![[Facebook]](/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/facebook.png)
![[Twitter]](/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/twitter.png)
![[YouTube]](/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/youtube.png)
![[Amazing Life Church Home]](/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/church.png)
![[Mail]](/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/mail.png)
Archives
| S | M | T | W | T | F | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ||||||
| 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
| 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 |
| 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 |
| 30 | ||||||
Fear of Accountability
Fear of Accountability
Did you ever know someone who just couldn’t make a decision. No matter how hard you pressed they would never say yes or no. Never acknowledge their role in church or anything else.
The fear of making decisions, and acknowledging your purpose is generally tied to the fear of accountability.
I am no therapist. The conclusions I speak of are drawn from life experiences.
Early on in my Christian life I feared taking a position in church. Could I handle it? Was it God’s will? These questions and more arose because I was not yet sure of my role in the Kingdom of God.
I felt His call upon my life, but what did He really want.
With a lot of prayer and support from people who knew more than I did. I began to accept the responsibility of ministry and even the titles that go along with it.
Then that dreaded consequence came. Accountability.
Making mistakes is a given as we walk through life. Decisions made hastily, without prayer and consultation.
Whatever role you have in church, business, and life, there are consequences for the decisions you make. You will likely be held accountable for them.
Pastors and other ministries deal with this everyday. At least those who have accepted their role, and believe that they have a responsibility to their people, along with accountability to them and God as well.
Back to decisions. I want to share a couple of points from the book, “Futuring by Dr. Sam Chand.”
I highly recommend his books. Read everyone you can get your hands on. They are filled with relevant and important information on leadership and the church.
{1st-There are no future decisions. Only present decisions with future consequences.
This helps us connect today with tomorrow.
2nd-Most of today’s problems were yesterday’s decisions.
This helps us slow down in the decision making process.
Finally, Action takes place in the present, but it points towards the future.}
Awesome words from Dr. Sam Chand.
When we take the time to pray, seek counsel. Decisions become far less fearful to make. The fear of accountability will lose its hold on you.
Still there are those who will never acknowledge the role they are in. I will never really understand why.
When God called me to Pastor I have to be honest and admit I was afraid.
After so many years of being a youth leader, associate Pastor, teacher. After helping plant 3 churches in another area, 2 of which still exist. One for more than 30 years. The responsibility for this one was all on me, and my wonderful wife Betty.
What was my fear? It was accountability. Would it work, because I am not from this area? Would people come. Would we be relevant and useful to the community.
I want to be clear on something. Betty and I started Amazing Life Church from scratch. Our first service we had around 13 people. Only one was from another church, and He just came that one time for support.
We did not befriend people all over the county that went to other churches, only to get them to come to ours when we opened.
It was an act of faith. Propped up with courage, and a calling to fulfill God’s purpose for Betty and I, and our community.
God has blessed us with great people over the years. We are in our 14th year. This July will be the 10th year of our back to school bash. To this point we have put 3,800 backpacks in the hands of needy children. Along with school supplies and other items we could obtain.
So the question I asked myself when we felt the call, would we be relevant, was answered. Giving God the glory always.
My final thought is this. With God’s help and grace, Betty and I are accountable to God, ALC, and our community. It is a joy to listen to the voice of God as He directs, and fulfills.
Just so you know what this amazing lady looks like. I have included a picture in this post.
Have a great day. Be blessed as you follow Christ.
#lovewins #hopelives
Let us Pray
Let us Pray
I wanted to share some thoughts today on prayer. The kind of heartfelt prayer that moves the hand of God.
Prayer, prayed in the desert. The dry places of your life.
Prayer prayed in the garden, when you are facing your greatest trial.
Prayer prayed in your secret place, when your heart breaks for a loved one or friend. Helpless to meet their need, and knowing that only God can.
Over the years I have come to believe that prayer and passion must come together. Praying with an urgency. Someone you love needs help.
Praying with much love, for our world and our communities. Praying that God would move in our land, and in our churches. Love moves our hearts to break for the sins of the world. When this happens we must be moved to pray.
Jesus taught us to pray this way.
Matthew 6:9-13
9 “Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.
10 ‘Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.
11 ‘Give us this day our daily bread.
12 ‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 ‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’
Before I go further take note of verse 12.
You are asking God to treat you, like you treat others.
Jesus taught us to pray with Kingdom in mind. Pray with Kingdom authority. Prayer that will align us with God’s will.
Not prayer for God to align His will with ours. (Oh, I am sorry, did I say that?)
We should pray with the understanding that we will likely have to wait for the answer. If you have read the Bible you understand that.
With that said, we must be consistent in our prayers. Steadfast in the vision that God has given. Unwavering in faith, and confident that God will answer.
We live in a right now culture. In other words, God I need you to do this right now.
Often we feel discouraged, even let down, if the answer doesn’t come when we want it.
We must understand that God sees every event in our lives. He positions us. Prepares us to fulfill our purpose.
There are times when a need requiring prayer seems urgent. In need of an immediate answer. Someone is sick, facing a serious illness. We pray for healing.
A job is opening up that must be filled in a few days. We pray for God’s favor. Many times these urgent prayers will be answered.
Let me tell you why I believe that occurs. It is my sincere belief that these prayers are piggy backed on the faithful consistent prayers we have prayed every day. I know that seems to be an over simplification.
I believe that God honors our faithfulness to pray. When we are praying broadly, for our world, our region and community. When we pray consistently for God to move in our community. Praying for the harvest of souls. The anointing for ministry.
On and on. The unselfish prayers that we pray for others. The prayers of humility. Giving Him praise for what He has already done. In prayer worshiping Him for who He is.
He is a good God and He loves His children.
He will not always give us what we want.
He will always give us what is best for us. The answer that will move us forward in our purpose. Making a difference in our world.
Paul said this in several of his letters.
We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers.
Take notice of the word always. Remember to always pray. Pray with passion, In Jesus name.
Blessings to you.
#lovewins #hopelives.
It Is Worth The Wait
It Is Worth the Wait
It has been an awesome week. With all the things I have to get done I am making better use of my time. I am not there yet, I am however at least thinking about managing my time better.
I love it when those steeped in religion get a little upset about my take on the Gospel. With a very humble heart, I am reminded of the way the followers of religion treated Jesus.
He loved and respected all the people. He ministered to the poor and afflicted, along with the elite Jews and the Roman centurion. The diseased and the healthy.
He is truly no respecter of persons.
I want to begin with a familiar story found in Isaiah.
Isaiah 40:27-31
27 Why do you say, O Jacob, and assert, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the Lord, And the justice due me escapes the notice of my God”?
28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth Does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable.
29 He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power.
30 Though youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly,
31 Yet those who wait for the Lord Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.
The first couple of scriptures is a complaint. Where is God? Why is it taking so long?
Then the prophet begins to talk about the strength and faithfulness of God. He reminds us that we grow weary but God does not.
Then there is verse 31.
Isaiah 40:31
Yet those who wait for the Lord Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.
The word wait from the Hebrew means, “look for, hope, expect, wait or look eagerly for.”
The word gain, or renew in the KJV means, “to pass through, go through, grow up, and change.”
These few passages tell a story.
“They represent the collision of an unwearied God, and a fainting man.”
Paul shared in one verse a similar message to the Corinthian Church.
2 Corinthians 4:16
Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.
God is always working. “Don’t lose heart.”
As Jesus was about to ascend He left this command.
Acts 1:4
Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, “Which,” He said, “you heard of from Me.
The word wait from the Greek simply means, to wait for.
It is believed that they waited approx. 10 days in the upper room. In prayer before the fire of the Holy Spirit fell on them, and filled them.
“The things of God are worth waiting for.”
Luke 2:25-32
25 And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law,
28 then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29 “Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, According to Your word;
30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation,
31 Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 A Light of revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.”
In study I found some things about Simeon that interested me. His Father, Hillel, was a great Jewish scholar who founded the school of interpretation of the Law.
It is believed that Simeon had a son named Gamaliel who was the scholar who taught Paul the Law. In the middle of two renown students and teachers of the Law, a man who knew the law very well Himself. This Simeon, was looking for the Messiah.
This was not unusual. Every Jew wanted to see the Messiah. In fact, in the Jews daily prayers they prayed this. “May I see the consolation of Israel.”
The word see, from the Greek has several meanings. “To have sight, to look down, to look up, to see clearly.”
Luke 2:25 NASB
And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
Consolation means, “a calling near, exhortation, supplication, entreaty.”
Rabbis of the day used the word to define Messianic Salvation. They called the Messiah, the consoler, and the comforter.
The word looking, or waiting in the KJV is translated from the Greek word, pros-dekh’-om-ahee.
It means, to receive to one’s self, to admit in, to give access to one’s self. Used to expect: the fulfillment of promise.
All the Jews wanted to see Him. Few of them wanted to receive Him, embrace Him.
Verse 27 says that Simeon came in the Spirit to the Temple.
Even then God was directing those who wanted more than just to see Him. Simeon wanted to embrace Him.
I don’t want to just see Him.
I am looking for Him. Trusting in Him. Believing in His promises.
Have an amazing week. Blessed in the Spirit and favor of God.
#lovewins #hopelives
You Have To Be Kidding
You Have to be Kidding
Yesterday I posted a blog with some short thoughts on the condition of the church, and the message it shares. Of course I was speaking broadly, as I indicated in the post.
You will find no greater advocate for the church than me. Betty and I have fought for more than 14 years for the right of all people to find safety and love in the church. For some unknown reason to me, some people define the love of God for all people as flesh pleasing. Avoiding the truth of their sin filled lives.
There is nothing further from the truth. At Amazing Life Church we have seen many over the years come to Christ and be baptized, all because they were shown God’s love. They turned to Christ because they heard His story. The only thing that can redeem them is to believe in Christ as their Savior.
I hate sin. The problem in many churches is there is only one or two sins preached. Heaven forbid you teach Proverbs six, or the rejection of Christ by the wealthy young ruler. The story of how we put things before Him. Jealousy, pride, or failure to forgive.
Who are you worried about offending when you will not acknowledge these sins?
There is not a person, in my belief, that does not see their sin,when in the church, you create an atmosphere of love and praise.
When this happens you allow God, and the Holy Spirit to do their job. (When He comes, He will convince the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment.)
I have to say that I love it when religion is angered. It confirms the word from the Lord and its relevance to us today.
Some may take from my earlier post that I am criticizing the church. Once again, nothing is further from the truth. I call it like it is. I am a Pastor, not someone who just shows up. I Pastor a church, not just a group of people.
I love the church, and it is nothing more than arrogant hypocrisy to tell the world it needs to repent. All the while refusing to look at ourselves as members of His body, and acknowledge our faults and failures. Then repent ourselves.
In Romans 2 Paul was rebuking the church for passing judgment on others. Then He said this.
Romans 2:4
Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? The Kindness of God!!!
Five different verses in Revelation show Jesus calling on His churches to repent.
The church at Ephesus, Revelation 2:5. The church at Pergamum, Revelation 2:16. The church at Thyatira, Revelation 2:21. The church at Sardis, Revelation 3:3.
I love the fifth one, it is the church at Laodicea.
Revelation 3:19
Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent.
You see, I love the church, and when you find me challenging the church and its message, two things are going on.
First, I look at myself and the work we are building. Have I, or others within our church wandered off course. Is there something we need to improve. Something requiring repentance.
Secondly, because I love the church I will point out what I believe to be the danger that occurs when the church rejects the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
From the Greek, the word Gospel is defined as good news. Vines dictionary further defines the Gospel as the story of Jesus. His birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension.
It is not Jesus plus, it is just Jesus.
Hope this clears things up for some of you who were confused.
As Paul said, let me show you a more excellent way.
I pray you are blessed and empowered by His love.
#lovewins #hopelives
Not in Vain
Not in Vain
Much is being said today about the church and its influence in the world. Many are expecting a revival in America. I have been praying, along with others for several years, that an awakening would move across this land.
It is needed. People are often confused about revival. Revival is for the church. Of course in great revivals people will come to know Christ as their Savior. Still, it comes, God sends it, when the church is found in repentance for the darkness it has embraced.
When I speak of darkness, I simply mean that often the light of Christ is diminished in the church world. With all the hate filled rhetoric streaming from pulpits. Diving into the politics of the world. Fighting over theology and interpretation.
The only message that will change a heart is shrouded in the darkness of opinion and anger.
Of course this is not true across the board. Even those caught in this web of darkness are good people. Still they move forward with the whims of the majority, and leave behind the most important story from the Bible.
The story of Jesus. His birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension.
I know, if you have read one of my blogs, or one of many Facebook posts, you have heard this before.
I see an awesome change taking place in ministry.
Change is occurring in the message from many pulpits and organizations across this awesome country.
Jesus is alive. He loves everyone. You can not live like you want when you come to Christ. We know that, and teach that.
Over the years I have come to realize that people will change when they know they are loved.
When you convince someone of the great love that God has for them. When they embrace it, things will change. People will repent and turn to follow Christ.
I love the church. Still we must be aware of the influence we embrace. The message we give. The church must be willing to repent.
Repent from such things as growing cold in our praise and prayer. Repent for our lack of forgiveness, and our religious self righteousness.
Repent for rejecting the needs of our community. Even if all you can do is pray. You must shine in the place that God has planted you.
Somehow from the very beginning I moved away from my original thoughts. Still, they have become relevant now.
Over 2000 years the church has weathered every storm. From persecutions, poverty, religion, disease.
It has never been perfect, “only in heart”. Still we move forward in glory at times. At other times in repentance.
With our ups and our downs we keep moving. Shining the light of Christ. The light that reveals His love for us, and our need for Him.
Paul gave the Corinthian church this encouragement.
1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.
I love this stuff.
Have a blessed day and keep on working for the Lord. Some plant, some water, some reap. Everyone has a part in this wonderful movement.
The church of our Lord Jesus Christ.
#lovewins #hopelives
Decisions-Decisions
Decisions-Decisions
Before I begin the thoughts I want to share, I just wanted to say that Betty and I pray that everyone had an awesome resurrection Sunday.
This was a special year since the Easter celebration united all Christian faiths. Often the Orthodox church celebrates different days due to the calendar they observe. This year the date fell along with the rest of us. A great season of unity as we rejoiced together.
I want to share some thoughts about decisions. All of us make a number of decisions everyday. Most are just simple life decisions. When do I get up, go to bed, fix dinner, and so on and so on.
I want to talk a little bit about the decisions we make that move us from normal, to extraordinary. Over the course of the next few weeks I will probably address this topic several times.
The decisions we make, in regard to our walk with God are important. More so than we think at times. We must continually be aware of our purpose, and how these decisions will influence it.
Many times our heart will move us to do something. Love and dedication to Christ will guide us in the process.
There are many Biblical examples of these type decisions.
I want to share one of my favorite from the Old Testament. The book of Ruth, to be exact.
You can read it when you get a chance. It goes kind of like this, and I will make it short.
Naomi and her husband, along with her two sons moved to the land of Moab due to a famine in the land. Her husband died after a period of time.
Her two sons took wives from the land of Moab. One married Ruth, and the other married Orpah. After about ten years the sons also died.
Naomi heard that things were better back home so she set herself to go back to her homeland. She kissed her daughters- in-laws, and charged them to go back home to their homeland in Moab.
Here is where normal and extraordinary collided. Orpah chose to go back home. That in itself, doesn’t seem wrong. In reality it wasn’t. It was a normal decision. She had family there, friends, that she could join with again. She would have felt at home.
Ruth on the other hand surprised Naomi by saying she would never leave her. Ruth would go back with Naomi. Naomi’s land, and her God would be Ruth’s.
I love this story.
This was an extraordinary decision. Ruth made the decision to change her life completely. Adopt a different culture, and worship a different God. Learn the ways of Naomi and the God of Israel.
Let me share with you the picture I get from these two decisions. .
Orpah went back home. As I said earlier, that in itself would have been a normal, comfortable decision.
The Babylonian Talmud tells us that God gave Orpah four sons. All four were Giants.
Ruth Married and became the Great Grandmother of David. The David whose house our Lord would come from.
Long before that would occur something else interesting happened.
One of Orpah’s sons was named Goliath. Are you starting to get my point?
Orpah birthed a giant. Ruth became the Great Grandmother of a giant killer.
I love this stuff.
Remember when you walk with Christ, your decisions can have an effect that moves forward, far into the future.
Pray, listen, seek counsel if necessary. Make sure the counsel you seek is from someone who is not afraid of the extraordinary.
I pray that something here has caused you to think. Be blessed in your decisions.
God is bigger in you than you think.
#lovewins #hopelives
Let Them Go
Let Them Go
It has been an awesome week leading up to the Easter weekend. Before I get started with some thoughts that may be controversial to some, I want to wish everyone a blessed weekend.
Betty and I are praying that you find encouragement and strength in what this season represents.
I ran across a picture of some Minions the other day on Facebook. I will share it in this writing because it reminded me of something that all of us have dealt with.
The more you live. The more successful you become. As your ministry or purpose draws attention there will be people who come your way. Some for help and prayer. Others to join with you in your movement.
Still, and I say this from experience. There will be some who come that want to use you and your platform to validate themselves, or worse yet, for a springboard for their own thing.
I know this sounds negative but my goal in this blog is to help others, and share the wisdom that God has granted over the years.
You have to understand. People are people. Overcoming jealousy, arrogance, and pride, and all the other negative traits is a process. For some it takes longer than others.
This last group of people I mentioned will eventually leave you. LET THEM GO!
It is our duty to reach out to people and help them find their way. Understand their purpose and join in unity for the cause of Christ.
What you have to be cautious of are people who want you to be there for them, but they will not be there for you. You don’t hurt them if possible. Let them go.
Paul wrote a one sentence passage to the Corinthian church that has a huge message to us today.
1 Corinthians 15:33
Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
Four Greek words need some attention.
The 1st is the Greek word, Kakos which is translated evil. It means, bad nature, mode of thinking, feeling, and acting.
2nd is the Greek word Homillia, translated communications. It means communion and companionship. 3rd is the Greek word Phtherio, translated corrupt. It means to lead away, to be destroyed, to perish. Lastly, the 4th Greek word Ethos, translated manners.
I find this one interesting. It means custom or character, but it also means dwelling place.
This one passage is telling us that the people we let in our lives, the words we speak, will affect every thing about us. Including the place where Christ lives. That place is us.
I think sometimes that Pastors are most vulnerable to these situations because of our desire to help. Sometimes it is because a Pastor needs help. People with experience. People who you can talk to.
One solution that will help you avoid what will become a negative influence, is prayer. Don’t let what sounds good confuse you. Get alone with the Father and bear witness before you allow someone in your life.
This works for all situations,and all people.
When you find yourself in one of these situations, pray. If you are a leader you will probably have to deal with an uncomfortable situation. Take responsibility, and as best you can, do it in love.
When they go, keep them in your prayers. Don’t be angry or embarrassed. Just keep moving forward. God has an amazing way of making all things right.
Once again I pray you have an amazing Easter weekend. Be blessed and encouraged in your walk with Christ.
#lovewins #hopelives
Is It Well With You?
Is It Well With You?
Yesterday I ran across a song mix that included words from the old hymn, it is well with my soul. Here is a link to it.
It sort of had a different effect on me. I wept with the assurance that my eyes are on Jesus. It is well with my soul. No matter where you are, or what is taking place keep your eyes on Him
I began to think of all the people who are in a struggle. Some I know of, while there are so many that I do not know. Sometimes those of us who in a season of peace and strength, forget how overwhelming life can be at times.
We must have a soft and willing heart so the Holy Spirit can move in us to intercede. Breaking the chains of addiction and pain that follow people for their entire lives. Breaking it in prayer as our heart is moved for them.
Some people have the strength and courage to resist the enemy reminding and tempting as they walk through life.
Others find themselves caving to the same problems and addictions from the temptation of the enemy.
They are not bad people. It is likely a failure that piles on them from another life event that has developed.
I am no analyst, but I do believe that the Holy Spirit will lead me, and you, as we walk through life to help others.
It is the responsibility of every Christian to pray for our brothers and sisters. Not just those who follow Christ.
Every man and woman on this earth is God’s creation. The church must stop dividing out who is worthy, and embrace everyone with the love of God, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Revealing Jesus to them as the Messiah.
I ask everyone that reads this to join with me in prayer for the hurting, the addicted, and everyone facing life altering tragedies. You don’t have to know them.
Your prayers are powerful in the presence of God. His Spirit will move across this world to heal and reveal.
Just a few short words today from my heart.
Be blessed.
#lovewins #hopelives
Grace has Appeared
Grace has Appeared
There is an old Hymn that came to my mind as I embraced this word that God has given me for today.
There’s a name above all others,Wonderful to hear, bringing hope and cheer. It’s the lovely name of Jesus,
Evermore the same, what a lovely name.
Chorus
What a lovely name, the name of Jesus. Reaching higher far, than the brightest star. Sweeter than the songs they sing in heaven. Let the world proclaim, what a lovely name.
There is no name more relevant for the times we live. For the season we are in. For the difficulties we face. The tragedies we endure. The joy we experience. The love that has embraced us. The blood that has cleansed us, and continues to cleanse all who follow Him.
What an awesome name, the name of Jesus.
I want to share some thoughts titled, “Grace has Appeared” (little history before I get started)
Titus, or Saint Titus as he is known today was a Greek convert of Paul, and a recipient of one of three Paul’s Pastoral Epistles. He was installed as the first Bishop of the island of Crete by Paul. This letter to him was one of instruction and encouragement in the ministry.
Something interesting about Titus that followed him to today. He is the Patron Saint of the United States Army Chaplain Corps. The order of Titus award is the only award presented by the chief chaplain to recognize outstanding ministry by chaplains and their associates.
Titus 2:11-15 NASB
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men,
12 instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age,
13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus,
14 who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.
15 These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you.
Titus 2:14 Amplified
who [willingly] gave Himself [to be crucified] on our behalf to redeem us and purchase our freedom from all wickedness, and to purify for Himself a chosen and very special people to be His own possession, who are enthusiastic for doing what is good.
From the Apostles, to the Bishops, to the Pastors, Evangelists, Teachers, and the prophets. There is no more faithful, and profound word of encouragement, than the story of Jesus.
The heart and soul of our Christian lives, ministries, and purpose, is Jesus and His story. Jesus said this to Thomas, when Thomas questioned how would we know the way.
John 14:6 NASB
Jesus *said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.
There is only one door to walk through that leads to redemption, restoration, and eternal life.
That door is Jesus.
Chapter 2 of Titus ended with verse 15 but the exhortation of Paul continued in chapter 3
Titus 3:1-8 NASB
1 Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed,
2 to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men.
3 For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.
4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared,
5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,
6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8 This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men.
Titus 3:8 Amplified
This is a faithful and trustworthy saying; and concerning these things I want you to speak with great confidence, so that those who have believed God [that is, those who have trusted in, relied on, and accepted Christ Jesus as Savior,] will be careful to participate in doing good and honorable things. These things are excellent [in themselves] and profitable for the people.
The word translated good in this passage has a very broad and inclusive meaning. It comes from the Greek word, kal-os’, and it means, “beautiful, handsome, excellent, eminent, choice, surpassing, precious, useful, suitable, commendable, and admirable. Excellent in its nature and characteristics. Genuine and approved.
These passages are not referring to good deeds that earn salvation. “that’s impossible.”
It is referring to doing good deeds because of your salvation.
The church today must define its responsibility to the world. 1st,the world we live. 2nd , to our global community.
Why?
For the grace of God has appeared
#lovewins #hopelives
Tell Me the Story
Tell Me the Story
When you follow anything I do, from social media, blogging, and Pastoring. You will quickly recognize my love for the church. With its difficulties and struggles over the years. Even with the diversity within it, that comes to question from time to time.
The local church in every community and country around the world, is the hope of the world. The work that churches do in their communities. The prayers they pray for their cities and their countries. The programs they offer, people that they feed, needs met all across the board.
Not to mention their most important efforts to shine the light of Christ to everyone in their community, and in mission work across the world.
By the way, doing all the things I mentioned above are part of shining the light.
The most common reference to church from the Greek in the Bible is the word, ecclesia. It means, “a called out company or assembly.”
It is used to describe local bodies that gather together, individual members, and more broadly the universal church which includes all believers throughout time.
Still, it is local churches that the Apostles spent so much effort in building. The power and presence of believers in a community would bring change and purpose for believers, and unbelievers as well.
When it comes to doctrinal issues the church today has drawn many different conclusions. The study of the original languages, writings from church fathers for over 2000 years, along with many other study and help aids available. These things have offered a path to knowledge.
I am sort of an old school guy. I love to study and prepare messages from the inspiration I get from the things I mentioned above.
Yet there is something that has stuck in my mind for years. A passage from the Apostle Paul. It is found in 2 Timothy 3 and you need to read the chapter in its entirety. Paul said this in verse 7.
2 Timothy 3:7 NASB
always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Jesus said this.
John 6:63 NASB
It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.
Yes, I love God’s Word. I believe with all my heart that it is comprised of two elements. Written and Spirit. These two together give us a spiritual revelation of the words written in the Bible.
Only then can we fully understand what God has shared from His heart, down through time. Remember again the words of the Apostle John from his Gospel.
John 1:1-2 NASB
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 He was in the beginning with God.
Don’t forget the words of Christ from John 16.
John 16:13 NASB
But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.
I love the Classic Amplified—“But when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth [full and complete truth]. For He will not speak on His own initiative, but He will speak whatever He hears [from the Father—the message regarding the Son], and He will disclose to you what is to come [in the future].”
The Bible is the history of the coming of Christ. A reference to Him is mentioned in every book, including the Apocrypha.
I am one of those Pastors that believes the story of Jesus is the relevant issue that we need to share. The church is not the police agency of the world. Yes we must stand for righteousness but the most successful way of doing that is to live it. Not tell it.
That is the example that will lead others to Christ.
Paul wrote 3 Pastoral Epistles. Giving instruction and leadership to Timothy and Titus. Through out his letters, and in fact, most of the letters in The New Testament, the authors used one common theme to encourage their readers.
The story of Jesus. Paul used it to encourage Titus. A Greek that was converted by Paul. Paul appointed him the first Bishop of the island of Crete.
Titus 2:11-14 NASB
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men,
12 instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age,
13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus,
14 who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.
Forgive me for going so long. I love the church and I love the Word of God.
I love the story of Jesus. “His birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension.”
Tell it every where you go, and every chance you get. The church is built upon it, exists because of it, and walks in Kingdom authority empowered by it.
I will close with a verse and chorus from Frances Crosby.
Tell me the story of Jesus, Write on my heart every word;
Tell me the story most precious, Sweetest that ever was heard.
Tell how the angels in chorus, Sang as they welcomed His birth, “Glory to God in the highest! Peace and good tidings to earth.”
Refrain:
Tell me the story of Jesus, Write on my heart every word;
Tell me the story most precious, Sweetest that ever was heard.
#lovewins #hopelives