Elim Baptist on Sunday

I will be preaching in supply at Elim Baptist Church this Sunday, May 1, 2011 at 11am & 6pm.  Please be in prayer for this church as they search for a pastor.  The church is located on County Road 238 in Fort White, Florida.  For more information call (386) 497-4686.

Olustee Block Party Saturday

The James Croft Evangelistic Association will have an exhibit at the 3rd Annual Block Party sponsored by First Baptist Church of Olustee, Florida this Saturday, April 30, 2011.  The event will be held 1-6pm along Pintail Road in Olustee near the Olustee Train Depot Museum.  The party will feature a K-9 unit demonstration, a two-lane slide & bounce house for the kids, games, a dunking booth, one mile fun run, Sparky the fire dog, cakewalk, plenty of free food and much more.  First Baptist of Olustee Music Director Kevin Owen will provide special music.  For more information about the event call Pastor Mike Williams at (386) 438-9717.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule 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.

S-T-O-R-M

FOX News is reporting over 70 people have been killed as tornado-spawning storms moved through southern states on Wednesday.  Read the story and watch a video here.

I have also embedded two videos of tornadoes below that illustrate the power of these storms.

I hope everyone will be in prayer for those impacted by these storms and for all of the rescue and emergency workers.

The best way to weather the "STORM" is to Simply Trust Our Risen Messiah.

Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)

⁶ Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; ⁷ and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.


4-27-11 Tornado Tuscaloosa, Al from Crimson Tide Productions on Vimeo.

Historical marker dedicates site of Billy Graham’s first sermon

PALATKA (FBW)—A little over 200 years after the First Great Awakening swept the American colonies, an unknown Bible student by the name of Billy Graham stepped into the pulpit of the tiny Bostwick Baptist Church in Palatka to preach his first sermon.


It was Easter Sunday night, March 28, 1937, and Graham, with shaking knees and sweaty hands, went through all four of the sermons he prepared in advance—in eight minutes.

The beloved evangelist, who has since spoken in person to roughly 210 million individuals, got his start as an 18-year-old, preaching to a humble congregation of about 40, including ranchers and cowboys in denim overalls and women in cotton dresses.

Read more on Florida Baptist Witness.

NOTE: During a recent revival trip, I visited the Billy Graham Museum for the first time.  I have a few photos posted in the Spartanburg, SC 2011 gallery.

The Ultimate 5pm Worker

The Back Pew

Evergreen Gospel Fest Friday

I will be preaching during the 2nd annual Gospel Fest at Evergreen Baptist Church this Friday, April 29, 2011.  The service will begin at 7pm and will feature special music by Lisa Moore, owner of WGSG Christian Radio in Mayo, Florida.  The flyer below contains the complete line-up.  The church is located at 2509 224th Street, just off SR247, south of Lake City, Florida.  For more information or directions call (386) 935-3497.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule 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.

Too Good To Be True?

Our Daily Bread

Read: Luke 24:1-12

 

Their words seemed to [the disciples] like idle tales, and they did not believe them. —Luke 24:11

 

In the 1980s, John Knoll and his brother Thomas began experimenting with a computer program to manipulate images. Software companies thought they were crazy, because photographers didn’t use computers at that time. Initially the brothers called their program Display, then Imaginator, and finally they settled on Photoshop®. Today Photoshop® is used by amateurs at home and professionals in business around the world. A San Jose Mercury News article noted its place in popular language. When something looks too good to be true, people say, “It must have been Photoshopped.”

On the first Easter morning, the women who took spices to anoint the body of Jesus found the tomb empty and heard angels say, “He is not here, but is risen!” (Luke 24:6). When the women told this to the disciples, “Their words seemed to them like idle tales, and they did not believe them” (v.11). Nonsense! Mind-boggling! Too good to be true!

If someone manipulated the evidence, then millions of people around the world gather today to celebrate a myth. But if Jesus conquered death, then all He said about forgiveness, power to change, and eternal life is real.

Because Christ has risen and lives today, this news is too good not to be true!

Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o’er His foes;
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever with His saints to reign. —Lowry

The resurrection is a fact of history that demands a response of faith.

New To The Faith

Do You Know?

Here's a few "Do you know?" questions...



Click here for a text version and more information.

Sin Hurts

Our Daily Bread

Read: Hebrews 2:10-18

 

He poured out His soul unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors, and He bore the sin of many. —Isaiah 53:12

Sooner or later we all feel the painful effects of sin. Sometimes it’s the weight of our own sin and the shame and embarrassment of having failed miserably. At other times, it’s the load of someone else’s sin that weighs us down—someone who betrayed, deceived, abandoned, ridiculed, cheated, or made a fool of us.

Think about a time when the weight of that guilt or pain was so heavy that you couldn’t pull yourself out of bed. Now try to imagine the heaviness of the combined grief that everyone’s sin has caused your family, your church, your neighborhood. Add to that all the suffering sin has caused everyone in your city, state, nation, and the world. Now try to imagine the accumulated grief that sin has caused throughout the centuries since creation.

Is it any wonder that the weight of all this sin began squeezing the life out of Jesus on the night He was called to bear it? (Matt. 26:36-44). The next day, even His beloved Father would forsake Him. No other suffering can compare.

Sin put Jesus to the ultimate test. But His love endured it, His strength bore it, and His power overcame it. Thanks to Jesus’ death and resurrection, we know beyond a doubt that sin will not and cannot win.

Is God aloof from human pain
That ravages our mortal frame?
Oh, no, Christ felt our agony
When sin and death He overcame! —D. De Haan

Christ’s empty tomb guarantees our victory over sin and death.

Elim Baptist on May 1st

I will be preaching in supply at Elim Baptist Church on Sunday, May 1, 2011 at 11am & 6pm.  Please be in prayer for this church as they search for a pastor.  The church is located on County Road 238 in Fort White, Florida.  For more information call (386) 497-4686.

Food for Thought?

Think portion distortion is recent? Look at how much food portion sizes, plate sizes, and bread sizes have increased over the millennium. Craig and Brian Wansink analyzed the "food-by-head" ratio in the 52 most famous paintings of Christ's Last Supper shows increases in portion size (69%), plate size (66%), and bread size (23%) over the millennium.

Rock Sink Revival in May

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule 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.

Americans embrace pluralism, poll says

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--A majority of Americans mostly reject universalism -- the belief that all people will be saved -- but nevertheless believe that Christians and Muslims worship the same God, with a plurality saying that good works are the key to entrance into heaven, according to a new analysis of Barna surveys.

The data, released April 18, shows that millions of adults reject the clear teachings of Scripture that faith alone, in Christ alone is necessary for salvation. Although Americans may distance themselves from universalism, they tend to embrace pluralism -- the belief that different religions lead to heaven.

By a 48-44 percent margin, U.S. adults believe that "if a person is generally good or does enough good things for others, they will earn a place in heaven." Also, 59 percent of Americans believe that "Christians and Muslims worship the same God," although only 43 percent believe that "the Bible, the Koran and the Book of Mormon are all different expressions of the same spiritual truth."

Read more about this poll on Baptist Press.

IRS Branch Office

The Back Pew

Follow

Throughout the course of his public ministry, Jesus knew both the adoration and desertion of the crowds. Today, just as 2,000 years ago, the gospel asks a question that demands an answer: Will we follow? This video by Igniter Media illustrates this truth through the dynamic lens of a 21st-century social network.

National Day of Prayer upheld by 7th Circuit

WASHINGTON (BP)--A federal appeals court reversed April 14 a 2010 ruling that had invalidated the National Day of Prayer.

A three-judge panel of the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago struck down in a unanimous decision federal judge Barbara Crabb's opinion that a law establishing a day for the observance was unconstitutional. The appellate ruling came almost one year to the day of Crabb's controversial ruling.

Last year's 66-page decision by the judge from Wisconsin's Western District had threatened a tradition as old as the American republic and a specific observance in effect for nearly 60 years. Congress passed a resolution in 1952 calling on the president to establish the National Day of Prayer as an annual event, which President Truman initiated the same year and which presidents since have recognized with proclamations. In 1988, Congress amended the law to set the first Thursday of May for its observance.

Read more on Baptist Press.

If God Filed A Tax Return

The Back Pew

TECHNOLOGY: In this realm, the youth can lead

Point of View by Aaron Linne
Baptist Press


With the announcement of the iPad 2, Steve Jobs gave some very clear statistics that herald our move into the post-PC world: more than 200 million iTunes Store accounts, 15 millions iPads sold in 10 months, and more than 65,000 apps available. These are touch points for just one company; it doesn’t include all sorts of gadgets and applications that are coming out from Google, Microsoft and the hundreds of companies we’ve never heard of from other countries.

The speed of technology adoption is moving faster than we can comprehend; it’s moving so fast that we’re not even seeing it even though we’re a part of it. Amazon recently announced that they are selling more Kindle books than paperback books; before the end of the year we can likely expect them to announce that they are selling more Kindle books than physical books total.

Read more on Florida Baptist Witness.

Financial Investments

(Click image to enlarge)

I would like to thank everyone that has offered your support in the various ministries of the JCEA. Our ministries involve many facets that do not include financial compensation, i.e. school presentations, prison services, nursing home ministry, internet videos, etc. The only way I am able to dedicate the time and talents the Lord has blessed me with is through the offering of your prayers, your time and talents, and your generous financial donations. I pray the Lord blesses you tremendously for your investment. This investment may not see returns while on earth, but will certainly be realized in Heaven!

Again, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart and with a sincere appreciation for all you do to further the Kingdom of God!

For more information about the James Croft Evangelistic Association or to financially invest in these ministries visit our website or use the buttons below.

Financial Contributions

To make an investment in one or more of our three ministry areas with your credit card or PayPal click the appropriate "Donate" button(s) below. To make a contribution by check or money order follow this link.

JCEA Donation Click this button to make a donation to be used as needed.

JOY Box Donation Click this button to make a donation to the JCEA  JOY Box Ministry.  Donations will be used to cover expenses in providing shoe box gifts to nursing home residents.

Ghana, West Africa Donation Click this button to make a donation to assist with ongoing ministry activities in Ghana, West Africa.

 
 NOTE:  The James Croft Evangelistic Association is registered with the IRS as a 501(C)(3) corporation and all donations to the JCEA are tax deductible.

JCEA Exhibiting at Block Party

The James Croft Evangelistic Association will have an exhibit at the 3rd Annual Block Party sponsored by First Baptist Church of Olustee, Florida on Saturday, April 30, 2011.  The event will be held 1-6pm along Pintail Road in Olustee near the Olustee Train Depot Museum.  The party will feature a K-9 unit demonstration, a two-lane slide & bounce house for the kids, games, a dunking booth, one mile fun run, Sparky the fire dog, cakewalk, plenty of free food and much more.  First Baptist of Olustee Music Director Kevin Owen will provide special music.  For more information about the event call Pastor Mike Williams at (386) 438-9717.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule 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.

Revival Services Scheduled In Old Town, FL

I will be preaching revival services at Rock Sink Baptist Church in May.  The services will begin on Sunday morning, May 15, 2011 at 11am and continue at 7pm nightly through Wednesday, May 18th.  The church is located at 471 NE 816th Ave. in Old Town, Florida.  For more information or directions call Pastor Terry Cranford at (352) 542-9488.

Cardio Regimen

Evergreen Gospel Fest Poster

(click image to enlarge)

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule 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.

Mobile phones and other devices

The potential for evangelism

The desire to be in touch with people and information 24/7 has led to the huge growth in mobile cell phones and other mobile devices.  Over 90% of the world’s population now lives within a mobile reception area. There are about 4 billion mobile phone users (equivalent to more than half the world’s population) and many of these are in the non-western Majority World, often in 10/40 Window countries. There are more mobile phones used in Africa than USA. The mobile systems in Japan and Korea are more advanced than almost anywhere. It is a hugely significant medium. Unlike a computer, a mobile is always with you – an integrated part of you and your lifestyle.

Mobile devices are transforming communication and development in the non-Westerm world (see links and video clips in Section 9 below) and also have great potential for evangelism and discipleship.

Read more: http://www.InternetEvangelismDay.com/mobile-outreach.php#ixzz1IwGInkNY

at Internet Evangelism Day

Under Creative Commons License: Attribution

4 Saved in Tamale Services

Evangelist Ralph

Evangelist Raphael (Ralph) Adjei Kingbi, Ghana Ministry Coordinator for James Croft Evangelistic Association, led revival services last week in the capital city of Ghana's Northern Region.  Four people were saved during the five days of meetings held at Ridge Presbyterian Church in Tamale, Ghana.  The theme for the services was "The Cross in today's contemporary world."

According to Evangelist Ralph's Facebook posts, he narrowly escaped some "commotion" traveling to one of the services and was detained in a curfew on another night.

For more information about the Ghana ministry of James Croft Evangelistic Association visit these links:

JCEA Ghana Ministry
Ghana Ministry News
Evangelist Ralph on Facebook

You can assist the JCEA and Evangelist Ralph in this ministry by investing financially by credit card, PayPal, check or money order.

Ghana Ministry Donation Click this button to make a donation to the JCEA Ghana Ministry.  Donations will be used to cover expenses in evangelism efforts, discipleship and children's programs.

To make a contribution by check or money order follow this link.

 “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”    Luke 6:38 (NKJV)

Lacoochee Cook-A-Bout

I will be preaching during a youth fund raiser at First Baptist Church of Lacoochee on Saturday, May 14, 2011.  The event, called a Cook-A-Bout, will offer you the ability to walk around sampling food right from the cooker.  There will also be music, games and door prizes.  A donation of $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12 will be accepted.  The church is located at 21012 Bower Road in Lacoochee, Florida.  For information or tickets call Russell Linville at (352) 206-4084.

Blind Ref?

The Back Pew

Bible Versions Poll Results

Our Blog Poll #31 question was, "What is your favorite version of the Bible?" and the results are:

* King James/Authorised (KJV)  7 (19%)
* New International (NIV)  6 (16%)
* New King James (NKJV)  7 (19%)
* New Living Translation (NLT)  2 (5%) 
* New American Standard (NASB)  5 (13%)
* English Standard (ESV)  4 (11%)
* New Revised Standard (NRSV)  0 (0%)
* The Message (Msg)  0 (0%)
* Holman Christian Standard (HCSB)  3 (8%)
* The Living Bible (LB)  0 (0%)
* Other  2 (5%)
* I don't read the Bible.  0 (0%)

Total Votes: 36

Thank you for participating!

Voted #1 April Fools Prank in HISTORY

Why Use An Evangelist?

The Biblical office of evangelist is often one of the most overlooked and underutilized resources that God has presented in and through the local church to reach the world for Christ.  Why use evangelists?

• Evangelists are called by God to specifically reach the lost.
• Evangelists are able to communicate a direct Biblical message with a passion and zeal.
• Evangelists cooperate with the ongoing work of local churches to reach their communities for Christ.
• Evangelists encourage Christians in their daily zeal for soulwinning and discipleship.
• Evangelists help churches culminate their long-term evangelistic efforts in harvesting the fields "white unto harvest".
• Evangelists affirm the work of the local church pastor and the vision God has for his ministry through the local church.

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,
for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,
Ephesians 4:11-12 (NKJV)

The James Croft Evangelistic Association (JCEA) led by 3'10" tall evangelist James Croft of Olustee, Florida is working to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world.  This ministry utilizes various means to win lost souls, to stir revival fires in believers, to educate Christians on Biblical and social issues, and to be an encouragement to all.  These methods include James' preaching ministry, foreign and local missions, and use of the internet utilizing podcasting and videos.

Driving With The Giant

Take a "short" ride with 3'10" tall evangelist James Croft to a recent revival engagement.

Blog Poll: Bible Versions

Our latest Blog Poll (#31) is featured in the left-hand column of this site. The poll question asks, "What is your favorite version of the Bible?" Voting in the unscientific poll will end on Friday night.

NOTE: If you would like to share additional thoughts on this subject, just click "comments" below.

Evangelist Ralph Begins Revival Meetings in Tamale, Ghana

Evangelist Ralph

Evangelist Raphael (Ralph) Adjei Kingbi, Ghana Ministry Coordinator for James Croft Evangelistic Association, will be preaching revival services this week.  The five days of meetings will begin tonight at Ridge Presbyterian Church in Tamale, Ghana.  This will be Evangelist Ralph's first time preaching in the capital city of Ghana's Northern Region.  The theme for the services is "The Cross in today's contemporary world."  Please join us in praying for the Lord to move mightily in these services.

For more information about the Ghana ministry of James Croft Evangelistic Association visit these links:

JCEA Ghana Ministry
Ghana Ministry News
Evangelist Ralph on Facebook

You can assist the JCEA and Evangelist Ralph in this ministry by investing financially by credit card, PayPal, check or money order.

Ghana Ministry Donation Click this button to make a donation to the JCEA Ghana Ministry.  Donations will be used to cover expenses in evangelism efforts, discipleship and children's programs.

To make a contribution by check or money order follow this link.

 “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”    Luke 6:38 (NKJV)

Sign Of The Times?

Olustee Revival Services 3-27-11

(Click image to enlarge)

I will be preaching a one-day revival meeting at First Baptist Church of Olustee, Florida on Sunday, March 27, 2011 at 11am and 6pm. The services will also feature special music by Kevin Owen.  First Baptist Church is located at 23311 Lakeside Lane in Olustee, Florida. For more information call Pastor Mike Williams at (386) 438-9717.  Please be in prayer for these services.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule 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.

400th Anniversary of the King James Bible

A website celebrating the 400th anniversary of the King James Version Bible is now online. The anniversary of the KJV Bible is May 2nd.  The site includes information about the background and development of the translation, links to various resources, and a clock counting down to the anniversary.

What is your favorite translation of the Holy Bible?  Take our blog poll in the left column of this site.  My preference is the New King James Version (NKJV), and I usually read from it when preaching, but I also use the KJV.

Gospel Fest In April

I will be preaching during the 2nd annual Gospel Fest at Evergreen Baptist Church on Friday, April 29, 2011.  The service will begin at 7pm and will feature special music by Lisa Moore, owner of WGSG Christian Radio in Mayo, Florida.  The church is located at 2509 224th Street, just off SR247, south of Lake City, Florida.  For more information or directions call (386) 935-3497.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule 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.

Double Foul

The Back Pew

FBCLB Wednesday

I will be preaching in supply for my pastor, Jason Johns, at First Baptist Church of Lake Butler, Wednesday evening, March 23, 2011.  The service will begin at 6:30pm.  The church is located at 195 East Main Street in Lake Butler, Florida.  For more information or directions call the church at (386) 496-3704.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule 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.

Check Our Hosting and Domain Registration Services

Giant Web Plans

Revival Services Sunday in Olustee

I will be preaching a one-day revival meeting at First Baptist Church of Olustee, Florida on Sunday, March 27, 2011 at 11am and 6pm. The services will also feature special music by Kevin Owen.  First Baptist Church is located at 23311 Lakeside Lane in Olustee, Florida. For more information call Pastor Mike Williams at (386) 438-9717.  Please be in prayer for these services.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule 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.

March Madness

The Back Pew

Ephesians 4:26 (NKJV)
“Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath,

Questions (& answers) about tithing

By: J. D. Greear
Posted on Mar 17, 2011 on Baptist Press

DURHAM, N.C. (BP)--Over the years I have gotten (and had myself) questions about whether or not the tithe (giving the first 10 percent of our income back to God as prescribed by the law) was biblical. Let me give you brief answers to some of those questions that demonstrate how I have learned to approach them.

1. Isn't tithing Old Testament law? Aren't we free of that?

Yes and no.

A. Tithing is a part of the law, and Jesus has definitely fulfilled it all in our place so that we are free from its bondage. However, the purposes of the law were (generally speaking) 3-fold:
-- to show us what God was like.

-- to reveal how far short we fall of God's character.

-- to show us how to thrive in the creation God has placed us in.

None of those 3 purposes faded with the death of Jesus. If anything, Jesus' coming intensified them. We saw more of what God was like, what holiness was like, and what a man acting in perfect harmony with creation was like. As it relates to the tithe, the law reveals the unchanging character of God and how He expects us to view the money HE has provided for us. A minimum of 10 percent that He has given to us, whether we are rich or poor, is to go back into His work. This is how He set up the world order. This is why the "tithe" principle (the first 10 percent of income going into God's work) is taught pre-law (Abraham), law (Moses), post-exile (Malachi), and even affirmed under Jesus (Matthew 23:23). God's purposes for creation haven't changed. We are no longer under the theocratic nation state of Israel, but how God has set up His economy for His people has not changed.

God doesn't lay the financial weight of the entire world on any of our shoulders, but He has given His people a plan whereby they do their part. The law was given to help people live in the shalom of God. That's what gives the law (principles like taking a Sabbath and the tithe) an enduring effect. Thus, the idea that 10 percent of all that God gives to you is given for you to give back to Him remains, I believe, as a good guide to our giving.

Now, let me be clear -- Jesus left us under NO PART of the law, not the tithe or anything else. But the law, in that it reflects God's character and His ordering of creation, is still good, and still functions as a guide to how we are to live under God in this world. Men and women of God throughout the Bible, including Abraham and Jesus, seemed to recognize that.

B. If anything, the Gospel raises the level of our response to God's laws. True obedience, Jesus says, goes much deeper than the behavior standards the law required. For example, the law said "don't murder," yet Jesus said the Gospel demanded we love our brother always and not hate him, not even our enemies. The law said "don't commit adultery," yet Jesus said that the Gospel demanded people not even "look on another woman with lust in our heart." So, if the law says "give 10 percent," what kind of generosity does the Gospel call for? Would it not be greater generosity than 10 percent, just as the other commands were also intensified in Christ? In other words, if the people who saw God's generosity in the Exodus responded with giving 10 percent, how much more should people who have seen the cross? This is why you see the early church giving far beyond 10 percent. So overwhelmed by the generosity of Christ, they wanted to pour out their possessions for those in need (2 Corinthians 8:9).

For Gospel-touched people, tithing should never be the ceiling of their giving, but it should be the floor.

Tithing, in and of itself, is not an iron-clad rule for Christians as it was for Israelites under the law. That said, "giving our firstfruits to God" most definitely is a biblical principle, true of God's people in all places and at all times. And 10 percent is a great place to start with that.

2. Should I give the tithe "pre-tax" or "post-tax"?

In the Old Testament, God called the tithe a "firstfruit" (cf. 1 Corinthians 16:2). This meant their giving to God came first before anything else. That teaches pretty clearly that our giving to God comes before Uncle Sam takes his share. God gets the firstfruits, not the second ones.

3. When during the month should I give?

The principle of "firstfruits" also shows you, in my opinion, that the tithe check should be written first, and not at the end of the month when you see how much left over you have. If you do the latter, you will inevitably never have enough to give God 10 percent. You're giving Him your scraps. But if you do the former, you will inevitably adjust your lifestyle around what you have left. And, God also will find a way to multiply His blessings to you. I've seen that happen in my own life multiple times. It's pretty exciting.

4. Should we give to the church, or other things?

In the Old Testament system, the tithe went to the work of God's institution, the temple. Caring for the poor beyond what the temple did, or funding an itinerant rabbi, etc, all came out beyond the tithe. I believe the implication is that tithing should go to God's new institution, the local church. Hopefully you have a church that you feel good about how they spend their money (not all on buildings, entitlement perks for members and pastors, etc.) and you see them working in the streets and unreached parts of the world. Give some grace here, of course ... it's always easy to play armchair quarterback and talk about how you'd do it differently. I'd say if you trust your pastor, however, you honor God by giving to the institution He ordained. Then, give like a Gospel-touched fool beyond that to all the things God has put in your heart.

5. How does this work out for your family, J.D.?

When my wife Veronica and I first got married, we had to stretch ourselves unbelievably thin to tithe. As God has increased our income over the years, we have yearly increased the percentage of what we give. We now give way above the tithe to our church, and then beyond that to ministries blessing the poor, carrying the Gospel to the world, and some to our church's expansion project, Believe. We love it. Veronica recently said, "This is so fun… giving." It really is more blessed to give than to receive. God really has multiplied what we have given to him and given it back to us "in every way" -- financially, in joy, in perspective, etc. (2 Corinthians 8-9). We love it.

J.D. Greear is lead pastor at the Summit Church in Durham, N.C. This column first appeared on his blog, JDGreear.com.

Leprechaun Reads To Over 600 Students

Leprechaun at Kindergarten Center

James Croft, 3'10" tall evangelist from Olustee, Florida, made appearances as a "real" leprechaun at two schools for St. Patrick's Day.  Approximately 600 students at Baker County Pre-K/Kindergarten Center heard the leprechaun read them a book, That's What Leprechauns Do, and answer their questions.  The questions covered a variety of topics.

When asked why he was so little, the leprechaun responded, "that's just the way God made me."

Students also wanted to know what leprechauns eat, why do they play tricks on people, and of course, where do they hide their gold?  The leprechaun held a gold plated 4-leaf clover paperweight as he talked about his gold.  This piece of gold was donated to the leprechaun for use in these presentations by Pastor Danny Garrett of Cudd Memorial Baptist Church in Spartanburg, South Carolina.  The leprechaun made a pre-St. Patrick's Day appearance at a daycare center in Boiling Springs with Pastor Garrett last week.  Photos from the event are viewable in the Spartanburg, SC 2011 photo album.

After leaving the kindergarten center, the leprechaun visited Keller Intermediate School to read to four 5th grade classes taught by Sonja St. John, Melissa Smith, Jennifer Hite and Amy Prescott.

Many of the questions asked by the 5th graders included: "Do you eat Lucky Charms", "where do you hide your gold" and "why don't you give your gold away?"

One student asked, "how fast can you run?"  The leprechaun demonstrated by running to the front office and back to the classroom.  Students were amazed because he was so fast it looked as though he didn't even move!  The leprechaun told students, "I am so fast... that I'm sudden!"

Croft has been reading to students as a leprechaun for several years on St. Patrick's Day.  The event is always a hit with students and much talked about afterward.  Croft says he often meets up with students from past reading sessions and they still call him "the leprechaun".  He often has to explain to parents why the children are referring to him by that name.

Jessie Thompson with leprechaun

In 2009 a video called "A Visit From The Leprechaun" was produced by Florida Times-Union photojournalist Jon M. Fletcher about the annual reading event.  This video is viewable on the James Croft Evangelist Association's YouTube channel.

After a long day of "leprechauning" around town, he visited with a couple of families before returning to his home located somewhere deep in the Osceola National Forest.

NOTE: View all of the leprechaun's St. Patrick's Day photos in the "Leprechaun 2011" photo gallery.

Praise Christian Assembly Sunday

I will be preaching at Praise Christian Assembly in Graham this Sunday morning, March 20, 2011.  The morning worship service begins at 10:30am.  Praise Christian Assembly is located on County Road 18 east of Graham, Florida.  Please be in prayer for this church as they search for a pastor.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule 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.

You Might Be A Leprechaun If...

You might be a leprechaun if... you are 3'10" tall, wear a big green hat, and make an appearance on St. Patrick's Day to read to students in local schools.  Yes, it's that time of year, when the "wee little man", not to be confused with Zacchaeus, reads a book about leprechauns to students in two Baker County, Florida schools.

The "real" leprechaun will visit Baker County Pre-K/Kindergarten Center and Keller Intermediate School in Macclenny, Florida today.

Simplified Tax Code

Olustee FBC March 27th

I will be preaching in supply for Pastor Mike Williams at First Baptist Church of Olustee, Florida on Sunday, March 27, 2011 at 11am and 6pm. First Baptist Church is located at 23311 Lakeside Lane in Olustee, Florida. Please be in prayer for these services.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule 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.

Revival Security

Evangelist James Croft introduces revival security officers during a service at Cudd Memorial Baptist Church in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

A special thank you to Houston Garrett, Austin Walker and Matthew Davis for being good sports and good friends.

Yes, it is OK to laugh and have a good time in God's House.

Praise Christian Assembly This Sunday

I will be preaching at Praise Christian Assembly in Graham this Sunday morning, March 13, 2011.  The morning worship service begins at 10:30am.  Praise Christian Assembly is located on County Road 18 east of Graham, Florida.  Please be in prayer for this church as they search for a pastor.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule 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.

Threshold Church Tomorrow

I will be speaking during a leadership summit at Threshold Baptist Church in Boiling Springs, South Carolina tomorrow, Friday, March 11th.  Pastor Ryan Bishop says the summit begins at 6pm at the church located at 1210 Boiling Springs Road.

Leprechaun Appearances Scheduled

I have scheduled several appearances as a "real" leprechaun again this year.

Tuesday, March 8th:
Nana's Daycare, Boiling Springs, South Carolina.

Thursday, March 17th:
Baker County Pre-K/Kindergarten Center, Macclenny, Florida.
Keller Intermediate School, Macclenny, Florida.

In each of the appearances a book about leprechauns will be read to students and questions answered.

Airport Leprechaun, Youth Entourage, Christian Rap, and Cudd Meeting

My week leading up to this revival meeting has been interesting.  You may recall my posts last week about the kidney stone episode.  Then, as I prepared for the trip to the airport in Jacksonville, Florida on Saturday I received news that my flight had been delayed by an hour.  I began wondering if this was a "sign" (term used very loosely here) of things to come on the trip to South Carolina.  Oh, come on now, you sometimes think that way too, right??

Airport Leprechaun

I decided to wear my leprechaun hat on the plane instead of trying to pack it in my luggage.  I guess I needed something to help set me apart from the other travelers, something that might help draw attention since I'm so ordinary looking and blend so well into the crowds.  Actually, I am almost invisible in the crowds, but I learned that a 3'10" tall man wearing a leprechaun hat WILL get a lot of attention!  I posed for pictures with two people in the airport and was the subject of at least one more, not to mention all of the conversations that it started.  This allowed me to share Jesus with a couple of folks too!

One of the gentlemen that requested a photo with me was beginning his spring break.  He told me later that he posted the photo on Facebook with a caption saying, "five minutes after clearing security I met a leprechaun, so I think it will be my lucky day."  I hope he doesn't totally depend on "luck".

On my first flight I was seated next to a lady returning home to Indiana.  As we began to talk and I mentioned where I lived, she said, "I know you!" and called my name.  Come to find out, I went to Baker County High School in Macclenny, Florida with two of her brothers.  She had come home to visit her dad for a week.  Small world isn't it?

Revival Security

Anyway, my luggage and I arrived safely in South Carolina where I was met by Pastor Danny Garrett of Cudd Memorial Baptist Church and my "entourage".  Three of the church's youth boys took care of my luggage and we joked they would be "revival security" for the week.  Of course we had to strike a pose for a photo.  We went on to have a wonderful time of fellowship.  They also informed me that some of the youth prepared a Christian Rap video with me as the subject.  You can view the video on my Facebook page.

Cudd Memorial Baptist

The revival meeting at Cudd Memorial Baptist Church in Spartanburg got underway yesterday morning with a full-house.  Chairs were even placed in the aisle for extra space.  Here's another exciting piece of information... we had another great crowd for the night service.  They must be coming for the music, which is really awesome!  Seriously the music is great.  God really moved in both services.  Praise the Lord!!  The revival services continue at 6:30pm nightly through Wednesday.  You can view more photos of this week's activities in the Spartanburg, SC 2011 photo gallery.  Additional photos will be added during the week.

I've spent today preparing for tonight's service and a special appearance at Nana's Daycare in Boiling Springs tomorrow.  Pastor Danny Garrett also treated me to lunch today at a Spartanburg tradition, the Beacon Drive-In.  Oh, my, the food was good and the tea was out-of-this-world good!!

Adam Sees A Therapist

The Back Pew

Living Stone Update

I went to the Urologist yesterday afternoon for a follow-up to my Sunday morning kidney stone episode.  An x-ray was taken, but it will not be analyzed until the first of next week.  Should the pain return, the doctor gave me a few pointers on what might alleviate it.  I was also presented with options for removing the stone when I return from my trip to South Carolina, or we could wait until another "flare-up" occurs... I'm not so sure about that option.  All of the options, including waiting, will involve some pain or discomfort.

This situation reminds me of the saying, "you will remain the same until the pain of remaining the same is greater than the pain to change."  WOW!  Isn't this the way we often live our lives and even our walk with Christ?  We don't want to move from our comfort zone until it is no longer comfortable.  God is often leading us in a new direction that will decrease our pain and suffering, but we are more afraid of the pain that may come with the changes... even if we know it is temporary.  This often leads us to rebel (sin) against God.  I wonder if we really believe what the Bible says:

Romans 8:28 (NKJV) ²⁸ And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Even if this stone decides to move while I'm in South Carolina the Lord is in control, and hopefully I'll be faithful so He will work it for good and receive the glory!

South Carolina to Include Revival, Leadership Summit and Leprechauns?

Click to enlarge

Evangelist James Croft will be traveling to Spartanburg, South Carolina on Saturday to begin a week of ministry opportunities.

The week will feature a first-time appearance for revival services at Cudd Memorial Baptist Church beginning on Sunday, March 6, 2011.  The Sunday services begin at 8:30am with breakfast instead of the normal early morning service.  Sunday School will begin at 9:45am followed by services at 11am and 6pm.  The revival meeting continues Monday-Wednesday, March 7-9, 2011 at 6:30pm.  The church is located at 1301 Boiling Springs Road in Spartanburg, South Carolina.  For more information call Pastor Danny Garrett at (864) 585-3113.

On Tuesday, March 8th James will be reading to students at Nana's Daycare in Boiling Springs at 10am.  This will be the first appearance this year of the "real" leprechaun James annually portrays around St. Patrick's Day in local schools.  Following this ministry opportunity, James and Pastor Danny Garrett will attend a pastor's luncheon hosted by Spartanburg County Baptist Network.

The week will end with James speaking during a leadership summit at Threshold Baptist Church in Boiling Springs.  Pastor Ryan Bishop says the summit begins at 6pm at the church located at 1210 Boiling Springs Road.

Please be in prayer for all of these opportunities, the travel, and James' health during the trip.  Updates on these activities will be posted on this site and on the JCEA Facebook page.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule 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.

A Living (Kidney) Stone

I had a "first" in my ministry on Sunday morning.  It was the first time I have arrived at a church to preach and was unable to do so due to a health issue.  The problem- a kidney stone.  Those of you that have experience with these powerful stones can appreciate what I was feeling.  I've been told the kidney stone experience for a man is similar to the pain felt by a woman giving birth.  I really feel for the mother's of our world.  Now, this is not my first experience with a kidney stone.  In 1984 I was rushed to the Emergency Room in Lake City, Florida thinking I was going to die and kind of wishing I could.  Fortunately, the problem "passed" while I was in the ER.

In 2008 when I was undergoing hip surgery.  A routine scan revealed I have a very large stone in my left kidney.  I was sent to a urologist after the surgery and learned that the stone is, indeed, quite large.  The doctor asked if I was familiar with a .22 caliber cartridge and said the size is similar.  He said this one will not "pass".  I hope not!!  It was decided to take no action as long as there was no pain and no movement of the stone.  This strategy has worked well until Sunday morning.

I awoke Sunday morning to prepare for a day of ministry at Morriston Baptist Church in Morriston, Florida feeling a dull ache in my left kidney area.  As I began the one-and-a-half hour drive the pain increased.  I began to call a few friends for prayer.  I also contacted the church of the development, but told them I still planned to preach.  At one point, I even had to stop on the side of the road.  I finally made it to the church in tremendous pain.  Please note the emphasis on "tremendous".  Ten minutes before the start of the 8:30am service I decided I needed to go the hospital.  One of the kind members of the church took me to the ER at Tri County Hospital in Williston.  The staff at the hospital were awesome and soon brought me some blessed relief via medication!  We returned to the church as the 11am service was closing much to the surprise of many of the members.  I was able to preach the 7pm service and drove back home, all pain free.

I really appreciate the prayers, concern, and assistance by the fine folks at Morriston Baptist.  I also thank the Lord for the dear brother that "was instant in season and out of season", and stepped in to handle the two services.  God's people are awesome, aren't they?!?!

I am scheduled to see my urologist on Thursday afternoon and I'm praying that I have no further problems.  I know there will be a point when a procedure will be required to remove the stone.  I would much rather the Lord perform a miraculous procedure to make it disappear, if it is His Will.

I would also appreciate your prayers, because I am scheduled to fly to Spartanburg, South Carolina on Saturday for a revival meeting at Cudd Memorial Baptist Church.

Did I happen to say that I would much appreciate your prayers?!?!

NOTE: I know believers are like "living stones", but I would prefer that not to include kidney stones!

⁴ Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, ⁵ you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.  (1 Peter 2:4-5 NKJV)

Trevor Bayne, in spotlight after Daytona win, voices his goal

Posted on Feb 28, 2011 | by Tim Ellsworth

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--Trevor Bayne's stunning win in the Daytona 500 propelled him immediately onto the national stage, where for the past week he has continued talking about the faithfulness of God in his life.

"The goal, this is going to sound weird, but it's not to be the best racecar driver, the most marketable, the most popular," Bayne said in a teleconference two days after his Feb. 20 Daytona win. "But it's to build a platform and let God use us on the platform that He's building, which might require me to become the best racecar driver or be the most marketable or most popular, whatever it is.

"I just want to stand on the platform He's putting under me," Bayne continued. "... If that's our goal, our highs and lows are going to be a lot more manageable."

The 20-year-old Bayne wrote his name in the record books by becoming the youngest driver ever to win the Daytona 500. The race was only Bayne's second Sprint Cup competition. However, he couldn't duplicate his Daytona success in the first race after his victory, crashing on the 50th lap of the Subway Fresh Fit 500 at Phoenix International Raceway Feb. 27 and finishing 40th overall.

Read more of this story on Baptist Press.