Questions for real change

This Saturday, I'll be joining "His Harmony," from our Faith Baptist Church for a concert and follow-up sermon at the Regional Justice Center. 

Whenever they sing, they are really appreciated, maybe more than they know.  I am very excited they are coming and will be carefully inviting the men in the units they will be singing for, today.

I have been challenging the men with what really makes a difference for them. 

• How are you really changing?  
• What are you willing to do that makes a radical change? 
• What do your families and children need from you?
• Where are your sons at?
• What might you be able to do concretely for those you have hurt?

I'd like to encourage you to give this a careful read--t may just touch you.


Excerpt from "Thoughts for young men," by JC Ryle
Young men, time would not permit me to tell you all the fruits this love of pleasure produces, and all the ways in which it may do you harm. Why should I speak of carousing, partying, drinking, gambling, movie-going, dancing, and the like? There are few to be found who don't know something of these things by bitter experience. And these are only instances. 

All things that give a feeling of excitement for the time--all things that drown thought, and keep the mind in a constant whirl--all things that please the senses and delight the flesh--these are the sort of things that have mighty power at your time of life, and they owe their power to the love of pleasure. 

Be on your guard. Do not be like those of whom Paul speaks, "Lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God" (2 Timothy 3:4).



Remember what I say: if you would cling to earthly pleasures--these are the things which murder souls. 

There is no surer way to get a seared conscience and a hard heart towards the things of God, than to give way to the desires of the flesh and mind. It seems like nothing at first, but it tells in the long run.