This is the second part of "God's Timeline" helping us go back to the Bible basics. There are alot of things in the Old Testament and so much we can learn from. I want to emphasize some of the things that are "of faith" and some that are not.
THE LAW AND THE PROMISE
"Brothers, let me take an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or add to a human covenant that has been duly established, so it is in this case. The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say "and to the seeds," meaning many people, but "and to your seed," meaning one person, who is Christ. What I mean is this: The law, introduced 430 years later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God and thus do away with the promise." Galatians 3:15-18
"What, then, was the purpose of the law? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come. The law was put into effect through angels by a mediator. A mediator, however, does not represent just one party, but God is one." Galatians 3:19-20 (read the rest yourself)
If you notice, "..until the Seed.." is referring to Jesus. This was the whole purpose of God since the beginning when God "promised" Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:15 (crush his head).
"Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law." Galatians 3:23-25
The Law & Faith:
We'll talk about when the law ceased and the justification of faith started. You might not know this but we need to know who was "..under the law.." and "..who was not..":
From Genesis 1:1 to Exodus 19, people were not under the "Law" but under the grace of God. Abraham was never under the Law. Neither was Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Judah and others, even Jesus lived during the Old Covenant. "Consider Abraham: "He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." Galatians 3:6
God didn't have a commandment for Abraham to be "baptized" at that time. God didn't have a commandment for Abraham to "..observe the Law..". The Law wasn't given until the time of Moses after the exodus "exit" from Egypt until the death of Jesus!
Now, from Exodus 19 through the death, burial and resurrection of Christ, Israel was under the "..curse of the Law..". Not that the Law was bad, it was that people couldn't keep the Law. They became disobedient to the Law. "Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law." Galatians 3:10 "For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it." James 2:10
"You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ." Galatians 3:26-27
FAITH IS?
"But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our message?" Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. But I ask: Did they not hear? Of course they did: "Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world."" Romans 10:16-18
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1
EXAMPLES OF DISOBEDIENCE
"The names of the sons of Aaron were Nadab the firstborn and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. Those were the names of Aaron's sons, the anointed priests, who were ordained to serve as priests. Nadab and Abihu, however, fell dead before the Lord when they made an offering with unauthorized fire before him in the Desert of Sinai." Numbers 3:2-4
"The Lord your God commands you this day to follow these decrees and laws; carefully observe them with all your heart and with all your soul. You have declared this day that the Lord is your God and that you will walk in his ways, that you will keep his decrees, commands and laws, and that you will obey him." Deut. 26:16-17
"This is what the Lord Almighty says: "I will punish the Amalekites for what they did to Israel when they waylaid them as they came up from Egypt. Now go, attack the Amalekites and totally destroy them. Do not spare them; put to death men and women, children and infants, cattle and sheep, camels and donkeys... ...Then Saul attacked the Amalekites all the way from Havilah to Shur, to the east of Egypt. He took Agag king of the Amalekites alive.. ..Saul and the army spared Agag and the best of the sheep and cattle.. ..Then the word of the Lord came to Samuel: 'I am grieved that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instruction.'.. ..Why did you not obey the Lord? Why did you pounce on the plunder and do evil in the eyes of the Lord?'.. ..'But I did obey the Lord,' Saul said... ..But Samuel replied, "Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.'" 1 Samuel 15:2-3, 7-8, 9, 10-11, 19, 20, 22.
"Take the staff, and you and your brother Aaron gather the assembly together. Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water. You will bring water out of the rock for the community so they and their livestock can drink. So Moses took the staff from the Lord's presence, just as he commanded him. He and Aaron gathered the assembly together in front of the rock and Moses said to them, "Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?" Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank. But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them." Numbers 20:8-12
BLESSINGS AND CURSINGS
"If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God." Deut. 28:1-2
"However, if you do not obey the Lord your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come upon you and overtake you:.. ..The Lord will send on you curses, confusion and rebuke in everything you put your hand to, until you are destroyed and come to sudden ruin because of the evil you have done in forsaking him." Deut. 28:15, 20
OLD COVENANT & NEW COVENANT
"When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him." Exodus 34:29-30
"Tell me, you who want to be under the law, are you not aware of what the law says? For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman. His son by the slave woman (Hagar/Ishmael) was born in the ordinary way; but his son by the free woman (Sarah/Isaac) was born as the result of a promise (through Abraham). These things may be taken figuratively, for the women represent two covenants. One covenant is from Mount Sinai (Law) and bears children who are to be slaves: This is Hagar. Now Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present city of Jerusalem, because she is in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem that is above is free, and she is our mother." Galatians 4:21-26 (parenthesis mine)
"'The time is coming,' declares the Lord, 'when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,' declares the Lord. 'This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time,' declares the Lord. 'I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will a man teach his neighbor or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,' declares the Lord. 'For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.'" Jeremiah 31:31-34
"We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at it while the radiance was fading away. But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away." 2 Cor. 3:13-14
"In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away." Hebrews 8:13 (kjv)
THE PROPHETS & FALSE TEACHERS
"From the time your forefathers left Egypt until now, day after day, again and again I sent you my servants the prophets. But they did not listen to me or pay attention. They were stiffnecked and did more evil than their forefathers." Jeremiah 7:25-26
"But I said, 'Ah, Sovereign Lord, the prophets keep telling them, "You will not see the sword or suffer famine. Indeed, I will give you lasting peace in this place."" Then the Lord said to me, "The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them. They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, idolatries and the delusions of their own minds."" Jeremiah 14:13-14
"But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them - bringing swift destruction on themselves." 2 Peter 2:1
"The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet (possibly Jesus) like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him." Deut. 18:15 (parenthesis mine)
"If anyone does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name, I myself will call him to account." Deut. 18:19
"But a prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I have not commanded him to say, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, must be put to death."" Deut. 18:20
FAITH IN ACTION:
"Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions where working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend." James 2:21-23
God gave Abraham a "command": "Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, "Abraham!" "Here I am," he replied. Then God said, "Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about." Genesis 22:1-2
If Abraham did NOT do what God commanded him to do, Abraham wouldn't be reckoned as a "righteous man"; "a man of faith"! But Abraham did exactly what God told him to do. "You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone." James 2:24
..to be continued; more to come..
Monday, June 12, 2006
God's Timeline (Part One)
Bloggers,
I'm going to take you on a journey back to the Bible basics! :) This is a long read!! Some of us, through the years, may be deluded by various teachings and interpretations. We throw out some important facts and bring in new facts that suits what we may be looking for. We learn almost new things through the study of His Word. Never a dull moment, huh? And, of course, the new teachings may bring conflict to what you had long believed in. For the next several days, I am going to show you the Scriptures and allow you to see the works and providences of God (in summary).
CREATION
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Ge. 1:1
1. First Day: called "light", day and "darkness" night.
2. Second Day: expanse between the waters to separate water from water which is called "sky".
3. Third Day: dry ground called "land", waters called "seas", seed-bearing plants, trees, fruits.
4. Fourth Day: separate day from the night, seasons, days, years, stars to give light.
5. Fifth Day: living creatures, birds in the air, creatures in the seas.
6. Sixth Day: living creatures, livestock, creatures that moves along the ground, wild animals, man.
7. Seventh Day: God rested.
ADAM & EVE
"..the Lord formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being." Ge. 2:7
"In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil." Ge. 2:9
Restrictions:
"..the Lord God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die." Ge. 2:16-17
Eve:
"But for Adam no suitable helper was found. So the Lord God caused the man to fall into deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and closed up the place with flesh. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man." Ge. 2:20-22
THE FALL:
"Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?" The woman said to the serpent, "We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.'" Ge. 3:1-3
Deception:
"You will not surely die," the serpent said to the woman. "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." Ge. 3:4-5
Disobedience:
"When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked;.." Ge. 3:6-7
"..so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves." Ge. 3:7
"Although you wash yourself with soda and use an abundance of soap, the stain of your guilt is still before me." Jeremiah 2:22
Prophecy:
"And I will put enmity between you (Satan) and the woman (Eve), and between your offspring (Satan's) and hers (Eve's); he (Jesus) will crush your head (Satan), and you (Satan) will strike his (Jesus) heel." Ge. 3:15 (parenthesis mine)
THE PROMISE:
"I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." Ge. 12:2-3
"Abram believed the Lord and he credited it to him as righteousness."
"When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, "I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless. I will confirm my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers." Ge. 17:1
"As for you, you must keep my covenant, you and your descendants after you for generations to come. This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep: Every male among you shall be circumcised... (read the rest yourself) Any uncircumcised male, who has not been circumcised in the flesh, will be cut off from his people; he has broken my covenant." Ge. 17:9-10, 14
"Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised, and his son Ishmael was thirteen;.." Ge. 17:24-25
Then after Abraham came Isaac (Genesis 21). Then after Isaac, Jacob (Genesis 25:19-34).
Israel:
Jacob wrestled with a man (possibly an angel of the Lord) then, "But Jacob replied, 'I will not let you go unless you bless me.' The man asked him, 'What is your name?' 'Jacob,' he answered. Then the man said, ' Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome.'" Ge. 32:26-28
Twelve Sons:
"The sons of Leah: Reuben the firstborn of Jacob, Simeon, Levi, Judah (seedline of Jesus), Issachar and Zebulun. The sons of Rachel: Joseph and Benjamin. The sons of Rachel's maid-servant Bilhah: Dan and Naphtali. The sons of Leah's maid-servant Zilpah: Gad and Asher." Ge. 35:23-26 (parenthesis mine)
Judah's Seed:
"Judah, your brothers will praise you; your hand will be on the neck of your enemies; your father's sons will bow down to you. You are a lion's cub, O Judah; you return from the prey, my son. Like a lion he crouches and lies down, like a lioness - who dares to rouse him? The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until he comes to whom it belongs and the obedience of the nations is his. He will tether his donkey to a vine, his colt to the choicest branch; he will wash his garments in wine, his robes in the blood of grapes. His eyes will be darker than wine, his teeth whiter than milk." Ge. 49:8-12
"..Judah my scepter.."
"..the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He (Jesus) is able to open the scroll and its sevel seals." Revelation 5:5 (parenthesis mine)
And Israel went into Egyptian bondage...
..to be continued..
I'm going to take you on a journey back to the Bible basics! :) This is a long read!! Some of us, through the years, may be deluded by various teachings and interpretations. We throw out some important facts and bring in new facts that suits what we may be looking for. We learn almost new things through the study of His Word. Never a dull moment, huh? And, of course, the new teachings may bring conflict to what you had long believed in. For the next several days, I am going to show you the Scriptures and allow you to see the works and providences of God (in summary).
CREATION
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Ge. 1:1
1. First Day: called "light", day and "darkness" night.
2. Second Day: expanse between the waters to separate water from water which is called "sky".
3. Third Day: dry ground called "land", waters called "seas", seed-bearing plants, trees, fruits.
4. Fourth Day: separate day from the night, seasons, days, years, stars to give light.
5. Fifth Day: living creatures, birds in the air, creatures in the seas.
6. Sixth Day: living creatures, livestock, creatures that moves along the ground, wild animals, man.
7. Seventh Day: God rested.
ADAM & EVE
"..the Lord formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being." Ge. 2:7
"In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil." Ge. 2:9
Restrictions:
"..the Lord God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die." Ge. 2:16-17
Eve:
"But for Adam no suitable helper was found. So the Lord God caused the man to fall into deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and closed up the place with flesh. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man." Ge. 2:20-22
THE FALL:
"Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?" The woman said to the serpent, "We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.'" Ge. 3:1-3
Deception:
"You will not surely die," the serpent said to the woman. "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." Ge. 3:4-5
Disobedience:
"When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked;.." Ge. 3:6-7
"..so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves." Ge. 3:7
"Although you wash yourself with soda and use an abundance of soap, the stain of your guilt is still before me." Jeremiah 2:22
Prophecy:
"And I will put enmity between you (Satan) and the woman (Eve), and between your offspring (Satan's) and hers (Eve's); he (Jesus) will crush your head (Satan), and you (Satan) will strike his (Jesus) heel." Ge. 3:15 (parenthesis mine)
THE PROMISE:
"I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." Ge. 12:2-3
"Abram believed the Lord and he credited it to him as righteousness."
"When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, "I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless. I will confirm my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers." Ge. 17:1
"As for you, you must keep my covenant, you and your descendants after you for generations to come. This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep: Every male among you shall be circumcised... (read the rest yourself) Any uncircumcised male, who has not been circumcised in the flesh, will be cut off from his people; he has broken my covenant." Ge. 17:9-10, 14
"Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised, and his son Ishmael was thirteen;.." Ge. 17:24-25
Then after Abraham came Isaac (Genesis 21). Then after Isaac, Jacob (Genesis 25:19-34).
Israel:
Jacob wrestled with a man (possibly an angel of the Lord) then, "But Jacob replied, 'I will not let you go unless you bless me.' The man asked him, 'What is your name?' 'Jacob,' he answered. Then the man said, ' Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome.'" Ge. 32:26-28
Twelve Sons:
"The sons of Leah: Reuben the firstborn of Jacob, Simeon, Levi, Judah (seedline of Jesus), Issachar and Zebulun. The sons of Rachel: Joseph and Benjamin. The sons of Rachel's maid-servant Bilhah: Dan and Naphtali. The sons of Leah's maid-servant Zilpah: Gad and Asher." Ge. 35:23-26 (parenthesis mine)
Judah's Seed:
"Judah, your brothers will praise you; your hand will be on the neck of your enemies; your father's sons will bow down to you. You are a lion's cub, O Judah; you return from the prey, my son. Like a lion he crouches and lies down, like a lioness - who dares to rouse him? The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until he comes to whom it belongs and the obedience of the nations is his. He will tether his donkey to a vine, his colt to the choicest branch; he will wash his garments in wine, his robes in the blood of grapes. His eyes will be darker than wine, his teeth whiter than milk." Ge. 49:8-12
"..Judah my scepter.."
"..the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He (Jesus) is able to open the scroll and its sevel seals." Revelation 5:5 (parenthesis mine)
And Israel went into Egyptian bondage...
..to be continued..
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Faithful Unto Death
Bloggers,
Here's something that I saw as I was reading a book outside in this beautiful day today! Take a closer look at these faithful men and their characteristics:
1. Paul -- Believe in something bigger than yourself. "I have placed you as a light for the Gentiles, that you should bring salvation to the end of the earth" (Acts 13:47, NASB). He was thoroughly subservient to the will of God, and he was committed to a specific, meaningful mission. Paul had courage in the face of opposition because he had limitless horizons in his mission. He believed in himself, but he believed in something bigger than himself -- Jesus Christ and him crucified.
NIKE's comments: If you have read Paul's resume in 2 Corinthians 11:22-33, it was the difficulties, trials, obstacles that drove him furthering the Word of God! He wasn't eyeing on the problem. He was looking beyond them and fixing his eyes on lost souls. That's what drove him through and beyond the negatives.
2. Nehemiah -- Build on what God has given you. Nehemiah's leadership was built not so much on ancestry from the Jewish lineage as on faithfulness. He would build the walls of faith. He was obscure in comparison to other great Old Testament heroes, but faithfulness separated him from mediocrity in history. God has given each leader specific gifts. Some are not as visible. All are useful. Some ministers' gifts will never be acclaimed. Some ministers' lives will be spent in out-of-the-way places and unheard of names to the adoring public, but God knows. The measure of a man is faithfulness, not notoriety.
NIKE's comments: God may be calling you to do the "impossible". Do you hear His calling. When God called Nehemiah to rebuild Jerusalem, it would be a marvelously difficult task! Not only that he had a small band of people to rebuild it, he had neighbors who were rude, delivering threats and causing low morale during the rebuilding. This is similar to what's happening today. You have friends and family around you who may be laughing at you as you're building on God's foundation, the church. God called you to build faith, hope and love in you.
3. Joshua -- Bring the best people to the table. Joshua had been in the presence of God. "Put off thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so" (Joshua 5:15 ASV). Because of this special blessing, he was appointed as one with judicial powers and responsibilities in Joshua 14:6-15. He was courageous as indicated by the spy scenario in Numbers 13:31. He was most likely the envy of other young leaders. But Moses brought him to the table of leadership because he was the best person for the job. My guess is that he had skills Moses admired. Ministers need to bring the best people they can find to the table and then trust them to do their work. Healthy ministers encourage staff. They believe in them because they have skills that are better than their own.
NIKE's comments: This is very important. But we're in for a big challenge. We live in the Washington, D.C. area where you spend 1 1/2 hours on the road going to work, work 8 hours then another 1 1/2 hours on the road back home and you're exhausted! It's hard to find fresh and available leaders within this fast living city! 1/2 of His church at Fairfax do not take the time to attend the Wednesday night Bible Study. I believe it's very important to come together more than once a week to be fed of God's Word necessary for spiritual growth and strength. Without bible study, Satan knows their weaknesses and the Christian will never be prepared to defend him/herself against the flaming problems and crises. It's really easy to just attend worship services. 1/4 of those who attend worship service simply leave right after worship, bypassing the greatest meal a Christian must have, bible study! They don't know what they're missing out! And, as a minister, I often give my encouragement to each and every Christian to attend classes but they ramble on giving their excuses which is no excuse at all. Of course, life is full of choices. And God knows that you know which one is the right ones, even though you make the wrong one.
4. Barnabas -- Bridge the gaps of differing opinions. Barnabas was nicknamed "son of encouragement" (Acts 4:36, RSV). He bridged the gap between the Greek and Jewish worlds. Born a Cypriot and reared a Levite, he linked the Hellenistic world and the Jerusalem church. He was not an "out front" kind of person but rather stayed in the background as a fan and supporter of Paul. The most memorable aspect of effective leadership of a minister is when he has survived the polarities of differing opinions and modeled having each side respect the other.
NIKE's comments: This is a very common problem. I am not the person who easily accept a "differing doctrine" another person has. Some church practice Christianity just as close as we do. Indeed, there's no perfect churches anywhere in the world. We do the best we can to follow God's Word. God wants unity, even if there's a difference in opinions, views and interpretation. However, we must follow the Word of God at the strictest possible means. And with love. Love covers the multitudes of sins. Love drives away evil and hurts. Love brings people together. We shouldn't easily be swayed by all kinds of different teachings. My suggestion is: listen in on what others believe, make notes and seek God's counsel (Bible) for validation (if you know the Bible).
5. Moses -- Blind your eyes to petty criticism. Moses was seen as a patient leader of a people with little faith (Exodus 16:8, 16-20). They complained and whined at every inconvenience (Exodus 15:24, 16:2-3). He did get disgusted. He struck the rock and disobeyed God, but his patience had worn thin. He had had enough. The wise leader will work hard at blinding his or her eyes to the pettiness of church members' criticism. If that doesn't work, he outlasts them. Just about every pastor has "struck the rock" at one time or another, but then, like Moses, the same minister usually has the resilience to see things through.
NIKE's comments: This happens all the time. Like Israel, they simply blinded themselves to what is happening in the world, what the "other" church is doing, what they hear "sounds good" to them, and many other things leading to spiritual blindness. They failed to keep the lens of God which is the Bible. Nicodemus was a devout believer of God; a Pharisee. He came to Jesus (at night) to question him about the things Jesus taught. Nick (Nicodemus) knew Jesus came from God. However, Jesus knew Nick's heart. Even though, Nick was a devout believer of God, there was something wrong surrounding his belief. Jesus told him that he must be "born again". A devout believer of God being born again? There's something wrong with this picture. But not so with Jesus. Jesus goal was to bring Nick to the pattern of faith. Jesus looked beyond Nick's experience and knowledge into his heart. This is something every minister and servants of our Lord Jesus ought to do. Look beyond people's criticism into their heart and help them examine their own hearts.
6. Elijah -- Bind the ties of love and courage. Today's nomenclature calls it tough love. Some call it a tough mind and a tender heart. Elijah had both. He loved God. He had the courage to speak to the evils of his day. Where is your God? he asked. "Perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened" (1 Kings 18:27, RSV). His sarcasm showed his disdain for those who had forsaken God. In every effective leader's life, there is a time for love but also a time for courage. Effective leaders have the courage to speak even when it is unpopular to speak because they speak the truth with love.
NIKE's comments: Many of us do not like "reproach", "rebuke", "criticism", "admonishment". When people resent them, it appears to me that they may still have problems with "pride". There's no humility in them. Their devotion to God and Jesus with joy and love masked over the "hidden pride". A sister in Christ of mine quoted this Scripture to one of our brother in Christ regarding accepting discipline, criticism and reproof. "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, But he who hates reproof is stupid." Proverbs 12:1 (niv) Now, don't get me wrong. There will be others out there who will take advantage of "reproaching/criticizing" their fellow Christians for personal gain. It's the "guilty" against the "innocent". "Better is open rebuke Than love that is concealed." Proverbs 27:5 (niv) Speak the truth with love. Rebuke others (if you see that sin has been done) with love and careful instruction.
7. Peter -- Bounce back after you are knocked down. In Matthew 16, Peter was seen as both a "rock" and a "stumbling block." He was both blessed and disgraced almost in the same breath. Discouraged by the disapproval of Jesus, yet blessed by the warmth and affection of Jesus, Peter was down but not out. Resilience may be the cornerstone of effective leadership. You get knocked down, but you bounce back.
NIKE's comments: If you're down, get up! You may experience the #6 comments and feel that you were put down by your fellow brother or sister in Christ. But don't be dismayed. Don't be discouraged. Instead of looking toward them and their rebuke with disgust, look at them as if "love" is overflowing from them. If you re-read Proverbs 27:6, it's better to openly rebuke Christians whom have sinned than to not rebuke them for they are "concealing" their love for you. When I spank my child, I spank them with love, not with hatred. I rebuke them with love. If I don't, then they don't know the "rebuking love". That's why I'm so thankful for my mom and dad as they "reared" me. Even though, there are memories of sore bottoms, it's a reminder of their love for me.
Here's something that I saw as I was reading a book outside in this beautiful day today! Take a closer look at these faithful men and their characteristics:
1. Paul -- Believe in something bigger than yourself. "I have placed you as a light for the Gentiles, that you should bring salvation to the end of the earth" (Acts 13:47, NASB). He was thoroughly subservient to the will of God, and he was committed to a specific, meaningful mission. Paul had courage in the face of opposition because he had limitless horizons in his mission. He believed in himself, but he believed in something bigger than himself -- Jesus Christ and him crucified.
NIKE's comments: If you have read Paul's resume in 2 Corinthians 11:22-33, it was the difficulties, trials, obstacles that drove him furthering the Word of God! He wasn't eyeing on the problem. He was looking beyond them and fixing his eyes on lost souls. That's what drove him through and beyond the negatives.
2. Nehemiah -- Build on what God has given you. Nehemiah's leadership was built not so much on ancestry from the Jewish lineage as on faithfulness. He would build the walls of faith. He was obscure in comparison to other great Old Testament heroes, but faithfulness separated him from mediocrity in history. God has given each leader specific gifts. Some are not as visible. All are useful. Some ministers' gifts will never be acclaimed. Some ministers' lives will be spent in out-of-the-way places and unheard of names to the adoring public, but God knows. The measure of a man is faithfulness, not notoriety.
NIKE's comments: God may be calling you to do the "impossible". Do you hear His calling. When God called Nehemiah to rebuild Jerusalem, it would be a marvelously difficult task! Not only that he had a small band of people to rebuild it, he had neighbors who were rude, delivering threats and causing low morale during the rebuilding. This is similar to what's happening today. You have friends and family around you who may be laughing at you as you're building on God's foundation, the church. God called you to build faith, hope and love in you.
3. Joshua -- Bring the best people to the table. Joshua had been in the presence of God. "Put off thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so" (Joshua 5:15 ASV). Because of this special blessing, he was appointed as one with judicial powers and responsibilities in Joshua 14:6-15. He was courageous as indicated by the spy scenario in Numbers 13:31. He was most likely the envy of other young leaders. But Moses brought him to the table of leadership because he was the best person for the job. My guess is that he had skills Moses admired. Ministers need to bring the best people they can find to the table and then trust them to do their work. Healthy ministers encourage staff. They believe in them because they have skills that are better than their own.
NIKE's comments: This is very important. But we're in for a big challenge. We live in the Washington, D.C. area where you spend 1 1/2 hours on the road going to work, work 8 hours then another 1 1/2 hours on the road back home and you're exhausted! It's hard to find fresh and available leaders within this fast living city! 1/2 of His church at Fairfax do not take the time to attend the Wednesday night Bible Study. I believe it's very important to come together more than once a week to be fed of God's Word necessary for spiritual growth and strength. Without bible study, Satan knows their weaknesses and the Christian will never be prepared to defend him/herself against the flaming problems and crises. It's really easy to just attend worship services. 1/4 of those who attend worship service simply leave right after worship, bypassing the greatest meal a Christian must have, bible study! They don't know what they're missing out! And, as a minister, I often give my encouragement to each and every Christian to attend classes but they ramble on giving their excuses which is no excuse at all. Of course, life is full of choices. And God knows that you know which one is the right ones, even though you make the wrong one.
4. Barnabas -- Bridge the gaps of differing opinions. Barnabas was nicknamed "son of encouragement" (Acts 4:36, RSV). He bridged the gap between the Greek and Jewish worlds. Born a Cypriot and reared a Levite, he linked the Hellenistic world and the Jerusalem church. He was not an "out front" kind of person but rather stayed in the background as a fan and supporter of Paul. The most memorable aspect of effective leadership of a minister is when he has survived the polarities of differing opinions and modeled having each side respect the other.
NIKE's comments: This is a very common problem. I am not the person who easily accept a "differing doctrine" another person has. Some church practice Christianity just as close as we do. Indeed, there's no perfect churches anywhere in the world. We do the best we can to follow God's Word. God wants unity, even if there's a difference in opinions, views and interpretation. However, we must follow the Word of God at the strictest possible means. And with love. Love covers the multitudes of sins. Love drives away evil and hurts. Love brings people together. We shouldn't easily be swayed by all kinds of different teachings. My suggestion is: listen in on what others believe, make notes and seek God's counsel (Bible) for validation (if you know the Bible).
5. Moses -- Blind your eyes to petty criticism. Moses was seen as a patient leader of a people with little faith (Exodus 16:8, 16-20). They complained and whined at every inconvenience (Exodus 15:24, 16:2-3). He did get disgusted. He struck the rock and disobeyed God, but his patience had worn thin. He had had enough. The wise leader will work hard at blinding his or her eyes to the pettiness of church members' criticism. If that doesn't work, he outlasts them. Just about every pastor has "struck the rock" at one time or another, but then, like Moses, the same minister usually has the resilience to see things through.
NIKE's comments: This happens all the time. Like Israel, they simply blinded themselves to what is happening in the world, what the "other" church is doing, what they hear "sounds good" to them, and many other things leading to spiritual blindness. They failed to keep the lens of God which is the Bible. Nicodemus was a devout believer of God; a Pharisee. He came to Jesus (at night) to question him about the things Jesus taught. Nick (Nicodemus) knew Jesus came from God. However, Jesus knew Nick's heart. Even though, Nick was a devout believer of God, there was something wrong surrounding his belief. Jesus told him that he must be "born again". A devout believer of God being born again? There's something wrong with this picture. But not so with Jesus. Jesus goal was to bring Nick to the pattern of faith. Jesus looked beyond Nick's experience and knowledge into his heart. This is something every minister and servants of our Lord Jesus ought to do. Look beyond people's criticism into their heart and help them examine their own hearts.
6. Elijah -- Bind the ties of love and courage. Today's nomenclature calls it tough love. Some call it a tough mind and a tender heart. Elijah had both. He loved God. He had the courage to speak to the evils of his day. Where is your God? he asked. "Perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened" (1 Kings 18:27, RSV). His sarcasm showed his disdain for those who had forsaken God. In every effective leader's life, there is a time for love but also a time for courage. Effective leaders have the courage to speak even when it is unpopular to speak because they speak the truth with love.
NIKE's comments: Many of us do not like "reproach", "rebuke", "criticism", "admonishment". When people resent them, it appears to me that they may still have problems with "pride". There's no humility in them. Their devotion to God and Jesus with joy and love masked over the "hidden pride". A sister in Christ of mine quoted this Scripture to one of our brother in Christ regarding accepting discipline, criticism and reproof. "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, But he who hates reproof is stupid." Proverbs 12:1 (niv) Now, don't get me wrong. There will be others out there who will take advantage of "reproaching/criticizing" their fellow Christians for personal gain. It's the "guilty" against the "innocent". "Better is open rebuke Than love that is concealed." Proverbs 27:5 (niv) Speak the truth with love. Rebuke others (if you see that sin has been done) with love and careful instruction.
7. Peter -- Bounce back after you are knocked down. In Matthew 16, Peter was seen as both a "rock" and a "stumbling block." He was both blessed and disgraced almost in the same breath. Discouraged by the disapproval of Jesus, yet blessed by the warmth and affection of Jesus, Peter was down but not out. Resilience may be the cornerstone of effective leadership. You get knocked down, but you bounce back.
NIKE's comments: If you're down, get up! You may experience the #6 comments and feel that you were put down by your fellow brother or sister in Christ. But don't be dismayed. Don't be discouraged. Instead of looking toward them and their rebuke with disgust, look at them as if "love" is overflowing from them. If you re-read Proverbs 27:6, it's better to openly rebuke Christians whom have sinned than to not rebuke them for they are "concealing" their love for you. When I spank my child, I spank them with love, not with hatred. I rebuke them with love. If I don't, then they don't know the "rebuking love". That's why I'm so thankful for my mom and dad as they "reared" me. Even though, there are memories of sore bottoms, it's a reminder of their love for me.
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
LUAU '06
Last Saturday, we had a fabulous time!!! Thanks to Christy Pomnitz, Fred Orr and Monica Shimmin for cooking up the BBQ hamburgers and chicken breasts! A very special thanks to Jenn Giaquinto, Dennis Cesone and Becky Hinckley for spending more than an hour putting together an 18" griller!! It looked like a piece of cake but when I returned from getting the super moonbounce for the kids (and a few adults) to play in, they were still at it!! And thanks to the rest for the setup and clean-up!!! In addition to this, praise the Lord for the Bard couple for giving their life to Jesus in baptism!! Now, they're clothed in Christ! Again, it was an awesome day and everyone had a great time. One of the highlights of this LUAU Party was the Hula Hoop tournament!! Tim Stewart and Aracelis Dement, you rock in the adult group!! But the championship goes to my loving daughter, Amanda!! :) Enjoy these pictures:
06/06/06
There are alot of talks about today's 06/06/06 and referring the day as "666", the mark of the beast.. I got an email from a brother of mine and he forwarded me an www link leading me into a baptist church warning parents of giving birth to a child today from midnight to midnight. The church is telling them, instead of crossing their fingers, to cross their legs. Here's their quote:
"If at all possible, have your Baptist doctor induce the child to be born earlier. The most reliable method known to Creation Science to get a mother to go instantly into labor is to jump in front of her when she least expects it and scare the dickens out of her. If this doesn't prove scary enough, read the Bible to her. Otherwise, FedEx a love processing gift of $2,000 to " Landover Baptist Church , Freehold, Iowa 55369." As soon as your check clears, we will send you information on how to perform a "Creation Birth Reduction." Reduction will cause the mother to give birth two or three days out from her expected due date. If you have a weak stomach, allergies to dried locusts and can not drink human urine, the Reduction is not for you."
This is one of seven suggestions!! I thought to myself, "Man! What kind of information are they feeding the world!?" They're actually scaring people and giving false messages, and the $2,000 for information on how to's... I browsed through their website and found all kinds of judgmental remarks about unsaved people (unsaved are not welcome), they had pictures advertising their tees on sale but it was a "big breasted woman" wearing the tees showing her belly-button. Another turn-off I found here is this: "Accept Jesus as your Savior and receive a free Playstation 2!!"
Alright, whatever!! Let's move on.. Let's look at the bible verse on "666".. It's shown in Revelation 13:18: "This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man's number. His number is 666."
First of all, there are four different views of Revelation:
1. Historical.
2. Present.
3. Future.
4. Symbolic.
Again, Revelation is one of the most difficult book to understand. I will not take the time to explain to you everything but just help you understand the nature of the beast (666):
1. Origin: ..out of the sea.. seen in Isaiah 17:12; Revelation 17:1, 15.
2. Nature: ..beast.. the original word carries the idea of a brutal, savage, ferocious beast.
3. Power: ..ten horns.. Total power and might seen in Deuteronomy 33:17; 2 Sam. 2:1; 1 Kings 22:11; Luke 1:69.
4. Authority: ..seven heads.. Perfect authority. Genesis 3:15; Eph. 5:22-31; Colossians 1:18. But remember this power that is given to him (Rev. 13:5, 7) (Compare this with Romans 13:1-7; John 19:8-11)
5. Reign: ..seven crowns (diadems).. The original word signifies kingly nature, rule or reign.
6. Opposes God: ..names of blasphemy.. Revelation 13:5-6.
7. Fearsome: ..leopard.. Sudden, swift, cruel. ..bear.. Slow, relentless, crushing.
8. Satanic: ..Dragon gave him power, a throne and authority.. He is the devil's vice-regent.
9. Hard to kill: ..Fatal wound... but healed.
10. World-wide: ..whole world astonished and followed the beast.
"All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast - all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world." Revelation 13:8 (niv)
The number of man (666) - 666 speaks of failure, thus this is man's religion. Satan is not God. He is only man!! Three times closer! Six Sixty Six!!
Nevertheless... We shouldn't worry about every detail in the book of Revelation (though they are very important to us) as long as you're faithful with God. The whole point of this book is to encourage each of you to:
1. REMEMBER!
2. REPENT!
3. RETURN!
Be faithful! And endure! The church, His church, the body of Christ will be sustained by the Lord! Amen?
"If at all possible, have your Baptist doctor induce the child to be born earlier. The most reliable method known to Creation Science to get a mother to go instantly into labor is to jump in front of her when she least expects it and scare the dickens out of her. If this doesn't prove scary enough, read the Bible to her. Otherwise, FedEx a love processing gift of $2,000 to " Landover Baptist Church , Freehold, Iowa 55369." As soon as your check clears, we will send you information on how to perform a "Creation Birth Reduction." Reduction will cause the mother to give birth two or three days out from her expected due date. If you have a weak stomach, allergies to dried locusts and can not drink human urine, the Reduction is not for you."
This is one of seven suggestions!! I thought to myself, "Man! What kind of information are they feeding the world!?" They're actually scaring people and giving false messages, and the $2,000 for information on how to's... I browsed through their website and found all kinds of judgmental remarks about unsaved people (unsaved are not welcome), they had pictures advertising their tees on sale but it was a "big breasted woman" wearing the tees showing her belly-button. Another turn-off I found here is this: "Accept Jesus as your Savior and receive a free Playstation 2!!"
Alright, whatever!! Let's move on.. Let's look at the bible verse on "666".. It's shown in Revelation 13:18: "This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man's number. His number is 666."
First of all, there are four different views of Revelation:
1. Historical.
2. Present.
3. Future.
4. Symbolic.
Again, Revelation is one of the most difficult book to understand. I will not take the time to explain to you everything but just help you understand the nature of the beast (666):
1. Origin: ..out of the sea.. seen in Isaiah 17:12; Revelation 17:1, 15.
2. Nature: ..beast.. the original word carries the idea of a brutal, savage, ferocious beast.
3. Power: ..ten horns.. Total power and might seen in Deuteronomy 33:17; 2 Sam. 2:1; 1 Kings 22:11; Luke 1:69.
4. Authority: ..seven heads.. Perfect authority. Genesis 3:15; Eph. 5:22-31; Colossians 1:18. But remember this power that is given to him (Rev. 13:5, 7) (Compare this with Romans 13:1-7; John 19:8-11)
5. Reign: ..seven crowns (diadems).. The original word signifies kingly nature, rule or reign.
6. Opposes God: ..names of blasphemy.. Revelation 13:5-6.
7. Fearsome: ..leopard.. Sudden, swift, cruel. ..bear.. Slow, relentless, crushing.
8. Satanic: ..Dragon gave him power, a throne and authority.. He is the devil's vice-regent.
9. Hard to kill: ..Fatal wound... but healed.
10. World-wide: ..whole world astonished and followed the beast.
"All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast - all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world." Revelation 13:8 (niv)
The number of man (666) - 666 speaks of failure, thus this is man's religion. Satan is not God. He is only man!! Three times closer! Six Sixty Six!!
Nevertheless... We shouldn't worry about every detail in the book of Revelation (though they are very important to us) as long as you're faithful with God. The whole point of this book is to encourage each of you to:
1. REMEMBER!
2. REPENT!
3. RETURN!
Be faithful! And endure! The church, His church, the body of Christ will be sustained by the Lord! Amen?
Monday, June 05, 2006
BPS
Bloggers,
What a Sunday!! Actually, what a weekend!! It was an awesome day (and days) with the Lord! Saturday, we gathered together for a "missional seminar" with Rubel Shelly and learned alot of things from him. I am really thankful for this opportunity to see Rubel. We also had two baptism welcoming two precious souls into the family of God. A glorious day! Then we hosted a Luau party welcoming brother Brian Baell to Fairfax. He began his internship with us last Wednesday and is doing a wonderful job!! :) I'll be sending some pictures later this week. Right now, I'm not able to add pictures through Blogger. Apparently, they're having technical problems now.
Ok.. We just bought a new Honda Civic EX a couple weeks ago and got rid of the gas-guzzling Chrysler 300M!! Now, we're able to save extra gas money with the Honda. The dealer was negotiating with us and wanted to know if we wanted a Honda Civic with a GPS (geographical positioning system) installed. For some of you new to the "GPS" terminology, it is a device that helps you go from one point to another and also tells you exactly where you are! It's a neat device and you will "almost" never be lost. To have it installed in our car would be nice but it does cost extra to have a GPS. So we declined to have the "GPS" added to the Honda. We'll go with the old fashioned way of looking at Rand & McNally's road atlas for directions from one point to another.
Now, I would like to introduce you to the old, old, old device that people (past, present and future) have used for many years called the "BPS". BPS stands for "Bible Positioning System". The device is the very Holy Word of God, the Bible. It's always effective! It has never malfunctioned. You don't need to take it in for repairs. No replacement at all. Guaranteed for eternity! It's always accurate; no flaws. It guides us to the right place; even if you will feel lost without it. It keeps us on the right track. It informs us of warning signs ahead. And it gets you to Heaven! There's no other like "BPS", nothing! Nothing else can get you into Heaven!
"Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6 (niv)
I would like to give you a little breakdown from John 14:6 to help you shred some light in this passage:
1. We must know the "way" (direction) before we have the "truth" and "life".
2. If you're walking in the wrong "way", the "truth" is not in you and there's no "life".
3. Jesus is the only "way", the only "door", the only "gate" to enter into the "truth" leading to "life" everlasting!
"I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep." John 10:1-2 (niv)
How do we know which gate is the right gate, or which door is the right door, or which way is the right way? Go through Jesus, His examples and His Word: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:1, 14 (niv)
There are many in the world without the divine "BPS" device. Many have created their own "positioning system" to guide them where they want to go. We could call it, "SPS: Self Positioning System", "EPS: Ego Positioning System", "DPS: Denial Positioning System", and many more!
"Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute." 2 Peter 2:2 (niv)
How true that is today! Peter had issues with those around him that the "many" follow their shameful ways and while they're living in "shame" without regrets, they argue against the truth!
"If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." 1 John 1:6-7 (niv)
And many "claim", by saying "I love God", "I go to church", "I read the Bible", "I fellowship with the church" but walk in darkness (secretly; intentionally). They will be called a "LIAR" by God because they do not "LIVE THE TRUTH"! If you stop walking in the light, the blood of Jesus stops purifying your sins! Look at John's question, "If" we walk, then we're purified. "If" we stop walking with Jesus, sin remains and we'll be judged!
"See that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is what he promised us - even eternal life. I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray." 1 John 2:24-26 (niv)
Since some of you began your life in Christ after hearing the gospel (good news), believe in Jesus, repenting of your sins, confessing that Jesus is Lord over your life, baptizing in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and living and walking daily with Jesus, you began your new life with Him. John urged us in the passage above, "See that it... remains in you." Though, John was encouraging Christians whom have been with Jesus at the beginning, heard Jesus and His Word, saw Jesus' example (1 John 1:1-3), he's encouraging us to hold on to the Word of God, the Word of Life with a somber understanding that there are others around you who "ARE" trying to lead you astray!
Satan's goal in two-fold:
1. Invade your hearts.
2. Change the "Positioning System" from "BPS" (Bible) to "'.......'PS", a man-made, flawed positioning system.
Do you have the "BPS"? Are you following God and His will in your daily life? Are you, in the exact position, where God wants you to be? When you prove your point, do you use the Bible? Are you walking with Jesus? Have you passed into the way of Christ?
"BPS", do you have it?
What a Sunday!! Actually, what a weekend!! It was an awesome day (and days) with the Lord! Saturday, we gathered together for a "missional seminar" with Rubel Shelly and learned alot of things from him. I am really thankful for this opportunity to see Rubel. We also had two baptism welcoming two precious souls into the family of God. A glorious day! Then we hosted a Luau party welcoming brother Brian Baell to Fairfax. He began his internship with us last Wednesday and is doing a wonderful job!! :) I'll be sending some pictures later this week. Right now, I'm not able to add pictures through Blogger. Apparently, they're having technical problems now.
Ok.. We just bought a new Honda Civic EX a couple weeks ago and got rid of the gas-guzzling Chrysler 300M!! Now, we're able to save extra gas money with the Honda. The dealer was negotiating with us and wanted to know if we wanted a Honda Civic with a GPS (geographical positioning system) installed. For some of you new to the "GPS" terminology, it is a device that helps you go from one point to another and also tells you exactly where you are! It's a neat device and you will "almost" never be lost. To have it installed in our car would be nice but it does cost extra to have a GPS. So we declined to have the "GPS" added to the Honda. We'll go with the old fashioned way of looking at Rand & McNally's road atlas for directions from one point to another.
Now, I would like to introduce you to the old, old, old device that people (past, present and future) have used for many years called the "BPS". BPS stands for "Bible Positioning System". The device is the very Holy Word of God, the Bible. It's always effective! It has never malfunctioned. You don't need to take it in for repairs. No replacement at all. Guaranteed for eternity! It's always accurate; no flaws. It guides us to the right place; even if you will feel lost without it. It keeps us on the right track. It informs us of warning signs ahead. And it gets you to Heaven! There's no other like "BPS", nothing! Nothing else can get you into Heaven!
"Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6 (niv)
I would like to give you a little breakdown from John 14:6 to help you shred some light in this passage:
1. We must know the "way" (direction) before we have the "truth" and "life".
2. If you're walking in the wrong "way", the "truth" is not in you and there's no "life".
3. Jesus is the only "way", the only "door", the only "gate" to enter into the "truth" leading to "life" everlasting!
"I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep." John 10:1-2 (niv)
How do we know which gate is the right gate, or which door is the right door, or which way is the right way? Go through Jesus, His examples and His Word: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:1, 14 (niv)
There are many in the world without the divine "BPS" device. Many have created their own "positioning system" to guide them where they want to go. We could call it, "SPS: Self Positioning System", "EPS: Ego Positioning System", "DPS: Denial Positioning System", and many more!
"Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute." 2 Peter 2:2 (niv)
How true that is today! Peter had issues with those around him that the "many" follow their shameful ways and while they're living in "shame" without regrets, they argue against the truth!
"If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." 1 John 1:6-7 (niv)
And many "claim", by saying "I love God", "I go to church", "I read the Bible", "I fellowship with the church" but walk in darkness (secretly; intentionally). They will be called a "LIAR" by God because they do not "LIVE THE TRUTH"! If you stop walking in the light, the blood of Jesus stops purifying your sins! Look at John's question, "If" we walk, then we're purified. "If" we stop walking with Jesus, sin remains and we'll be judged!
"See that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is what he promised us - even eternal life. I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray." 1 John 2:24-26 (niv)
Since some of you began your life in Christ after hearing the gospel (good news), believe in Jesus, repenting of your sins, confessing that Jesus is Lord over your life, baptizing in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and living and walking daily with Jesus, you began your new life with Him. John urged us in the passage above, "See that it... remains in you." Though, John was encouraging Christians whom have been with Jesus at the beginning, heard Jesus and His Word, saw Jesus' example (1 John 1:1-3), he's encouraging us to hold on to the Word of God, the Word of Life with a somber understanding that there are others around you who "ARE" trying to lead you astray!
Satan's goal in two-fold:
1. Invade your hearts.
2. Change the "Positioning System" from "BPS" (Bible) to "'.......'PS", a man-made, flawed positioning system.
Do you have the "BPS"? Are you following God and His will in your daily life? Are you, in the exact position, where God wants you to be? When you prove your point, do you use the Bible? Are you walking with Jesus? Have you passed into the way of Christ?
"BPS", do you have it?
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Christian Posters
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Influencing Those Around You
I had a wonderful talk with someone via videophone this morning! This person is still an inspiration to me. I am going to refer her by the name of Amy. Amy has been going through some ups-and-downs in life. I have personally seen how Jesus continues to change her heart. She has been reluctant about Christianity and resisting to believe that Jesus is who we all must have in our hearts! I believe I have known her for over four years now. But time will come when she will surrender her life to the Lord. And I know that God is working!
One of our conversation includes the attitudes and influence the deaf Christians at Fairfax show. I admire Amy's courage to share her thoughts and feelings with me. It is really important that I know what other people are thinking about Fairfax. I believe it's good for any church to learn their weaknesses from people outside of the body, the church. It does hurt but that's when the healing process begins. It brings our attention to an area that's (hopefully) temporarily damaged. Amy has had a hard time building relationship with others. Christians often mingle with other Christians. Amy had several opportunities to build a relationship but they wouldn't carry on in "relationship-building". "Is it because I am an outsider?", she asked. Shouldn't be!! Once I become a member, they'll put their arms around me and say, "What took you so long?" That isn't the proper thing to do. Think of the parable of Jesus talking about one lost sheep. The shepherd left the 99 to seek that ONE! Likewise, Christians leaves the Christian fellowship seeking the hearts that are without God: in the church and outside!
God has given every believer, in every one of our churches, a mission – to go into the world and share the Good News about Jesus. Why? Why should we care enough about the people around us to tell them about how to get to Heaven? This can be a difficult concept to teach our congregations. How do we motivate them to take the Good News and share it with others? Here is something that might help.
The Bible – in 2 Corinthians 5:14 – says: "For the love of Christ compels us." Our love for Jesus motivates us to fulfill our mission.
Everybody matters to God. God has never made a person that he didn’t love. God made some people that I don’t love, and God has made a lot of people that I don’t even like.
But God loves them. The most despicable person you can imagine is still loved by God. And because God cares, we must care.
If the members of your congregation don't take the time to share their hearts with "unbelievers", "unchurched", then who will? I cannot do everything myself. Though I am the minister of the gospel, the church family has a responsibility to care for one another as well as seeking for ONE soul for Jesus! If we have a visitor or two at the church services, make sure you build a relationship with them. Often I have seen visitors stand around watching other Christians mingle among each other. We ought to be motivated by love for it is the love of Christ that compels us.
Many people in our congregations wonder how they should go about sharing their faith. You do it two ways: you’ve got to show it and share it.
Remember "show and tell” from your school days? That’s what God wants us to do. He wants us to help others visualize it with our lives and verbalize it with our hands (ASL).
Sometimes, I just feel like hiding in a closet after preaching and teaching the Lord's children the art of building relationships, putting others above ourselves, considering others better than ourselves. Often, the children forgets. They're so focused on themselves. They hardly take the time to build new relationships. And they don't realize they're pushing the Lord's potential children away from Him by the example they give.
***
We can actually keep people out of Heaven by the way we live. The fact is – you’re being watched by your boss, your neighbors, your employees, your children, your relatives, the visitors. Every conversation you have, every action you have, every word you speak has eternal implications.
***
Satan wants to discredit our lifestyle so other people will say, “If that’s a Christian, forget it.” It's easy for us to do the opposite of what God intend for us to do and push those who may be hungry for Jesus away! The church became just another "deaf club"! That's the last thing God wants people to classify His church that way!
***
God wants His church to be stewards of faith; a spiritual hospital for broken, hungry and thirsty souls!
***
Remember, each and every Christian has an awesome responsibility. They are to be a powerful influence on those around you!! What kind of influence are you giving? Are you telling them your story of how you came to know Jesus? Are you building "NEW RELATIONSHIPS"!!? Jesus loves those who builds them!! He sees "relationship-builders" as "church-builders"!
I shudder to think of standing before God one day and explaining that somebody went to Hell because of my example. Remember, we have people who probably never went to church. We have people who never had a "real relationship". We have people coming from broken homes and they see similar environment in the church as their old home. We have people who thirst for relevancy and relationships but their thirst was never satisfied because we don't take the time to feed them the "Living Water". We need to show God’s love and live in a way that brings credit to God’s name. How we live is influencing where people will spend their eternity – Heaven or Hell.
I need to show the message, and I need to tell it. Colossians 4:5 says, “Make the most of your chances to tell others the Good News.”
A great question we must ask ourselves, "Is anyone going to Heaven because of you?"
One of our conversation includes the attitudes and influence the deaf Christians at Fairfax show. I admire Amy's courage to share her thoughts and feelings with me. It is really important that I know what other people are thinking about Fairfax. I believe it's good for any church to learn their weaknesses from people outside of the body, the church. It does hurt but that's when the healing process begins. It brings our attention to an area that's (hopefully) temporarily damaged. Amy has had a hard time building relationship with others. Christians often mingle with other Christians. Amy had several opportunities to build a relationship but they wouldn't carry on in "relationship-building". "Is it because I am an outsider?", she asked. Shouldn't be!! Once I become a member, they'll put their arms around me and say, "What took you so long?" That isn't the proper thing to do. Think of the parable of Jesus talking about one lost sheep. The shepherd left the 99 to seek that ONE! Likewise, Christians leaves the Christian fellowship seeking the hearts that are without God: in the church and outside!
God has given every believer, in every one of our churches, a mission – to go into the world and share the Good News about Jesus. Why? Why should we care enough about the people around us to tell them about how to get to Heaven? This can be a difficult concept to teach our congregations. How do we motivate them to take the Good News and share it with others? Here is something that might help.
The Bible – in 2 Corinthians 5:14 – says: "For the love of Christ compels us." Our love for Jesus motivates us to fulfill our mission.
Everybody matters to God. God has never made a person that he didn’t love. God made some people that I don’t love, and God has made a lot of people that I don’t even like.
But God loves them. The most despicable person you can imagine is still loved by God. And because God cares, we must care.
If the members of your congregation don't take the time to share their hearts with "unbelievers", "unchurched", then who will? I cannot do everything myself. Though I am the minister of the gospel, the church family has a responsibility to care for one another as well as seeking for ONE soul for Jesus! If we have a visitor or two at the church services, make sure you build a relationship with them. Often I have seen visitors stand around watching other Christians mingle among each other. We ought to be motivated by love for it is the love of Christ that compels us.
Many people in our congregations wonder how they should go about sharing their faith. You do it two ways: you’ve got to show it and share it.
Remember "show and tell” from your school days? That’s what God wants us to do. He wants us to help others visualize it with our lives and verbalize it with our hands (ASL).
Sometimes, I just feel like hiding in a closet after preaching and teaching the Lord's children the art of building relationships, putting others above ourselves, considering others better than ourselves. Often, the children forgets. They're so focused on themselves. They hardly take the time to build new relationships. And they don't realize they're pushing the Lord's potential children away from Him by the example they give.
***
We can actually keep people out of Heaven by the way we live. The fact is – you’re being watched by your boss, your neighbors, your employees, your children, your relatives, the visitors. Every conversation you have, every action you have, every word you speak has eternal implications.
***
Satan wants to discredit our lifestyle so other people will say, “If that’s a Christian, forget it.” It's easy for us to do the opposite of what God intend for us to do and push those who may be hungry for Jesus away! The church became just another "deaf club"! That's the last thing God wants people to classify His church that way!
***
God wants His church to be stewards of faith; a spiritual hospital for broken, hungry and thirsty souls!
***
Remember, each and every Christian has an awesome responsibility. They are to be a powerful influence on those around you!! What kind of influence are you giving? Are you telling them your story of how you came to know Jesus? Are you building "NEW RELATIONSHIPS"!!? Jesus loves those who builds them!! He sees "relationship-builders" as "church-builders"!
I shudder to think of standing before God one day and explaining that somebody went to Hell because of my example. Remember, we have people who probably never went to church. We have people who never had a "real relationship". We have people coming from broken homes and they see similar environment in the church as their old home. We have people who thirst for relevancy and relationships but their thirst was never satisfied because we don't take the time to feed them the "Living Water". We need to show God’s love and live in a way that brings credit to God’s name. How we live is influencing where people will spend their eternity – Heaven or Hell.
I need to show the message, and I need to tell it. Colossians 4:5 says, “Make the most of your chances to tell others the Good News.”
A great question we must ask ourselves, "Is anyone going to Heaven because of you?"
Saturday, May 27, 2006
D.B.R.
Pray that you're having a great Memorial weekend! For some who have not read my blog this weekend, pray that you "HAD" a great Memorial weekend!
Today, I helped all my three girls wash cars, trucks, mini-vans at the car wash fundraising event for their summer swim team. We had a bunch of cars, vans, and trucks lined up ready for us to wash away the pollen, mud and bird poop! I cannot refrain from telling you how much bird poop there was on each and every vehicles!! It's really amazing how the poop landed on almost every car but find none on the sidewalk!! Not that I recall!! Really amazing!!
Then we took the kids to the pool. Today is the first official day to open the pool. The water was frigid because we haven't had a heat wave here since last year!! It's the end of May and we'll finally get a temp over 90's tomorrow for the first time this year!! I'll be in the frigid water to cool off!!
As I lay on the beach chair, I remember all the old movies about war: Red Dawn, Saving Private Ryan, John Wayne war movies, Apocalypse Now, Pearl Harbor, Full Metal Jacket, and many more others.
I believe the two "memorial-packing" movies to date are: Saving Private Ryan and Pearl Harbor. Two vivid memories from these movies: (In Saving Private Ryan) all the men racing toward the battle lines from the boats as it docks on sand and the Germans shooting them down from the hills like ducks! I couldn't believe my own eyes that these brave men actually faced this kind of fear. It was bravery in action! (In Pearl Harbor) innocent men and women were in for a quiet surprise after seeing "Ground Zero" planes flying overhead and bombing them to zlich! One image I saw were men trapped in a boat that was overturned because it took in water after the Jap plane shot it with torpedos. The men, trapped, had their hand held out of a hole while other men work their way to create escape. But it was too late. The men inside grasped another men outside until there was no air to breathe, had to be let go. I was told that the bodies still remain in the ships that sunk in Hawaii. The memorial still stands there!
And I am so thankful for being in the country where there's freedom and peace. We're blessed in many ways because of all the men and women who fought and died for our country, to keep our country free, and to keep our country peaceful!
Another lifegiving memorial that we all must remember is the Death of Jesus. And the Burial of Christ. And the Resurrection of our Savior! He died to set us free from our sins and have peace with God! That's the most important thing in life and life to come!
"For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,.." 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (niv)
Always remember the DBR! Always! Your life depends on it!
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Helping Men Grow In His Purposes
I have given this a lot of thought for several months now. I have been ministering with the deaf at Fairfax for over seven years now. Since 1999, I have baptized more women than men. There are more women attending and involved in ministry than men. George Barna did a poll and found that there are 61% women in the membership of the church while 39% are men.
When it comes to fulfilling God's 5 Purposes for our lives: WORSHIP, FELLOWSHIP, DISCIPLESHIP, MINISTRY & MISSION, women are far more involved and balanced than men. Let me give you an example, the women are committed to "fellowship" than men. George Barna, in his study on churches in the U.S., found that women are the "backbone" of the Church! I found that Barna did more research on each purposes God has for our lives, both men and women:
Fellowship:
54 percent more women are involved in small groups than men.
Discipleship:
Twice as many women are involved in discipleship relationships or programs, 57 percent more women attend Bible study/discipleship classes.
Ministry:
56 percent more women are involved in leadership (not including the role of minister), 33 percent more women are involved in service, and 23 percent are more involved in financial giving.
Evangelism:
29 percent more women share their faith.
Worship: 39 percent more women have a devotional time, 16 percent more pray, 29 percent more attend church and read their Bible.
I found all this to be very true. That's why I admire women of faith whom devoted much of their time with God and family. Men are more interested in things outside of the spiritual arena. They thirst for something more appealing than what the Living Water (Jesus) can offer. I have been struggling to understand why men don't respond to the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ. Women seems to accept Christ quicker than men.
The question is, "Does the church have the intentional plan for gathering men and driving them deeper into connections and commitments?"
The church need some kind of a "boot camp" style to move men (along with women) deeper into the core of spiritual arena. From there, they'll be able to experience Jesus meeting their felt needs. Another article written by Dave Murrow, "Why Men Hate Going To Church?" writes that when the "MOM" comes to church, the family follows 17 percent of the time but when the "DAD" comes (along with the mom and kids), the family follows a whooping 93 percent of the time. Man! How important is it for men as spiritual role models for Jesus! They have a big, big responsibility and a high percent of the men fail to take it!
Men, if you were to die tomorrow and face Jesus, how would you explain your reason for "NOT" taking that responsibility? Be forewarned, don't give the "Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name,.." excuse. (Matthew 7:21) "Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'" (Matthew 7:23)
Men are drawn to the power and passion of worship. They abandon unhealthy passions, like hedonism, narcissism, and materialism, and reach for the highest and humblest passions that honor their bloody Savior & Lord Jesus Christ. You need to help the men in your congregation see the "Passion of Christ", and then you must challenge them to develop an unwavering passion for God’s Kingdom and God’s purposes.
Jesus is a "FULL-THROTTLED, FULL-BLOWN MAN" who was driven to living for His Father (our God) and loved Him passionately! He is the best example each of us must follow!
"Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. For just as through the disobedience of the one man many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man many will be made righteous." Romans 5:18-19 (niv)
Two men (disobedient & obedient).
Two choices (disobey or obey).
Two different outcomes (sinning or made right).
Are you helping your men to make the hard choices that lead themselves and others away from sin and toward God’s righteousness? Men? Do you have the same passion as Christ? How about the same "obedience" as Jesus? Let's strive to build a sense of brotherhood, a band of brothers for Jesus!
Monday, May 22, 2006
Deaf Ladies' Retreat
From these wonderful pictures the ladies' took over the weekend for the 2nd Annual Deaf Ladies' Retreat looks like they had a B-L-A-S-T time together!
The ladies are in the dining hall, at Graves Mountain, overlooking the beautiful Shenandoah Mountain valley!! And the food looks delicious!
They had all sorts of events that took place over the weekend. Several great classes taught by Yvonne Butler from the suburban Houston, Texas, games, time of prayer, horseback riding, hayrides, revealing the Secret Sisters and on the final day, together worshipped God with Yvonne giving the final message to be bold in Christ regardless of all the circumstances in life.
OOPS!!
My wife, Michelle, shared with me all the highlights of the DLR (Deaf Ladies' Retreat) last weekend! In this picture, you'll notice their guest speaker, Yvonne Butler, whom have slipped into the creek. And, remember, we haven't had a normal high temperature in Virginia (still below 70 since March) and the water, per Yvonne, was frigid! :)
The DLR participants watches on as, Co-coordinator, Bev Young, makes a comment during class with Yvonne (guest speaker) on the left.
Yvonne teaches to the ladies during the DLR moment. The theme for this year's DLR was "Moments In Time". Yvonne shared her experience as a Christian, a mother of two (especially when they were teenagers), and a wife.
I had the privilege to meet Yvonne on Friday for lunch before the ladies departed for Graves Mountain. She shared with me her struggles but because of the struggles she grew from a wavering faith to becoming a person God wanted her to be. Though, she was confused and very much afraid, overcoming periods of "blind faith", she knew she was being tested.
Brenda and Tammy raised their hands during the "Bible Trivia Game"!
And, alas, all25 ladies participated in one of the most eventful (per the ladies) DLR in the two year span!
"Lord, thank You for allowing these ladies to escape from the restlessness and busy-ness of DC to breathe your air and observe your awesome creation and experience the Christian atmosphere and love each one of them had for each other. Thank You for being with them and allowing them to carefully seek Your Word. May God help them remember their "Moments In Time"! In Jesus' Name, Amen!"
Friday, May 19, 2006
The Weekend
Bloggers!
I'll be "Mr. Mom" this weekend while my precious wife, Michelle, attend the second annual Ladies' retreat. They'll be retreating to Graves Mountain Lodge not far from the Shennadoah National Park and Skyline Drive. It's west of Culpeper (Virginia)! The deaf ladies' have been planning this for a long time and THEY ARE VERY GOOD AT IT! I learned that the coordinators gathered over 115 donated gift items from area stores and members of the Fairfax Church of Christ (hearing and deaf)!! That means each of the "retreaters" will get about 5 gift items (and door prizes)!! I can see in Michelle's eyes telling me, "It's good to be a woman!"
----
I was reading another blog today and found it very interesting. He was talking about how "Starbucks" conquered the world today and they're in almost every corner!! Like McDonalds, you cannot miss it! One person made a comment where he quoted from Leonard Sweet's message at one of the conferences regarding Starbucks and why people are so crazy about it: "Starbucks doesn't sell coffee, they sell the EXPERIENCE OF COFFEE!" If you take a careful look at this quote that Sweet made, I think you'll understand why he put it this way to apply to "christianity".
Another fabulous point from Sweet: "Starbucks is EPIC!" The definition of "epic" is classic, heroic, and impressive.. Sweet made a point using each of letter:
E: Experiential
P: Participatory
I: Image-rich
C: Communal
Yes! Sweet is deep!
Though, I am not a coffee drinker but I find Starbucks offers excellent chai. When I get a chance, I drink a Iced Venti Chai with seven pumps and less ice. If you go to Starbucks, what's your favorite drink?
Did you know that a TALL java costs approximately $3.19!! That's more than a gallon of gas we spend!
----
My youngest girl has a softball game tomorrow. After the game, the Lower Loudoun Girls Softball League (LLGSL softball) is hosting a fair for all the coaches, players and fans! It's also a fundraising event in which the girls are very excited about!! It'll be a busy day and I'm excited about that, too!
----
This Sunday, I'll be talking about Elijah. One of my favorite stories in the Bible is in the book of 1 Kings about Elijah. Elijah was under the oppression of the king Ahab and the worse queen in the history of mankind, Jezebel. Elijah was very afraid, even though God has always been with him. Elijah decided to flee to a cave to hide. Then God said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" I believe this Sunday's lesson will be very interesting. I encourage you to take the time in reading the story about Elijah in 1 Kings and apply this to your life and those around you.
"The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD , for the LORD is about to pass by." Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD , but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"" 1 Kings 19:11-13 (niv)
Are you like Elijah? Are you hiding from God? Are you running away from your problems? Do you here Him whispering in your heart, "What are you doing here, [your name]?"
----
Have a great weekend, bloggers!!
I'll be "Mr. Mom" this weekend while my precious wife, Michelle, attend the second annual Ladies' retreat. They'll be retreating to Graves Mountain Lodge not far from the Shennadoah National Park and Skyline Drive. It's west of Culpeper (Virginia)! The deaf ladies' have been planning this for a long time and THEY ARE VERY GOOD AT IT! I learned that the coordinators gathered over 115 donated gift items from area stores and members of the Fairfax Church of Christ (hearing and deaf)!! That means each of the "retreaters" will get about 5 gift items (and door prizes)!! I can see in Michelle's eyes telling me, "It's good to be a woman!"
----
I was reading another blog today and found it very interesting. He was talking about how "Starbucks" conquered the world today and they're in almost every corner!! Like McDonalds, you cannot miss it! One person made a comment where he quoted from Leonard Sweet's message at one of the conferences regarding Starbucks and why people are so crazy about it: "Starbucks doesn't sell coffee, they sell the EXPERIENCE OF COFFEE!" If you take a careful look at this quote that Sweet made, I think you'll understand why he put it this way to apply to "christianity".
Another fabulous point from Sweet: "Starbucks is EPIC!" The definition of "epic" is classic, heroic, and impressive.. Sweet made a point using each of letter:
E: Experiential
P: Participatory
I: Image-rich
C: Communal
Yes! Sweet is deep!
Though, I am not a coffee drinker but I find Starbucks offers excellent chai. When I get a chance, I drink a Iced Venti Chai with seven pumps and less ice. If you go to Starbucks, what's your favorite drink?
Did you know that a TALL java costs approximately $3.19!! That's more than a gallon of gas we spend!
----
My youngest girl has a softball game tomorrow. After the game, the Lower Loudoun Girls Softball League (LLGSL softball) is hosting a fair for all the coaches, players and fans! It's also a fundraising event in which the girls are very excited about!! It'll be a busy day and I'm excited about that, too!
----
This Sunday, I'll be talking about Elijah. One of my favorite stories in the Bible is in the book of 1 Kings about Elijah. Elijah was under the oppression of the king Ahab and the worse queen in the history of mankind, Jezebel. Elijah was very afraid, even though God has always been with him. Elijah decided to flee to a cave to hide. Then God said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" I believe this Sunday's lesson will be very interesting. I encourage you to take the time in reading the story about Elijah in 1 Kings and apply this to your life and those around you.
"The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD , for the LORD is about to pass by." Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD , but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"" 1 Kings 19:11-13 (niv)
Are you like Elijah? Are you hiding from God? Are you running away from your problems? Do you here Him whispering in your heart, "What are you doing here, [your name]?"
----
Have a great weekend, bloggers!!
Thursday, May 18, 2006
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!!
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
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!
Monday, May 15, 2006
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!
Friday, May 12, 2006
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!!!
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
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
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)
Sunday, May 07, 2006
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! <><
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! <><
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
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!
Monday, May 01, 2006
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!!
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!!
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