Jesus for Living - Public Evangelism

  Every Christmas season we are assaulted by countless “in your face” advertisements from merchants of very product imaginable from toys to major home appliances.

  One ongoing yearly controversy is “politically correct” businesses not wanting to offend anyone by removing any reference to Christmas from their stores and advertisements verses those who are offended by the removal of said greetings.  It’s interesting to note that certain individuals are offended by the term “Holiday Tree” yet many of the same have no problem with a Christmas display selling liquor or slutty attire by Victoria’s Secret stores.

 We live in an age where too many who identify themselves as Christian are ok with excess and greed accompanied by a hardy “Merry Christmas” but want little to do with the Christ of whom this holy day is named for.

  Do we really believe we are celebrating the Lord Jesus Christ’s birthday by spending, barrowing and more spending? Or are we really celebrating our freedoms to indulge ourselves in our own self-satisfaction? Have we convinced ourselves that the most important thing about Christmas is the good feeling we get from giving gifts that are really not needed by the person receiving them? Why do we lie to our children about Santa who is not real and fail to teach them about Jesus who is real?

  Next time you’re offended at the omission of the word “Christmas” in stores be sure to examine whether or not there is an omission of Christ in your heart. The businesses are only giving the people what they want.

⁷And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.  ⁸And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  ⁹And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

 ¹⁰And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  ¹¹For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  ¹²And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

 ¹³And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,  ¹⁴Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Bro. Allen Stancil

Love God, Love People, Preach the Gospel

 It’s great to be back outside again stirring up the people.

My prayer, as always, is to stir up the soul of the spiritually dead. Our Lord Jesus spoke out and ministered in public places. His Apostles did likewise.

It might seem embarrassing for many to set themselves up for open ridicule by witnessing in public but I believe it is disgraceful for born-again believers to hold their silence. The Lord Jesus Christ said “But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.”  This nation is full of silent believers. Those who are more afraid of speaking out and risking offending someone than they are of the fires of hell.

 May Almighty God fill you with the courage and conviction to proclaim the Gospel to those you know are heading full speed into hell.

 May the Lord Jesus Christ bless you as you obey His commands.

Bro. Allen Stancil

Love God, Love Your Fellow Man, Preach The Gospel

Several years back some friends of ours invited me and my wife Maria to go to a big church in the outskirts of Kansas City. We first went to a building nearby called the "House of Prayer". They took us by many rooms where young people, mostly with backpacks near them, were reading or apparently lost in thought or maybe meditating I’m not really sure. I was genuinely curious but I saw no one on their knees or on their face wrestling with the Spirit in fervent prayer But I was assured they were all there to pray. I was also informed that many here were encouraged to solicit sponsorship so they could spend all their time here to pray instead of working for a living.

A little later they invited us to go to the church service. Upon entering the auditorium, I hesitate calling it a sanctuary, we saw concessions being sold near the entrance. I observed a very casual atmosphere about the whole worship service: people eating their snacks, dancers all mimicking the same moves as they danced in a line up and down the aisles, it was kind like on giant hippie coffee house.

We stayed for the sermon and through it did not one hear a single reference to sin, atonement, sacrifice, holiness, righteousness, forgiveness or salvation. The message, as I recall, was about what God has for you and nothing about what God wants from you outside some generic references to love. I was reminded of an event I attended at Washington University in the early 1970’s where a real life Yogi, Baba Ram Daas, was speaking his message on transcendental meditation. It was a message so designed as to leave everyone feeling good about themselves.

 After the service I introduced myself as an inner city pastor to the pastor who immediately handed me over an "associate pastor" who gave me his card and just as quickly called directed me to another "pastor" who gave me his card and then moved on to talk to someone else about some more important business.

I had already perceived a spirit of religion in the church and my quick introductions to the "pastors" confirmed it. It was clear that if I had been a "seeker" I would have possibly garnered more attention but the model of this church is not the New Testament church but more like the corporation in today’s business combined with the principles of motivational speaking. This was not about a true move of God but about man organizing it.

This place wasn’t producing followers with a zeal for His house, it was a marketplace, complete with motivational speakers, concessions, snacks everyhting but cottn candy, designed to give visitors and members alike the most fulfilling and comfortable "Christian" experience available. Clearly there was little or anthing about this place or movement would make even the most hardened or rebellious sinner uncomfortable let alone convicted enough to repent. I was convinced that even the Devil himself might be quite comfortable here. After all there was nothing going on here to accuse him.

I thought in my heart who will cry out against sin? Who will cry out against unrighteousness? Who shall don the shield of faith, breastplate of righteousness, the sword of the Spirit? I was reminded that the sword is an offensive weapon. It’s the Word of God and is not a weapon intended to bring peace on earth. It is "powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." I perceived there was no danger of it being unsheathed here.

What I observed in this place was the Word of God being used as a drug to sedate the seekers coming there, to extinguish the fire in the soul and replace it peace, harmony, and a sense of belonging. They weren’t preparing soldiers of the cross to do battle; they were preparing them hold up in a bunker. Their warfare would be non-existent while others might fight the battles. No modern day John the Baptist, Stephen, Peter or Paul would arise out of this, no burning desire to block the way of those ready to leap into the fires of hell. Only peace and harmony, and refreshments.

Oh, and one other message was never once hinted at in this place; "Repent! And believe in the Gospel."

Bro. Allen Stancil

"Love God. Love Your Fellow Man, Preach the Gospel"

 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. - Romans 12:1 (KJV)

 I heard television preacher teaching on the subject of baptism this week. He said that being baptized, for the believer, is an obligation by the believer because Jesus commanded it. Many preachers preach that being Baptized is something the Christian must do. It is taught with such emphasis that there are many churches where one cannot be a member unless that person is baptized.

 Often is the case where, once being baptized, he or she is accepted into membership without bearing any other fruit. Often they may be accepted into fellowship by a confession of faith and baptism alone this being seen as the only necessary acts of obedience to Christ for the believer. This is the logic that says "I've done my act of obedience by professing my faith in Jesus and having been baptized now I'm saved". And church goes about the business of counting the number of those who dedicated their lives to Christ.

 So if submitting to baptism is such an important act why is living holy not considered to have the same level of importance? Why is it that a verbal confession of faith in Christ coupled with baptism appear to be the only criteria that marks acceptance into the body of believers?

 I submit that being baptized is merely one obedient act out of a lifetime of obedience that is to be pursued by the believer. The Bible teaches in the Romans 12 that you are to “present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service”.

 When you get up from bed in the morning at some point you will get dressed. This is reasonable. When your exit your house or apartment you shut the door behind you. This isn’t out of the ordinary. This is reasonable. If it is freezing cold outside when you leave for the day you put on a coat. This, too, is reasonable.

 Presenting our bodies, available for service, for our Lord is not a monumental revelation or an extraordinary sacrifice but it is the least we should be doing. It is not the fruit of obedience it is the start of obedience. It is not the most we should be doing for our Lord it is the least. Submitting ourselves for the purposes of servitude to our Lord is not a supernatural act. We should be submitting ourselves for the purpose of our Lord’s supernatural acts.

 We are to offer ourselves in a sincere, sacred and sacrificial manner for the use of the living God making sure what we do and how we live is acceptable to Him and not the world. This isn’t the end to our service and life for Him but the beginning. The Scripture says this is your reasonable service. The word “reasonable” is translated for the Greek word “logikos” from which we derive the word “logic”. This is stating that our logical (reasonable service) course of action is to offer our bodies for the use of God. It is the logical thing to do! It is reasonable. This should not even be considered as a deep revelation for only the mature Christian. This is the milk!  Even the babes in Christ should understand this. This is elementary teaching.

 It seems today that the born-again experience is thought of more as an encounter instead of an event that brings a conversion which includes a change in character, perception, and purpose. Often I’ve been told by unbelievers of how they “tried” to be a Christian only to be let down or disappointed by other people who claimed to be Christians; hypocrites they called them. The truth is they failed to look to Christ alone for their example and instead looked to man.

 Some fell away because they didn’t understand the scope of the commitment required by Him who laid down His life their sins. They did not understand that they needed to “put on Christ” but in merely trying out Christianity they failed. They pursued Jesus with no more sincerity or understanding than the child who got in trouble with the law and needed his parents to bail him out. As soon he was bailed out he quickly forgot the generosity and grace that had been given.

 Like this child they wanted unconditional love and forgiveness without reciprocating unconditional thanksgiving and commitment.

 So it is that many do not come to Christ with the understanding and belief that says “Lord. You are my only way out! I know now there is salvation in none other. Take me Lord and I will serve you all the days of my life.” This is faith that brings salvation and victory over sin.

 My friends, the reasonable service of the follower of Jesus is faithfully presenting your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God.

Bro. Allen Stancil

” Love God, Love Your Neighbor, Preach The Gospel To All Creation”

 One issue that has been close to my heart for many years is the destruction to the family, society, and body of believers wrought by alcohol. In the Bible we see that wine and strong drink are linked many times to immorality, violence, poverty, perversion, sorrow, shame, and hopelessness.

 Especially grievous to the Holy Spirit is the Church’s permissive attitude toward liquor and strong drink. It seems as though since the repeal of Prohibition most denominational churches have hoisted the white flag of surrender. Even Christian based addiction recovery programs shy away from using the Bible to correctly teach of the dangers and damning evils of strong drink.

 My personal testimony includes the damage to myself and my family caused by years of alcohol and substance abuse. To the glory of God I have been clean and sober 16 years yet those years of drinking came at a cost. Since then I have been acutely aware of the damage alcohol does to families, society, and the Body of Christ. Drinking is not a victimless sin.

 I know some who read this will say “What is true for you may not be true for me.” or “I don’t think there is anything wrong with having one drink” or “The Bible does not teach it is wrong to drink.” So let's clear the air on this subject.

 When Jesus prayed for the Disciples in John Chapter 17 he prayed they would be sanctified through the God’s truth. The Apostle Paul said “Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly” 1 Thess 5:22-23. This word “sanctify” means to make holy, to purify, cleans, consecrate.

 The Apostle Peter said “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts” 1 Peter 3:15.   

The word “sanctify” means “to “set apart for sacred use”. Whenever someone sanctified themselves in the Old Testament they were abstain from wine and strong drink. The meaning of the word did not change between the Old and New Testament. We are called to be sanctified, set apart, for the use of God.

Jesus came to fulfill the Law. To make God’s purpose complete in us. He shows that we are not merely to demonstrate the righteousness of the Law in our actions but in our hearts as well. He said “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Matt 5:48 (KJV).

 Let me share with what the famous evangelist Billy Sunday once said about the place that sells drink (saloons) “It promises good cheer and sends sorrow. It promises health and causes disease. It promises prosperity and sends adversity. It promises happiness and sends misery. Yes, it sends the husband home with a lie on his lips to his wife; and the boy home with a lie on his lips to his mother; and it causes the employee to lie to his employer. It degrades. It is God's worst enemy and the devil's best friend. It spares neither youth nor old age. It is waiting with a dirty blanket for the baby to crawl into the world. It lies in wait for the unborn.

It cocks the highwayman's pistol. It puts the rope in the hands of the mob. It is the anarchist of the world and its dirty red flag is dyed with the blood of women and children.” How true these words still ring today. Even if you buy one drink you are flirting with temptation. It’s no different than if you walk into a porn shop to buy a pack of gum. The man of God has no business going there.

 How long the Lord has burdened me with the hurt and pain of how strong drink has damaged those you and I care about. The burden on my soul to publish a track on the Biblical teachings on alcohol would not go away. The most shocking thing is many alcoholics believe that God does not have a problem with an occasional drink of bear or wine. And some of this they learned from backslidden preachers and permissive partying church members. They have diluted the promises of God with their beer-soaked theology, perpetuated generational curses and desecrated the Biblical teachings of purity and sanctification of the believer.

 After much prayer and study I believe the Word of God has guided me in designing a track on the subject of Satan’s drink of choice. In my studies I came across many Scriptures describing the debauchery of alcohol. I have researched this issue for several years (I also want to give credit to a web page that had “75 Bible References On Drinking Alcohol” compiled by Written by Pastor Barney Lee, West Seneca, New York).

 The Track is titled “Think Drinking Alcohol Isn’t So Bad?” It is a 2-sided post card size track with factual statistics on the front (DrinkinAlcohol1.jpg) and 20 Biblical references on the back(DrinkinAlcohol2.jpg.

 In conclusion there is no Biblical evidence that Jesus drank alcohol. Let’s get things straight. Jesus was not a partier or drunkard. And face it beloved. You cannot please God while drinking. Would you dare to ask the Lord to “lead us not into temptation” with a beer in your hand?

If you are interest in receiving some of these tracks contact me at JesusforLiving@yahoo.com

I pray these Scriptures will help arm you mount the offensive to defeat the influence of the devil’s favorite beverage.

 - Bro. Allen,

"Love God, Love Your Neighbor, Preach The Gospel To All Creation"

This past Tuesday I stood at my usual intersection holding up the message “SEX Outside Of Marriage Is SIN, Gal. 5:19” (I call this my most popular sign because 1 – it is a true indictment of most of the people & 2 – it brings the most response from the public). One young man screamed out at me curses saying “I’m coming back to get you!”  There were a lot of responses; thumbs up, cursing, honking, fingers etc. This message is clearly stated in the Bible. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Gal 5:19 (KJV). The messages of all my signs are.

 On Wednesday I displayed “REPENT! Cheaters, Perverts, & Homos. HELL AWAITS YOU! 1 Cor. 6:9-10. Again a lot of response, cursing challenging etc. One harlot angrily shouted at me “Jesus forgives everyone. No one goes to hell. That’s why he died on the cross” It was the old Oprah-fied, MTV, new age gospel. Another female shouted “I love homos”. God loves them too but He hates their sin. I was reminded of Romans where it says such are worthy of death, not only them but those who approve of their sin. While there is enough room in heaven for everyone who repents and is born again few pass therein yet broad is the way that leads to destruction and many will go there.

 On the streets I pray, without ceasing, the hearts of sinners will be pierced with conviction and for the Lord to withhold his judgment that more might be saved. I know my signs are offensive but the Gospel is offensive to those who are perishing. I have no intention of comforting anyone on their path into hell.

 I am convinced that of all the hundreds that see these warnings for some it will be their final warning. May God have mercy on them.

Bro. Allen Stancil

"Love God, Love Your Fellow Man, Preach The Gospel To All Creation"

 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers - Eph 4:11

   The Home church movement has become a growing phenomenon in America in recent years. There is a certain element that about them that brings to mind the word “maverick”. Don’t get me wrong. I believe the home church has a place in some situations. Our own church started in our home. It can be a good start but one cannot make a Biblical case for the home church being the best model and certainly not the only model for a successful Christ-like ministry. Where are the offices established by Christ (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers)?

   America has always had the image of the individualist as the backbone to its greatness. And many early immigrants left the Old World to break free from the doctrinal bondage of state churches.

Most home churches I am familiar with were started by someone who was formerly a member of a denominational fellowship. Some were disillusioned by denominational establishments, procedures, ritual, hierarchy, etc. They were put off or restricted by the church leadership’s inability to address issues outside their rigid framework. Or maybe their church had lost sight of real work of Christ.

 The majority of orthodox Christian churches, I believe, started out with good intentions. Yet they nearly always seem to drift from their original teachings over time becoming more liberal or rigid. Can anyone deny that John Wesley who traveled the world preaching outdoors his message of holiness would be too extreme to be allowed credentials to preach in a Methodist Church today? Or that George Fox who preached publicly in market-places, in fields, in appointed meetings of various kinds, or even sometimes in “steeple-houses” and was once imprisoned and mocked by a judge who called him and his followers “Quakers” have long succumbed to an isolationist’s form of faith?

The problem with most new movements of God is that they tend, because of human depravity, to rest upon the accomplishments of their founders or predecessors, or become mired in tradition rather than move forward. Some become either hijacked by the Godless or fade into obscurity Some become either hijacked by the Godless or fade into obscurity. Either way they tend to lack the power that first established them. Eventually they start to measure their accomplishments by growth in numbers rather than growth in the power of the Spirit hence the reason that most new movements start and that is to remain close to the teaching of the Bible.

 Looking at the history of the church we see in the first chapter of Paul’s letter to the Galatians the church had begun to backslide. And it needed a correction from an objective source; that source being Paul.

 The most serious dangers in leading a home church are isolation and accountability. Isolation often leads to a void in accountability. I have met a few that have regressed to that condition. They will not endure scrutiny or obedience to another so they have retreated to the safety of their homes. When the Lord directed us to start our church in our home He also directed me to be accountable to a pastor. I know the value in being accountable. Often God has used another person to help guide me back on track.

 I understand there are countries where home church is the only option because of oppression and persecution. Even in those cases there is a network of Godly men and woman that hold one another accountable to some degree.

  But here in the United States could it be a practice to produce a more comfortable Christianity or promote a more unaccountable one?

 I ask, home church leaders, what missions (foreign or domestic) are you supporting regularly? Who is your pastor?  Do you have an overseer?

 How does your home church teach and apply the five-fold ministry? The answer we most often receive is “I believe I am following the leading of the Spirit.” I don’t think there is a more ambiguous answer. The fact is the main danger of the home church is that it often becomes personality driven. When we have no overseers (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers) we tend to start thinking what the Holy Spirit thinks and what I think are one and the same. This is clearly dangerous territory. Even the original Apostles needed each others contact, advise, and correction (See Galatians 2:14).

 God offers many avenues and offices to equip the church. Scripture advises us to “reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”- 2 Tim 4:2 (KJV).

 And the life of one who follows Jesus is one of openness and honesty. Is any one of us above this sort of accountability?

 In conclusion let me say this; anytime you tell God you don’t need everything He offers be careful you are not rejecting His favor.

Bro. Allen Stancil

“Love God, Love Your Fellow Man, Preach the Gospel to All Creation”

 Followers of Christ are called to three great commands: 1 - Love the Lord with all your heart, mind and strength, 2 - Love your neighbor as yourself, and 3 - Preach the Gospel to all creation. The first two are proved in the knowing of His word and doing it. The third requirement demands the first two are practiced. When you start sharing the Gospel, I am going on the assumption that if you are saved and not backslidden you will share the Gospel, you will be confronted to prove that your belief in the Lord Jesus Christ has validity. The proof must amount to more that lip service. One of the first accusations that will be made against you is that you are a hypocrite. Keep in mind that most people who accuse you do not know what the definition of “hypocrite” is.

 If by some chance you are offended by being challenged or questioned about your faith being please go back to the first two commands until you get it for the Lord Jesus said if your love Him your will obey His commands.

 J. Vernon McGee once said "Righteous indignation is usually 10% righteous and 90% indignation." therefore we should never be offended that people, believers or not, would want to examine or question our faith. We’re directed to always be ready give an answer.     

 This is why Scripture also teaches in 2 Cor 13:5 that we are to examine and test ourselves to be certain we are in the faith. If we are not certain of where we stand with our creator we have little basis with which to make our case.

15 But sanctify the Lord God in

your hearts: and be ready always

to give an answer to every man

that asketh you a reason of the

hope that is in you with meekness

and fear: 16 Having a good

conscience; that, whereas they

speak evil of you, as of evildoers

, they may be ashamed that falsely

accuse your good conversation

in Christ. 1 Peter 3:15-16 (KJV)

 We are commanded to produce fruit for the entire world to see. And when our faith is questioned or accused we should be full of thanksgiving that our Lord has given us to share what a living God can and will do.

If we truly love the Lord we will obey His commands.

 Yet we do not love for no reason. If any believer cannot give answers for reasons of his hope then where is his understanding of the Word of God? Where is his obedience to the Lord? Where is his witness? I have asked many believers “Why do you love God?” Often the answer is “Because He saved me”, saved you from what? or “Because He first loved me”, how do you know His love? I maintain these answers may be true they usually do not address the reason the heathen does not take your faith in Christ serious.

 The following questions will invariably be asked by the unbeliever.

Aren’t all religions essentially the same?

What if I believe I’m a good person? Will I go to heaven?

Is hell a real place?

How can I be saved.

And some of the following statements will be made:

There are many different versions of the Bible. They can’t all be right.

Jesus only preached love.

There are many paths to heaven.

A loving God wouldn’t send anyone to Hell.

Everybody sins.

I’m not ready to give up my lifestyle yet.

 Those who ask these questions and make these accusations deserve an answer. 

Beloved, if you are not preparing to answer these most basic accusations then you are treading on thin ice.

 Sharing the Gospel is the command for all who will follow Christ. It is not an option to remain silent and attempt to silently love your brother into heaven when you actually might be comforting him on his way to hell. If you are not willing or able to give an account of the reason for your love, and tell of  the great Giver of that love, are you doing little more than comforting him on his path to judgment? Never! Let it never be said we are silent! May we never be content to let others risk ridicule and rejection, even chains, to keep our fellow souls from leaping blindly into the lake where the fire is never quenched and the worm never dies.

Bro. Allen Stancil

“Love God, Love Your Fellow Man, Preach The Gospel To All Creation”