tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57940824011520244372024-03-05T16:08:33.301-08:00Think On These ThingsThe Blog of Pastor Jerry R. Laudermilk
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573655856026182772noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794082401152024437.post-50430490539791826232017-09-19T10:21:00.001-07:002017-09-19T10:26:32.486-07:00How do I Pray?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of my Facebook friends asked people in her friends list how they pray. I shared this on her post. Not that my prayer patterns need to be exactly the same for you, but still I thought it might help someone else who's struggling in prayer to encounter God more fully, so here it is:<br />
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<i>I pray randomly as I go through my day... about everything. </i><br />
<b>1 Thes. 5:16-18</b> 16 Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.<br />
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<i>That isn't personal enough for me though so I also try to spend time alone with God as I can, and I like to pray uninterrupted for more than an hour because it seems that is when my breakthrough comes. I'm not sure, but this is perhaps because it takes me that long to get my mind on more spiritual things and off the distractions of everyday life. </i><br />
<b>Matthew 6:6-8 </b>"6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. 7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. 8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him." <br />
<b>Matthew 26:40-41 </b>"40 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed [is] willing, but the flesh [is] weak."<br />
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<i>I also try to pray according to the "pattern" (not a repetition of words, but according to the method) that Jesus gave His Disciples, because this is HOW He said to pray: Addressed to the Father, with Praise, seeking His will over my own, then with petition (requests), asking in a repentant spirit, asking for deliverance from the plan of Satan, and finally more praise.</i> <br />
<b>Matthew 6:9-13</b> "9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as [it is] in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." <br />
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<i>I pray in faith and under the authority of Christ. Faith is based upon the word of God not upon my wishes or my hopes. Hope is like the soil, but faith is the seed. If my prayers are based on what He has promised in His word, I can be confident that they are His will. (I usually have my bible right with me for reference.) "In His NAME" is not just a proper ending for a prayer, but a statement of authority... I am asking IN his authority, as He has given me His name and His authority comes with it.. </i><br />
<b>Mark 11:24</b> "24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them." <br />
<b>John 16:23</b> "And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you."<br />
<b>1 John 5:14-15</b> "14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him."<br />
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<i>I also like to have some paper and a pen close by, in case the Lord speaks something to me I want to remember. This also comes in handy if I want to make a list of requests or promises that I want to continue to bring before God later. Satan will steal your God given thoughts if given the opportunity, so I do my best to combat that by writing down what I want to retain. </i><br />
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There's much more I could add, but this is a good start. Hope this helps someone!<br />
Pastor Jerry<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573655856026182772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794082401152024437.post-46106083580188189332017-08-28T11:49:00.001-07:002017-08-28T12:50:53.007-07:00Born BrokenAs many of you probably know our oldest daughter Lindsey recently graduated college, accepted a position in a local school district, and has begun to teach. She has a double major, but took a job as an Intervention Specialist working with kids in the K-3 age range. She has her first week of working with these kids behind her but a whole career ahead of her.<br>
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In relation to education, Intervention Specialist is a relatively new term for most of us who aren't involved in the educational system. The position operates within the field of special education, with a focus on children who generally have more severe physical, cognitive, behavioral or communication delays than the majority of other kids. This can be caused by a host of reasons, so each child has an individualized education program (IEP) and at first, their goals are usually more developmental than academic.<br>
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As a new teacher, and especially as a person with a very soft and loving heart, Lindsey is struggling greatly with the fact that so many of these kids seem to be so broken at such a young age. Not only are they difficult to reach, but her heart breaks for them because of their circumstances. This could be seen in her tears earlier this week.<br>
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Many of these students are in their current quandary due to poor parental choices, apathy, or unconcern. Others have dealt with, or are dealing with, neglect or abuse from someone in the home. Some it seems, were not given a fair chance to succeed even from birth because they have not experienced proper love from a parent. Some of them have developmental disabilities or other struggles that have put them behind the majority of the students. Perhaps their struggle is even because of a genetic trait that pushes them toward a disability. Whatever the reason, because so many things are stacked against them, they falter. It's almost as though some of these kids need someone to save them from themselves.<br>
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Lindsey's job is to help them get on track, help them develop properly and even catch up if possible, or in other words, to give them a fighting chance. Her main task is perhaps to let each child know that someone believes in them, someone is fighting for them, someone is with them. Although this assignment is very heavy and extremely difficult, I believe that given time she will absolutely excel in her task. <br>
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Thinking about the difficulty of her job in the first full week of school, and the struggles that the kids are dealing with today, I recently shared with her that I feel that she has been placed with these hurting children by design. I think the Lord has called her to this. She's made for it! And, if that is the case, then He has also equipped her to succeed. <br>
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Thinking of the struggles and brokenness that so many of these kids seem to deal with caused me to realize that, honestly, we are all born broken. Sin has broken our relationship with God. Sickness, depravity and addictions are real inherited conditions. Racism, hatred, elitism, divides us from one another and causes us to act in a character unlike God. We find ourselves in spiritual disability, needing someone to save us from ourselves. We need to know what love really is. We need someone to believe in us and show us there is hope. We need someone to come alongside us and fight for us, someone who believes in us.<br>
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Thank God for Jesus! Thank God that we have access to all that and more, in Him!! Also, thank God for godly men and women of character who will come alongside us to teach us, or mentor us, in the ways of Christ and help give us a fighting chance! Thank the Lord for people in the Kingdom of God, who like an intervention specialist in the education system, will take the time and effort to fight for us and with us, to see that we succeed. We were ALL born broken, but thank God, we are born again through Christ and with His help and the help of others we will develop into His likeness! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573655856026182772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794082401152024437.post-65209603350971848682017-06-21T07:35:00.001-07:002017-06-21T07:35:16.338-07:00Sustainability<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sustainability... I was thinking today about
sustainability. What if we, the church, had kept all the ground in the world
that we had once claimed for the Kingdom of God? Great Britain, for example,
was once well evangelized but now has become what is called a ‘post Christian’
society. It needs to be evangelized again, but now has become somewhat
resistant to the gospel. What if we had held the ground we had gained? The answer is the whole world would likely
have been evangelized by now.<br />
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What if we had sustained the great moves of God through the years past?
Revivals have broken out numerous times through the history of the church but
only lasted for a relatively short period of time, usually they only covered a
specific region, and then they fizzled out. A few of those revivals were so
powerful that whole nations were changed! Now though, here we are in the 21st
century. We are in a time when the church in much of the world seems to have
lost its fire for God. This is especially true of the American Church. We are
lukewarm and with the exception of the occasional flame in one place or the
other, it seems the church is growing colder and colder. What if the church
could have sustained those great moves of God from the past? Again, the answer is that our assignment would
likely be accomplished by now. <br />
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Some would say that only God can sustain a move of God. I understand that sentiment, but I disagree
based on my observations of the Word of God. I personally believe that every
move of God in this Earth comes solely because of a great hunger in God’s
children which causes them to pursue Him.
In turn, our pursuit brings His nearness. I believe God is ALWAYS willing to pour out
His Spirit upon us. Look at these
scriptures to see His willingness… If <i>WE
seek</i> Him with our whole heart we will find Him (See Jer. 29:13). “<i>Draw near to me</i>, and I’ll draw near to
you” (James 4:8). Acts 2:17 even tells
us “And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out
of My Spirit on all flesh…” If God is willing
to pour His Spirit on us if we seek Him, then He clearly must also be willing
that we see a sustained move of His Spirit.
He didn’t call us to win this world for Him, to only lose ground once
again to Satan. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Here is an observation that parallels with this type
thinking. <i>Pay close attention:</i> <u>“IF
it was God’s job to sustain His movement in the Earth<i>, it would be sustained</i>. If it was God’s job to hold the ground
that has been taken for the Kingdom of God<i>,
it would be held</i>.</u>” God never
fails at anything. I clearly see it as our job to create an atmosphere of
sustainability. Here are a few another scriptures to support my view that WE
are responsible for the sustaining of God’s work. Matthew 5:13a tells us, “You are the salt of the earth…”. (Salt preserves.) Hebrews 10:13 (NASB) says that Jesus was
seated at the right hand of God and He is “<u>waiting</u> from that time onward
<u>UNTIL</u> HIS ENEMIES BE MADE A FOOTSTOOL FOR HIS FEET.” The KJV tells us
He’s “expecting till His enemies be made His footstool”. Also, we’re told in the parable of the Minas
(Luke 19:13) that a Nobleman (Jesus) gave to his servants and told them to “<u>occupy”
until I come</u>. The word ‘occupy’ is a
military term which speaks of holding the land! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s our job, church, to seek God and thus birth the
move that He desires to bring to our city and our world. It’s also our job to prepare for that move,
so that we might sustain it. <i>So how do we sustain a move of God?</i> It
takes prayer, fasting, study of the word, spiritual warfare, evangelism, worship
and the list goes on… but I can condense the description of what it will take
to one word. Sustainability in the
Kingdom of God requires “discipleship”.
We can have a revival that shakes our region, but if people aren’t
discipled to carry on the work properly, it will be short lived. <br />
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Let me ask you two questions. “Are you willing to do your part to welcome and
sustain a move of God?” “Will you be discipled, and then help to
disciple others so that we might pass the torch to the next generation of
Christian and see sustainability in the Kingdom?” Count the cost, but if so please get to work! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573655856026182772noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794082401152024437.post-14727916756569195562017-03-21T09:58:00.001-07:002017-03-21T11:15:07.351-07:00The Missing Link in Modern Christianity...<div class="MsoNormal">
I have been in a time of extreme pursuit, for clarity of God’s
plan for our church, Abundant Life Tabernacle, Mansfield, Ohio. I have prayed, searched the Word and looked deep
within my heart to see what God was saying and what I was missing, or even resisting.
I feel like I have heard some things. Some
of them are hard to accept and some are pleasant. I am about to share many of these things during
the next few Sundays (from the time of this writing), but you may or may not
have heard the crux of them by the time of this printing so I want to share a
few things here. What I am sharing today
deals with Discipleship.<br />
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One of the missing elements of the modern church, Christianity’s missing link
if you will, is a real <i><u>focus</u></i> on discipleship. It's been lost as a focus it seems, for more than 100
years. Remnants remained until about 40 to 50 years ago, but those have mostly
been lost now as well. Sure, we do some discipleship
naturally because of relationships that form within the Body, and that’s great! Discipleship should happen naturally. But in large, it
seems to me that it has been missing from the majority of the Body of Christ for a very long time. </div>
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Biblical Discipleship has been so ignored in the modern Church that
few even know what it is now. I recently
saw a <a href="https://navcentral.navigators.org/portal/page/portal/NAVCENTRAL/navweekly/missions/resources/The%20State%20of%20Discipleship%20Key%20Ideas.pdf" target="_blank">study</a> that was done by the <a href="https://www.barna.com/" target="_blank">Barna Group</a> and published by the <a href="http://www.navigators.org/Home" target="_blank">Navigators</a>. In the study, a host of things were explored but
the question was also asked, <i>“What is
discipleship?”</i> The researchers found that it was unclear, to much of the
church, what a good definition of Discipleship is. Many disagreed upon the particulars, as we
Christians so often do. It was found
that most in the church didn’t particularly like the term either, preferring “Becoming
Christ-like” or “Spiritual Growth” to the term “Discipleship.” And that’s okay, these are valuable terms,
and the Bible doesn’t particularly use the term “Disipleship”. Still these
terms fall somewhat short of the biblical idea of a disciple. Furthermore, the ‘principle
of Discipleship’ is clearly biblical whether the exact term is found or not. Jesus called followers to himself and then
told them that if they were not willing to forsake everything, they were unfit
to be disciples. Certainly, He’s still looking for people who will put Him
above all else! So, what is discipleship?</div>
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I’ve done my own inquiry into the subject and I’ve found
that ‘it seems’ that Abundant Life has a little better understanding on the
subject than most, but then again the Barna Study said that pastors often think
that (lol). Our experience in
understanding Discipleship, in general, has been that most people have
understood it from the perspective of a weekly Bible Class, or a short term class
on Christianity; the art of being Christian, if you will. Another <i>very</i>
good thing, yet it falls short. Some will say that discipleship relates to progress
in their own spiritual growth. Progress in
spiritual growth is always a wonderful thing for a Christian, but it’s about
half of what is Biblical Discipleship. Many people feel that discipleship is
the same as evangelism; preaching and winning the lost to Christ. It<i> can</i>
certainly be argued that it falls within the same category, but I don’t think
they are the same. Discipleship is for already-believers
of the Good News, while evangelism is to reach not-yet-believers <i>with</i> the Good News.</div>
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So what is discipleship? The study I’ve mentioned has said
that from the results, “it’s unclear”. However, I think Jesus made it very clear. He
exampled it boldly with His life and then He told His followers to go make other
disciples (<a href="https://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/mat/28/19/s_957019" target="_blank">Matt. 28:19a</a>), “teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I
have commanded you”(<a href="https://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/mat/28/20/s_957020" target="_blank">Matthew 28:20a</a>). Jesus
took twelve believers into a relationship with Him. He spent time with
them. He ate with them. They did life together! He lived His life pointing consistently
toward the Father. He corrected them, when
they were wrong. He applauded them when
they did well. He held them accountable and
He taught them everything He could possibly teach them in the time they had
together. He doubtless felt sorrow when Peter
denied Him and I’m sure felt sadness when Judas betrayed Him, but He didn’t
reject the remaining disciples. He kept
on loving. He kept on pouring into them
and He believed that they would accomplish even greater things than He had accomplished
in ministry (<a href="https://www.blueletterbible.org/tools/MultiVerse.cfm?s=000hZA" target="_blank">John 14:11-13</a>). Jesus lived
it, He taught it, and that’s what discipleship looks like.</div>
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So, discipleship is not just about my OWN spiritual growth
or just about ME becoming Christ-like. It’s ALSO about helping others do the
same. There is a ‘revival’ of
discipleship beginning to happen in the world. I am excited to see it! I believe that God is taking His church back
to basics in many areas and again I’m glad to see it! There is also a new movement of discipleship
about to happen here at ALT, and I’m thrilled. I am fully in favor of the disappearance of the 'missing link in modern Christianity', or I could say I'm excited for the return of biblical discipleship. Why am I so excited? Discipleship properly links members of the Body to one another, it links our past to our future, and it's a return of biblical doctrine to the modern church. I think we are going there! (<i>Stay
tuned…</i>)<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573655856026182772noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794082401152024437.post-2458800714766192052017-02-22T12:09:00.002-08:002017-02-22T12:09:56.665-08:00Seasons are changing! Harvest is coming! <div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh
harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for
they are white already to harvest.” –John 4:35 (KJV)</span></i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> <br />
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We’re probably all relatively familiar with this scripture. Jesus had just ministered to the woman at the
well and she had just left her water pot, and had gone running to tell others
about Him. His disciples were perplexed.
First, they didn’t think He should be talking to a Samaritan. Secondly, they were sure He shouldn’t be
talking to a woman, and certainly not this one with such a reputation. And thirdly, they thought that He should be
hungry, but He had made a statement that they didn’t understand about having “meat
to eat” that they didn’t know about. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Jesus is often very perplexing,
even today. He doesn’t see things as we
sometimes do, through the eyes of doubt, fear, unforgiveness, prejudice,
racism, sexism, carnality, or any of these other human discriminating traits that
we so often struggle with. He has the
ability to see things from the Father’s perspective. Of course He does! He is God after all, even though He was in
human flesh. Yet, His way of seeing
things is very hard to comprehend from our perspective. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">When Jesus spoke this
sentence above to His disciples. I
suppose it must have been in late winter or early spring of the year in His region,
nearly planting time. I say this because
He specifically mentions four months until harvest season. He told His disciples not to say there was “yet
four months… then cometh harvest.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/27/c0/5d/27c05dcefe11e5d045d10d6d081f746a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Related image" border="0" height="240" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/27/c0/5d/27c05dcefe11e5d045d10d6d081f746a.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The disciples were ‘stuck’,
seeing things through human eyes. While Jesus
saw things from the divine perspective.
Men cannot make the harvest come at planting season. It’s even somewhat hard to even imagine it. For us in Northern Ohio, it would be like expecting
a crop of corn or beans to mature in May.
It is not going to happen in the natural. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Jesus, however, knew some things
that the disciples didn’t. He knew that
God’s timetable isn’t like our own. He knew
that ‘spiritual seasons’, can change instantly! You can be in mid-winter, and
one breath of God can change the season to harvest! He, also knew that seeds which had been sown by
others before, were ready to spring forth. They were only waiting for a catalyst
to bring forth the harvest, He was that catalyst!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Let me urge you all, stop
looking through eyes that are dimmed by carnal prejudices and limited earthly
expectations. Begin to see things as God
sees them! Listen to what He is
saying. Even if it perplexes you because
it isn’t what you imagined, trust HIM! Jesus is the catalyst! Seasons are
changing! Harvest is coming! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573655856026182772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794082401152024437.post-20551378308476885842016-10-26T08:18:00.000-07:002016-10-26T08:18:05.545-07:00Stand Up Christian!!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In just a few days America will elect a new president. We’ve heard all the rhetoric. We’ve watched the mudslinging. We’ve identified many lies and we have seen great flaws in both major party candidates. We’ve heard apologies, and we’ve seen cover-ups. We’ve considered options, and by now most of us have made our final decision on our part in this election. Hopefully, as Christians we’ve weighed each option with prayer, as it relates to God’s values revealed in His word and not just by our hopes, aspirations, prejudices or party affiliations. It’s sad that we have no better option, yet we have to make a choice and we still need to let our voices be heard.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As US citizens we have the great honor of participating in the election of our leaders. We live in a Republic, a system of government which allows the people to elect representatives to exercise power for them. We choose, as a nation, persons who best represent our ideology of what moving onward looks like. We choose a president according to the majority’s values. That president in turn chooses Supreme Court Justices according to his or her values, who will then each serve for perhaps a whole generation. We watch, we listen, we learn and then make our decisions as best possible, based on what we perceive is the best course for our country. Every American citizen has that right and it’s a heavy responsibility, but again it’s a great honor.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Is it an obligation for a Christian to vote though? No, it isn’t an obligation but it’s your right as well as anyone’s. Please understand though that the Christian MUST NOT be silent right now. I urge you to vote. Too much is at stake. If you are quiet, you allow people with lower values to choose our national direction. Our nation needs your voice, your wisdom, your godly values, perhaps more now than ever before in its history. We are salt and light in our society! Sure, the ungodly desire that we be quiet, that we keep our voices contained within the four walls of the churches. Just as the disciples were instructed in Acts 5 not to speak anymore in the name of Jesus, so we are challenged to keep separate ‘church and state’. Just as the disciples of that day rose up and spoke boldly anyway, so must we!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The truth is, that for the Christian there is no separation of anything from our relationship with Christ, including politics or policy. He is at the center of all we are… He defines who we are! We cannot separate our Christian faith from our vote, that would be hypocritical. Neither do they which cry out for us to be silent, separate their ‘religion’ of secular humanism from their voice! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So we must stand up in defiance of the ungodliness that tries to take our nation toward the wrong ideologies! Stand up church! Stand against the spirit of division in this nation, standing up for our brothers or sisters in Christ whoever they are! Rise up as people of God! As Psalm 107:2 says, “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!” Stand AGAINST the ungodliness of abortion! Stand FOR the sanctity of marriage as God ordained it! Stand AGANIST the stripping of our rights as Christians to free speech and the freedom of religion which we have inherited from our forefathers. Stand for our right to preaching THE WHOLE COUNSEL OF GOD unrestrained. Stand for God’s values! Stand for truth! Reject the pressure of the world to cave, and keep quiet! Stand now, or else we’ll soon be standing illegally to preach truth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The law might hinder me as a pastor from giving you a candidate’s name to vote for, I don’t desire to do that anyway, but it cannot keep me from pointing to the Word of God as our ultimate voter’s guide. Stand up and be counted Child of God! Be the salt and light you are called to be! Vote! Vote for those who have promised to uphold the principles of God. Vote according to the Word of God! Let your voice be heard in the Earth and in our nation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">P.s. Is there something more important than my vote as an American Christian at this time in history? As important as your vote is in this election, yes! I believe the prayer of God’s people is even more important. Again, don’t be silent here either! Let your voice not only be heard in the Earth, but also in heaven and before the throne of God. Now is no time to be cowardly and quiet… Ask God for great things and put actions to your faith! </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573655856026182772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794082401152024437.post-80213772758785235652016-08-24T09:42:00.000-07:002016-08-24T09:42:25.329-07:00<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="TitleChar"><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 26.0pt;">Priorities </span></span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br />
Jerry R. Laudermilk<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">We all struggle with keeping
our priorities in line. And we all get them out of alignment from time to time. That’s why we need to check often to see where our priorities really are. <br />
<br />
I watched a short video once of a mother duck trying to get all of her ducklings
up a set of stairs. She had a course set, and no doubt a destination in mind,
but this obstacle had become a real issue for the ducklings. You know how baby
ducks follow their mother, usually all in a row, but in this video she was
having a terrible time keeping them all in alignment because of these steps which
seemed almost insurmountable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7KRxMuATpWjgvfKQkXxSo21O8tef_msrmAaQ8uEeOKtmnUKPovY6naJ1L5Wdnks0lQkFGNU99zsPPhT_8oxeR1k9IbhmjpCLtobZ7qjJg7W2ex6xTC38kA5mmY1N4OvArThdi9gn8Ah8B/s1600/ducks+in+a+row.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7KRxMuATpWjgvfKQkXxSo21O8tef_msrmAaQ8uEeOKtmnUKPovY6naJ1L5Wdnks0lQkFGNU99zsPPhT_8oxeR1k9IbhmjpCLtobZ7qjJg7W2ex6xTC38kA5mmY1N4OvArThdi9gn8Ah8B/s200/ducks+in+a+row.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">In this video, there
were probably 12 ducklings and three to four steps. She had no problem navigating the steps of
course, but the tiny ducklings had a terrible difficulty in following her. Most
of the time, she stood patiently at the top of the stairs waiting for them to
each make the climb. Yet while she waited for the last ones to navigate the
obstacle, a few of the stronger ducklings became impatient and would try to go
ahead even though they had no idea where they were going. So Momma would go a
certain distance from the steps as if to gather the wayward impatient ones,
then return to wait for the ones still struggling. The ducklings that were first
up the stairs, though growing impatient, would always return with her and to wait. Once all of the ducklings were safely at the top
of the steps she continued on her journey, as the ducklings realigned themselves
in to a neat little line.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">There are obstacles in our
lives like those steps, and a line of priorities which we often struggle to
maintain. Some obstacles seem insurmountable, others are only a slight
difficulty. Yet though we might navigate them okay, the obstacles we encounter
have a tendency to mess up our priorities. The ‘stronger’ things will often try
to take the lead, even though they may not necessarily be the most important at
the time, and we must corral them back into place. Other things might seem ‘weaker’ and cause a
delay in our plans or lives, and we have to slow or even stop and regroup... because they are important to us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The thing is, <i>when we take care to not allow the pressing
things to distract us from the most needed things, our priorities have a way of
realigning themselves properly</i>. Keep the main thing, the main thing. Seek
first the kingdom of God, even if things like finding time on your knees seem
to delay you. Reign-in those things that seem so pressing but don’t really
even have a clue to the course already set in your life. Priorities will try to
get out of alignment if you don’t pay careful attention, but with intentional care
you will get your ducks in a row. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">(I looked, and you can
find that video on YouTube by searching, “Ducklings vs. Stairs” or by going to:
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHy6bBKu0j4">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHy6bBKu0j4</a>)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573655856026182772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794082401152024437.post-68440034469074843992016-07-27T11:15:00.004-07:002016-07-27T18:18:16.091-07:00Your Vote Really Matters Christian, But Pray First!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We’re still several months
away from the national election here in the US, yet things are getting very
heated on the political arena. As I
write this, the Democratic National Convention is well under way in Philadelphia,
and the Republican National Convention just finished last week in Cleveland. By
the time you read this, who knows what craziness will have happened in what so
many people are calling a political “circus.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There are a few things I’d
like to go on record as having said now, that way no one has any questions of
where I stand. I don’t believe either
political party has the answers. <i>I think they both offer very few answers
actually.</i> I don’t agree with either candidate fully. <i>I actually
fully disagree with both candidates on a number of things</i>. <i>I don’t
like certain things that have been said, even by the candidate that I intend to
vote for.</i> (Yes, I do have a personal
choice for the presidency… and as a pastor I cannot endorse a candidate, but as
an individual I can tell you who I am voting for if you ask.) I believe both parties have adopted slogans
that are somewhat deceptive. <i>No one can ‘make America great again’ but
God, and the nation will certainly NOT be ‘stronger together’ going in an ungodly
direction. Until we first realize that we are ‘one nation under God’, and
submit ourselves to His Lordship, we are in great trouble.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><br></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">However, I also want to
state that I’m not looking for a savior.
<i>I already have one.</i> I don’t expect either candidate to save me,
or save America. I am just looking for
the candidate that best represents my Christian values. I don’t expect either of them to have a perfect
biblical platform. Men and women are
flawed. If Jesus were on the ballot, I’d
vote for Him. But He’s not. His is a Heavenly Kingdom, yet I feel that I
must do my part to stop the moral decay of society and my vote will be based in
that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As far as the current
political issues, that are ‘specifically affecting Christians’, I would say the
following issues that are most important to me in this election include: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Sanctity Of Human Life</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> (Including but not limited to the unborn.) You might not realize it, but we are winning
ground in the area of the value of human life, but that can lapse overnight with
the appointment of Supreme Court Justices who do not fear God. Considering the ages of current justices
serving, the next president will possibly appoint as many as six! They serve for life. This may be our most important issue to
consider! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Freedom of Religion/Freedom of Speech</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> (Which believe it or not, are ‘very seriously at stake’
because the current LGBT agenda is stripping away the rights of Christians as
it gains momentum – both agendas cannot fully have their liberties when they
are so diametrically opposed.) While I do
not hate homosexuals, transgenders, or others, I believe the agenda they are
promoting will finally strip Christianity of its voice in America if left
unchecked. We may soon not be allowed to
speak against sin, or the need for a savior because our views seem offensive to
this group. So, maybe this issue is most
important. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Other issues that may not be directly connected to my
faith in Christ, but are still very important to me are</span></i><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: </span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <b>Immigration/Refugees</b> (We are a sovereign
nation, we need borders along with strict rules on refugees who might intentionally
seek bring danger into our country.) <b>Health Care</b> (I, not my government,
should choose what doctor I can see.) Finally, <b>Gun
Control/Gun Rights</b>, (According to the US Constitution it’s my right to own
a gun to protect my family. I don’t want
to lose this freedom. I love my family
enough to protect them with my own life.
If this is stipped from us, the old adage is true that “Only criminals will
have guns.” But perhaps that means many
Christians would become the criminals, because I’m uncertain we’d all give them
up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>A few other issues very important
to me are:</i> Racism (I hate HATE!!), funding of Planned Parenthood, Same-Sex
Marriage, Electoral Issues (Showing ID to vote)… The list goes on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Consider your choice very
carefully. A vote for the wrong person -
the wrong agenda, or even not casting your vote for a person who can make a
difference on these important issues… might relegate the America we all love,
into the pages of history. Please pray
for our nation (2 Chron. 7:14). Also pray for wisdom <i>before </i>you choose a candidate. And if you are a Christian (Own up to your
obligation!) vote for a candidate that is the strongest on Biblical Principals
and that also has a chance at winning. Don’t look to these people as saviors,
but certainly look at them as a means to an end. Don’t waste your vote. We need to get this right. We are likely at the point that we will have no second
chance in America.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573655856026182772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794082401152024437.post-87430774017157591512016-01-06T11:27:00.002-08:002016-01-06T11:33:00.736-08:00Powerful and Precious<br />
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
<img src="http://www.faithmama.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/promises-of-God.jpg" height="135" width="200" /></div>
<br />
The promises of God are powerful and precious.<br />
They speak generally, to ALL of us at once.<br />
They speak directly to each of us.<br />
They have deep personal meaning.<br />
They give us hope of eternal life!<br />
They reassure us in doubt, worry, and frustration.<br />
They comfort us in times of trouble.<br />
The remind us of God's feelings toward us; His love, His compassion, His tender mercies.<br />
They empower us to win in spiritual battle!<br />
They correct us when we are off track.<br />
They help us to become better than we are without them.<br />
They thrill us with the awe of God's greatness.<br />
They remind us of our frailty and our need for Him.<br />
They make us anxious for home.<br />
They give us hope to face each day, no matter what may come our way.<br />
They sustain us in drought.<br />
The revive us when faint, like fresh cool water.<br />
They tell us His will for our lives, our health, our future.<br />
They reassure us of life abundantly in Christ.<br />
They tell us good news, in a world of that desperately needs good news!<br />
They give us something to reach for.<br />
They give us joy for our journey.<br />
They give substance to our faith.<br />
The promises of God are powerful and precious.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573655856026182772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794082401152024437.post-45041791943021159922015-12-03T12:01:00.000-08:002015-12-03T12:16:56.737-08:00"God Isn't Fixing This..." - NY Daily News<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADDRIeOG4q1pwD6jFpx8e-QdInSc0NC2LXM3qGoHtc_djHuFLAKioa9ZIuX54VOYCWKpAFzleBcgQxgKt3ii6MF16oL9B2DCjVbCHxIbMPLN4k4ZGHMUcJR23J2y046sYkFq9xwpPgK7m/s1600/DailyNews.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADDRIeOG4q1pwD6jFpx8e-QdInSc0NC2LXM3qGoHtc_djHuFLAKioa9ZIuX54VOYCWKpAFzleBcgQxgKt3ii6MF16oL9B2DCjVbCHxIbMPLN4k4ZGHMUcJR23J2y046sYkFq9xwpPgK7m/s320/DailyNews.JPG" width="248" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The article from the <u>New York Daily News</u> claiming that "God isn't fixing this", is an affront attack on Christianity. It's an atheistic statement attacking Judaeo-Christian values and the practice of prayer. Sure, it's clearly meant to be a shocking statement of propaganda used to urge the public toward gun control, but it's also a jab at Christians. There is another element too, the mocking of republican candidates. The mocking however, is focused on their practice of prayer. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's okay. I'm not offended. As a matter of fact, I'm unmoved by it in the least. My ideas on my 'rights' as an American to bear arms are unscathed. My 'trust in God' is unshaken. Political affiliation is irrelevant to this issue in my opinion, but prayer is still powerful. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I'm still praying for the victims. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This senseless tragedy is less a sign of a need for a change in gun laws though, than it is a sign of the need for changed hearts... which only happens with prayer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It might surprise some, but I will agree with the statement, "<i>God isn't fixing this!</i>" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>God isn't fixing this</i> because our nation has turned it's back on Him. We have removed nearly every vestige of Him from American leadership. We have used our forefathers' idea of 'separation of church and state' to dispel God from anything governmental or political, when the original thought was clearly not that God should be removed but that everyone should have the right to worship Him as they see fit, free of government oppression. Why would God step in on a national problem that we have banned Him from? He won't force Himself on us. Biblical history shows us that His character is to abundantly pardon and forgive, <i>IF </i>we turn to Him... Not turn away from Him (See <i>Isa. 55:7</i>). The nation that forgets God though, will be allowed to continue on its chosen path and be turned into hell (<i>Psa. 9:17</i>). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>God isn't fixing this</i> because we, the church, have not yet humbled ourselves and repented from our own wickedness as is prescribed in <i>2 Cor. 7:14</i>. Until the church itself is serious enough about the state of affairs that we find ourselves in, we will continue in our complacent unconcern and our nation will continue to be overrun by the godless. If, and when, we ever get concerned enough corporately to humble ourselves, repent, and ask God for revival and the restoration of our land, we are <i>promised</i> national healing. We don't see a 'fix' because church doesn't pursue it by pursuing God in prayer for it. We don't pursue it because we don't believe it... And we don't believe it because we are believing the propaganda, rather than the scriptures.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Do you want God to 'fix this'? Then it's time to repent and seek Him for our nation. <i><b>Attention New York Daily News</b></i>, <i>Attention Christians:</i> There is no hope for America, other than God! Pray is exactly what we need to do, but the 'fix' begins with prayers of repentance.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.breitbart.com/big-journalism/2015/12/02/ny-daily-news-mocks-invoke-god-instead-gun-control/" target="_blank">Breitbart's link to coverage of this story</a>...</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573655856026182772noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794082401152024437.post-18169556805504706432015-11-16T08:45:00.003-08:002015-11-16T08:48:49.783-08:00Sheep And Goats<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We usually consider the goats and the sheep being separated
in <b>Matthew 25</b>, as "Christians" and "non-Christians".</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Perhaps that's what it is about.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">But read that story in context.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The whole chapter is about the two types of
people coexisting in one group.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The story of the 10 virgins, is a story of young women who
are morally pure but some have oil, and some do not, five are wise, and five are foolish. (The beginning of wisdom, is the fear of the
Lord. The fool has said in his heart there is no God.) The ones who have oil
are taken into the bridegroom's chambers.
The others who don't are left behind.
They were all in the same group, they were all virgins, they were all
waiting for the bridegroom. Yet only 5 were wise and had enough oil. The five
foolish were left outside. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The story of the talents (or bags of gold) is a story of
three servants. They were each given varying amounts of wealth to care for and
invest, by their master. The servant given five bags of gold, went to work and
multiplied it. The servant given two bags of gold did the same. The servant
given one bag, hid it in the ground and kept it safe, but did no more. All
three were servants of the same master, all three were entrusted with talents,
all three were expected to accomplish something with what they had been given
by the master. The first two heard "Well Done". They probably all expected to hear it. The
last though was considered a wicked and lazy servant and was taken away. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzL4R98IAAKVAkrjp7EXep9_8X5ZFsit6WQxw0h8byN8mkAiZHqilj4bg07ZUxijZLAXVZW2F2HznvSMG2-No_rq8VxqPgBZyN1BOY6FJ_BNHvqEl35DQYPCvSho7ylLHQ4SK3tK4wI-9B/s1600/SheepandGoats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzL4R98IAAKVAkrjp7EXep9_8X5ZFsit6WQxw0h8byN8mkAiZHqilj4bg07ZUxijZLAXVZW2F2HznvSMG2-No_rq8VxqPgBZyN1BOY6FJ_BNHvqEl35DQYPCvSho7ylLHQ4SK3tK4wI-9B/s320/SheepandGoats.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Then, toward the end of the chapter the nations of the world
are gathered for a final judgment. There
is more than one way we can look at "nations" but most often the word
nations in the Bible, refers to people groups not necessarily geographical
boundaries. Anyway, one gathering of all
people groups is brought before the King, notice that all of them call him
Lord. From that one 'flock' people are
separated into two groups, just like a shepherd will separate his sheep from
his goats. Those who are represented by
sheep are placed on the right. These are
said to be righteous, and blessed of the father. These had served Him well, even down to
serving the sick and the poor and the imprisoned. They are given an eternal
inheritance. The others though, from that same gathering who were separated to
the left 'as goats', are called cursed ones.
These didn't regard the poor, the sick or the imprisoned and the King
was very offended by their actions. So
offended was he, that he says, if you did this to the least of them you have
done it unto me. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">So, my point? There are two groups of people in the church (I
think this is the correct understanding of these parables). You can't
necessarily tell them apart by their morality, the way they dress, what they
say, or even their claim to serve the Lord. Goats will be right alongside the
sheep in the house of God. Yet God knows the difference and He will sort them
out. He is the one who will divide his flock into sheep and goats (Not my job).
Our job is to be wise (fear the Lord), keep your lamps full of oil (Be filled
with His Spirit, not your flesh), be faithful to use what He has given you
(Multiply it through diligence!), don't forget the hungry, the poor, the sick,
or those in prison but genuinely care for them.
<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><i>The key to understanding Matthew 25 is found in <b>Matthew 24: 45-51</b>
</i>(Read it). It tells us that the sensible and faithful servant is the one the
master can give responsibility to. <u><i>The others will have their place among the
hypocrites</i></u>. This stirs me to the core! I
cannot allow myself to just go through the motions! I must be numbered among
the sheep! Can He trust me? Is he REALLY
my Lord, or just in name? I am in the
group who calls myself a Christian, but am I a sheep or a goat? Wow...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573655856026182772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794082401152024437.post-31849510536450789662015-09-28T10:49:00.003-07:002015-09-28T10:49:23.535-07:00Revival!!<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3dfjhoYvkXKi4iMAX6GowjctcAWTUC4dmLKQIE5sWAUeyAeFJ9ddu0yP5u5SEiemrZMoxEGZ6Eg8L7Mb9f4_TO1tNOx5QpZv-rReKVfOEJVbKZQbcUKk8KFyRrYcIlLZhU487MB6C5st3/s1600/Revival.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3dfjhoYvkXKi4iMAX6GowjctcAWTUC4dmLKQIE5sWAUeyAeFJ9ddu0yP5u5SEiemrZMoxEGZ6Eg8L7Mb9f4_TO1tNOx5QpZv-rReKVfOEJVbKZQbcUKk8KFyRrYcIlLZhU487MB6C5st3/s320/Revival.jpg" width="320" /></a>We all have our own ideas of what revival looks like, or at
least what we think it should look like. Most of those ideas are based on what we’ve personally
witnessed in past years. However, God
doesn’t always consult with us to see how we think He should do things before
He does them. Sometimes, God does things
differently than we might expect. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
I’m reminded of stories in the Bible when people, no doubt, expected God to do
things one way but He did something differently. I can imagine the Children of Israel never
expected to defeat Jericho by marching around the city, or shouting at that
wall. They probably expected a show of military
might, or of strategic genius, but victory came thought obedience. I’m sure King Saul wasn’t expecting
deliverance from the Philistines, and their champion Goliath, to come through a teen-aged shepherd
boy who wasn’t even old enough to be in the army. Yet David fought for Israel, and God fought
for David. I doubt that Peter expected
to have money to pay his taxes by catching a fish and finding a coin in its
mouth, but that’s what happened at Jesus’ command. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
We should remember that God says, “My ways are not your ways…”
(Isa. 55:8-9). I’m steadfast in my belief
that what God is doing among us, and in many other American churches, is unlike
what we’ve seen in the past or even have expected for our future. I believe that God has likely done things
this way before, but our experience is so limited that we may not have seen
it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was talking to a pastor last week who had heard about God
doing some miracles here in our fellowship.
He told me that he had been confronted with a woman who was in need of
healing from cancer, and was reminded of what God had done in Sister Edith’s
body with the removal of tumors, so he decided to pray for that woman right then
and there! I earnestly hope and expect
to hear a good report from that prayer.
I talked to another pastor this morning who has been in ministry for
more than 40 years. He told me that he
had witnessed God move this past weekend in a way he had never seen. God had given such specific information to a
man of God about a woman they were praying for, that it was absolutely astounding. That woman was convinced of God’s power, she
was touched and filled with the Spirit of God!
I’ve heard others within the last month, people who have been in church
all of their lives, say they have never felt God so strongly or seen Him move
in such a powerful way.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My point is that we shouldn’t be surprised when God does something
surprising. He does things His own way. He’s
God after all! What we call revival is
simply the restoration of what was once alive, back to a state of life or
vitality! That’s what revive actually means
and that’s what God is doing in His church!
It might look different than we expected. It might sound different. It might even leave us a little perplexed, as
was probably the case for the nation of Israel, for King Saul, and even Peter
in the previous examples. God does things
differently than we expect. Yet if God
is the one doing it, it’s good… and I’m all in!
How about you? Revive us Lord!!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573655856026182772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794082401152024437.post-60807088433679005212015-09-22T19:16:00.000-07:002015-09-23T11:04:22.362-07:00What We Hold As Convictions...We love to judge others by what we hold as convictions. All the while, we are seemingly oblivious that things we are doing may not be considered holy enough by someone else. <br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjaDEZAAb-XNEYICPESVQrkCtHWyS-cRqtBONNsTVaRITC8X1nCz_KMeoGtWN1hq16CE8liYt6_Tenv-8zIH2EcKp0Jm3MG-SuZkdzJLA0q2zl6gGu-Im3g8f8wPDp8dhAoMdVoFYfGE7p/s1600/Bible-Reading-Christian-Stock-Image1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjaDEZAAb-XNEYICPESVQrkCtHWyS-cRqtBONNsTVaRITC8X1nCz_KMeoGtWN1hq16CE8liYt6_Tenv-8zIH2EcKp0Jm3MG-SuZkdzJLA0q2zl6gGu-Im3g8f8wPDp8dhAoMdVoFYfGE7p/s320/Bible-Reading-Christian-Stock-Image1.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
This is not a personal jab at someone. I'm not here to start a 'holy war' among the self righteous. I'm not here to condone the practice of habitual sin. I'm writing this blog today to remind you, and me, that we will all stand before God for ourselves, and He will judge each of us. I also want to remind us all, that the Bible says that each of us should work out our "own soul's salvation with fear and trembling." <br>
<br>
In the last two days I have been approached by as many people who want to address my 'relaxed stance' on purchasing Starbucks coffee, or actually allowing my daughters to purchase it. See Starbucks is very pro-homosexual in its worldview and is known to support homosexual marriage. I don't support that, or even agree with the ideology. My worldview is undeniably Christian. Yet, I haven't stopped my daughters from their patronage of the said establishment and for that I am perhaps being misunderstood. <br>
<br>
What I'm hearing from these folks is that some may see that choice to not stop our patronage as hypocritical. I understand that. I have even been right there! In 1996 when the Southern Baptist Convention boycotted the Walt Disney Company for it's "anti-Christian, anti-family direction", I participated even though I'm not Southern Baptist. In 1997 when Ellen Degeneres came out as openly lesbian and ABC Television chose to air her show 'Ellen', I was very disappointed and, for a while, was determined not to watch ABC. In 2005 when the American Family Association called for a boycott of Ford Motor Company, I was in! I was determined that I would do my part to make the difference! ...But where were all the bold Christians in 1996, 1997, 2005? I felt alone then. Just a few of us were willing to take a stand and I was a little put off by their lack of action.<br>
<br>
Now, let's fast forward about ten years from that last date. Today, September 22, 2015, I am being questioned for my stance as perhaps being too soft and appearing hypocritical. For the record, as far as I know no one has called me hypocritical, but concerns have been expressed that my lack of boycott might be seen as support. Again, I understand that but let me say on record, my values have not changed. I still believe that marriage is to be <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">only</span> between one man and one woman. I still believe the Bible is true and that it declares the homosexuality is a sin, just as it declares that heterosexual sex outside marriage is a sin. I still believe God will judge all sin, of all types. I also believe in boldly declaring it!<br>
<br>
Today however, we live in an America that is far different than it was when I grew up. In this society there are extremely few non-homosexual supporting corporate entities out there. Yet there are multitudes of companies that <i>do</i> support homosexuality. <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/05/marriage-equality-amicus_n_6808260.html" target="_blank">Here's a list of 379 companies that urged the Supreme Court to rule in favor of same-sex marriage.</a> Do you use the products or services any of these corporations in your daily life? Probably. (<i>Amazon, Apple, CBS, Colegate-Palmolive, DirectTV, CVS Pharmacy, Ebay, Estee' Lauder, Facebook, General Electric, Google, Johnson & Johnson, J.P.Morgan/Chase Bank, Levi Strauss & Co, Microsoft, Nationwide Insurance, Office Depot, PepsiCo, Starrtek, Target, United Airlines, VISA, Verizon, Wells Fargo, Wyndham Worldwide Corp... and 354 more.</i>) <br>
<br>
We have arrived at a day when it's virtually impossible to buy anything without supporting someone with whom we disagree morally. The previous list only includes a fraction of those who actually support the homosexual agenda, they are the few that spoke up on behalf of the agenda to the Supreme Court. A great number of others are on board as well, but didn't address the Supreme Court. Among those are favorites like Walmart, Nabisco, <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Frito-Lay, and the list goes on. </span><br>
<br>
So where does that leave us, as Christians? It leaves us to consider our <i>own</i> convictions. To me, today's issues seem very similar to an early New Testament Church issue. P<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">eople of differing convictions, tried to decide whether or not to eat meat sacrificed to idols. One group of believers considered it completely unethical. Another group of Christians, including the Apostle Paul, saw no danger in it. Paul dealt with this topic in </span><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/1%20Cor%208.4-13" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" target="_blank">1 Cor. 8:4-13</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">, and then dealt with our Christian liberties in </span><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/1%20Cor%2010.25-32" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" target="_blank">1 Cor. 10:25-32</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">. The basic ideas found in these scriptures would teach us to not judge one another for seeing things differently, but to also try not to offend one another with our liberty. </span><br>
<div>
<div>
<br>
Here is my conclusion: I'm not willing to give up my faith! I'm not willing to compromise my values. I am not willing to turn my back on the Bible, or to wink at sin. However, on issues like this one I am willing to concede the 'culture war', for now. The only hope for America is revival! We need Jesus! It's too late for boycotts! Also, judging others for their convictions only divides a Body of Christ that really needs to be in unity right now. I urge you to stand for your own convictions. I urge you to not bow to religious persecution. I urge you to pursue God and grow in your faith! What we hold as convictions may slightly differ. What we hold as convictions may be used in judgment against us by God one day if we ignore them... so live by them! Yet w<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">hat we hold as convictions should guide us, they should not divide us. </span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573655856026182772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794082401152024437.post-954651842669534242015-07-27T10:24:00.001-07:002015-07-27T10:47:07.664-07:00Easy Isn’t The Goal.<div class="MsoNormal">
Easy isn’t the goal.<br />
<br />
We are all human and often we look for the easy way out in situations. Why not? If there is an easy solution, why
not take advantage of it? Right?<br />
<br />
Well, serving the Lord isn’t always easy.
As a matter of fact, sometimes it’s downright hard. The modern gospel
doesn’t usually present it in that way, but it’s still true. <br />
<br />
Jesus said that the world would hate us, because it hated Him first. The Bible makes it clear that those who live
Godly, in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. Persecution is an ugly, hard
word. I don’t even like the implications! My carnal man wants things to be nice
and comfortable, and 'easy' plays right into that. So, easy is what I want!<br />
<br />
Some things are easy, and I’m thankful that God designed them that way. It’s easy for us to have relationship with
God, because Christ Jesus already did the hard stuff at Calvary when He died as
a substitutionary sacrifice for my sin, and yours . He has even given each of us a measure of
faith, to allow us to believe. Our faith in Him for salvation and relationship,
is a work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
It’s easy for us to know Him, if we will just allow that faith to come
alive.<br />
<br />
Sometimes, though, doing or saying the right things isn’t so easy. Sometimes
operating in our calling isn’t easy.
Sometimes living holy in the midst of temptation isn’t easy. Neither is
getting out of our recliner to go out into the world to witness of Him. These
things aren’t easy because our flesh is too dominate and it causes our spirit
man to have a difficult time following the ways of God. <br />
<br />
It’s hard to say "no" to peer pressure. It’s difficult to give people a
biblical answer that goes against what they wants to hear. It’s uncomfortable to stand for Christ in a
culture that celebrates sin. Let’s face it, it isn’t always easy to do the
right thing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s never easy to tell someone that according to the Word
of God, they have to forgive that person who hurt them terribly… and it’s even
harder to live it yourself. It isn’t easy for us to hold our tongue and let God
vindicate us when someone is speaking falsehood against us. It’s not a simple
thing to overlook offense, or to control our anger, or to bridle our tongue, or
to repent if we’ve done wrong… but these things please God. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are lots of things that are difficult when trying to serve
the Lord in a God pleasing manner…But after all, easy isn’t the goal:
Christ-likeness is.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573655856026182772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794082401152024437.post-14718466689435934232015-06-29T11:34:00.001-07:002015-07-27T10:09:05.617-07:00What's Next?<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yesterday was Sunday. I preached a message called,<i> "What's next?"</i>. In that message I shared a truth. What's next for the church, is for us to continue in what we have always been called to do by God. I won't preach it again here, but as soon as it's uploaded, you can listen online by going to <a href="http://www.abundantlifetabernacle.com/">www.abundantlifetabernacle.com</a>. Notes are also available at <a href="https://www.evernote.com/shard/s409/sh/134846bf-e7b3-47d0-bf3a-dc21655b597c/699d168ecac9957bb5615d580bd99f3c">Sermon Notes</a>.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> However, what this blog is about today is a bit different, yet carries the same title. According to scriptures things in this world will get continually worse. I want to share just a few things you should expect. I'll start with a scripture...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><b>2 Timothy 3:1-5, 12-14</b> (NLT) 1You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! ... 12 Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13 But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived.14 But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>What's next in the world, in relation to this recent US Supreme Court ruling?</b> </i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU5GAMqEQx-990wR-761EMHDaP-rvRplxAEUTKxFACQmuR3UNGawXgiPwcUTZmZtrTyQ9lLtqqe9LlKzwuHperpYvs_VsZnKRfxID2_4g0yRkt4Pa7IAv4Q-eDuCUhyphenhyphengY-SYzGVIHRl9Rk/s1600/Whats+Next+Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU5GAMqEQx-990wR-761EMHDaP-rvRplxAEUTKxFACQmuR3UNGawXgiPwcUTZmZtrTyQ9lLtqqe9LlKzwuHperpYvs_VsZnKRfxID2_4g0yRkt4Pa7IAv4Q-eDuCUhyphenhyphengY-SYzGVIHRl9Rk/s320/Whats+Next+Image.jpg" width="320" /></a></i></span></div>
<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Here are five things that I expect to happen very soon.)</i><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The government will soon remove tax exempt status that has historically been available to the church.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There will be a further separation of the true church who stands for Biblical truth, and the counterfeit church who have accepted the lies of culture and compromised the truth. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Freedom of Religion and Freedom of Speech will be quelled at the expense of so called civil rights. Preaching the full Gospel will soon, legally, be considered hate speech, while certain scriptures will likely be banned. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Persecution of Bible-believing Christians will become far more common in the US and harassment of those attached to biblical Christianity will be the 'in thing' to do.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This so called victory for the LGBT community will not be enough, and there will be a push for more depravity. Sin never satisfies for long, only for a season, so they will want to go further. (<i>See below before you think I'm being hateful.</i>)</span></li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Tax Exempt Ministries</b> - There is already a cry from many to see this benefit to the church removed as some feel it is a violation of the current thought on 'separation of church and state.' We have seen this coming for some time, yet the current events have hastened the day. Already, in light of the SCOTUS ruling last Friday, Time Magazine has released an article saying, "<a href="http://time.com/3939143/nows-the-time-to-end-tax-exemptions-for-religious-institutions/">Now is the Time to End Tax Exemptions for Religious Institutions</a>." This comes two days, after the courts ruling. The writer of the article, Mark Oppenheimer, who is a supporter of Friday's ruling, hopes to ride this wave of 'progress', or from my perspective this wave of religious repression. His is just a voice among many who wish to do whatever possible to silence the biblical church, and remove any advantages we might have once enjoyed. <br /><br /><b>Separation of Sheep and the Goats </b>- Certainly the true separation of the sheep and the goats will happen on the Judgment Day, but I use that analogy for lack of a better description. The true church which stands for biblical Christianity and the counterfeit church which stands for very little, are moving further apart daily. There is, and will always be, a church built on the firm foundation of the words of Jesus Christ, who have taken up their crosses to follow Him. These, who live godly lives, will stand out among the rest who have chosen compromise. God will bless His true church which believe in His power to change them, and He will condemn those who deny His power. You need not condemn them, God will. But I urge you to come out from among those in compromise and walk in holiness, so you may be received by God.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Freedoms </b>- Freedom of Religion and freedom of Speech have been under attack for some time, but there is quickly coming an increase. In the days, weeks and months ahead opinions of Christian faith based on the Bible will likely plummet. The scripture will be considered archaic and many will seek to silence the truth from pulpits, air waves, and even Christian Schools. It may take a period of time to silence us, but it will likely be the next big push.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Persecution</b> - Persecution has always been a part of Christianity. We were told by Jesus that it would be, and that we should not fear it. We here in the US have seen very little persecution in the past, but it may now be our turn. Persecution has historically come quite often through those who are merely religious but have no real relationship with God. So it's likely that the counterfeit church will play a part in the persecution of the true church. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For our belief and adherence to biblical truth, we will be harassed at first. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Harassment by the counterfeit church, toward the biblical church, will become fashionable as they consistently slide further from truth. This will prove their faithfulness to culture. Also, b</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">old advocates of the 'new norm' will come into our biblical churches demanding membership and wanting to be married by our pastors. Rejection of the advancement will set many pastors and church leaders up for arrests and jail sentences. In jail pastors will perhaps be abused and mocked for Christ and our adherence to truth. You may say, "this couldn't happen in America!" I say, "why not?" We have said the same about the very thing that happened Friday. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Never Enough</b> - The bible says there is pleasure in sin for a season. What happens in a pleasure-crazy society, when a pleasure grows old? You find a new one. Today LGBT's are celebrating what they call a victory. In a while the celebrations of June 26th will grow quieter and those involved will settle in to their new normal. Someone though will not be happy. This isn't the end, it's just the beginning. Human depravity can never be satisfied, so there will be a new group who will arise to take our nation further down the road toward hell. One sin is never enough. The lust for more, will resurface. (<i>I don't say this filled with hate. I love those in the grips of sin. I was there too but have been washed and I'm in the process of being made into Christ's image. Sinners just sin, that's what we do until a work of grace regenerates us, and still we all fail from time to time. However, there is an agenda here toward unholiness, and the freedom in American allows for this push toward what is biblically considered depravity, unless the majority stands against it.</i>) <br />___________________<br /><br />There is a possible different course we could take though... God said, "I</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">f my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">" (2 Chron. 7:14) Pray for America! Repent Church! Turn to God, perhaps He will forgive us and restore us. If not though, "the nation that forgets God will be turned into hell." (Psa. 9:17) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />I do want to tell you not to fear though. If you are in Christ, none of this will harm you. Keep loving one another. Love those who hate us and who are against us. Yet keep speaking the truth. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stay focused and endure to the end. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus is coming. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />What's Next? We'll see.<br /> </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573655856026182772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794082401152024437.post-28948615716281968982015-05-04T09:49:00.000-07:002015-05-28T11:21:31.784-07:00Stop And Be The Roses.You've heard the saying, "Stop and smell the roses." Life is certainly far too busy. I can't remember a time when I had things caught up, and didn't have anything to do. You probably can't either. Life moves at a breakneck pace and, it seems, something is always being left undone. But the busy pace of our lives is causing us, and others, to suffer. Perhaps it's time to 'stop and be the roses.' This may not make much sense without an explanation so I'll do my best to help you understand my statement.<br>
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As a father, husband, son, friend, pastor, the overseer of a dozen of ministries and as a community leader, there is always someone needing more of my time. As a homeowner with a large yard, the owner of more than one vehicle, and the caretaker of three family pets, among other responsibilities, there is always something that needs to be done. Some of these things are far more urgent than others, but they all demand attention. You lead a similar life.<br>
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Today, in the church office, I was looking at my schedule and decided to go the 'easy' route. I didn't have any appointments, and its only Monday so my message prep could wait just a day or two. Yet numerous things are waiting on me to complete them, so as I looked at what I needed to do most, I decided to call some of the members who are unable to be in church because of age, or sickness. The response I got was so rewarding. <br>
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I didn't call for my own benefit, I didn't even see anyway it would really add to my day. I just called to check on them. My phone call was simply to let those home-bound members know we care about them, and to see if they needed anything from me or the church family. Yet my efforts were met with such an enthusiastic appreciation that I was unexpectedly blessed in a tremendous way. That's what I mean by 'stop and <i>be</i> the roses.'<br>
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Jesus often did things just because one person would receive a blessing from it. While on the way to Bethany, to raise Lazarus from the dead, He made an out of the way stop in Samaria just to meet the woman at the well. Jesus knelt in the sand to write, on another occasion, and turned away a group of accusers of the woman who was taken in the act of adultery. Then He told her to go and sin no more. I believe that Jesus made a special trip past the Pool of Bethesda, especially for the man who had been lame 38 years. <br>
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It's very difficult to slow down, and even stop for others in need or for those who are lonely, but it's worth it. I said earlier that the busy pace of our lives is causing us to suffer, and even others to suffer. We suffer by not having that one on one interaction with that person, whoever it may be, who possibly cannot even do anything for us. We suffer, in that our busy lives cause us to miss that blessing of giving of ourselves and our time. We miss out on that reward of having reached out in genuine concern, and that offering being wholeheartedly accepted by someone who perhaps has no one else checking on them at the time. They suffer because we are ignoring their plight and they feel alone in their difficulty.<br>
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We need to stop and <i>BE</i> the roses to someone. Go out of your way to call, text, or better yet visit, someone who is elderly, sick, or lonely. Check on someone who is battling depression, addictions, or uncertainty. Your compassion will go a long way toward helping them feel loved, and perhaps to find peace. It will also go a long way toward bringing more joy into your life. If you are too busy to check on someone who is in need, you are just too busy. Slow down. Stop and <i>be </i>the roses.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573655856026182772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794082401152024437.post-48633028289280761872015-04-15T07:22:00.001-07:002015-04-15T13:23:13.698-07:00Lindsey ❤️This post is different. It is directed to one person, my oldest daughter Lindsey Rae, but I don't mind if you read it too.<br>
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Lindsey, I'm very proud of you. You are a great Godly example to others. The last few days, weeks, months, that example has shined! I love you and I am very proud of the young woman you have become.<br>
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I've seen your last two posts on Facebook, the blog you wrote and the other one you shared and I wanted to tell you something...</div>
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Somewhere there is a young man who can hardly wait to meet you. He is a great guy who loves the Lord, like you do. He knows about honor and respect and long term love and commitment like you have seen exampled, because he's witnessed it too. He's probably good looking, even if a little skinny (lol). And he will give you a lifetime of love and happiness and together you will serve the Lord side by side. </div>
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He's waiting too. Waiting for that young woman who has kept herself for him. I don't know where he lives, or what his name is. I don't know if he comes from a family with money or one who works hard for every penny. I don't know if is eyes are blue or green or brown or something else, but I know his eyes are on God, I know he will take care of you and I know he will be a good provider. I know that he will treat you like the lady you are. I know that even on days when he's getting on your nerves, you will be sure of your love for him.</div>
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I know these things, (except the skinny part) because your momma and I have been praying for him since he was a just little boy. See we started praying for your future husband while you were a just little girl (just as we also do for Lauren's future husband). </div>
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He's headed your way now, and probably doesn't even know it. He will get here in God's timing. Perhaps soon or maybe in still a little while, your lives will intersect, and then run parallel, and finally merge to become one. </div>
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I know how hard it is to be alone, waiting, because I had to wait on your momma. I also know it's worth it. Don't worry, the wait isn't too long. :-)</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573655856026182772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794082401152024437.post-81051840137544841052015-04-13T10:38:00.000-07:002016-04-21T10:10:12.560-07:00Christianity is a Love Affair!<div class="MsoNormal">
Christianity is a love affair with God. Being led by the Spirit is about romance with a Savior. This might sound odd, but Christianity is about God’s love for us, and our love responding to Him.</div>
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About 24 years ago, I met a young lady who completely changed my world. Her name was Tracy. She was beautiful, intelligent, witty, loving, and had a sweet disposition. Yet she was passionate and fiery and feisty, and was not to be crossed. When I first noticed her, I was instantly attracted to her but with an introduction and time, that relationship developed. In a while, I realized that she was pursuing me even more so than I had been pursuing her. Once I got to know her, I just couldn’t see my life without her. I loved everything about her, from her tenderness to her fiery personality. Finally, I made her my wife. And all these years later, I’m more in love with her now than I was even back then. Her love has captured me and because of it, I want to be with her as much as possible. </div>
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About 44 years ago I met someone else who completely changed my life. His name was Jesus. He was beautiful, intelligent, witty, loving, with a sweet disposition. Yet He was passionate and fiery and not to be crossed. When I first became aware of Him, I was instantly attracted to Him but with an introduction and time that relationship developed. In a while, I realized that He was pursuing me even more so than I had been pursuing Him. Once I got to know Him, I just couldn’t see my life without Him. I loved everything about Him, from His tenderness to His passion. Finally, I made Him my Lord. And all these years later, I’m more in love with Him now than I was even back then. His love has captured me and because of it, I want to be with him as much as possible.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQTpMjgChyphenhyphenFc5ZSxsTdZtNyZRnACzqb5vntrbBhedhqmJ-YQJ6YcjjBbnospBj9hLWgAvE4Ba8iwstGoQj39hq_zxTA6JJyFJJnnHgLsaITcCI57doD8Iu2RKYpQlBYanRkDLOblYfOv4X/s1600/love+affair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQTpMjgChyphenhyphenFc5ZSxsTdZtNyZRnACzqb5vntrbBhedhqmJ-YQJ6YcjjBbnospBj9hLWgAvE4Ba8iwstGoQj39hq_zxTA6JJyFJJnnHgLsaITcCI57doD8Iu2RKYpQlBYanRkDLOblYfOv4X/s200/love+affair.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Our relationship with God isn’t about legalistically following a set of rules, it’s about love. Just as faithfulness to my wife, isn’t only about the vows I made to her, it’s about the love I have for her… So it is with my relationship with Christ Jesus. I follow Him in holiness, not just because I’m required to by the Law of God, but because I am passionately in love with Him. Love causes the Law to be fulfilled in my life. </div>
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I have this little thing that I often say to my wife when she asks me to do something that I may not really want to do. I say, “You know I’d do anything for you babe.” And I mean it! I may not want to do it but if it makes her happy, or makes her life easier and she has asked me for it, I can hardly ever say no. That’s not because it’s required, or because I’m weak, it’s because I’m in love and it gives me pleasure to make her life better. </div>
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The same is true for my Jesus. I will do anything He asks because I’m madly in love with Him. I may not necessarily want to do it, but because he asked me to, I will. I love to make Him happy. I live for Jesus simply because I love Him. I do what I do because He desires it. When His Spirit draws me toward something, or away from something, I joyfully conform because “I’ll do anything for Him.” </div>
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If our love is as strong as it should be, we will willingly comply… not because of the rules, but because of the love. Christianity is a love affair with God. Being led by the Spirit is about romance with a Savior. I’ll follow you anywhere Jesus! “Anything for you Lord.”</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573655856026182772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794082401152024437.post-45450402338899154052015-02-17T18:34:00.000-08:002015-02-17T19:13:23.925-08:00I am a Christian. أنا مسيحي.<div class="MsoNormal">
I am a Christian. <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This is who I am… </div>
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I'm not ashamed to be called by the name of Christ. I’m not ashamed to pray before eating a meal in public. I am not ashamed to admit that I really do believe the Bible is God’s inspired Word. I’m not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the good news of salvation. I'm not ashamed to be numbered among those who are ridiculed for holding on to the promise of the return of Jesus. I’m not ashamed to tell others that Jesus is the only way to God. He made that claim, and I believe Him. I am not ashamed to say I believe. I am sometimes am ashamed of how complacent and slothful, I and other Christians are in our obedience to Christ. I’m also sometimes ashamed when legalistic Christians act ‘holier than thou’, and when lawless Christians live loose lives, because neither of these things represent Christ well or bring Him any glory.</div>
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I’m not intimidated by the atheist who dislikes my faith, or any faith, and thinks that I’m foolish for believing in God. I’m not intimidated by the multitudes worldwide who follow after other gods, false gods like Allah, Buddha, or Mammon. I’m not intimidated by the difficulties we sometimes face as Christians, because Jesus said we would have trouble in this world. I’m not intimidated by the number agendas being perpetrated against the church of Jesus Christ, it’s strong enough to withstand these, with His help. I’m not intimidated by the fact that my grandparents, and then my parents, expected Jesus to return decades ago. I’m not even intimidated by the fact that two thousand years have passed since Jesus ascended into heaven. I’m not intimidated by my own occasional uncertainties. I am sometimes intimidated by the immensity of the job we have inherited, the job of taking this gospel to the whole world with so few Christians now participating in spreading the Word… Some say only 2%.</div>
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I’m not afraid of the fight this spiritual warfare we face. I’m not afraid of the Devil, who I still believe is a real entity, because I believe he is already defeated by Christ Jesus. I’m not afraid of rolling up my sleeves and doing my part in the Lord’s service. I'm not afraid to take up my cross and deny myself. I am honored to be a part of the ministry started by Jesus. I’m not afraid of rejection when sharing the good news with others. They aren't rejecting me anyway, they’re rejecting Christ. I’m not afraid of death, Jesus already conquered it. I’m not looking to die today, but if I do I know where I’m going. I’m not afraid of judgment day, my sins are under His blood. I am sometimes afraid that I won’t finish my assignment here, as it seems each day is a battle and any real achievements are often very difficult to come by. </div>
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I’m not beset by the difficulties we face. Hardly anything worthwhile has ever been easy, besides the Lord is on our side! I’m not beset by the state of the world, or this nation which is away from God, or the lukewarm church. If I am beset, overwhelmed or troubled, it’s usually from trusting in my own abilities or focusing my attention on the wrong things… I need not do that.</div>
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I’m not willing to be silent, and I suspect that it’s clear from the words previously written, that I’m not trying to be politically correct. I’m not willing to be silent in the face of false doctrines trying to infiltrate the church, false converts trying to lead the church, or false ideas of who Jesus was or what He stood for. All of that was clearly laid out in scripture and I’ll side with what scripture says. I’m not willing to be silent to satisfy a humanistic society, that celebrates perverted acts as natural, and condones murder of unborn humans if they simply become inconvenient. I am not willing to be silent about my faith, whether it remains our right in this country, or not. I was commissioned by Christ, so I must tell the world about Him. I’m not willing to be silent, nor renounce my faith in my Lord Jesus, in order to save my own life. I understand that my life is not my own, I was bought with a price. With His help, and by His grace, I will hold tightly to this faith in Jesus Christ, until the day when I finally see Him face to face. I will be silent when I am finally in His eternal presence, if only for about a half an hour, as the Book of Revelation foretells. Then, with all of heaven, I will break forth in praise, to this marvelous Savior that I serve, and adore... because He is so amazing that I cannot be silent.</div>
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This is who I am… I am a Christian.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573655856026182772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794082401152024437.post-34046179486285090912015-01-21T10:05:00.001-08:002015-01-24T20:44:59.860-08:00What is God doing??<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
What is the Lord doing? It seem to me that we often wonder what the Lord is up to. Something negative happens in our lives and we think, 'where is God?' A blessing comes our way and we usually thank Him, but then go on about our business. In our everyday lives though, we are often content to just meet with Him on Sunday morning in the worship, to then hear the Word and that holds us until next Sunday. Sometimes we spend a little time in the Bible reading or some time in prayer during the week. Maybe we even go to a Wednesday Night Bible Study if we can, but we are still often left with the question of what the Lord is doing in our lives. Perhaps we could say it this way, "What's the plan Lord?" "What's the big picture?"</div>
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For the most part, I am right there with you. As a pastor, I have to be at Wednesday night study, and I have to spend quite a few hours in study each week to be able to minister the Word in several services. Yet I too find myself often leaving a service, or time of prayer, and going right back into life without knowing what God is really up to in my day to day life. I always want to hear his direction, but I sometimes can't seem to hear clearly. </div>
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I certainly don't believe He wants us to know everything, but I do think He wants us to know far more than we do. So what is God doing? Why am I at this place in my life now? What's next? How do I get there?</div>
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I think all, or most of those answers are available to us in prayer and the Word of God. Proverbs 3:6 tells us, "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." Verse 5, just before this, tells us not to lean to our own understanding. I believe we lean to our own understanding far too much. If we aren't hearing clearly from God though, what else are we supposed to do?</div>
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It's clear then, that we need to hear more clearly from God. What hinders that? I'm sure there are lots of things. If we are regarding iniquity in our hearts, the Lord will not hear us (Psalm 66:18)... So, it's not likely that He will keep speaking to us either if there is sin in our lives. If we are too busy with other things, we too won't hear because of distractions. If we want to hear Him, we have to make meeting with God a real priority. We also might fail to hear Him because we are simply not diligent in trying to hear, or maybe we don't really want to hear because we are afraid of what he might say (Zech.7:13). (I've been there!) </div>
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I do believe that God wants to speak to all of us. I think His Word is chocked full of instruction (Proverbs 4:1). I think as the sons and daughters of God, He desires for us to be led by His spirit (Romans 8:14). Granted though, it seems very difficult to hear Him sometimes even though it shouldn't be. </div>
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This morning in prayer I really met with God. His presence was overwhelming! As I write this we are in day 12 of our Corporate Fast, so as you can expect I have spent extra time in pursuit. I was alone in the church and so I felt no inhibitions of crying out to Him. As He came so near I felt sorrow for our distance from Him, I felt hunger for more of Him, I felt His desire for more of us. And in that time something occurred to me that I already knew, He wants to guide us but we aren't often close enough to be lead. Peter walked afar off (Luke 22:54), and so do we. The simple, yet not easy, answer to the whole conundrum that we seem to face in this area is: repentance, continual pursuit, then communion (or fellowship) with Him. It is really that simple... and it's really hard for us to get everything out of His way so that he might be near. Yet, it's worth it!</div>
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John 5:19 says, "Then Jesus answered and said to them, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.'" We desperately need to get to that place in our relationship to our Heavenly Father. We can only follow His lead, if we can see/hear what He is doing.</div>
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I urge you GO AFTER GOD! We need Him! Be determined this year to walk close to Him, so you can hear and react to what He is saying. He wants you to hear Him (John 10:27). He wants to lead you (Isa. 40:11). </div>
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In the Love of our Most Holy God,</div>
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Pastor Jerry</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573655856026182772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794082401152024437.post-67308661296843216332014-12-15T10:06:00.001-08:002014-12-15T10:26:57.148-08:00Why Are We So Willing To Keep Dividing The Body Of Christ?Last I checked there was reportedly about 41,000 Christian denominations. That number is up from an estimated 21,000 in 1982. (<i>Wow! In thirty-two years the number of Christian denominations have almost doubled!</i>) The names of these groups range from Amish to The Way, with thousands in between and perhaps there are even others before and after those names, which I'm unaware of. This number includes churches that are Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox and whatever else.<br />
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Nearly one third of the population of Earth claim 'some form of Christianity'. Yet it seems that just about every church sees things a little differently, and some a lot differently. Personally, I'm not sure God recognizes denomination! Jesus said He would build His Church upon the rock of truth that; He is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God. Most, if not all, denominations have been built by man and not so much upon that rock, but other bits of truth that we feel are important. Yet God does have a people who are His. Perhaps <i>that</i> Church includes people who are members of each of these denominations. Certainly our denominations aren't what it takes to save anyone and there is a purpose in the world for the Church to fulfill, but I'm not sure denominationalism is really helping.<br />
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I've asked myself, are these designations useful? Perhaps denominations within the Church serve a purpose. Because of denomination, we can go to a church in one location and then another and have a similar experience, even hearing similar doctrine. For example, you can go to a Southern Baptist Church in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and hear basically the same doctrine as if you attend a Southern Baptist Church in Seattle, Washington. Just as you could attend an Anglican Church anywhere in the world and find similar faith. The worship styles may differ, the length of service may not be the same, the culture may impact the proceedings, yet the basic doctrines are usually standardized within each individual denomination. From a human perspective, it may serve a purpose.<br />
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Why do we keep dividing ourselves though? There is only one true church. What does 41,000 different sets of beliefs do for the one who is looking for Christ? And how does this dividing benefit the Kingdom of God in the grand scheme of things? These are all valid questions that seem to recirculate over and over in my mind. I'm sure I'm not the only one who thinks on these things.<br />
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So what should we do? Should we stop attending denominational churches? Should we stop attending church altogether? (<i>Not necessarily, and No.</i>) Certainly Jesus foresaw this. He even addressed it! God's word forbids us to stop assembling ourselves together in Hebrews 10:25. We need each other desperately... And divisions within the church were addressed in the Bible on several occasions, first by Jesus himself and then by the Apostle Paul.<br />
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In John 17:20-23 Jesus prayed for all believers. He prayed that we be one, <i>even as He and His Father are one.</i> That is amazing unity! They are so united we cannot distinguish where Jesus ends and the Father begins, because they are one. Jesus claimed that by unity within the Body of Christ, the world will see that He was truly sent by the Father. Division in the Church then, hinders our advancement of the gospel and ultimately our presentation of Jesus Christ as God's Savior for a lost world.<br />
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In 1 Corinthians 1:10, the Apostle Paul said, "I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought." He continued the thought in Chapter 12 when he told us there were many different parts of the body, with differing functions, but that all were important and there should be "no schism", or formal divisions within the Body of Christ. Ephesians 4:3-6 also tells us to make <i>every</i> effort to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.<br />
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So, again, what should we do? Why are we so willing to keep dividing the Body of Christ? Most of our divisions are caused by human pride. Yet, I think the answer to our division is simple. It's a four letter word that we say easily, yet find more difficult to live out. A word that can only be lived out if we are living a Christ-Centered life. I believe the answer is <i>love</i>. Jesus said in John 13:34-35, "A new command I give you: Love one another. <u>As I have loved you, so you must love one another</u>. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." <br />
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What about that church that baptizes differently? "As I have loved you, so you must love one another." What about the church who meets on a different day of the week? "As I have loved you, so you must love one another." What about the church that seems to exploit or manipulate the goodness of God's grace? "As I have loved you, so you must love one another." What about that church that speaks in tongues? What about that church that doesn't? "As I have loved you, so you must love one another." <br />
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Let God deal with all that... Just love. It's not your church anyway, it's His. We have a purpose in the world that must be completed... So love! Instead of looking at how different we are, we should remember the admonition of Jesus to his disciples in Mark 9:40, "whoever is not against us is for us"...and we should love.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573655856026182772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794082401152024437.post-42533582667883326322014-12-09T09:54:00.003-08:002014-12-09T10:17:55.325-08:00How Should the Local Church Respond to Ferguson?<div style="border: 0px; font-family: gotham, Helvetica, Arial, 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302948px; line-height: 1.571428em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">If anything, the <em style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.571428em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">many</em> recent tragedies of Ferguson and subsequent protests and riots across the country, have shown us how divided this nation still is on the issue of race. Yet my hope and I believe God's hope, for the Church at least, is that we realize <span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="line-height: 1.571428em; text-decoration: underline;">we are not of this world</span>. We are not black, we are not white, we are not Hispanic, we are not Asian, we are not Middle Eastern. We are not Jewish, we are not Gentiles... We are the Body of Christ, one new man, the redeemed, a Holy Nation, the hope of the Earth -through Jesus. We are, together, members of His body, diverse in appearance and function yet one in essence. We are <em style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.571428em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">all </em>necessary to complete the diverse-unity that is in Christ.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><br clear="none" />"So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Gal. 3:26-29) </span><br />
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Sure, we all have different heritages and that is not objectionable. On the contrary it's wonderful! Individually, we <em style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.571428em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">should</em> consider our heritage as very important to us. It's what makes us who we are. We are the sum of all of our parts! You are unique and special to God just as you are! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;">I believe that we should all personally celebrate our heritage. It's not wrong for African Americans to celebrate their identity, such as is the case with 'Black History Month'. But neither should it be considered socially unacceptable for those of white European descent to celebrate who they are. The same should be acceptable for the person of Asian descent, or Native American, or any other. I have a friend who nearly every day, reminds me with pride that he is Italian. I think that his pride in his heritage is admirable. Yet our personal celebrations of our national or racial heritage should never be at the expense of someone else, by tearing others down, or by exalting our racial group over any other. I should be open to celebrating your heritage with you too, while relishing the fact that we are different and yet the same.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;">My family and I don't talk too much about our ancestry. We are not ashamed of it, yet it isn't something we feel the need to be boastful of either. I am of German/Irish/Cherokee decent. My wife is a descendant of people who were English/Melungeon. (Melungeon is a racial mixture of European, African, and Native American.) We are very much the product of the American Melting Pot. So, does our ancestry even matter? Yes, but it o<em style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.571428em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">nly</em> matters to me, my wife, and our children. It doesn't matter in the church because, in the Church, our identity comes from Christ. We have 'put on Christ', therefore it's Him we should look and act like.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;">When it comes to the Church, <em style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.571428em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">as a corporate entity</em>, we need to stop being 'black church' or 'white church' and start being "The Church". We need to first be Christians. We need to hold tightly to our spiritual heritage as sons and daughters of God, spiritual descendants of Abraham through faith. We should NEVER allow our differences in heritage to divide us, and certainly our skin color should have no effect on us whatsoever. The Church is one.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;">So how should the local church respond to Ferguson and other similar issues? Certainly not with silence: I think our response should be completely non-racial, but rather wholly spiritual. Remember, we're Christians first. Hatred, prejudice, rioting, bigoted talk, all stem from one root cause, that cause is sin (See Romans 13:13 & Eph. 5:1-4). Through hatred, sin divides us... but <em style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.571428em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">WE</em> have been washed. We are new creatures in Christ, those old things are passed away and the new has come (See 2 Cor. 5:17). </span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Racism in any form is a manifestation of prejudice, or 'pre-judging based on a generalization'. Prejudice is most often a form of hatred. Sure, it manifests itself from white toward black, but just as commonly from black toward white, from Asian toward Hispanic, and so on. <em style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.571428em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">But that is not who WE are</em>... We are the Church! We are one (worldwide) nation of believers who are begotten by the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ. We are one people, of one blood, with one Lord.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;">A natural response would come from the flesh, but spiritual response must come from our spirit man which has been clothed in Christ. Just as the root cause of prejudice is sin, our spiritual response must have a root cause too. In the Church, our cause is Love. If I'm forgiven, I'm required to forgive. If I have received God's forgiveness, I will love. Through that love and forgiveness we are unified.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;">As the Church we should be manifesting the love of Christ in such a powerful way that the world around us sees no division. That's what Jesus prayed for (John 17:21). That's who we are called to be. They will know we are His disciples because of the love we have for one another (See John 13:35). If love is manifesting correctly, my African American brothers and I will be standing together for Christ, and together against hatred. I urge you reach out to people of other races and show them you love them in Christ. This could do more to heal than you can even imagine. That's how we, The Church, should respond in Ferguson, or to any other example of racism... with love.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573655856026182772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794082401152024437.post-27889313349733146142014-11-18T09:27:00.000-08:002014-11-19T20:06:09.681-08:00“What difference does Jesus make?”<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;">As I write this, we are in mid November and in an early deep
freeze. The temp last night was 7 degrees, and we have, maybe, 4 inches
of snow on the ground. I hear we have broken several temperature records. Yet a few trees still have beautifully
colored leaves. This is a picture from my front yard showing the unexpected
beauty we are experiencing. In a little more than a week Thanksgiving will be
here, and then Christmas is only weeks away.<br />
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I often think about how things are now, and what they could be like if just a
few minor things had been different.
This is not my way of wishing for something more, but rather a process
of giving thanks for the great blessings in my life. I feel tremendously
blessed. We don’t have anything extravagant, but we are blessed with all we
need and more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;">I was thinking along those lines just the other day and my
mind went to Jesus and his great sacrifice of Love, for the whole world, but I
especially thought of his great love for me and my family. Then the thought came
to my mind, “What difference does Jesus make?”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;">What if Jesus hadn’t come to Earth? There would be no
Christmas of course. Whether you like the way Christmas is celebrated, or not,
is irrelevant. There would have been no
nativity and therefore no road from Bethlehem to Calvary, no savior. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;">Time would be recorded differently, as the Gregorian
Calendar which we commonly use counts from the believed date of the nativity of
Christ. Many of our laws would be different.
Most of the organizations of the world that do humanitarian aid wouldn’t
exist, and the list goes on and on.<br />
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That’s not really my point though. When
I consider what difference Jesus makes, I am considering a much more personal
scenario. What difference does Jesus make… in my life?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;">Well, firstly, if it were not for Jesus I would be in some
other line of work. I certainly wouldn’t
be a pastor, because there would be no Christianity. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;">If not for Jesus in my life, I’m not sure I’d still be at that
Caterpillar dealership either. There was
an issue that happened one year that brought me before the Vice President of
the company. After reviewing the facts
he determined that my work performance, more specifically my character, spoke
for itself. He dismissed any
investigation that could have ended in my termination. Had I not known Christ and lived Him
publically, I very well could have been involved in things that would have cost
me my job. Had my record with the
company not demonstrated integrity, I would have likely been dismissed that day.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;">Without my relationship with the Lord, I probably wouldn’t
have met my wife, Tracy, or had my girls. I first
saw Tracy’s beautiful face in church and shortly after, began my pursuit of
her. Even if we had met, it’s likely
that we would have separated long ago because without Christ I wouldn’t be half
the man I am today, and I would likely have mad devastating choices leading to
our demise as a couple.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;">If it hadn’t been
for Jesus I would probably not even be alive today. Perhaps several things would have already
taken me out of this life, such as my teenage love for driving way too fast, but
certainly the wasp sting that nearly killed me in 1995 would have done me
in. I believe with all my heart, God
spared my life that day to do His work.<br />
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I can think of hundreds of other such scenarios, and none of them end well, but
the greatest difference that really matters hasn’t been mentioned yet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;">What difference does
Jesus make? <i>He makes all the difference!</i>
If not for Him coming to Earth, taking my place in the wrath of God and
dying for my sins. I would be unquestionably destined for Hell. There would be
no hope for me. I was too
imperfect. My heart was too stained. My
life was too sinful to ever have any hope…
And you were there in the same boat with me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; text-align: center;">Thank God for the difference Jesus makes!</span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573655856026182772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794082401152024437.post-43589794743090341592014-11-07T08:44:00.002-08:002014-12-12T20:00:26.413-08:00The City (An Allegory)<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-size: large;">I</span>n the distance she glistens like a diamond, bright and
gleaming. With absolutely no
imperfection visible, she's pure and wonderful. She's decorated with brilliance
and abundance, unlike any other city Earth has ever seen. From her streets, to her walls, to her gates,
she fashioned in splendor like an ancient city yet her appearance is new and
untarnished. No city in ancient Egypt, even in its most glorious days, could
ever compare to her. Neither could the cities of ancient Athens, or ancient Rome,
or the more modern cities like New York, or Paris or Venice. </div>
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<br>
The City is dazzling to look upon and vibrantly alive, bustling with activity.
Lighted day and night, the city never sleeps.
It seems as though the light from her illuminates the whole world around.
Even viewing from this great distance, darkness is shattered because of her
brightness. <br>
<br>
Here outside the city, in the light gleaming from her, dark, evil things are
readily seen; flaunted immorality, murder, slander, idolatry and black magic, are
here. Signs tell me that none of these
things can enter the city limits, and I question whether I would be allowed to
enter… But, as though it is calling to me, I hear voices saying come! I<i> must</i>
enter this City! I <i>must </i>behold its beauties for myself! I must see the King who sit’s upon its throne!
What manner of King must He be to rule
in such beauty and in such power! <br>
<br>
The City still seems so distant to me though.
As I travel toward it, I seemingly gain no ground in my journey. Always
just out of my reach, I gaze upon it but seem to never approach it. Nothing I
can do seems to make a difference. I
cannot get there in my power, though I try intently.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div>
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Then suddenly, I see an inhabitant of the city. His clothing is bright white and unblemished,
completely unlike my garments that are dull, and stained and torn. He’s moving through this Outerworld, among
the thorns and the tares, and though they pull at him, his clothes remain unsullied.
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He’s calling out, but I cannot yet make out what he’s saying. As he nears me, I hear his Words. His must be one of those voices I have been
hearing. His language is strange to, not
foul as I am accustomed to hearing, yet I can understand it. He is searching for someone. He is calling out to someone with an invitation
to a feast with the King inside The City.
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Oh what an honor someone is about to receive, to enter The City,
and to feast with its King! What I would give to be invited, but I have nothing
to wear and I am dirty, and unknown by all of its inhabitants. </div>
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With some apprehension, I decide to move toward him, to see
if I might find who he is looking for.
Perhaps I can point him in the correct direction. He sees me and comes closer. At this point, I feel sick to my stomach with
fear. Why did I let him see me? What if he means me harm? But as he approaches I see compassion in his
eyes and my fear subsides. Looking directly into my eyes he says to me, “We
have been looking everywhere for you! You
have been invited to the feast inside The City.
Will you come? Will you leave the
dark things behind and come to The City with me?”</div>
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It’s impossible that they could be looking for me! How could
they even know I exist? How could they
consider letting me in, in this condition?
Just look at me! The signs have
made it clear to me, I will not be allowed in.
Besides, I have tried to approach The City and cannot find my way there.<br>
<br>
At once, I am certain that he has mistaken me for someone else, but I can’t
bear to say it. If I tell him that I am
not who he thinks I am, he will doubtlessly pass me by! I cannot seem to speak, so I keep my mouth
shut. Perhaps I will at least get a glimpse of the inside of The City before
they realize I am not one who is worthy. </div>
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<br></div>
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About then, the seeker pulls a new garment from his bag and
says, “We will get you cleaned up and we’ll get you to The City in time for the
feast.”</div>
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As he takes me toward The City I notice that I am being
washed clean in the light of the majesty shining in the midst of The City! The
closer I get to it, the cleaner I become.
My dirty tattered clothes are now falling away… no wait, they have
fallen away! That new robe that was
presented to me is now upon me. I look
different. I feel different. I
understand the language much more clearly than before. The City is now close and its light is
blinding!</div>
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We are at the gates now, and I look like a dignitary. Dressed in his robe, I look every bit as
marvelous as the seeker who found me. My
clothes are new. My face is washed. My hands are clean. I remember that I am
unworthy to go in, but the gatekeeper cannot see it! As we are about to enter the gates, the seeker
says, “This is a son of the King! He was
lost in the Outerworld. We have found him and he has left all behind, and has come
to the feast of the King!” </div>
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Multitudes of people dressed like me, along with beings of
light flying back and forth in The City, <i>burst
in to celebration</i>! The City echoes
with shouts, “We have found Him, the one who was lost has been found!” I am
being welcomed like a celebrity! Just as I am about to tell them that they are
mistaken, that I am not who they believe me to be, The King calls to me… by
name. </div>
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<br></div>
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<br>
<br>
I turn in shock, horrified at what He will do when He sees me. How does He know my name? He extends both arms to welcome me!! “My
son!”, He says as he holds me close! Certainly I do not deserve this! I have no
merit! Who am I? I’m not from The City. I’ve tried to attain entrance and couldn’t
even get close! But somehow the King knows me, He calls me His son, and He welcomes
me in! </div>
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Then He points to the seeker, “Your older brother,” The King
says, “was willing to leave all this splendor, to go into the Outerworld, to
give his own life up, and become like you to find you and bring you here. You were born in an evil place, but you are
home now! The City is your home, come enjoy it!”</div>
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Forevermore I will be thankful! I still can’t understand how
I, who was lost, became found, or how I who was unworthy became an heir. How can it
be that I who was dirty, am now made clean?
How is it that I who was of the darkness, has become a child of
light? Or how can I, who was lost in the
Outerworld, now be a resident of The City?
Thanks be to the King who had someone search for me! Thanks be to the Seeker, who gave His life up
to find me! <br>
<br>
Yet, there are others lost in the Outworld, other sons and other daughters. Someone has to go after them! Will you go with me and the seeker, to search
for them and bring them into The City?<br>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573655856026182772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794082401152024437.post-12736278432207165752014-10-29T10:42:00.002-07:002014-10-29T11:24:54.174-07:00The End of Creationism?Pope Francis has declared that God isn't "a magician with a magic wand who can do everything" On the contrary God is FAR superior to a 'magician'! His power FAR superior to a 'magic wand'! <br />
<br />
I'm so saddened to hear though that he, the pope, has effectively declared the garden of Eden only a story and evolution 'real'. Some are declaring that this is the end of Creationism and Intelligent Design... Yet his opinion hasn't swayed me, I still believe the Bible!<br />
<br />
Perhaps we don't understand creation fully,we are told very little, in just a few chapters... And God's methods are certainly mysterious, His word says so. Perhaps science and faith haven't been able to agree on what happened at the beginning, and science SEEMS to have some compelling 'evidence'. But the question is, "Do you take God at His Word (Faith in God), or do you try to explain His Word away in ways that we, in our finite understanding, can imagine them being possible?" (Faith in man's wisdom)<br />
<br />
I'll stick with God. I believe with God ALL THINGS ARE still POSSIBLE!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04573655856026182772noreply@blogger.com0