tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-182960632011-04-21T23:00:03.177-05:00Through life God shows us the path we are to follow. In the days of the Exodus the children of Israel set up landmarks to remind them of the path they have trod and what path to continue on, like the pattern that is set before me I am setting landmarks in words of what Christ has done in my life.Josephscnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1071100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-20656685303160569262008-09-09T12:26:00.002-05:002008-09-09T12:34:05.388-05:00

2Co 3:7 Now if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, fading though it was,2Co 3:8 will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious?2Co 3:9 If the ministry that condemns men is glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-59651443134527832512008-09-05T09:45:00.001-05:002008-09-05T09:46:37.456-05:00

Well it has been a while since I last posted...I plan on posting again here soon. After a busy summer I will have more time to post notes on a more regular basis!

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-39244682104945617742008-04-27T15:23:00.003-05:002008-04-27T15:32:52.579-05:00

For all those of you who are desiring new music this is a wonderful resource to download high quality music for free! I have fallen in love with the music here, it is refreshing to find music that is theologically full, truthful, and to even find old hymns that have been rewritten. I cannot fully endorse everything you will find on this site but take a look, I think you will find it refreshing!

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-80047072089033601012008-03-29T17:56:00.003-05:002008-03-29T18:00:30.419-05:00

This is a sermon I preached this week that was a real challenge to my life so I thought I would share it with you guys. The text is Psalms 103:1-5, all verses were taken from the KJV for class purposes only. Hope it is a blessing as it was to me, these are God's thoughts so they should move us!Introduction: Have you ever experienced a time in which you felt unworthy to worship God? A few years

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-4089883421735339182008-02-21T15:34:00.001-06:002008-02-21T15:35:46.538-06:00

Ask Before You AnswerHow to talk to skeptics, unbelievers, and mule-headed friends and family about God.By Randy NewmanI like answering questions with questions. Maybe it's because I'm Jewish. I grew up with dialogues that went like this:Me: How's the weather down there?Granny Belle: How else could the weather be in Florida in the middle of July? As long as we are on the defensive, the

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-19530117343264327162008-01-25T09:36:00.001-06:002008-01-25T09:42:52.854-06:00

Some thoughts from John Stott's book "The Cross of Christ" stuck out to me this morning. These are powerful words which enforce the concept of the centrality of the Cross of Christ. "So Then, although he knew he must die, it was not because he was the helpless victim either of evil forces arrayed against him or of any inflexible fate decreed for him, but because he freely embraces the purpose of

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-49094368269816307072008-01-25T09:26:00.000-06:002008-01-25T09:43:24.822-06:00

1 Peter 4:11 (New International Version)11 If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-81794506958116949602008-01-14T22:07:00.000-06:002008-01-25T09:43:42.381-06:00

These are interesting verses, something to ponder if you don't think that the Bible is serious about separation of some form. This passage is tough and challenging, something I am looking forward to digging into this semester!2 Peter 2:13-16 (New International Version)13 They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done. Their idea of pleasure is to carouse in broad daylight. They are

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-42547939844397242812008-01-13T22:10:00.000-06:002008-01-25T09:43:58.720-06:00

2 Peter 1:5-9 (New International Version)5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-68432592730952661632007-12-08T22:41:00.000-06:002008-01-25T09:44:36.624-06:00

The following is a blog post by Dan Kimball, pastor of Vintage Faith Church in Santa Cruz, CA. I found this article hard to pass up. It is interesting to read and I do think that he has hit something here. Hell is real, but Hell is not the focus of theology or the focus of evangelism. To view Dan Kimball's website follow this link To visit Vintage Faith's website click here"If you think I'm going

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-46395460929989064922007-11-27T08:09:00.000-06:002007-11-27T08:17:59.929-06:00

Ephesians 5:1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. 4 or should there be obscenity, foolish talk

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-37726419902882496802007-11-26T08:24:00.000-06:002007-11-26T08:38:08.916-06:00

So I was reading this passage this morning and one thing struck me...Paul introduces this section by stating that he is a slave of the Lord. But what was the most challenging was that in v 9ff he then talks about Christ coming to earth as an example of humility. It would be easy to look at the first few verses and come away with the idea that to be a slave it to unify the body. Many times that

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-22667255062004637482007-11-19T07:35:00.000-06:002007-11-22T22:49:42.422-06:00

So I was thinking last night about something my friend had mentioned the other day. Right now in Theology class were are talking about Calvinism and Armenianism so we were just having a friendly discussion about that, then he mentioned (realize this is from a Calvinistic position to an Armenian)."I do think it is funny that most Armenians don't agree on many things" To that I gave the typical...

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-63315360881666242242007-11-17T22:45:00.000-06:002007-11-17T22:58:12.174-06:00

Students of the Crossby Tom White, Director of Voice of the MartyrsOn February 19th, 280 Christian students were assaulted on their way to graduation. The graduates of the Emmanuel Theological Seminary and Bible College in Kota, Rajasthan, India, were beaten at the Koto train station by a militant Hindu mob (RSS) that was waiting for them. They were beaten again at the police station with iron

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-5581131748850070672007-11-10T22:22:00.000-06:002007-11-17T22:58:46.063-06:00

I was reading the Lausanne Conference Covenant and was struck with a few of their points. I wanted to post them here just for reading and thinking. Hope that you enjoy them.5. CHRISTIAN SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITYWe affirm that God is both the Creator and the Judge of all men. We therefore should share his concern for justice and reconciliation throughout human society and for the liberation of men and

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-26533603187188072572007-11-02T23:38:00.000-05:002007-11-17T22:59:44.674-06:00

This past Thursday in society chapel we had salvation discussion. Each member gave a brief introduction to their salvation. It was cool to hear the circumstances behind each member's induction into Christ's family. Yet, one thing stuck out to me:The differing views on what brought salvation and what the emphasis was in their salvation process. Several gave the typical "I went forward or talked to

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-73159758530766107712007-10-31T08:24:00.000-05:002007-11-17T23:00:26.294-06:00

Those who don't advocate social gospel should at least consider a portion of it. Even if you are a dispensationalist (which I do consider myself at least part dispensational in theology) you can still use Christ as your ultimate source for Reaching out. Rarely did Christ only reach the spiritual needs of those around. Sure you can make the point that the Biblio gospel was always supreme in

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-70279548831268540072007-10-28T21:33:00.000-05:002007-10-28T21:40:10.526-05:00

If for any reason one should support the social gospel so that the spiritual gospel can be given to those who otherwise would not hear! If you believe that we should only reach a mans soul, consider this: 14,000 people die a day from lack of clean water, and proper sanitation. Because of this 14,000 people are dying without Christ a day. What if you could help 100 of those people live, and then

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-4594380242976593962007-10-27T20:54:00.001-05:002007-10-27T21:06:00.369-05:00

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-37471531580745596922007-10-18T08:28:00.000-05:002007-10-18T08:32:41.478-05:00

So last night I had a simple thought strike me from this passage. Paul tells the Corinthians that they are or can not separate from the world when they act impurely. Sure we are not to participate with them, but if we were to separate from them we would have to tie ourselves into a closet. Folks, we should spend out time trying to purify our lives and then helping to purify our church's. It is

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-23095694107169331442007-10-15T16:40:00.000-05:002007-10-15T16:43:17.289-05:00

What if Jesus was presented so clearly that no person resisted? What if Jesus was presented in His purest form, without the screen of denominationalism or sect or biased opinion? What if the Message changed us so much that we moved on from our differences and simply showed the Hope of Jesus to the world? What if the world saw a God of love and hope, not of strife and confusion? What if? God tells

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-54665454594875709572007-10-10T17:45:00.001-05:002007-10-15T16:30:06.356-05:00

Today we went to a downtown Islamic mosque. We were able to meet with the top leader in the north region. Amazing, we were not there to evangelize but to learn. Oh, let me tell you I learned (sorry for the grammar but it fits here :-)! I had never heard much about Islam, most was from TV...which let me tell you is way off. I think for the first time in my life I saw a Muslim heading to Hell, not

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-71119104147096881932007-10-10T17:28:00.000-05:002007-10-10T17:45:02.045-05:00

Well I have been in Minneapolis for this past week at a conference at Central Baptist Seminary. I have been to conferences before, but never have I been to a conference that was deep, theological, and yet refreshing. I have been torn up spiritually, challenged to GO! and encouraged to love God more. This week the focus was on Loving God more. Throughout the week my heart has been filled. To be

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-55299610759488722872007-10-01T20:48:00.000-05:002007-10-01T20:52:58.808-05:00

It's not often that I put a full out endorsement on a CD, but Casting Crown's new release simply is the best Christian album I have heard in a long time, perhaps ever. I am not talking about the style or quality (while CC did a great job) I am talking about the message. Say what you want about CCM music, say what you want about progressive thinking, but perhaps you are the one that needs to

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-72733627593832937522007-09-16T20:43:00.000-05:002007-09-16T20:47:26.167-05:00

These lyrics are powerful! Check them out.Casting Crowns "What the World Needs"What this world needsIs not another one-hit wonder with an axe to grindAnother two-bit politician peddling liesAnother three-ring circus societyWhat this world needsIs not another sign-waving SUPER- THAT thinks he's better than youAnother ear-pleasing candy man afraid of the truthAnother prophet in an Armani suiteWhat

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-76795844410423980422007-07-21T18:17:00.000-05:002007-07-21T18:24:53.340-05:00

A few weeks ago I was reading through the book of Mathew and was so struck with Chapter 4 verse 16 that it became a moving force in my life. Because of this I am changing my site name to "The Dawning Light". Christ was sent to earth to fulfill Isaiahs prophecy of a light, now I am by Gods power going to shine that light the world.The site URL will remain the same until the end of the month and on

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-813911566394188062007-05-31T11:18:00.000-05:002007-05-31T11:25:55.277-05:00

I was reading in the psalms this morning and this section stuck out to me. Once again David seems to put himself in place and lift God up to where he belongs. As you read focus in on the dependency David places upon God.Psalm 16 (NIV)A miktam of David. [a] 1 Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge. 2 I said to the LORD, "You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing." 3

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-41648945184927930472007-05-29T14:02:00.000-05:002007-05-29T14:05:21.790-05:00

MISSIONS GIVING: The idea of tithing is not supported in the book of Acts. Acts 4:32-35 presents the idea that all possessions we have are of God. The early church believed this and in result no one was in need. The main idea here was to give what was needed. Not every person gave everything but every person gave something. I do not believe this passage supports the convent sort of living but for

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-16388744685618097362007-05-28T18:47:00.001-05:002007-05-28T18:48:52.448-05:00

I do apologize for not posting in a while. I honestly haven't had much to post. I am currently doing a topical study of missions in Acts and hopefully will have some "stuff" to post in a little over a week. This has been one of those studies that there just inst much to post as I go. Well hang in there guys!

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-60628365316280080902007-04-23T19:36:00.001-05:002007-04-23T19:36:32.774-05:00

22"And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. 24However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace. (NIV)I was

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-1248547630156235382007-04-13T15:08:00.000-05:002007-04-13T15:12:07.421-05:00

Here is another article that I think would be of some worth to read. It was an encouragement and challenge to me as I read it today. Resurrection Prespective

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-44066603282539458822007-04-13T14:53:00.000-05:002007-04-13T17:40:21.204-05:00

I read an interesting article today in the "Kindred Spirit" journal produced by Dallas Theological Seminary. It is very interesting and should stir your hearts and thinking. It is funny that I read this today, last night I was reading in Acts 10-11 when Peter ministers to Cornelius. Peter tells Cornelius that God is pleased with his gifts to the poor and needy. That got me thinking, what if we as

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-70465968486030103712007-04-04T17:42:00.000-05:002007-04-04T17:48:28.995-05:00

This week is missions conference at Northland. I plan to report on it later, but for now I wanted to share an opportunity I had last night. This year we honored Dr. John Dreisbach for his years of missions service. I can not begin to explain how incredible it was to meet this man of God. I was able to get a picture and shake his hand which may not seem like much, but I do believe this to be an

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-48103714135098787902007-03-25T21:35:00.000-05:002007-03-25T21:36:30.759-05:00

This is nothing fancy, just some pictures from my China trip.

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-73226140321275923052007-03-03T15:55:00.000-06:002007-03-03T15:56:35.170-06:00

How To Drink Orange Juice to the Glory of GodBy John Piper September 9, 1986 When I asked two weeks ago, "Is the Doctrine of Total Depravity Biblical" my answer was, Yes. And one thing I meant was that all of our actions (apart from saving grace) are morally ruined. In other words, everything an unbeliever does is sinful and thus unacceptable to God.I said that one of my reasons for believing

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-68101411907360736232007-03-01T17:16:00.001-06:002007-03-01T17:20:36.112-06:00

I was just thinking about this song the other day. Besides the fact that this is my favorite song, and I have chosen the passage that this song is based on to be my life verse, I absolutely love this song. Its not of you that anything is accomplished. We CAN NOT complete anything! All our work, even in our best efforts, will fail. It has the idea of total depravity, we as humans are born in sin

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-91168198597314734662007-02-17T23:17:00.000-06:002007-02-17T23:21:00.140-06:00

The following is a short article written by a good friend here at Northland. This could not have been written at a better time, as I am in the very same boat. Business (and I am busy) is not spirituality if the Lord is not in it. Take the time to read and think on this, it will be the best thing you have done in a while!one thing [is needful]by Elizabeth Fraser (notes) 10:19pm Todaythe Lord has

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-43549008213952436522007-02-16T09:30:00.000-06:002007-02-16T09:45:42.297-06:00

(John 4:7-24) For many Christians the topic of worship has been one of much confusion. Many have argued that worship is a specific act or set of actions. Some contend that worship is an attitude and that it doesn’t matter how it’s done. But what is true worship? After completing a study through Galatians, Ephesians, and Colossians I decided to personally study out worship. When first beginning to

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-83848234729943456352007-01-21T17:33:00.000-06:002007-01-21T17:40:14.543-06:00

I was reading an article by Bob Kauflin today that perhaps was the best article on Worship and music that I have ever read. I believe this article has some good stuff that we as Christians should remember. Hope you enjoy it. Yesterday, I was listening/singing to the song, ‘I Will Glory in my Redeemer’ [by Steve and Vikki Cook]...I was struck especially by these words: I will glory in my

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-87637961183753612252006-12-21T15:25:00.000-06:002006-12-21T15:40:11.179-06:00

Colossians 2:13-14 (NIV) 13When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature,God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross.At first glance this passage gave me some trouble. When reading it for the first

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-65631985449564949832006-12-09T00:57:00.000-06:002006-12-09T00:58:03.367-06:00

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-33447472283136443472006-12-09T00:23:00.000-06:002006-12-09T00:42:11.031-06:00

Just in, Artist series are officially boring! Yet we have to attend so I will have a good attitude about them. Often you get as much fun out of something as you put into it. Well I went with the sweetest group of guys so that made the night a blast. Then after we went to the bowling alley for fellowship and food. Well here is my sweet friends, or course me then shaulis, Clint, and BenHalf the fun

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-74034087985671913282006-11-26T20:28:00.000-06:002006-11-26T20:48:00.783-06:00

I chose to go home to suprise my parents this weekend. It was a long trip with 3 guys crammed into my little S-10 Pickup truck.We made the trip in this truck...We traveled the open plains so as to make it home.Well once home I was able to put up our christmas lights.well thats it. I had a blast being home even though it was so quick. Now its back to the grind of school.

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-20410241370564364272006-11-19T21:49:00.000-06:002006-11-19T21:50:23.611-06:00

During this time of thanksgiving it is so easy to be thankful for all of the material things that we have. Not to downplay the Lords provisions in providing, but we often overlook the character of God. There ought not be anything to be more thankful for than Gods character, and thus I have listed below some names that stuck out to me during church this afternoon. His love constrains us God never

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-73495306408436538952006-11-03T19:39:00.000-06:002006-11-03T19:46:38.630-06:00

This was from back in early October but I hadn't been able to get it on the net until now. We went to Crivitz WI on a Friday to this corn maze. When we got there it was closed but we got permission to go in there. It was just us guys so we obviously had a blast. -------------------All of us guys...The silly fella's...Finding our way around...I think he is lost...The Stud muffin brigade.

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-51379793307156201202006-11-03T19:28:00.000-06:002006-11-03T19:35:43.408-06:00

After the typical greeting Paul starts into his introduction. V3 Paul explains what salvation has done for us: Salvation "has blessed us" but what are those blessings? Vs. 4-10 Explains;I. He chose us before the creation and thus the result must be to be holy before Him.II. God pre-determined to save us (or the whole gentile people) which is what He has done.III. We have redemption in Him; That

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-17302232799779183102006-11-03T19:17:00.000-06:002006-11-03T19:25:20.993-06:00

I got in the Christmas mood tonight so I put up the tree. although it looks very simple and boring you can progressively see the bountifulness of it.looks plain and simple but yet...oh it looks a little better...let there be light...let there be even more light...Ah it is so awesome!So if you think it isn't Christmas season until Thanksgiving think again. I am changing that common misconception.

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-1170754330491518102006-11-03T19:16:00.000-06:002006-11-03T19:17:42.286-06:00

This is on artist series night with my 2 friends David, Melcher, and myself. This was the only fun part of the night as the rest just was boring.

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-74788712539301545492006-10-24T20:57:00.000-05:002006-10-24T21:18:38.643-05:00

The following is not meant to be a theological revelation, nor is it declaring a official position that I take. It is simply some random (not really random cause in true Bible Study nothing is truly random) thoughts. Paul, in Ephesians 5:1 starts by saying, "Be Imitators of God". Paul here is wanting us to realize that if we imitate Christ the rest will faill into place. 5:3 He then deals with

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-25173458928789754052006-10-21T14:53:00.000-05:002006-10-21T14:58:11.535-05:00

This video is of my first overseas missions trip to Romania. I went to visit with some missionary friends of mine. It was on this trip that the Lord very clearly sealed up in my mind that he wanted me in missions. To me this trip will forever be one of my most fond memories. To open up the video show a mountain scene that was directly above the city where I was involved. Then the next few

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-10830740365926351732006-10-20T23:42:00.000-05:002006-10-20T23:46:31.504-05:00

Just some random foutain in Green BayAndrew, such a gooberOK yes that is a brewery but no we did not partake of it.

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-35667937556114867252006-10-20T23:38:00.000-05:002006-10-20T23:45:55.715-05:00

OK here are some purely fun pictures of myself Me on Geiser day for spirit week

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-58015138096120992892006-10-17T17:48:00.000-05:002006-10-17T17:55:08.733-05:00

Join with us as we stand before God in prayer for our persecuted brothers and sisters on Sunday, November 12th, the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church.

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-1159496302771526922006-09-28T21:17:00.001-05:002006-09-28T21:18:22.773-05:00

This is on our first day, we handed out stickers to a group of 8-10 children that were hanging out in our hotel in Chengdu.

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-1159495938630759742006-09-28T21:11:00.000-05:002006-09-28T21:12:18.723-05:00

Max singing on the mountain.

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-1159151726580644002006-09-24T21:34:00.000-05:002006-09-24T21:36:04.060-05:00

Today in church we continued our study of Hebrews 11. Today was the study of Joseph. WOW what a blessing/challenge that was! Joseph had a unbelievably dysfunctional family, everyone was set against him, he was under constant attack by the devil to sin, quit and respond in anger. But Joseph was a "right responder". Here is the outline of the sermon: I. God has a plan -our response to God shows

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-1158546599473636922006-09-17T21:22:00.000-05:002006-09-17T21:29:59.490-05:00

I have chosen as my personal theme for this year, faith. Through the summer I had to time and time again look to the Lord for strength and power as often I had not the strength to continue. The Lord would always answer back and empower me. In all things the Lord is faithful. I will this semester have to press onward with faith. The following is a song I think wich speaks better than what I am

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-1158454191288410142006-09-16T19:48:00.000-05:002006-09-16T19:49:51.290-05:00

The love of God is greater farThan tongue or pen can ever tellIt goes beyond the highest starAnd reaches to the lowest hellThe guilty pair, bowed down with careGod gave His Son to winHis erring child He reconciledAnd pardoned from his sinCould we with ink the ocean filAnd were the skies of parchment madeWere every stalk on earth a quillAnd every man a scribe by tradeTo write the love of God

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-1158454068038720292006-09-16T19:46:00.000-05:002006-09-16T19:47:48.050-05:00

I have never been so challenged in my life as I have been this past week. It is good to be with my fellow students again and to build stronger relationships in Christ. Opening week of school was fun, overwhelming, and also very tuff. I am looking forward to the classes but more importantly what the Lord has in store for me the next several weeks. I have come to a place where I am only depending

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-1157221656605208232006-09-02T13:14:00.000-05:002006-09-02T13:27:37.450-05:00

Well folks I am back at school by the Lords provision. I am looking forward to seeing what the Lord has for me this year. Not much to say but I am going to post some pictures from china now so...This is our Team on the Xiling Snow-Capped MountainFun time with the kidsDenny (our team leader) on the 3 mile hike at 11500 feetOur team after paintballingAll of the guysWaterfall

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-1155052643744031012006-08-08T10:51:00.000-05:002006-08-08T10:57:23.756-05:00

OK I have been back from China for several days now. Actually I have been back in the US for nearly one week exactly. I arrived in NYC last Tuesday at around 6pm. I didnt arrive home until last Wednesday at 4:45 pm. It was good to see my parents and all but I must say I miss China very much right now. The people have a special place in my heart. At some point I will post pictures from the trip

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-1151693573710923392006-06-30T13:45:00.000-05:002006-06-30T13:56:11.626-05:00

Hey this will be my last post until I get back from China. I am leaving on Wednesday morning for the month of July to teach English. We have a website that wil be updated daily with pictures and updates.

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-1150554640991655702006-06-17T09:25:00.000-05:002006-06-17T09:31:47.006-05:00

Well what is there to say when your life consists of waking up and going to work :-) OK I have done more than that but that seems like all I do anymore. I switched Sunday School classes to Mr. Webbers. I think I'm going to like it a bunch more. Its on Bible study methods which will be great cause I can always use help on that. Last week he started at the basics which was awesome to be reminded of

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-1149547444639931962006-06-05T17:35:00.000-05:002006-06-05T17:44:04.650-05:00

Well I now am studying Hebrews. It has been good to study! I dont have allot of specific stuff to mention right now as my time is somewhat limited. I have really enjoyed reading about all the details concerning Christ coming to earth. I spent a couple of days studying I think chapter 2 about why Christ had to come to earth. It is so amazing what he did to come. I was so amazed about how he became

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-1148498173306515002006-05-24T14:05:00.000-05:002006-05-25T20:30:56.910-05:00

The next little bit is directly from my study of Galatians. I have a little bit more than a week and I will move on to Hebrews.Galatians 2:8God has now come to save the Gentiles. The law was given that we may know our total depravity. Now that we have Christ -- ALL -- are completely saved in Him.Galatians 3: 6-7 The heirs of Abraham's covenant are not his direct blood line, but rather those who

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-1147966379681092842006-05-18T10:27:00.000-05:002006-05-18T10:35:24.070-05:00

This Summer I have decided to study out Galatians. The following is from my study this morning. I know these are elementary ideas but its those elementary ideas that we so often pass over.Verse 6 -- God put his son in our hearts so we can cry out Abba father. It is not of our doing that we can cry outVerse 28 -- Because we have the son in our hearts we are now heirs! The promise that was made to

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-1147724080433036802006-05-15T15:07:00.000-05:002006-05-15T15:14:40.446-05:00

OK I now have a new full time job. Today I was hired at Worlds of Fun -- the theme park in KC owned and operated by Cedar Fair. I will be working at the Taxis and the Flying Dutchman. I am excitted cause not only do I now have a job but it is an excitting one. I am so greatful to the Lord for providing this one -- with going to China for a month during July I wasnt sure if I would be able to get

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-1147659394431100462006-05-14T21:13:00.000-05:002006-05-14T21:16:34.440-05:00

Nothing much to post other than I am glad to be home! It wasnt a long drive home which was nice, I enjoyed the time with my dad. Today was great, I went to my grandparents house for the afternoon and got to see most all of my uncles and aunts again.

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-1147225482159541372006-05-09T20:36:00.000-05:002006-05-09T21:00:48.436-05:00

An idea...…that man has been created equal. That man must be governed but should not be dominated by a dictator; that no man is above the law, including those in highest authority, these and others are the ideas that founded the United States of America. To be born in this great nation is an incredible privilege. Through the ages so many people have been persecuted, enslaved, and dominated by

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-1146938393675445782006-05-06T12:47:00.000-05:002006-05-06T12:59:53.690-05:00

These 2 words are the most beautiful words in the Bible. Paul in his epistles often writes of his former life. He tells the recipients of his letters that once he was a persecutor of Christians, he was the Jew of all Jews; nonetheless, he was not living in Christ. But God, who is rich in mercy, called Paul to preach the word to the Gentiles. In Gods grace we are made whole, no sin has a grip on

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-1146864439155229402006-05-05T16:24:00.000-05:002006-05-05T16:28:54.243-05:00

Today in chapel we sang this song that was awesome. I absolutely love the words and the tune to this song. I figured you could enjoy them as well (I guess at least the lyrics)Wonderful, Merciful Savior lyricsDawn Rodgers, Eric WyseWonderful, merciful Savior, precious Redeemer and Friend;Who would have thought that a Lamb could rescue the souls of men?Oh, You rescue the souls of men.(Chorus)You

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-1146580842758211752006-05-02T09:36:00.000-05:002006-05-02T09:41:40.513-05:00

Well I am extremely tired which is ok cause its the end of the semester. Last night I had a good time in remeberence of the good things the Lord has done for me this year. IT WAS GREAT! God has been so good to give me much more than I deserve. I want this post to be simple and to the point, not to give all the details of what has happened through the year. So...Simply My GOD is Jehovah Jirah, my

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-1146358758015641502006-04-29T19:50:00.000-05:002006-04-29T19:59:18.026-05:00

Well I am extremely tired, we just finished our springfest today. I was a teen rep, basically I walked around with the teens from Fellowship Baptist in Watertown, WI all day. I enjoyed getting to know Audrey Meert (the other teen rep with Fellowship) a bunch more since all I knew was her name and where she was from. It was fun, all of it! I also set up allot of stuff last night for the fest. I

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-1146163166297135442006-04-27T13:08:00.000-05:002006-04-27T13:52:11.776-05:00

Caution: the contents of the following may be hazardous to your ideas of Christian living! Salvation is through faith -- sanctification is by grace -- our effort does not sanctify us therefore our exercises (devotions, church going, tithing) do not make us more Godly. Devotions are a great thing but they do not change us unless we allow God through his grace to sanctify us. So what's the point

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-1146054643788313382006-04-26T07:29:00.000-05:002006-04-26T07:33:25.080-05:00

We all have those “impossible” requests, don’t we? When the devil or quite simple your own doubt in Gods power distracts you from Gods promises remember this:Nehemiah prayed for years that the Lord would do great things. What great things? Things that were “impossible” in the eyes of man but things that were easily taken care of in the eyes of God. Nehemiah went to the King and asked that he be

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-1145939930754563552006-04-24T23:31:00.000-05:002006-04-24T23:44:21.990-05:00

Ok just one quick thought for the day! Does Gods grace still AMAZE you? For it is by grace ye are saved, NOT of yourself. You did not seek out God he sought you out THERFORE you live in Grace. So if Gods grace doesnt amaze you, you might want to read I Timothy (and the whole Pauline epsitles for that matter) Gods grace is so AWESOME.Just click here to read I Timothy in the ESV

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-1145834531314806552006-04-23T18:20:00.001-05:002006-04-23T18:22:11.316-05:00

OK its been a while since I've updated so here is my most recent WOG emailI Tim 1:15 (NIV) Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst. I don't want to get into the whole predestination argument (however I don't think you can ignore predestination because in black and white the Bible says that we are

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-1141960011604213942006-03-09T21:06:00.000-06:002006-03-09T21:06:51.616-06:00

Well on this past Wed. we had a day of prayer. A significant amount of time was spent praying for the lost. That night on extension, Grace Baptist Visitation, I went to a home we had never had contact with before. We were expecting a short, typical visit in which the person graciously accepts the tract and says they would think about it. Well this time we had 5 people so 2 of us, myself and Matt

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-1141070557405236712006-02-27T13:56:00.000-06:002006-02-27T16:10:09.340-06:00

What is true worship? Is worship something that is done on Sunday, Wednesdays, or Fridays? Do I have to be at church to worship? The Bible says in John 4:24 (KJV) God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. So how do I worship the Spirit in spirit and truth? Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV) 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering,

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-1140672601063334632006-02-22T23:28:00.000-06:002006-02-22T23:30:01.076-06:00

Did what you do over the weekend impact anyone for Christ's sake? I could stop there and not say anything else and you would get the picture. Everything is on purpose, there are no mistakes or accidents everything is an opportunity. Did you take that opportunity to give out a track or encourage someone this weekend? I know that it is something I need to work on. Its hard to live life as a true

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-1140121066530945842006-02-16T14:16:00.000-06:002006-02-16T21:18:30.480-06:00

When nothing makes sense, when all you see is the “bad” of life, when you think that God is messing things up, consider this: In the early 1300’s John Wycliffe began translating the Bible. After years of work, and many dangers (since translating the Bible into English was illegal) the Catholic Church leaders found out about his work. The actions of the church were nothing but extreme. What may

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-1140103916836984652006-02-16T09:29:00.000-06:002006-02-16T09:36:26.296-06:00

* While Samson had control of his great power, he unfortunately did not have the same control over his passion* The downfall of Samson was not due to failure on God’s part, but it was due to Samson’s uncontrolled pride and sinful passion* For the first time in years, he [Samson] realized he had to throw himself on the mercy of God and depend on His help- “remember me”* Samson realized many

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-1139964016273331982006-02-14T18:39:00.000-06:002006-02-14T18:40:16.293-06:00

This weekend I went to Minneapolis MN on deputation for Team China. The Lord gave us travel mercies and the fellowship made the 7 hour trip fairly fast. Mr. Carpenter preached a message based out of Ezra 3 on missed opportunities. This opportunity to Go to China is incredible, we will be able to present the gospel in very unique ways. In Class we will be able to present the true story of

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-1139631103039972512006-02-10T22:11:00.000-06:002006-02-10T22:11:43.050-06:00

Acts 8:26-27 (KJV) 26 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. 27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, When the Lord

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-1138561489787945922006-01-29T13:01:00.000-06:002006-01-29T13:04:49.796-06:00

Mic 6:6 ¶ Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? 7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? 8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-1137981991989166172006-01-22T20:05:00.000-06:002006-01-22T20:06:32.000-06:00

Today in Church we had a service focussing on the Power and Grace of God. IT is because of his grace that we can truly say: In Christ alone my hope is foundHe is my light, my strength, my songThis Cornerstone, this solid groundFirm through the fiercest drought and stormWhat heights of love, what depths of peaceWhen fears are stilled, when strivings ceaseMy Comforter, my All in AllHere in the love

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-1137010196964178992006-01-11T14:09:00.000-06:002006-01-11T14:12:13.370-06:00

Well for me all my Bible study for the past several days has been centered on one thing, The perfect Sacrifice. I was developing a message on Col 2 and spent all of my personal devotion time reading through the book. I am and never cease to be amazed at the love it took for God to send His son to earth to die on the cross, fulfilling our need for a perfect sacrifice. But beyond that I am amazed

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-1136266289824180952006-01-02T23:29:00.000-06:002006-01-02T23:31:29.836-06:00

He is the Kings of Righteousness! I am in no way a righteous person. So how can I do anything that the Lord would use. Its through His righteousness. Christ not only was righteous but he also chose to give us His righteousness. Lord, I know I am not worthy, but I rejoice in Your finished work and gift on the cross. He is the King of Peace! It is only to the righteous that He gives peace. I wonder

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-1135727601482128722005-12-27T17:52:00.000-06:002005-12-27T17:53:21.500-06:00

To me, for so many years, the Great High Priest didn't really mean anything. After studying the Pentateuch and the Gospels it has been great to see the difference between the high priest of the Pentateuch and the Great High Priest of the New Testament. There is a vast amount of differenceThe high priest of the Pentateuch could only give sacrifice, he could never totally atone the sin of the

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-1135227130068860692005-12-21T22:50:00.000-06:002005-12-21T22:52:10.076-06:00

This letter is to let it be known that the Lord is: Jehovah-Jirah, my provider. He provides in everything, even the things I dont ask for. through this semester I have come to realize just how much he does provide. I have been writing down the things, even the little ones, that he sent to me. There is so much to be thankful for, just to mention a few; This semester I sall the Lord bring in over

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-1134588928518270822005-12-14T13:31:00.000-06:002005-12-14T13:35:28.550-06:00

Question #2: If you GIVE LESS than before, you favor a reduction of the missionary forces in proportion to your reduced contributuion

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-1134423890658517282005-12-12T15:41:00.000-06:002005-12-12T15:45:33.473-06:00

How much do I worship Christ on CHRISTmas Day (NOT x-mas, or anything else we are supposed to call it, I hope you all will continue to call it Christmas out in public and at home)? Even though I am a "Christian" and this holiday is a time that we focus on Him, I often don't put my focus on Him. I want this year to be different, on Christmas I want to spend even more time in His presence, praising

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-1134423664266652752005-12-12T15:39:00.000-06:002005-12-12T15:41:04.280-06:00

Eph 2:14 says: "For he himself is our PEACE, who has made the two one and destroyed the barrier" . What a joy it is to be able to come into His presence and fall on Him. There is no burden that he can not bear, there is no stress that he cannot relieve, there is no limit to his strength. At times it is good to know that he is not just a God who punishes but a God of love and support. I can

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-1134271185606457292005-12-10T21:16:00.000-06:002005-12-10T21:19:45.616-06:00

I can come to Christ for support and strength because He not only is God ,but was man!

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-1134100446241509812005-12-08T21:51:00.000-06:002005-12-14T13:36:46.360-06:00

Question #1: If you REFUSE to give anything to missions this year, you practically cast a ballot in favor of the recall of every missionary, both in the home and foreign fields

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-1133820538248643872005-12-05T16:08:00.000-06:002005-12-05T16:08:58.256-06:00

This morning in my devotions I started a new study on the names of God. I am going through a book along with the corresponding passages. This morning one of the names was Christ in Ephesians 1. in verse 3 and following. It is so neat that God, who is so high, would come down and love me enough to die for me and give me an opportunity to live righteously. I am so thankful not only that he saved me

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-1133216756234237472005-11-28T16:24:00.000-06:002005-11-28T16:30:57.886-06:00

This link goes to a websight designed to give help to those who are at least interested in missions, take a look.www.missionsblogger.com

Josephscnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-1132674239420001672005-11-22T09:42:00.000-06:002005-11-22T09:43:59.420-06:00

You never sell something at the market place until you sell it many times in your mind. -Dr. O

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-1132614529176702822005-11-21T17:05:00.000-06:002005-11-21T17:10:05.140-06:00

I had a week full of lessons learned. It all started on Tuesday when we had the day of prayer. Before hand I was wondering how I would be able to pray for a whole day, but after starting I began to realize that there is so much to pray about. I went to college thinking that prayer was something that I do for myself; well that’s not what it’s for. Prayer is for God, it is a time that we can

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18296063.post-1132002480508032092005-11-14T15:07:00.000-06:002005-11-14T15:08:00.516-06:00

Well with Thanksgiving coming up what better than to learn about giving thanks. It was a great challenge this weekend of how much I am not thankful. I gripe and complain about just everything, I have so much to be thankful for, but I still pick out the bad stuff. Just being saved is enough to be happy but I want more. My selfish attitude can often get in the way of my ministry to others. I need

Josephscnoreply@blogger.com1