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Available Are you a small Baptist church in the Dallas Metroplex or surrounding area that would like to have a revival, but funds are a problem? I am available for revivals at no cost to small churches. The Lord has provided me a full time job and even a part-time stipend so I am well cared for and would be proud to minister to your congregation. E-mail me and let's see what the Lord can do! |
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MAVERICK MINISTRIES LUKE 22:31,32
"I would rather pay to preach than to be paid not to preach. Preaching has its price in agony of sweat and tears. No calling has such heartbreak, but preaching is a calling an archangel might covet. I thank God that by His grace He called me into the ministry of preaching." - Samuel Chadwick
"Henceforward, therefore, I hope you will enter into your studies, not to get a parish, nor to be polite preachers, but to be great saints." - George Whitefield
"We poor sinners need to come back from our wanderings to seek pardon through the all-sufficient merits of our Redeemer. And we need to pray earnestly for the power of the Holy Sprit to give us a precious revival in our hearts and among the unconverted." - Robert E. Lee
Lord Jesus Christ, today I want to live my life as an expression of Your love rather than as an effort to earn or deserve Your love. Like Paul, I have tried about everything to prove my worth. Nothing satisfies. I am weary of doing the right thing because of guilt and not grace. Thank you for the limitless power of your love, which sets me free from a guilted cage to fly and soar to new heights of joyful praise today. Amen." - Lloyd John Ogilvie
"Peace, if possible, but truth at any rate." - Martin Luther
"Every minister should make much of his calling and impress upon others the fact that he has been delegated by God to preach the Gospel. As the ambassador of a government is honored for his office and not for his private person, so the minister of Christ should exalt his office in order to gain authority among men. This is not vain glory, but needful glorying.
Paul takes pride in his ministry, not to his own praise but to the praise of God. Writing to the Romans, he declares, "Inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office," i.e., I want to be received not as Paul of Tarsus, but as Paul the apostle and ambassador of Jesus Christ, in order that people might be more eager to hear. Paul exalts his ministry out of the desire to make known the name, the grace, and the mercy of God. " - Martin Luther
"Cursed be that unity for which the Word of God is put at stake." - Martin Luther
"A man with God is always in the majority." - John Knox
"God will not look you over for medals, degrees or diplomas, but for SCARS!" - H. A. Ironsides
"Faith is to rest, not in the best of God's servants, but in His unchanging Word." - H. A. Ironsides
"The Bible was not given to increase our knowledge but to change our lives." - D. L. Moody
"No sermon is a success which leaves men satisfied with themselves." - John R. Rice
To his young men returning from preaching he asked two questions. Did anyone get saved? Did anyone get mad? If they answered no to both he told them they were not called to preach for a sermon will either lead a soul to Christ or the truth will anger them. - John Wesley
"I set myself on fire and people come watch me burn." - John Wesley (Oh God, make me a ten alarm blaze!!)
"As Christians, we are tempted to give in too much. We must stand up and show our Christian colours. We canot remain silent and concede everything away." C. S. Lewis
"Old cowboys never die, they just find a better saddle and fade into the sunset of the sky." - Fernando Llorente
Shultz Sound Bytes
When I am in the Pulpit, I am the Ambassador of Christ declaring war on sin and offering the terms of unconditional surrender to the sinner, rallying the soldiers of Christ to the battle, challenging the cowards to courage, warning the deserters of judgment and flashing the Sword of the Lord in the faces of the enemies of God. That type of mission leaves little room for jesting, which is not convenient.
It was a KJV used to save my soul. It was a KJV that has led me through life's trials and strife. Put a KJV in my casket when I die so if the devil passes by he will still feel the power of the Word of God.
I fear not who reigns from Capitol Hill for I know the King from Calvary's hill!
You can't embrace the Cross and kiss the devil's tail!
Courage is not standing up when in a crowd of like minds but rather standing alone when the issues demand it!
God never asks, but commands. That does not leave much room for opinion, does it?
Christianity is not about who you were or even are but whom God will cause you to be.
Live your faith and doubt your doubts not live your doubts and doubt your faith. Let your life affect your feelings not your feelings affect your life.
Let the truth you believed in the light guide you through the darkness rather than letting the darkness lie to you about the Light and Truth thus guiding you away from them.
On Tradition - If tradition is truth, treasure it. If tradition is just tradition, trash it.
If you are saved, God has given you at least one spiritual gift and maybe more. You will be absolutely frustrated and unfulfilled until you are exercising that spiritual gift. Pew warming is not one of those gifts. You are called to serve, not sit.
There is a deep theological word for much of what is being taught today. That word is hoo-ha and there is no end of it. Stay in the Word and you will avoid it.
For twenty years I fought against getting a bunch of letters after my name because the only BA that is important means Born Again. The only Masters I need are the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Finally, if the DR in front of my name doesn't mean Divinely Redeemed all is in vain. I finally gave in to gain a hearing but all that and $5.00 will get me a cappuccino at Starbucks. There are more highly educated heretics than you can shake a stick at so I'll stick with the real qualifications to serve that Paul gives in 1 Cor 1:26-31. - Ron Shultz, PWT
Everyone wants a silver bullet, but there is no replacement for the old sword.
My best friends know when I need a hug or a kick in the pants! Those who don't love me enough to keep me from hurting myself don't really love me and in the end hurt me worst of all.
We will never get God under a microscope so no matter how much we can prove scientifically salvation will still be of faith for you cannot find God in science. You can see His footprints and thumbprints, yea even a signature on His creation like an artist who signs his piece, but you will never see God unto perfection or completion. He is spiritually discerned by faith and manifested by obedience. Hence those who must see God completely through science will be damned though they hold thousands of pieces of His work in their hands. He is the creator of the puzzle they hold not the puzzle itself.
On spiritual warfare - One of my favorite comic book heroes says it best, "Nothing is ever easy for Easy Co." Sgt Rock of Easy Co. If spiritual warfare were easy everyone would volunteer and we would have won the world to Christ by now. But, it not easy and many are AWOL. Expect no quarter from your enemy, satan, and spare him no quarter. Fight to win! Fight in the power of the Spirit wielding the Sword/Word of the Lord! Your goal is to take prisoners and set them free not to win the war. Jesus already did that on the Cross. Beg God to cast the prison guards and the commander into the pit but not the prisoners. Above all, stand! All else is desertion during time of war and high treason against the King of Kings!
Right is right and Left isn't.
Judges should litigate and not legislate.
Ministry is about the mission and the masses not mansions or mausoleums.
On the economy - "I... place economy among the first and most important of republican virtues, and public debt as the greatest of the dangers to be feared." - Thomas Jefferson
When people want to be cared for from the cradle to the grave by the government there will always be a large debt and heavy taxes. Since the demand will always be greater than the supply the debt will only increase. You can't keep giving out without taking in thus the people demanding the care are also demanding high taxes but they complain about them. That is irrationality bordering on insanity. They are asking to be slaves in the land of the free. Free men take care of themselves not begging others to do it.
When the country can get back to the things that make it great we will see both taxes and the debt decrease. The people who made this country great believed in God, hard work, personal responsibility and the smaller the government and its involvement in personal lives the better. Check the Constitution. The Federal government was not given the task of education, public welfare nor 90% of everything else it is doing. Those tasks belonged to the family, community, county and state not the Federal government.
One last thought, we are guaranteed the "right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" not the right of achieving happiness or success. If your sorry butt won't learn what you are taught, use what you know and work for a living and live within your means you have the absolute right to fail and no one has the responsibility to clean up your mess but you. No one owes you anything and life isn't fair so get over it and get on with it. If anyone should be on a guilt trip it is you, not society.
Get your heart right with God, the chip off your shoulder and your lazy butt out of bed and pursue your happiness. If you are happy being lazy and stupid then be happy being hungry. "He that will not work neither shall he eat."
Incarnation without coronation would still be damnation and reprobation so why the celebration?
How could Jesus get tired? He did not exercise His power on the His body so that He could experience our trials. He could have been like Superman but instead He was the Super God-Man who cared.
Pornography is not obscenity that is subjective rather it is prostitution, pandering, solicitation and many other illegal activities and should be handled and prosecuted as such.
On evangelism techniques - Many Christians have a wrong interpretation of 1 Cor 9:22. Paul would not have gotten a tattoo, a Mohawk, piercings etc to witness to a group like that because it would have hindered him in witnessing to other groups. He spoke to them from their frame of reference, like all great teachers, taking them from the known to the unknown but he did not take on their customs and affectations. When I hear stuff like "I'm getting a tattoo and piercings to witness to the Goth/Heavy Metal people!" I just shake my head and wonder where in the world did some of our teachers get such concepts to get kids in such a mess. 2 Cor 6:17 says we come out and be separate calling them to us not meandering about in their muck and mire. Separation is still a biblical truth. It is time that the Church return to that practice.
I refuse to join the effeminate generation. I will stay with the Old West when men were men and women were glad of it. I am not wearing earrings, necklaces, pink shirts and cologne made for men that smells very close to my wife's or some some cheap hooker's perfume. I am not sure if women today want a man for a husband or a hairy version of their best girlfriend. I was raised by a widow but she raised me to be a man not a girly man. Ladies, don't turn your men into sissies. Men be men even if you lady wants you to be less than a man.
On protestors at a soldier's funeral - As a retired soldier and a Baptist preacher, I find the disruptions at funerals disgraceful. They are an insult to the family and that soldier who may well share the views of the protestors. Even if they do not they have a right to grieve in peace. Protest someone who has the power to change things and protest in the ballot box but a funeral is not the place. The protestors are as as bad as any jihadist. They are attacking innocent people. They are also bringing reproach upon the name of Christ. A soldier does not always agree with the politics of his country but he always does his duty. These soldiers died in honor and they deserve to have an honorable funeral. The protestors may have a legal right to do what they have been doing but they certainly have no ethical right and no biblical principle for it. Maybe these folks need to protest less and read their Bible more.
Unity without truth at its core is an unholy alliance doomed to failure and damnation.
On church dissension - I have told my paranoid preacher friends that unless God wants you to move you can have a thousand Diotrephes dudes and even more Absaloms in the street and you aren't going anywhere! You never have to preach the "touch not my anointed" or the "don't go up against God's man" sermons. When you get to that you should have already left. God can weed out the dingbats even if He has to close the church down. Keep to the Word and your head up as a child of the King but not looking down your nose and you will be just fine.
On patriotism - Patriotism is not about loving your country right or wrong. It is about loving your country enough to keep it right by protecting it from wrong but always willing to correct it when it is wrong.
A man of conviction cannot walk with a man of preference. In the war against Hell a man of preference cannot be counted upon to cover the back of the committed man. When the battle breaks the man of preference might just prefer to be somewhere else. The man of preference will lag behind or quit at best and at worst will deter or drag down the man of conviction. War takes its toll thus the man of conviction may mourn his losses and carry his cross but he must not slow down or retreat even if he loves the man of preference.
God is a God of failures. He doesn't have them. He uses them! That means he can use you and me! Praise His name!
One day they may take me out and shoot me because I am a Christian but all they will do is allow me to share with those who have already hallowed this ground with their blood. I will die a Christian. I will die an American. I will die a Texan. I will die free.
I was thinking as I was coming home looking on the "beauty" of God's favorite state that what we find beautiful is really the residue of the flood's judgment that is constantly being reshaped by various means of destruction; floods, earthquakes, volcanoes, tornadoes, tsunamis, hurricanes etc. This is basically a garbage pile compared to what Eden was like and certainly compared to Heaven and the new earth. When we see those the thrill and awe will be akin to taking a child out of the paper shacks of any impoverished country and bringing them into the most beautiful home in your community only a billion times better at least! Let's not get too attached to this rubbish. Maybe that is why the Rapture will take place in the twinkling of an eye so that we won't have time to look back like Lot's wife. Maranatha!
The core problem is that we live in a culture that is looking for the innovative versus the inspired. We want excitement more than exegesis. Give us 10 easy steps to holiness or the 1minute disciple program and we are into it. Gather up a bunch of ideas that have been preached for years by many men and package it as new and you have the purpose driven craze. Take a simple prayer and mold it into an evangelical rosary and you can sell millions of books to people who are looking for the thirty day silver bullet to their problems. Yet, human nature has not changed since the Fall and if I could have access to every sermon preached or book written in two thousand years I would probably find as you would similar books as I have mentioned and similar attitudes among men. Our problem is sin and the solution is salvation and discipleship. Salvation is instant but discipleship is until death or Rapture. When the bulk of Christians finally accept that and quit seeking quick fixes we may again see the power of the early church. Albeit, since we are in an age of apostasy and quite likely in the last days before the Rapture I don't foresee another Great Awakening, but I can pray for one. Maranatha!
When the herd is aheadin' fer the cliff, it t'ain't bad bein' a Maverick!
I am a bivocational Associate Pastor
I am a full time computer geek to pay my bills so that I can minister.
I supply pulpits and I am available for revivals in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
As you can see from my links, I also minister on the Internet by posting and sending sermons to various groups.
I write poetry when I can and have published two books.
In my spare time, I am "Paw-Paw" to six grandchildren in Fort Worth.
Without God's grace and my wife's support I wouldn't have energy for any of this!!! Sometimes I get tired just looking at this web page.
C];-)}|>
I hope you will take a look at my poetry and sermons hopefully finding a blessing or at least a challenge!!
I wrote my books so that my grandchildren would have a tangible spiritual blessing should I catch the next train to Glory.
Check back as the links will change and I plan to add some other pages!
So, y'all come back now, heah?
GIGO
Anyone who has been around computers knows the term GIGO, Garbage In, Garbage Out. A computer only does what it is told and while the computer gets the blame for any problems, the responsibility usually lies with the programmer. Most computer glitches are human glitches. A programmer saving space and misjudging the quality of his product caused the great Y2K scare.
The human brain is the greatest computer ever designed. It also relies upon programming in a sense. Conscience, talents, common sense, and gut instincts were programmed in at the factory. Parents and culture add social etiquette, science, and math skills.
What is tremendous about the brain is that after awhile, it starts programming itself. Data is fed to it and the brain determines how it will assimilate and use that data. It can either accept or reject programming from outside sources. It can enhance it or degrade it by its modifications. Computers cannot upgrade themselves, yet. Moreover, despite artificial intelligence science fiction they are no greater than their programmer is. Indeed no matter how advanced a brain becomes it cannot exceed the intelligence of its Creator.
The brain's capabilities barring hardware problems is limited or expanded by the quality of data it receives. It can suffer from GIGO. Put in it hatred, unbelief, jealousy, lust, greed, etc and you will get garbage for output. Input faith, hope, charity, selflessness, contentment, etc and you will get high quality output and a computer functioning without the normal parameters of its Creator.
Many times Christians see garbage output in their lives and they blame the devil, the world, the flesh, or something else. Sometimes it is due to poor assimilation or compilation of the data received, but more often than not, it is that they have been putting garbage data in and they can only get garbage out.
Phil 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. KJV
Behold what manner of input we are to be receiving. Many Christians can quote this passage, but do they really understand that it is a core or kernel truth to their proper functioning? If we are not placing these kinds of thoughts in our mind and heart, we are not going to see the output desired by God or ourselves.
If we live for the gossip TV shows and frequent movies and web sites that do not give us input within the parameters of Phil 4:8, we will get corrupted files and heart or kernel errors. This will manifest itself in Bold Signs Of Disobedience or Bad Sessions Of Depression (BSOD). We will have no peace and our lives will be fragmented with lost sectors of fruitfulness and joy. Obedience will defragment us and restore to us lost sectors or years of service to the Programmer.
Brethren, let us strive to filter our data through the parameters of this verse and instead of Garbage In and Garbage Out we will experience Godliness In and Godliness Out.
THE ANVIL OF GOD'S WORD
Last eve I passed beside a blacksmith's door
And heard the anvil sing the vesper chime;
Then, looking in, I saw upon the floor
Old hammers, worn with blasting years of time.
"How many anvils have you had," said I,
"To wear and batter all these hammers so?"
"Just one," said he; and then, with twinkling eye,
"The anvil wears the hammers out, you know."
And so I thought, the anvil of God's Word
For ages, skeptic blows have beat upon.
Yet tho' the noise of falling blows was heard
The anvil is unharmed--the hammers gone.
--John Clifford
“Hey, Jew Boy!”
Sept 2, 2006
Some said it behind your back.
Others were not so coy.
Their words like a whip did crack
When they’d shout, “Hey, Jew Boy!”
You may have learned to fear
To admit just who you were.
How many times did you shed a tear
When you heard that awful slur?
I’ve endured words and deeds as cruel.
For years thinking I was just a Goy.
Now like finding a precious hidden jewel
I’ve learned that I may be a Jew Boy!
While you have grimaced in pain and shame
I take it as an honor without giving them a look.
If someone decides to call me that name
It only proves that he’s the sorry schnook!
Years of taunting can take their toll
But I’ve learned to count them a joy
Since the One who died to save my soul
Suffered worse than hearing, “Hey, Jew Boy!”
If I am blessed to be kin to the mighty Jews of old
Whom God used to write His Story of His Son
Then I’ll shout it loud, and be right bold
Lest I be ashamed when my battle’s won!
So, my friend, let them taunt and jeer
For they know not of with what they toy.
Their time will come when they will fear
When they stand before the King “Jew Boy!”
Mohammed, Hare Krishna, "Living Right", Confucius, Rev Ike, Rev Moon, Shintoism, The Occult, Hinduism, Mormonism, Taoism, Psychology, Zen Yoga, Tai Chi, Modernism, Russellism, Baptists, Bahaism, Judaism, Catholicism, Adventism, Modernism, Silva, Davidianism, Christianity, Science, UFOs, New Age, Drugs, Moral Majority, Rev Hinn, The Ten Commandments, The New Apostolic Reformation
JESUS said:
"I am THE way, THE truth, and THE life; no man cometh unto THE Father, but by ME." John 14:6 (KJV)
HOW CAN I KNOW THAT CHRIST IS THE RIGHT ONE?
"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." Rom 10:13
"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, BLASPHEMERS, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy," II Tim: 2:1,2 Paul accurately describes today's society. All the mentioned characteristics fulfill prophecy and give validity to the claim that the Bible is God's Word and the Bible says that Jesus is THE Son of God.
The predication of men being blasphemers is very significant. The definition of blasphemy is the act of insulting God or showing contempt for or lack of reverence for God; also, claiming the attributes of deity or having irreverence toward something considered sacred or inviolable.
Who do people curse and swear by? GOD and JESUS CHRIST! Who do many cultists claim to be? JESUS CHRIST! What name is sacred to many, and yet, most people show little reverence to it? JESUS CHRIST!
I have been in other countries and have not found people using the name of Buddha or Allah in vain, or claiming to be them. One would be executed! Even in those countries, the most popular curse is JESUS CHRIST! By their own lips they confirm the deity of Christ, because God said in the end times, men would be blasphemers of GOD and today they blaspheme no one else as CHRIST is blasphemed! They mock Him now, as they did on the Cross, nearly two thousand years ago.
There is no doubt that JESUS is THE Christ, THE SON OF GOD. If after reading this, you will reject Christ, you fulfill other verses in the Bible. "But if our Gospel be HID, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them that believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of CHRIST, who is THE image of GOD, should shine unto them (II Cor 4:3,4).
Why not accept THE Way and THE Truth and be saved from sin and Hell? If you would like to be saved, use the following prayer as an example to tell God and His Son, Jesus, you want salvation! The words are not magical. God looks on the heart and, not the lips. Call out to Him, in your own way! You may call longer or louder than someone else. That is fine! Just call before it is too late!
Dear God, I know that I am a sinner and that Your Son, Jesus Christ, died and rose again to pay for my sins. I want Him to be my King and Saviour. Please forgive me for my sins. I want to turn from my sin and, with your help, to obey You. Save me now, for Jesus' sake. Thank You for saving me, Amen.
Dr. Ron Shultz
The Rock
The rock! The rock!
The forces of evil rage
Around me like a wildfire!
Fears, doubts, and failures
Howl fiercely within me,
But I will stand. I WILL STAND
On the Rock, on the Rock!
That Rock is Jesus!!
July 15, 2000
Death Of A Marriage
When men abdicate
And women pontificate
Nerves begin to grate
Actions agitate, irritate, and aggravate
Angry words proliferate
So they bicarbonate and medicate
Until they separate
In a fit of hate
From the one they chose as a mate
Thus their family they decimate
By swallowing satan’s bait
Instead of allowing God to participate
In the bond they did consummate.
May 3, 2005
Silver Spurs
Broken bones, lost teeth,
Bull snot swirling in air.
Rodeo. Gee Haw!
Jun. 20, 1994
Jesus, Rednecks, and Me
Jesus was a redneck like me I know. So many places in the Bible tell me so. He was born in a barn and slept on a hay trough bed. So, I know that Jesus' neck must be a little red.
His step-daddy was a carpenter with calluses on his hand. Jesus traveled by foot or mule in His Southern homeland. He never received a degree from any ivy-league schools, Yet he made the high flautin' city doctors look just like fools.
He hung around with fishermen in their Judean bass boats And he knew the difference between the sheep and the goats. He spent most of his time with the social outcasts and the poor. Just like a Southern gentleman all were welcome at His door.
He went from one to another little Israeli rural town Teachin' underneath the blue sky a sittin' on the ground. He took His lessons from the land and the lowly beast. He's even workin' up a Church Homecoming Feast!
I don't have to do no fancy talkin' when I kneel in prayer And just like my best friend Pete, He is always there. We spend time at each other's houses though He is mostly at mine. By listenin' to His holy words I can walk that narrow line.
One day those city folks nailed Him to an old rugged Cross. What would be my everlasting gain was their eternal loss. Like that mighty Mississippi that river of blood flooded my soul And saved me from torment in the Devil's flaming water hole!
You can be a city slicker, a country boy or from some little town, But unless Jesus saves your soul one-day to Hell you will go down. Call upon Him while you can from sin to set you free. He can do it for you, cuz He saved an old redneck like me!
Aug 22, 1998
THIS IS VERY INTERESTING! After you check your state(s), look at the last sentence or two.
Whoever said that the Founders didn't want God in the public forum or to influence government never checked out their own state constitution let alone the national one. Indeed, it would appear to be unconstitutional to not have God influence the government.
Could all 50 states have been wrong? Was there not one constitutional lawyer worth a dime from 1776 on until the creation of the ACLU or is it possible that the explanation is that the ACLU lacks understanding of constitutional law or understands it and ignores it? I guess you have to be a lawyer to answer that.
America's founders did not intend for there to be a separation of God and state as it is defined by the ACLU, as shown by the fact that all 50 states acknowledge God in their state constitutions:
Alabama 1901, Preamble. We the people of the State of Alabama, invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the following Constitution ..
Alaska 1956, Preamble. We, the people of Alaska, grateful to God and to those who founded our nation and pioneered this great land ..
Arizona 1911, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Arizona, grateful to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution...
Arkansas 1874, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Arkansas, grateful to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government...
California 1879, Preamble. We, the People of the State of California, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom .
Colorado 1876, Preamble. We, the people of Colorado, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of Universe .
Connecticut 1818, Preamble. The People of Connecticut, acknowledging with gratitude the good Providence of God in permitting them to enjoy ...
Delaware 1897, Preamble. Through Divine Goodness all men have, by nature, the rights of worshipping and serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences...
Florida 1845, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Florida, grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty ... establish this Constitution...
Georgia 1777, Preamble. We, the people of Georgia, relying upon protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution...
Hawaii 1959, Preamble. We, the people of Hawaii, Grateful for Divine Guidance establish this Constitution ...
Idaho 1889, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Idaho, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings ...
Illinois 1870, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Illinois, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors ...
Indiana 1851, Preamble. We, the People of the State of Indiana, grateful to Almighty God for the free exercise of the right to chose our form of government ...
Iowa 1857, Preamble. We, the People of the State of Iowa, grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of these blessings ... establish this Constitution
Kansas 1859, Preamble. We, the people of Kansas, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges . establish this Constitution.
Kentucky 1891, Preamble. We, the people of the Commonwealth of grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties...
Louisiana 1921, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Louisiana, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy ...
Maine 1820, Preamble. We the People of Maine .. acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity ... and imploring His aid and direction
Maryland 1776, Preamble. We, the people of the state of Maryland, grateful to Almighty God or our civil and religious liberty...
Massachusetts 1780, Preamble. We...the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the Universe...in the course of His Providence, an opportunity and devoutly imploring His direction ...
Michigan 1908, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Michigan, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom ... establish this Constitution
Minnesota, 1857, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Minnesota, grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings
Mississippi 1890, Preamble. We, the people of Mississippi in convention assembled, grateful to Almighty God, and invoking His blessing on our work.
Missouri 1845, Preamble. We, the people of Missouri, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness .. establish this Constitution ..
Montana 1889, Preamble. We, the people of Montana, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty establish this Constitution ..
Nebraska 1875, Preamble. We, the people, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom .. establish this Constitution
Nevada 1864, Preamble. We the people of the State of Nevada, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom . establish this Constitution ..
New Hampshire 1792, Part I. Art. I. Sec. V. Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience .
New Jersey 1844, Preamble. We, the people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors .
New Mexico 1911, Preamble. We, the People of New Mexico, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty ..
New York 1846, Preamble. We, the people of the State of New York, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings .
North Carolina 1868, Preamble. We the people of the State of North Carolina, grateful to Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for our civil, political, and religious liberties, and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the continuance of those
North Dakota 1889, Preamble. We, the people of North Dakota, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, do ordain...
Ohio 1852, Preamble. We the people of the state of Ohio, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and to promote our common ..
Oklahoma 1907, Preamble. Invoking the guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessings of liberty ... establish this
Oregon 1857, Bill of Rights, Article I. Section 2. All men shall be secure in the Natural right, to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their consciences .
Pennsylvania 1776, Preamble. We, the people of Pennsylvania, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking His guidance
Rhode Island 1842, Preamble. We the People of the State of Rhode Island grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing
South Carolina, 1778, Preamble. We, the people of the State of South Carolina grateful to God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution
South Dakota 1889, Preamble. We, the people of South Dakota, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberties . establish this
Tennessee 1796, Art. XI.III. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their conscience...
Texas 1845, Preamble. We the People of the Republic of Texas, acknowledging, with gratitude, the grace and beneficence of God
Utah 1896, Preamble. Grateful to Almighty God for life and liberty, we establish this Constitution .
Vermont 1777, Preamble. Whereas all government ought to ... enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and other blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed on man ...
Virginia 1776, Bill of Rights, XVI ... Religion, or the Duty which we owe our Creator . can be directed only by Reason ... and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian Forbearance, Love and Charity towards each other ...
Washington 1889, Preamble. We the People of the State of Washington, grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution .
West Virginia 1872, Preamble. Since through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West Virginia .. reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God .
Wisconsin 1848, Preamble. We, the people of Wisconsin, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, domestic tranquility
Wyoming 1890, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Wyoming, grateful to God for our civil, political, and religious liberties ... establish this Constitution .
After reviewing acknowledgments of God from all 50 state constitutions, one is faced with the prospect that maybe, just maybe, the ACLU and the federal courts are wrong!
"Those people who will not be governed by God will be ruled by tyrants." William Penn
Author - Unknown
Separation of Church and State is nowhere in any of the nation's documents. They are in a private letter to a man in Mass. afraid that the state will establish or decree that a certain denomination would be the faith of that state and all other groups will have to pay taxes to support that decreed denomination. Jefferson said that there was a wall of separation to prevent that concept, which is why the Puritans left England, would never happen in this country.
In other words, the US or any state cannot say that the Baptists are the national or state established religion and Methodists, Presbyterians, Lutherans, etc have to pay taxes to support the Baptist Church. That is all that the wall of separation between church and state meant not what the ACLU and others are saying and enforcing unconstitutionally.
Be sure to check your history at
http://www.wallbuilders.com/
I know this is a rather unusual title for a sermon. I do see a similarity between bar hoppers and some Christians. I am not referring to consumption of alcohol, though some might imbibe, but rather in their choices of establishments and other desires.
In fact, I am reminded of a story where the town barkeep willed his parrot to the Baptist preacher. The preacher was a bit astounded and kept the bird at home for awhile. When he realized that bird had no nasty habits or bad language, he decided to put his perch in the church foyer so the kids could enjoy him. The first Sunday he was perched in the foyer the preacher noticed the bird was shaking his head and was saying something as the congregation entered. He got closer and heard him say, "Bawk, same old crowd! Bawk, same old crowd!" Does your church have the same kind of crowd? Let's see.
Acts 17:21 (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.) (KJV)
Some folks pick their churches and bars for the babble or blab. They are going to hear some new thing or tell it. If they do not hear some juicy gossip, they will invent some. They long for some new theology or mystical feeling. Yes, even in bars there are theological premises being aired. Most of it is bad theology, but I have heard some really good theology come out of men half drunk or completely drunk because they are going back to what they learned as a child or turned from as an adult. If nothing new is shaking at the bar or the church, they search out a new watering hole.
Rom 3:27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. (KJV)
Some go to the bar or church to boast. They love to tell how righteous they are and yes, now days something found to be good or acceptable is called righteous even if it is sinful so bar hoppers can boast of their righteousness or be called righteous by their peers. They strive to be sure that everyone knows their good deeds. Some are slick and just "confide" in the loud mouth of the bar or church and he/she will get the ball rolling to open up the subject for the boaster by telling folks one by one or hollerin', "Hey, y'all listen to what ole Billy Bob done!"
The boaster will respond to someone's praise with something like "Aw, shucks, t'weren't nuttin" and then spend two hours giving you the blow by blow of the thing that "t'weren't nuttin'" making you praise him even more and asking for other tales. When the boaster has told all his tales or the attention level is not what they desire they move on to the next bar or church.
Is it not wonderful, that God has taken away human boasting in Christianity? While we may have to deal with it here on earth, we will not have it in Heaven. The only bragging or boasting going on there will be the saints boasting on all the things Jesus did for us. Why not get a head start and begin to boast on Him here instead of yourself? You will be right and folks will like hanging out with you more as well!
Matt 21:12-13 12 And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, 13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves. (KJV)
Some attend church and bars for the bartering. You barely meet them and they stuff a business card in your hand. Bars and churches make good networking places. Hey, would you rather do business with a stranger or a drinking or prayer buddy? Some lads have a regular bar circuit so they can keep up with the changing crowd. Some professing Christians are Presbyterian one year; Methodist the next and when they get the rich folks taken care of they will come and slum with the Baptists.
Now hear me correctly, it is a good thing if you have good Christian businessmen in your church. They most likely will give you a better deal or at least an honest one. However, check their spiritual life before you buy. If their attendance is spotty and whenever you talk to them you hear more about ABC, Inc. than about what God has been doing in their life you may just want to pass them by as someone just there for the bartering.
1 Cor 3:4-5 4 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? 5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? (KJV)
Some choose a bar or church for the bartender or bishop. They like the way he looks and handles himself. He might even be famous in certain circles or even nationally or worldwide. They may appreciate the way he performs when mixing drinks or mincing words. Maybe he always has an ear for them and says just the right things. Why, he even agrees with everything they say and always shakes their hands with a smile. They love to say that they hang out at the bar or church where he is. It gives them a bit of respect from all that they tell.
Ah, but let a bigger name appear on the barroom grapevine or church sign and off they go. They forget all about the other guy and now seek to rub elbows with the new guy and achieve more notoriety. Ah, my Brethren let it be such for the bar hopper, but it should not be so with the Christian. Are ye not carnal by being such respecters of persons? Your Lord is not that way!
Col 3:16 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (KJV)
Some are more desirous of hearing a good band at the bar or church. They will put up with an ugly preacher and bad preaching, but there better be good music. You can water down the whiskey and the sermon as long as the music is good as well as good and loud! These folks know exactly which bands are playing where and their faithfulness to their home church or watering hole is only as strong as the itinerary of their favorite bands. Do not ask them to commit to being anywhere regularly. They have to check the band schedule. My friends, while good spiritual music is biblical, there is no mandate for a groupie mentality. As in all things, balance is the key.
John 6:26 Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. (KJV)
Still more people show up at the bar or church for the buffet! On Monday's one place has $1 longnecks and free hot dogs. On Tuesday's it's $1a shot and pizza. On Wednesday, it's Ladies night with no cover charge for unescorted ladies and a salad bar, etc. This Sunday, First Baptist is having Homecoming and they always have a good spread. Next Monday, First Methodist is having their spaghetti supper and next Sunday, Second Baptist is having dinner on the grounds and so on.
Want to get folks to go on Visitation? Give them free or cheap supper before they go and have ice cream for desert when they get back. Want to have a high attendance Sunday, jist have a dinner on the grounds. You will note the bars have their best buffets during the week when business is slow. At least, the bar will get more booze sales than normal. At a church supper, you will usually get a lot more folks, but very little offering. If you make them pay enough to cover costs for the meal, you will at least break even.
Don't feel bad, folks thought Jesus was a heaven sent buffet line as well. When He cut off the food, His numbers went down. The same will happen to you. Like Him, you may attract at least a few good folks that will stick around to help you clean up and then stay to minister. The rest you need to let go anyway for all they will do is complain about the corn being cold or you did not have the right desert or blame you for their heartburn.
1Thes 4:3-7 3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: 4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; 5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: 6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. 7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. (KJV)
One last group that relates to bar hoppers and churchgoers are the ones who go in search of the booty or body. Both men and women hop from bar to bar to find the babes and the hunks for a one nightstand or a relationship. It is not so much as where they are but who is there that is important. They are good fishermen and come out decked in their best clothes and demeanor to see what they can hook and sometimes they both end up suckers instead of keepers.
It happens at church as well. Yes, if you are single, it is good to be looking for a Christian mate, but be careful what you use as bait. If you put a lot of stock on looks and dress like the folks in the bar, you will only hook those who care about your body. Let the Lord lead and allow Him to bring you a mate through the beauty of the Spirit working in your spirit and you will bring home a trophy that will be with you for life. Remember not all that talk the talk walk the walk and just because you visited a new church and found the dream person you best beware! Jude warns us of folks who are spots in the feast and do not have the Spirit. (Jude 12,19) You can forget about missionary dating. The devil planned that program and more of God's children end up in a hellish life than the devil's children being born again.
Now, if you do not want to be a church hopping Christian and shed the characteristics of the bar hopper you need better reasons for coming to church. Better reasons will keep you stable for many seasons and not just in membership alone.
You need to come to church because of the blood. After all, it was the blood of Christ that bought you. You are not your own. You need be grateful for that blood and come to worship the One that paid your sin debt. (1 Cor 16:19,20)
You need to come to church because of the Bible. Not only is the assembling of yourselves together a commandment, but you need to be where the Word is preached faithfully to help you grow as a Christian. (Heb 10:25)
You need to come to church because of the brotherhood. Every service should be a glad reunion of the family of God that brings us closer to Him and each other. How else can we love one another and pray for one another if we are not together? How can we know the joys of rejoicing and weeping with one another when we stay at home or somewhere else apart from the family? (Eph 3:14-19)
Finally, we must be faithful and come to church because of the benefit. Don't get excited, the benefit of others, not ourselves is the goal. Look at Hebrews 10:25 again. We are to exhort or encourage one another. In these days, that appear to be the last days, we need to do this "so much more so" not less. Close family can encourage you much better than strangers or acquaintances can, so stop your church hopping and become close to a group of saints and brethren. As you encourage them, you will also receive a benefit of encouragement and love. We are just not to make that our motivation. It is more blessed to give than to receive, but praise the Lord, we shall receive.
If a bar hopper is reading this, you are not going to find what you are searching for in the bar. What you need is belief. You need to believe that you are a sinner and that Jesus died and rose again for your sin. You've been lookin' for love in all the wrong places and faces. Come to the Cross and look into the face of the One who loves you more than you can comprehend. Receive that love and you will not have to bar hop again. You will have all you need in Him. Won't you come to Him now?
Cowboy Up!
Be very careful what you say or do
Or some committee will be coming after you.
I'm tired of folks whining like a hungry pup.
Come on America, it's time to Cowboy Up!
Our ancestors came to a rough, untamed land
And faced their hardships like a woman and a man.
We once matured into gentlemen and ladies.
Now, we're raising spoiled, crying babies.
When times got rough, we took it on the chin.
Now, we want someone to blame and a lawyer who can win.
Groups abound so we are quickly defended
When we lack back bone and are so easily offended!
When a rider's been thrown and he starts to feel down.
His pardners say, "Cowboy Up!" to bring him back around.
There are too many lazy folks rattling their cup.
Come on, America, it's time to Cowboy Up!
We surely have our problems and we so easily sin,
But nothing will change unless we all chip in.
One day there will be no table at which you can sup
Unless Americans quit their cryin' and COWBOY UP!
Oct 1, 1994
DISCLAIMER
It has been asked so for future folks who wonder the same thing, Maverick Ministries is not a 501(c) 3 ministry. It is more of a no profit ministry as I do most of my work without compensation and what little money I may make along the way I pay taxes on it. I don't ask for donations and can't give you a tax receipt and thus not bound by the rules applicable to such organizations. I am a private citizen ministering to po' folks. It is truly a faith based operation.
The good part about this is that I can say what I want about any topic. This ministry is a separate entity and is run solely by myself. It is not supported, sanctioned or anything else by any group or organization. The views and opinions voiced do not represent anyone but me within my 1st Amendment rights and are not necessarily the views and opinions of anyone I may work for, with or near. Indeed, while I approve (at least mostly) with the folks I have links to that does not necessarily mean they approve of me even partly.
That is one of the reasons I have been called a Maverick and why this ministry bears that name.
Thank ya kindly!
Obad 1:11
In the day that thou stoodest on the other side, in the day that the strangers carried away captive his forces, and foreigners entered into his gates, and cast lots upon Jerusalem, even thou wast as one of them. (KJV)
Do not turn a deaf ear to the cries of 4,000 innocents slain every day.
THINK PRO-LIFE, PRAY PRO-LIFE, IN ALL THINGS BE PRO-LIFE!!!!
