If you haven't introduced yourself WHY not! :)

Yeah, why not? :-) We are harmless as doves :-P Also, please do give your location, even if it's just a general idea. Would love to know who this is reaching out there, thanks!

hi my name is matt grace and im from pensacola, fl. Im 19 and currently attend auburn university. I've just recently (last semester) gotten into my faith and this site is already helping in my journey. I would liek to thank everyone that made this site possible especially you know who. well i guess thats about it hope to cyall around.

Welcome brother!Hope you are tremendously encouraged in your faith through all that is available here.Think I know that 'you know who' you mentioned, despite what may have been told you, he really is a great guy :-P P.S. If you go to your profile and click 'edit' you can put your loaction in there (and it will show up next to your member nickname)

Hie I am from Zimbabwe and am studying theology in USA.I still have four more years of school and after that I will see where God wants me to be. My desire is to reach the mosloem world with the Gospel and to send Missionaries from Africa to all over the world. Things are happening with the African church and I know of men and women who are prepared to go anywhere to preach the gospel. I hope to one day go back to Zimbabwe and build a bible school that will train men and women for this missionary work. I have a dream for Africa and I will not rest until I have seen it come to pass in my life.

Hello,Zeke from South Africa, I Have been blessed by the articles and sermons on here. To hear the old timers talk of the faith that is ours is quite inspiring.Often thought of what it would have been like to hear Finney or Whitfield or Wesley preach. Man, those guys had something that most certainly could not be immatated.Anyway thanks for the sight.p.s. Sermonindex do you have another job besides keeping this thing going, because you are everywhere ;-)

Hello everybody,My name's Paul and I am 19 years old. I live in a very tiny country most of you'll probably won't know: Holland / The Netherlands.I have grown up in a great Christian family and I now see what a blessing that is. My parents told me about Jesus from when I was a very little child. One day I went to bed and my parents later told me that I came running down and said something like: "I want to receive Jesus as Savior!" That's what I did and I believe I got saved at that time. From that moment on, God took hold of my life...I grew up and the stories about Jesus became more and more familiar to me. I knew the Bible and I knew who God was (well...I thought I knew :-(). But the only thing that increased was my knowledge. I didn't know Jesus personally. I never knew how great it was to have a relationship with God. You could say that I had heard a lot about Jesus, but I had never met Him personally. He didn't mean anything to me, then just a God somewhere far away.When I became a teenager, I only talked about God when I had to. I was shy and uncertain. I tried to seek satisfaction in music and it worked. I wasn't shy anymore, I was rather rebellious. I called people names and was always seeking trouble with teachers. When I turned to Christ, a girl said to me: "you're now so different, I used to find you an ass....". That says all about who I was (unfortunately). But I wasn't the popular guy or something. I was just a little boy with a big mouth and a tiny heart.When I was 16 years old, I went to a party. Normally, my parents wouldn't let me go, but this time I was allowed to choose by myself. So I went. At this party I met a boy from Church. He wasn't a Christian, but after 2 or 3 weeks he was. He became a friend of mine. After He received Jesus as Lord and Savior, we talked a lot. I put my religious mask on and talked very holy about Jesus and God. I shared all my knowledge with him and was pretty convincing...but not to myself.At home my brother was changed. He was reading the Bible more and more and he spoke about it, as it was something that was precious to him. At first I just ignored it and made fun out of it, but within my heart I thought: "What has he now got, what I don't have". So I started to read the Bible. I started reading Galatians and it touched me. I saw the text I'll never forget: "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me" (2:20). I wasn't crucified yet, but I wanted to have that true life, Christ in me. I was shy and tried to hide it with music. I was lonely and tried to forget it by seeking pleasure in masturbation. But I wasn't satisfied...One night my just-born-again-friend and I were sitting outside the Church talking. As he was talking to me about Christ, I saw that he was talking about something real! He was not like me who was used to talk very much about God. I talked about Him, but he KNEW Him. I knew that Jesus died for me at the cross, but he had experienced it. I knew all the stories about the people who walked with God in the past, but he was walking with Jesus in the presence! At that moment the Holy Spirit did His awesome work. He showed me my dirtiness! He did what is written: "When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgement" (John 16:8). God didn't just say to me that I was dirty, but He spoke to my heart about personal sins. I've never been a drugaddict or an alcoholic. My parents have always protected me, but I couldn't say anymore: 'I'm clean'. I just wasn't! I couldn't stay very religious and keep on speaking about Christ if I knew Him, while I didn't. I was a hypocrite...When my mother picked me up, I cried till we got home. I told my parents about the things I had done and I just cried. Afterwards I went to my room and confessed my sins to God and asked Jesus to come inside and to clean me. I had always known the right words, but now they mend something to me! From that moment on I got born-again and I experienced that God is not somewhere far away, but very close. He wants to be with us in our upperroom! He wants to live in us through the Holy Spirit.I got baptised not soon after and started my walk with God. In the last three years I've grown as a Christian, but I also at times messed things up very badly. It is true what God says: "A man reaps what he sows" (Galatians 6:7). But I thank Jesus that He also says: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).Thanks to God, I now know Him personally. I don't know Him enough however. I just got to know Him better and better and better, because He's worth it! "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived, what God has prepared for those who love Him" (1 Corinthians 2:9). God is just so real. It is very sad to see that in my country the Christians are asleep! Every Sunday they say: "Jesus is in our midst", but if that would be true...I wouldn't be saved now. If that's the power of the Holy Ghost, then even with a faith of a giant (instead of a mustardseed) we're not able to move DUST! The Church has become an organisation. They arrange all sorts of activities, but men are not really interested in God. They want to hear about how Jesus loves us, but they don't want to hear the message: "if you do not believe that I am the One I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins" (John 8:24). They want to hear how Jesus comforts us (and its soooo true!), but they don't want to hear the message that we should not compromise with the world! God says that a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough (1 Corinthians 5:6). That's the consequence of compromise. If we start compromising, we loose every power and 'amen' from Above. And God doesn't lie. It just works that way. On the one hand they cry out to the Holy Ghost and ask: "renew Your Church", but on the other hand they don't get serious with God. And I noticed it in my own life. Where I tried to serve two lords, I failed to serve the true Lord. Where I tried to compromise with the world, Jesus couldn't work anymore. When I gave just one finger, the world took everything! There are 2 striking descriptions of the Church in my country:1. "I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive but you are dead. WAKE UP!" (Revelation 3:1-2)2. "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm - neither hot nor cold - I am about to spit you out of my mouth." (Revelation 3:15-16)This country (and I think that the USA isn't much different anymore) is jumping up and down, shouting that the Lord is in its midst. It reminds me of 1 Samuel 4 where Israel takes the ark within the camp, but God isn't there. They jump and the enemies are even scared to death, but God isn't there. The consequence? The enemy overcomes...When I was searching the web for Biblestudies and sermons I found this site. I don't care if these guys are all dead and buried (although they are more alive than we are right now!), but they knew God and spoke about Him radically! I think that's mainly the problem nowadays. People don't know God personally anymore. They don't know what it is to speak with God and listen to Him in the bedroom or closet or wherever. I must admit that I need to learn this myself also more and more. So many things can attract my attention. Cars, computer, music, friends etc. But God has so much in store for us, if we just give Him the opportunity to share it. I'm very happy with this site and I hope it will be blessed! The sermons really encourage me and help me in my daily walk with Christ. I pray that many sleeping Christians will awake and see Christ in full glory. Christians can either be the happiest people in the world or the most pitifully people in it. It depends on if they know Jesus personally or not. Although it isn’t always easy to follow Jesus and although we fail at times (and sometimes ‘many’ times), God will never change. He will forgive and He wants to use us for His glory. May God get full glory throughout our lives! “I am the vine; you are the branches, if a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5)

Hello, My name is Caleb Green. I am 14 and live in Cumberland,Virginia. I have been "drifting along for most of my christian life but have recently begun to get up early and try to "dig deeper".P.S. Does anyone know of any good books that I could read to help me grow with the father?

Thanks for responding Sermonindex My father has "Normal christian life" and has downloaded from this site "Revival hymn" and "Ten shekels and a shirt". I have heard the two messages and I will read the book. Thank you

hi caleb!my name's arielle...i'm 14 also. some books that i am into right now are 'My Utmost for His Highest' by Oswald Chambers...it's a devotional....short, simple, and deep. another is, 'The Calling' by Brother Andrew. and, honestly...i'm challenged right now to just read His word...dig deeper into Jesus.the books and sermons that sermonindex (Greg) has mentioned are also awesome.anyways, just wanted to say hey...keep the fire burning for Christ ~arielle

Hi Paul! A warm welcome to you.Thanks for sharing your testimony with us.I live in a very tiny country most of you'll probably won't know: Holland / The Netherlands.Wonderful! There are members here from all over the world, think there would be quite a few familiar with your location.There are 2 striking descriptions of the Church in my country:1. "I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive but you are dead. WAKE UP!" (Revelation 3:1-2)2. "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm - neither hot nor cold - I am about to spit you out of my mouth." (Revelation 3:15-16)This country (and I think that the USA isn't much different anymore) is jumping up and down, shouting that the Lord is in its midst. It reminds me of 1 Samuel 4 where Israel takes the ark within the camp, but God isn't there. Sorry to hear that but it brought to mind something I had been thinking about recently, that 'we' Americans tend to forget that there is a whole world out there that have much of the same problems. If anything we should be the most repentant being that we have let the spirit of this world creep into the church to the extent that it has and with so many looking to us as an example.Thanks to God, I now know Him personally. I don't know Him enough however. I just got to know Him better and better and better, because He's worth it! "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived, what God has prepared for those who love Him" (1 Corinthians 2:9). God is just so real. Think you will find yourself right at home here...When I was searching the web for Biblestudies and sermons I found this site. I don't care if these guys are all dead and buried (although they are more alive than we are right now!), but they knew God and spoke about Him radically! Amen! Thankfully these messages have been preserved and are now once again being preached all over again, just for a time as this...

My wife and I were missionaries in Zimbabwe from April, 1963 to December, 1967. Our two boys were born there.We served at the Biriiri Mission south of Umtali, now another name.We truly loved the people we came to know there. We found some very sincere Christians. We taught in a teacher training school and secondary school. Most of the students were a joy to work with--somewhat like here in the U.S.A. The students there, however, seemed to have more of a world view which we appreciated. God was good to us in letting us serve Him there.

Hello NorgeyWell. The good news is that there are far more churches in Zimbabwe now because of the selflessness of individuals like you…the bad news is that most of them are sleeping. We, like America, need revival. The “sins which so easily beset” Zimbabweans are somewhat different in nature, but sin is sin and that there is no light at all; if we walk in darkness we have no fellowship with the father of lights.I have actually never been to the part of Zimbabwe you speak of, and I do not understand their dialect. You may be interested to know however that the tribal patriotism has died down and the country, for the most part, is in union. As far as politics…well, politics is politics- is there ever any “good” politics to report? Thank your for your postIn ChristJames

Adhering to the original intent of this thread, I will now introduce myself.I have been lurking about on this site for about six months now, posting occasionally, especially with regards to philosophical/theological debates. I am younger than most of you. My interests, besides Christianity in general and these forums in particular, are mainly in the area of composing music, playing video games, and computer programming.My musical interests mainly lie in electronic music, which I compose with a variety of computer programs, synthesizers, keyboards, and drum machines. My goal is to use this music to reach those in the clubbing/rave scene. This audience is largely ignored by all the churches in my area, and, in my personal experience, everywhere else, also. The culture glorifies drug use, sexual immorality, and all sorts of other destructive behaviours. My goal is to project a positive influence into the culture; they need to see that God is more fun than the lifestyle they lead. Personally, though, my music is also one of the ways in which I worship God. I know that whenever I am playing, He is listening.There is also a video game organization I belong to-- ToJ (Tribe of Judah; www.toj.cc). Online video gamers often form online "clans", or groups of people who all play one game, often on the same team. ToJ is a Christian clan which gives people the opportunity to play many popular games in a positive environment. It also gives Christianity a voice among another largely unreached audience. Many gaming geeks rarely leave their houses, except for work. ToJ allows us to reach them in their houses.I found this site by word of mouth. A friend of mine told me to listen to Ten Shekels, and I did. I liked it so much, I set the whole thing to music, burned some CDs, and distributed it to friends.

Hello.My name is Rob Young. I live in Clarence, Iowa, USA with my wife Hannah. We have been married what will be 6 years on Sept. 5th. I have nearly completed my Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, and have recently started a lay christian counseling program. Once I get my degree I will be working to get liscence to lend a little more legitimacy to my practice. Until then, I am (God willing) working with Christians who seek counseling, but don't really need to see a psychiatrist. My main focus is on couples and families. I enjoy hunting, camping, fishing, gardening, and am a volunteer firefighter. My wife and I attend Catholic Church. She grew up Catholic, and I grew up Independent Baptist. I however have come to believe that the truth lays in the teachings of the Catholic & Eastern Orthodox Churches. I attended a Old Calendar Orhtodox Church for a while before we moved to far away to make it feasible to drive. I get the feeling a lot of you may be protestant, or independents. I hope we can have meaningful conversations regardless of our particular affiliations. I have been on other sites where just being Catholic/Orthodox will get you flamed out of the site in not time. In Christ

Hello everyone, my name is Dave and I live in Toronto, Canada. I'm new to this website but have already reaped of the wisdom contained here. I came to Jesus in 1990 after growing up in a dead church preaching dead messages. I am 46 yrs old, married with 2 boys (5yrs & 8yrs).I have been to the mountaintop but am currently clawing my way out of the desert. I am fasinated by moves of God in the past and encouraged by moves of God in the present. I look forward to my time here.Grasshopper

crsschk wrote:Yeah, why not? :-) We are harmless as doves :-P Also, please do give your location, even if it's just a general idea. Would love to know who this is reaching out there, thanks!Harmless as doves...hahaha...who ya trying to fool Mike :-PI know that Jesus talked about "wolves in sheep's clothing", but is there such a thing as "sheep in wolves' clothig"?:-DSeriously, we're not a bad bunch, once you get to know us. Welcome to all those "newbies" out there. May we all grow closer to God, as we rub up against each other, as "iron sharpens iron".Bleesings.

but is there such a thing as "sheep in wolves' clothing"?That's pretty good Aaron 8-) Actually could only imagine what it may appear to someone stumbling across this forum at times. On any given day happening upon a discussion that could have a long history, spanning various threads...certainly at times the appearance could be one of "Wolves!" But think if you hang around long enough and look closely the realization would soon turn to "Ah, just a bunch of sheep"...And you know what they say about sheep... :-D

Yeah..."Baaa":-P....or was that a comment about intelligence (from one sheep to another) :-?

Welcome. I am new also.I think we in the USA see alot of 'jumping up and down' caused by the convicting of the Holy Spirit, and repentance is called for. And all our discord is the Spiritual warfare thereof. 8-)

Hi I'm new to this site. I would like introduce myself. My husband and I are in ministry. Cradle of Hope is the name of our ministry, it is a non-profit religious organization. We build churches, orphanages, hospitals and schools throughout the third world. We hold crusades which see thousands brought to Christ through the demonstration of the power of God’s Word through the Holy Ghost.Check out our web site for more information and End Time Messenger Articles. Bro. Deckard is a born again Jew that God has called to the office of the Prophet. The cry in the Spirit is Ephraim Come Home!!! The church is in transition once again. The L-rd will return for a church full of Power and Glory! We should be doing the Greater Works but most of us fall far to short of doing any works. Tom has written 7 books they are listed on the web site as well. They come in Sheep's Clothing is one that might be of interest to you.We have five children and four grandchildren who make our lives exciting. I also enjoy gardening especially flowers, baking, canning, and sharing about the things of G-d.

Hi my name is Belle, I just joined. I'm 56, and disabled since '93. I was a nurse for 27 years. I've know Jesus as my Saviour for 34 years. I just got online last year with a WebTV. It was all I could afford, and still I can't afford more. The Lord has used it though to lead me to the fellowship I had been missing since I have been disabled. I can hear the audio, but not too well, and it is hard on my Webby. I am hoping that the sermons can be read also. I'm online with friends in fellowship, and in the Word of God. My walk with the Lord was suffering, but now I sense Him close through His Word.I am really glad to be here, and if msn.com doesn't do away with webtv, you'll see more of me.:-)In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1

Hi! my name is joe, i'm 18 and i'm from decatur, illinois. i found out about this place from christiansunite.com. :)

Hi Joe. Welcome to SI. I love that you are seeking God in your youth. Good choice. God bless you. Dig in! This is a goldmine. Love, Dian.

I can't remember if I've introduced myself before or not. Anyways, my name's Will, I'm 20 and live in North Shore City, New Zealand.I love the Lord and seek to know Him more each day.If anyone lives in Auckland and is longing for revival, I hold a prayer meeting every Friday night at my house which you're more than welcome to come along to. Contact me if you're interested. :-)

thanks, glad to be here. :)

Hi, I'm Miles Lewis, I'm 19 years old, from North Syracuse, NY. I heard about this site on the message board at The School of Biblical Evangelism (Ray Comfort, Kirk Cameron) online school. I thought I was saved when I was 13 or 14... I heard Ray Comfort's True and False Conversions when I was 16 or 17 and let's just say that was a wake up call. I got soundly saved on November 15, 2003. I put my hand to the plow and didn't look back. I try to share my faith with as many people as I can. Nothing else really matters in my life except for Christ and the Gospel. For unique tracts click onLiving Waters

Actually could only imagine what it may appear to someone stumbling across this forum at times. On any given day happening upon a discussion that could have a long history, spanning various threads...certainly at times the appearance could be one of "Wolves!" But think if you hang around long enough and look closely the realization would soon turn to "Ah, just a bunch of sheep"...Ahh... so that's how it is... for some reason the impression I got was of "sheep" who are a bit too holy or intellectual and can't post messages back and forth with simple minded and humble people like me without sounding condescending or belligerent... so I just stay away from the "Boards". :-P Oh, but that doesn't stop me from thanking the Lord for this site... and I'm sure our Lord is pleased with this ministry because you're helping with people's spiritual growth. I have learned so much from the messages that I've downloaded from this site. I just wish I could contribute to keeping this site running, but I am unemployed... so I do what I need to do regardless of a "financial commitment"... I lift you up in prayer and I thank our Lord for you... :-)

Hi I'm matt from Salisbury, United Kingdom.Work as a qualified nurse.PLay trumpet when time and ear plugs allow!!

I've held off on posting because I don't feel I have much interesting to say right now. But I'll give a brief background -- born and raised in New York City, currently working two part-time jobs, one of them as a freelance proofreader. I'm 32 years old and I've been a believer for almost 12 years. Like someone said in a previous message here, I too have been impacted greatly by the Christian "classic" writers (for lack of a better term). I've gotten away from this kind of literature for some time, but I've been drawn back to it recently. Part of the reason for this may be a long dry season in my life, although the Lord has blessed me with many things.A friend of mine at church introduced me to this Web site a couple of weeks ago and I absolutely love it. I've been telling my other friends about it as well. Last week a buddy and I watched the interview with Leonard Ravenhill (which most here have probably seen already but I recommend it if you haven't). My interests are many, but they include acoustic guitar, listening to music, reading, biking (when it's warmer), and foreign languages. I want to take some time to read a little bit and get more familiar with everything, so you guys may not hear from me for a little while. But just know that I'm around... Blessings,Marc

Ahh... so that's how it is...for some reason the impression I got was of "sheep" who are a bit too holy or intellectual and can't post messages back and forth with simple minded and humble people like me without sounding condescending or belligerent... so I just stay away from the "Boards".Now how are some of us going to know what level to pitch things at if you don't talk back to us? :-D All it needs for the forums to become more and more ethereal (high-fallutin'), is for non-high-fallutin' folks to stay silent! :-D

Allow me to introduce myself and my wife, Tony and Dawn Sexton from Kansas City Missouri. I have been "lurking" in the shadows for nearly a year, watching, listening, heading, reading, and growing from the so many topics and posts at Sermon Index. Watch the Divorce and Remarriage thread, as I will be posting soon, and then will introduce myself in more depth. God has called my wife and I, giving us a vision some four years ago to build and operate Nursing Homes/Churches "Amazing Grace Care Centers" throughout the United States of America. And have this past year began gearing up for this monumental task. My wife and I have had the unique priviledge to sit under Robert Wurtz II's Ministry this past year at our Church here in Kansas City Missouri, The Rose of Sharon Church of God. In coming posts you will learn of the Miracle of Restoration and Reconciliation that has transpired this past year in our marriage. God, having strategically placed men and women of faith in our life, many of whom are right here every day at SI writing words of life and encouragement. And so.. we say thank you!!In Christ,tony & dawn sexton

hi, just signed up. I'm more of a reader (about a year now) than a poster, but i wanted to join. Anyway, I'm 20 and from the UK... a student. I was saved in '99 um.. that's about it.Alex

Thanks! I'm in bournemouth in my first year. I first started spending more time on this site when I was away fom home in another country for a two month period. I was without fellowship for the first (before the Lord found me a great little Church in a real answer to prayer) so I listened to a bit of David Wilkerson, I think, at that time - which was a real encouragement.