Calvanist, Armeniast, Whatever~

Over the past 19 years it has been a non-stop point of bickering between so called believers. They aren't arguing anymore about denomination, they thrive on arguing about doctrine. The doctirne of 'Once Saved Always Saved', the doctrine of 'Choice', the doctrine of 'Predestined or Election.' Facebook has turned into a battle ground of doctrine (I have to admit I get caught up in it every once in a while and feel stupid that I gave in) and don't realize that 'IF' they would lay down their 'Doctrine' for a second they are all saying the same thing to some degree (I am not saying there are not importnat 'Doctrinal' differences).

Oddly enough they all do agree and believe in one huge thing and that is "We must deal with sin in our lives." The we must 'Die to ourselves' (I will admit that one believes it, but confuses people with their doctrine that in turn confuses them when they read the Word). The issue isn't which camp you choose to abide in, but the issue is "Are you being obedient?" The issue is "Have you any known sin in your life that you have not dealt with?" The issue is "Do you love your God with all of your heart and your neighbor as yourself?" Are we being "True believers?"

Each camp has the masses living and preachign the camp, and yet they aren't doing what the Word says we should be doing as listed above. No camp will get us into eternity, but only our total surrender to Jesus Christ as Lord of our lives. Laying down idols (which many are in bondage to, but won't admit it) is a start, and serving others is the reward~

True Follower

Think about the concept of being a 'True Follower' of Christ for a moment. It is pretty amazing when you think about those who walked with Him, and those throughout the years have died for Him. Today we tend to think a follower is someone who goes to church on a daily basis, reads the Word a couple times a week, and does a few good things to help others. Is this waht a true follower really is?

These are the thoughts that draw me closer to Him. I want to be a True Follower, and more of a follower today than I was yesterday.Am I willing to truly 'Die' for Christ? Many say "Yes" but they can't even die to self or things that seperate them from Christ. In Acts 7 we see a story of a true follower. Stephen is being persecuted and even knows that his proclamation of Christ will probably get him imprisoned or killes. What does he choose to do? He starts from the begining and shares the truth all the way to Jesus death and resurrection. He then tells them the truth that they are stiff necked, have uncircumcised hearts and ears. They killed the prophets and they killed Jesus. Could we do that. Sadly enough I have to tell people that they don't love Jesus because they love the things of this world more than Him, and tell parents they don't love their kids becuase they won't say no.

Now, even as Stephen is being stined he utters these words "Lord Jesus, receive my Spirit" and then "Lord, do not hold this against them." A true follower of Christ will do the same. Stephen knew that this was Christ's heart because He said the same words on the cross. A true follower emmulates the one they are following.

In closing we must all ask ourselves one thing "Are we truly following Christ in ALL things." "Do we love as He loved, do we forgive as He forgave, are we willing ot do the Fathers will above evrything else." A true follower will not satrt making excuses, they will merely start taking up thier cross and following~

Truth or Myth

I believe more than ever that today people do not know what to believe. They have grown up in churches, but they have not grown up in Christ (Not a Fan, Kyle Idlewood). When the church says "Don't," but then does, people are confused. When the church says "It's ok," but the Word says "No it's not!" people are confused. When parents tell kids they need to be in church, youth groups, and christian activities, but live like the world and are hypocrites, their kids grow up confused.

If we truly believe that the word of God is 'Truth' then we will have to change. It will become 'Black' and 'White' and the evidence will be a daily change in our lives that will offer hope, instead of failure. Jesus did not die on the cross for us to fail in this life we live, but to have victory over sin in this life we live (1 Peter 2:24). The truth is "We can do all things through Him who gives us strength."

Why the 'Ten Virgin' parable?

The Lord has always and is always bringing this scripture to my presence. In Matthew 25 Jesus talks about 'Ten Virgins', 5 wise, and 5 foolish. Today our audience to share this with were in the Juvenile Detention Center. Oddly enough they grab hold of it more than people who know it, or are suppose to know it.

we have always know 'Good' people who do good things, but aren't Christians. We all know people who claim to be Christains, but are really fans and not true followers. This scripture turly indicates the fate of all who aren't truly prepared. Those who are lolligaging around thinking that are better than they used to be. Ironically you are either in or out. Prepared totally or not prepared at all.

What is stopping you today? Is there a sin, or something you know isn't pure in your life that needs to be taken care of? Right now is the time to take care of it and be prepared. When He comes back He may say as He did to five of them "I don't know you." All of our efforts will never get us prepared, but IN Him we can be prepared right now. What are you waiting for?

Facebook & Texting

There is no doubt that one of the most popular ways to communicate is via Facebook and Texting. Some use these means for idle chat, gossip, and when they are bored. Unfortunately there are people who are now also 'Addicted' to one or the other, or both.

My wife thinks that I might be addicted to both at times. She has in the past, and tends to think today that satan is behind both of these. I believe she is right, and wrong. My purpose for texting and Facebooking is not to be social, but to encourage with godly messages, quotes and scriptures to stimulate the minds of those who read them. Imagine if you will what Peter, Paul, John and the rest could have done with just these two venues to evangelize with. They would have been able to reach the masses in a far greater way. Let me ask you "Aren't we suppose to take the truth to the people also and shouldn't we be taking advantage of these tools?" Yes, the devil is involved when people allow him to be, but the Lord is involved when we utilize these tools for kingdom things.

Everday I text over 40 people who want, as they put it 'Daily Bread.' Alot of these people do not go to church, alot of them do, and most of them don't really get it, but they want to be texted every morning. Alot of the people I text forward them to friends. Here are my last two days texts so that you might be able to see how I use this tool for His kingdom:

"The distance between us and Christ is what we make it."

"Only a fool would say 'I believe' and not fully give Him their all."

Most of the time I usually text a scripture verse so that they can meditate on it as the day goes by.

Facebook is such a great tool to sharpen each other, to evangelize, and to post thoughts that will challenge all of us to be who we claim to be, 'Christians.' Let us turn what the devil can make bad into something that will have kingdom results. Get a group of people and send texts out daily. Post challenging posts on facebook that will make everyone desire to have a passion and heart for the lost. Let us be world changers, not worldly people~

Relationship?

Over the years I was told that I needed to have a relationship with Jesus. It all sounded good to me, and I assumed that going to Bible Studies, church, and being a leader in church was how I made this a reality. Sadly enough, no one every told me, or even showed me what a true 'Relationship' with Christ was, and how to really have one.

How about you? If you were asked right now the same question "Do you have a true relationship with Jesus" what would your reply be? Would it be the generic reply of 'Church People' "Yes I do!" or would it be a genuine, scripturally backed answer that would provide evidence that you do? Sadly enough, when I surrendered to Christ everyone told me that I needed to have a realtionship with Jesus, but no one was willing to show me how this would become reality.

Let me present a litenacy test that will show you what a person with a 'True' relationship with Christ life would possess:

They are never the same person each time you meet with them.

They have dealt with sin in their life, and are not making excuses for sin anymore.

They do not continue to sin.

They are always willing to share their time, money, and lives with anyone in need.

They have a heart for the lost, and are actually doing something about it.

They always give glory to God, and take no glory for themselves.

They always spend more time in prayer, doing His will, and in His Word rather than their own desires.

They always lead people to the cross instead of away from it.

They are not church participators, they are doers in the church.

They will not allow the wrong music, tv shows, or movies into their lives

Okay, How did you stack up?

Now, what about a person who claims to have a relationship with Christ the evidence of their lives show they don't?

They make excuses for sin, and blame the devil for why they fall.

They do not ever want to be held accountable for their wrong doings.

They go to church, but they surely don't want to be there everytime the door is open.

They need a break from church stuff, and people.

They have no problem listening to secular music, or watching movies or tv shows that they know Jesus would not be watching with them.

They would like to give to the needy, but their bills and pleasure come first.

They wear the T-Shirts, pas out tracks, and go to all the concerts, so thats doing their part.

They justify not doing the good that they ought to be doing.

They always say "It's by grace, not by works!"

These are just a few things to ponder. Of course there are many that would want to shoot a few scriptures at this instead of looking in the mirror and saying "Wow! I don't have a realtionship with Jesus. The other day I had the privilege of celebrating my 30 year wedding anniversary with my wife. I know beyond a shadow of doubt that I have a realtionship with her because I love to talk with her, walk with her, do things she wants to do, as well as desiring to be with her everyday. How about you? Do you really have a relationship, or has Jesus and the church only been an aquaitance in your life~

Like Minded

It seems that Christians have formed this thought "Christians agree to disagree," and they are in essence destroying the testimony of the church, the Word of God and Christianity. Was it this way in the early church? What makes it ok for the churches today? Acts 4:32 puts it this way "All the believers were one in heart and mind." Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:10 "I appeal to you, brothers, inthe name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there will be no divisions and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought." Paul blatantly condemns those who differ from the truth in further gospels. So where does that bring us?

Unfortunately people have a hard time laying down their religion (as did the Pharisees and Saducees) in a desire to know the truth as it is written. If you are a Baptist you want to only discuss things with other Baptist. If Cathoic, Catholic. Charismatic, Charismatic and so forth. When a person short changes themselves to only believe and discuss scripture with those who agree with them, they will find themselves being robbed from the 'Whole Sum' of the Word, and most likely be steered down the worng road. Whenever I find myself in a disagreement with someone scripturally I listen, pray and seek the Word in order to not miss out on what the Lord may want me to know. Opinions are worthless, but the truth is beyond cost. "Why do we believe what we believe?" Are we afraid that what we believe is in fact not correct. We will never know unless we are open to listen, and seek truth. Th whole truth and noting else.

Yes, I tend to be dogamtic about what I believe, but I always back it up with the sum of the scripture. I can and will defend my belief not by what I have been taught over the years, but by the Word of God. Many that espouse things will never answer the questions I ask when I challenge them with the truth (Jesus aksed alot of questions people knew the answers to, but they too were unwilling to answer in fear that they were wrong).Can you? Can you open your Bible and share why you believe what you believe in order that someone else might see the light and oossible error in their belief? Would you be willing to forget what you have been taught and surround yourselves with people who live and abide by the truth instead of making excuses for why they don't, or why they can't?

If the call is to be like minded we each will have to get away from those who don't want to be like minded. Those who stand on their thoughts and beliefs and don't want to be held accountable to the Word of God (Our eternity is at stake for what we believe).Last but not least....When Jesus said in Matthew 10 and 24 "Only those who endure until the end shall be saved," what would that mean to you? Like minded people of God would not look for a way out and around this truth, but they will change whatever it takes to make sure they have it right~

Jesus or the Devil?

It always amazes me that people think that if they choose sin that Jesus still remains in them. We know that Jesus says in John 15 Remain in me and I will remain in you. If you do not remain in me I will not remain in you. The devil says "He will never leave you nor forsake you, go ahead He understands."

We need to draw a line in the sand folks as Jesus did while the Religious leaders were persecuting the woman caught in sin. Sure He forgave her but He also told her "Go and sin no more (not less).Will we believe Him, or someone else? Will we believe the Word of God, or will we believe what someone else tells us?

1 John 3:2-10 plainly states that IF we are 'Born Again' then we will not continue to sin. Verse 6 says that If we continue to sin then we have never known Him, or seen Him. Verse 9 says "No one born of God will continue to sin." So who are we going to believe? Men who have taught you the narrow way because of their lack of faith and belief, or the Word of God. If you are reading this blog then you need to once again understand that it is His grace that affords each of us to get it right right now, repent, and stop sinning.

A friend of mine quoted his Pastor saying "I am an accomplished sinner saved by grace." According to the Word of God he should have said "I was an accomplished sinner, but was saved by grace." How would Jesus respond tho this Pastors quote? Be careful my friends to test and try everything anyone tells you. Is it scriptural, or is it what we want to hear in order to justify our beliefs? According to the Word of God in 1 John 3:7 people will see who our true father is. Once out of denial, we can then choose to become a child of the King...and overcomer~

Kindness and Sterness seem to not go together, but they do~

As a Pastor it seems like everyday people want me to explain what I think. I am quick to say that it is not what I think, but what the Word of God says. Many also want me to share my thoughts on eternal security and assurance of salvation. It seems like the battle will go on forever on these topics. Neither matters as well our 'opinions' line up with the Word of God.

This morning was awesome at the Ring of Champions. God always shows up and allows us to be part of it. As we sat around with some of the detainees the question about God's sterness and His kindness came up. It is always a good question when asked by those who really don't know God. I often have them take a deep breath and then say "God loves you and He is allowing you the opportunity to make the rigth choice." Here's the deal...God operates in both realms. When He has to be stern to get ones attention He will. When His kindness is needed He will pour it out.

Romans 11:20-23 is a prime example of these attributes of God. "Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid. For if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you either. Consider therefore the kindness and sterness of God:Sterness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in His kindeness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. And if the do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again."

It seems the scripture seperates alot of opinion and answers alot of questions. God is God and IF He chooses through sterness, or kindness to graft in, or graft out, He is God. If we are reading this right now then we have to understand that His kindness is permitting us to get in, or get out. There isn't an in between. One, or the other. The scripture is pretty balck and white and I believe that many do not 'Fear' God, so they don't think they have to stay the course and change completly. These words should reverberate through us if we are not aligned with Him "Be Afriad" because it is vital to our understanding and growth if we truly desire to know and be obedient to God. Before His sterness sets in it would probably be good to make a move through His kindness. If you have fallen don't assume that you are still grafted in according to the scripture........simplt make sure by surrendering your all~

When its all been said and done

This week we will be doing praise and worship at the Juvenile Center for the 'Ring of Champions.' I always desire to play the songs that will minister to the kids there, and also to the volunteers. My oldest daughter Stephanie has always loved 'When its all been said and done' (Robin Marks) and suggested we finish both sessions with this song. You know what "She is right.' Great song with a great message. Here it is:

When its all been said and done

There is just one thing that matters

Did I do my best to live for truth

Did I live my life for you?

When its all been said and done

All my treasures will mean nothing

Only what I've done for love's reward

Will stand the test of time

Lord Your mercy is so great

That You look beyond our weakness

And fine purest gold from miry clay

Making sinners into Saints

I will always sing You praise

Here on earth and ever after

For You've shown me heaven's my true home

When its all been said and done

You're my life when life is gone

When its all been said done

There is just one thing that matters

Did I do my best to live for truth

Did I live my life for You

Lord I live my life for You!

So, what is the Lord speaking to you right now? Are you giving and living your best for Him? One day it will be "All said and done" and all we did or didn't do will matter~

Heavy on my Heart

Just about everyday I encounter someone that tells me that they don't believe the Bible is true, they don't think there is a God, they don't pray because its not for them. Today was no different. As I stared down upon a beautiful young girl witht he brightest eyes you've ever seen I could no help but notice that she had serious problems. As her world was somewhere else, Judy myself and her mother were in this world. The mother was courteous when we asked if they would like us to pray for them or with them and she quickly said "I don't pray but she will let you." As Judy took the small ilrs hand and began praying I could not help but begin praying for the mom and dad. They need Jesus too...

But what about us? Do we need Jesus? Are we willing to make a stand for those who can't? Millions of people have been blinded by this world, or pain and hurt. Will we help? Will we hurt with them and love them? Sadly enough most will say "Yes" but remain living for themselves, and then say they know Christ~

Kenya, Somalia, 'Blessed and Favored'

This past two weeks have been both a test of my faith, and a struggle with my Spirit. For the past month or so, God has truly giving me a heart of compassion, and a heart for doing instead of just talking. It is as if everyday He asks "Will you watch, share and do nothing, or will you pray, give and make a difference?"

I may seem a little wierd to most, but I do not listen to the radio, chat about politics, or speak about religion (I am a Christian). During times of silence in my day I speak to God and ask Him questions about why, how and when? I have a hard time with people who go to church, do Bible studies, serve on committees, give their tithes, and yet have no compassion for the lost and hurting other than orally speaking it.

When Judy and I found ouresleves in the 'Charismatic' scene one of the big phrases was "I am blessed and highly favored!" At the time this sounded good because that is what we were being taught and just like little puppies we followed. Over the past eight or so years it began to offend me when people said in their 'Pomp' "I am blessed and highly favored." Why? Because Jesus never said it, Peter, John, Paul or none of the others said it either. Why? Because they never wanted to receive the glory, or show favoritism. James makes it real clear about being proud and boastful, "But God give us more grace. That is why the scripture says: 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Maybe we need to realize that when reading this God has given us grace in order to receive what is being shared. Jesus Himself critisized the Religious leaders for their 'Proud and Boastful' lifestyles. The scripture is clear also when it says "God shows no favoritism."

So, what does the world of unbelievers see when we strut around proclaiming and wearing tee shirts saying "I am blessed and highly favored?" Invision with me people serving these dying souls in endless lines and one of those being served asking them "How are you doing?" The one serving says "I am blessed and highly favored!" Some reading this will attest that they are offering them hope that they could also. Let us get real though, they are where they are and most won't see a longer life ahead of them. Yes they can surrender to Christ, but can they say they are blessed? Can they ease the pain of losing family, children, and all they have? What we say, how we respond, what we do, and who we claim to be in being watched by more than we could ever imagine. What are we teaching them and what are we showing them?" It is not documented or recorded that St. Francis, Mother Theresa and all the others that gave their lives helping others ever said these words and why "They proclaimed Christ and what He did, not what you would get if you chose Him."

One final note; A phrase could never exchange the gratitude that I have for my Lord Jesus and all that He has done for me. To this day I am still bewilderd and amazed at Him accepting me. Why not say "I am humbled everyday that He would love me and die for me."

Juvenile Center, Grace and Hope

Martin Luther King had a vision and it still resounds till this day. I too have a vision, and that would be that God would open the hearts of people to care enought for the up and coming generation to make a difference in their lives. Truthfully, as a church we reach out to who ever comes through our doors, or to the loveable outging sector. But who did Jesus reach out to?

My heart would be that everyone would have the opportunity just one day to follow Judy and I into the Detention Center and Boot Camp one Saturday morning an experience the kids who have little hope, or know of a way out of the enviroment they are in. Most of all I would love for everyone to see God at work in a place that most do not want to enter.

Every Saturday I tote my guitar and Bible (and Judy...what a blessing she is to me and the kids) into an eviroment of the unloveable, confused, mistreated and misunderstood. The kids that have been there and know us always welcome us. For the newcomers it is the same familiar stair and expressions of "Who is this old bald guy toting a guitar and his wife in here?" I am convinced that they believe "Oh know, their here to preach to us." Things can change fast though. Their draws drop and stare as if to say "Where did that old guy get that voice?" The music and lyrics ebgin to melt their hardened hearts.

When it comes time to ask them who is blessed for being in here the strange looks begin. Ironically the ones who have been in their and heard the truth every week raise their hands. The others look at them with confusion. As they ask questions (sometimes smart allically) God begins to move and it opens the door to open the Bible and share to them what He says about their questions overcoming their opinions. Today we talked about 'grace' and what the true meaning of it is (Not the standard church definition). As we talked and shared they began not to slouch over in chairs anymore, but sit up and even place their elbows on their knees to hear more. Hope was and always will be in their grasp now.

After playing 'Jesus Paid it all' (And watching them sing to this great hymn) two young men wanted to talk with Judy and I alone. They want to desperately change and wanted know if it was to late for them. We told them that God slowed their lives down to be there in JV for such a time as this, to hear, surrender and begin a new life in Him. You see they are just kids no different than our kids. They need hope and many of them don't think that they could be loved or forgiven for who they have been. Personally, I once was lost and now am found, was blind but now I see. How about you? God can use you to help the helpless, the broken and all who are in need. The question is "Do you truly know and experience His grace, or is it still about you~

Pass him up?

A beggar sits on the street and you are in a hurry. What would you do? Give them a dollar? Tell him you don't have any money? Look the other way?

In Acts 3 it is evident that we are not suppose to do any of that. What? Isn't is good to help with a dollar or two? Maybe so, after we fulfill God's will in this encounter. Peter and John were in a hurry. They were fired up, baptized by the Holy Spirit and could nto wait to go worship. The beggar cries out for some money and Peter says "Look at us!" Wow! Peter stops his life and engages with the man. Nothing else matters at this moment ot Peter except that this man hears the truth. Did Peter give him money? No! He gave this beggar hope and through Christ new feet.

I was in St. Martin a few years back and ninety percent of the cabs, waterbuses, and shops played all Christian music. For me it was the shot in the arm I needed. It gets pretty sad at times to put up with, and be around people who call themselves Christians, but are apethetic. This was our last island stop of our vacation and we walked into a shop in which the owner engaged with us. I began to share that I was a Pastor and how refreshing the trip had been for Judy and I to hear ll the Christian music. I then said "I wish America was this way." Out from behind a curtain the owners wife peeked and said "You know what is wrong with America?" She got my attention so I asked "What?" She said "They are to busy for Jesus!"

Let me ask you one thing "Are you or have you been to busy for Jesus?" Do you take time to stop and engage with people in your homes, your work places, or who God places in front of you daily. Sure you may be a little late to work or and appointment, but someones eternity is at stake everytime you pass them up~

Power

Alot of people get caught up here in Acts 2 about tongues and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit not truly understanding the purpose of why God used this outpouring, and why it is essential today to know why.

I don't desire to wage my opinion about 'tongues' and what I believe the truth is, but I do want to express why there was and still is a need for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Suppose you go through your house and feel the need to get a litle jolt of power. You walk over, pick up a bobby pin, stick it in an electrical outlet and immediately you will get a jolt of power. Now, 'If' you wnated more then you would go over, get a ladder, and then climb to the top of it and grab hold of a power line. I would now say you have encountered 'real' power, and a bunch of it. It would most definitely change you.

Th purpose of this Baptism is simple "To empower the disciples with all that they needed to preach boldly the gospel of Jesus Christ." You get it? They ended up giving their lives without fear after this empowerment.

I personally don't care about tongues, gifts, or what God can do for me....I want the power I need daily to boldly praech and teach the gospel that gives life and hope. How about you?

Which way are we looking?

Each day we tend to lose focus 'If' we begin to look around us instaed of up. In Acts 1 Jesus has left His disciples and their gazes remained heavenward. In verse 10 and 11 we see that two men dressed in white asked them why they were still gazing up, and assured them that He would come back in the same way. Ironically this is the beginning of their new life without Christ, They are now on their own, but no twithout hope. They now knew He was coming back and that they would need to be doing as He old them when He was with them.

Here's the deal...."Don't we?" It seems today that we lose our focus on Christ coming back (and He will, the same way) and really aren't living the life He has laid out for us in His Word. Even in our lives of busy people, mom's, employee's, business owners, housewives, teenagers, and 'yes' even Pastor's, we must always be looking up for His return (He said it will be like a thief in the night). These men never went backwards from here, and ended up giving their lives for Jesus doing as He instructed them. We to can chose to "Look up" and go about His business everyday. All we have to do is make a choice~

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