Take The Religious Knowledge Quiz

A project of the Pew Research Center

How much do you know about religion?

And how do you compare with the average American? Here's your chance to find out.

Take our short, 15-question quiz, and see how you do in comparison with 3,412 randomly sampled adults who were asked these and other questions in the U.S. Religious Knowledge Survey. This national poll was conducted by the Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life from May 19 through June 6, 2010, on landlines and cell phones, in English and Spanish.

When you finish the quiz, you will be able to compare your knowledge of religion with participants in the national telephone poll. You can see how you compare with the overall population as well as with people of various religious traditions, people who attend worship services frequently or less often, men and women, and college graduates as well as those who did not attend college.

Take the Quiz

NOTE: I answered 13 out of 15 questions correctly for a score of 87%.

New Oak Grove On Sunday

Evangelist James Croft will be preaching in supply for Pastor Terry Elixson at New Oak Grove Baptist Church on Sunday, October 3, 2010 at 11am and 6pm.  The church is located at 18100 NW 262nd Ave. in Alachua, Florida.  For more information or directions call (386) 462-3390.

Obey The Call

Our Daily Bread

Read: Mark 1:16-20

They immediately left their nets and followed Him. —Mark 1:18

I read about Captain Ray Baker who flew for the Strategic Air Command during the Vietnam War. The Air Force trained him, along with the other pilots, to run out of their barracks to their planes at the sound of a buzzer. Many times during dinner he had to drop his utensils and bolt to his bomber. He had been trained to respond to the call with immediate obedience. He was so well-trained that one day while on furlough, he ran out of a restaurant when he heard a buzzer.

When Jesus called His first followers, they had an immediacy in their response to His call. The call of these fishermen was abrupt. Yet “they immediately left their nets and followed Him” (Mark 1:18). The author of this account, Mark, may have wanted to impress upon his readers the authority of Jesus. When He extended the call, these men jumped to obey because helping people enter the kingdom of God was a more compelling adventure and a grander vision than catching fish.

When Jesus issues a call to follow Him, He doesn’t want us to delay. He expects immediate obedience when it comes to telling others the good news. Bring someone the story of salvation today!

Go to the lost, in the home, in the mart,
Delay no longer, today make a start;
Tell them of Jesus who bled for their sin—
From byways of darkness bring others to Him. —Houghton

Wanted: Messengers to deliver the good news.

Student's Psalm

The Back Pew

Study seeks to explain the parting of the Red Sea

The biblical account of the miraculous parting of the Red Sea has amazed and captivated people for thousands of years. New research released today could give a scientific grounding to the story. 

 

The study, published today in the online journal PLoS ONE, finds that strong, persistent winds could offer a physical explanation for the event, which was made eternally famous by Charlton Heston in the epic film The Ten Commandments.

Lead author Carl Drews, a scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colo., used computer simulations to recreate what might have happened that day some 3,000 years ago.

"The simulations match fairly closely with the account in Exodus," says Drews.

Read more of this story on USA Today.

2011 Revival Scheduled

New Oak Grove Baptist Church near Alachua, Florida has scheduled Evangelist James Croft to preach revival services in 2011.  The meeting will begin on Sunday, September 25, 2011 and continue through Wednesday, September 28th.  The Sunday services will begin at 11am and 6pm with the Monday-Wednesday services beginning at 6:30pm.  For more information contact Pastor Terry Elixson at (386) 462-3390.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on the preaching schedule of Evangelist James Croft visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

God's Math

The Back Pew

Interview On WEAG Radio

A classic high school football rivalry added another chapter last night as the Baker County Wildcats hosted the Bradford County Tornadoes in Macclenny, Florida.  I enjoyed watching the game, watching two of my nieces dance with the BCHS Rhythmettes, and meeting up with some old friends from Bradford County.

My good friend Terry Vaughan (pictured with me) called the game for WEAG 106.3 FM in Starke, Florida and invited me to join him for a half-time interview.  We reminisced about my days in Bradford County working with New River Solid Waste Association and Keep Tri-counties Beautiful and, of course, talked some Wildcats - Tornadoes football.  He also asked about my current ministry activities and I shared my hope of expanding the JCEA JOY Box ministry into Bradford County.

I first met Terry when he worked full-time for WEAG.  He now serves as Bradford County Supervisor of Elections.  He is a great friend and I appreciate him giving me the opportunity to share with WEAG listeners.  I would also like to congratulate him for 25 years of broadcast excellence in calling Bradford County's games on WEAG.

By the way, Baker County defeated Bradford County 14-0 to remain undefeated (3-0).  The Tornadoes are 2-1 on the season.  This Wildcat win also means I receive a free lunch from Terry and Bradford County Solid Waste Director Donny Wise.  8-)

Factual Documentary

Harvest Sunday At Sardis

I will be preaching at Sardis Baptist Church this Sunday, September 19, 2010 at 8:30am, 11am and 6pm. These services for "Harvest Sunday" will have an evangelistic emphasis.  Sardis Baptist Church is located on State Road 121 in Worthington Springs, Florida. For more information call Pastor Paul O'Steen at (386) 496-3685.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of my ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

Lake Butler First This Wednesday

I will be preaching in supply for Pastor Jason Johns at First Baptist Church of Lake Butler on Wednesday, September 15, 2010 at 6:30pm.  The church is located 195 East Main Street in Lake Butler, Florida.  For more information or directions call the church at (386) 496-3704.

Ike’s Anger Problem

Our Daily Bread

Read: Proverbs 16:21-33

 

He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty. —Proverbs 16:32

 

On June 6, 1944, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Allied Commander, was the most powerful man on earth. Under his authority, the largest amphibious army ever assembled prepared to liberate the Nazi-dominated continent of Europe. How was Eisenhower able to lead such a vast army? Part of the answer can be linked to his remarkable skill in working with different kinds of people.

What many do not know, however, is that Ike hadn’t always gotten along with others. As a boy, he often got into fistfights at school. But fortunately he had a caring mother who instructed him in God’s Word. One time, when she was bandaging his hands after an angry outburst, she quoted Proverbs 16:32, “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.” Years later, Eisenhower wrote, “I have always looked back on that conversation as one of the most valuable moments of my life.” Undoubtedly, by learning to control his anger, Eisenhower was able to work effectively with others.

Inevitably, each of us will at times be tempted to lash out in anger. Yet through God’s work in our lives we can learn to control our anger. What better way to influence people than through a gentle spirit.

Thinking It Over
Do you struggle to control your anger?
For help, read Moses: His Anger And What It Cost Him

He who conquers his anger conquers a strong enemy.

Prayer In School Exception

The Back Pew

A Call To Prayer

"A Call To Prayer" is an inspirational tribute to the victims, families, and heroes of September 11, 2001.

West Virginia Photos

I have posted a gallery of photos called North Fork Baptist 2010 from my recent trip to the Mountaineer State.

The revival services at North Fork Baptist Church in Riverton, WV were a real blessing to me.  The attendance for each service was great and there was a wonderful liberty to preach the Word.  Randy Spurgeon (pictured to the left of me), the Director of Church Music for West Virginia Convention of Southern Baptists, led the congregational music, directed the choir and provided special music too.  It was a joy ministering with him and his wife Debbie.

Pastor Dan Powers (pictured to the right of me) and his wife Gail were great hosts.  I first met this couple when he pastored a church in Macclenny, Florida.  I really appreciate him giving me the opportunity to minister to his congregation.  He was a pretty good tour-guide too showing us some of the local beauty in the area.

Todd Bruce, Minister of Youth, and I were able to do a 15-minute radio program on WELD 101.7 FM in Fisher, WV.  We promoted the revival meetings and played an excerpt of one of my sermons.  You can listen to the interview here.

I made a lot of new friends at the church and met several ministers from the area too.  Greg Wrigley, Associate Executive Director of the West Virginia Convention of Southern Baptists joined us for the last night of services.  He is also the editor of the state convention's newspaper and an article about the meeting may be in a future issue.

Another blessing for me was that a couple of men from the church constructed a pulpit for me to use during the services.  It was great and was very much appreciated!

If you live in the vicinity of Riverton and Seneca Rocks, West Virginia or are visiting the area, and are looking for a place to worship our Lord, visit North Fork Baptist Church.  Pastor Dan Powers and the congregation will certainly make you feel right at home.  For more information, service times or directions call (304) 567-2015.

NOTE: View a video clip from one of the services here.

The Big Day

ALPHARETTA, Ga. (BP)--Southern Baptist churches have an opportunity to set aside one "Big Day" this fall to focus on the importance of every individual being prepared to share their faith.

Also known as Soul-Winning Commitment Day, the event can be customized with a variety of training opportunities, sermon ideas and other tools to reflect the needs of individual churches, according to Dick Church, church evangelism and resource coordinator for the North American Mission Board's personal evangelism team. The mission board sponsors the annual emphasis, which has a suggested date this year of Oct. 3.

Read more of this story on Baptist Press.


The Big Day Website

Preaching At Shiloh Baptist Sunday

I will be preaching in supply for Pastor Earl Tuten at Shiloh Baptist Church this Sunday, September 12, 2010. The services will begin at 10:45am and 6pm. The church is located at 173 Shiloh Way in Fort White, Florida. For more information call the church at (386) 454-4978.

The Vote For Heaven Or Hell

A powerful senator dies after a prolonged illness. His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.

"Welcome to Heaven," says St. Peter. "Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we're not sure what to do with you."

"No problem, just let me in," says the senator. "Well, I'd like to but I have orders from higher up. What we'll do is have you spend one day in Hell and one in Heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity."

"Really, I've made up my mind. I want to be in Heaven."

"I'm sorry but we have our rules," replies St. Peter.

And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to Hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. Nearby are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him. Everyone is in evening attire and very happy to see him. They run to greet him, hug him, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people. They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster and caviar.

Also present is the Devil, who really is a very friendly guy and who has a good time dancing and telling jokes. They are having such a good time that the time flies, before he realizes it, the senator has to go. Everyone gives him a big hug and waves while the elevator rises.

The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens on Heaven where St. Peter is waiting for him.

"Now it's time to visit Heaven."

The next 24 hours pass with the senator joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns.

"Well then, you've spent a day in Hell and another in Heaven. Now choose your eternity." The senator reflects for a minute, then answers, "Well, I would never have said it, I mean Heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in Hell."

So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to Hell. Now the doors of the elevator open and he is in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags.

The Devil comes over to him and lays his arm on his neck.

"I don't understand," stammers the senator. "Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and a beautiful club and we ate lobster and caviar and danced and had a great time. Now there is only a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable."

The Devil looks at him, smiles and says, "Yesterday we were campaigning. Today you voted for us!"

Cyber Pastor

The Back Pew

West Virginia Revival Video Clip

Here's a video clip recorded on Sunday, August 29, 2010 at North Fork Baptist Church in Riverton, West Virginia.  The message was on soulwinning.



The final service of the revival meeting will end tonight at 7pm.