Spurgeon’s Comments on Prayer from a “Puritan’s Garden”.]
The writer of Ecclesiastes stated so eloquently that, “God has set eternity in the hearts of men, yet they cannot fathom what God has done from the beginning to the end” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). This really had me thinking the other day so here are some of my thoughts.
Sometimes I have heard individuals talk of a “vacuum” or “hole” that exists inside of them. They attempt to fill this void with “things”, relationships, drugs, sex, etc. It may appear that they are satisfied but it is only temporary and the emptiness returns.
I am reminded of Nicodemus, the Pharisee, who came to see Jesus one evening. He was a teacher of Israel and he had questions in his heart. Jesus stated to him very clearly, “unless a person is born again, he cannot ever see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). Jesus was indicating that a spiritual rebirth must take place within an individual for eternity in the heart to be realized. Jesus went on to explain to Nicodemus that “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
The conclusion is this: the way to find out about eternity in the heart of man is by receiving the Son of God and Savior of mankind. The Gospel of Luke states “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world and yet lose or forfeit his soul” (Luke 9:25). It seems to me that we as fallen human beings have a tendency to “fill up” our lives with things of this world in an attempt to fill our emptiness that only Christ can fill.
Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). “Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst” (John 4:14). “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink” (John 7:37). “I am the Bread of Life. He who comes to Me will never go hungry” (John 6:35).
Jesus still invites you and me to come to Him and find our eternity in our hearts
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