Tag: Sin

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

The Mystery Lives On

June 29, 2017

The Mystery Lives On

Finally got some time to sit down and share some thoughts. I love life. I love The Holy Church, and I love the local church. In particular, Amazing Life Church.

For almost 14 years God has blessed abundantly. We give Him all the glory.

Next week will be our 10^th annual Backpack and school supply giveaway. We look forward to serve the families in our community each year.

With that short update behind me I will get to what has been bugging me for a while.

A few weeks ago I heard someone challenging those of us who believe that it is the goodness of God that leads people to repentance. The message that God loves you, and sent His Son to redeem you through the process of shedding blood, dying, resurrecting, and ascending back to the Father.

The statement made said that love was not mentioned in the book of Acts. Since Acts was the building of the church love was not a part of it. “His ridiculous statement, not mine.”

The message was, we must preach sin. “His not mine.”

I looked it up in the KJV and the word love is not found in Acts. Guess what? The word sin in the KJV is only found 8 times in Acts, and it is used broadly as repentance from your sins and follow Christ.

No real specifics about individual sins. They preached the message of Christ. From the Old Testament they shared His story. From their own witness they shared the story of Christ.

When they chided the hearers it was because of their unbelief.

There are some, if they have stayed with me this far saying, He is compromising. Watering down the Gospel. Trying not to offend.

Once again I say, nothing is farther from the truth. My message has been, and will always be to strengthen the Gospel message.

Sin is a destructive force. It invests itself in our minds and our fleshly desires. Creating lust and hunger for power and attention. Making everything about us, and our personal satisfaction.

Interestingly these same sin preaching folks forget to tell you that sin has been defeated. The enemy has been conquered.

In John 16:9 Jesus defined sin as not believing in Him. WOW

You mean that it could be possible that all sin is derived from not believing in Christ.

The Apostles went through the book of Acts telling the story of Jesus. At times, rebuking those who would not believe in Jesus.

In Acts 16 Paul and Silas were singing, In Prison. An earthquake happened and the doors were opened. The jailer saw this and was about to kill himself. Paul stopped Him then this occurred.

Acts 16:30-32

30 and after he brought them out, he said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

31 They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him together with all who were in his house.

Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved. You mean he got saved without meddling in his business. Listening with open ears while he named all his sins and failures.

Seems like that would have been a good message for Paul. The next time he had a crowd he could tell them how he got the jailer to confess all his sins and failures. Naming them one by one for the crowd.

Please forgive me if I sound a little angry. I mean no harm to anyone. Most of these folks are good folks. They just don’t get it.

Somehow over the years the message has been changed. It has gone from Jesus loves me this I know. To hell awaits you because of your sin.

2 Peter 3:8-9

8 But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day.

9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.

I wonder if God tarries, giving time for His church to return to the Gospel. The message of Christ. His birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension.

This is the Mystery that lives on. Paul shared this.

Colossians 2:1-3

1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on your behalf and for those who are at Laodicea, and for all those who have not personally seen my face,

2 that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself,

3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Don’t be afraid to love. It was love that moved the Father to send Jesus. It was love that led Him to the cross. It was love that cried Father forgive them.

It was love that moved the Apostles, and countless numbers of Christians to die at the hands of unbelievers. Over thousands of years. Happening still today.

It is love that drives missionaries to foreign lands. Love for God and His people. Love moves moms and dads to weep for their children. Love moves street evangelists to share the story of Jesus to those who are lost and without hope.

It is love that a Pastor has for his church. Weeping and crying in the wee hours for their pain and loss. Praying and believing for them through every season of life.

It is love that the enemy fears. Why, because it covers a multitude of sins.

Sin has been defeated. Let us hold fast to the love of God. The love He had for us, and the love He has given us for others. It will change you, and your world.

#lovewins #hopelives.

What about Them?

January 20, 2017

“What about Them?”

This year is moving fast. Not only in time, but in involvement in our community. God has been moving in people’s hearts to see this ministry bear the fruit that God has positioned us to bear.

Ever since we started the backpack event at Amazing Life Church, our mission has been to serve our community. We have also been committed to provide a safe place for any and everyone to hear the awesome story of Jesus.

The only walls we have standing are the ones who hold back religious persecution. Those who use the Bible to divide God’s people, and alienate others who want to know Him.

“These walls will stand strong, as we continue to do what Jesus did. Minister in every way we can, to everyone we can.”

Jesus spent much of His time refining religion. He tried to put God first in the hearts of His priests but they would not hear. The concept of God being present, and in them was something they could not embrace.

As a result He moved God and His power beyond the singular control of the Levitical priesthood. He empowered common people to build His future church, and establish His presence in the hearts of man.

He took people who lacked education, and most lacked wealth. Many were common sinners, some prostitutes. Some housewives. Tax collectors and fisherman.

He chided the Jews for their unbelief. Healed lepers, blind men, demon possessed. He fed thousands with a prayer. Many of these unnamed men and women followed Him. He sent forth people to establish His works and many more were touched by His words and deeds.

After His ascension He empowered His church to work the works of God.

His ministry was rough on the religious community. He caused them to look beyond the normal standards of service. He taught that service must be shrouded in humility.

That word shrouded has 2 meanings. It means to conceal or hide something. It is also speaks of the garment that dead people were wrapped in.

Many years ago, even before God moved me here. He began to deal with me about the focus of my preaching. He moved me away from what was normal. Simply put everybody preached against sin. The sins for the day would vary, based on news cycles or whatever our favorite preachers would establish each week. That was considered hard, tell it like it is preaching.

One day God showed me what hard preaching was. Like the story of Isaiah I shared last week, He showed me a picture of who I was. I didn’t like it. He showed me wasted time. A critical spirit. The need for prayer. Most notably, He showed me my failure to love as He loved.

It changed my life and made me a rebel in certain circles. A title that even today I am proud and honored to claim. Compromise they say. Afraid to tell the truth.

I have never feared God’s truth. He is Truth. His way is Truth. His life is Truth. I love Truth. The truth is, the hardest preaching is not preaching sin. It is preaching that makes us look at ourselves. Saint or sinner. Preaching that challenges our faith and our love. Preaching that demands we forgive. Preaching that moves us to hunger for more of His presence. Preaching that challenges us to love sinners and tell them, without prejudice. The story of Jesus.

It is this preaching I embrace today. It is this preaching that will change us, and as a result, it will change the world we live in.

There is no greater revelation than that which comes from seeing ourselves, saint or sinner, for who we really are. Seeing what God sees.

I have found myself many times referring to portions of Psalms 51. David’s prayer of repentance. Although I have never been guilty of the sin he had committed. Sin is sin, is it not? Failure to love. Being critical. Wasting your time or your gift. Pride, arrogance, and so on and so on. This is part of David’s prayer.

Psalms 51:10-13 NASB

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me away from Your presence And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit.
13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners will be converted to You.

Message

God, make a fresh start in me, shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life. Don’t throw me out with the trash, or fail to breathe holiness in me. Bring me back from gray exile, put a fresh wind in my sails! Give me a job teaching rebels your ways so the lost can find their way home.

This prayer speaks to a very important trait that all of God’s people must obtain.

Being in a position to reveal God, and to day, the path to God, Jesus. In a manner of authority and accountability. A position of humility and repentance.

I find it awesome that a prayer from a repentant OT figure can be relevant today. Cleanse me, renew me and give me strength. Embrace me with your presence. Restore my joy and my willingness to obey. “All of this so I will be able to tell your story!!!”

In The Gospel of John chapter 21 Jesus had risen and found some of the disciples at the sea of Tiberias.

Preparing to go fishing. When you get down to verse 15 you find Jesus challenging Peter. Do you love me more than these. Peter responded several times in the affirmative.

Just above verse 18 is the title, “Our Times Are in His Hand” Then Jesus said this.

John 21:18-23 NASB

18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to gird yourself and walk wherever you wished; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will gird you, and bring you where you do not wish to go.”

19 Now this He said, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He *said to him, “Follow Me!”

20 Peter, turning around, *saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them; the one who also had leaned back on His bosom at the supper and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?”

21 So Peter seeing him *said to Jesus, “Lord, and what about this man?”

22 Jesus *said to him, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!”

23 Therefore this saying went out among the brethren that that disciple would not die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but only, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you?”

Preach-What about Him?

What about you today? Your relationship. Your dreams. Your faults and failures.