The Preacher

Thought you'd get a good laugh out of this one!! Don't forget to worship God or "I'll be back!" LOL!

Connection......... L-O-S-T

I guess I am not much of a computer whiz these days.. I have a degree in computer science. I learned several difficult programming classes: Cobol, CICS, UNIX and others. I also had to take networking classes. I think the networking class tops the rest of the classes as the most difficult class!! But, hey, remember this!! Computer and internet age didn't go off to a running start til around 1990.. Everything was very new to almost everyone, including computer-illiterate-me!!

I had a great friend of mine, Dennis Young, help me with the wireless internet connection at home a couple months ago. It was a blessing to have him help us out!! At that time, I was using my old work computer until it was time to get a new one due to my inability to use the mouse off the computer. It was malfunctioning and the computer is becoming much slower than before..

After getting a new laptop computer in January, I have tried over and over to get the internet connection working from my wireless router to the "built-in" wireless-capable laptop. Then last night, I worked hard on this to get connectivity. I did just about everything I could to get the connection going. The message keeps popping up, "Not Able To Connect To Lowenstein". Does that drive you up the wall!!?? You have to have the correct SSID name, key #, password, whether it's an "OPEN", "SHARED" mode, if we're using WPA or WEP. Everything is foreign in there!! Of course, I knew that whatever I have set on the laptop computer must match the central wireless router to get CONNECTION!!

After several months, days and a couple of hours yesterday, CONNECTED TO LOWENSTEIN!! Ahh, praise the Lord!! I have never felt so good and it's always a good feeling to accomplish something after working so hard on it. You know the feeling, don't you!!

I can relate this with God. I would hate to have loss all connection with the King of kings and Lord of lords! I believe I know what happens when one has lost his/her connection with the Eternal God. They may be doing something contrary to the will of God. Like requiring the exact SSID, key #, password, the right mode and whether it's a WPA or WEP for connection, God does expect us to live in obedience to His commands to have eternal connection with Him so that,

"..you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:19 (niv)

"Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." Ephesians 4:15-16 (niv)

How's your connection with God? Remember, what you do, everyday has to agree with what the Father expects of us. Pray that your connection with Him isn't, L-O-S-T!!

Alienated!

I Am An ALIEN.

"Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul." 1 Peter 2:11 (niv)

I Am NOT Of This WORLD.

"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." 1 John 2:15 (niv)

My DESIRES are not for EARTHLY THINGS that will:

fade,
corrode,
or BURN!

I set my Heart & Mind on THINGS ABOVE.

"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God." Colossians 3:1-3 (niv)

My FAITH & HOPE are in GOD alone.
And I EAGERLY AWAIT His return for me.

"After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever." 1 Thessalonians 4:17 (niv)

I'm a CITIZEN OF HEAVEN.

"But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,.." Philippians 3:20 (niv)

Have you "alienated" yourselves from the world and become citizens of Heaven through Hearing the good news (message) and Believing in Him, Repented of your sins, Confessed that Jesus is Lord, Baptized for the forgiveness of your sins (clothed in Christ (Galatians 3:26-27) and hidden with Christ and Living Christ-like everyday??

Proudly say, "I Am An Alien In This World!"

Living Organism - Spiritual Health, Not Growth

Long read, but worthwhile...

I don't know about you but do you recall one of the chapters in Rick Warren's book, Purpose Driven Life, regarding spiritual health, not growth? I think it's ironic when people say they aren't seeing a growing church because they simply forgot to check the health of the body of Christ, the church.

Church health is the key to church growth (church growth is supported by healthy churches). All living things grow if they're healthy. You don't have to make them grow -- it's just natural for living organisms. But, church growth can be hindered just as there are hindrances to the growth of natural things such as loss of nutrients and unsafe environments.

If my children had not grown up, I would have suspected that something was terribly wrong. I would have done whatever it took to discover the disease and correct it.

The same principle is true for the Church. Since the Church is a living organism, it's natural for it to grow if it's healthy. The Church is a body, not a business -- an organism, not an organization. It's alive. If a church is not growing, it is dying.

"Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be?" 1 Corinthians 12:14-19 (niv)

Here are a couple of unhealthy characteristics that can bring God's church to ruin:

1. Hopping from one church to another - it's like you will have to sever the hand from the body and sew it back on another body. The hand had already made a commitment to that certain body. But to leave the body, you have to sever it and attach it to another body. You've become what I call, "Frankenstein Christians". It is obvious seeing scars and staples of different teachings and confusions.

2. Disconnection from the body - if the feet isn't actively connected to the body such as cutting off the blood flow from the heart to the feet, it develops gangrene. This can be very painful. The more you drift away from the body, the harder it will be to return. Like the Prodigal's Son, he drifted so far that he didn't want to return because he felt ashamed. He decided to be a servant (slave) under his own father. That's how many of those who have left the body (the church) for so long that they feel shame and guilt and because extremely hard (and embarrassing) to return.

3. Conflict in the body - often a conflict between one body part to another is, indeed, nerve-wracking. My dad has Parkinsons disease and like others with the same disease, I can see how, as the hand with a spoon, tries to bring the food to the mouth and it does so very slowly. There's no coordination. There's a conflict between one part (of the body) and another. The brain isn't functioning with the hand to effectively move the hand with a spoon to the mouth. It's extremely frustrated to see a conflict remain within the body. For most of the Christians in the church, there's always a "conflict resolution", but not "reconciliation after a resolution".

Many of us have never really understood the meaning of true commitment to Jesus Christ? People, whom lived their life of sin then came to know Jesus and baptized for the forgiveness of sins have become alive in Christ in His body. They became like a "living organism". Like the human body, it needs a "balance". It consists of many "systems": (circulatory, respiratory, digestive, skeletal, etc.). If there was no respiratory system in the body, the body is dead. If there's no digestive system, the body will explode. If there's no circulatory system, the body will turn cold and blue. If there's no skeletal system in the body, it's called a "blubber body". In the same way, if you're not "connected to the body (church)", it is like a "heart" has been ripped out of the body. The heart cannot continue to live without the body. It "must" be attached in order for the whole body to function well and be healthy.

When you were added to His number (ekklessia), you became a "system" in the Lord's church. Now, without constant attachment of the "system" to the body (church), you're hurting His church in many ways. You're causing a stumbling block to others because you came before God with a promise to serve Him in His body, the church. Now, you have decided to either sever yourselves from His body for another body, you had a conflict that you're suffocating it, or you've disconnected from His body and that "system" is either "dying" or "dead"! Doesn't that make sense?

Satan wants to see that "system" or "systems" ail! It's his job. It's his profession. He wants to feed the "system" to live outside of the body. He puts a lie in the heart saying, "If you believe in God, that's enough. You don't have to be part of His church. You will continue to live outside of His church as long as you believe." Have you ever thought of this? Are you living this way? Are you a "system" that's isolated from the body (church)? He puts in an "evil disease" of selfishness, pride, lust, greed, self-sufficiency, and many other "evil traits" in the "system" or the "body" and works its way from one "system" to another. Sad, huh? But it's true!!

But I have good news for you!! We're given the opportunity to repent and restore ourselves (system) to His body, the church. God is our Great Physician and He can do just about anything to mend our contrite spirit.

If you have found a church home, it is recommended that you stay attached to its body and grow from within and be strong. Eliminate what ails you and your Spirit by going to the source of the problem.

If you have disconnected yourselves from the body, don't be discouraged if you have made such a bad decision, even if it's not the first time. People make mistakes. People make bad choices. Learn from the mistakes or choices you have made. Reconnect and re-commit your life to Jesus. Tell the church you are sorry. Resolve and reconcile with those you're have issues with. Eliminate self-sufficiency. Learn to live to please God!

If you're not connected to the body or lack connection with the body, I pray that you will reconsider where you are connected to, today! God, in the New Testament, talks alot about the health of the church:

"As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing." (Ephesians 4:16b, NLT)

If you're outside of the church (like a heart), how are you helping others (hands, eyes, brain, etc.) grow? If you remain outside of His body, there's no glory given to God!

"The focus of my letter wasn't on punishing the offender but on getting you to take responsibility for the health of the church." (2 Corinthians 2:9, Msg)

"You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other." (James 3:18, Msg)

It, indeed, takes hard work to get along with each other. That's what the parts of the body do, work together to fight off parasites that attacks the body.

Give God the Lord by being a "living organism" in His church!

RAINO MANO

Here are some pictures of the Men's outing (MANO) last Saturday. We were supposed to be sitting behind right & center field at the National's RFK stadium. By the time we got to Stadium metro stop waiting for the remaining two men, they announced that the game has been rained out. They wouldn't open the gate to let anyone in. But sure enough, it kept raining cats and dog throughout the evening!!

On our return back, we decided to go to the East Market metro stop and found a thai restaurant to eat. Despite the cancellation of the game and the rain, we had a wonderful time together! The food was DELICIOUS and the service was excellent. Sorry, folks, I forgot the name of the restaurant. Because it's not a common restaurant name, they're destined to be forgotten. But I'll never forget where it is!! Enjoy the pics and have a wonderful week!















Matt Sickon and Dennis Cesone..














Darrin Forshay, Eric Tomas and Steve Williams..
















Mark Lowenstein and Lenny Granda..





















Lenny Granda, Dennis Young, Thomas Beha and Steve Williams..

Commit Like Jesus

I was reading an article on the internet and thought I'd share this with each of you. Feel free to copy them from this blog and paste it on your email page and send it away to whomever you feel need to see this. This is similar to the topic I taught and preached on a couple weeks ago in North Carolina, "Commit Like Jesus". This surely does apply to us all here at Fairfax as well as the rest of the churches of Christ in the world!! Personally, I believe we're in a "not-so-good-shape" as a church because some or most of us still haven't understood God's purposes for our lives at Fairfax. But don't get me wrong.. Not that am I saying it's wrong to have "weak churches", identifying weaknesses helps us work together to become stronger. But, if neglected, often it poses serious threat leading to a decline in spiritual and relational unity!

We know God has a purpose for us in Worship, Discipleship, Fellowship, Ministry (service) and Mission (evangelism). To some, we worship God by choice, depending on our priorities and plans.. To some, we follow other things instead of following the example of Jesus (discipleship). To some, fellowship isn't our thing. To some, we rather be served than serve others because we are selfish. To some, mission is often neglected because we haven't learned the simple art of evangelism through discipleship.

Why do churches have so many people on their membership rolls who give little or no evidence of Christian commitment or even conversion? Why do many churches find it difficult to motivate members to give, serve, pray, and share their faith?

The answer is simple: The members were allowed to join with no expectations placed on them. You get what you ask for!

The difference between attenders and members can be summed up with one word: commitment! Becoming a Christian means to commit yourself to Christ. It is the practice of, "one another", a commitment to a specific group of believers.

I like it when God, through Paul, mentions two different types of commitment in 2 Corinthians 8:5 "First they gave themselves to the Lord; and then, by God's will, they gave themselves to us as well." 2 Cor. 8:5 (gn)

Church, is defined as, koinonia, which means "fellowship" as "being as committed to each other as we are to Jesus Christ.” Jesus said that our love for each other was the be the mark of discipleship (John 13:33-34)..

I found this very interesting when the author made a quote regarding "American Christianity", "..that most believers can quote John 3:16 but they can’t quote 1 John 3:16 "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers." Many of us have departed from the New Testament Christianity and became attached to, "American Christianity"!! So what is the New Testament Christianity?

Over 50 times in the New Testament the phrase "one another” or "each other” is used. We are commanded to love each other, pray for each other, encourage each other, admonish each other, greet each other, serve each other, teach each other, accept each other, honor each other, bear each other’s burdens, forgive each other, sing to each other, submit to each other, and be devoted to each other.

All of these commands are what membership in a local body of believers is all about! These are the responsibilities of membership.

It is extremely important that, while we're together as Christians, as a church (a body of believers), we work together in unity. There should be no divisions in the church. God hates divisions. He wants to see us grow in love together. Of course, there will be some agreements and disagreements like in every marriage covenants. A husband and wife will always either agree or disagree but they're still united! And it is extremely important that we maintain a self-controlled and compassionate attitudes. Be don't be discouraged when a relationship between one Christian and another don't go well. People may leave the church no matter what you do. We shouldn't be afraid of people leaving. People even walked away from Jesus.

So if you're committed to Jesus, here are a couple of things we need to remind ourselves of:

1. I WILL PROTECT THE UNITY OF MY CHURCH
...By acting in love toward other members
...By refusing to gossip
...By following the leaders
...By not complaining

"So let us concentrate on the things which make for harmony, and on the growth of our fellowship together." Rom. 14:19 (ph)

"Have a sincere love for your fellow believers, love one another earnestly with all your hearts." 1 Peter 1:22 (tev)

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs..." Eph. 4:29

"Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be no advantage to you." Heb. 13:17

2. I WILL SHARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF MY CHURCH
...By praying for its growth
...By inviting the unchurched to attend
...By warmly welcoming those who visit

"To the church...we always thank God for you and pray for you constantly." 1 Thess. 1:2

"The Master said to the servant, 'Go out to the roads and country lanes, and urge the people there to come so my house will be full.” Luke 14:23 (ncv)

"So, warmly welcome each other into the church, just as Christ has warmly welcomed you; then God will be glorified." Rom. 15:7 (lb)

3. I WILL SERVE THE MINISTRY OF MY CHURCH
...By discovering my gifts and talents
...By being equipped to serve by my pastors
...By developing a servant's heart

"Serve one another with the particular gifts God has given each of you..." 1 Peter 4:10(Ph)

"God gave... some to be pastors and teachers to prepare God's people for works of ministry, so that the body of Christ may be built up..." Eph. 4:11-12

"Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Jesus Christ... who took on the very nature of a servant..." Phil. 2:3-4,7

4. I WILL SUPPORT THE TESTIMONY OF MY CHURCH
...By attending faithfully
...By living a godly life
...By giving regularly

"Let us not give up the habit of meeting together... but let us encourage one another." Heb. 10:25

"But whatever happens, make sure that your everyday life is worthy of the gospel of Christ." Phil. 1:27 (ph)

*most comments are in the article from the Ministry Toolbox...

Contentment

Bloggers!

I don't know what to say.. At the moment, I'm just beyond words. I just opened this blog site, entered my username and password and am just sitting here looking at the cursor blink waiting for the command at my fingertips!

It has been a whirlwind three weeks (preparation for North Carolina, North Carolina gospel meeting, preparation for Easter Sunday, my in-laws in town, and Easter Sunday!)! I am need to be at a home care facility which is long overdue. I have people wanting to meet me for lunch, dinner or at Starbucks. I am plans sitting on my desk waiting for some brainstorming. I have Christians who haven't come to church in weeks, months or even years that need prayers, TLC (tender loving care) and admonishments. I need to prepare for a new class starting tomorrow and finishing my 2 Corinthians study for Sunday. I have 11 missed calls (at work) on my videophone since being out of the office last Thursday. I need to write up a couple of "personal thank you's" to send to our visitors. But, overall, I'm relieved that the gospel meeting and Easter Sunday has passed. Now, looking forward to this year's intern, Brian Baell, whom will be with us this summer from May 28th through July 16th. He'll be a great help to get me back on track before the gospel meeting in Alaska and another busy Fall season.

Sunday's Easter services and fellowship luncheon was wonderful!!! We had 60 in worship attendance. More people came for the fellowship luncheon totalling almost 68 people in attendance! We had a handful of visitors which is normal especially on holidays like Christmas. It was great to see them all and they will always be in our prayers. Thanks for everyone who brought in the main dishes!!! We had plenty of food and lots of joyful worshippers whom had their fill, both spiritually and physically! Thank You, Lord!!

I watched the news this morning while ironing my shirt. They were talking about the skyrocketing gas prices in America!! There's no relief in sight! Analysts says that it will get worse! Wow!! This certainly does hurt our wallets and, of course, our plans to be on the road. Yet, we ought to rejoice in the Lord regardless of any circumstances. Let's look at the Word of God where Paul wrote to the church in Philippi,

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:11-13 (niv)

Did you know that Paul's (formerly Saul) great teacher was Gamaliel. Gamaliel taught Paul everything about Judaism. But Christ taught Paul how to learn to be content regardless of any circumstances. If you haven't done so, look at Paul's "Resume of Suffering" filled with series of negatives that he learned to be content with in 2 Corinthians 11:21-33.. He's an awesome example to us all so be thankful for the life you have and always be content, regardless!

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Cor. 12:9 (niv)

Have you learned how to be content in life? If not, go to Christ and learn it!

Ten Commandments

Don't forgot to tune to ABC tonight for the first of the two parts of "The Ten Commandments"! Also, while you're watching this movie tonight and tomorrow, be sure to read before, during and after the showing: Exodus 1 - 14; 19-20; 24:12-18; 31:12-18; 32; 33:12-34.

PLAGUES:
1. Water becomes blood.
2. The Frogs
3. The Lice.
4. The Flies.
5. Diseased farm animals.
6. The Boils.
7. The Hail.
8. The Locusts.
9. Darkness.
10. Death of the Firstborn


The parting of the Red Sea!! Man! Awesome picture.. It brings chill to my spine! I can almost feel the spray of the sea that was affected by the blast of His nostrils!




TEN COMMANDMENTS
1. I Am The Lord Your God.
2. You Shall Have No Other gods Before Me.
3. You Shall Not Swear Falsely By The Name of The Lord.
4. Remember The Sabbath Day And Keep It Holy.
5. Honor Your Father And Mother.
6. You Shall Not Murder.
7. You Shall Not Commit Adultery.
8. You Shall Not Steal.
9. You Shall Not Bear False Witness Against Your Neighbor.
10. You Shall Not Covet Your Neighbor's House.

Empty!

"And he said to them, "Do not be amazed; you are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He has risen; He is not here; behold, here is the place where they laid Him." Mark 16:6 (niv)

God-pleasing Repentance

Yesterday's worship in Greensboro, North Carolina at Friendly Ave. church was wonderful! The theme of the gospel meeting was, "Committed To Jesus". On Saturday, I talked about our hearts (the Lord looks at our hearts) and heads (what's the purpose, picture the future and vision). Then yesterday, I talked about hands (what gift from God do you have and what are you doing with it) and habits (Are you serving our living God?). Everyone really gained insights from this lessons and four came forward to repent from their sins and Joe Kaplan, deaf minister with the Friendly Ave congregation asked for our prayers as well. Not only Joe, but in my heart, this four "H" helped me a whole lot. I stand before God in need of His forgiveness as I repent from my many sins as well!! I pray that the rest of those in worship had their hearts stirred as well!!

The deaf congregants at Friendly Ave. are one of the most humble church I have ever seen. They are extremely zealous for God. And the fellowship luncheon was awesome. There were tons of food there (casseroles, side dishes, chicken, desserts) and everyone had plenty to eat!

"..and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." Luke 24:47 (niv)

• All men every where must be called and commanded to repent, Acts 17:30.
• The great gospel privilege of the remission of sins must be proposed to all, and assured to all that repent, and believe the gospel.

I love a repentant heart!! So what of those who continue on through life...

"But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed." Romans 2:5 (niv)

Pray for those four precious souls who came forward yesterday!! And I pray that you will come to the Lord with a renewed sense of purpose, the purpose of pleasing God!!

Vomit!

Sorry, bloggers!! I must have this title!! VOMIT! WARNING: If you're the person with an uneasy stomach, this is not for you.. : )

Of course, I don't mean that we (Christians) shouldn't cease to expose ourselves with non-Christians (unbelievers, uncommitted). Jesus went to the place of sinners because that's the place where they need Jesus the most. However, we shouldn't accept everything our worldly friends do or we'll be influenced by their worldly behavior!

I found this chart and thought, "Oh man!! How true that some of us "former faithful" fall into the trap of the world!"

"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?" 2 Corinthians 6:14 (niv)

"..and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:27 (niv)

Here's one last strong Scripture that you may not have read before. This is a big OUCH! It's a warning for those who is remaining faithful to God but a rebuke to those who have become unfaithful, even on the brink of unfaithfulness:

"It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them." 2 Peter 2:21 (niv)

In other words, they know better.. But they chose. They have decided. They changed their minds.

"If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning." 2 Peter 2:20 (niv)

It is like saying, "Sorry, God.. There's a competition here.. The world made a better offer. The world is better than you! Yes, I left it for Christ but realized Christ isn't giving me anything more than the world so I have decided to turn my back on you and return back to the world. Hope you'll understand. Well, I am sure you will. Just, you know, get over with it. I still love you but..."

Now, you get the picture... Here's a gross one:

"Of them the proverbs are true: "A dog returns to its vomit," and, "A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud." 2 Peter 2:22 (niv)

If you're leaving God for the world (selfishness, pride, lust, arrogance, denial, hypocrisy, anger, blame, luxury, pleasure, and endless more...), then you're licking your own vomit! That's how God looks at you this way. By the time Christ comes and you're unrepentant, the vomit is still visible around your mouth!! Talk about a big embarrassment, you'll even wish you hadn't made such a foolish decision.

Think about this, even when you vomit in the toilet.. Let that be a reminder!!

Da Vinci Code

There are people talking about the next month's movie called, "The Da Vinci Code". This is the movie I'm actually looking forward to in terms of evangelistic opportunity. The reason is that, although, it directly will raise the issues about the church, the resurrection, the origin of the Bible and origins of Christianity that will make us very uncomfortable (and are false) - the good part is people will see this film by the millions and questions will be directly asked about what Christians believe.

Questions like whether the things discussed/shown in the movie was true and was a lie? etc. I think there will be great opportunity if the church is ready to respond to these questions.

Perhaps, we ought to head over to Barnes & Nobles bookstore, or your local Christian bookstore or even get online with Amazon.com and order this book. Though, I do not own one, yet, I have heard that this book helps us understand why "The Da Vinci Code" was written and the contridictions he poses. I have been thinking of doing a class on this topic since the movie will be coming out next month. But I haven't decided on this just yet. Check out Darrell L. Bock's book, "Breaking The Da Vinci Code" and prepare yourselves to effectively answer some puzzling questions. Consider this a wonderful evangelistic opportunity!!

Feel free to share me your thoughts on this as well as whether or not we have a class helping us learn why there's such a book/movie on "The Da Vinci Code" and what we can do to better explain to those whom may be confused about it.

"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,.." 1 Peter 3:15 (niv)

Do You Love Me?

To commit like Jesus, you must love Jesus....

If you don't really love Jesus, then you will not truly love the people around you. Nothing but the love of Christ will compel you to go cheerfully through the difficulties and discouragements you experience as a committed Christian. Christ's kind of love will make your work easier, and it will encourage those you lead to serve wholeheartedly.

Everything that you attempt in trying to commit like Jesus hangs in the balance of your response to the question that Jesus asked Peter, "Do you love Me?" Your answer should not be given lightly because Jesus will take it seriously and He knows your heart! Your answer will reveal your true motivations for all you have done. Like Peter, all of us have given Jesus good reason to doubt our sincerity. We all fall short - sometimes in soul-shaming ways, that we can hardly admit to ourselves, let alone to the One we have failed.

Do you love God enough to love His lost sheep? Jesus had the right to suspect Peter's love after his denial at His trial. Jesus always has the right to ask the question, "Do you love Me?" He didn't ask Peter if he fear Him, respected Him, admired Him; instead, He asked, "Do you love Me?"

Jesus wants to see the evidence that you love Him. Jesus said, "Inasmuch as you have done it to one of the least of these, you have done it unto Me." Matthew 25:40 (kjv).

Jesus says that how you treat other people is how you treat Him. Simple as that.

So, how much do you love Jesus?

Faith On Sand?

I got an email from a brother in Christ of mine.. It's a C.S. Lewis quote. I replied to him and a few others and felt that this must be blogged. A perfect quote for those putting their faith on people more than God.

"Never, never pin your whole faith on any human being:..."

This is a clear point by C.S. Lewis telling us not to put our faith in anyone on earth but God, His Son, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Even, if he/she is the wisest in the whole world, we still must pin our faith on God only..

"There are lots of nice things you can do with sand; but do not try building a house on it."

I love building sand castles on beaches, especially in Duck, N.C.. It’s nice to create a city made out of sand. There are other things you can do with sand, too.. But, to build a house on sand is extremely dangerous. Read Matthew 7:26-27. Don't trust the sand will hold your home up!!

In the same way, you don't trust a man to keep your faith up. Man (people) are like sand. They can easily destroy you at any time: with words, with bluntness, placing stumbling block, with their views, with their attitudes.. If you look to me (as a minister), you know that I will never give you any pleasure (except for the pleasure of sharing God's Word) because I only please God. I may lead you into failure for the things I may do to you (not incidentally) for I am imperfect like you. We cannot expect eternal satisfaction from anyone in this world because they are likely to bring you into disappointment.

"If anyone destroy's God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple." 1 Corinthians 3:17 (niv)

They can destroy what God had built in you. You trust only God for your faith & faith-building! So, people, be careful in what you do to others, especially those who continue to have faith and love with God!!