Tag: Gospel

What’s In Your Center?

September 25, 2017

What’s In Your Center?

The love and grace of God is an eternal flow. God loves unconditionally, and forgives with the same authority.

The last few years of my life have been a period of transformation. Understanding and revelation have been consistently communicated to my spirit.

I believe that should be true at some level, for everyone.

I love the word of God. I believe it is His inspired words. I also believe that it is fully revealed and understood, when read with spiritual revelation, study, and prayer.

It has always been my hope, and my prayer, that I would bring just that kind of revelation to those that hear me share the heart of God.

I come to you, in His name, to share some thoughts titled, “What’s In Your Center?”

The Gospel message, and its presentation, has been my heart, and my concern for many years.

Over time the message has been corrupted with all sorts of add ons. Things are changing. We are entering a new season, but the church will always be tempted to preach a man centered gospel.

A man centered Gospel is all about God meeting our desires, our wants, and our needs. I strongly believe that God does want to do good things in our life. Yet the Gospel is not about getting, it is all about giving.

The message of the Gospel must not be man-centered. It must be Christ centered. Paul said it this way.

Roman 14:7-8

7 For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself;

8 for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.

In 1^st Corinthians the second chapter Paul shares His total reliance on the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 2:11-15

11 For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God.

12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God,

13 which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words.

14 But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.

15 But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one.

Would that we all would have a sincere, faith and confidence in God.

Appraises,appraised means, “To determine the excellence or defects of any person or thing.”

I Corinthians 2:15 AMP

But the spiritual man [the spiritually mature Christian] judges all things [questions, examines and applies what the Holy Spirit reveals], yet is himself judged by no one [the unbeliever cannot judge and understand the believer’s spiritual nature].

TLB

But the spiritual man has insight into everything, and that bothers and baffles the man of the world, who can’t understand him at all.

We should Understand and reveal the heart of God.

Colossians 2:8-15

8 See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.

9 For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form,

10 and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority.

11 and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ

12 having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.

13 When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions,

14 having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.

15 When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him.

Colossians 2:11 AMP

“In Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands, but by the [spiritual] circumcision of Christ in the stripping off of the body of the flesh [the sinful carnal nature.

In Peter’s second letter, while writing to several cities, influenced by his ministry, he said this.

2 Peter 1:3-4

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you.

This is not man-centered stuff. This is Christ centered.

Revelation 3:20-22 Amplified

20 Behold, I stand at the door [of the church] and continually knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him (restore him), and he with Me.

21 He who overcomes [the world through believing that Jesus is the Son of God], I will grant to him [the privilege] to sit beside Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down beside My Father on His throne.
22 He who has an ear, let him hear and heed what the Spirit says to the churches.’”

We have a responsibility to build our life, our hopes, and our dreams around the Gospel message of Jesus. Working from the center out our world will change. Our lives will be enriched, and promises will be fulfilled in our life with Christ.

Would you make Jesus the center of your life today?

#inHisname #hopelives

There is a Builder

September 21, 2017

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.

I love the Journey

August 1, 2017

I Love the Journey

I have spent a lot of time addressing topics that I have issues with. I never shrink away from defending Biblical principles regarding the church. In many of my posts I share the Biblical version of the Gospel. The Gospel is not open for opinion. It is clearly defined as the story of Jesus.

I have wanted to tell a little bit about myself and the journey that God has blessed me to walk. By the way I am praying that there is a lot of journey left.

In prayer I say to the Father often, I have always been in your hands, and will always be in your hands.

With all the mistakes and bad decisions I have made over the course of my life. God has always been with me. Loving, correcting, teaching, and forgiving.

Every life has a purpose. Even when you go off course you still have a purpose. You complicate the process when you move beyond His plan but He will help you move back in line with His will.

I have found myself at an age that I thought would have taken a lot longer to reach. I know that sounds weird, but the years pass so fast. Even faster than I ever imagined.

With that said I feel a greater urgency than ever. I don’t have time to deal with issues and yes, even people that aren’t going where God is taking me. That simply means that their purpose is different than mine. If I can help I will, if they have a word for me I will listen.

I am just saying that I don’t have time to waste.

I love the church, and I love the Gospel. It has been my life since I was 16 years old. I pray for the church every day. The Gospel story is the greatest message that the church has. The story of Jesus will change lives, heal divides, and strengthen relationships.

We live in an awesome season of ministry. Opportunities to change communities, reveal Jesus to the burdened and the hopeless. We have an opportunity like never before.

An opportunity to tear down walls of unbelief. To bring faith and hope to folks who have none. To help these people find their purpose in the Kingdom of God.

There are all sorts of new things, and new ideas to reach into the hearts of those who have yet to follow Christ. I am for everyone that holds true to the Gospel message.

Music can change, I love it. The presentations become more technological. These computer generated ministry helps are awesome. Still, the Gospel message is the only message that can change lives.

I am dedicated to that message. The story of Jesus. His birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension. Confirm it from the OT. Preach it with passion and Kingdom authority. Allowing everyone, no matter their lifestyle or their depth of sin and failure to hear that amazing story.

Jesus loves them and we must do the same.

My passion is preaching personal responsibility. Our responsibility to be the light and the salt in our world. Reaching beyond walls of division, and digging deep into the darkness that surrounds the lost.

I don’t preach inspirational stories, reminding people of the good old days. When times were different, and the world was so much better.

Make the world better now, if you don’t like it. Move beyond the past, and bring your knowledge and faith in Christ to the world you live in.

Inspiring people to grow and move forward. Forgiving those who have wronged you. Letting go of who you used to be, and become who He has created you to be.

I guess I just can’t help preaching a little bit.

I have a wonderful church family. Faithful and dedicated to the message we share at Amazing Life Church.

My wife Betty is an awesome gift of God. Our kids are such a blessing, and we have friends that we love with all our heart.

When you get a chance you can subscribe to my blog. That way you will be notified when I post something new.

Be prepared. I can get controversial, and I will definitely call out with intense passion, when I hear or read something that corrupts the Gospel.

Tell your story, along with the story of Jesus. It will change lives and change your world.

With a prayer for blessings and favor to all, I will close for now.

Oh, don’t forget, I love this journey. Praying that you love yours. In His Name.

#lovewins #hopelives

The Gift of God

July 26, 2017

The Gift of God

I have been wanting to do a post for a while on what seems to be a fixation on sin in much of the church.

I am aware that the religious community will not like this but I do pray that you read the entire post. I am not the type to judge and condemn others for their beliefs. I am, however the type that will passionately address what I believe is wrong.

Let me say unquestionably, that what the Bible says is sin, is sin. I didn’t write it, and I do not have the right to alter it. With that said, and this is probably for another post. I along with all of you have a responsibility to study, and pray, for understanding. As the Apostle Paul taught us our covenant has a spiritual concept, and must be understood with spiritual discernment.

2 Corinthians 3:4-6

4 Such confidence we have through Christ toward God.

5 Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God,

6 who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

With all this said, Here I go!!

It seems to me that there is only one sin that the church world is concerned with. I have read many posts regarding homosexuality. All kinds of amazing topics that grab attention.

5 Reasons why the church must publicly denounce it, or you will be labeled as approving it. Does that mean if I don’t call out liars that I approve of their lies. Revelation 21:8 says all liars will be in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone.

What about people steeped in selfish pride and arrogance.

What about the seven abominations found in Proverbs. By the way, none are sexually related.

Proverbs 6:16-19

16 There are six things which the Lord hates, Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him:
17 Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood,
18 A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that run rapidly to evil,
19 A false witness who utters lies, And one who spreads strife among brothers.

If I don’t cry out against these, naming them, and publicly berating those involved. Does that mean I approve of it, or condone it.

The church uses homosexuality as the sole reason for the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Take a look at this.

Ezekiel 16:49-50

49 Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had arrogance, abundant food and careless ease, but she did not help the poor and needy.

50 Thus they were haughty and committed abominations before Me. Therefore I removed them when I saw it.

The word abominations comes from the Hebrew word, Tow’ebah, strongs #8441. It means, (a disgusting thing. In a ritual sense it means, unclean food idols, and mixed marriages. In a ethical sense it means, wickedness.)

However, if you read the book of Jasher you will find that every sort of sexual sin there is, was being committed in these cities. Along with many other despicable acts of rebellion and disobedience.

It seems to me, God speaking through the prophet, was concerned about the poor and the needy. INTERESTING ISN’T IT?

Jesus put an emphasis on unbelief when He commissioned the disciples to tell His story.

Matthew 10:13-15

13 If the house is worthy, give it your blessing of peace. But if it is not worthy, take back your blessing of peace.

14 Whoever does not receive you, nor heed your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet.

15 Truly I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city.

Verse 15 Amplified

I assure you and most solemnly say to you, it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that city [since it rejected the Messiah’s messenger].

Please understand, this is not an effort to condone or minimize anything. I am simply saying that there are many things that people are dealing with. Many of which affect the condition of the church and it’s message to the world.

I believe in being fair. If I started naming sins from the pulpit, I would have no time to share the story of Jesus, (The Gospel Message). Most people have something they are dealing with. Is one more dangerous than the other?

When did we as a church stop believing in the redemptive power of the Gospel. The message of Jesus. His birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension. When did the church stop trusting that message to change the lives of the hearers?

We as a church need to listen to the voices crying out in the world.

The people who are in desperate situations. Sexual addictions, drug addictions. Those in poverty and horrible living conditions. People being abused every day with no hope of having a normal life.

Do we in the church really believe that these folks don’t know their condition?

They need to hear a message of hope. Something that will build within them the faith to change their circumstance. Something that they can believe in. A friend that will walk with them every step as they transition from their past and become a follower of Christ.

They need to hear that someone loves them, not hates them.

Yes we hate sin, and the destruction that it causes in peoples lives and families. That is why the Apostle Peter wrote this.

1 Peter 4:8

Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.

Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

I could go on for hours but I won’t. I will close with some words from an old Hymn. Words I have shared many times.

“Tell me the story of Jesus, Write on my heart every word; Tell me the story most precious, Sweetest that ever was heard.”

Be blessed and let me know what you think.

#lovewins #hopelives

Everyone has an Opinion

July 3, 2017

Everyone has an Opinion

The word opinion is defined this way, (a view or judgment formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge.)

As anyone knows that has studied the Bible there are some conclusions that can only be defined as an opinion.

Depending on how each theologian, student, teacher, or commentary, understands the principle.

These opinions are formed from many different things. Author, time line, translation. The use of words from the time, and the culture of the people.

In many cases you can actually form a clear understanding, void of opinion, if you look hard enough, and pray for revelation.

Remember this from the Apostle Paul.

2 Corinthians 3:4-6

4 Such confidence we have through Christ toward God.

5 Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God,

6 who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

Still, there are folks who hold fast to their opinions. We all have them, and for the most part they are held by good, sincere people. People who are praying, believing, and loving God, and His word.

I have never been someone to sit back and read, or listen to Biblical principles that have been corrupted by individual opinions, and not address the issue. I speak of Biblical principles that are clearly defined in the Bible.

I am quite sure that there will be someone to read this post and say, that is just his opinion.

I have no problem being accountable for the things I say and teach. There are Biblical principles that I defend with an unrelenting passion.

Unrelenting, (not yielding or swerving in determination or resolution, as of or from opinions, convictions, ambitions, ideals, etc.)

Just thought I would let you know that these issues are not changed by opinions.

There are Biblical principles that are clearly defined. They are not up for yours, or my opinion. These principles are clearly represented and taught by the writers of the Bible.

One such Biblical principle is the Gospel. The Gospel is clearly defined and taught in the Bible. It is not up for opinion, nor can you make it better by adding your personal agendas to it.

Even the world knows what the Gospel means. If you put define Gospel, in the Google search this will come up.

The teaching or revelation of Christ.

Webster defines Gospel this way. The message concerning Christ, the Kingdom of God, and Salvation.

The word Gospel comes from the Greek word, (Evangelion) and it is defined this way by Vines dictionary.

“It denotes the good tidings of the Kingdom of God and salvation through Christ. To be received by faith on the basis of His expiatory death, His burial, resurrection, and ascension.”

The Gospel is the story of Jesus. The good news that the Savior has come.

It has not, nor has it ever been the story of Jesus, plus. Plus your favorite sin, or your personal agenda.

I recently read a post from the Patheos blog. He was talking about missions and the areas where they are needed most.

He shared a sobering truth. One that I have preached for several years. Here it is.

(The kind of missionary the world most desperately needs are missionaries who are sent to introduce the message of Jesus to one of the last unreached people groups: Americanized Christians.)

For years I have wept for the American church and the opinions that have corrupted the message of Jesus. Opinions derived from prejudice, hate, arrogance and pride.

People criticize me all the time for my bluntness when it comes to these issues. Failure to address the corruption of the Gospel is the reason it has continued to grow.

The truth of the Gospel is not open for opinion. It is an irrefutable fact. One that was preached throughout the book of Acts, and throughout generation after generation of Christians.

The Gospel has one purpose. To declare and reveal Jesus Christ as the Son of God. The promised sacrifice for the sins of mankind.

The Gospel is the story of Jesus. His birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension.

This is not up for opinion. It is a fact.

(Tell me the story of Jesus, write on my heart every word. Tell me the story most precious, sweetest that ever was heard.)

Blessings to you always, in His name.

#lovewins #hopelives

Called to Demonstrate

June 7, 2017

Called to Demonstrate

God has moved me, over the years to a message that I believe is in line with the Gospel that the 12 original Apostles preached.

I will never stop telling the story of Jesus. Beginning and ending with the greatest story ever told. Hopefully in between some words that will encourage you, convict you, inspire you, and move you forward.

I will never stop, at least in my writings, calling out, not by name, those who malign and corrupt that message with their prejudices, and their agendas.

Before I begin my message today I want to share an abbreviated form of the most profound theological precept recorded in The Bible. These words change our hearts, and they build our relationship with the Father. This short response will change your world and the people who live in it.

“Love God with all you heart, and love your neighbor as yourself.”

In Acts the 26^th chapter Paul is facing King Agrippa and telling Him the story of His conversion.

Acts 26:15-18 Message

15-16 “I said, ‘Who are you, Master?’

“The voice answered, ‘I am Jesus, the One you’re hunting down like an animal. But now, up on your feet—I have a job for you. I’ve handpicked you to be a servant and witness to what’s happened today, and to what I am going to show you.

17-18 “‘I’m sending you off to open the eyes of the outsiders so they can see the difference between dark and light, and choose light, see the difference between Satan and God, and choose God. I’m sending you off to present my offer of sins forgiven, and a place in the family, inviting them into the company of those who begin real living by believing in me.’

Much has been said about Christians being the light. It was even addressed in the OT.

Proverbs 4:18-19

18 But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, That shines brighter and brighter until the full day.
19 The way of the wicked is like darkness; They do not know over what they stumble.

Daniel 12:3

Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.

In proverbs, the word light means, “life, prosperity, instruction.” In Daniel the word shine from the Hebrew means, “admonish, warn, teach, to be taught or admonished.”

Jesus said it this way.

Matthew 5:14-16

14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;

15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.

16 Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

There is a reason that we must look back, and then look forward, in our study of the scriptures. The level of understanding increases when we can see the plan of God over the ages.

God’s people have always, collectively and individually, been a people called and anointed to reveal God to the world.

People in the world are hungry and they are being filled with stuff that will not fulfill their destiny.

In verse 14 and 16 of the passage I just read the word light is used metaphorically and it means, “God is light, truth and knowledge is light, and light is the power of understanding.”

In verse 15 the word light is used literally and it means, “to shine or give light.”

Colossians 1:13-14

13 For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son,

14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

The word domain speaks of power, and the word darkness speaks of ignorance respecting divine things and our human duty.

Once again we are reminded that walking in the light has personal responsibility.

Moving down chapter 1 a few verses we find Paul sharing this.

Colossians 1:24-27

24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions.

25 Of this church I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit, so that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God,

26 that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints,

27 to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

He made this great mystery of redemption available to all people. (Christ in you, the hope of glory.)

“Amp, which is Christ in and among you, the hope and guarantee of [realizing the] glory.”

From the Greek hope means, expectation of good. Glory means, a most glorious condition, a most exalted state.

(We are Called to Demonstrate)

http://bit.ly/2qWC4zN

Blessings to you, in Jesus name.

#lovewins #hopelives

Friend or Enemy

May 23, 2017

Friend or Enemy

What an awesome season of time for the church. Many across this great country are leading prayer services with the focus on revival, and the great awakening coming to the church.

When I started this blog it was not my intention to be controversial. With that said, knowing me and my desire to get things right. I have from time to time addressed issues that have not been accurately represented.

Case in point was a blog I wrote on accepting accountability for the work you have been called to do. The blog was titled, You Have to be Kidding. You can find it on this site. Take a look when you get a chance.

Although my thoughts were not focused on any single individual. It must have hit home to some because I got un friended on Facebook.

Well, here we go again.

I have been seeing posts on social media about the enemy of the Gospel. I have, what I believe is a clear understanding of what this is. Most often when this term is used it is in combination with the world.

The world, in this understanding is used to point out unbelievers.

Most often when the Bible speaks about the world it is referring to ideology. Flesh driven principles that ignore Christ, and His mission to redeem all people.

Lifestyles that are driven by our sinful nature.

With that said, and here it comes. I don’t believe that those who have not followed Christ are enemies of the Gospel. They are the ones who need to hear the Gospel in its true and relevant form.

The story of Jesus, His birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension.

These folks can not discredit the Gospel. They can not minimize the Gospel. They can not taint the Gospel, by the way they live. They are unbelievers.

It is true that down through time people have hated Christians. Cultures have killed, afflicted, and banned Christians.

These things did nothing to hurt the Gospel. These tactics only strengthened the movement. It ratified the Gospel principles and many were saved because of these persecutions.

When Jesus ministered He encountered constant resistance. It was not from the world ideology. Not from sinners. His resistance came from the religious ideology. The very people who should have known who He was.

The ones who prayed every day, let me live to see the consolation of Israel. The ones who knew all the prophecies concerning the Messiah. These people became His unrelenting enemy.

So what does the Apostle Paul say.

Philippians 3:17-19

17 Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.

18 For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ,

19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things.

Paul is not talking about people who don’t follow Christ. He is calling out those who claim to be a Christ follower, yet they will not pick up their cross and follow Him.

They live for self gratification, and self approval by others. Looking for any and all that will appease their fleshly desires for attention.

They reject humility, And the service that God has commissioned all of us to do.

“Tell the Story of Jesus”

The real enemies of the Gospel are those who profess the finished work of the cross. Yet they do not represent it, in the world they live in.

We have been called to be the light of the world. The salt of the earth. Called to walk through deep waters, and soar high above the world and its standards.

The stains on the Gospel don’t come from the world. They come from the flesh driven lives that many who claim to follow Him live. Those who refuse to take up their cross. Those who will not pick up the towel and the pan of water to serve.

It is a process. Doesn’t happen overnight. Revival and awakening will come. It will come like a tidal wave of glory when the church, the church that I love with every fiber of my being. This church, the Bride that Christ loves.

When this church falls on it’s face and repents for its complacency. Its worldly ideology.

When it repents from changing the Gospel to Jesus plus.

Bringing the Gospel back to its original form. Just Jesus.

Let me know what you think. There is an email link at the top of the page.

Be blessed always.

#lovewins #hopelives