Hello Folks,
     God called me to pastor the Greeneville First Church of God in Greeneville, Tn over 13 years ago.  At this time I believe that He has indicated to me that it is time that someone else come to this marvelous congregation and pastor.  This past Sunday, Dec. 10, I informed the congregation that my last Sunday to preach would be Feb. 8, 2015. 
     Some wonder why and I would merely say that I honestly believe that God has allowed me to be here for this time and has now prepared someone else to take the congregation forward into the ministry that He has for them.  I have found the congregation to be loving, kind and generous to me.  They have allowed me to be part of their family and they have become my wonderful friends.  I will miss them greatly!
     As for my future I am not sure what will happen.  We have a house to sell before we can move anywhere and when we move we want to move closer to our children and grandchildren.  God has given Ruth and I fairly good health and I want Ruth to be able to have some wonderful years being closer to our family.  She has been a wonderful help meet and fellow laborer with me in ministry and now it is time for me to give her some of the things that will bring greater joy to her.  While she is willing to go anywhere I believe God is directing I happen to believe that God is allowing us this time to be with our wonderful grandchildren.  What that will mean to ministry to me I have no clue but I wait God's timing and His will for my life.  I ask you all to pray with me about all of this.
     At this time I will stop placing the blog on line and tell you all who have read it that I hope it has been of benefit to you in your life and in your ministry.  May the Lord who made us and saved us continue to bless you mightily in His Kingdom.


Have a great day,


HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     I am looking forward to the time with my family around Christmas this year.  It seems that the older I get the more I value my family members.  It is amazing to realize that my children are all in their 40's and that I have a grand daughter that will graduate from High School next June.  It makes me wonder how time has passed so quickly.  But is that the biblical picture about life?  We read that "life is but a vapor".  When I look in a mirror I certainly do not see that young man who married that wonderful red headed girl.  But I also realize that my life has been blessed beyond measure.  I have been given 3 wonderful children and 6 marvelous grand children.  I have pastored 2 congregations for a total of 34 years and been part of some amazing things that God has done.  So when I sit around the living room with my family this Christmas, if God permits it, I will celebrate life and the joy that has been mine!  I will also celebrate the One who made it all possible for me.  While some of you may have always been nice and kind I must admit that without Jesus, and my wife, my life would have been filled with sorrow, hatred and death! Thank God He intervened for me and gave me a life worth living!  Praise His name!


Have a great one,


HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     The Christmas season is upon us, at least here in the United States.  People are rushing to the stores to purchase gifts, buying items on line and getting ready for their family gatherings.  I wonder if we would just consider the first Christmas family gathering that took place in Bethlehem almost 2000 years ago.  Maybe what we are shown there is that the idea of family has been expanded by the Creator Himself.  You will see that Joseph and Mary welcomed shepherds, and wise men to the birth celebration of Jesus.  How many of us have so closed our minds to what family means that we might miss the wonder of others coming to see the Savior!  Could we be used by Him at this season for His glory?  Could we bring someone into the family of God through our efforts to reveal to them the marvelous Savior? 
     I pray that this Christmas you and I both will be able to present the Savior to our world with the message that He is the one who came to this earth for our behalf.  God coming to save mankind if they would merely listen.  As we observe lights, have dinners, and, even, go to church I pray that we never forget to invite our world to become part of the family.


Have a great one,


HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     The weather here has taken a sudden turn and blasted us with cold weather.  I think it is supposed to change by the end of the week but for now I am cold and it is effecting my breathing.  But is that not how life happens?  You are going along and life is moving along pretty good when suddenly something changes and you are adversely effected by it.  Then in a few days, weeks, or more you have things change again and you are coasting along in life without a problem. 
     It just might be that we ought to consider James 4:13-18 where we are told that we "know not what shall be on the morrow.  For what is your life, it is even a vapor, that appeareth for a little , and then vanisheth away."  Life comes at us so quickly that sometimes we are shocked at what has happened.  We think we are immune from some of those things, or a least we act like it, and we want to point a finger at God and accuse Him of forgetting us. 
     I must admit that as my life goes through the cycles of living I can be overwhelmed with all that takes place.  But one thing I am sure of and it is that God sees me and knows me!  I can depend on Him whether it is a balmy 72 degrees or a shivering 17 degrees.  I trust Him.


Have a great one,


HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     Last week I had the honor of preaching the sermon at the funeral of my pastor Vernon B. (Bert) Collins.  He was 94 years old and had been in ministry over 60 years.  When I was about 7 or 8 years of age my mother started attending the congregation he pastored in Dayton, Ohio on McClure St. in the East End.  Brother Collins and his wonderful wife, Sally B. (Bea) Collins were giants in my mind.  I remember him preaching and there was never a pulpit that he could stay in while he preached.  Sister Collins would sing and the glory of God would fill the place.  At the age of 21 I was saved, at 23 years of age I was called to preached both under the preaching of Brother Collins.  I became the youth pastor and, later, the associate with Brother Collins where he taught me so very much.  I remember going on visits and meetings with him riding in his car and him talking to me about ministry.  I became the pastor in Pekin, Il in 1980 and for the past 34 years I have realized how indebted I am to him and Sis. Collins. My wife and I learned how to pastor and care for people through their examples.  I fully believe that Bro. Collins is celebrating in heaven today and I look forward to seeing him again one day.  There were 10 preachers at the funeral who came out through Brother Collins' ministry.  God used him for His glory and I found him to be a wonderful spiritual father and friend.  I just pray that my life can be as fruitful as His was for our King Jesus.


Yours in Christ,


HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     For the past 3 weeks I have been working with The Church of God Bible Institute teaching a online course on the Second Coming.  It has been very fulfilling for me as the students blog and write their papers on the subject matter for that week.  The comments made and the way they have grasped the material has been excellent.  But the most exciting part has been how they have given insight into little gems of material that I had not thought about.  They have actually been teaching me and providing me tidbits that I think will be of value to me in my ministry.
     God seems to allow me to see more truth as I move forward in my life for Him.  I must admit that there are some dry seasons in my life and that I find it very difficult to push ahead in ministry.  When things are not going like I want them to go I sometimes forget what I preached about this past Sunday.  God is in the drought as well as in the rain!  This comes from 1 Kings 18 and the account on Mt. Carmel with Elijah.  The drought is never fun but is used by God to achieve His will!  I pray that I be the man that God can use in the drought or in the rain! 
    
Have a great day,


HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     John Maxwell had a conference where one of the individual lessons was titled, "It's the Grind that Gets Them".  I think that most of us understand that concept whether we be pastors, housewives, lawyers or bakers.  Most people have to do the same things over and over again in life.  For me it is the fact that Solomon was right when he said there is nothing new.  The problems that arise for a pastor are the same problems over and over even though they come from people with different names and faces.  It is also the fact that every week no matter how well you did this past Sunday you have another Sunday to preach 2 more sermons.  That happens week after week after week and the older I get the more difficult it is for me.  I am sure that none of you ever deal with that issue  but if you do the one redeeming factor lies in the good things that take place.  The people who come to Christ, the baptism's, the testimonies, the moving of the spirit of God in your worship as well as other more personal successes in your life.  All I know to say is that we must keep in mind that God is our God and what we do we should be doing for Him!  That helps me and I hope it helps you.


Have a great day,


HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     I am always a little bit surprised when I have preached on the Second Coming to have people respond in such a positive way.  It seems to me that I have preached on the subject so many times that everyone should already have complete understanding on it but that is never the case.  Of course, I must remember that there are people who are newer to the congregation and there are some who were not in church the last time I preached about the subject.  But this is such a good time to deal with the Second Coming due to the movie that is coming out with Nicholas Cage called "Left Behind."  While it is nothing more than a remake of a 2000 film which used the Left Behind series book to proclaim their viewpoints. 
     Is it not strange that people are so anxious to have some kind of spectacular science fiction type event take place that they run to these movies and books to satisfy their thirst for such things.  I wonder if people would bother to look at the word of God to find out what He has to say about such things.  Is it not funny that people talk about a seven year tribulation when the bible never gives us a plain statement of such a thing?  Is it not funny that people talk about a secret rapture when the bible never gives us a plain statement of such a thing?  We do have very plain statements that when the end comes people will be doing the normal things of life and that they will be surprised.  That is why we are live life ready for His coming! 
     Well, let me give you a review about the "Left Behind" movie!  It is filled with some wonderful cinematography and the special effects are amazing.  This fictional account is well acted and produced at an extremely high level but it is nothing more than mere fiction.  It is a repeat of other writers material dating back at least until 1970 when Hal Lindsey wrote his best seller "Late Great Planet Earth."  I have never seen the movie and do not plan on ever seeing it!  I know the real outcome of the Coming of Jesus and it is not planes falling out of the sky and everyone crying out that we are left behind.  It is judgment and eternity--are you ready?


Have a great day,


HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     I wonder what it is that moves people to have a commitment and desire to serve God?  As I look at our world I see some people who have a great desire to reach others for Christ but most of what I see is, at best, a general lack of concern for God or His Church.  I guess I probably measure both of these things together--the desire to serve God and the desire to serve His Church.  Of course, there is the great matter of whether you can serve God without have a love for His Church? 
     As a pastor it is very hard for me to watch as commitment to the local congregation seems to be dwindle but commitment to sports, work, and a variety of other things seems to grow.  I ask myself if I think that way simply because I am a pastor and get much of my sense of success from my ministry.  Is that fair if that is the case?  Would I think the same way if I spent all week working hard and just did not have the energy to give to the local congregation from my life?  Should I expect more than just Sunday morning attendance?  Is the church of today moving from a group of people who meet "much...more, as ye see the day approaching."  (HEB 10:25) 
     Just this past week the Supreme Court let stand the lower courts opinion that same-sex marriage is legal in certain states, about 30 of them will be effected.  The moral fabric of our nation has been changing and at this time it would seem that the Church should be an anchor for all.  But when there is little if any commitment to the Church I wonder what that will mean for our nation, or what it has meant for our nation. 
     Maybe this is nothing more than the concerns of a man who is growing older.  I pray that is the case.  I know that God's Church will always exist because it is God's Church.  But I do wonder what it will mean for our Movement and our nation.


Have a great day,


HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     I was just reading about a resurgence in Calvinism at least here in America.  One author maintained that it was a backlash to the Emergent Church viewpoint that is moving through evangelical church groups.  The Emergent Church maintains that theology is basically what you think it is--this may be a rather broad statement so please understand there can be some variety in that viewpoint.  The resurgence in Calvinism is especially concentrating on predestination.  With those two "bookends" of belief it is an interesting question, at least to me, as to where the Church of God Reformation Movement fits.  Certainly we are not followers of predestination.  Could it be that we have some of our pastors and educators who are moving closer to an Emergent viewpoint? 
     I am not for sure about this but it certainly seems that we are moving away from sanctification as definite second work of grace and casting aside holiness as it has been understood in the Holiness Movement.  One factor that stands out to me very clearly is that question on alcohol consumption.  With leaders and pastors who are fearful of angering the 20-30 year old demographic it appears that we are telling them that alcohol is acceptable as long as you do not get drunk.  Social drinking is becoming acceptable in our circles and the thought that it might be wrong is cast aside.  For the pastors who believe that it is wrong but they do not want to address it they should be ashamed!  Our silence might be a very large factor in why the message of holiness is not being heard. 
    Let me give you something that might be of far greater importance where these issues are concerned.  Does anyone care anymore?


Have a great day,


HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     Every day we get up and face what God brings to us.  This is not a matter of happenstance but the desire of God to use us in His Kingdom.  I wonder how He wants to use you and me today?  Could it be that some of us miss the hand of God in our lives due to the fact that we are so intent in do what we have planned for that day?  Maybe God wants to do more than we could have ever imagined in our lives if we would just pay attention to Him.  What about you and I spending this day simply looking for the opportunities that God will bring to us!  If we do that would our lives and our world see changes take place that are planned by God for us?  If we do not I wonder if would miss some of the plans that God has for us?
     Last Friday night I watched a local football game that a couple of the young men in our church were involved in and it was a very exciting game.  One of the things that must take place for victory to be achieved is for the players to pay attention to the coaches.  They all have been assigned certain responsibilities and for a play to work as it is planned everyone of them must do what they are supposed to do.  Is this not also true for the church?  Are we not part of the body of Christ if we are followers of Jesus and are we not told that we He places us in the body as He sees fit?  When a local congregation fails to fulfill the desired plan that God has for it could it be that individual members are refusing to fulfill the plan that God has for them?  I pray that I would fulfill His desire!


Have great day,


HGRudd
    

Hello Folks,
     Just this past Saturday our youth Sunday School class sponsored an outreach.  They washed cars for free, gave hot dogs and bibles away.  They had a lot of cars stop and the approximately 35 people who washed cars were busy.  We had families helping with small children as well as some of our older adults.  I am not sure how many people stopped for the free car wash and hotdogs but many of them were curious about the congregation and willing received the material that was given.  What a joy it is to have people who are willing to do what they can in an effort to present Christ to our world. 
     I wonder how many of us are willing to wash cars or do something that is inconvenient for us in an effort to let our world know that there is a Savior who came so all of us could be saved?  Is that not the crux of the issue for us as followers of Jesus?  We may be willing to go to church but are we willing to try to reach people outside of our doors.  What opportunities could be given us if we were willing to be inconvenienced?  Maybe we could feed a family that said they were hungry like the folks did here this past Saturday.  Maybe we could get folks to tart thinking about their need of Christ like some of them did this past Saturday.  Maybe we could intersect with someone who really did not attend church and finally admitted that they only went every now and then.  Could it be possible that a car wash will be used by God to help people to consider their eternity? 
     Well, maybe this week you and I could decide that we will watch for someone that God will bring our way for us to witness to about Jesus.  Or, maybe we could find some way to witness to someone by our actions toward them.  What about it will you watch for someone that you could share Christ with?


Have a great one,


HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     I must celebrate that there are times when it is a great joy to be able to point to the efforts of God's people to reach into the world.  This can be done in numerous ways.  There are times when personal evangelism is the means by which the church attempts this then there are various ways that they attempt to do this as a body.  This past Sunday in our congregation I saw people who were willing to make a step of faith by committing to God through Faith Promise.  Charles Heater was our special speaker and God used him to point people to the needs of those around us and to our responsibility toward them.  At the end of the day our folks promised to give $27,735 to missions and to believe that God would give them the amount of their pledge through the year.  There will be people in Haiti, Ecuador, Mexico, Texas, Utah, and Nicaragua who will have their needs met because this congregation has placed trust in God to use them as a conduit to provide the resources these folks need.  I am thankful for the willingness of people who sit in our pews to be used by God.
     Every year congregations all across the U.S. and the world have "Annual Business Meetings".  It would seem that most folks do not believe that it is needed due to the fact that most of them do not bother to attend.  There is a sense in which I understand because we should be people who are saying that we trust God to perform His glories as He will.  Yet there is a need for financial transparency that will allow anyone who desires to see where money is used and whether the leadership is being faithful.  I wish I could figure a better way to give this information allowing people to give input rather than having a business meeting.  Until then I will keep attempting to provide all the information that I can to the congregation and look forward to the way we invest our resources in the Kingdom.


Have a great day,


HGRudd
    

Hello Folks,
     I returned this past Saturday from preaching at the Whitehall camp meeting in Pennsylvania this past week.  What a joy it was to be there.  The people were open and kind to me as well as wanting to seek the Lord in our time together.  The leadership and pastors treated me as if I were one of their family and gave me great cooperation in all that I did.  I pray that God spoke to hearts and that people were able to hear from God.
     Ruth and I drove home on Saturday and then preached our regular worship services this past Sunday.  I must admit that I am tired but also have to admit that I found it a great honor and joy to get to proclaim the gospel of Christ as frequently as I did.  We live in a world where people are presented all kinds of options where religion is concerned and we must lift up Jesus as often as possible.  It might be in a church building or it might be at the gas station as you wait in line.  Is there a greater message than Jesus' saving grace?  I would contend there is not!  No one can proclaim a Savior like Jesus except Christian folks!  Praise be to Him!
     We are coming to a close where summer is concerned.  Two of my grand daughters started back to school on July 29 while the area schools started back last week.  It seems to me that time moves at a blur and if we are not careful we will miss out on what God has for us!  I pray that all of us will have our hearts open to what He has for us and for the opportunities that He provides us to speak about Jesus to those we come into contact with in our life.  May He bless you all.


Have a great day,


HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     This week started the East Tennessee Camp Meeting and it has been wonderful so far.  Sunday p.m. was our unity service with the local congregations and E.J. Swatzell, the youth pastor at Cedar Creek Church of God was the speaker.  There was a very good crowd and people seemed to worship the Lord with joy.  Mark Stayton, the worship pastor from Kingsport, did a good job leading us to lift our voices to the King of Kings.
     Last night the camp meeting began with a theme of Extraordinary Passion and it seemed to me that was what was exhibited for all of us to hear and see.  Jodi Poorman, a worship pastor from the Fox Street Church of God in Pennsylvania, was used by God to help us worship in song.  Jeannette Flynn was the preacher and God anointed her as she spoke His Word.  I must say that my wife, Ruth, and the quartet she sings in were also anointed by God as they sang in the worship.  I look forward to there the rest of the week and just pray that God continue to be powerfully present.
     One of the points that Sister Flynn brought to us was that if we were to have extraordinary biblical holy passion was that we must realize that God will speak in the dark.  We must be people of faith that are willing to speak the Word of God even when we cannot see the reasons for it with our eyes.  This is the real definition of faith is it not?  Believing God even though the circumstances may not reveal to us a visible reason to do so.  Real faith believes enough to act upon God's truth even when we cannot see everything about it.  May we be people of real faith and not miss the wonders of what He will do when He has men and women of faith to fulfill His will!
     Have a great day.


HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     We had a really good week-end here at Greeneville First Church of God.  On Saturday about 60 of the folks from our congregation met here and were sent out to a total of 3 Greene County Elementary Schools.  Over the next 2-3 hours our people cleaned rooms, painted stripes on walls, organized books, and anything else that the individual school or teacher wanted us to do.  Then we met back at the church, inviting the teachers to come with us, and had hotdogs, chips and cookies.  There were about 20 teachers and one principal that attended and ate with us.  We called that a Community School Blitz.  We already have had some of the teachers ask us to come back next year.  It was a great time of service to our community and fellowship with one another.  Hopefully, above everything else, we were able to exemplify Jesus Christ to those we came into contact with.  I am so thankful for those who came and helped.  If we are going to impact our community we must get into our community and that is what we are attempting to do.
     When I looked at the people who were there working we had folks from 8 years of age to 75 years of age who came out to help.  I must say that there is no better way for the elders of a congregation to reveal a Christian life to the younger people than to be with them and live the life in front of them.  I am thankful that I am the pastor of this congregation and that God has allowed me to be part of it for almost 13 years now.  I pray that we can continue to find ways to reach out to our town and county with the wonderful message of Jesus being lived out in front of them.  Some of those people will never hear me preach but they can see people living Jesus around them.  What a joy it is to be part of that!
    
Have a great day,


HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     Just got back to my office after preaching a Camp Meeting in Liberty, Ky.  It was a real joy for me to be there for a number of reasons among which was the opportunity to preach the gospel.  There is nothing like the joy there is in preaching God's Word to people and seeing response.  But then I cam back this past Sunday and we had God move in our a.m. worship.  What a blessing it was to see men and women moving to the altars in response to what God was doing!  I happen to believe that if we were to be open to God to take control of what we are planning and doing that we would see an amazing change in congregations and individual people.  I certainly want God to continue to change me as I need Him to make me more of what He desires.
     While I was in Kentucky I found out that one of my cousins lives fairly close to Liberty and I was able to go to her house and have dinner with her.  She also had contacted her 3 sisters who I had not seen in quite a while and we had a mini-reunion with them.  My heart was filled with joy as we talked about the past the wonders of being able to have our lives intertwined together.  God gave me a special blessing by being able to be with them.  Could this have been a taste of what heaven will be like when we get to see all of those who have impacted our lives and to know that it will not stop but continue throughout eternity? 
     Yet it is also true that we have been given this day where we will have opportunity to impact the lives of others.  We will make a decision whether we will give them Jesus or if we will merely give them a taste of us.  Pray for me that I will be able to give Jesus to others.


Have a great day,


HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     Here in Greeneville, Tn we will celebrate Independence Day on July 4.  This has been a special day for Americans since 1775 and in our community we will have people join family members in cook outs and there will be untold fireworks shot into the air, there will be parades and special events taking place all across our community and our nation.  I for one am thankful for our nation and the freedoms that we celebrate here. 
     In other nations there is great persecution taking place while we celebrate.  In the Sudan Christians are being murdered simply because they are Christians.  Freedom for Christians in many Muslim countries is very limited and they are subject to great persecution.  I pray that we do not take for granted what we have been given but I also pray that we do not forget about people all over our world who have little if any freedom.  Maybe during our celebrations we should pray for others who have not been blessed to live in a country like ours.  While we have many things that could be better we are certainly among the most blessed people in the world.
     But there is one other thing that we ought not to forget.  It is simply that we have been given spiritual freedom through the blood of Jesus Christ.  On that day almost 2000 years ago when Jesus died on Calvary there was a declaration of independence signed in blood by the Creator of the world.  It is not restricted by national boundaries or political parties.  Anyone who will come to Him can receive that freedom.  That is the one truth that we ought to celebrate every day!
     I pray that you have a great week and that the freedom of Christ be in your.


HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     Yesterday the International Convention for the Church of God Reformation Movement started in Oklahoma City.  The change of locations has been much discussed and I guess we will see if it has helped improve attendance.  It is my prayer that many will be able to attend and that God's will be done in all that takes place.  While I will not be in attendance that does not mean that I am not wanting to see the best take place for the church!  Much of what happens will be what we would consider the normal.  The GA will meet, resolutions will be discussed and voted on, budget issues will be brought to the floor, information will be shared, worship will take be celebrated and I pray that God will speak in all of it.  My heart desires to see real godly change take place and that the Holy Spirit will be very present in all that transpires. 
     While I do not know if this attempted change will be the beginning of the marvelous work of God among us I pray that will be the case.  From what I have read in the early days of the Church of God Reformation Movement God's people prayed.  They prayed for real change to encompass the congregations that had become accepting of falsehoods that only succeeded in holding people in bondage.  They wanted His truth to prevail among all people and they felt that they were called by God to proclaim that truth and to practice that truth!  I wonder if we ought not to pray that we would have the same Spirit to place such a fire in our hearts?  I am not sure how everyone else feels about this but I for one am unhappy with merely waiting on Jesus to return.  I want to "occupy" until He comes again and ends this old world. 
     I ask you to pray for the International Convention that will go through Thursday of this week.  May the glory of God fall on that group and on us!


Have a great day,


HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     We had a team of 16 people go to Haiti and when they returned they brought with them a virus that is transmitted through mosquito's.  It had some very undesirable symptoms and while it was not life threatening it was not very enjoyable.  Of the 16 who went 13 of them came down with it.  We had the Health Department checking on them and drawing blood from them as well as giving certain directions to them as well.  Yet the ministry went on in Haiti and here!  God used them to help the people of Haiti in their physical needs but also where their spiritual needs were concerned.  I am thankful that there are people who will take the message of Christ to a world that desperately needs it even if there is risk involved. 
     This summer, if it be the Lord's will, I will be preaching two camp meetings and one revival.  I ask you to pray that I would fulfill the will of God in these endeavors.  There will be a lot of people who will sit in the seats and I need to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ clearly at each occasion.  Pray that I know what God desires for me to preach and that I will fulfill His will in this.  While I have certain ideas of what should be spoken it is my desire to only speak what He wants.  So I ask you to please pray for me!
     I would think that everyone of us will have challenges and opportunities presented to us through this summer.  It is my prayer that you be used by God in each one of them.  May the God of all ages stand with you and empower you to be His tool for His glory!


Have a great day,


HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     I have been listening to a CD where Jim Cymbala was at the Cove in Ashville, North Carolina leading a conference.  In that CD he said that 5 polling agencies have said that using the standards of Jesus being the only Savior and the Bible being our rule of faith that only 7.2? to 9% of the population in the U.S. are Christian.  He brought up the thought that the U.S. can no longer claim to be Christian with those kinds of statistics.  I would say that with the acceptance of pluralism by our educational and political class unless there is a great revival it will not get any better.
     It seems to me that the first century church lived in a world that was slanted even more against them.  The Roman government did not accept them with open arms, the religious world (both Jew and Pagan) were in opposition to them, they had no wealth and no military power.  Yet they were used by God to turn their world upside down.  Can we in the church world of today be used by God to facilitate such a change?  The answer is yes!  But it means that we in the church must be men and women who have one message and that is Jesus for our world.  While we should be concerned about politics and the opposition that we face the one thing that we should consider the most is who is our Savior!  Is God leading us in our lives?  If He is then we need not fear who is against us neither should we be overly concerned with who is for us as long as He is with us! 
     Do we see our time here as being lived in a world of great restraints or do we see it as a time of great opportunity?  I ask you to pray for me that I might be the man God would use in this world for Him!  I will pray that you will be the man or woman that He would also use in this world.


Have a great day.


HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     I have some questions in my mind and sometimes I wonder if they are shaped by my desire to have good numbers in church?  Maybe you can help me on this and tell me what you think.


     There is a fundamental shift that is catching up to our community here in Greeneville, Tennessee.  It seems that Sunday p.m. is something that is of little if any value to people in our day.  Over the past 5 years I have seen a marked change in what people do where Sunday is concerned.  It seems that family gatherings and any kind of activity takes precedence over the church?  Now, the question is whether it really matters?  We know that God did not tell us to go to church on Sunday a.m. and p.m.  Could it be that we are just slow in catching up to what really matters in life?  Or could it be that we are selling the next generation's spiritual life for ballgames and hotdogs?  Does it seem to you that the 40 something's and younger are treating church as something that is nice but not a necessity?  In my mind church cannot be separated from Christ since He is the Bridegroom and the church is the Bride?  Can we be people of God without placing value on what he places value?  Am I putting my measurements on people rather than putting God's measurements on them? 
     This is the struggle that I am having.  What about you?  Is it an issue where you are at?  Do you see this as a cultural thing?  Do you see people making God of less concern in their lives due to them making the church of less concern?  Let me know what you think.


Have a great day,


HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     I am back in the office after taking a few days to visit my family and a week to preach a revival in S. Pekin, Il.  It was certainly a pleasure for me to visit with the children and grandchildren.  They all seem to be doing pretty good and they are all pretty busy.  The revival went well with some altar response and one person renewing their relationship with Christ.  The congregation was a small General Baptist fellowship and I have known their pastor for a number of years.  There were numerous folks from the congregation I pastored at Pekin who attended and it was like old home week for me.  What a joy it was to see people who I have loved through the years and see them serving the Lord.  I also got to see a number of young people who have grown older through the years and are now graduating High School and are in college.  God has really blessed me with the joy of being part of the lives of people! 
     A young man in our congregation here in Greeneville received the "Doer of the Word" award at Greeneville High School.  Jonathan Ervin is a wonderful young man who wants to be used by God for ministry in the years to come.  I think that we have some great young people who have a heart to be servants of the Lord in our congregation and I pray that God will continue to bless them for His glory! 
     I have noticed through the years that change is very difficult for most of us!  Yet no matter the issue that might arise we need to keep one thing in mind and it is that as Christians we are to be people of the Book!  I know that there will be many interpretations of what it means but I would suggest that regardless of where we come out on what something means that we live a life that God is pleased with and that brings honor to Him.  While my life is moving toward the final years, I am 62, I pray that what I have left will point people to the marvelous Savior Jesus Christ and that I will please Him in how I live and what I do.


Have a great day,


HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     Ruth and returned from Pastor's Fellowship 2014 in Winchester, Ky late last night.  I finally made it to my office about 9:30 a.m. and have spent the day digging out of e-mails and other administrative items.  While I am still not finished it is now time for me to write this blog. 
     There is little doubt in my mind that this year at Pastor's Fellowship we heard some powerful sermons that were anointed by God.  While I must admit that I am rather prejudiced on behalf of Pastor's Fellowship I also must say that I do think that can sense when God speaks to us.  There were two first time speakers, Nick Wilson of Pennsylvania and Tommy Walker of Texas.  One of the reasons I bring this up is the contrast of speakers.  Nick is younger and Tommy is getting a few miles on him, like me.  Nick spoke through a clearly prepared manuscript while Tommy was extemporaneous.  Nick was almost scholarly in his presentation while Tommy was homespun.  Both of them spoke with the power of the Holy Ghost!  God used them powerfully.  If you want to listen to the sermons, along with the other six sermons, you will be able to listen to them at Greenevillefcog.com website after it is posted or you can order them by contacting Noretta Brown in Winchester, Ky at the First Church of God there.
     Since I am the chairman of the Steering Committee for Pastor's Fellowship I was pretty busy with meetings, details, and attending services.  The time I spend there admittedly wears me out physically and mentally but I must say that it also refreshes me spiritually.  The friendships that have been gained through the years and the anointed preaching of Church of God truths (when I say Church of God truths that is synonymous  with biblical truths) that is not often heard in man of our pulpits anymore thrills my soul.  I would tell each of you that it takes place every year on the first Monday and Tuesday of May and if you can come I pray that you will attempt it.  We have people there from Canada, Pennsylvania, Florida, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, Mississippi, Illinois, Virginia, West Virginia and other states.  Maybe you could add to that by your attendance.


Have a great day,


HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     I was talking with a friend of mine about how quickly this year seems to be moving along.  I realize that there are still 24 hours in every day just like when I was a boy but it just feels like time is moving at warp speed.  Undoubtedly those of us who are a little older look back and realize that our time is quickly slipping by us and we are coming upon old age.  We would have never thought about saying something like that when we were in our 20's but not that the 20's are way behind us it is almost as if everyday is taking another part of our life away.  But does not James 4:14 (KJV) say Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.  The more we become aware of this truth the more we observe our time as it vanishes.
    But the good thing is that we can make use of our time while we are here.  Life slips away for everyone, we are not unique to the human race!  Yet we can make a decision that we will make use of our time and not merely have it disappear.  The way we invest ourselves into the lives of others will enable us to make a difference for generations to come!  When we help others to grow up in the Savior we will find that there is a return on the investment!  What a joy to know that we do not merely live and then disappear without any impact upon the lives of those who we leave behind!  We can make a difference and God wants to use people like us to do exactly that for His glory!  Praise the Lord we do not merely live and then die! 
     Of course there is also the issue of eternity!  While we are confined to this existence we also know that it is merely temporary and we will move into the eternal existence of heaven if we are followers of the Savior!  We are moving toward more and not less!  We are moving toward life and not death!  Praise be to God for the eternal home He is preparing for us.


Have a great day,


HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     Just this past Sunday we celebrated Easter--Resurrection Sunday.  Of course, if we understand the biblical message correctly everyday is a day of celebrating the Resurrection!  What an amazing message we have to give to our world.  I realize that there are many who are opposed to this marvelous truth but that does not change the fact of the resurrection!  While many have attempted to make it a myth or fairy tale that is promoted by foolish followers of Jesus we still proclaim quite loudly, "HE IS RISEN".  The reason other religions must oppose the resurrection is if it is true they must admit that their founders have far less to offer our world than Jesus!  They just do not stack up against Him!  Just think of it with me for a moment!  This Jesus could not be held in the Tomb, Satan could not enslave Him, and the stone was rolled away for all the world to see!  HE IS RISEN!  Praise be to Jesus who is the Risen Savior!
     I was also blessed to have my Son, James, his wife, Michele, and their girls, Jordyn and Alexis, with us in worship for Easter.  Those of you who have your children with you all the time do not know what a blessing that is for Ruth and myself.  While we did not the rest of our family with us we were able to enjoy their presence with us.  God has been so good to me.  I believe that you could say the same thing if you would look at things from a perspective of what has been given to you. 


May your day be blessed,


HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     There are times when I feel as if I see God's people fulfilling the biblical message of reaching and serving others as God intended.  While I certainly do not always get everything right it sure seemed to me that I saw people fulfilling the biblical idea of living out the message this past week.  On Sunday at 3 p.m. about 80-90 of our folks of all ages met here at church to get their assignments to help others.  I watched as they left the parking lot and I must say that my heart was thrilled to see people wanting to serve others.  They drove to the homes of a number of seniors in our congregation and community to help them get some spring cleaning, inside and outside, done that they would not be able to do themselves.  We then came back about 6 p.m. along with some of those seniors and had a "picnic" and fellowship together. 
     There are also a couple of men in our congregation who have recently retired and they have been visiting people in the home, hospital and nursing homes.  Here are a couple of fellows who have worked their entire life and came to the place where they are supposed to take it easy and they see it as freedom to do ministry.  They give care and support to folks who often are forgotten and lonely at this time in their lives and these fellows walk in, talk to them, and pray with them.  I am thankful for people who do not think that retirement is about them just resting and going places but it about being given freedom to reach people for the Savior! 
     God is certainly good to us and I am thankful for His gift to me of being a pastor at this congregation. 


Have a great day,


HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     I have been swamped this week with a variety of things so I have been slow on getting this blog out and to those of you who read this I apologize for not having it where you can read it sooner.  Last Friday night our college and youth agers worked together with the Fire to provide a time of worship and prayer for the congregation.  I want you to know that this was one of the best times I have had in my person worship in a very long time.  It was such a time of refreshing that I just cannot overstate how important it was for me to be there.  I want to thank those who made it work so wonderfully!  There were a number of them so I will not mention names due to the distinct possibility of missing someone but they were all used of God.
     Over the past couple of weeks I believe God has been doing a great work here at Greeneville First Church of God.  We have had great worship and really good altar response.  I also know that often things happen in the pews and it seems to me that everyone that had a spiritual breakthrough did not go to the altar but met with God in the pew.  Keep praying for us to move forward in reaching people for Christ as a congregation and individuals as we go out into our community.  I am thankful that God is allowing me to be part of what is happening here at this time.


Have a great day,


HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     My youngest son has been in town with his two daughters and we have had a really good time with them.  James and I have turkey hunted together and while we did not get any game I had a good time just being with my son.  He is out today with a fellow in the congregation and I hope that they are more successful than I was with him.  My granddaughters have been a real joy, they are aged 11 and 14 and possibly they giggle more than anyone I have ever seen.  These girls are very involved in softball and while they have been here they have gone to a couple of UT softball games.  Last Saturday I went with them to some special training they went to in Knoxville and got to watch them as they practiced their respective positions and as they had hitting practice.  Those are the things we miss being so far away from them.  It is amazing how much they have grown up over these past 12 years that we have been in Tennessee.
      On May 5-6 we will be at Pastor's Fellowship in Winchester, Ky.  It is a time of year that I look forward to as it provides me with spiritual refreshing and challenges.  The joy of hearing 400-600 pastors and others singing the songs of the Church and of praise to our God fills my heart with great joy.  Getting to see men and women I have known for years is something that also fills me up with great thanks.  I have been greatly blessed by being part of this fellowship over the years.  The first I went was in May of 1980 right before I took my first pastorate.  I have only missed 2-3 of these events though the years and am so thankful that I have heard the Holy Spirit filled preachers that have influenced my life and ministry as they have.  If you can come I would encourage you to go!  It is certainly worth it!


Have a great day,


HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     In the congregation I pastor I have a retired pastor and his wife who are from another faith group who have become part of what we are doing as a congregation.  They are extremely committed to doing ministry even though they have some physical restrictions that keep them from doing all that they would like.  Yet they are very supportive of the ministry and of myself as the senior pastor of this congregation.  I also have some retired pastors from Church of God congregations that are just as supportive and active in ministry.  It is truly a blessing from God to have people like that in this congregation.  While I hope to continue pastoring for some time it is my desire that when I reach retirement, if I reach it, that I would give the same kind of support to my pastor and congregation.  What a joy it is to have people who give me such an example to follow.
     That makes me wonder what kind of example each one of us give to our children, grandchildren, and others for them to follow.  Could it be that there are people whose actions and attitudes are not good because they have been following our examples?  That is something that must be considered by all of us!  I see fathers and mothers whose actions are filled with things that I find to be questionable at best and they do even seem to consider that their children are acting just like they are acting.  Parents do you want your children to have your habits, taken on your actions, use the same language that you use and become the same kind of person that you have been?  That is something that should be asked by all of us! 
     May the joy of the Lord be in your life today.


Have a great day,


HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     I pray that all is well with all of you.  Just today one of my staff members talked to me about the "twitter" account issues.  Now, so you will know I do Facebook, email, and I blog here but that is about all.  I do not do twitter or any other form of social media.  But he was telling me of someone who was blogging using an assumed name and wanting to challenge leadership.  What a struggle that is for someone to defend themselves against an unnamed and unknown source who can make any claim, whether it is true or not.  It would seem to me that we would be far better to follow the biblical example of going to the person first, then taking someone with us, and then calling on the church to make a decision.  While someone might be correct in their accusations it just might be that their method of attempting to settle them is something far less than correct.  I personally have not followed this twitter battle and I really do not want to be involved in it there must be a better way, a biblical manner, to face such differences.  Could it be that someone just might not like the decision of the church and wants to bring an issue up again even though it has been settled?  I do not know but I ask you to think about these things when you are on the social media and ask yourself as to whether you would want those who are angry at you to treat you in such a manner?  Just a thought.
     Stan Toler led a conference, called The Vibrant Church, here at Greeneville First Church of God this past Saturday and did a wonderful job.  I have never been in any other conference that has given such practical handles for a pastor or other leadership in the church to plan and progress in ministry.  If you ever have an opportunity to attend any of his conferences I would highly recommend it.  Pastors you will never find someone who is more generous with his materials than Stan Toler and he comes from a Wesleyan background.  He has served as a Pastor who has led 3 different congregations to over 1000 in attendance.  He also served as the General Superintendent in the Nazarene Church.  His spirit is wonderful and He is empowered by God to present the material that he has to the local congregation.


Have a great day,


HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     This past week Ruth and I went to Birmingham, Al to attend the Mid-Year Leadership meeting of the National Assn. of the Church of God.  I must tell you that it was a great time of refreshing.  We were able to stay Tuesday and Wednesday.  The services were filled with great worship and powerful preaching.  Pastor James Marshall preached on Tuesday night and the presence of God was among us.  Dr. James Earl Massey preached on Wednesday night and God continued working through the messages.  As Brother Massey said:  "It is not over until it is over" and went on to remind us that we are in the battle until it is finished and it is not finished as long as we are in this world.  I guess I needed that reminder for my life as it was of great impact in my thinking.  If you wanted that sermon you might be able to get it through Charles Myricks who is the Chief Operating/Development Officer or Miki Merritt who is the Presiding Elder of the National Association.  I know that it was recorded and offered for those who were there.  Dr. Cheryl Sanders and Dr. Diana Swoope were the speakers on Thursday but unfortunately I had to come back that morning and did not get to hear them. 
     The sermon topic of "it's not over until it's over" was of great importance for the followers of Jesus as it seems that some of us would like to stop and take it easy.  We have fought the fight and we are just tired about 20-30 years of ministry and we want to have someone else take over the leadership.  My friend, should we not remember that we are to complete the race?  Should we not be committed to fighting the fight until it is really over?  Maybe you need to just consider that it is not over until it is over and not turn aside or look for others to take your place!  We are engaged in this warfare until it is over and God will use us for His glory if we will continue the race!


Have a great day,


HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     I was in Anderson, In yesterday.  I had been invited to preach at the School of Theology Chapel service so Ruth and I drove up to my son, James' home and spent the night on Monday.  We then drove the rest of the way on Tuesday and I was given the privilege to preaching the Word to a very diverse group of people.  Of course, the students were there as well as the professors and leadership of the School of Theology.  There were also retired pastors who live in the area and at least one current area pastor.  The worship was good and those who were there were very receptive to the sermon. It was a blessing for me to be there and a joy to be able to declare God's Word to all of us who were in attendance.
     Ruth and I got home last night about 9:30 p.m. after a rather long day but my heart is filled with joy because I have been called by Him to declare His truth!  I was called by God to preach the gospel in January 1975, ordained by the Church of God Reformation Movement in Sept. 1978 and began my full-time pastoral ministry in July of 1980.  Since that time God has provided me opportunities that I would have never guessed possible.  Preaching at the School of Theology is one of those things that had never entered my mind.  Who would believe that a person who came from the kind of background that I come from would have that privilege but I remember praying that God would use me all over the United States and the world to preach His Word.  He has been faithful to me and the world can see how God takes someone who has little potential and gives them far more than they could have ever believed.  Thanks be to Him and may He receive the praise.


Have a great day,


HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     Did any of you pay attention of the debate on Feb. 4, 2014 between Ken Ham, and Bill Nye's debate on the creation vs. evolution.  Bill Nye approaches the subject with a particular philosophy called "the reasonable man" outlook.  Ken Ham is an evangelical Christian who places trust in God's Word!  It seems to me that this is the basic place that all bible believing Christians find themselves at in our world.  We believe God and we believe that the evidence points to the very clear reality that design is seen very place you look.  Yet many who call themselves scientist appear to close their eyes to such evidence and then declare that they are the "reasonable man".  I wonder if it would not be more appropriate to call them the "unreasonable man".  Yet our children and young adults are being fed a steady diet of evolution from textbooks and those who are teaching them.  I would suggest that preachers ought to attempt to proclaim biblical truth concerning creation and refute the ideology of a materialistic society that is the major teacher of our children. 
     It was very interesting to me after the debate on Feb 13, 2014 at the worldviewchurch.org website there was an article by Darrow Miller where he quotes some evolutionist as saying that they "deliberately ignore the evidence".  The amazing thing for me is that "scientist" would do such a thing but it is not amazing for those who are promoting an agenda that they are so committed to that they do not care about facts.  I wonder who is more religious about the matter of beginnings the evolutionist or the creationist? 


Have a great day,


HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     This morning I had a conference call with the Advisory Board for the Church of God Bible Institute.  The COGBI is offering its 5th class starting in March.  There are currently 17 students signed up.  For those of you who may not know what this is all about it is an effort to provide an affordable series of classes entirely on line taught from a historical Church of God perspective.  Thus far we believe that it has done what we hoped it would which is to give individuals who either cannot afford, do not have the ability due to other responsibilities, or who just want to improve their understanding of biblical truth a place to accomplish this.  While the Bible Institute is not accredited the instructors are very well credentialed with individuals who have Masters Degrees and some with Doctorates teaching.  The student will obtain a certificate if they successfully complete the 2 year course.  If you want to know more about it go to Greenevillefcog.org and you will see the Bible Institute area to click on and receive the information that might help.
     One of things I am attempting this year is to move our congregation into ministry through truth!  It seems to me that we have a lot of people in our world that want to do good things and I am thankful for them.  But many of them do what they do for different reasons that have nothing to do with the message of the gospel or to bring honor to God.  I pray that this year in our congregation that we will see men and women investing themselves into God-honoring ministry!  If that is not done then we will simply be good people doing good things but never  be God's people doing God's things! 


Have a great day,


HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     Our area congregations have been involved in a Winter Camp Meeting with Evangelist Richard Bradley preaching the four nights.  On Super Bowl Sunday Night we had a pretty good attendance, a guess would be about 400, and an excellent worship led by Dale Gruver.  The Choir from our congregation sang and once again they did an excellent job.  It is a real pleasure for me to listen to them as they lift their voices to the King!  Last night Bro Bradley preaching on "Lowering the Bar" from 2 Kings 16 when he removed the Laver from off the God ordained position and put it on the floor.  What a challenge it was to consider whether I as a pastor have lowered the bar that God has set up!  His message of holiness and unity is of the utmost importance and unless we preach that those truths, along with the rest of them, we fail to be the leaders God would have us to be!  I ask each of you to consider this same question for your life.  Have you lowered the bar in how you raise your children, what you will do in your life, how you hold God's Word, and whether you are simply making application of God's truth. 
     One of the great challenges I have faced as a pastor is the desire to grow the congregation.  I have watched as people have attended and then dropped out after I have preached a sermon concerning a doctrinal issue that they do not agree with.  If I would simply not say anything about tongues, the second coming, free will, or holiness I know that they just might stay with us.  But that is where we all must make up our minds whether we are about building the congregation or building God's church!  It would seem to me that pastors, preachers and teachers have the responsibility of declaring truth regardless of whether it is well received or not!  We belong to God and the only concern we should have is whether God is pleased with us.  Now, I realize that we should be wise about how we say things and not to attempt to reject those who do not agree but it still is demanded from us that we preach the Word!  I pray that we do exactly that!


Have a Great Day,


HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     This past Saturday we had a very cold and snowy day.  Ruth and I did not leave the house at all other than to go to the mailbox.  It carried over to the Sunday morning and here in East Tennessee it meant that 89 congregations did not have services.  If you were to see some of the roads around here you would understand a little bit better about the reluctance to get out.  We went ahead and had worship both in the a.m. and p.m.  While our attendance in the a.m. was drastically effected we still spent our time in worship and celebration and I was thankful that I could be here.  It is a real joy for me to be able to worship our Savior with those who were able to make it here.  I pray that regardless of the weather where you are at that you were able to lift your voices in praise to our Savior.  There is no one else like Him and he deserves all the praise we can give Him.
     Yesterday I went to the VA for my regular check up and the doctors say that I am doing just fine!  It was a 5 hour event for me as I drove to Johnson City, about 35 miles, to see the doctors.  At 62 years of age I must give thanks to God for allowing me to have the health that I am blessed with.  There are times when I see people who are much younger than I am and observe that they have very poor health.  I am not sure why God has allowed me so much good in my life but I certainly thank Him for what He has given to me.
     I guess I feel that today I must thank Him for all that He has made possible for me.  The Psalmist said PSA 66:16b I will declare what he hath done for my soul.  I must agree with the writer!  While I have good health, a wonderful family, great joy as a pastor, the greatest thing He has done for me is what he has done for my soul.  It seems to me that all those who have been forgiven and made whole by the Savior should say to those around them "let me tell you what God has done for me."  Praise Him!


Have a great day,


HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     All around us are people who live with a false sense of what it means to be a Christian.  There is so much "grace lite" going around that many think that God is agreeable with individuals living a sinful life.  The struggle that I have is to declare the biblical idea of Holiness without making it sound as if God does not want anyone to have fun in life.  But it also is difficult because if you are not careful people seem to think that as a Christian they can commit sin because God's grace has paid for all their future sins already.  The only think I know to do is to continue to preach the Word of God which has been given to us that we may become mature followers of Jesus Christ. 
     Along with this false understanding of grace there is also a viewpoint that declares if you do not accept a person's actions that you are rejecting them.  It is as if the younger generations cannot conceive that you can disagree with a certain lifestyle and still love the person.  Once again all we can do is to present the biblical truth that has been given to us and pray that people will have ears to hear what God has to say.
     I am thankful that He has called me to preach the gospel because the truth of God is amazing!  When I finally heard the message of Christ and my own sinfulness I was gloriously made into a child of God through a new birth.  That story never grows old to me and I pray that I will be able to proclaim it as long as I have breath in my body.  May He be praised in my life.


Have a great day,


HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     I am not sure how every pastor feels but there are times when I feel that the issues that I am confronted with are just overwhelming.  It is not unusual for me to have people come to me about he problems that they have in their lives.  If it were just things like making choices about jobs or colleges that would not be so bad.  But it is usually things like family issues that are devastating to the marriage and the entire family unit.  Then the fact that so many young people seem to think that just because you do not accept the lifestyles of everyone you are narrow and bigoted.  It is as if there can be no objections to lifestyles (sinfulness).  They appear to think that there should be no standards, or at least no standards that does not fit their thinking. 
     As a pastor I have found that everyone will not agree with your thinking or your reasoning and that they will disagree very strongly at times.  I am not sure that is the issue for me or whether it is that people just do not appear to want to live according to all the biblical directives that we have.  I must admit that when these things take place especially with people you have loved and cared for, in some cases for years, that it does hurt.  God never promised that we would not have problems and hurts as His followers and sometimes the rejection of people to truth of the gospel must hurt Him more than it does me. 
     This is probably nothing more than a preacher feeling the pressure of being a pastor.  I am thankful though that more often than not being a pastor is filled with great joy.  What a wonderful group of people I pastor and what a pleasure it is to be here!


Have a great day,


HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     It is good to be back in my office and writing this blog after being off for a couple of weeks.  Ruth and I spent time with the kids and grandchildren and it was a wonderful time.  I was able to preach on Dec. 29, 2013 in both of the a.m. services at Pekin First Church of God and I must say it was good to be able to be back with some of the people that I served for over 21 years.  When we left Indianapolis there was 5 inches of snow and I was happy to leave that kind of weather yet today here in Greeneville, Tn it was -1 this morning as I went to the hospital to visit someone who was having surgery. 
     Here is a question for all of you.  Have you come to the place that you think that the truth of God can be changed, understood differently (compromised) to suit those around us?  I have recently heard of what is called the Chrislam movement.  It is a group of people, some "evangelical" who think that they can have services with the Islamic leaders and allow them to read from the Koran side-by-side with the Bible.  How can this be?  Do we honestly believe that God is pleased with people who relegate His Word to be something that is nothing more than literature or that it can be "adjusted" to allow the Koran to be on equal footing with God's Word?  I realize that there are many who hold the Koran to be from "Allah" who is their god.  But that does not mean Christians can accept their perception of "truth."  When do you stop being Christian?  Is it when you make Jehovah God to be the equivalent to the false gods of other religions?  It would seem to me that Christians ought to be very careful to what they accept in our time.  The old falsehoods of the past are being recycled for this generation and it appears that many who claim to be Christian leaders are bowing to the "baal's" of the past. 
     I pray that God's people will be careful about how they handle God's truth and what they are willing to reduce it to--we will answer for what we do with it.


Have a great day,


HGRudd