Sold Out Ministry

Kingdom of God

2011-11-11T10:29:00.001-08:00

Kingdom of God
A Theology Subject that I really like to talk about is the Kingdom of God. I think the major factor that causes me to be so interested in the subject is because I am still debating the language that is used to describe “The Kingdom”. The debate is between the “Christian” people in today’s society verses the scripture. It seems that everyone is so very concerned with the Dr. Tim LaHaye version of the rapture theory we sometimes forget what the bible really says about the kingdom of God.

Most of the conversation within the Christian world seems to be consumed with end time events; so much so that individuals are trying to find where heaven fits in and where they fit in. Often time’s people are working the events of today with their interpretation of so called end time prophecies they often forget to find out just what the scriptures say about the maters of the Kingdom of God. The debate between post tribulation, mid tribulation, pre millennial, post millennial, a millennial, etc, is often talked about as theories but one must assume these are all points that are assuming and interpreting parts of scripture fit their preconceived ideas about end time events. I believe the way of looking at heaven and the actual event of being with God begins with God being with us. It is obvious when looking at the scriptures Jesus in detail explains the kingdom, as being a spiritual event, thus making the kingdom of God beginning right now! The actual phrase Kingdom of God is mention 25 times in scripture of Jesus the Christ.

In conclusion; sure heaven is a real place, and we will someday see it with God being all the glory. One must remember we can experience a piece of heaven right here on earth. Being a part of the kingdom allows us to be with God through the spirit, and apart from God there is no Heaven. Christians must agree the phrase kingdom of God must not be confused with Heaven; however the kingdom of God and heaven I believe are all inclusive.

Sept,25 sermon notes

2011-09-25T05:45:00.000-07:00

1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,[a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life, “TODAY “
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
10 Things-
1. The Good Shepherd- to MY good Shepherd
2. Restores- makes your soul right
3. Guides you into right paths- like kids heading for the stairs
4. He is with me
5. His correction, and defense makes us at ease
6. He is my God, No one can deny it! They can drum up lies, that’s not gonna work
7. Anoints, he grooms me, he cleans me, he nurses me
8. My cup is always Full, with grace and mercy, and JOY
9. He’s not just my God in the future but it says ALL, he is my God TODAY!
10. I am now his child! Under his roof! Under his protection!

Living for the day! No Guarantee’s for tomorrow… James 4:14

2011-09-04T04:49:00.000-07:00

Focusing on yesterday-
Accomplishments of yesterday-
• My resume’- does anybody care?
• People say- I used to be close to God, I used to study, I used to go to church, I used to tithe, I used to sing, I’ve used to testified
Regrets of yesterday-
• The regrets of;
1. last year
2. last month
3. last week
4. yesterday
5. This morning
Best thing we can do is move your mind with your body
• Forget what is the past- Phil 3:13
• As far as the East is from the West, he has removed our sins, Psalm 103:12

Focusing on tomorrow-
Counting on tomorrow
• A bully threw acid on a beautiful young lady- counting on her looks taking her to great heights in the future- people count on jobs- people count on other people- people count on luck
• People look to the future as their Hope- I’m going to get thing right with God when I can get a few things squared away
• James 4:14- Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
Worrying about tomorrow
• Matthew 6:34- Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Living Now
• Worship God- NOW
• Parent listens to kids say they are sorry- We don’t just need to hear sorry- we want change! God is concerned about your life and how you live it today more than your sorrow about the past and the promises you make for the future!
• Concentrate on the NOW- and you wont have to worry about the future or the past
• God cares about your relationship with him now- ex. Prodigal son

What do you believe?

2011-08-24T18:17:00.000-07:00

What do you believe?

1 John 5:11-15 and this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.
Ephesians 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God
• Do you believe that you are God’s child
1 John 3:1-3 how great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.

Read Rom 8:14-17, 15!

Galatians 4:1-7 …you have to read this!

• Do you believe that God will take care of you
Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Matt6:30-33 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you
Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Luke 11:11-13 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Read Rom 8:28-39, 37!

The storms of life

2011-08-16T06:09:00.000-07:00

Acts 27
The storms of life effect everyone- We are in this together
• Matt5:45 … for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
Reacting to the storms of Life-
1. They just stand still and absorb its wrath
2. They run for cover
3. They fall into depression
4. The church when Satan attacks- many abandon- some make the storm worse
"The longer I love, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company...a church....a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past...we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude...I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you...we are in charge of our attitudes." — Charles R. Swindoll
Who will bail on us when the storms of life come?
• This should be the churches greatest attraction- When friends give up, when enemies attack, when family bails, how does our church behave. (Are you too good for the storm?) Are u a comfort to others going thru a storm?
Whom shall we trust when the storm arrives? -
• Proverbs 18:24 …and there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.
• My God is the God of the storm
Matt 8:24-27 Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. 24 Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”

Psalm 8

2011-08-11T06:38:00.000-07:00

1O LORD, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.

2Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.

3When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;

4What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

5For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.

6Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:

7All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;

8The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.

9O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!

8-8-2011

2011-08-08T06:23:00.000-07:00

Praise the Lord
I had an amazing worship time with God this morning.
The most amazing thing is; MY GOD is an Awesome GOD!
He is bigger than any mountain.
He will deliver me from all evil.
I believe he will lead me in paths of righteousness for His name sake.
I will fear no evil because my God is with me.
His rod and staff will comfort me.
He anoints my head with oil.
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy will follow me today.

Our God is an Awesome God

2011-08-06T14:06:00.000-07:00

When i feel like others are trying to cause trouble in my life I read this Psalm.

Psalm 70
1 Hasten, O God, to save me;
come quickly, LORD, to help me.
2 May those who want to take my life
be put to shame and confusion;
may all who desire my ruin
be turned back in disgrace.
3 May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!”
turn back because of their shame.
4 But may all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who long for your saving help always say,
“The LORD is great!”
5 But as for me, I am poor and needy;
come quickly to me, O God.
You are my help and my deliverer;
LORD, do not delay.

Father Abraham

2011-06-20T05:23:00.000-07:00

Father Abraham, had many sons...
The song goes...
Lets look and learn from Father Abraham

• Abraham was a meek- and loving person- Gen 13:5-13

• God promised Abraham his descendants would be great - Gen 13:14-17

• Abraham was not a wimp. He was a great business man and a warrior. Gen. 14

• Abraham wanted to be a legitimate father- Gen 15

• Abraham was willing to give up his future, and prized possession to obey God. (Gen 22)

• He had faith that God was going to take care of everything- he was obedient (Heb- 11:8-19)

What we believe is ours, God ultimately has given to us, to begin with.

Are we willing offer our most valued possessions to God?
Perhaps that would be a test to if we really trust him?

The second half of John 3

2011-05-11T13:04:00.000-07:00

The second half of John 3

22 After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptized. 23 Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were constantly coming to be baptized. 24 (This was before John was put in prison.) 25 An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew[i] over the matter of ceremonial washing. 26 They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—well, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.”
27 To this John replied, “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ[j] but am sent ahead of him.’ 29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. 30 He must become greater; I must become less.

31 “The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all. 32 He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. 33 The man who has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. 34 For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God[k] gives the Spirit without limit. 35 The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.”

Interesting isn't it...

Happy Mothers Day

2011-05-07T10:05:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 31:30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who reveres the Lord will be praised.

Anna M. Jarvis (1864-1948) first suggested the national observance of an annual day honoring all mothers because she had loved her own mother so dearly. At a memorial service for her mother on May 10, 1908, Miss Jarvis gave a carnation (her mother's favorite flower) to each person who attended. Within the next few years, the idea of a day to honor mothers gained popularity, and Mother's Day was observed in a number of large cities in the U.S. On May 9, 1914, by an act of Congress, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day. He established the day as a time for "public expression of our love and reverence for the mothers of our country." By then it had become customary to wear white carnations to honor departed mothers and red to honor the living, a custom that continues to this day.

Herb Forst in Cross River, NY, writes in Reader's Digest What NOT to Buy Your Wife: Although the only person a man usually shops for is his wife, the whole experience is a stressful one. Many a man has felt extreme frigid temperatures for a long period based on a poor present decision. As a veteran of these wars, I'm still not sure what to buy my wife, but I'll pass on what not to buy her:
1. Don't buy anything that plugs in. Anything that requires electricity is seen as utilitarian.
2. Don't buy clothing that involves sizes. The chances are one in seven thousand that you will get her size right, and your wife will be offended the other 6999 times. "Do I look like a size 16?" she'll say. Too small a size doesn't cut it either: "I haven't worn a size 8 in 20 years!"
3. Avoid all things useful. The new silver polish advertised to save hundreds of hours is not going to win you any brownie points.
4. Don't buy anything that involves weight loss or self-improvement. She'll perceive a six-month membership to a diet center as a suggestion that's she's overweight.
5. Don't buy jewelry. The jewelry your wife wants, you can't afford. And the jewelry you can afford, she doesn't want.
6. Finally, don't spend too much. "How do you think we're going to afford that?" she'll ask. But don't spend too little. She won't say anything, but she'll think, "Is that all I'm worth?"

This is Mothers’ Day. As ministers, we’re reminded not to get too sentimental about motherhood because:
(a) for some, motherhood is an accident, and not always a welcome one;
(b) for some, biological motherhood isn’t possible;
(c) for some, mothers weren’t all that nice;
A poet once said: (To become a (mother) is not so difficult; on the other hand, be-ing a (mother) is very much so!) So, with all those qualifications, why bother with Mothers’ Day at all? I’ll tell you why —— because for all its stumbling blocks, pitfalls and broken dreams, for all the soiled diapers, soiled wallpaper and spoiled plans, we’re talking about a beautiful ideal, a natural part of God’s creative plan to bring love and caring to light. Motherhood is a constant demand for the gift of love and caring.

King Jesus

2011-04-12T07:33:00.000-07:00

(Mark 15:1-13)And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him to Pilate. And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answering said unto them, Thou sayest it. And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing. And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against thee. But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled. Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired. And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection. And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them. But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews? For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy. But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them. And Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will ye then that I shall do unto him whom ye call the King of the Jews? And they cried out again, Crucify him.

The people were given an opportunity to choose King Jesus or a representative of sin.
Don't be so critical...
Society today gets to choose King Jesus or a representative of sin.
It seems more choose sin than King Jesus even today.
They say, "Away with King Jesus. We want SIN".

making a mess of our relationships

2011-03-05T17:07:00.000-08:00

people are bent toward making a mess of relationships.
These three things constantly cause us trouble

1. Whine and complain often-
o Constant complaining is a sign of immaturity- o It is often a product of upbringing- (Baby’s learn if they scream loud enough & long enough they’ll get their Way)
o Don’t be so hard on the children…Adults are running loose in church houses all over the world! (1 Corinthians 13:11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.)
o If you hear a whiner or complainer- Have compassion for them- BUT DON’T ENCOURAGE

2. Be a fault finder and gossip- it is a sign of pride
o Don’t look for trouble
o Certainly don’t spread things that tear down character

3. Be self-centered -
o Including myself, I have some bad news for everyone here this morning- The World doesn’t revolve around you!
o Let’s look at someone who wanted to be center of everything- Satan
Isaiah 14: 13-15 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
o Families- Work places- and even Churches are filled with Self centered people
o How bout we decide God should be center of everything (If something doesn’t go OUR way stop thinking the whole world will end)

Guaranteed Success begins with being Honest with your self and God!
Forgive us for complaining if things don’t go the way we want
Forgive us for being fault finders and gossips
Above all Forgive Us for being self centered- YOU OH GOD ARE THE EVERLASTING GOD
God is on the Throne- Will you recognize that?- Will you stop trying to take HIS seat?

Creed by Bob Hartman

2011-02-22T12:48:00.000-08:00

Based on the Apostle's Creed

I believe in God the Father - maker of heaven and earth
And in Jesus Christ His only Son
I believe in the virgin birth
I believe in the Man of Sorrows bruised for iniquities
I believe in the Lamb who was crucified and hung between two thieves

I believe in the resurrection on the third and glorious day
And I believe in the empty tomb and the stone that the angel rolled away
He descended and set the captives free
And now He sits at God's right hand and prepares a place for me

I believe He sent His Spirit to comfort and to reveal
To lead us into the truth and light, to baptize and to seal
I believe that He will come back the way He went away
And receive us all unto Himself, but no man knows the day

I believe He is the Judge of all men, small and great
The resurrected souls of men receive from Him their fate
Some to death and some to life, some to their reward
Some to sing eternal praise forever to our Lord

This is my creed - the witness I have heard
The faith that has endured
This truth is assured
Through the darkest ages past
Though persecuted, it will last
And I will hold steadfast to this creed

My call... Your call... should be Gods call...

2011-01-21T09:39:00.000-08:00

One thing is perfectly clear, I in no way envisioned myself entering the ministry. I did not like the way some of the church people unfairly treated those in ministry. It seemed to me, they were constantly searching for ways to disqualify someone from pursuing the vocation. Often times I have seen ministers lied too and double-crossed so much, they would become paranoid. They would then focus all their effort on fighting some battles that, in reality didn’t exist, although some did exist and were extremely mentally taxing. People trying to keep their focus on God; a business mentality to grow a congregation of volunteers, a defensive front to protect ones reputation and family, is not an easy vocation. In my eyes, individuals choosing to enter into ministry were setting themselves up for constant ridicule, anxiety, and potential failure. Why would anyone choose to enter into pastoral ministry?
One day nearly a decade ago, I consecrated my life fully for God’s use. Shortly after doing this God began to open doors of opportunity. As each door was opening I began to become growingly suspect that they were leading to full time pastoral ministry. I inspected each door carefully and determined it was truly Gods beckoning for me to enter, and if i didn't enter I would be violating my promise to be used by him. Every time I had seemingly finished each temporary call; there was immediately another door God had prepared for me to enter, until I had found myself engrossed in ministerial work. As I analyze the gifts, wisdom, abilities and mind God has granted me it was then obvious I was completely in God’s will by entering into pastoral ministry. To answer the question in the previous paragraph, “Why would anyone choose to enter into pastoral ministry?” I believe the correct answer should be if they are positive God has called them into it, otherwise one is begging for a mess. I believe this could be said for every person within every vocation. To receive God’s blessing should be the endeavor of all human kind. God has a purpose for our life. Our life can be completely fulfilling if it is lived with divine focus. One should ask, “if this where God wants me to be?” Even better yet, “is this when God wants me to be where I am? His calling, his positioning, his timing is critical. (2 Peter 1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall)

Jesus @ the well, Part 2- John 4:27-34

2011-01-13T08:41:00.000-08:00

Jesus @ the well, Part 2- John 4:27-34
Sustains - Carries – Support – Maintain- Give Life
John 4:34 Jesus said unto them, my meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.
Don’t be surprised that Jesus is talking to someone you don’t think he would.
• Other Races
• Other cultures
• Women
• People with different Clothes- hair styles
You might find they are more qualified than you! 1 Corinthians 1:27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty
Don’t be judgmental using your self-righteousness as your standard!

1. God wants us to understand what real life is.
• Eating food sustains physical life- but it does not fulfill true living (Vs 8 disciples went to get food)- this passage is about water and food & how they do not provide the type of life as God wants us to know.
• Woman needed water but she figured out that meeting her physical needs was not the key to living- vs. 28 – she was the example to the disciples and us of what living is. (Obedience to the commission)
• Jesus used their insistence of eating as a teachable moment- (Vs. 8,31)
• Jesus’ focus wasn’t on the physical things. He was focused on sticking with the work God calls us to do. To sustain real living (Vs. 14)
• As Jesus ascended into to heaven his final words were not… “enjoy the fruits of the world and live it up while you can because life is short”- They were, “Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel”

Matt 6:31-33 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God…

I want you to live- I want you to have vs.14.

Are you finished? 1-2-11

2011-01-08T09:15:00.000-08:00

Are you finished? 1-2-11
• We have finished up the year- Should we just relax and take it easy because weve worked so hard and accomplished so much? Maybe we should read this bible verse, take it out of context, and live the easy life!
Luke 12:19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
• When are we finished and when have we reached OUR end zone?-
Illustration: Jim Marshall, Viking defensive end, On October 25, 1964, in a game against the San Francisco 49ers, Marshall recovered a fumble and ran 66 yards with it into an end zone. The wrong way… into his own!
What has God called you to do? He has called everyone to SERVE!
Psalm 2:11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
Psalm 100:2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
Psalm 102:22 When the people are gathered together, and the kingdoms, to serve the LORD.
Jeremiah 30:9 But they shall serve the LORD their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up unto them.
Colossians 3:24 knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
• As a waitress provides good service, our closest attention needs to be paid to the one we are serving!
• Whom shall you serve? Choose today! Josh 24:14-24 READ!
Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service

more than conquerors

2010-10-26T09:29:00.000-07:00

If you want to make the devil angry, throw the story of
Job at him. Oh, how many saints have been comforted by this history
of patience! Let us commit ourselves in faith to the care and keeping
of God—come poverty, sickness, or death. Through Jesus Christ’s blood
we will be conquerors, and more than conquerors. May those who
have not trusted Jesus be led to begin this very day, and God shall
have all the praise in us all, evermore.
- Rev. Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Revival Thoughts

2010-10-14T08:26:00.000-07:00

Our church is experiencing revival.
I am experiencing revival.
My relationship with God is growing stronger.
I want others to grow closer to God.
How does one convince others of the importance of developing a better relationship with God?
All I can say is what i know.
I know that I love God more than I used to.
I didn't know I could love him more, till I learn more about his love for me.
I could never love him more than he loves me.
I will try to love him like he loves me.
I have a renewed effort to be more like Jesus Christ. DO YOU?
If not, perhaps you need revival.

kids sometimes have an interesting perspective on love…

2010-02-12T09:33:00.000-08:00

And in thinking about the concept of love, I was reminded that kids sometimes have an interesting perspective on love…

When some were asked what falling in love is like…Roger, age 9 said, “Like an avalanche where you have to run for your life.”
Leo, age 7, said, “If falling in love is anything like learning how to spell, I don’t want to do it. It takes too long.”

When asked what role having good looks plays in love…Jeanne, age 8, said, “If you want to be loved by somebody who isn’t already in your family, it doesn’t hurt to be beautiful.”
Gary, age 7, said, “It isn’t always just how you look. Look at me. I’m handsome like anything and I haven’t got anybody to marry me yet.”
Christine, age 9, said, “Beauty is skin deep. But how rich you are can last a long time.”

When asked to share some confidential opinions about love…Anita, age 6, said, “I’m in favor of love as long as it doesn’t happen when ‘The Cartoons’ are on TV.”
Bobby, age 8, said, “Love will find you, even if you are trying to hide from it. I have been trying to hide from it since I was five, but the girls keep finding me.”
Regina, age 10, said, “I’m not rushing into being in love. I’m finding fourth grade hard enough.”
Floyd, age 9, said, “Love is foolish … but I still might try it sometime.”

When asked to share some surefire ways to make a person fall in love with you…Del, age 6, said, “Tell them that you own a whole bunch of candy stores.”
Alonzo, age 9, said, “Don’t do things like have smelly, green sneakers. You might get attention, but attention ain’t the same thing as love.”
Manuel, age 8, said, “Yell out that you love them at the top of your lungs … and don’t worry if their parents are right there.”
Bart, age 9, said, “One way is to take the girl out to eat. Make sure it’s something she likes to eat. French fries usually works for me.”
Camille, age 9, said, “Shake your hips and hope for the best.”

Chris Tomlin - lyrics

2010-02-06T15:41:00.000-08:00

Indescribable

From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea,
Creation's revealing Your majesty.
From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring,
Every creature unique in the song that it sings. All exclaiming...

Indescribable, Uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God.
All powerful, Untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees and we humbly proclaim,
You are amazing God.

Who has told every lightning bolt where it should go,
Or seen heavenly storehouses laden with snow?
Who imagined the sun and gives source to its light,
Yet conceals it to give us the coolness of night?
None can fathom...

What can be learned?

2010-01-28T16:25:00.000-08:00

I watched a news story about a person that was injured and lying on the street.
The security cameras caught a tragic accident as a person was hit by a motor vehicle.
The person driving the vehicle drove away, leaving the injured person.
The person was bloody and disfigured as people leisurely passed by.
The people passing by, pretending not to notice.
Others looked at the person to investigate, but no one offered to help.
After nearly dozens of people ignored the victim, one person finally decided to call for help.
Finally the emergency responders arrived only to find they were too late.
The victim had died. The authorities believe they could have saved the persons life if they could have gotten there sooner.

Deep thought...
Do you know someone who is in the middle of a spiritual crisis?

What are we really trying to do?

2010-01-22T10:42:00.000-08:00

What are we really trying to do?
A little boy just got a box of sidewalk chalk and began to paint the sidewalk with his new gift.
As the boy got carried away, not only did he draw pictures on the road but began to mark up his parents new automobile.
The irritated parents, scolded the child over and over again telling him how stupid he was for doing such a idiotic thing.
The child was beside himself. He did not know why this act caused such an outrage by his parents.
The parents never took the time to explain their position. They instead took the approach, if we scream loud enough and long enough, the child would get the point and cease the behavior.

We are now coming upon the "Sanctity of Life Sunday".
Do we really think we can convince the government to ban abortion?
Even if they did, would abortion stop?
Maybe if we would spread the gospel, more people would follow Christ.
If more people were following Christ then the abortion rate would naturally fall.

The rest of the story goes... The parents realized they could not change what had happened. The child was ignorant of what was acceptable. They calmly explained why it was wrong. The child realized his ignorance and felt remorse. He began to educate others about this new found information.

Bible Study

2010-01-14T08:05:00.000-08:00

Just recently I was reading the Gospel of John, chapter 15. This is a passage that is very popular within the christian culture. I have read so many commentaries and have listened to many sermons on the subject of the "Vine and the Branches". Now it seems when i come to this passage, I frequently skim over it because I feel I already know all there is to learn from it. This time I read the passage and learned something that totally surprised me. The passage definitely talks about the importance of producing fruit, but there was something else that jumped out at me! I want everyone to make an effort to "reread the Bible again for the first time". Try to read as if you have no personal bias or dogma. It is amazing what we can learn if we'll allow God to teach us, rather than relying on our previous concepts.

The Big Mo

2009-07-27T07:16:00.000-07:00

Often times we watch a sporting event and notice one team seems to have everything going bad for them. Maybe they are a superior team, however they just seem to be stumbling through the contest. Then, out of nowhere it seems something good happens that triggers an enormous amount of confidence. The team realizes they have been under preforming and they can now move forward to accomplish all they have set out to do. All the bad from the past is soon forgotten and everything seems to going their way. The momentum has swung. The team realizes this and tries even harder to keep the streak of positive events continuing. They now have the momentum. They do not want to loose it. The memories of underachieving encourage them to hold on to this invisible force "momentum". Do you have the momentum? Would you like to keep it? Would you like to give it back to the opposing team?

What are you looking for?

2009-07-20T19:10:00.000-07:00

What are you looking for?
I wish I had an easier life.
Look at all of these mistakes I have made.
I can barely pay my bills.
My parents hate me.
My children are unruly.
My spouse wants a divorce.
School is overwhelming.
No body notices me.
People make fun of me.
My family is embarrassing.
I feel like I am the only one around here who really cares.
I need a vacation, but can't afford one.
How can my neighbor afford that, but I can't?
She has a better looking boyfriend than I do.
He has a better looking wife than I do.
I hate my hair.
If I could only loose 15 lbs.
The gas price is to high.
I am afraid of being alone.
I am just plain afraid!
My friends use me.
I wish I had friends.
I have a bad attitude.
My spouse has a bad attitude.
I am sick.
I am tired.
I am sick and tired.
I am lazy.
I need to be more disciplined.
I am out of shape.
My spouse is out of shape.
I cannot describe the shape I am in.

Some things we should change. Some things we shouldn't.
Somethings we can't change and so for those...

Phil 4:11
for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therein to be CONTENT.

Kingdom of God

2009-07-06T13:06:00.000-07:00

Kingdom of God
A Theology Subject that I really like to talk about is the Kingdom of God. I think the major factor that causes me to be so interested in the subject is because I am still debating the language that is used to describe “The Kingdom”. The debate is between the “Christian” people in today’s society verses the scripture. It seems that everyone is so very concerned with the Dr. Tim LaHaye version of the rapture theory we sometimes forget what the bible really says about the kingdom of God.

Most of the conversation within the Christian world seems to be consumed with end time events; so much so that individuals are trying to find where heaven fits in and where they fit in. Often time’s people are working the events of today with their interpretation of so called end time prophecies they often forget to find out just what the scriptures say about the maters of the Kingdom of God. The debate between post tribulation, mid tribulation, pre millennial, post millennial, a millennial, etc, is often talked about as theories but one must assume these are all points that are assuming and interpreting parts of scripture fit their preconceived ideas about end time events. I believe the way of looking at heaven and the actual event of being with God begins with God being with us. It is obvious when looking at the scriptures Jesus in detail explains the kingdom, as being a spiritual event, thus making the kingdom of God beginning right now! The actual phrase Kingdom of God is mention 25 times in scripture by Jesus the Christ.

In conclusion; sure heaven is a real place, and we will someday see it with God being all the glory. One must remember we can experience a piece of heaven right here on earth. Being a part of the kingdom allows us to be with God through the spirit, and apart from God there is no Heaven. Christians must agree the phrase kingdom of God must not be confused with Heaven; however the kingdom of God and heaven I believe are all inclusive.

Independence Day

2009-07-04T06:46:00.000-07:00

As we look to our country's Independence Day,
we look at the day we became free.

We display our happiness by loud noises,
flashing lights, and cheers of excitement.

How do we as Christians celebrate our spiritual freedom?

watchmen

2009-07-03T20:18:00.000-07:00

I was somewhat encouraged today as i studied Ezekiel. I have been working on a sermon to proclaim to the people. I realized the sermon was for everyone including myself. We so much need to be watchmen for the "Church age". I will attempt to invite more people to Grace Wesleyan Church tomorrow. I got a phone call from Brother mills who is feeling better as his cancer treatments are over. I believe he has many more days left to serve the lord.

A good start

2009-01-16T20:50:00.000-08:00

How can Christians be viewed as followers of Jesus.

We should care for people.
Care for the environment.
Help people in their hour of need.

We should share with people.
Don't be greedy.
Allow others to share in our blessings, God has given us.

We should bear one anothers burdens.
People are hurting and need someone to stand by them.
Offer up prayer for people in despair. That is something everyone can do.

Care, share, and bear, is a good start!

Metaphorically speaking

2008-11-12T12:54:00.000-08:00

How do we get people to walk into our church house?

They need a key!

Some people are almost ready to seek God, so they are more than likely to come, if you invite them.
Others don't realize the urgency, but they will never come if you don't invite them.
Some people are very busy and they don't know if they can find the time, but they'll never schedule the time if you don't ask them to make the exception.
Some people think they will not feel welcome, they are mostly right because you have not invited them.
Others think if they don't have a nice dress or a nice suit they shouldn't come, they will never know any different if you don't enlighten them.

You have the key.
Give it away!
Metaphorically speaking of course.

A message from Huntington First Wesleyans' Worship Minister

2008-08-01T07:41:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone, i just wanted to email this Sunday's worship out and share a few things that are on my heart! I was driving from work the other day, when i heard this lady start balling on the radio station KLOVE! The DJ picked up the phone and said hello, but the lady continued to cry. Finally, after about a minute, she said "Divorce." She then began to explain how her husband had just filed for a divorce, and said he did not want to serve God any longer. She had tried to get to the station to request a song all week, but she never could get through until now. When the story was told, the KLOVE DJ prayed with her as well as me right then. It was an amazing moment, but that wasn't it. The response throughout the day from people calling in and reminding her to stay strong, and that God loves her was amazing. So, this is when my brain took off. I have never thought of things this way, but it does fit the parallel. The lady could not get through when she wanted to, only when she needed to. This is quite the same way God works. He doesn't always answer us when we want something, but he does answer when we need him. Any problems, issues, or areas we need help in, all we have to do is call on his name. Serving a God who is sovereign over everything is a privilege, and i wouldn't give my relationship up with him for anything. He is my best friend, and when i can no longer make the journey's in my life, he will pick me up and carry me there. So, throughout the rest of this week, remember to love your family and always tell them that everyday. Satan is after us, because we are doing things right. Don't let him win, instead show him love, and that Jesus is in you!

- Corey Adkins
Worship/ Youth Leader
Huntington First Wesleyan
Huntington, WV
Adkins501@gmail.com

Kingdom of God

2008-06-12T19:55:00.000-07:00

A Theology Subject that I really like to talk about is the Kingdom of God. I think the major factor that causes me to be so interested in the subject is because I am still debating the language that is used to describe “The Kingdom”. The debate is between the “Christian” people in today’s society verses the scripture. It seems that everyone is so very concerned with the Dr. Tim LaHaye version of the rapture theory we sometimes forget what the bible really says about the kingdom of God.

Most of the conversation within the Christian world seems to be consumed with end time events; so much so that individuals are trying to find where heaven fits in and where they fit in. Often time’s people are working the events of today with their interpretation of so called end time prophecies they often forget to find out just what the scriptures say about the maters of the Kingdom of God. The debate between post tribulation, mid tribulation, pre millennial, post millennial, a millennial, etc, is often talked about as theories but one must assume these are all points that are assuming and interpreting parts of scripture fit their preconceived ideas about end time events. I believe the way of looking at heaven and the actual event of being with God begins with God being with us. It is obvious when looking at the scriptures Jesus in detail explains the kingdom, as being a spiritual event, thus making the kingdom of God beginning right now! The actual phrase Kingdom of God is mention 25 times in scripture of Jesus the Christ.

In conclusion; sure heaven is a real place, and we will someday see it with God being all the glory. One must remember we can experience a piece of heaven right here on earth. Being a part of the kingdom allows us to be with God through the spirit, and apart from God there is no Heaven. Christians must agree the phrase kingdom of God must not be confused with Heaven; however the kingdom of God and heaven I believe are all inclusive.

Sex, Television and society

2008-05-16T16:25:00.000-07:00

Sex, Television and Society
In the last 50 years we have noticed a massive leap with the way people receive information. First there was the telegraph, then the radio, the newspaper, magazines, television and now the Internet. It seems the most influential has become the television.
According to time magazine, “The average American reports watching between 12-14 hours of television a week, in fact it’s known that a child is exposed to about 40,000 ads a year. The University of California at Santa Barbra has conducted a study about, how much sexual content is shown on television? Their study finds:
About 66% of prime time shows contain some sexual content.
In one study, a solid majority (62%) of scenes in television shows were coded as including some sexual behavior, and 28% of these scenes placed the primary emphasis on sex.
Two thirds of the 1999-2000 television season contained some sexual content (up from one half the previous season).
The sexual content of sitcom scenes shot up from 56% in 1999 to 84% in 2000.
The Kaiser Family Foundation (2001) has reported that 80% of the content presented on soap operas is sexual in nature, and Greenberg and Woods (1999:253) reported an average of 6.6 sex acts in each soap hour.
The television programs that are most popular with adolescents have been found to be the most sexual in nature.
Commercials also have an ever increasing level of sexual content. Why is that? Are we trying to sell sex? According to Marketing Consultation, Richard Cassaro, “Advertising's job is "to command public attention for the purpose of selling something." Not to entertain and not even to inform. The most important job of advertising is…to sell”. Obviously the media exists to make money. Without money the business would go bankrupt. According to Gallup & Robinson (an advertising and marketing research firm) they report that in more than 50 years of testing advertising effectiveness, it has found the use of the erotic to be a significantly above-average technique in communicating with the marketplace, "...although one of the more dangerous for the advertiser. Weighted down with taboos and volatile attitudes, sex is a Code Red advertising technique ... handle with care ... seller beware; all of which makes it even more intriguing." This research has led to the popular idea that "sex sells". Increasingly, this argument has been the growing awareness of sexual themes used in marketing. Calvin Klein has been at the forefront of this movement, having himself declared, "Jeans are about sex. The abundance of bare flesh is the last gasp of advertisers trying to give redundant products a new identity." In recent years ads for products have featured provocative images that were designed to elicit sexual responses, to appeal to repressed sexual desires, which are thought to carry a stronger emotional load. Increased tolerance, and increasing buying power targets groups in rich markets (mainly in the USA) and have led to a marked increase in the share of attractive flesh 'on display'.
It is obvious that the television is using sex appeal to promote TV programs and products in commercials. The question is does society as a whole accept or want this content to be on the television screen.
Time magazine reports that network and cable news broadcasts (75%) are among the most widely watched television programming, about one-third (35%) watch reality programming such as The Apprentice and Fear Factor. Age is a factor in the kind of programming that is watched. So the marketing and advertising have to target specific age groups in order to increase ratings and revenue. Only about one-in-five (18%) age 55 or older watch reality TV compared to half (55%) of those age 18-34”. I did a limited amount of research by investigating the reality show fear factor. I noticed every contestant especially the females were extremely fit, lean and trim, and it seemed there was no attempt to cover their obvious physical beauty as they took advantage of every opportunity to have the contestants to wear bikinis. One of the questions that I raised was is this “Reality TV” or “Staged “Reality” TV”. Whatever the case, there was an attempt to attract attention toward the beauty of the contestants as well as the fearful physical challenges. If the viewers of reality television is between the ages of 18-34, then that would have to play a “factor” (no pun intended) in how you would want to target your viewers. The contestants are young and attractive.
VirginMedia.com did a survey where they asked if there was too much sexual content on Television. The numbers came back an astonishing YES where 70 % of people believed so. In addition according to columnist Tara Regan from SRBI research, “More than half of Americans say that there is too much violence (66%), cursing/sexual language (58%), sexual content (50%) and reality programming (65%) on broadcast television. However, most Americans would not ban this content.” This survey could tell us that Americans have a moral conscience however it tells us that they are somewhat unwilling to eliminate the material for some reason. And What About Advertising? SRBI research says, “More than 1 in 4 Americans, 27%, say that they've been offended by television advertising, such as the ads for sexual potency drugs. About 1 in 3 Americans (34%) want these ads totally banned. However, most Americans would be satisfied if the ads were banned just from prime time television.” This survey could tell us that the moral conscience of society would like to limit sexual material, but never the less they still want the material to be accessed.
The pornography industry is a good indicator of just how much society wants to view sexual material. The pornography industry has restricted televised access in America and is mostly viewed by people who intentionally peruse or purchase the material. So let us find out how much the general public intentionally wants to view sexually explicit material.
Good Magazine shows a number of stats about the Internet pornography industry. It is staggering how much actual money flows through porn and how many people are involved in the industry:
89% of porn is created in the U.S.
$2.84 billion in revenue was generated from U.S. porn sites in 2006
72% of porn viewers are men
260 new porn sites go online daily
CNetworks reports, “Porn is being downloaded, ordered, rented and tuned in at startling rates across America. And, with millions of customers spending billions of dollars on pornography, corporate America is starting to compete for a piece of that pie”. In 1999 pornography sales in the United States exceeded $10 billion -- a market so lucrative that even blue-chip companies such as General Motors Corp. (GM) and AT&T Corp. have jumped into the dirty game. These two Fortune 500 companies are piping pornography by cable and satellite. The old saying, “Money talks” seems to be the deciding factor as our capitalistic society recognizes what is popular. Fox news reports that the porn industry is profiting more than Hollywood. “Although the vagaries of entertainment accounting have become legendary, it is universally acknowledged that the U.S. adult-film industry, at around $12 billion in annual sales, rentals, and cable charges in 2006, is an even grander and more efficient moneymaking machine than legitimate mainstream American cinema”. Here are a few more telling statistics which prove that society craves viewing sexual content. Every second - $3,075.64 is being spent on pornography. Every second - 28,258 Internet users are viewing pornography. Every second - 372 Internet users are typing adult search terms into search engines.
What does all this appear to mean? What we have is the entertainment industry trying to profit. We have a society that is progressively seeking out to view sexual activity. Often times we hear individuals blaming the media for corrupting society with the surplus of perverted material. Data will show that society seems to have created the phenomenon by their relentless pursuit of nudity. Sure there are people who have become unwillingly affected by the media industry’s display of material, however blaming the media and insisting they cease the production of such material is a naive approach to thwart there activity. In order to change the media market there first must be a fundamental change in the behavior of the consumer. Yes television has developed into a seemingly more distasteful industry, but all to appease society’s appetite.

Tear down this wall

2008-04-02T12:01:00.000-07:00

Spring is only a few more weeks away. I can’t wait. Is anyone excited about spring? I think I love everything about spring. The sun shines longer. The flowers start to bloom. Um, the greatest part… the weather is warmer. There is only one thing I don’t look forward too and that is spring cleaning. After a whole season of being a hermit and staying in our houses, it is time for us to get out of our caves of hibernation and clean them out.
A few weeks ago my wife wanted me to look at co-worker of hers, car. It seems it was broken and she had no one to look at it for her. I planned for some of the men from church to go with me to give it a look. One Saturday morning I drove out of the drive way to go and look at it for her, and then it dawned on me. I forgot my tools. How silly! Fix a car with out tools, funny! I unlocked my outbuilding only to find it had accumulated so much junk, I could hardly open the door. I took a step back only to hope my tools were some place close to the front. My eyes finally came in contact with this seemingly buried treasure and as some of you may have guessed, it was on a shelf all the way to the back of the building. I thought to myself, “where did all of this “Junk” come from”. I had accumulated; old lawn mowers, shovels, rakes, broken chairs, about 20 fishing rods, “just how many fishing rods does a guy need”, old broken broom handles, bags of concrete that had solidified and turned into huge boulders. Now I had a terrible problem Just how am I going to get those tools I so desperately needed? I stood and looked for at least 3 minutes trying to imagine just how am I was going to navigate my way through all these barriers. I grabbed an old broom handle and tried to reach the tools. I actually stopped and looked behind me just to make sure my wife wasn’t video taping this because I felt so silly. I looked at my watch and realized I was getting nowhere fast so I decided I would step into all this mess. I made it one step then realized I will get trapped if I go any further. I couldn’t get my tools. The most important Items in my building and they were absolutely useless. There was no path to get to them. I had accumulated so many barriers throughout the year the path was blocked. I gave up and promised myself I will clean this mess up this spring. Isn’t that just like our lives? Sometimes we fill up our lives with so much useless rubbish we have a terrible time communicating with God. Some people have created a wall of separation between God and themselves. Now it is the time to eliminate the wall of separation between God and ourselves!

Questions

2008-03-05T06:48:00.000-08:00

I have questions.
Are we are brothers keeper?
Are we responsible for their behavior?
Do have an obligation to tell a christian brother if he has committed a sin?
Should we just pray that God convicts them of their sin?
Did God send us to be the messenger for him to confront their sin?
Should I just worry about my relationship with Jesus and not theirs?
Is there no blanket answer for all people?
Is there a different solution for different situations?

What are you looking for?

2008-01-21T10:48:00.000-08:00

I wish I had an easier life.
Look at all of these mistakes I have made.
I can barely pay my bills.
My parents hate me.
My children are unruly.
My spouse wants a divorce.
School is overwhelming.
No body notices me.
People make fun of me.
My family is embarrassing.
I feel like I am the only one around here who really cares.
I need a vacation, but can't afford one.
How can my neighbor afford that, but I can't?
She has a better looking boyfriend than I do.
He has a better looking wife than I do.
I hate my hair.
If I could only loose 15 lbs.
The gas price is to high.
I am afraid of being alone.
I am just plain afraid!
My friends use me.
I wish I had friends.
I have a bad attitude.
My spouse has a bad attitude.
I am sick.
I am tired.
I am sick and tired.
I am lazy.
I need to be more disciplined.
I am out of shape.
My spouse is out of shape.
I cannot describe the shape I am in.

Some things we should change. Some things we shouldn't.
Somethings we can't change and so for those...

Phil 4:11
for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therein to be CONTENT.

2008-01-14T11:15:00.000-08:00

Jesus Christ the magnificent,
A sinless individual, whose behavior was far superior to every individual who has ever lived.

I must admit, I believe I am the least likely of individuals to be compared to Christ.
So how come my preacher says to me, "I need to be Christ like".

Do I really need to try to be Christ like? I mean, It feels like I am going to be fighting a loosing battle. Maybe I should just come to the conclusion that Jesus Christ's righteousness far exceeds any feeble attempt by me to even come close. Maybe Jesus understands us in our weakened fleshly bodies and since he died on the cross for our sins, he will forgive us anyway. Right?

But wait a minute I do recall the Bible telling us, several times, to be Holy.
I guess Jesus gives us joy, but am I still stuck with this sinful body, that needs to claim defeat all the time?
Be Holy? Be Christ Like? Are you serious?
Hey wait a minute, maybe God can give me the power to overcome sin. Maybe I could be willing to let God mold me into the creation he intended me to be!
Too bad there is no Scripture that proves that we can live Holy lives, at least something in the Bible that can encourage me to live Christ like without me feeling defeated! I wonder If I should feel obligated to live Christlike?

Hm mm... Just for fun... let us read Romans 5:21-6:22

21 So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 6
Sin’s Power Is Broken 1 Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? 2 Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? 3 Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? 4 For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.
5 Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. 6 We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. 7 For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. 8 And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him. 9 We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him. 10 When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now that he lives, he lives for the glory of God. 11 So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus.
12 Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. 13 Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. 14 Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.
15 Well then, since God’s grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not! 16 Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living. 17 Thank God! Once you were slaves of sin, but now you wholeheartedly obey this teaching we have given you. 18 Now you are free from your slavery to sin, and you have become slaves to righteous living.
19 Because of the weakness of your human nature, I am using the illustration of slavery to help you understand all this. Previously, you let yourselves be slaves to impurity and lawlessness, which led ever deeper into sin. Now you must give yourselves to be slaves to righteous living so that you will become holy.
20 When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the obligation to do right. 21 And what was the result? You are now ashamed of the things you used to do, things that end in eternal doom. 22 But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life.

That was informative, now wasn't it?

The Busybody

2008-01-08T20:22:00.000-08:00

Often times people rebuke the dirty town drunk.
What a sinner!

Often times people make fun of the girl down the road that sleeps with every guy she knows.
What a sinner!

Often times people turn their head in shame when that family member is a thief.
What a sinner.

Often times people scorn the drug addict.
What a sinner.

Often times people give the Gossiper a free pass!
What the...

I Timothy 5:13
... wandering from house to house: not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking thinks which they ought not.

I wonder...

2007-12-21T05:04:00.000-08:00

I wonder if Christians would try to live a life that resembles Jesus,
would more people accept him as their savior?

I wonder if Christians really loved their neighbors,
would less people call Christians hypocrites?

I wonder if Christians would stop trying to justify their sin,
would Christians be able to communicate with God?

I wonder if Christians would read their Bible,
would some realize they are not born again?

I wonder if people reading this blog,
can tell the difference between a follower of Jesus and a Christian?

I wonder...

That is too easy to believe

2007-11-19T17:30:00.000-08:00

going to heaven...

Don't we all want to go?

Allowing Jesus to be our lord and savior? How easy is that?

Well... You say, "that is too easy to believe!"
Your right.
It is so easy that people do not believe it.
You see we live in a capitalistic society.
A society that has educated us that everything in life has to be earned.
We even teach our children that if they are not good Santa Claus will not give them anything for Christmas.
Most people have adopted the Idea that if a person wants to get to Heaven they must do something to deserve it.
Most religions and even some "christian" churches teach that a person must do something or some things that will gain Gods approval.
Gods standards are so high no one can ever achieve them, but most of all no one has the discipline to even come close.
So all one has to do is make Jesus Lord of their life?

hm mm, let me see... Love God, Love my neighbour, Learn about and live like Jesus.

Wow that just seems too easy!?

Um, it really is too easy for some to believe!