An Open Letter to Christians in Business

Dear Christians in Business,

Here are just a few struggles and confessions from a fellow Christian in business.

Bottom Line Up Front: Keep Going!

You may or may not know about Ikthoos.org. I'm not here to sell you anything or to bring awareness to the website. I just want to be frank about some struggles that I think you just might struggle with too. I also offer some insights at the bottom but I implore you to add your insights in the comments section.

I've been "entrepreneurial" for a long stretch. I joined the Army in 1998. Back then, we wore black boots that needed to be spit-shined. I took this skill and shined shoes at a local pastor/missionary conference. It was only 3 days, once a year, but I made more in those 3 days than others made in 5 days. I called it "Fuller Shine."

I started my first LLC in 2007. Before I ever pressure washed a house, I was owned Affordable Pressure Washing. I was even advertising on the radio. Not the wisest of moves but, pressure washing a house is fairly simple. Yes, there's an equipment investment and it costs to maintain this equipment and buy fuel. In all, it was a great place to start. I still pressure washing and have repeat customers.

I volunteered for a deployment in 2008. While there, I read about becoming a home inspector. I already had a 2 year degree in building trades. I worked construction sites and did handyman type jobs as well. We bought our first home in 2005. It was a brand new home but had major issues. Those involved in the building process refused to take responsibility for the issues. While in Mosul, Iraq, I decided that I would combine my training, job experience, and the problems with our home, and seek out home inspector training/certification.

I started Green Home Professionals, LLC in 2010. As you know, the housing market was not the greatest during that time. I tried to look at it in a positive way. I tried to better my business skills while the housing market strengthened. I tried to rightly position my business for the time the phone would ring off the hook. What hook? I have a cell phone.

I visited local business networking groups and quickly met Christians in business. I soon thought of ways to bring these Christians together for mutual edification. That's when Ikthoos, LLC was born. Ikthoos is an online directory for churches, missionaries, and Christians in business. The current website is up but an update is coming soon.

What is it about Christians that we seek out Christians in business? Why do Christians in business pay to be listed on Christian owned business directories?

My passion is to connect the Christian community. That's different than unify. I want to connect Christians with biblically committed Christian organizations. I strive to help churches get found on line. I want people to seek out missionaries to support them on the mission field.

It's been just over 3 years since then. I've struggled with a few things and hope to share them with you without negativity. Here we go.

1. I know lots of Christians. I know Christians in business. I know missionaries. I know pastors. I met so many people at Baptist Bible College. Those I know are all over the world and have a great reach. Some are even pastors. So, why is it so hard for me to convince those I know that Ikthoos is worth their consideration. How do I share Ikthoos with those I know without sounding like I'm "selling" it?
2. Closely related to #1, there's a sense of feeling alone. Many in business can empathize. Sometimes the self-employed seemingly do it all. I'm the CEO and the janitor. I'm the marketer and the accountant. I'm the website developer and the print designer. I handle business networking and social networking. I can't do it all by myself. I need people to help me with this adventure.
3. Money. Yes, I said it. I'm not the greatest at managing money. Yes, I said that, too. Here's the deal; businesses need to make money in order for them to continue. In fact, Josh Kaufman states that there are 5 parts to every business. Josh says that businesses must bring in, "enough profit to make it worthwhile for the owners to continue operation." There's personal cost in building and sustaining a business. Throughout the last few years, I've lost a significant amount of money and property. We rent now because we lost our home to foreclosure. I drive a great little 1991 Isuzu truck that fits our needs instead of driving the 2011 HHR we used to own. It was repossessed right before I gave a devotional to a group of local Christians in business. The first website version was very, very expensive and I didn't leverage it to make back what was spent on it, nor did I build it to bring in residual income to help it become sustainable. If a business becomes somewhat sustainable, the business can be thought of as "successful." Ikthoos is running on fumes. Does this mean Ikthoos is a failure? No, and here's why.

Here's my response to the above 3 struggles.

1. I pray God will bring the right people my way. I'm seeking people that will join me in prayer for the success of my business. I'm seeking talent, insight, and mentorship. I can't do Ikthoos alone. I'm seeking the support of those I know. Not for confirmation or "attaboys." If you know me, how can I tell you more about Ikthoos without coming across as giving you a sales pitch? There are those that have taken the time to check out Ikthoos, offer insights, and want to see Ikthoos succeed. To them I say, thank you. So, one thing I need is encouragement.
2. I can't do this on my own. Who's out there? If you're reading this, how can you get involved? Will you share Ikthoos with those you know. I'm sure you know other businesses, missionaries, and churches. Will you connect me with them? I also need people to come along side me and run with the ball. I need manpower.
3. My idea to build capital is simple. Work harder. Ha. There's more to it than that. There's a few options. If you have any ideas, please share them. One option is shadow testing. Back to you, Josh:
• "Key Ideas:
• Shadow testing means selling an offer before it actually exists (you have to be upfront with your customers that the offering is still in development).
• Shadow testing allows you to get critical feedback: whether or not people are willing to buy your offering.
• You can minimize the risk of your project by gathering data from real customers as soon as possible."
• Here's an idea; I'd like to offer a lifetime membership on Ikthoos to Christians in business for $100. What will it take to get people on board?
• If no one takes the time to see Ikthoos or catch the vision, who's going to give me the time of day? How do I add value to Ikthoos that brings people in, forming an Ikthoos culture? Feedback comes from people. Ikthoos is my "baby" but my baby might be ugly and I don't know it. I invite you to speak up and tell me if my baby is ugly. Ikthoos needs to bring in money. 

Encouragement, manpower, and money. 

I've learned so much in the last few years. Sometimes our children fall or their block-tower crashes down. I've taught our 3 children (and continue to teach them) this:

"What do you do when you fall down? Get back up and do it better."

Here's where you come in. I need your feedback. Please answer the questions below as seriously and detailed as you can.

1. What has God been doing through you in your business?
2. How important is it for you to tell others you're a Christian owned business? And why?
3. As a Christian in business, what are your needs and wants?
4. What's worked for you to get the word out about your business?
5. What hasn't worked?
6. Have you been part of an online directory before (Christian or not)? If so, please tell about your experiences and what you would add, keep, or change about the directory itself.

I want this adventure to be with God, not simply for God. These are familiar issues to God's ear. I've spoken with many, many people about these struggles; from my wife to even a millionaire. I hear them say one phrase. I've read books and blogs. There's one thing that keeps rising to the surface; one phrase that I hear clearly. That one phrase...
Keep Going!

And I shall!

Thanks for reading.

In Christ,

   

George Fuller

Founder & CEO

Ikthoos, LLC

"Connecting the Christian Community!"

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Let's Consider a Few Things

Our Moon: 

As you know, it is not a light source but a mirror. It reflects our Sun.

It never rotates. So yes, there is a dark side of the moon.

The moon is only 238,900 miles away from us. Its size appears to be the same size as the Sun because it is so much closer than our Sun.

Interestingly enough, the last time a human was on the Moon was in 1972. The Moon's gravitational pull causes ocean tides on Earth.

Here's a size comparison of Earth and our Moon. Gravitational coupling between their rotations accelerate the Moon's orbit around the Earth. As a result, the distance between the Earth and Moon is increasing, and the Earth's rotation is slowing down.

Isn't God awesome!?

Stars: Here's the Earth compared to our Sun! Our Sun can reach 27 million degrees (F) at it's core! Let's compare our Sun to another star.

Here's the Sun compared to a star called Betelgeuse! Do you still see our Sun? Look closely. It's the little yellow dot just off center and to the left. Betelgeuse is a huge red star. Betelgeuse is red because it doesn't burn as hot as our white hot Sun. This star is so huge, it can fit 160 million of our Suns inside it. And that's at its smallest size. You see, this star pulsates like a heart. It expands and contracts every 6 years. Since it's red and pulses like a heart, it's also known as The Valentine's Day Star 

Isn't God awesome!?

This is Betelgeuse (red) compared to the biggest star we know of called, VY Canis Majoris (yellow).

It is immensely larger than anything we could ever imagine! It's diameter is approximately 1.6 billion miles!

Lightning: There are over 4 million lightning strikes on our planet, every day! 

4 MILLION! When lightning strikes, it rips through the air so fast and at such high temperatures that it breaks nitrogen molecules, enabling their atoms to combine with oxygen in the air forming nitrogen oxides. These dissolve in rain, forming nitrates. As anyone in the lawn care industry can tell you, nitrates help plants grow.

God is awesome!

Awesome! That's a word we hear often. A simple definition of "awesome" would be "to stand in awe, awe inspiring, overflowing with adoration. It's that feeling of awe while looking over the Grand Canyon or at a huge mountain. I submit that only God is awesome!

So we've considered the moon, a few stars, and lightning. Think about it. God set these things in their place just by His voice. He spoke these things into being! God is awesome!

When I look at Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You care for him?

[Psalm 8:3-4]

Now, I have a question for you: What are we? Not who are we, but what are we?

We are made in His image! We are...His!

Ask yourself these questions.

Do we foster a hunger for God in ourselves and others?

Do we pursue God?

When's the last time we looked into the dark night sky and considered the work of His fingers?

Do we stand in awe of God?

"Awesome" is a word that only rightly describes God.

Stand in awe of God!

Here's a quick video about how little we really are: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ya12I036lg

In Christ,

George Fuller (LinkedIn)

Ikthoos.org (Facebook)

3 Ways to Have a Great 2014!

1. Physical Fitness

There are many that will pay for a gym membership in 2014. Many will go a few times and never return. Gyms are great and the price may help you stick with it. However, you can be active anywhere. My wife likes going for a walk after dinner. Keeping up with 3 little kids will keep you active. I pull them around town in a bicycle cart. Yes, that's our cart with the big orange flags.

When we think of physical fitness, we often think of exercise only. We also need proper sleep and nutritious food.  Sleep is very important. It is something that we cannot do without. We are the created and we need proper sleep, unlike our Creator, who never slumbers nor sleeps (Psalm 121:4). We live in a culture that  makes it easy to eat unhealthy. Do we know what's in our food or do we just eat it in ignorance or apathy? 

2. Spiritual Fitness

Like physical fitness, spiritual fitness is a must. What would you like to accomplish this year that you've been thinking about doing for years? Read through the Bible? Pray more effectively? Cultivate in your family a burning hunger for God? Well, what are you waiting for? Seriously. William Carey said we should, "Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God." Ephesians 2:8-9 reads, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." But we must not stop there. Paul then stated, "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

Paul instructed Timothy that exercise is good but godliness is more profitable (1 Tim. 4:7).

3. The Gospel

How many people did you share the Gospel with in 2013? I challenge you to share the Gospel at least once a month. That's only 12 times! It's been said, Oh the grace of God that I've heard the Gospel so many times when others have never heard it once!

Here's the kicker... 

We need to preach the Gospel to ourselves. What? Yes. We need to remind ourselves of our forgiven, adopted spiritual state. We need to remember our sin before the holy God of everything. We must also remember that we cannot save ourselves (Ephesians 2:8-10). Jesus came to Earth to seek and save the lost. Christian, we were the lost. We are now eternally forgiven and have been adopted into the family of God. This will never change! And when we are immersed in self-pity, preach the Gospel from God's word, and when necessary, preach it to yourself!

We pray you have a blessed 2014! May we all share the Gospel more in 2014 than we did in 2013.I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment below!

Respectfully, 
George Fuller

P.S. Ikthoos.org is always FREE for Churches & Missionaries. Please share this with Churches & Missionaries you know.

Churches! Join here!
Missionaries! Join here!

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Our $99 Membership offer has been extended! Don't miss this huge savings!

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Need some extra money? 
Refer Christians in business to Ikthoos.org & we'll give you $25 for each one that joins!
Just our way of saying "thank you!"

Share this link with Christians in business. It's that easy!
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Have You Ever Made Snow Ice Cream?

Like ice cream? Is there snow outside? 
Then, get out there and scoop up some fresh snow! 
Just the white stuff; no yellow snow. 
Be sure to keep some snow ice cream in the freezer for those hot summer days!

Here's what you need:
8 cups snow
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Here's what you do:
Place snow or shaved ice into a large bowl. 
Pour condensed milk over and add vanilla. 
Mix to combine. 
Serve immediately in bowls.
Don't forget to add toppings!

Be sure to LIKE the Ikthoos Facebook page at: 
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Churche & Missionary accounts are always FREE: 
https://ikthoos.org/index.php/secure/signup/
                                                                                    
Christians in business can join now for a great price only through this special link: 
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dG1WQWs0NGdTc3o4WkQydVdyVHhScFE6MA

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"Where America Finds Churches, Missionaries, & Christian In Business!"

Riddle: What's the opposite of fire?

Riddle: What's the opposite of fire?

 

What's your answer?                              

 

Before your scroll down to see the answer, remember;

if you guess wrong, your new Facebook profile picture

for the next 3 days is this photo of our logo.

 (right click, save picture as)

 

 

 

 

Be sure to share this with your friends but don't spoil the fun!

 

 

 

 

 

Scroll down to see the answer.

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answer: Rust. Fire is rapid oxidation. Rust is slow oxidation.

 

Be sure to share this with your friends but don't spoil the fun!

Like our page! www.Facebook.com/Ikthoos

 

Do Americans Support Christian Businesses?

Here's some great information from Barna 

about consumer habits concerning Christian businesses. 

It's time to list your Christian business on Ikthoos.org!  

See what Ikthoos.org is all about (video).

Smile When You Get Punched In The Face!

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? Jeremiah 17:9
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4

When we go through a trial, count it all joy! James didn't say, "Smile when you get punched in the face." The joy James had in mind was not a fake smile. It was a deeply rooted, genuine joy. When we go through trials we must consider them all joy. How? This is how:

1. When we go through a trial, our response to the trial reveals our heart (inner man). Jesus said we speak out of the overflow of our heart (Luke 6:45). Within a trial, the shutter of our heart opens for a brief second and our heart is exposed, giving us a window into what would otherwise be unobservable (Jeremiah 17:9).
2. When our heart is revealed, it is an opportunity to confess, repent, and change by God's ever sufficient grace!
3. We can take joy in knowing that trials allow us to be refined into Christlikeness, and this brings glory to God. God's glory is what it"s all about.

Anger. I submit that no one and nothing makes us angry. They only reveal our angry heart (inner man). Anger is already inside us. Outside environments are often blamed; "That guy makes me so angry." However, much like a fruit tree produces fruit, we produce the outer fruit of our inner man (Luke 6:45). There's sinful anger and righteous anger. Anger that is not directed at sin is itself sin. What I mean is this; I should be angry when someone is murdered. I should not be angry when someone cuts me off in traffic. I should be angry that Death still has a hold on mankind. I should not be angry at God because He allows people to die.
Here's a personal example. My father-in-law passed away last year. I didn't like that God, being all-knowing, implemented His plan in our lives. "How dare you, God, take this man from us," was hidden deep within my heart. I didn't like that our children would not see or know their Papa. I was angry that he was taken from us by something that seemed so trivial and routine. I began to point my accusatory finger at doctors, nurses, and eventually at God, Himself. His death revealed my direct anger at God. Tucked tightly away in a dark corner of my heart was my selfishness, worldly-mindedness, and my unwillingness to allow God to bend or even break my plans to pieces for something He knows to be better. And I may never know what that "something better" is, this side of eternity. You see, I wasn't thinking of eternity. I was thinking of life here on Earth. I didn't see all this before. The trial revealed my angry heart. Now that I see this brand of anger, I can grow by His relentless grace. God specifically crafts situations for our growth and His glory.

[Note: To know what trials are, it may be helpful to know what they are not. Trials are not God's way of punishing us for doing something we shouldn't have done or not doing something we should have done. God doesn't allow someone to be sick only because they forgot to read the Bible and pray that morning. God doesn't give us a flat tire because we fell asleep while praying. This is an animistic worldview. Animism is simply defined as humans appeasing spirits or gods in order to receive a desired outcome, e.g. ritualistic dancing to bring the rain. Hey god! I'll dance, you bring the rain. You get what you want (worship) and I get what I want (rain). If I don't dance in worship, you will bring a drought. Christianity isn't based on animism. Tragically, some Christians practice animism, e.g. carrying a Bible for good luck. Some believe God will bless them when they do what's right or zap them when they get out of line. Take a minute to cross-reference 2 Timothy 3:12 and 1 Peter 2:19-21. This does not nullify God disciplining us when we willingly continue to sin without confession and repentance.]

Okay, so what's the meaning of all this? God chose a long time ago - without our counsel or consent - to use trails to reveal our heart, so that we, through His grace, can become more like Jesus, with the ultimate goal of receiving more glory for Himself. It's all about His glory, not relief of our present sufferings. God – in His infinite wisdom – may choose not to answer our prayers the way we want Him to answer them. He is accomplishing His ultimate, holy plan, not ours. Our prayers should then be calibrated accordingly; "God, please help me honor You and respond in a godly way within this trial. But when my heart is revealed within this trial, I pray for wisdom (James 1:5) and grace to change to be more like Your Son. Help me glorify You, whatever the outcome."

These words may seem like sea salt packed tightly into a gaping puncture wound. However, it is helpful to reflect on verse 2; "Count it all joy..." or consider it all joy. God will finish what He started in each of us. He uses trials to refine us into Christlikeness, for His glory. This is the Potter kneading and molding the clay for His purpose. Where we may see ourselves as just another jar of clay, He is shaping us into holy vessels. This should bring us true joy.

Paul wrote to the Romans, "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us" (Romans 8:18). Trials reveal what's already on the inside. When the heart is exposed, we must seek grace and wisdom to become more like Jesus. When we are more like Jesus, we bring more glory to God. Count it all joy!

Respectfully,

           

George Fuller

Founder & CEO

Ikthoos, LLC

"Connecting the Christian Community!"

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What Others Say About Your Business Affects Your Business!

What others say about your business affects your business!
Follow this link: Testimonials

George Fuller
www.IkthoosMagazine.com

Reconsider "Accepting Jesus Into Your Heart"

I used to think nothing of "accepting Jesus into your heart." That is until recently. I can tell you my testimony. However, I can't tell you a specific time or day I reconsidered the whole "accepting" thing. On any given day, I drive circles around the greater Springfield, MO area. Within these circles, I heard it mentioned that we don't accept Jesus into our hearts. God accepts us through Jesus. I had to paraphrase the previous 2 sentences because the idea was planted as a very small seed. Someone may have mentioned it within a bigger statement. It may have even been something said as a side note. To whoever mentioned this; sorry I can't give you credit for planting this idea in my head. Thanks thought. But this idea, this truth, is anything but a side note. I want you to reconsider "accepting Jesus into your heart." Watch the video below featuring David Platt and leave your comments.

Respectfully,

   

George Fuller

Founder & CEO

Ikthoos, LLC

"Connecting the Christian Community!"

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Are You Resolved?

Two-thousand twelve was a difficult year for many. It was definitely a difficult year for the Fuller family. Through the trials, God made it clear that He is good, He is still in control, and that He allows trials in our lives.

A new year brings a fresh start. Many choose to make New Year’s resolutions. Some resolutions may be to lose weight, to read through the Bible within one year, to start family devotions, or to get out of debt. These are all good resolutions. However, there is one resolution that we must focus on more intensely. Will we make a resolution to share the Gospel more in 2013 than you did in 2012?

St. Francis of Assisi is credited with saying “Preach the Gospel and if necessary, use words.” Many people know this statement and ascribe him as the author. However, he didn’t actually make this statement. Additionally, I submit that this is not a biblical view of sharing the Gospel.

The Bible says it is absolutely necessary to share the Gospel by using words. More specifically, we must share the Gospel from God’s word. Paul warned against preaching “another gospel” (2 Corinthians 11:4, Galatians 1:8) There’s general revelation; creation points to the Creator.

Then there’s special revelation; the Word of God. Without words, it’s just general revelation, which is not specifically the Gospel. People all over the world recognize the general but are never told the specific. Creation, itself does a wonderful job pointing to a Creator, but somehow humans do not. It’s been said; Oh the grace of God that I’ve heard the Gospel so many times when others have never heard it once! We must share the Gospel with words!

I challenge you to: Preach the Gospel from God’s word, and when necessary, preach it to yourself!
Share the Gospel with coworkers, neighbors, and other people we come into contact with on a daily basis. Let’s memorize the Great Commission:

And Jesus came and said to them, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:18-20)

We must sing with conviction, “I am resolved no longer to linger, charmed by the world’s delight; things that are higher, things that are nobler, these have allured my sight.”*

Respectfully,

   

George Fuller

Founder & CEO

Ikthoos, LLC

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*(Hymn “I Am Resolved” Words by Palmer Hartsough. Music by James H. Fillmore)

I would like to get your thoughts on a simple line of words. 
Here't goes...
St. Francis of Assisi is credited with saying "Preach the Gospel and if necessary, use words." This is not true. He didn't say this but so many people know it and ascribe him as the author. Well, the Bible says it is absolutely necessary to share the Gospel by using words. More specifically, share the Gospel from God's wo

rd. There's general revelation, e.g. creation points to the Creator. There's special revelation, i.e. the Word of God. Without words, it's just general revelation, which is not specifically the Gospel. People all over the world recognize the general but never hear the specific. It’s been said; Oh the grace of God that I've heard the Gospel so many times when others have never heard it once! We must share the Gospel with words!
Here's my version:
Preach the Gospel from God's word, and when necessary, preach it to yourself!

What are your thoughts?

Respectfully,

   

George Fuller

Founder & CEO

Ikthoos, LLC

www.Ikthoos.org

www.IkthoosMagazine.com

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"The Best Way to Spread Christmas Cheer...

...is singing loud for all to hear." ~ Elf (2003)

But what about sharing the Gospel? What about singing praises to God. Have you ever thought about the singing that most of us are used to hearing in church is not a normal occurrence to everyone else?

I really like this video. I encourage you to share it with those you know. Post it on your Facebook timeline.

Notice Santa on one side. Notice people singing about the past and their future; He was born and everyone will one day fall on their knees! Worship and be in awe of God and His gracious Gift; Jesus! That's what Heaven is all about!

Respectfully,

   

George Fuller

Founder & CEO

Ikthoos, LLC

"Connecting the Christian Community!"

www.Ikthoos.org

www.IkthoosMagazine.com

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What In The World Are We Doing?

Book Review of C. J. Mahaney’s  “Worldliness”

  If we kept track of the actual hours we spend each day letting the world influence us through TV, web, radio, signs, and other forms of media and entertainment, how would it compare to the actual hours we spend each day letting the Creator of the world influence us through His word?
  Recently, I’ve been reading through C. J. Mahaney’s book, “Worldliness” with a group of guys at church. Let me just say this up front; Do you remember getting a cut as a kid and having your mom pour some type of antiseptic into that open cut? Well, buckle up. This book might just hurt. But it’s a good pain. This type of pain shows you’re still alive.
  Right up front, it’s mentioned that this is not a book about legalism. In fact, a great definition of legalism is given that anyone would benefit from knowing. Often we throw around labels of conservative vs. liberal or traditional vs. contemporary. These labels put walls up, often separating us from one another. However, the Christian life is meant to be lived out within the context of “one another.”
  A hot button within our western Christian culture is the subject of music; more specifically, music within the church. But what about what’s playing in our cars or piped through our ears buds? Chapter 3, “God, My Heart, & Music” does a great job provoking the reader to love and good works (Heb. 10:24). You won’t want to skip this chapter.
  The authors of this small book are not speaking from on high. They write though experience. They write through a well defined, well thought-out, and well aimed understanding of God’s word and how it applies to every one of us. 
  Coram Deo, literally “before the face of God,” is the way everyone should live. God is everywhere at all times. We can hide from others and even deceive ourselves (James 1:22), but what does God look at? You’re right, He looks at the heart, the inner man. This book will encourage and sharpen anyone who reads it and really thinks through it.
  Don’t judge this book by its cover. Go read this book!

Respectfully,

   

George Fuller

Founder & CEO

Ikthoos, LLC

"Connecting the Christian Community!"

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How to Gauge Your Church

Ecclesia semper reformanda est

Means: "The church is always to be reformed."

Don't put me in a box just yet because I typed the word "reformed." Consider the next few lines and feel free to leave comments. By the time you read this, hopefully you will be challenged to think through the areas of: the meaning of church, the pastoral office, and our role within the church.

The Bible says there are apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers within the church.

Ephesians 4:11-16 reads:

11 And He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood,[e] to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

Interestingly enough, many think that the first 3 are sent out and the last 2 are kept in office in a building. Still more interesting, we talk about "speaking the truth in love" within the context of church. Verse 12, which is often overlooked, specifically says, "to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ..." This, too is done within the context of church. So why is it that the apostle, prophets, and evangelists are sent out and not "employed" within the context of the church?

Look at verse 11 again. Did you see a typo? Should I have capitalized the "P" for pastor? I don't mean to disrespect the office of a pastor but why is so much importance placed solely on him when the others mentioned in the verse are not emphasized much at all?

The Great Commission is not; Go therefore and invite people to church and let the pastor make disciples. Where are those that go? Why invite to church? Is there supernatural power in each threshold of the doors of our church building? No.

Where did the word "church" come from? Simply stated, the word "church" came from the Scottish English word "kirk" which means "house of the Lord." Lords were common place in Scotland.

If one had to go to the building where the church gathers, one would might say, "I'm going to church." But church is not a building.

"Ekklesia" better captures the true meaning of what the Bible calls "a called out assembly." A better form and meaning of the concept of "church" can be found in the Spanish word "iglesia"

Wikipedia says,"Both words, kirk and church, derive from the Koine Greek (kyriakon (dōma)) meaning Lord's (house), which was borrowed into the Germanic languages in late antiquity, possibly in the course of the Gothic missions.

The biblical definition of church is skewed in our culture. It is often pulpit centered, not Christ centered. It’s often about "checking the box" within our conscience by spending 1.5 hours in a building and calling it church, not being involved in the lives of others the rest of the week. This isn't church. It is far from it. Church is not trustees, offering plates, pews, and music. Church is the exceptional name given to an assembly of Jesus followers that meet together on a regular basis for sharpening (Proverbs 27:17) and edifying. Evangelism is only done within theses meetings when the Gospel is shared. However, evangelism must be done without. It is the daily living and confessing of the Gospel to those around you. The Gospel must be shared by with words (verbal or written) and confirmed with that same person's actions (Read James). Yes, the church has evangelist within but they go out.

I challenge you to consider the church in other parts of the world. I encourage you to consider this excerpt from the Voice of the MartyrsNewsletter:

"Every Sunday for 10 weeks, the Shouwang Church in Beijing had tried to gather for worship. Each Sunday, "Shen" had watched as police arrested some of his fellow church members and hauled them away. This week was Shen’s turn. Shen expected to spend a few hours in jail alone until authorities released him. His "crime," aft er all, was simply that he had attended a forbidden outdoor worship service with the unregistered Shouwang Church, where he was a member. After sitting in jail for a while, Shen was ushered to a visitors’ room where he was greeted by three neatly dressed men. To Shen’s surprise, the three men were members of the official state-run church, the Three-Self Patriotic Movement (TSPM). The TSPM was founded by the government, and every TSPM pastor is trained at a seminary run by the Communist Party. The men "educated" Shen about the benefits of the Three-Self church and asked him if he thought Shouwang Church’s defiance of government orders was biblical and within God’s will."

Why are we content with the way we're doing church? More importantly, why are we not actively being the church? I'm not saying we need to go do the exact opposite of any given established church just to be different. I'm asking us to consider what the Bible says about the church and how well we are doing what we read (James 1:22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves). This is how we gauge church; by the Bible.

Maybe it's time to "reform the church."

Respectfully,

   

George Fuller

Founder & CEO

Ikthoos, LLC

"Connecting the Christian Community!"

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Ikthoos, LLC wishes you, your family, and your friends ~

Happy Thanksgiving!

Top 3 Ways to Have a Great Thanksgiving

1. Give thanks: Pray and take time to express thankfulness, to God, with others. Thank Him for the little things; e.g. your heart beat, your eyes, your ability to smell. Outwardly show thankfulness for those around you. Articulate gratitude for those that prepared your Thanksgiving Day meal. Communicate appreciation for our country and for those that have fought and died to protect our freedoms.

2. Think of others: Many are struggling during this time of year; e.g. some people cannot leave their homes, some are without financial means, some are dealing with a loss in the family, some are going through medical difficulties, some are away from their family.

3. Do for others: Pure religion and undefiled before God, the Father is this; to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world (James 1:27). Do something meaningful for those listed in #2. Visit a local nursing home and talk with a veteran. Help clean up after the Thanksgiving meal. Go pay for someone else's gas at the pump. Give someone a card showing your appreciation.

Complaining vs. Thanksgiving

How would you fill in the blank? "I'm thankful for___________."

   

Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks... (Ps. 75:1)

Do all things without complaining and disputing... (Phil. 2:14)

On any given day of the week, we often complain more than we

express thankfulness. The Bible specifically says complaining is a heart attitude.

Complaining can be seen in how we react to a situation that doesn't go our way. Complaining itself is specifically against God. It's where we don’t want what He wants for us. Its placing ourselves in His position, falsely believing that we can do a better job. Thankfully, through Jesus, we can put off complaining and put on a more godly behavior.

We often complain about the littlest things.

Alternatively, we should be thankful, to God, for the littlest things.

Thanksgiving, or "giving thanks" should be specifically expressed to God.

It too is a heart attitude. We often say, "I'm thankful for __________."

However, we should more accurately ascribe thankfulness in this way;

"I'm thankful, to God, for __________."

For the full sermon, click here!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Respectfully, 
    
George Fuller
Founder & CEO
Ikthoos, LLC
"Connecting the Christian Community!"

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Facebook
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(650) 308-4667