Interview With Modern Hymn Writer Keith Getty

Here's a link to an interview in Worship Leader Magazine with Modern Hymn Writer Keith Getty.

Worship Leader

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The Power of The Tongue

Hello,

Wanted to share the below sermon I gave last weekend from James 3 titled, "The Power of The Tongue". May you be challenged and encouraged by what God's Word reveals to you about you're own tongue!

You'll want to pause the music that plays which you'll find on the right hand side before playing this audio where it says "Tunes".

The Power of The Tongue from Randolph Koch on Vimeo.

Here's the sermon info:

Message Title: “The Power of The Tongue”
Text: James 3:1-18
Speaker: Pastor Randolph Koch
Location: Antioch Bible Church, Hillsboro, Oregon (http://abiblechurch.org)
Date: July 25, 2010

Central idea: Taming your tongue will provide evidence of a true and mature faith.

Key Questions:

What are the risks if you don't tame your tongue?

What is the solution for an untamed tongue?

Outline of the Risks and the Solution:

1. The Tongue: Has the Ability to bring Judgment and cause you to Stumble
(V. 1-2)

2. The Tongue: Has the Ability to Control (V. 3-4)

3. The Tongue: Has the Ability to Consume and Corrupt (V. 5-6)

4. The Tongue: Has the Ability to tame but it's not tamable by man. (V. 7-8)

5. The Tongue: Has the Ability to bring Compromise and Hypocrisy (V. 9-12)

6. The Solution: Wisdom From Above (V. 13-18)

As the audio/video progresses the above points will be visible.

All the very best,

rlk

40!

40 - it’s a number, an interesting number, a number that has been significant at different times throughout history.

For example, Noah spent 40 days in the Ark. Moses wandered the wilderness with Israel for 40 years. Jesus fasted and was tested 40 days in the desert. Then after His resurrection He appeared 40 days before ascending to Heaven. There are many other examples throughout history but they are too numerous to mentioned here.

As for me, I can by no means compare my life to the above significant things, however, 40 is a milestone I’ve reached today - 40 years to be exact.

As they say, “life comes at you fast”! Whoever coined that phrase was dead on! I’ve been reflecting a lot about life this week and especially as today is significant for me.

I look back on the four decades that I’ve been blessed to be on this earth and through every joy, pain, hardship, and success - I’m very thankful to be blessed to wake up and just breathe, live, grow, contribute and hopefully live and leave a legacy.

I’m thankful for and blessed to have the family and friends that I do. I’m thankful and blessed to be working and have a ministry to fulfill in my local church.

I don’t understand every part of that last four decades but I know God has strengthened me through everything and He knows and holds the key to what lies ahead in the future. Again, I’m thankful for every bit of it!

My hope and prayer for this day and moving forward is that with God’s help, my family’s help, and friends’ help, is that I continue to grow in being and be faithful to be a better Husband, Father, Friend, Pastor, Employee, and Citizen.

I want to especially thank my wife of almost 16 years and for my kids – I definitely wouldn’t be who I am without you!

Thank you God, family, friends, and co-workers for being a part of my life and for being a huge part in helping me become who I am today!

So here’s to the last four decades and to however many more I’ll be blessed to have in the future!

With Sincere Love and Thanks on this special day,

Randolph Koch

"give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, For His lovingkindness is everlasting." -Psalm 107:1

CEO Leadership?

For at least the last decade there's been a movement within The Church to model church leadership / government after the structures often found in Fortune 500 companies in place of the model laid out in the Bible.

Instead of Pastors who are servant leaders like Jesus, you see more of a CEO with an executive board of directors model. Instead of Pastor/Edlers, and Deacons, you see CEO's, VP's and Directors.

Many conferences have sprung up with the latest fad led by keynote speakers who are seen as the sought after or up-and-coming leaders you "just got to be like", focusing on taking your leadership to the "next level". Unfortunately many of those conferences do not focus on the Biblical model. They often connected these sessions sometimes about strategies, not necessarily for evangelism and not on how to be a Biblical Shepherd, but how to increase your congregation size. They connect this with leadership as if the size of congregation truly has anything to do with leadership. You can have a small or a large congregation and can either be or not be an effective Biblical leader - size doesn't matter but the ability to teach God's Word, your character, your giftedness, your integrity and more are what truly matter.

I work for a fortune 500 company and I know first hand that there's a constant push to bring more and more shareholder value (Increased Profits) every year and it's this same push I see in similar form in the new "leadership" model. In the churches that focus on the new leadership strategies, instead of profits, it's increased congregations size plus increased giving to build a "business" um, I mean a church congregation/ministry. Granted there are obvious "business" aspect of a church but none-the-less the church isn't a business as the world would define rather, it is to be about God's business and we should tirelessly work to make it about Him - Keep the main things the main things!

Don't take me wrong, there are some good conferences out there where pastors can glean a lot from in order to be a more effective pastor and we ought to strive to grow continually be a good and effective shepherd as God Has called us to do so. We need to remember that none of this has anything to do with the latest fad or coolest new strategy. Leadership in the church should focus on and should be about the Bible - What God has to say about leadership. Let's pray that we'd be found doing His will and building His kingdom and not our own.

In Closing, here's another Blog entry that speaks to this and gives some examples of some of the conferences that are typically not truly building or raising up the right leadership in the church. Let's pray that those who choose to attend these conferences will not compromise or sell out to man's wisdom but stick solely with God's Wisdom.

http://www.alittleleaven.com/2010/06/leadership-idol.html

In Christ,

rlk

Beautiful seatbelt ad that speaks powerfully about more than seatbelts.

To quote what someone else said... Here’s a beautiful seatbelt ad that speaks powerfully about more than seatbelts. Very profound message. (You'll want to pause the music on the right under the "Tunes" section before playing the video)

Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday

I wanted to pause for a moment and wish you a wonderful Resurrection / Easter Sunday! May today, your Good Friday be filled with gratitude and contemplation for the great sacrifice He paid for you and may this Sunday be filled with joy as you celebrate and worship the risen savior Jesus Christ!

Check out the message in the below e-Card.

He is Risen, He is Risen Indeed!

With Love in Christ,

rlk

Holiday Humor

On this first day of the Christmas "season" I wanted to share a funny Christmas Holiday Video involving Fruitcake! This is from the DavidJeremiah.com online Advent calendar. Check it out!

DavidJeremiah.org - Advent Calendar

Wanted to share a link to this online Advent Calendar from Pastor David Jeremiah.
If you have kids and celebrate Advent as part of your Christmas celebration, you might enjoy this.

Here's the Link:

DavidJeremiah.org - Advent Calendar

God bless,

rlk

Seeing God's Glory and Attributes Through His Creation

I've been busy with exciting new ministry activities as part of a new church plant an as such, I'm finding less time to write but desire to do so more often in the near future.

Today, I simply wanted to post some pictures that I find "inspirational" as they highlight some beauty from God's creation and one of my favorite places on the Oregon Coast.

I'm reminded of Romans 1:20 (ESV) or Romans 1:20 (NASB) that by or since creation God's invisible attributes are made known - they are clearly seen.

I hope that when you see His creation that you see His handy work, His Glory, and some of His attributes!

Cannon Beach @ Dusk - Oregon Coast

Cannon Beach @ Dusk - Oregon Coast

From the rising of the Sun until it's going down, the Name of the Lord shall be praised! (see Psalm 113:3)

In Him,

rlk

Clergy Appreciation Month

October is clergy appreciation month and let me encourage you to take time to send a note of encouragement via a card, email, or in person to the shepherds and other staff at your church. Or, you can also consider making them a special treat, or bring them something for their lunches, a small gift card or other gift, or whatever you think will encourage them by you showing your appreciation.

They are constantly bombarded with so many things and they serve, they shepherd selflessly and your care for them would be much appreciated.

Here's a link to the Clergy Appreciation Month site on ThrivingPastor.com (Formerly Parsonage.com) :

• http://www.thrivingpastor.com/clergyappreciation/ 

Here's a guide to Clergy Appreciation Month:

•  http://media.focusonthefamily.com/pastoral/pdf/CAM_Guide_2012.pdf 

Pray for your pastor and staff!

Lastly, let me encourage you to take time to encourage your pastor and staff throughout the year...it doesn't need to be limited to one month out of the year.

God Bless,

rlk

For our friends at Harvest Community Church

My family and I attended Harvest for our last regular Sunday and as we depart - I wanted to take a moment to thank you for the opportunity and privilege of serving the Lord and you during the years we were a part of Harvest Community Church.

We're thankful for our time at Harvest and will continue to keep you in our prayers. We're very excited for what God has in store for us at Antioch Bible Church in service to Him and as we continue to seek to follow His will.

We'll look forward to seeing you from time-to-time around town.

If you have any questions regarding the new ministry God has opened up please feel free to ask me.

Thanks again.

Sincerely in Christ,
RLK on behalf of the Koch Family
 

Great News!

Hello,

Wanted you to know that our interview went well last Saturday, (08/22/09) and I’m pleased to share that we were accepted/received into the mission by the Board of Directors by unanimous vote!

It’s been a 15 year journey for us and I’m humbled to have this door opened to further serve the Lord and shepherd His people.

Please continue to pray as we move forward and please also pray that we’ll be able to raise the needed support to not only supply for my family but also to provide for the cost of any travel, tools needed for ministry, and etc.

I’ll keep you posted.

Humbly in Him,

rlk

The Journey Continues

It's been over a month since I was last able to post an entry and today I wanted to create a post in order to let you know about something exciting God is doing!

What's Going On?:

• God has opened up an exciting opportunity to serve at a new church plant in Hillsboro, Oregon which has been planted in partnership with the Northwest Independent Church Extension!
  
• The church is Antioch Bible Church and you can check out the web site @ http://abiblechurch.org.
  
• I've been offered a Pastoral Internship where I'll serving as the Executive Pastor intern and will be doing a variety of things in service to God!
  

Fifteen years ago I sensed God's calling on my life to serve Him and His people as a shepherd and now He is opening the door to serve Him in that capacity!

As a side note, I'll continue to work my full time job and serve / work part-time+ in the internship.

Next Steps:

• We're currently transitioning out of the church my family have called home for the last 8 years and will be serving at the new church every Sunday beginning in September.
  
• This summer we are currently serving at Antioch all but one Sunday a month and that one Sunday we are attending/serving at our old church home.
  
• On August 22, 2009 my wife and I will be going for an interview before the mission board and upon approval by the board we'll be accepted into the mission (I'll be a missionary pastor) and then we'll begin raising support as we will not and do not draw an income from Antioch Bible.
• I'll be one of three on the elder/pastoral team and we'll work closely together as a team to shepherd the flock at Antioch.
  

It's very humbling and such and honor to be serve The Lord and also knowing this is what He has "wired" me to do!

There is more I could share but want to keep this brief and just give you a "heads-up" regarding what God is doing and also ask for your prayers that God will bless this endeavor as I seek to humbly serve Him and that I'll be able to raise enough support to cover what my meager full-time pay is lacking so I can take better care of my family. Please also pray that God helps me be wise in balancing my time especially as I work many hours between both my full-time job and in serving at Antioch while trying to also keep my family a priority and making adequate time to serve and lead them as well. Thank you for your prayers!

Thanks for stopping by and if you have any questions, feel free to ask.

Humbly,
rlk

Free Audio Book Download for July: Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God.

Free audio book download for July from Christianaudio.com - Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God.

I've heard good things about this book and I've downloaded it and I'm looking forward to listening to it myself.

If you don't have an account, you just need to sign up for a free one and then sign up for their newsletter that informs you of the monthly free download which provides the coupon code for the free downloads. Enjoy!

Click on the following link to go to the site.

Free Downloads - christianaudio.com

Free Gift For You! DIY Note Taking Study Tool!

Check out the following link for a free gift I've posted for you! It's a DIY note taking / study tool that I posted on my downloads page.

http://www.rlkministries.org/Downloads.html

Here are the details:
DIY (Do It Yourself) Note Taking Study Tool (ZIP file with PDF's): This is something I put together as a gift for a few people I've ministered with and wanted to make available to you. This is a DIY (do it yourself) study/note taking tool that can be simply printed out and placed in a binder for taking notes, etc. This is something that, (if you choose to utilize it), can be customized as you see fit.

Here’s what’s included: (See the included "Read Me" file for more info)
1. Four different covers you can choose from. (Or you can create your own to personalize it even more.)
2. One an Two page note taking pages including a third bonus note page.
3. A reference list of the Books of The Bible.
4. A reference overview of the Books of The Bible.
5. Bible Reading plans from Biblegateway.com.
6. Lastly, a reference list of different passages on different topics from the Bible.

Enjoy! Feel free to share it with others!

Sincerely,

rlk

Shepherding the Flock

Hello,

In reflecting on the Biblical role of a shepherd it seems that we live in a day where many have started to "professionalize" ministry. What I mean is that they have begun to take on more of a business model where someone is hired, (usually a specialist) for a job role and the calling God has on a Pastor’s life and the Biblical role of pastoring is de-emphasized.

Obviously you want to call someone who is gifted in certain gifts and talents however what the difference is today is that people are abandoning the call and role of a pastor and in its place they see it as just a job and not a calling. They are running the church and their "job" like a business and people just seem to be a consumer of "the goods" they provide each week. Because of this there are many pastors who have abandoned the Biblical mandate of a pastor. In place of this mandate they stick to their ministry box/role/title only and do nothing to really fulfill their shepherd role in shepherding God's people. Furthermore they are more concerned about marketing instead of communicating God's Word and the Good News of Jesus Christ.

It’s not that they aren’t doing some good things and it’s not that pastors shouldn’t be professional and yes, it is important to fulfill the role they were hired for but ultimately it's vital that they don't limit themselves based on that job and instead fulfill the call of a pastor in whatever role they fill. There is a difference of being professional in conduct and the professionalization of the church, the operation of the church, and "job functions" of the pastors and staff.

Pastors who are abandoning the call are missing the joy, the fruits, the blessing of genuinely fulfilling the role of a pastor/shepherd and dare I say the people in their congregations are being cheated as well.

I also have observed over the years that some who are called to pastor are at times putting the responsibility of shepherding solely onto the flock. Yes, we should in essence shepherd and care for each other but again, this is not in place of the shepherds call and responsibility who should be leading the flock and be a living example for The Body.

In the simplest way, see what Jesus said to Peter:

John 21:15-17 (Bold emphasis mine)

"So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus *said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?" He *said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He *said to him, "Tend My lambs." He *said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?" He *said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He *said to him, "Shepherd My sheep." He *said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus *said to him, "Tend My sheep."

The Lord used Peter, imperfect, sometimes hot-headed, Jesus-denying-Peter to establish the early church and through these verses The Lord provides a clear understanding of His expectations of and call on an under-shepherd.

If a pastor is not shepherding the people God has entrusted them with, if they really don't care to do so or they don't care to build relationships with the people in their flock, if they only stick to “the job”, then they have disqualified themselves as a pastor and have no business calling themselves a pastor according to the Biblical definition and mandate of a pastor. Some may disagree but they need to look no further than the scriptures - God's definition of pastor to see the truth.

In fact, if they really want to revolutionize "their" ministry they should not simply follow the popular trends or fly-by-night fads, not that we can't glean some things from these, rather, they should get back to The Word, the ultimate authority and use this to shepherd the flock.

People are hungry for the true Word of God and it takes a true man of God, a true minister of the Lord, a man of The Word to shepherd His flock.

Below is an article that I thought was very good in outlining a lot about the role of a pastor.

Let’s pray that our Shepherds will fulfill God's Biblical mandate as fulfill their call to be a Pastor.

In Christ,

rlk


Shepherd the Flock
Monday, Apr 27, 2009
(By John MacArthur)


Original Post: http://www.shepherdsfellowship.org/pulpit/posts.aspx?ID=4188


What is the pastor’s responsibility, besides preaching and studying?


The answer to your question lies in the title you used—pastor. That title is rich with meaning and sets out the chief responsibilities of a godly minister.


One of Jesus’ favorite metaphors for spiritual leadership, one He often used to describe Himself, was that of a shepherd—a person who tends God’s flock. A shepherd leads, feeds, nurtures, comforts, corrects, and protects—responsibilities that belong to every church leader. In fact, the word pastor means shepherd.


Peter wrote these words to elders who would have been familiar with sheep and shepherding:

I exhort the elders among you . . . shepherd the flock of God . . . exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. (1 Peter 5:1-4)

To give you a more complete picture of your pastor’s role, here’s a look at the nature of sheep, the task of shepherds, and how they compare to the pastor’s role among the church. Note the principles of church leadership it contains—they determine what should fill a pastor’s schedule.


Shepherds Are Rescuers

A sheep can be totally lost within a few miles of its home. With no sense of direction and no instinct for finding the fold, a lost sheep usually will walk around in a state of confusion, unrest, and even panic. It needs a shepherd to bring it home.


And so when Jesus saw the crowds, lost, spiritually disoriented, and confused, He likened them to sheep without a shepherd (Matthew 9:36). The prophet Isaiah described lost people as those who, like sheep, have gone astray—each one turning to his own way (Isaiah 53:6).


Like lost sheep, lost people need a rescuer—a shepherd—to lead them to the safety of the fold. A pastor does that by pointing the lost toward Jesus, the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11).


Shepherds Are Feeders

Sheep spend most of their lives eating and drinking, but they are indiscriminate about their diet. They don’t know the difference between poisonous and non-poisonous plants. Therefore the shepherd must carefully guard their diet and provide them with pasture rich with nutrients.


In His encounter with him described in John 21, Jesus drove home to Peter the importance of feeding the sheep. Twice in His command to Peter, Jesus used the Greek term bosko, which means “I feed” (vv. 15, 17).

The pastor’s goal is not to please the sheep, but to feed them—not to tickle their ears, but to nourish their souls. He is not to offer merely light snacks of spiritual milk, but the substantial meat of biblical truth. Those who fail to feed the flock are unfit to be shepherds (cf. Jeremiah 23:1–4; Ezekiel 34:2–10).


Shepherds Are Leaders

Peter challenged his fellow elders to “shepherd the flock of God among you” by “exercising oversight” (1 Peter 5:2). God entrusted them with the authority and responsibility of leading the flock. Pastors are accountable for how they lead, and the flock for how they follow (Hebrews 13:17).


Besides teaching, the pastor exercises oversight of the flock by the example of his life. Being a pastor requires getting in among the sheep. It is not leadership from above so much as leadership from within. An effective pastor does not herd his sheep from the rear but leads them from the front. They see him and imitate his actions.

The most important asset of spiritual leadership is the power of an exemplary life. First Timothy 4:16 instructs a church leader to, “Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.”


Shepherds Are Protectors

Sheep are almost entirely defenseless—they can’t kick, scratch, bite, jump, or run. When attacked by a predator, they huddle together rather than running away. That makes them easy prey. Sheep need a protective shepherd in order to survive.


Christians need similar protection from error and those who spread it. Pastors guard their spiritual sheep from going astray and defend them against the savage wolves that would ravage them. Paul admonished the pastors at Ephesus to stay alert and to protect the churches under their care:

Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. (Acts 20:28-30)

Shepherds Are Comforters

Sheep lack a self-preservation instinct. They are so humble and meek that if you mistreat them, they are easily crushed in spirit and can simply give up and die. The shepherd must know his sheep’s individual temperaments and take care not to inflict excessive stress. Accordingly, a faithful pastor adjusts his counsel to fit the need of the person to whom he ministers. He must “admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with all” (1 Thessalonians 5:14).


The Good Shepherd and His Undershepherds

Jesus is the perfect example of a loving shepherd. He epitomizes everything that a spiritual leader should be. Peter called Him the “Chief Shepherd” (1 Peter 5:4). He is our great Rescuer, Leader, Guardian, Protector, and Comforter.


Church leaders are undershepherds who guard the flock under the Chief Shepherd’s watchful eye (Acts 20:28). Theirs is a full-time responsibility because they minister to people who, like sheep, often are vulnerable, defenseless, undiscerning, and prone to stray.


Shepherding the flock of God is an enormous task, but to faithful pastors it brings the rich reward of the unfading crown of glory, which will be awarded by the Chief Shepherd Himself at His appearing (1 Peter 5:4).


If your pastor is faithfully carrying out the duties required in his job title, remember to follow this admonition of Scripture:

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you. (Hebrews 13:17)

Happy Mother's Day!

Wanted to take a moment to wish all of you mom's and grandma's a very Happy Mother's Day! Thank you for all you do!

The below picture is my gift to you!

With Love In Christ,

rlk

C.H.A.R.A.C.T.E.R. (Part 4 of 8) – Authenticity - Part 1

The Word:

Read: John 3:1-7 and Romans 10:8-11
Additional Reading: John 3:16-21, Acts 16:22-34, 1 Peter 1:2-5

“Authenticity” (Part 1) By Randolph Koch

In the age of increasing untruth and lure of worldly rewards, it is more important than ever that we live in Christ’s likeness as an authentic Christian.

Being a Christian is being a follower of Christ not merely in name but also in word and deed. This includes living our lives according to His will and by His standards as revealed in God’s Holy Word and not by our own or the world’s standards.

We are to follow Him and take up our cross daily to follow Him and our words and actions are to be a reflection of Christ because we are His name bearers.

I recall an analogy that was shared with me years ago that has many applications to our faith.

The one who shared the analogy asked, “What do you think the US treasury uses to study and train their agents in order to know the difference between fake and genuine US currency?”

Now there were a variety responses, such as, “the counterfeit money”, etc. However, the answer was given that, “They study the real currency because by studying the real currency, they will recognize the counterfeit for what it is right away!” Likewise those who know, study, and follow God’s truth with recognize untruth for what it is right away!

I’m sure you see the truth and parallel to our faith as the analogy lends itself to knowing the true Bible vs. the false ones that exist, a true church from the fake ones, as well as the difference between a true believer and a false one just to name a few.

Now, to be clear, God is the Judge of all including their salvation and ultimately it’s not our place because God is the only one who truly knows a person’s heart. However, God has given us the truth of His Word and His Holy Spirit so we’ll be able to distinguish between a true and false believer which is evident by the fruit they do or don’t bear. I’m not talking about some sort of performance or works based salvation that some might teach because the Scripture is clear regarding the fact that we cannot earn what God already did through the complete work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Rather, I’m speaking directly to how a true and authentic believer should live and be His representative in their day-to-day conduct. This is clear in the Word.

The starting point for an authentic Christian is salvation. You might say, “well duh, I know that!” However, in a world that is confused it needs to be clearly stated because some believe that they are saved and going to heave, they are Christian because they were born in a specific country such as the USA. Some also believe that they are believers because they occasionally go to church or they try to live a good and moral life.

While going to church and doing good things isn’t bad, these things are not what saves a person because we can do nothing to earn salvation and they don’t make you a Christian. No, you have to make a personal decision to follow Christ, first by believing He is the Son of God, that He died on the cross for your sins, that you are a sinner in need of salvation, that you need to repent or in-other-words – verbally and physically turn away from your sin and receive Him as savior and Lord.

Another way to put it is that you need to be born again.

Being born again is the grace of God at work as we begin a new life in Christ and enter His family as His child with a completely fresh start - a clean-slate to live and walk in forgiveness. Nicodemus, a Pharisee struggled in understanding when Jesus told him that he must be born-again. But it’s clear that Jesus communicated that being born again is what takes place when you take the step to receive salvation.

This is where true authenticity begins because if you aren’t saved then you can’t truly be a follower of Christ and cannot be capable of following Him if you are not a part of Him.

Questions to Get Started With:

-What does it mean to be saved or born again?
- How does one become saved / born-again? What does the Bible say about this?
-Am I Saved?
- Am I living an authentic life for Christ? Or, do I need to make some changes and get real with living what I say I believe?
-What does the Bible say about why Christ had to die?
-Do I realize that being born again is not about me?
-Who is Jesus Christ?

For Further Study:

1- Do a Bible study on Authenticity / What it means to be a Christian.
2- From your Bible study, select a few verses about Authenticity and memorize them. (Then review them on at least a monthly basis as a great personal tool and reminder of the importance of Authenticity)
3- Pray and ask God to help you be Authentic and also help you build at least one relationship (If you’re a man, with another man or if you’re a woman, with another woman) to the point where you can be accountable to each other so you can speak into each others lives because you’ve come to trust each other. Accountability is a real key to authenticity.

__________________________________________________________
Dear Family in Christ,

As I started to study further in preparation to pick up and continue on in the CHARACTER series and specifically looking at Authenticity, it quickly became clear that there are many aspect of what it means to be an authentic Christian. You could probably spend months discussing or “preaching” on this topic but in the form of devotion I’m going to purpose to do a multi part series within the Character series on the topic of authenticity by looking at several elements that are many of the marks of an authentic believer.

There is so much one could write or say about being an authentic Christian that a devotion cannot contain a comprehensive look into this important characteristic. Furthermore, there are so many elements of authenticity that I must state that I will only hit on a few of them in the series.

So, in the weeks and months to come we’ll continue our Devotional Starters look into CHARACTER and we’ll camp on Authenticity for at least a few more Devotional Starters.

May you personally be spurred on to study and live out the life God has given you in Christ’s likeness as an authentic believer.

Feel free to share these messages with others whom you believe
would be encouraged by them. We're here to serve you so don't hesitate
to contact us!

If you're reading this today and you're not sure what salvation is
about or why you need it, Please visit, www.rlkministries.org and download
and view the free Eternal Life PowerPoint Presentation or click on The
Bridge to Life link on the left column of the pages.

Feel free to e-mail or call us as we're here for you!

May God Bless You as You Seek Him!

With Love In Christ,

His Servant and Yours,

rlk

New Synopsis of Ministry Experience

Wanted to make a brief post to share my updated ministry synopsis with you which is more concise and better reflects the experience God has allowed me the privilege of serving Him and growing in.

Click here if you're interested in viewing it. RLK Synopsis

In His Steps and For His Glory,
Your brother and servant,
rlk