For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. Romans 8:29

I must apologize for not sending out an update sooner. I have been extremely busy and it did not help matters that I was unable to access the web for about four days. I am glad to finally get back in the loop and share what has been happening. God is good and is always doing so much.

First, I wanted to comment on the above verse. I have observed this in the past, but never developed it fully in my writing. The above verse says we are being conformed to the image of Jesus Christ in order that we might be a brother of Christ. This is an amazing truth about True believers in Jesus Christ. The genuinely reborn have this amazing gift of the Holy Spirit and that Spirit will never be satisfied until we are perfect. Not that it is our perfection, but the perfection of Jesus Christ and His righteousness being worked out in human flesh and one day complete in glorification.

This is why we are never content in the flesh. I know in my own life it never seems like I am doing enough. I am never reading my Bible enough. I am never praying enough. I am never witnessing enough. I am never showing love to others enough. I never have enough Scripture memorized. I am constantly being convicted, challenged, and stretched to obey Christ more. This should be normal for the Christian. And again, this has nothing to do with us. It has everything to do with what Christ is doing in us. That is why we should not fight this sanctification process. We should continue examining God's Word and obeying.

The truth is that we will never be content until we are worshiping Christ without ceasing like the creatures and elders in heaven.

And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!" And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying,

   "Worthy are you, our Lord and God,

   to receive glory and honor and power,for you created all things,

   and by your will they existed and were created." Revelation 4:8-11

Can you imagine being able to worship Him who sits on the throne and the Lamb forever and ever? There will be no bills, screaming children, work, anxiety, pain, tears, exhaustion, housework, distractions, etc.

Let us not let those things keep us from becoming more like Christ even now. Allow Him to sanctify you and be obedient to what He shows you. If you disobey then your growth will be stunted. Never be content with how much you pray, read the Bible, witness, etc. Always let Him push you to do more so that you never become comfortable. The Lamb is worthy and you will never on this earth give Him enough praise that is due His Name.

John Bensley, Jeff Gary and myself went and preached at the Starship adult store. Once again, God worked through the obedience He granted us. It seemed as if no one was around, but as soon as we set up with the cross and signs and began preaching, people came out of the woodwork. People began by shouting at us from passing cars. It was dark and very cold so it seemed like no one would care, but they did, because the darkness hates the light. Some were looks and shouts of disgust. They were angry because we had no right to judge these people for having a shop that promotes sexual immorality. Then the encouragement began to come. Many people stopped and were so glad we were there. One father and his three teenage daughters jumped out of their car shouting halleluiahs and embracing us in love. Another couple of ladies stopped and brought us hot chocolate to warm our spirits and bodies. People stopped as they walked in to shout at us or listen for a few minutes. Some of the employees even came out to listen for a while. This happened the last time Ben and I were out there. Of course the police came out, but did not give us any trouble. Praise the Lord for His work that night. I would love to go more until that place closes down, but I do not want to go alone. Contact me if you would like to go some time.

John and I went the following day and held signs in front of the Mall of Georgia and preached to the passing cars. You may think this is a waste of time, but there is nothing I would rather do on a Saturday afternoon than exalt the name of Jesus Christ when everything else in this world is being exalted above Him. The mall security called the police on us saying they managed the sidewalk. Of course the police told us we were allowed to be there and if we had any more trouble to call them. Praise the Lord we have such freedom and support in proclaiming the gospel! Why do we not take advantage of such liberties? It will be a fearful day for many pastors when they see the Lord. They will have to give reasons why they were too busy watching football or Christmas shopping.

Also, we had a wonderful time at the preacher's fellowship last night. Over 50 saints were able to join us and it was a great night of feasting, fellowship, and being challenged by brother Mark Cahill and the Word of God.

Here are some pictures so you can see what you missed

Hopefully the challenge will result in more faithful, consistent, obedience to the great commission.

Two great upcoming opportunities are the outreaches on New Year's Eve and the SuperBowl. Please join us at both if you are able. You can find more details on the homepage.

Lord, take me home, but until then send me many souls to bring with me.