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Tag: Church
Called to Engage
Called to Engage
I love to talk about Jesus and His church. I do my best to share the Biblical principles regarding salvation, and the relevance of Jesus to the world today.
From time to time I get very broad with my pronouncements but it is what it is.
Many people refer to their opinion when explaining the story of Jesus and the church. I am one of the many that believes these things should not be referenced as an opinion. These principles are easily understood.
I will be the first to admit that there are things in the Bible that are not easily understood. With much study and prayer the best we can do is come up with an educated opinion.
The story of Jesus and the structure of the church is not one of these things. Jesus and the purpose of the church have been made clear Biblically. So clear that they can be taught with authority throughout every generation.
Keep your opinions of a persons lifestyle and destination to yourself. You can’t save them, so don’t judge them. Tell them the story of Jesus.
Regarding the church, when you remove accountability you have become rogue. No longer following the Biblical principles of Apostolic ministry and authority.
The Father created the church to be a living breathing organism in each community. Bringing the story of Jesus. The work of the Holy Spirit. The ministry to the poor and the hurting. Teaching the need to follow Christ and then making them disciples of Christ. So these folks can change the world they live in.
These, we are all one body groups, are doing their best to reject the Biblical principles of the New Testament church. I do believe they love Jesus but without accountability there is too much confusion. Everyone goes their own way. Believing in their own opinions.
Pray with me for these good folks, and the entire global church as well. The enemy is roaring about, and without a strong foundation of accountability. So many folks are left all alone to deal with the life events that come to all of us.
One Body
One Body
Well I thought I would address another subject that tends to be used inappropriately. At least it will be my take on the subject.
It seems there is a movement about that suggests that the local church is not relevant.
These ministries often say that we are all members of the same body. This of course is true.
1 Corinthians 12:12-13
12 For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ.
13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.
Anybody reading this should understand that this is referring to spiritual alignment with Christ. All Christians are connected in the Spirit to the will and purpose of God. We have to go beyond this and understand that the Apostolic ministry beginning in the book of Acts started building local churches.
Not necessarily structures, but groups of people in given areas that join together to worship the Lord. These people fellowshipped together, prayed together. Helped meet the needs of one another. Most importantly they had oversight.
When a group formed, the Apostles set a Pastor over the congregation. Trained teachers and evangelist to work in and out of the church. All of this Kingdom structure was covered with Apostolic authority. The church was not only accountable to the 5 fold ministry. They were accountable to one another, and to their local communities.
We have been given a commission to change our world. Our country is starving for leadership. There are too many people who want to lead, before they ever learn to follow.
Remember the Apostle John gave us the book of Revelation. It was a letter to seven churches. SEVEN CHURCHES. Six of which Jesus had an issue with. He did not have an issue with the church at Philadelphia.
Just so you know from the Greek. Philadelphia means, “brotherly love” Just had to get that in.
Blessings to you all, in His name. www.visitlivinghope@gmail.com
There is a Builder
There is a Builder
I have never been more encouraged by the changes taking place today, in the American Church.
For too long many have embraced a man centered Gospel. One that makes everyone feel good about themselves. A gospel that is about getting from God, when the Gospel is truly all about giving to God.
We are building churches across the world to benefit people and there needs. Even in desperate situations and unfamiliar cultures the message is still Jesus.
Speakers who say nothing about sacrifice are deceiving their listeners. Causing people to believe that the gospel is about making them feel good. Precious memories that have no relevance to the kingdom living that God has inspired us to live.
I hear and read so many. I suppose that people are sincere.
In an age of itching ears it is demanded by many groups of people. Make us feel good, remember the good old days.
The Gospel is all about giving up who we are, and becoming who He is. Taking on the life of Christ and His heart of giving and sacrifice.
Individually we turn from our past, and turn towards Christ. Changing our lifestyle, and our way of thinking.
Christ is building churches. That is what He commissioned the Apostles to do, and nothing has changed.
When Peter confessed Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God Jesus responded this way.
Matthew 16:18
I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.
Build my church!!!!!
This same work is taking place today. Men and women are moving forward in their communities, cities, and regions to reach people for Jesus.
Sharing the Gospel message. The story of His birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension.
This is who He is. Who our foundation is built upon. Teaching people to move beyond their feel good mentality, and give of themselves to change the world they live in.
He gave us the tools and the authority to build upon the Gospel message. The Christ, the Son of the living God.
Blessing to you all. #inHisname.
What’s Next?
What’s Next?
We live in an awesome season of opportunity as Christians. I say this often, and I believe it with all my heart.
The division that has taken place over the last 100 years is shrinking because of the story of Jesus. This is happening because of two very important principles.
First, ministries are moving back to the teaching of the Gospel. The story of Jesus. His birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension.
This, and only this, is what the Apostles used to win the early converts, and build the church across the known world. Confirming who He was from the Old Testament, and confirming His Kingdom authority with signs and wonders.
Secondly, people are being encouraged to pray. I recently addressed that issue at Amazing Life Church. We have focused on prayer for years, but I felt prompted to encourage folks to set a daily appointment to pray.
I am in my third year of setting an appointment to pray each morning, and it has changed my life.
Some of us old guys from the 70’s are having a hard time dealing with the culture of the day we live in.
We went to church twice on Sunday, and often 3 or 4 times during the week. Yes we worked, raised kids, and did all this as well.
Today we minister to people who watch church on the computer. On television and You Tube.
Some congregations may be small, but if they work within the culture of today, they can reach hundreds and yes, even thousands.
It is not compromising. It is ministry. The message is still the same. Our ministry, our churches, are all about Jesus.
With all that said, there is nothing like the local church, and the family relationship that occurs when you gather together with a unified purpose.
Every Christian should be a part of a local church in their community. Making friends, meeting needs. Developing relationships that will last forever. Bonding with someone in prayer. Becoming prayer partners to call upon the Father to meet a need. Open a door, and reveal Him to those who do not know Him.
Pastors are there to teach and reveal Jesus. Helping their congregations to grow in Kingdom authority. Learn to walk in His presence, and tell your story to help someone else.
Pastors are there to visit in hospitals, nursing homes, and yes, even bring comfort when someone dies.
Pastors and their teams work together to reach their communities, strengthen their congregations, and make disciples of followers of Christ.
I love the new stuff. At Amazing Life Church we use every opportunity to reach people for Christ. Sermons on line. Welcome videos and gifts for first time guests.
Visit our website for more info.
I write blogs. Especially when I read something that attempts to diminish the value of the local church. I will address it with a very passionate response.
I love the local church.
It is the heart and soul of every community. Breathing life, and light to advance the Kingdom of God.
The most important thing to remember is that God has not changed.
In our attempt to be relevant, we sometimes make these subtle changes in the message to satisfy a changing culture.
Let me offer some advice, for whatever it is worth to you.
Keep the message pure. Tell the story of Jesus. His birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension.
It is as powerful today as it was over 2000 years ago.
And don’t forget. If you are not already a part of a local church in your community, find one. It will enrich your Christian life.
#inHisname
Time to Pray
Time to Pray
Prayer and faith has joined together for thousands of years to move the hand of God. These principles are the foundation of our relationship with Christ, and our ability to fulfill His purpose for our lives.
It is one thing to pray for an immediate need. God is ever ready to hear and answer as your faith touches His heart. These type of prayers occur many times over our life with Christ.
Passion moves us to pray for a friend or loved one. Tragedies and failures move us to pray for God to intervene.
There is a call today for a different kind of prayer. Consistent prayer. Finding a time everyday to spend in prayer.
There doesn’t have to be a specific need or request. Sometimes it is very broad in nature. At other times the Holy Spirit will lead you to pray for God to move in more specific areas.
Whatever the case, it is time to pray.
It has been decades since revival has spread across this entire nation. Yes, there has been regions where God moved with great power. Many were saved and set on fire for God.
Probably because people in the region were faithful and consistent, in their prayers.
If the American church would pray for this country and it’s people, as much as it criticizes them, there would be an awesome return to Godly principles, and revival would happen across this land.
Passionate, persistent, consistent prayer will change you, and the world you live in. Here is a few of my favorite passages on prayer.
Ephesians 1:18
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.
Matthew 5:44
But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
Mark 11:24
Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you.
1 John 5:14-15
14 This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
15 And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.
It is time to pray, and join it with faith.
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
God has covered all the bases. Every question that arises. Every doubt and fear has been vanquished by His love and grace.
It is time to pray. Passionate, persistent, and consistent prayers.
#inHisname
Taking Another Look
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 your 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
You Have to be Kidding
Recently 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
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
Just Some More Random Thoughts
Just some Random Thoughts
There are times that I look in the mirror and wonder, where did the years go?
I look forward to each day and the opportunities that God presents. It may simply be just prayer that moves me. Often it is His word that continues to challenge and reveal.
People speak of purpose and destiny. I talk about it all the time. I wonder sometimes, if we really get it.
Our purpose or destiny is never about us. It is about the work of God through us that He has defined for our lives.
A person that God places in our lives to share His love with. This person may seem insignificant, yet God sees what he or she can do, and who he or she will become.
There has been story after story for generations about God taking a simple person, with little qualifications, and using them to change the world.
I read an article recently from Charisma magazine about toxic Apostles. It listed several character traits about them but the one that stood out to me was this. Everything is about them.
I love the church. I say this often. Local and globally the church is the hope of the world. We live, breathe, move, and have our being in Christ.
The Bible warns us of thinking too much of ourselves. Accepting praise and glory instead of passing it on to Christ.
In the church we join together as one to reach our communities. It is not about filling our building. It is all about meeting needs in the community, and telling everyone the story of Jesus.
The mission of the church is to be the light of the world it is planted in. The light of Christ.
We are in an awesome season of change. Prayers from generations past, have joined in synergy with prayer warriors today, to bring healing to our land.
To ignite again the fire of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. To change the message of the church from one of death, to the message of life.
The story of Jesus. His birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension.
Yes, you hear this from me all the time. It is because it is the only thing that works.
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