Keith Burnett Ministries

Equipping for Evangelism

Proving End of Christian Era?

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Connections - Be the Church

CHURCH: It isn’t where we go – It’s who we are!

Connections: Being the Church

This morning, I spoke with a lady who had expressed a desire to follow Christ. There were connections between our conversation and the following verse from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5):

Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

That verse tells us there are connections between two Christian purposes: Letting the world see the difference Christ makes in a believer’s life and glorifying God with every action taken. That’s why being the Church is much more important than going to church. It was less than ten minutes later I saw a headline saying we have now proved the end of the Christian era! That piqued my interest and it should interest you as well.

Connections: Words & Deeds

Do you think the world is watching how you and I live? Bet on it! As the following excerpt shows, the Connections - Body of Christworld very often knows what we say we believe. Now, be assured I don’t agree with the entirety of this article. That’s one reason I only re-posted a portion of it. Like many liberal writers and organizations, the author tries to apply Biblical truths to public policy. In this case, it’s easy to see the writer probably thinks our nation has no right to protect itself (borders) because “love” ought to let everyone in. That’s the political agenda of the whole piece.

But we need to see the connections between what the world sees and the actions we take. Our actions and words have consequences. And we should always be aware of the connections we make (good or bad) with an unbelieving world. So, see the excerpt below my sign-off!

Soli Deo Gloria!

End of the Christian Era (source available on request)

…Political leaders feel the need to appear Christian, say Christian-sounding things, show up at Christian institutions, and end their speeches with “God bless America!” American money proclaims “In God we trust.” What could be more Christian than that?

The current election cycle is demonstrating (once again) that the rhetoric and mythology of a uniquely Christian America should come to an end. Why? Because the votes don’t lie.

Though voters may speak piously and rather vaguely about Christian values and ideals, polls and election results communicate clearly that this is a nation consumed by fear, anger and suspicion, none of which are Christian virtues.

[‘I’d like to punch him in the face’: The incredible shrill of this election season]

If voters were serious about presenting to the world a picture of a Christian America, they would need to be painting with the colors of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, fidelity, gentleness and self-control, because these are the colors that, as the Apostle Paul said (in Galatians 5), witness to Jesus Christ and the power of God at work in their lives.

Of course, Americans and their leaders will continue to speak in the name of God, even profess grand things about God, as they make their case for American Exceptionalism and the righteousness of the American Way. But from a scriptural point of view, it is all rubbish. What matters is not what you say but how you live. And from a Christian point of view, nothing matters more than living a life that is inspired by God’s love for everyone….

[I didn’t want to “promote” the rest of this piece, but if you really want to see all of it, just send me a note.]

 

Hangin’ With the Light

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Life Lessons Light

Journey Group Devotional, 10/2/15

As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. John 9:5

During the discussion that arose from Jesus’ second I AM statement, He makes it clear that while He is the light of the world, He is from above and not of this world. He is, of course, the Bread of Life and the light of life, sent from the Father to provide what we need in our sin darkened world.

Following Jesus will no doubt one day take us to heaven. We give a lot of emphasis to salvation and leading people to Christ – and well we should! We rejoice that heaven is our home and final destination.

But while we are not OF this world, we are still IN this world.

Christianity, which is about Christ, is about the here and now as well. While we can look back to the time we believed and realized our sins were forgiven and heaven was our destination. We can look ahead and know that one day all sickness, sorrow, and suffering will end and we’ll live with Him eternally. But we have LIVE in the present!

I’m occasionally asked, What is the secret to successfully following Christ?  Let me suggest two things:

  • Hang tough. Following Christ requires commitment – a daily commitment, (see Matthew 16:24-26; John 12:24-26).
  • Hang tight. The church is God’s plan and we need one another for encouragement and support, (see John 17:11; Hebrews 4:23-25).  

Being a Christian is more than just an instantaneous conversion – it is a daily process whereby you grow to be more and more like Christ. – Billy Graham

Final thought:  As followers of Christ, we have been called out of darkness and into the light (1 Peter 2:9). We are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). And according to His purpose, (2 Timothy 1:9) we are here for a reason. Let me add one more thought help you successfully follow Christ.

 Hang Out!

Hang out with the Light, Walk with the Light. John 1:4-5 says, Life was in Him, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness…  We are no longer OF this world but we are IN this world for a reason. When we hang out with the Light, we can effectively carry the Light to a dark world. Find ways to connect with people who need Jesus. Hang out with people and let your light shine!  (Matthew 5:14-16; Philippians 2:14-15).

Journey GroupAlongside for the Journey!

Jeff

How to Live an Inviting Life

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Inviting Lives in La Romana

Keith Burnett portraitHave you thought about your life as an invitation? Should you think of it that way? If you do, who is supposed to see as an attractive invitation?

Is this post a how-to for living inviting lives or a report on what happens when we live that way? It’s hard to say, but the two are connected. In John 17, Jesus prayed for His followers to be one just as He and the Father are one. Is that true in your church?

Jesus’ reason for that part of His prayer is actually in His prayer: So the world will believe that You sent Me. Think about that. How you and I relate to each other has a direct bearing on unbelievers. That’s true whether we like it or not. Our actions, good or bad, either invite unbelievers or put them off.

A Great Team in La Romana

Adel sharing with Tiko

Adel sharing with Tiko

As our team began work last Monday in La Romana, there was a local young man working with us. His name is Tiko. We soon came to learn he is a baseball player. He is actively being scouted by professional baseball teams here in the States.

Our team had many things to do. Little did we know God had Tiko on our list! He spent three days working with our team and it caused him to do a couple of amazing things.

Remember that negative impact the church can have? Tiko had been negatively impacted. He had been told he could could not become a Christian because of:

  • His earring
  • His dreadlocks

In order for him to know that there must have been an inquiry into spiritual things at some point in his past. That being the case, his question on Thursday morning is all the more incredible.

New Believer in La Romana

New believer introduced to La Romana team.

New believer introduced to La Romana team.

He spoke with one our men. He shared his past, what he had been told, and that he wanted to have the kind of joy he saw in us. In short, he was stepping over the hurts of the past in order to inquire again. That says a lot about him and it says a lot about us living attractive lives!

Tiko’s question was reported to me. We prayed for him. A little while later I asked my friend Adel to go speak with Tiko and show him the truth of the Gospel. Adel did that. In just a few minutes Adel brought Tiko into the mission center and introduced as a brand new believer and follower of Jesus Christ. It started with attractive living! And by the way, Jesus’ ‘how to’ for an inviting life is this:

Let your light so shine before men that they will see your good works, and glorify your Father Who is in heaven.

From La Romana to Barahona

Team praying for Tiko

Team praying for Tiko

Tiko wants to join our sports evangelism team that leaves for Barahona at the end of this month. I am doing everything I can to raise the money necessary to include him on our team. We want to have some time  to disciple him and let him hang out with some outstanding Christian young men and coaches.

There it is. An awesome story of something only God can do. Will you help us include Tiko on the team? Make checks payable to ROW and send to my PO box (on front of website). Just put a note in your  envelope: Tiko. Thanks much.

Soli Deo Gloria! 

The Camo Bible

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camo fabric 1a - h -text

How do we address difficult, challenging subjects? It’s often done successfully with humor or satire. The Camo Bible embodies that thought.

We’ve promoted it as being “For Christians who want to make sure they’re in the Kingdom but don’t want to be too noticeable.” That line should tell anyone all they need to know. Our instruction is not to hide the Light within us under a bushel! God intends for us to be very noticeable. In fact, we are to let our light so shine before men that they see our good works and glorify Him! (see Matthew 5:15-16; Mark 4:21; Luke 11:33)

It’s often uncomfortable if our faith makes us real noticeable. That tends to also make us unliked and we like being liked! These times show us just how much of the world is still in us. (see John 15:19; I John 2:15) Since berating people about it hasn’t worked real well in many churches, a different approach might be helpful.

First, most of the people who read this blog aren’t really trying to “blend in.” For you, the Camo Bible is a humorous way for ‘iron to sharpen iron.’ (Proverbs 27:17). It’s to help you ‘stand out.’ Second, the Camo ‘Translation’ verbalizes the way many people really think and act. They won’t say so, but their actions tell the story. Recognize they really are ‘blending in’ may help them in their faith journey. Third, there’s a post-modern generation behind us this can reach if it’s shared.  That’s three reasons it’s a good project for us and subscribers.

Want an example?  Here’s the gist of today’s Camo Bible post:

camo fabric 1a - h -text

Psalm 119:3-4 NASB

They also do no unrighteousness; They walk in all His ways. You have ordained Your precepts (laws), that we should keep them diligently.

Pretty big order here! No unrighteousness and all His ways???   That person would be real noticeable in today’s world!  And there’s that other thing. The world I live in says what’s true for me is cool and whatever you think is true is OK for you. But laws? Let’s try this!

camo fabric 1a - h

Psalm 119:3-4 -The Camo Translation

They also don’t do much unrighteousness; they walk in all His convenient ways. You have ordained Your suggestions, that we should keep them as best we can.

Now, that won’t make me too noticeable!

**********Comments???*************

NOW, think about it!

Soli Deo Gloria! 

Concealed Carry ?

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Do you do concealed carry? Did you know you do NOT have a right to concealed carry? Why? Because slaves don’t have rights of any kind! Are you sure I’ve lost my mind? Keep reading!

ephesians 3-20 AOne of my favorite verses says, Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly and abundantly more than we can ask  or imagine, according to the power that works in you, (Ephesians 3:20).  God’s power is in you. The Bible says we are either slaves to sin or slaves to rightousness. As slaves to rightousness we are carriers of His power. The only question is, is His power concealed or is it evident to all?

Christ is at work in you for His own purposes. isaiah 61-1His power must be revealed in us if we are to reach our generation with the Gospel. We carry His power to do His work. What’s His work?  Proclaim good news to the poor, bind up the brokenhearted, proclaim freedom for captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, and proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, (Isaiah 61:1, 2a).

Matthew 5-18I’d say that’s a pretty good agenda for us. But we won’t do very well unless we are committed to ‘open carry.’ He said it this way, Let your light so shine before men that they see your good works and glorify your Father Who is in heaven! 

Think about it!

Soli Deo Gloria! 

I Like Simple

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I Cor 10-31Christians are citizens of a realm they have yet to see with their own eyes.  Citizens of any realm have responsibilities.  Our responsibilities are listed in Scripture and at times may seem overwhelming.  However, I like simple!  I can handle that.  Would you like life’s decision making to be easier?

I Corinthians 10:31 gives us a simple mission (purpose) that encompasses the whole of our lives.  What we say, do, and think is to bring glory to God.  Our lives are to be consumed with bringing One Person one thing: Glory.  If I didn’t mention it, I like simple.  Life is all about HIM!

This command, like the others, is driven by our passionate love for Jesus.  When we love Him totally, we want to see Him honored, worshiped, adored, served, known, and exalted.  Paul’s instruction to let whatever we do bring glory to God is in keeping with Jesus’ words in Matthew 5, “Let your light so shine before men that they will see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (emphasis mine)  I often find it irresistible to verbalize what the Scripture did not say.audience of one  In this case, it didn’t tell us, “So whine before men that they see your self-righteousness and glorify you on the earth and in the church.”  No!  Life’s decision making process is as simple as answering a single question, “Does this glorify God?”  If the answer is positive, “Git ‘er done!”  If not, move on.  We have an Audience of One!  Did I  mention I like simple?

Obviously, writing about Paul’s command or talking about it is easier than living with a consistent passion for God’s glory.  The answer doesn’t lie in working harder or striving longer.  It lies in loving Him more deeply.  Genuine love must be expressed.  We inevitably express appreciation and admiration for the passions of our lives.  psalm 19But our passions move us far beyond appreciation or admiration.  We will work ourselves into the ground for our life’s passions.  So let me ask, “How meaningless is our appreciation, admiration and work if our life’s passion is anything less than Him?” Think about it.  You might find you like simple!

Soli Deo Gloria!

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Keith Burnett Ministries
P.O. Box 803
Scottsboro, AL 35768
(256) 244-5453
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