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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
The Battle for Influence
The Battle for Influence
It is an amazing time for the church. With all my heart I believe a supernatural awakening, revival if you will is coming soon. I am speaking broadly in reference to the church in America. You and I will get from this movement, what we have prayed for. What we can believe for. Probably most important of all, do we want more of Him?
There are so many different things that are attempting to influence us today. Commercials influence our buying decisions. The news attempts to influence what we think about situations and circumstances in our world.
Probably the most dangerous influence we encounter is from the enemy of our destiny. The prince and power of the air. Ever trying to convince us of our lack of value. Our inability to succeed. Doing all He can to persuade us to forsake our Lord and give in to the temptations that the enemy provides.
Almost exclusively appealing to our old fleshly nature.
It is a war for our minds, for our thoughts. It happens when an atmosphere of negativity takes hold in our minds.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NASB
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh,
4 for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.
5 We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,
Amplified
3 For though we walk in the flesh [as mortal men], we are not carrying on our [spiritual] warfare according to the flesh and using the weapons of man.
4 The weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood]. Our weapons are divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.
5 We are destroying sophisticated arguments and every exalted and proud thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought and purpose captive to the obedience of Christ,
In verse 5 the word, speculations or sophisticated arguments comes from a Greek word which means, a reckoning or reasoning hostile to Christian faith. The word knowledge is referring to, a deeper, more perfect, enlarged knowledge. The word captive means, to capture ones mind.
Paul said this in the next chapter.
2 Corinthians 11:3 NASB
But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.
That word translated simplicity means, “sincere, the virtue of one free from pretense and hypocrisy. Not self seeking.”
To the Philippians Paul said this.
Philippians 4:4-7 NASB
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!
5 Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
There must be active opposition to the negative influence that attempts to stall your relationship with Christ. It will affect your home, your job, all your relationships. Everything about you.
You have to change the atmosphere. Atmosphere defined, “surrounding or pervading mood, environment, or influence.”
Your destiny is settled in the Heavens. Your victory, redemption, purpose, everything about you is established in the plan of God. Your enemy has been defeated. It is not questionable. It is a fact. When the Holy Spirit came He judged the prince of this world, “rendered him ineffective.”
You are more than a conqueror. You are a child of the most high God. The head not the tail.
Stop living under the negative influence of the enemy. Join your thoughts with the mind of Christ.
10 and have put on the new [spiritual] self who is being continually renewed in true knowledge in the image of Him who created the new self— (It’s a process)
11 a renewal in which there is no [distinction between] Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, [nor between nations whether] barbarian or Scythian, [nor in status whether] slave or free, but Christ is all, and in all [so believers are equal in Christ, without distinction].
Change your thoughts (You can do it!!!!!)
#lovewins #hopelives
My heart, To Yours
My heart, To Yours
I wanted to share some thoughts today about my responsibility as a pastor, and all of our responsibilities as Christians.
There are those who tend to complicate these issues. Wrapping them around theological issues and statements of faith. This approach is ok for those who enjoy the depth of the scriptures and the plan of God for our lives.
I am one of those who digs deeper and deeper as time goes by. Looking at the church fathers and writings from the Apostles who studied and followed the original 12, and throughout over 2000 years of writings from church fathers, desert fathers and so on.
There is so much great stuff available. It is awesome. With that said, the Bible is my heart and my life as I follow Christ. It is knowing Him. The Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Back to my original point. As a Pastor I believe that we all must take on the heart of Jesus. He looked beyond the religious community and their acceptance of people. He offered His love and compassion to everyone He came in contact with.
The world today is raging with controversy. Even in the church world people are divided by boundaries and theology.
Before I go further, I have never been a fan of the reformation. It had to happen, but it created an historical divide in Christianity. At the time there were basically 2 recognized churches. Catholic and Orthodox.
Today, the most recent statistics I could find, tell us that there are over 41,000 different denominations and religious institutions. Many of these are related to each other, still there is too much room for division.
There are many praying in intercession today to tear down these walls of division. Revival is coming. With all my heart I believe it.
The Gospel is simple in nature, yet profound in accomplishment. The story of Jesus, His birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension is the Gospel message. It has changed the lives of millions when delivered in that form. It will continue to do so today.
To take on His heart means I have to care about others. Every Christian has this responsibility.
Not only to care, but we must endeavor to help in what ways we can.
Prayer is the most effective way to join people together, and feel the burden of those who need us.
Prayer softens our heart and moves our will, to His will. It will reveal your purpose and the steps you must take to fulfill it.
One of the things that the Holy Spirit moves in me is a burden for those who are struggling. Often I don’t even know the reason, but when prompted to pray, I do so.
Many times it is a physical drain as intercession cries out from my heart to His.
I want so much to help, yet often I can only pray. God positions healing, and answers as we intercede in prayer.
From feeding thousands and healing the sick. Encouraging the hopeless, and teaching His followers, Christ taught us how to care.
How can we turn our face from the tragedies in this world and call ourselves, followers of Christ.
Start in your local area and begin to pray. The Holy Spirit will open a path for you to follow.
It will lead you to more prayer, and intercession. It may also lead you to someone in need. Be ready. He will test your faith.
I am praying everyday for His love, mercy, and grace to move throughout this world.
Remember this. It moves through us. He loves, through us. Heals, through us. Reveals Himself, through us.
We are the light of the world. We must shine the light of Jesus.
Be blessed this day. In Jesus name I pray.
#lovewins #hopelives
When He Comes
When He Comes
In many of my sermons and Facebook posts I deal with inspiration. I believe that one of our duties as Christians, and Christian leaders, is to inspire others to follow Christ.
During this process we also pray and endeavor to inspire one another to embrace the principles that Christ taught in His earthly ministry.
I am humbled and blessed when other leaders embrace principles that the Holy Spirit used us to bring to light.
One of those recently is the work of the church in the community. We must enrich our communities with the love and grace of the Gospel. Meeting needs as directed by the Holy Spirit, and the community.
For the last 9 years Amazing Life Church has done just that. Reaching out to our community with an annual backpack school supply event.
In these 9 years we have given 3800 backpacks, along with school supplies, and various other items we are able to obtain.
We also feed these folks as they wait in line.
This may not seem like much to some, but for an average of 35-40 in attendance, God has blessed abundantly.
The word inspire is defined this way. To affect, guide, or arouse by divine influence.
In a broader sense Jesus left us with a Helper that leads us, corrects us, and inspires us.
John 16:7 NASB
But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.
After Christ ascended, the Apostles along with others met in an upper room and received that promise.
This is what Jesus said the Helper would do.
John 16:8 NASB
And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.
Then Christ defined these three principles.
John 16:9-11 NASB
9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me;
10 and concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father and you no longer see Me;
11 and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.
Jesus kept things simple.
Sin, is not believing in Christ.
Righteousness, is a perfect sacrifice ascending to the right hand of the Father.
Judgment, the ruler of this world has been rendered ineffective.
The Holy Spirit today continues this work. Revealing Christ, and enriching our lives with with the Gospel story.
The Holy Spirit inspires us as God’s Word becomes light to our lives. Relevant to our circumstances. He inspires us to move forward in faith, bringing to our mind the many that came before us who walked in their destiny.
Facing fear, doubt, and enemies, that hindered at every opportunity.
He is still using us, as individuals, to inspire others to follow Christ. Inspiring others to work in their community. Inspiring us with the awesome words of God.
Teaching, revealing, and encouraging every moment of our lives. “To affect, guide, or arouse by divine influence.”
#lovewins #hopelives