THE OLD TIME RELIGION

Give me the old time religion where the love for God brought us to church and not the needs at home
Give me the old time religion where Christians were living saints and not hypocrites
I want the old time religion where purity was celebrated and sin detested.
I want the old path where neither text messages nor voice call is used to remind the saints about service.
Give me the old path where persecution was a testimony and not a reason for back sliding
Give me the old path where saints were more heavenly conscious and not the world base Christianity of today.
The old path
The pews and benches
The crosses
The tears
The love built on trust
Where sisters married as virgins and not as single parents.
The old path where Christ was all
Husbands were loving;
Wives were supportive; and children were polite.
Women looked like ladies; Men looked like gentlemen; and children looked decent.
People loved the truth, and hated a lie.
Rejoicing sounded normal;
and crying sounded sincere.
Cursing was wicked; Drinking was evil; and divorce was unthinkable. Not where we are now. Divorce today preach tomorrow
We read the Bible in public; Prayed in school;
And preached from house to house.
To be called a Christian was worth living for;
Sex was a personal word. Homosexual was an unheard of word, And abortion was an illegal word.
Preachers preached because they had a message; and
Christians rejoiced because they had the VICTORY!
Preachers preached from the Bible;
Singers sang from the heart;
Sinners turned to the Lord to be SAVED!
A new birth meant a new life; Salvation meant a changed life;
Following Christ led to eternal life.
We have turned church to theatre
Alter to stage
The Gospel to motivations
Faith to management.
Being a preacher meant you proclaimed the word of God;
Being a deacon meant you would serve the Lord;
Being a Christian meant you would live for Jesus;
And being a sinner meant someone was praying for you!
Laws were based on the Bible;
Homes read the Bible;
And churches taught the Bible.
Preachers were more interested in new converts than new clothes and new cars.
Church was where you found Christians on the Lord's day, rather than in the park,
on the creek bank, on the golf course, or being entertained somewhere else.
Give me that old time religion
'Tis good enough for me!
Am tired of the new
Am tired of hypocrisy
Am tired of betrayals
I want the old
I still like the "Old Paths"  Jeremiah 6:16

True Christian Fellowship Is Born Of Love, Forgiveness, Truth, Freedom and Grace.

The church is the last place humanity should be allowed to anonymously pass by each other. As Christians we live in the eyes-wide-open panorama of the cross of Christ (1 Cor. 1:18). No longer stumbling about in the pervasive darkness blind to the sin that plagues our existence. We now walk in the light (Eph. 5:7-8). We see each other clearly with all our common ailments.
From our common confession springs sympathy and compassion. Rather than reject each other, we welcome each other into a common life of brokenness, grace, forgiveness and transformation. No one passes by unknown or unaccepted. There is no longer a need to hide our brokenness. There is nothing left for us to hide (for all is known) and no reason to hide it (for all is forgiven). There is no need to put on our “Sunday best.” We are free to confess our weakness one to another without fear of condemnation (Psa. 34:17-18). Or, are we?
Despite the fact that we place a premium on “authentic relationships,” very few people within the church ever come to enjoy them. We make great boasts of “the way and the truth and the life”, but gather us together into our churches and all this truth speech goes silent. We clam up about the interior of our own souls and personal struggles. We hide from one another. What you tend to hear in church instead of soul-exposing honesty is cliché driven dialogue adorned with spiritual speak. “Fine,” we say to one another, “I’m doing fine.” We accept these sorts of answers from one another and move on to sports, kids or weekly routines. But, we are not “fine” and we know it. We are all fallen people (Rom. 3:23). All our silence is needless and destructive (Psa. 32:3-5).
We need to be known.
For as long as we have been “in church” how many of us are truly known by other people? How well do we know those around us? Furthermore, how many of us truly know ourselves. There is a self-awareness and perspective on life that can only come from mutual fellowship saturated in the truth of God’s Word (Eph. 4:25).
True Christian fellowship is born of truth and freedom and grace. The truth about who we truly are before a Holy God. The freedom to confess our brokenness in view of God’s unconditional love through Christ. The grace to receive each other’s broken lives without condemnation. This type of love is equal parts intrusion and gentleness (Phil. 1:9). The fruit of such love is an accountability which, rather than producing fear, produces freedom (1 Jn. 4:18).
Are you truly known by your brothers and sisters in Christ?
Here are a few positive signs that you’re experiencing true fellowship as a Christian:
· Sunday services are the smallest part of your participation in the church. The greater exposure to the Body of Christ happens outside of Sunday morning’s service throughout the week.
· Multiple members of your church would be the first people on the scene if you should experience a great need or personal tragedy.
· Due to exposure people exist who can read your life well enough to inquire about the condition of your soul. And they cannot be “snowed” by casual answers.
· You are currently on someone’s prayer list. Someone else is on yours.
Church culture can sometimes prevent genuine fellowship.
Ironically, there are aspects of church culture that can drive us away from the friendships that are ours in Christ—not towards them. Here are some common barriers to fellowship in the local body.
· A judgmental spirit that keeps sinners back from confession (Matt. 7:1-5).
· A shallow message that avoids frank talk of sin and the root problem with humanity (Col. 1:21).
· A moralistic culture that is only concerned with improving behavior rather than getting to the heart (Matt. 6:1).
· A privatized view of faith that avoids any contact with others or the accountability fellowship offers (Heb. 3:13).
· A lack of compassion in the church that overlooks individuals or certain demographics (1 Cor. 12:22-23).
· A selfish perspective that approaches church with personal needs in mind (Phil. 2:4).
                By
Egbutu Chinedum N.

Don't Make A Part That Leads To Nowhere

Hebrews 12: 13.
Mark out a straight part for your feet. Then those who follow you, though they are weak and lame, will not stumble and fall but will become strong.

This is exactly what Nigerian past leaders, both secular and sacred failed to do.
The parts they left behind are just crooked and leads to nowhere.
And this is why we are where we are today. - - NOWHERE.
Lord help me and my generation to leave a straight part for both our friends and foes.

Righteousness Exalts a Nation: REMEMBER LOT'S WIFE.

Righteousness Exalts a Nation: REMEMBER LOT'S WIFE.: REMEMBER LOT'S WIFE Genesis 19:1-26 Luke 17:32 INTRODUCTION: In the Luke 17 passage, Jesus has just been asked by the Pharisees wh...

IT IS RIGHTEOUSNESS TO PAY YOUR VOWS AND PROMISES

When thou vow a vow unto God, defer not to pay it:for God hath no pleasure in fools : pay that which thou has vowed. Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.

REMEMBER LOT'S WIFE.

REMEMBER LOT'S WIFE Genesis 19:1-26 Luke 17:32 INTRODUCTION: In the Luke 17 passage, Jesus has just been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God will come. His answer is to warn them to be ready for the coming of the kingdom is like the flash of lightening that instantly lights the sky. It is compared to the coming of the flood in Noah's day, and to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Lot's day. Those who hear are warned to be ready to go when the Lord comes, and they are warned against turning back for anything. Then, in the midst of His teaching, the Lord tells those listening to Him that they should "remember Lot's wife." Nowhere in the Bible are we told to remember Abraham, Isaac or Jacob. We are not commanded to remember Ruth or Rahab, David or Joshua, but we are commanded to remember Lot's wife! We are told to awaken our sluggish memories and look back to the death of one soul who passed through this world, lived in sin and died in sin. We are told to remember Lot's wife. What is there to remember? She was married to Lot and she lived in Sodom. Before God's judgment came on Sodom and Gomorrah she, along with her husband and two unmarried daughters were forced from the city. They were all commanded not to look behind them as they fled, but she disobeyed and was instantly judged, killed and transformed into a pillar of salt. That is what we know, but when we study her story, we can learn even more about her, how she lived and why she died like she did. Evidently, there are some lessons that can be learned from Lot's wife. Our assignment from the Lord is that we remember her. Therefore, in keeping with the Lord's command, I want to teach for a while this morning on the thought, Remembering Lot's Wife. Let me just say that there is a message here for both saint and sinners. There is a word here for both the saved and the lost. There is a word from God for your heart in Remembering Lot's Wife. I want to consider Lot's Wife and her spiritual condition this morning. There are three areas of her spiritual life that we need to remember. I. CONSIDER HER SPIRITUAL PRIVILEGES A. She Was Privileged In Her Relationships - She was privileged to be married into the only family on the earth that was serving the one true God. 1. She Saw The Clear Faith Of Abraham - This man, who was called "the Friend of God", James 2:23, was her husbands uncle! She had witnessed his dedication to the Lord. She had seen his altars and his worship. She had seen him operate in the power of God and deliver her husband from sure death in Gen. 14. She was privileged to be associated with on of the greatest godly men who ever walked this planet! 2. She Saw The Cloudy Faith Of Lot - Ill. Lot was a man of many spiritual failures. His story is found in Genesis 13:9-13; 14:12. He traded his tent for a townhouse! In spite of his failures, the Bible calls Lot a righteous man, 2 Pet. 2:6-8. His wife could have benefited from his faith, but she failed to do so! Note: One's relationships do not save. Faith in Jesus saves souls!) Note: The responsibility of parents, especially fathers to set the right example.) B. She Was Privileged in Her Revelations - Because of her relationship with Lot and Abraham, she learned a few things about God. 1. She Was Acquainted With Deity - She certainly knew who God was and how one approaches Him. She had learned this from her husband and his uncle. Yet, she never followed through with it. Observe: How many sit in church and know who God is and how to come to Him, but they fail to act on what they know? Friend, it has to move from the head to the heart before it can save your soul. Knowing John 3:16; Acts 16:31; Acts 4:12; Romans 10:9; 10:13 is one thing. Acting on them is what saves the soul!) 2. She Was Aware of thve Destruction - God had even graced her by sending angels to warn her and her family of the impending doom, Gen. 19:1-13. Still, she refused to flee from the wrath of God, Gen. 19:16. Ill. 19:26, "from behind him" carries the idea that she was lagging far behind the others. She knew, but it didn't faze her! Observe: How many here today know of the judgment that is coming and still they do not flee to Jesus for refuge? Almost everyone claims to know Him but how many have run to Him for shelter? Only a fool walks into Hell with his eyes open to its reality and closed to God's proximity. C. She Was Privileged In Her Responsibility - Here is a woman who knew the facts and was given every opportunity to act upon them. She was given the chance to change, the chance to believe, the change to be saved. Yet, she squandered those chances and died without God. Note: The privilege of conviction! When God calls, it isn't to harm you, but it is to remind you that He loves you and wants to save you by His grace, John 6:44; John 6:65.) II. CONSIDER HER SPIRITUAL PROBLEMS For thousands of years men have wondered why this woman looked back. There are three spiritual problems that Lot's wife had in her life. These are revealed in this passage and they answer these questions.) A. She Had Problem With Her Faith - Disbelief - She looked back because she did not believe that God would DO what He said He would do! She thought He was bluffing! Lots of people still make the same gamble today! Friend, He isn't bluffing! Just ask the Rich Man of Luke 16:19-31. Just ask Judas Iscariot! There is a Hell and you will go there if you do not come to Jesus Christ for salvation! There is chastisement for the child of God who chooses sin over the will of God, Heb. 12:6-11. God isn't bluffing! Sin is a hard taskmaster, Pro. 13:15.) B. She had a problem of Disobedience. She, along with all the others, had been commanded not to look back. But, there was something within her that caused her to turn back toward Sodom. C. Lot's wife had her eyes on the wrong things. She was looking back at a lost life, a lost lifestyle and a lost city. Wherever your gaze is fixed this morning will determine the path taken by your feet. The Prodigal Son - Luke 15:1-24, had his gaze was on the world and his feet followed.) That is why some of you won't get saved! That is why some of you can't live right! Your gaze is fixed on the wrong things! What a dangerous way to live! God's plan, as it is laid out in His Word, is a perfect plan! Those who follow God's plan enjoy God's blessings and His peace. Those who reject God's plan for living find their path strewn with disaster and trouble. What are you looking at this morning?) D. She had a problem of Deception - She probably had everyone in the family fooled! They probably thought that she was saved. She had everyone fooled but God! The problem with Lot's wife is the problem with many people today, they have merely made a profession of faith, but they have never truly been born again! She proved what she was when she looked back to Sodom! You see, her body was out of Sodom, but her heart was still there. This is a picture of that religious person, that church member who has turned over a new leaf, but who has never been converted! There is a difference in claiming to be a Christian than in being saved! When you are truly saved, you will not be able to enjoy the pleasures and allurements of the world as you did before! Why? Because you have been made a new creature, 2 Cor. 5:17. If you are just pretending to be saved, please be aware that you are not fooling the Lord! He knows your heart and will judge you accordingly!) Do you know? It is possible for those who have been converted to find themselves looking back longingly at the old life they lived in Sodom. This was condemned by Jesus, Luke 9:62. You see this trend in the church today. Everywhere there are professing Christians that want to dress, act, walk and talk like the world. People who say they know Jesus, but act like the unsaved around them. What they are doing is playing around with sin and treating sin too lightly! My friends, sin is a deceiver, it is a killer and it is dangerous! It must be dealt with early and radically. Do not let it get a foothold in your life, but root it out, whatever the cost or the pain, Eph. 4:27; Matt. 5:27-30. We must get radical with our sins! That is a travesty! That is a tragedy! Some people in this room live, dress and act in such a fashion that I would just as soon you not tell anyone where you went to church! It brings a reproach upon every saint of God who does try to live for Jesus in this place. Yet, I thank God that there is a place of repentance for those who are guilty of the backward look this morning.) III. CONSIDER HER SPIRITUAL PUNISHMENT A. It Was Sudden - When judgment same, it was swift and sure. Ill. Pro. 29:1. You may walk in sin for years, but one day judgment will surely come. One day, time will run out! There will be no more opportunities and no more calls to repentance, Gen. 6:3. There will be nothing but judgment swift and sure! Friend, I challenge you to flee the wrath of God! There is but one shelter for the soul, Romans 5:6-9. B. It Was Serious - The Bible says that she became a pillar of salt. Instantly, the judgment of God fell on her and she perished and was swallowed up in the wrath of God. Her judgment came in spite of her unbelief! Friend, it won't be a pillar of salt for you, but it will be an eternity in Hell, Psa. 9:17. If you die without Jesus, your judgment will be swift and sure! Instantly, at the moment of death, you will find yourself in Hell! C. It Was Settled - For Lot's wife there would be no pardons, no second chances and no hope. She was gone and lost forever and nothing could be done about it! My friend, the time to prepare for the next world is today, 2 Cor. 6:2. When time runs out on you, there will be no opportunities after death. There will be no pardons and no paroles. There will be nothing for you but justice and judgment. Your sentence will be settled forever. However, there is grace today if you will come to Jesus, Eph. 2:1-10. There is hope if you will respond to His call. There is salvation for all who will come to Him by faith, Rom. 10:13; Rev. 22:17. Wouldn't you rather have hope than Hell? Would you rather have the joy of salvation rather than the judgment of sin? You can, but you have to come to Jesus! Will you do that today? The lesson: Take God at His Word! What He says He does, what He does He said. If He says it, then it will come to pass, and men need to be ready at all time. The invitation: if you are lost, like Lot's wife and you want to be saved, then you should come to Jesus, He will save you. If you are saved, but you are guilty of looking back at the world, and of living like the world, He has forgiveness and restoration for your soul. Whatsoever is the need of your heart, there is help in Jesus. Conclusion: We need to remember Lot's Wife this morning! Not so that we can revive an age old, painful story, but so that we can be reminded that this life we are living is fleeting. It doesn't last very long. As you pass through this world, you can do no better than to come to faith in Jesus and be saved.

100 REASONS WHY WE OUGHT TO BE RIGHTEOUS

1. For the sake of the righteous, the wicked will be spared. (Gen.18:26) Kjv.

2. The RIGHTEOUS Shall Be Justified Or Acquitted in Court.
(DEUT.25: 1) Kjv.

3. The RIGHTEOUS Keep Moving Forward.(Job 17:19) NLT.

4. The RIGHTEOUS Will Outlive The WICKED (Job 22;19)

5. GOD Does not withdraw His Eyes from the RIGHTEOUS.
(Job 32: 7). KJV.
.
6. The LORD Watches Over The Way Of The RIGHTEOUS.
(Ps 1: 6). NIV.

7. The LORD Will Bless the RIGHTEOUS (Ps 5: 12). KJV.

8. GOD Establishes The RIGHTEOUS. (Ps 7: 9) KJV.

9. GOD is Present in the Company of the RIGHTEOUS
(Ps 14; 5) NIV.

10. The Eyes of the LORD Are Upon The RIGHTEOUS
(PS 34: 15). KJV.

11. The RIGHTEOUS Cry and the LORD Hearth. (PS 34 :17)

12. A RIGHTEOUS Man May Have Many Troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all. (Ps.34:19) Niv

13. Those Who Hate The RIGHTEOUS Will Be Punished.
(PS 34: 21) NLT.

14. The Little the Righteous Have Is Better Than the Wealth Of Many wicked. (Ps.37:16)Niv

15. The LORD Upholds The Righteous. (PS 37 : 17) NIV

16. The Righteous Shows Mercy and Gives Gifts. (PS 37: 21) NIV

17. The Righteous Is Never Forgotten. (PS 37; 25) NIV

18. The Righteous Will Inherit the Land and Dwell In It Forever
(PS 37;
: 29) NIV
19. The Mouth Of The Righteous Speaks Wisdom. (PS 37: 30) KJV

20. The Lord Will Never Allow The Righteous Fall. (55 : 22) NIV

21. The Righteous Will Be Glad When They Are Avenged.(PS59:10)NIV

22. There Is Reward For Righteousness. (PS 58: 11) KJV

23. The Righteous Will Be Glad. (PS 64: 10) KJV

24. The Righteous Shall Flourish.(PS 72: 7) KJV

25. The Horns Of The Righteous Will Be Lifted Up. (PS 75: 10) NIV

26. The Righteous Shall Flourish Like Palm Tree. (PS92: 12) KJV

27. The LORD Is the Defense, Rock and Refuge of the Righteous
(PS 94 ; 91-92)
28. Light Shines on the Godly, And Joy On Those Whose Hearts
be Righteous. (PS 97: 11)
29. A Righteous Man Will Be Remembered Forever. (PS 112; 6)

30. Sound Of Joy And Victory Resounds In The Tent Of The Righteous. (PS 118; 15) NIV

31. The righteous rise in the morning to give thanks unto the LORD. (PS 119: 62) KJV

32. The Rod of the Wicked Shall Not Rest Upon the Lot of THE RIGHTEOUS (PS.125:3)


33. The LORD Loves The Righteous. (PS 146 : 8 )

34. GOD Grants A Treasure Of Common Sense To The Honest.
( Pro 2: 7 )
35. The Secret Of The LORD Is With The Righteous. (Pro 3: 32 )

36. The LORD Does Not Allow The Righteous Go Hungry.
(Pro.10:3)

37. The Mouth Of The Righteous Is A Well Of Life. (Pro 10: 11) Kjv

38. The Ways Of The Righteous Bring Them Life. (Pro.10:6) NIV

39. The Lips Of The Righteous Tendeth To Life. (Pro 10:21)Kjv

40. The Desires Of The Righteous Shall Be Granted. (Pro.10:22) Kjv

41. The Righteous Is An Everlasting Foundation. (Pro.10:24) Kjv

42. The Prospect Of The Righteous Is Joy. (Pro.10:28) Niv

43. The Righteous Will Never Be Uprooted. (Pro.10:30) Niv

44. The Leaps Of The Righteous Know What Is Acceptable. (Pro.10:32) Niv
45. The Righteous Is Delivered Out Of Trouble. (Pro.11:8)Kjv

46. The Whole City Celebrates When The Godly Succeeds. (Pro.11:10)NLT
47. The Children Of The Godly Will Go Free. (Pro.11:21) NLT

48. The Godly Can Look Forward For Reward. (Pro.11:23)NLT

49. The Godly Flourish like Leaves In Spring. (Pro.11:28)Nlt

50. The Fruit Of The Righteous Is A Tree Of Life. (PRO.11:30) KJV


52.The Righteous Cannot Be Uprooted. (Pri.12:20) Kjv

53. The Plans Of The Righteous Are Just. (Pro.12:5) NIV

54. A Righteous Man Cares For The Lives Of His Animals. (Pro.12:10)Niv
55. The Root Of The Righteous Yields Fruits. (Pro.12:12) KJV

56. The Righteous Man Is Cautious In Friendship. (PR0.12:26) Niv

57. A Righteous Man Hates What Is False. (Pro.13:5) NIV

58. The Light Of The Righteous Shines Brightly. (Pro.13:9) Niv



60. The Righteous Eat To Their Hearts Content. (Pro.13:25) Niv

61. Among The Righteous There Is Favor, (Pro.14:9) Kjv

62. The Evil And The Wicked Bow At The Gate Of The Righteous.( Pro.14:19) Kjv

63. The Righteous Hath Hope In His Death. (Pro.14:32) KJV

64. There Is Treasure In The House Of The Righteous. (Pro.15:6)

65. The Way Of The Righteous Is Made Plain. (Pro.15:19) Kjv

66. The Heart Of The Godly Thinks Carefully Speaking. (Pro.15:28)Nlt

67. GOD Hears The Prayers Of The Righteous. (Pro.15:21)Nlt

68. Righteous Lips Are The Delight Of Kings. (Pro.16:13) Kjv

69. The Righteous Rennet Into The Name Of The LORD And Are Safe. (Pro.19:10) Kjv

70. THE RIGHTEOUS ONE KNOWS WHAT IS GOING ON IN THE HOUSE OF THE WICKED. (PRO.21:12)
71. The Wicked Becomes A Ransom For The Righteous. (Pro.21:18)Niv

72. The Righteous Gives without Sparing. (Pro.21:26) Niv

73. The Father Of The Righteous Has Great Joy. (Pro.23:24) Niv

74. GOD Says, Do Not Lie In Wait Nor Raid The House Of The Righteous. (Pro.24:15) Niv
75.The Righteous Are As Bold As Lion. (Pro.28:1) Niv

76. Those Who Lead Righteous People Along An Evil Part Will Fall Into Their Own Trap, (Pro.28:10) Nlt
77. When The Righteous Succeed Every One Is Happy. (Pro.28:12) Nlt

78. When The Righteous Are In Authority The People Rejoice. (Pro.28:12) Nlt
79.The Righteous Man Escapes Evil Shouting For Joy. (Pro.29:6) Nlt
80. The Righteous Considerate the Cause of the Poor (pro.27:7) kjv

81, The righteous shall see the fall of the wicked. (prp.29:16) Kjv

82. GOD is the judge of the righteous. (Ecc.3:17) Kjv

83. What the righteous do is in God’s hands. (Ecc.9:1) Niv

84. It shall be well with the righteous. (Isa.3:10) Kjv

85. GOD raises up the righteous from the east, gives him nations and makes him rule over kings. (Isa.41:2) Kjv

86. The righteous is taken away from the evil that is to come. (Isa.57:1) Kjv

87. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him. (Eze.18:20)Kjv

88. The righteous shall judge the unrighteous. (Eze.23:45)Kjv

89. He that receives a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. (Mat.10:41) Kjv

90. The righteous shall shine like the sun in their father’s kingdom. (Mat.13:34) Weymouth

91. The righteous will go into the life of ages. (Mt.25:46)

92. The heart felt supplication of a righteous man exerts a mighty influence. (James.5:16) Weymouth.

93. The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous. (1 Pet.3:12) Weymouth.
94.The righteous exalteth a nation. (Pro.12:34) Kjv

95. Righteousness keepeth him that is upright. (Pro.14:36) Kjv

96. God love him that follow after righteousness. (Prp15:19) Kjv

97. In righteousness shall a man be exalted. (Ps89:16) Kjv

98.In righteousness shall thou be established (Isa.54:14)Kjv

99. Sow for yourself righteousness; reap the fruit of unfailing love. (Hosea.10:12)Niv

100. Grace reigns through righteousness. (Rom.5:21) KJV.