Sister in Christ

We had a blast last Sunday!! We had a wonderful fellowship celebrating Mother's Day and Dorothy's 50th birthday party!!

Dorothy was very nervous about this party but she did very well. We're proud of her and she was full of J-O-Y throughout the day!! :)

I want to share something about Dorothy. I have known her my entire time with the church at Fairfax. She "IS" a joy to be around with. And everyone enjoys being around her. She loves the deaf and she loves using ASL (American Sign Language). Dorothy has been ever faithful to the deaf worship services. I don't recall her ever missing one, and if I remember right, even after she had surgery that one week and managed to show up that Sunday! She's an AWESOME example to me!! Despite many obstacles she faced throughout the 50 years of her life, her faith with God stands! Here are a couple more pictures to enjoy:

Jenifer McKenney holds an amazing picture given to Dorothy by Jenifer, Neil and Kathy Flavin. I could see in Dorothy's eyes that she was flabbergasted!! It was really exciting to see Dorothy lifted up high with extreme elation!



I love to see her smile! It was fun bringing joy to a person's heart! Thank You, God, for the laughter we share!!

And we got to eat a piece of cake!!

Thank you for all those who come to celebrate her birthday and to praise all the mothers in the world as well as the women who mothers God's children in His church!!

God bless you all!!

Ba Humbug Vinci

Long since the commotion started about the upcoming movie, "Da Vinci Code", I learned that it was Ron Howard that directed it! And, yes, it came to a shock to me! I have always loved how Ron directed many great movies in the past: Cinderella Man, Beautiful Mind, Apollo 13, Backdraft, Cocoon and Splash.. Until this one (Da Vinci Code), brings a sour taste to my mouth. I don't know if he realize he's doing more damage than good out of this movie.

But....

I am looking way back in the old, old days, back to where Adam and Eve lived in the sought-after, "Garden of Eden".. God said for them NOT to touch the fruit from the knowledge of good and evil! God had left with them a choice to choose from whether or not to leave the tree alone. You know the rest of the story and they are the reason for Jesus!

Throughout the history of the world, we're given a choice whether we follow and obey God or follow the ways of man. This has been going on for hundreds to thousands of years! Really, it's nothing new, as what Solomon always say, "under the sun"!!

I want to bring your attention to the book of Acts. Let's move forward to chapter 17 where Paul engaged the philosophers in Athens – even quoting their own writings to them in order to make his points. Instead of picketing Mars Hill, he interacted with the culture. Taking advantage of the prevailing spiritual curiosity, he pointed people toward the real Jesus. And churches can do the same with The Da Vinci Code. I am starting to read the book (yes, I am a couple months late on this). Also, I learned a few things about how this book made a greater impact on the people in the world. Elsewhere, the church attendance jumped to betwen 100 and 500 more people than their normal weekly attendance.

To close this "Oh Ba Humbug Vinci" blog, I love this verse:

"It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does that matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice." Philippians 1:15-18 (niv)

Can you imagine how much the author, Dan Brown, is earning from this? 40+ million copies sold and a movie rights plus royalties for sharing a lie??

"..that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved - and that by God." Philippians 1:27-28 (niv)

We've got the "TRUTH" on our side! So, Ba humbug Da Vinci!

Make Me A Servant

I love this "Servant Song":

"Lord, make me a servant,
Lord, make me like You;
For you are a servant,
Make me one, too.

Lord, make me a servant,
Do what You must do,
To make me a servant;
Make me like You."

Are you a servant? If you say that you are, then tell me what you have done, are doing & have plans that needs to be done? I love this verse, "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:" Philippians 2:5 (niv) Really, this verse is talking about "change". Being a servant of Christ, it requires a mental shift & a change in your attitudes. What is interesting is that God is much more interested in "WHY" we do something rather than in what we do.

Some of us may tell God, "Well, I attend worship every Sunday to praise you! That shows that I am "serving" you!" That's true! But that's not the "ONLY" mark of a servant. Proverbs 14:12 tells us that, "It seems right to a man but in the end it leads to death!" I love to worship God on Sundays. But worship is only a place where we "prepare ourselves to serve the people around us." We ask God to help us surrender our lives, our time, our energies for the people who need us.

I want to flip the pages forward to James 2:14-17: "What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." (niv)

Serving God involves a whole lot more than just simply worshipping Him on Sundays. You know your own heart. Let's help each other work toward being true servants of our Lord Jesus Christ! Here are a couple of attitudes we'll need to work on:

REAL SERVANTS FORGETS SELF!

This type of servant are "others-centered" NOT "self-centered"! Remember, Christians lost their lives for the sake of Christ. Forgetting self is very rare in the world today! People have been taught and driven to compete against other for power and position. They possess a "me-centered-mentality"! Consider Jesus, for example, "..but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness." Philippians 2:7 (niv) Being a servant of Christ means being "nothing yourselves". It means that we stop focusing on our "own needs" and start focusing on the needs of others for the pleasure of God!

Unfortunately, a lot of our service is often self-serving. We serve to get others to like us, to be admired, or to achieve our own goals. That is manipulation, not ministry. All the time we’re really thinking about ourselves and how noble and wonderful we are. Some people try to use service as a bargaining tool with God: "I’ll do this for you God, if you’ll do something for me." Real servants don’t try to use God for their purposes. They let God use them for His purposes.

REAL SERVANTS THINK ABOUT OF THEIR OWN RESPONSIBILITIES, NOT WHAT OTHER SERVANTS ARE DOING

They don’t compare, criticize, or compete with other servants or ministries. They’re too busy doing the work God has given them.

Competition between God’s servants is illogical for many reasons: we’re all on the same team, our goal is to make God look good, not ourselves, we’ve been given different assignments, and we’re all uniquely shaped. Paul said, We will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original.

There’s no place for mere jealousy between servants. When you’re busy serving, you don’t have time to be critical. Any time spent criticizing others is time that could have been spent ministering. When Martha complained to Jesus that Mary was not helping with the work, she lost her servant’s heart. Real servants don’t complain of unfairness, don’t have pity-parties, and don’t resent those not serving. They just trust God and keep serving.

REAL SERVANTS BASE THEIR IDENTITY IN CHRIST

If you’re going to be a servant you must settle your identity in Christ. Only secure people can serve. The more insecure you are, the more you’ll want people to serve you, the more you’ll need their approval, and the more you'll be in for series of major disappointments. On the other hand, when you base your worth and identity on your relationship to Christ, you are freed from the expectation of others. You are freed to serve.

Servants don’t need to cover their walls with plaques and awards to validate their work. They don’t insist on being addressed by titles and they don’t wrap themselves in robes of superiority. Servants find status symbols unnecessary and they never measure their worth by their achievements. Paul said, "You may brag about yourself, but the only approval that counts is the Lord's approval."

REAL SERVANTS THINK OF MINISTRY AS AN OPPORTUNITY, NOT AN OBLIGATION

If you're only interested in being called "A CHRISTIAN" but not serve, God wouldn't quite understand what you're trying to do. You'll be confusing a whole lot of people around you if you live this way! I have encountered a lot of people living this way and they still do. Even though, I give them my admonishment, they shrug their shoulders and walk away.

A servant who think of ministry as an opportunity enjoy helping people, meeting needs, and doing ministry. They "serve the Lord with gladness." Why do we serve with gladness? Because we love the Lord, we’re grateful for his grace, we know serving is the highest use of life, and God has promised a reward.

What is the mark of a true servant of our Lord Jesus Christ? Humility! I pray that each of you, Christians, are a "marked person": consistent in your faith and love for God and others, enduring the obstacles and considering each one an opportunity, not a danger, living the righteousness of God, and affection for others (not a cold heart; but a warm one)!

Lord, make me a servant!

Mom

I remembered my mom combing my hair with her hand while I sat on her lap exhausted. Oh, I was about 9 years old and she was talking with some friends in the living room. As I laid my head on her bosom, I could "feel" her tender voice. I felt so peaceful with her that day! It was comforting. My mom still comforts me everyday with her thoughts and prayers for me and my family. My mom is one of the best people in the whole world!! I love my mom and wanted to wish my mom and all the moms in the world the best this Sunday!!

Here's a poem for you MOMS!!

I love you, and I miss you More!
I can feel You, But I can't see you.
I hear you in my mind.
I dream of you nightly,It's so real I don't want to awaken.
I see you in my children, your eyes, those cheeks.
I remember when we said we'll never part cause we dreamed the same dreams.
Spiritual experiences that you and I only know of.
I feel as if I'm crazy at times for I long to be with you.
One day Mom I will be there with you, Until then I am waiting to be with you, as you waited for me for nine months.
You loved me before you had me, And I love you for having me, with everything you went through for me to be.
Thank you for wanting to be my MOTHER…Remember you said we'll always be together always and forever…

Happy Mother's Day!!!

I Surrender

As Rick Warren quoted in the Purpose Driven Life book, "The heart of worship is surrender!"

"Give yourselves to God... surrender your wholebeing to him to be used for righteous purposes." Rom. 6:13 (TEV)

We really don't have a choice, you know.. Let me explain.

The last thing you would want to do against your foes is Surrender. It does implies losing, and I wouldn't want to be classified as a "loser". It is often unpleasant. The word, surrender, gives a negative context..

We live in a competitive world today! It has been this way for thousands of years! Competing against one another for a person, position, and power! We simply do not want to give in, not even once! Even Christians rather talk about winning, succeeding, overcoming, conquering, yielding, obeying and surrendering. But surrendering to God is the heart of worship!

True worship gives God the pleasure! That happens when you bring God all of YOU! It's a complete sacrifice, a dead-to-self sacrifice, a yielding-to-God sacrifice. It's all about God, not you. It's all about Him, not us. It's all about God and His Son and the Holy Spirit.

The act of surrender is recognized in a couple of things (many can be noted):

• Consecration
• Making Jesus Lord.
• Burial of your old life in baptism
• Taking up your cross.
• Dying to self.
• Yielding to the Spirit

What matters is that you do it, not what you call it. I have met hundreds, probably thousands of "Christians" who claims that they are "Christians" but do not show it. They claim that they "Know God" but they don't read and know the Word of God. They claim that they are "Servants of the Lord" but they don't serve. They claim that they are "Faithful Worshippers" but they don't attend worship (or live an irregular worship). Such Christians are "benchwarmers, sideliners", "lip-service worshippers", "Holiday Christians", "Logs In Their Eye", "Lukewarmers" and a whole bunch of names God has classified in His Word!

Now, God wants your life. All of it, really! 95% is not enough, not even 99.9.

No, no... I'm not saying we're to be "EXTREMELY PERFECT"! There's no way you will be. But that doesn't mean you're excuse from your lack of faith. Have you ever heard of "iron sharpens iron"? How about being "rooted in Him"? Or which soil are you in, "hard", "rocky", "weed infested" or "a good soil"? If you have surrendered your life in a hard soil, or rocky places or areas where they are likely to choke the Seed (Word of God) out of you, you'll likely gonna run into serious problems and apostate yourselves from the faith. You dropped the "white flag" and returned back to where you stood before (world).

Is it possible to lose your salvation? Let me ask you this question again, "IS IT POSSIBLE TO LOSE YOUR SALVATION?" Sure!! And, yes, I have heard people say that once they're sealed with a "deposit guaranteeing eternal life", then it's permanent! Hmm. So, it really doesn't matter what you do, even if you keep on sinning, you'll still have eternal life? Check this verse out:

"Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation - but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God." Romans 8:12-14 (niv)

See the "red part"?? "IF" you live according to the "sinful nature" means you stopped surrendering and you have left your walk with God, left the faith you had with Him, merged into a different path, not the pathway to Heaven. You have gone on the "WIDE HIGHWAY" while a faithful few continues on the "NARROW WAY" (Mt. 7:13-14)

What about the story Jesus told His Disciples about the "Vine and the Branches" in John 15? What happens if you have decided to stop "surrendering to Jesus"? "Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me." John 15:4 (niv) Let's continue on through several verses, "If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers: such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned." John 15:6 (niv)

See the "red part" again? "..thrown away and withers.."! Crystal clear, huh? It's the "very words of our Lord Jesus Christ." Never mind what others say.. They'll do just about anything to "water down the Scripture" into something that their "itching ears want to hear! (2 Tim. 4:3)"

If you have a "plan" in mind, it may not be the "plan God had already planned". Then where's the plan God planned? It's all in the Scriptures. Read closely to every Word He says and listen to Him. He's more interested in what goes on in the heart than what you do before us and God. As Joshua approached the biggest battle of his life, he encountered God, fell in worship before him, and surrendered his plans. That surrender led to a stunning victory at Jericho. Surrender doesn’t weaken you, it strengthens you.

Now, remember at the beginning of this blog, I said that we really don't have a choice. Why? Surrender is not the "best way to live" but it is the "ONLY WAY TO LIVE"! Be surrendered to God, you don’t have to fear or surrender to anything else.

"If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you." John 15:7 (niv)

Emotional Day!

I'm at loss for words! Today was an awesome day and an emotional one!! For those of you who weren't able to be with us this morning in worship, you missed one of the most emotional baptism ever!

Dr. Allen Sussman buried his old life in the Lord in baptism this morning! He's had a long and hard journey! That's why I am at loss for words tonight! I'm just elated! I'm overflowed with a simply big J-O-Y!! I believe it is better to be silent and know that the Lord is God! I must tell you that God is really awesome and can ever fathom all of His ways!

Sussman was raised in a strong Jewish family. And, over the years, he changed and became an athiest. He strongly felt that there was no God. Then along came his soulmate, best friend and wife, Barbara whom have shown the light of Christ in Allen's heart! If it wasn't for Barbara, he wouldn't be with Jesus! Allen's friends came all the way from Delaware to witness his baptism. They told me a few stories about Allen and how he was so strong in his beliefs that there's no God and that he will never change. He was determined! Until, Barbara, whom softened his heart to see the love of our Lord. After Barbara lost her battle against cancer, she has told Allen to move on with the Lord, without her. At this point, I am just at loss for words. After Barbara's departure from this world, Allen's few faithful friends came to him, motivated him, and led him to Fairfax.

I have grown to love Allen so much. He's a man of many characters. He has vast experiences that I have learned so much from him. Truly, God had a plan!! It was all God's doing, through bad times as well as good. And I thank God for many of us who have help Allen see God in a clear way: Nancy Rarus, Kenny Hynes, Chuck and Norma Buemi, Bill and Glenda Ennis and those at Fairfax who have Show Jesus to Allen! May God bless him as he continue on his journey with God!!

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" 2 Corinthians 5:17 (niv)

Here are some pictures of Allen's baptism:












Prior to Allen's baptism, Delaware's own, Bill Ennis, beautifully sang, "The Eye On The Sparrow". It touched Allen's heart in a ways we cannot fathom! Thanks, Bill!!




























This was the time when Allen was emotionally overjoyed having arrived to the time of his life-giving sacrifice to God. I sense the Holy Spirit's presence during this time! There were no dry eyes among the witnesses!













Asking God for His hand on Allen as he begins eternity with God!














Immersed in the name of the Father, His Son, Jesus and the Holy Spirit for the forgiveness of sins (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:36-38; Acts 22:16)!!



























Allen all smiles as he is now a NEW CREATION in Christ Jesus!













The family at Fairfax gathers around Allen welcoming him to His body, the church!!

Here's my favorite verse that every faithful Christian ought to take heart (Ephesians 3:14:21):

"For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."

God bless you, Allen! <><

In A Rut?

I've been studying the book of Ecclesiastes for a couple of weeks now. Though, I taught this class several years ago, I have been learning a whole lot more! It amazes me that I have overlooked a couple of things regarding Solomon's struggles finding the purpose of life.

All of us will always have days that we feel like we're in a rut! Especially in His church, there are days where I have the "spiritual blues"! I just hate it but it's something that we will never avoid! And this doesn't give us an excuse not to do the Lord's will!

"If you wait for perfect conditions, you'll never get anything done." (Ecclesiastes 11:4, LB)

It's easy to get stuck in a rut in ministry – same place – same thing – same responsibility - same message - almost the same people - same problems.

But settling into a rut is dangerous. Someone used to say, "Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there!"

What does it take to get you moving? There are three common motivators:

PAIN: Often it's not "seeing the light" that gets us going, but "feeling the heat.” You delay the dentist appointment until the pain is unbearable. Have you been there before? Ouch!

PRESSURE: When the doctor says "Lose 50 pounds or die," or the boss says "Improve performance or be fired," that pressure will motivate you to make a change. The problem with pressure as a motivator is that it doesn't last. And people who resist the pressure from their peers or families often becomes stuck in a rut! They become frustrated! So when the pressure subsides, so does your motivation. There is a better motivator.

PERSPECTIVE: When you see the big picture, or when you're inspired by a challenging vision or purpose, you've found the best motivator of all – perspective. But when you lack perspective of things that may be both good and bad, you realize that you’re wasting your potential.

In Ecclesiastes, "If you wait for perfect conditions, you'll never get anything done." (Ecclesiastes 11:4, LB)

WANT TO GET OUT OF THE RUT?

Here are four things that may help you "ROT THE RUT"!

1. ASSUME responsibility for your own life. Refuse to be either an excuser (rationalize failure) or an accuser (blame others). Instead, be a chooser, and choose to break out of the rut you're in or accept the rut when you cannot give an excuse or accuse others.

2. BELIEVE you can change! Stop saying "I can't", "What do you expect me to do?", "Is it my fault that I am in this rut?" and start saying "I can."

3. CLARIFY what you really want. Write down specifically how you'd like to change. Avoid the "I can't" self-pity. You, very well, ought to know that Satan want you to feel sorry for yourself and lure others to give attention to you.

4. DON'T WAIT for ideal circumstances; i.e. Ecc. 11:4. Stop saying "When things settle down ....” Do it now! "One of these days" is really none of these days.

AND SAY A LITTLE PRAYER LIKE THIS: "God, help me to do something differently this week and to do it better. Give me your strength to change."

After you have said a prayer, it doesn't mean that your "rutness" will go away immediately. Remember the #1, assume responsibility for your own life! Start there and gradually work your way down through #4. If nothing happens, then go back to #1 without an excuse, giving accusations and making the right choice!

In The Mail

I am sorry that I couldn't hold back my laughter. Really!! I received, this morning, a packet from a person (name withheld) a book refuting "baptism for the forgiveness of sins". When I saw the title of the book, I knew immediately that they have an endless issue with what the churches of Christ (and other churches that strongly believe baptism is essential for the forgiveness of sins) believe in how a person can be saved. This isn't the only book that's an "anti-baptism-for-the-forgiveness-of-sins" book. There are hundreds of them on the market. There are also hundreds of books supporting the views of baptism that is for the forgiveness of sins.

After reading this book, I wasn't impress with the author's argument against baptism. He didn't convince me at all because I only listen to what God says in the Bible, not man. I have heard the same argument before. Nothing is ever new about their refutation against baptism (that is for the forgiveness of sins). Even though, there are great books explaining in a "human viewpoint" why baptism is essential (for the forgiveness of sins), I still use the Bible as the ONLY AUTHORITATIVE SOURCE to explain its validity!!

"For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." 2 Timothy 4:3-4 (niv)

How true this is today that we have men and women in the world that brings in their argument in a "human viewpoint". Though, they will refer their point from a book written by an human author, I give my point that is inspired by God! We read the same Word of God but they don't see it the way we do because the Word has been "watered down", before the eyes of their heart, by the traditions and views of man! How dangerous can this be!! If you're watching televangelist on tv, they may say things that you might want to see (hear). It may sound too good to be true but it's nothing but deceptive and hollow.

"See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ." Colossians 2:8 (niv)

Like, in the past, the Pharisees challenged the very words of Jesus, we have men and women in the world today challenging the very Word of God! Pharisees holds on to traditions and the principles of men.

If they truly believe baptism isn't essential for the forgiveness of sins, so be it! I know they do their very best to help us open our eyes but they may not realize that our eyes are already opened and they are blind to the real truth.

I hope, next time, this person that sent me this book will not only use any man-made books to prove his point but the Word of God!! If you read it from the Word of God, as is, it's clear enough to believe what God has commanded in the Bible is, as is!!

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)