The members of Iron Horse Ministries believe in one God, who is the creator and sustainer of all things; that our God is infinitely perfect and that He eternally co-exists in three persons - Father, Son (Jesus), and Holy Spirit. We believe that Jesus is not only the Son of God, but God incarnate; who, born of a virgin, came to live among men; that He was crucified on a cross, taking the penalty of our sin for us; that three days later, He rose from the dead taking back the power of death and hell; He ascended into heaven alive and in bodily form, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father; and that He will return just as He promised. We also believe that He sent His Holy Spirit to teach, comfort, convict, and encourage us in our Christian walk.
In addition, we believe that by praying a simple sincere prayer of repentance, and asking Jesus to come into our heart, to be our Lord, and our Savior, we will be born again, and our soul will be saved from the torments of Hell. It's by God's grace alone we are saved, not by our own works or deeds, otherwise we would brag about it (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Here's another way of saying it. We are absolutely sure, that the only way to finally have peace and fulfillment in our lives, and to get into God's perfect heaven, is to ask Jesus to forgive us of our sins; to ask Him to be in total control of our life from the inside out (so that we can be a brand new person, becoming just what He created us to be); and to ask Him to rescue us from the penalty of our sin (which is eternal death in hell). It's just that simple - really. All we have to do is ask, and really mean it - because God really means it. Once that's done, the old life is gone, and a new life will begin (2 Corinthians 5:17). We become a born again believer, a true Christian.
Finally, we who serve in Iron Horse Ministries, also believe that the Holy Bible is the inspired, inerrant, and totally trustworthy Word of God, and it is our final authority.
If you have any questions, no problem. Please feel free to contact us, and we'll do our best to quickly and thoroughly answer them for you.
As members of Iron Horse Ministries, we strongly believe that in ministry, integrity is paramount. We know that because of the behind-the-scenes nature of this kind of ministry, there must be an open accountability; without it, we will NOT be able to maintain the highest level of integrity on our own for very long.
Webster defines INTEGRITY as:
The quality or state of being of sound moral principle;
uprightness, honesty, and sincerity. Doing what is right, even
when no one is looking.
Webster defines ACCOUNTABILITY
as: The state of being accountable; responsible. Liable to be called to account; answerable. Every man is
accountable to God for his conduct through his thoughts, words, and
deeds.
Individually as Christians, we are accountable;
". . . each of us will have to give a personal account to God" (Rom. 14:12).
Corporately as Christians, we are accountable;
". . . because we belong to each other" (Eph.
4:25b).
It is the desire of Iron Horse Ministries through
God's mercy and grace (without
the trap of legalism), to maintain the highest
level of integrity at all times, and in all situations
whether we are wearing a patch or not.
As we pursue purity, righteousness, faithfulness and integrity in the midst of the daily assaults of life, we can go astray. Here are some guidelines to think about that might help you stay on the path that God desires for you:
Genuine Accountability
Right Relationships
A Servants Heart
Constant Safeguards
Embracing God Intimately
As humans, we would rather do our own thing, in our own way, in our own time and for our own reasons. It is not our nature to want to be accountable. However, we must be - especially in ministry. If we don't, we'll eventually crash and burn. There's something you can do to help keep yourself from being a smoking hole in the ground.
Now, this is a little hard to do, but well worth it. This only works if you are absolutely honest. So If you're ready, take a few moments and ask yourself the questions from the list below. For the best results, do this along with an accountability partner. That's a person that you know and trust will be absolutely honest with you. You must also be willing to honor the possible sensitivity of some of the answers, and not share them with anyone else.
May God bless you for your honesty.
1) What problem has consumed you this past week?
2) Which direction is your personal relationship with Christ going?
3) How have you been tempted this past week?
4) Do you feel drawn or vulnerable to someone other than your spouse?
5) Have you lacked integrity in any of your financial dealings?
6) How have your times in the Word (the Bible) and prayer been?
7) Have you abused your position of ministry or leadership in any
way?
8) Have you given adequate priority time to your family? How?
9) Have you been diligent in areas of agreed-upon personal
discipline?
10) What progress have you been making toward your life goals?
11) Have you observed anything in my life that I need to hear about?
12) Have you lied to me in any way?
BE ENCOURAGED
Romans 8:38-39
It is our hope that you've learned a little about how difficult accountability can be, but also, how important it is to maintain. So with that, we would like to encourage you to allow yourself to be as accountable as possible. It will help you to build and maintain integrity.
If this, or something else, is a struggle for you (everybody struggles with something in this world), and you need someone to talk to, then, contact us and we'll talk - confidentially, of course.
We say, "It's impossible."
God says, "All things are possible." (Luke 18:27)
We say, "I'm too tired."
God says, "I will give you rest." (Matt. 11:28)
We say, "Nobody really loves me."
God says, "I love you." (John 3:16)
We say, "I can't go on."
God says, "My grace is sufficient." (2 Cor. 12:9)
We say, "I can't figure things out."
God says, "I will direct your steps." (Prov. 3:5-6)
We say, "I can't do it."
God says, "You can do all things in Me." (Phil. 4:13)
We say, "It's not worth it."
God says, "It will be worth it." (Rom. 8:28)
We say, "I can't forgive myself."
God says, "I forgive you." (1 John 1:9)
We say, "I can't manage."
God says, "I will supply all your needs." (Phil. 4:19)
We say, "I'm afraid."
God says, "I have not given you a spirit of fear." (2 Tim. 1:7)
We say, "I'm always worried and frustrated."
God says, "Cast all your cares on Me." (1 Pet. 5:7)
We say, "I don't have enough faith."
God says, "I've given everyone a measure of faith." (Rom. 12:3)
We say, "I'm not smart enough."
God says, "I give you wisdom." (1 Cor. 1:30)
We say, "I feel all alone."
God says, "I will never leave you or forsake you." (Heb.13:5)
We say, "How much does God really love me?"
He would rather die, than to ever live without you.
(The Bible - God's Living Word).
What if you never felt pain, then how would you know that God is the great Healer?
What if you never went through bondage, then how would you know that He is a Deliverer?
What if you never had a trial, then how would you know He can help you over come?
What if you never felt sadness, then how would you know that He is a Comforter?
What if you never made a mistake, then how would you know that He is forgiving?
What if you never were in trouble, then how would you know that He will come to your rescue?
What if you never were broken, then how would you know that He can make you whole?
What if you never had problems, then how would you know that He can help you solve them?
What if you never went through the fire, then how would you know that He is always there?
What if He simply gave you all things, then how would you appreciate them?
What if He never corrected you, then how would you know that He loves you?
What if you had all power, then how would you learn to depend on Him?
What if your life was perfect, then what would you need Him for?
What if you never had any suffering, then how would you know what He went through for you?
- THINK ABOUT IT -
Here's a great word picture. Consider The Bible as like a beautiful palace built out of sixty-six huge blocks of solid marble - the sixty-six books. In the first chapter of Genesis we enter the vestibule, which is filled with the mighty acts of creation. The vestibule gives access to the law courts - the five books of Moses - passing through which, we come to the picture gallery of the historical books. Here we find hung upon the walls, the scenes of battlefields, representations of heroic deeds, and portraits of great men, belonging to the early days of the world's history. Beyond the picture gallery, we find the philosopher's chamber - the book of Job - passing through which, we enter the music room - the book of Psalms - where we listen to the grandest strains that ever fell on human ears. Then we come to the business office - the book of Proverbs - standing right in the center of the room, facing us, is the motto, "Godliness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people." From the business office, we pass into the chapel - Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon, with the Rose of Sharon and the Lily of the Valley, and all manner of fine perfumes, fruits, flowers and singing birds. Finally, we reach the observatory - the Prophets, with their telescopes fixed on near and distant stars, and yet, all directed toward "the Bright and Morning Star," that was soon to arise. Crossing the court, we come to the audience chamber of the King - the Gospels - where we find, four vivid life-like portraits of the King himself. Next, we enter the work room of the Holy Spirit - the Acts of the Apostles - and beyond that, is the correspondence room - the Epistles - where we see Paul, Peter, James, John and Jude busy at their desks; and in order for us to see what they were writing about, they left their epistles opened for all to study. Before leaving, we stand a moment in the outside gallery - the Revelation - where we look upon some striking pictures of the judgments to come, and the glories to be revealed, concluding with an awe-inspiring picture of the New Jerusalem, when the kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdoms of our God and of his Christ!
~ Anonymous ~