Sermons on the Air Soon in LIberia!

Pastor Richard Wesley of Greater Love Bible Baptist in Liberia, West Africa runs a Christian FM radio station as part of his ministry. Each month he is going to air selected sermons from Search And See! This is a wonderful opportunity for us, and we pray the Lord would bless Pastor Wesley with a great harvest in Liberia! Praise the Lord!

Paid For! Praise the Lord!

After raising 12,000.00 to purchase property, Search And See launched a project to help build a worship/ministry facility for Pastor John and his congregation in Kenya, Africa.

Beginning in May of 2007, we made our first contribution of 2,000.00 toward the building of a new church for Search And See, Kenya. I am pleased to announce that we paid off this project this week. Our grand total came to $30,329.65! (42,329.65 when you include the property)

As soon as the photos of the finished building come in, I will post them here. Thank you to all who prayed and supported this 3 year commitment! Praise the Lord!

We will be in Kenya in 2010 to worship in this new facility and continue to help them reach Kenya and greater Africa with the Gospel!

The Myanmar Fields are White!

This is a recent report I received from Pastor Joseph in Myanmar. How marvelous to see the Lord opening eyes of Buddhists to the truth through simple Bible studies! Pray for the new believers, Bible students, and Pastor Joseph as they labor in this field that is white unto harvest! Praise the Lord!

The Door is opened

As the Lord opened the door, I and Nyi preached and shared our testimonies to these peoples who are very strong in their religious Buddhist. My friend Nyi preached and explained about God' existence and creation. After that I also continued teaching them about the living God. On the third day we preached Christ crucified and His resurrection from the death after three days and Jesus is alive Yesterday today and forever.

Their question: If Jesus raised up from the death, did any people see Him or talk Him face to face?

Answer: Good, It is very interested question.Please listen carefully. Some of Christ' disciple told Thomas about Christ' resurrection from the death that we have seen Jesus but he said to them unless I see in His hands the print of the nails and put my finger into the print of the nails and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.

After eight hours Jesus appeared to His disciples during they were inside. Jesus came, the Door being shut. and stood in the midst and said, peace to you . He said to Thomas reach your finger and look at my hands and reach your hand here and put it into my side. Do not be unbelieving but believing. Jesus continued and said Thomas because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and believe.(Jn 20:26-29)

They said: Oh! This is the living God. Openly our god Gautama was dead and vanished away. We can not know his appearance to some body like Jesus till today and no one know he live or not and where he has gone. We now know only Jesus Christ is who raised up from the death on the earth. Now they believe and accepted Jesus Christ is our Savior and Lord . After that we gave them water baptism in the name of the Father, Son and of the Holy Spirit according to the great commission of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Book Review: Spurgeon: Prince of Preachers

Spurgeon: Prince of Preachers. By Lewis Drummond. Grand Rapids: Kregel, 1992.

Charles Haddon Spurgeon is my spiritual hero! Hardly a day goes by that I have not read a sermon excerpt or chapter by Spurgeon or something about Spurgeon. I have made it a priority of mine to get to know this historical figure, follow him as a student, learn from him as a pastor, and gain wisdom from his achievements, strengths, and weaknesses. I am not alone in this journey. Many people today, during his day, and since his day have regarded Spurgeon as worthy of appreciation and study. They are not disappointed in their findings! Lewis Drummond held a fond appreciation for Spurgeon and has provided the rest of us who admire him with a great, extensive biography of his life.

The temptation in this book review is to give another biography of Spurgeon, but that would require another book not a review. So I’ll just give a few highlights from his life and about him for the interest of the reader.

Spurgeon was born on June 19, 1834. As a young man, he had a love of books and reading of which the Puritans were his favorite! The Lord blessed him with a keen mind that throughout his life was able to recall the things he had read and experienced. His favorite volume was Pilgrim’s Progress, and he read it over 100 times. At the age of 15, Spurgeon was under conviction and tried to turn away from the Spirit. On a snowy evening, he found himself in a little chapel listening to a layman preach. The text was Isaiah 45:22, “Look unto me and be saved, all the ends of the earth.” Spurgeon was converted that night, January 6, 1850.

Just four years later, at age 19, he was called to pastor the historic New Park Street Baptist Church in London. Room is not sufficient here to tell of his leadership for this congregation that became the Metropolitan Tabernacle, the various ministries he undertook such as writing, lecturing, preaching, pastoring, and teaching, the 66 evangelical organizations that he led his church to form including the Pastor’s College, the Sword and Trowel, and the Stockwell Orphanage, his innumerable sermons (he averaged 13 sermons a week), his enormous writing contributions, and his steadfastness in times of controversy. Spurgeon was an unusually gifted man whose love for Christ and the Gospel resulted in the Lord using him in many glorious, lasting ways! There are more books in print today by Spurgeon, a century after his death, than any living or dead English writing author! He went to be with the Lord in 1892.

Strengths: Drummond organized his material on Spurgeon by utilizing the characters of Pilgrim’s Progress. This was an excellent means of separating such a mass of information and keeping it tied closely to the individual. One can easily tell that Drummond vigorously studied Spurgeon. He has provided a wealth of quotations, resources, and research. Drummond not only relies on Spurgeon, but on the news articles and contemporaries of his day. As a result, this volume is an incredible collection of Spurgeon material. One thing I appreciated was that Drummond handled Spurgeon’s theology in a fair, balanced manner. Spurgeon was an evangelical Calvinist. That means, he believed in the doctrines of grace but also believed that man must believe and repent to be saved and the Gospel must be proclaimed! Spurgeon often spoke about his theology in his sermons and often defended his theology in his writings. Contemporary preachers and authors sometimes deny or ignore this component of Spurgeon, but Drummond presented Spurgeon’s theology just as Spurgeon did!

Weaknesses: At times Drummond gave too many quotes from external sources or overly lengthy quotes. For sure, it is nice to now have those quotes and sources, but reading through them may be a bit taxing when you already know the point being made. Secondly, due to Drummond’s careful analysis throughout his contribution, I was surprised and frustrated to find that every time Drummond critiqued Spurgeon, he never provided a footnote or a quote from Spurgeon to substantiate his criticism. Often, his criticism came in the form of an assumption Drummond was making, and on each instance, another possibility is acceptable but never mentioned. Instances of this weakness are found on pages 168, 177, 248, 533, 548, 636, and 651. For example (to substantiate what I have just said!), on page 168 Drummond questions why Spurgeon did not speak more highly of Charles Finney when the two shared so much in common (evidently referring to their zeal for souls). It would seem quite evident and probably clear from Spurgeon’s references to Finney that his disapproval of Finney would center on Finney’s Arminian theology and his new methods of conversion such as the “anxious bench.” I realize Spurgeon had his faults and character flaws, but if one is going to point them out, they need verification.

However, those weaknesses aside and admittedly small, this is a worthwhile addition to the library of any Spurgeon admirer, and it is also a great resource for anyone interested in studying the lives of the great saints in Christian history. I’ll leave you with a couple of great quotes from a great man!

“When my heart was a little touched, I tried to divert it with sinful pleasures; and would not then have been saved, until God gave me the effectual blow, and I was obliged to submit to that irresistable effort of his grace. When the Lord really brought me to myself, He sent one great shot which shivered me to pieces; and, lo, I found myself utterly defenseless.” (108)

“I have endeavored to speak as a dying individual to dying individuals.” (157)

Report from Global Ark

I received these photos and ministry update from Sukumar of Global Ark Ministries. They have been evangelizing three villages through films like the Jesus Film. Also, they have been busy with ministering to widows in these villages as well as holding VBS programs for the children. I don’t know of any ministry that works harder or utilizes so many different approaches to reach out with the Gospel!

Please remember to pray for them and remember our flood relief ($1,000)and Christmas Project ($1,000) with them.

Follow Us on Twitter!

You can now follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/searchandsee. Our updates will be mostly various scriptural passages from my devotions and thought provoking quotes from my daily readings. The purpose is to provide encouragement and thoughts on spiritual issues throughout your day. Of course, you can also follow by logging on to the blog each day as well.

Blessings!

2009 Christmas Project!

Search And See would like to sponsor Christmas for the orphans of Global Ark Ministries in South India. 1,000 would purchase new shoes, new clothes, and gifts for the orphans, as well as gifts for the orphan workers. If you would like to donate toward this project, please click here and then click on the "donate" button.

Thank you! Also, remember we are trying to raise an additional 1,000 for the flood victims of South India as well.

Relief for Flood Victims in India

The recent floods in India affected our friends at Global Ark Ministries. They sent these photos of their town under water! This is a great opportunity for us to stand with them in ministry. Search And See would like to send $1,000 immediately to help purchase food and water for the victims. If you would like to join us in this project, please click here and then click the "donate" button.

Book Review: The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment

The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment. By Jeremiah Burroughs. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 1648. 8th Reprint, 2009.

Paul says in Philippians 4:11, “for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” That is a powerful statement. That is a powerful lesson. And if we are honest, most of us have NOT learned to be content in WHATEVER situation we find ourselves in! Godly contentment is a high Christian virtue. Not high in the sense of out-of-reach, but high in the sense that few these days seem to reach it!

Burroughs, another Puritan great, defines contentment as “that sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit, which freely submits to and delights in God’s wise and fatherly disposal in every condition” (p. 19). His opening chapter deals with unpacking this definition. He sums up his observations in stating that contentment is “a heart-business” (p. 29). That is a stinging truth if you find yourself discontent!

For the remaining 12 chapters Burroughs divides his content into the categories of the mystery of contentment, how Christ teaches contentment, the excellence of contentment, the evils of a murmuring spirit, aggravations of the sin of murmuring, the excuses of a discontented heart, and how to attain contentment. As you can tell, in Puritan fashion, Burroughs gives contentment a thorough treatment, and it is very helpful. He continually relies on Scripture and the sovereignty of our God as our defense against discontentment while reminding us of all that we have in Christ now and all that waits us in Christ as our source of contentment!

At the end of the day, when we as believers are discontented, we are saying that Christ is not sufficient and all-satisfying, but in truth, He is! We just need to be reminded of that, and believe that, on occasion! I encourage every believer to read this volume because Burroughs addresses every type of discontentment you may encounter as well as exposing the sin of murmuring as revealed throughout Scripture.

I’ll leave you with a few quotes in the hope of enticing you to purchase this book and begin learning the great lesson that Paul learned - be content!

(p. 43) A little in the world will content a Christian for his passage, but all the world, and ten thousand times more, will not content a Christian for his portion.

(p. 50) I am persuaded that many Christians have found it so, that they have got more good by their poverty, than ever they got by all their riches.

(p. 66) It may be that is the reason why your outward comforts are taken from you, that God may be all in all to you. It may be that while you had these things they shared with God in your affection, a great part of the stream of your affection ran that way; God would have the full stream run to him now.

(p. 87) God would not have us set our hearts upon riches, because they are nothing, and yet God is pleased to set his heart upon us, and we are nothing: that is God’s grace, free grace...

(p. 92) But when a soul comes into the school of Jesus Christ, and there comes to see vanity in all things in the world, then such a soul comes to have contentment.

(p. 93) Who are the men who are most discontented, but idle persons, persons who have nothing to occupy their minds?

(p. 113) God may have some work to do twenty years hence that depends on the passage of providence that falls out this day or this week.

(p. 173) Let your afflictions be what they will, there is not one of you, but has more mercies than afflictions.

(p. 189) You reason, I am disquiet because God is gone, when the truth is, God is gone because you are disquiet.

(p. 192) Let it be as great an affliction as it will, it is not as great as your sin. He has punished you less than your sins.

(p. 194) You must know that we are not to choose our own rod that God shall beat us with.

Friends, that’s good stuff! Read it. Devour it. And live in the fullness of our gracious Savior and sovereign Father!

The Gospel Reaches the Unreached in Myanmar

Please read the following update from Pastor Joseph of Emmanuel Ministries, Kalay, Myanmar. Pray for his students, orphans, and family as they spread the Gospel throughout Myanmar!

Goodbye Buddha
Zi Shinma village is far 70 miles from Kalay. There are 2800 populations in this village. This village is where the Gospel had been not reached.The first time Our missionary Nyi went went out there and shared the Gospel to them. At that time may peoples approached him for listening his teaching. And there is a monk and when he heard that many peoples went for listening the Gospel, he immediately reported it to the council leaders and they quickly reflected the crowd from listening the Gospel.
In a family a husband has beaten his wife bitterly because she too much interested it and went for listening the Gospel.
In the second time Nyi invited me to cooperate with him for serving together there and I brought our student boy.Then we began teaching to a few peoples for two days. We first explained about the creation of God and God' existence and then we preached Christ crucified and resurrection from the death and Jesus is alive today.
On the last day they believe and accepted Christ is the Savior or our lives. At that very hour they returned from Buddhist and began to worship the Lord Jesus Christ.
We gave them water baptism according to the great commission of our Lord Jesus Christ.(Mt 28:19)
Next 15 peoples would be teaching at this village in the send week of September for the Lord has more peoples into this village.

Typhoon Ketsana and Pastor Antonio

As most of you know, we are prayer partners with Pastor Antonio Decena of the Philippines. His vision is to strengthen the church of the Philippines by training local pastors. Typhoon Ketsana struck Manila and caused devastating floods. The last report I heard was that 300 people were dead or missing. I just received word yesterday that Pastor Antonio was not affected by the storm, but several of his friends in Manila lost their homes.

This is a recent ministry update from him.

DEAR PASTOR WIL OWENS:

I WOULD LIKE TO GIVE A REPORT OF WHAT GOD HAS BEEN DOING IN BUTUAN CITY
THAT LAST OUR ATTENDANCE THAT IS THIRTEEN INDIVDUALS AND SOME OF THEM
ARE THE PASTORS OF BAPTIST AND PENTECOSTAL DENOMINATIONS.

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY THAT GOD USE ME MIGHTILY FOR I PLAN TO HAVE
BIBLE TRAINING WITH THESE MINISTERS TO ENHANCE THEM MORE IN GRACE
AND IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.GOD WILLING, BY THE
MONTH OF AUGUST.PLEASE PRAY FOR FINANCES, FOR THE TRAINING IS FREE
FOOD AND SNACKS. THE REASON BEHIND IS THAT, THESE SAID MINISTERS DO
NOT HAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO SUPPORT THEIR FAMILIES.BUT ,IT IS HARD ALSO
IF WE WILL SUPPORT THEM WITHOUT PROPER TRAINNG BECAUSE THEY WILL NOT
BE ABLE TO FEED OR TEACH THE FLOCK THE WHOLE COUNSEL OF GOD.

THANKS FOR YOUR PRAYERS AND MAY GOD CONTINUE BLESS YOU AND EMPOWER YOU
WITH ALL HIS MIGHT.


IN HIS GRACE ALONE,
BRO.DECENA

*Pray for Pastor Antonio and the spread of the Gospel after the storm!

Book Review: When the Darkness Will Not Lift

When the Darkness Will Not Lift: Doing What We Can While We Wait for God-and Joy. By John Piper. Wheaton: Crossway, 2006.

As should be expected and appreciated, Piper begins this discussion with theological underpinning. The beginning of our hope out of depression is understanding our justification and its relation to our sanctification. This was key for Bunyan, and it still brings joy out of the gloom today. If we are in Christ, we are justified. That means, we are forever loved, forgiven, and righteous. It is based upon this reality that our sanctification blooms, which is our growing in Christ.

Piper gently reminds his readers who are suffering from melancholy, that they are not alone. Many, including biblical writers, endured dark days. As David says in Psalm 6:6, “I am weary with my moaning.”

In encouraging the downhearted out of the darkness, Piper exhorts to do the things you know you should do, even if you lack joy. Joy will come as you seek to please God. Also, examine your heart to see if any unconfessed sin resides there. Abiding sin will cause much discouragement! Finally, serve others so as not to become self-absorbed. A self-focused life will dwell in darkness.

The last chapter is a plea for the emotionally healthy to minister with perseverance and love to the ones who are often found lacking joy. As an example of this, Piper relates the great story of how Pastor John Newton carefully ministered to depressed poet William Cowper with unceasing love.

One noted strength of this book is the constant reliance upon Scripture in its many applications. As Piper states, “Good, solid Bible teaching is a crucial part of deliverance from the darkening power of the devil” (p. 59). An area of possible concern for some is that Piper allows for guarded treatment of depression with medication in chapter one. He notes how other ministers have followed this method as well, and he encourages the patient to seek out a “God-centered, Bible-saturated medical doctor.” However, those kinds of doctors may be quite hard to find, especially in the area of mental or emotional health. This discussion would raise adamant objections from those who affirm biblical counseling as the sole basis for the cure of depression. On the other hand, all truth is God’s truth, and if we do live in fallen bodies, then it is possible that our brains and chemical makeup could malfunction. Therefore, I agree that medication may be helpful, but it must be pursued carefully and with a view to discontinue its usage. It never helps anyone to become an addict!

All in all, this is a great resource for the hurting and the helping. It is like the difference between a vitamin or a nutritious meal. If someone is feeling poorly and needs to replenish their body, they will probably not sit down and eat a full meal that would provide the nutrition they lack. However, they might would drink a supplement or take a vitamin!

In the same way, a person suffering depression will probably not at first sit down and read a treatise on depression, but they may take the time to read this fully nutritious, theologically informed, practically helpful spiritual vitamin!

Purchase a few copies, and pass them out as needed!