Well, today at our Hot Spot we talked about Communion and the importance of remembering. The problem I'm having is that I feel like there are a lot of people out there that over look the importance of taking of the Lords Supper. I think when people take it they are taking for granted what they are doing, and or supposed to be doing. I feel that we have labeled it as something that we do because Jesus told us to and forget about what it symbolizes.
What are we doing when we take communion? Well, Jesus said when he broke the bread " this is my body; which is for you, do this in remembrance of me" and " this is the new covenant in my blood; do this whenever you drink this in remembrance of me". So what are we doing? Remembering, acknowledging the body of Christ. Yes, the physical body that got beet up and tore up for us, but what about the BODY OF CHRIST, us the church. Christ united the church. Anyone who believes in Christ Jesus the Son of God our Saviour is a brother of mine and we are one in Christ and part of the same BODY,and in taking the fruit of the vine we are remembering the new covenant in His blood, in Jeremiah 31 it tells us of the new covenant that Jesus signed with His blood. No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest," declares the LORD. "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."
So, what are we doing when we take part in the Lords Supper? What is it symbolizing? We are proclaiming the death of Jesus Christ until the day that He comes back!!! So I say what are we supposed to do on Sunday mornings? We are supposed to PROCLAIM THE DEATH OF JESUS CHRIST AND TEACH CHRIST RESURRECTED!!! So make the focus of the Sunday morning fellowship the Lords Supper, then sing songs, and praise the Lord and preach the GOOD NEWS, leave and go do God's work. AMEN
Read 1 Corinthians and study it I know I am.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Monday, November 19, 2007
What Am I Going To Do?
Do you get your check at the end of the week and wonder where your next dollar is going to go? Do you ever worry about how your going to buy food for the week, or gas? How often do you worry about cloths, or bills? I know I do every day. Well, not anymore, because I know that those are all going to be answered. Have you ever waisted a day on worries? How many times have you gotten in bed at night and realized you waisted your whole day worrying about something that is going to happen the next day or next week? Look back on those days and think about how many opportunities you missed for good conversation with your co workers, or family. Is it worth it? Do you like feeling miserable all day? Stress, is that something you like? I know I don't, and I know that has happened to me one to many times in my life. So, guess what, I'm not doing it anymore. Why? I'm glad you asked.
Matthew 6:34 "Therefor do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Jesus said this. If Jesus our Lord and savior is telling us this then we need to listen. Earlier in chapter six he tells us that God knows what we need, and He will provide it for us. Does a bird worry about cloths, or food? No. God provides the bird with food, why wouldn't He do the same for His children? If your worrying about these things then how are you focusing on the things that God wants us to focus on? Verse 33 of chapter six tells us to "seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." He wants us to focus on Him, and because He wants us to focus on Him, God is going to give us these things so we don't have to be burdened by these things and can focus on His glory and not on our junk of life. Jesus will make our burden light, He has promised us all these things that we worry about so that we don't have too. I can't stress this enough, don't worry about these earthly things about food, or cloths Matthew 6:27 "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" Not me, I know that everything I have is given to me by God, nothing I do, or try to do is going to change that. I'm not in charge and guess what, I don't want to be the one to break this to you but neither are you. God is, Jesus has been given all authority not me, so I don't care how much I want or think I want I'm not going to have it unless Jesus wants me to. So, why worry about it? If Jesus has given you eternal life, what right do you have to worry about such simple things as food? He has given you life eternal and everything that comes with it, and here on earth that means food and cloths and drink. He knows, and will take care of your needs.
What about all those times when you were worried about these things and missed out on an opportunity to witness to a co worker, or teach your family about God and his everlasting love for them? Cause I know when I worry I am too stressed out to even listen to what anyone has to say. So, just chill out and focus on the Kingdom of God and help grow His Kingdom and He will take care of the rest. See we aren't promised tomorrow, and today is a gift, so use this day that He has given you, not to stress about tomorrow, but to grow His Kingdom today, and If the Lord is willing He will give you tomorrow to do it again.
Matthew 6:34 "Therefor do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Jesus said this. If Jesus our Lord and savior is telling us this then we need to listen. Earlier in chapter six he tells us that God knows what we need, and He will provide it for us. Does a bird worry about cloths, or food? No. God provides the bird with food, why wouldn't He do the same for His children? If your worrying about these things then how are you focusing on the things that God wants us to focus on? Verse 33 of chapter six tells us to "seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." He wants us to focus on Him, and because He wants us to focus on Him, God is going to give us these things so we don't have to be burdened by these things and can focus on His glory and not on our junk of life. Jesus will make our burden light, He has promised us all these things that we worry about so that we don't have too. I can't stress this enough, don't worry about these earthly things about food, or cloths Matthew 6:27 "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" Not me, I know that everything I have is given to me by God, nothing I do, or try to do is going to change that. I'm not in charge and guess what, I don't want to be the one to break this to you but neither are you. God is, Jesus has been given all authority not me, so I don't care how much I want or think I want I'm not going to have it unless Jesus wants me to. So, why worry about it? If Jesus has given you eternal life, what right do you have to worry about such simple things as food? He has given you life eternal and everything that comes with it, and here on earth that means food and cloths and drink. He knows, and will take care of your needs.
What about all those times when you were worried about these things and missed out on an opportunity to witness to a co worker, or teach your family about God and his everlasting love for them? Cause I know when I worry I am too stressed out to even listen to what anyone has to say. So, just chill out and focus on the Kingdom of God and help grow His Kingdom and He will take care of the rest. See we aren't promised tomorrow, and today is a gift, so use this day that He has given you, not to stress about tomorrow, but to grow His Kingdom today, and If the Lord is willing He will give you tomorrow to do it again.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
SHUT UP AND LISTEN!!!
Today I was teaching a Sunday school class called Kid Zone. Our congregation isn't quite big enough yet being a news church to split the kids up in different classes according to there age. So all of our kids go to the same class. Anyway, I was teaching the kids about the time when Elija went to the mountain of the Lord and God spoke to him in a whisper. I wasn't really happy about teaching today, not because I didn't want to do it, but because I went to the nascar race yesterday and I was crazy tired. I also didn't feel that I was prepared enough. I lost the paper work that the person who does Kid Zone gave me on the lesson. By the time I got new copies it was Friday. I didn't study as much as I like to before I teach.
I woke up early this morning and went over 1Kings 19 again to refresh before I got to church. The whole drive to church I was nervous and scared, to be completely honest. I didn't want to bomb in front of these kids who need to be taught with confidence and the up most understanding so that they can get the most out of what the lesson is. Well we were in the service and it felt like the time went by faster than normal for the kids to come back. I prayed to God to please take over and let these children get the message straight from Him. And He sure did. The great part about that is that if I'm up there and it's not me teaching. Whether or not it's the children or the adults I get just as much out of the lesson as they do. If I'm not the one teaching I get to listen, so If I'm up there and I just let God take over than I don't have to worry about bombing first of all, and second, I get to listen to the message.
I learned something that I have been forgetting lately. I pray constantly through the day, and I ask God for the things I need according to His will, and to give me the strength to get through the day, and for my kids and so on and so forth. But, the biggest thing I have been forgetting to do is shut up and listen. I ask God for advise and then I hang up the phone. I don't even give Him a chance to answer me. That's insane, like asking your boss for the day off and then walking away, then getting mad when I come into work. Or buying a map and putting it under the seat with out even cracking it open. No wonder your lost.
This is what happens, we give God our requests and ask Him for the answers to our questions, or problems. Then we get off our knees and tackle the issue ourselves. Well I've got bad news, when we do that and try to do these things ourselves we fall short. See , I can't do anything right, not by my self, I need the help from someone. I know I can't do it, but I also know He can. And He can through me, and in Him I will. I know this because if the even the foolishness of got is far greater than the wisest of men,( 1 Corinthians 1:25)then I know that He can make no mistakes. So if He tells me turn left and I don't hear him I'll turn right without a doubt, but if I just shut up and listen I can hear the whispers and turn in the right direction,the God direction.
So If you feel like your prayers aren't being answered or perhaps your not getting the answers for your questions, I suggest you stop and examine your self. Ask yourself , do you submit your request and leave it, or do you shut up and listen? How often do you drive in your car with the windows up and the radio off and give Him an opportunity to talk to you? Do you really know Jesus, is your relationship with Him good enough so that when He talks you will recognize His voice? If not go right now and pick up your phone, or write an e mail ask someone to introduce you to Him. Drop to your knees and humble yourself to know that you are talking to the creator of everything you know and beg Him to help you know Him. Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened unto you. Matthew 7:7
Jesus tells us this is all we have to do so if you haven't asked, seeked, or knocked please do He is waiting to take you into His arms. Oh, and when you pray, just shut up and listen.
I woke up early this morning and went over 1Kings 19 again to refresh before I got to church. The whole drive to church I was nervous and scared, to be completely honest. I didn't want to bomb in front of these kids who need to be taught with confidence and the up most understanding so that they can get the most out of what the lesson is. Well we were in the service and it felt like the time went by faster than normal for the kids to come back. I prayed to God to please take over and let these children get the message straight from Him. And He sure did. The great part about that is that if I'm up there and it's not me teaching. Whether or not it's the children or the adults I get just as much out of the lesson as they do. If I'm not the one teaching I get to listen, so If I'm up there and I just let God take over than I don't have to worry about bombing first of all, and second, I get to listen to the message.
I learned something that I have been forgetting lately. I pray constantly through the day, and I ask God for the things I need according to His will, and to give me the strength to get through the day, and for my kids and so on and so forth. But, the biggest thing I have been forgetting to do is shut up and listen. I ask God for advise and then I hang up the phone. I don't even give Him a chance to answer me. That's insane, like asking your boss for the day off and then walking away, then getting mad when I come into work. Or buying a map and putting it under the seat with out even cracking it open. No wonder your lost.
This is what happens, we give God our requests and ask Him for the answers to our questions, or problems. Then we get off our knees and tackle the issue ourselves. Well I've got bad news, when we do that and try to do these things ourselves we fall short. See , I can't do anything right, not by my self, I need the help from someone. I know I can't do it, but I also know He can. And He can through me, and in Him I will. I know this because if the even the foolishness of got is far greater than the wisest of men,( 1 Corinthians 1:25)then I know that He can make no mistakes. So if He tells me turn left and I don't hear him I'll turn right without a doubt, but if I just shut up and listen I can hear the whispers and turn in the right direction,the God direction.
So If you feel like your prayers aren't being answered or perhaps your not getting the answers for your questions, I suggest you stop and examine your self. Ask yourself , do you submit your request and leave it, or do you shut up and listen? How often do you drive in your car with the windows up and the radio off and give Him an opportunity to talk to you? Do you really know Jesus, is your relationship with Him good enough so that when He talks you will recognize His voice? If not go right now and pick up your phone, or write an e mail ask someone to introduce you to Him. Drop to your knees and humble yourself to know that you are talking to the creator of everything you know and beg Him to help you know Him. Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened unto you. Matthew 7:7
Jesus tells us this is all we have to do so if you haven't asked, seeked, or knocked please do He is waiting to take you into His arms. Oh, and when you pray, just shut up and listen.
Friday, November 2, 2007
REJOICE!
Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord Always; I will say it again: REJOICE!!!
That's right, rejoice in the lord ALWAYS, not some of the time, or when things are going good. Rejoice when things are going not so good, or bad for that matter. How easy is it to be pleased with God when He is giving you everything you ask for? Or when you can pay all your bills, or get a new car. What about when you lose your truck, your job, and your house? Or when your driving down the street? Or when your working that job you can't stand? How easy is it then?
Well, it's not. In fact if it was, what good would that be? It says rejoice Always. During the good and the bad, for richer or for poorer, through sickness and in health, for all of eternity. Unconditional, unending, uncircumstantial, no matter what, screaming, rejoicing from the roof top, Love for our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
God shapes us, He has this plan. He gives us the tools, knowledge and ability to use such tools, in order to do a great service for Him. He strengthens us through these trials He lets us go through. He lets us experience different hardships so that we can grow into the person He wants us to be for us to be used in accordance to His purpose. His will, is for His glory, to make Him happy. This isn't my story, or your story, this is His story, and he wants us to have a roll, weather big, or small, we get a part in His great story. (as the pastor from whispering pines cc. says) And that's a great opportunity, so REJOICE, you have a part in the greatest story of all, and when you go through those hard times, REJOICE, because He is letting you grow, and mold to the person He wants you to be, so that He can use you. So stay talking to him always, and listen and learn, for it is He who is the greatest teacher, and He who will show you the way to do His will. REJOICE, because you have been chosen to do His, God's work.
1 Thessalonians 5:15-19 Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
With the glory always and forever given to our Lord God, in the name of our savior Christ Jesus, amen
That's right, rejoice in the lord ALWAYS, not some of the time, or when things are going good. Rejoice when things are going not so good, or bad for that matter. How easy is it to be pleased with God when He is giving you everything you ask for? Or when you can pay all your bills, or get a new car. What about when you lose your truck, your job, and your house? Or when your driving down the street? Or when your working that job you can't stand? How easy is it then?
Well, it's not. In fact if it was, what good would that be? It says rejoice Always. During the good and the bad, for richer or for poorer, through sickness and in health, for all of eternity. Unconditional, unending, uncircumstantial, no matter what, screaming, rejoicing from the roof top, Love for our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
God shapes us, He has this plan. He gives us the tools, knowledge and ability to use such tools, in order to do a great service for Him. He strengthens us through these trials He lets us go through. He lets us experience different hardships so that we can grow into the person He wants us to be for us to be used in accordance to His purpose. His will, is for His glory, to make Him happy. This isn't my story, or your story, this is His story, and he wants us to have a roll, weather big, or small, we get a part in His great story. (as the pastor from whispering pines cc. says) And that's a great opportunity, so REJOICE, you have a part in the greatest story of all, and when you go through those hard times, REJOICE, because He is letting you grow, and mold to the person He wants you to be, so that He can use you. So stay talking to him always, and listen and learn, for it is He who is the greatest teacher, and He who will show you the way to do His will. REJOICE, because you have been chosen to do His, God's work.
1 Thessalonians 5:15-19 Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
With the glory always and forever given to our Lord God, in the name of our savior Christ Jesus, amen
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
WOW!!!
This is the only word that can actually explain how I feel, WOW!! For the past, oh I'm not sure three days, though it feels like forever, I've felt pretty down and out. I hit this season in my life that everyone told me would come, but I didn't give it a second thought. I felt like I've plateaued in my walk. Like I was running up the mountain and there was just a flat spot that I reached and I knew it wasn't the top because if I looked up I can see more mountain but in front of me just flat lands. Confused really, but also depressed. Here I am trying to get to the mountain top and I know I'm not there but have run out of places to climb. So what do I do? I just keep walking, hoping that I come to the mountain side and get to start climbing again.
Today, in fact not to long ago I ran smack into the side of the mountain. It's like I was looking down at my feet and not really paying attention then BOOM!! I look up and there it is, my mountain. That's an exiting feeling. I look back and think, that was pretty uncharacteristic of me to keep walking instead of sitting down in the dirt discouraged and lost. I kept walking in hopes I find my mountain side. There it is, I know why. There are more than one reason for that. First, is that I had hope. My hope that was given to me because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. That's right, with Christ there is always hope, because there is absolutely nothing that He can't do and there is absolutely nothing that He won't be able to get you through. He may not pull you out of the fire, but He will make sure wile your in there you won't get burnt. So what did I do? Well at the bottom of the mountain before I started climbing I had a guide. This is the one person I knew that knew the way up better than anyone else. When I figured out and told Him I trust Him and that I believe that He is the only one who can get me to the top I latched my rope to his back and started following Him up the mountain. After a while I got tired and started climbing slower and eventually take a brake, oh but not Him, He doesn't need a brake He's a professional climber the best there is and He just keeps on going, only because He knows my rope is connected to Him, and I keep calling out to make sure He is still there.
Eventually I realized that I couldn't see Him anymore so I started climbing again, and I got stronger and faster until I was looking like a pro climbing so fast. But, I got smart, I started cutting off pieces of the rope as I am catching up so if I fall behind again it won't be so far this time, and as I keep catching up to Him I'll cut off more and more. This way if I ever stop again the slack in the rope will tighten and give me a tug to keep me going.
That's exactly what happened. I thought I was stopping and I was going to fall behind again, but just as I got ready to stop the slack in the rope tightened and kept me walking, gave me that hope to keep going.
Now, I'm going to keep climbing and cutting off those pieces of the rope, I'm sure there will be more flat spots along the way and some pretty slick rocks. But that's OK, because I know that I've got my rope tied to the best climber there is and if I slip He'll be able to pull me past those tough spots and get me back on track. One day when I get to the top of this mountain He will be there and He'll put His arm around me and say" Good Job, son I"m proud of you."
See, Jesus is the way, and the truth, and the life, and the only way to get to the Father(the top of the mountain) is through Him. So lets make sure you take Him as your guide and clip onto His belt, because there is no other way up to the mountaintop.
Today, in fact not to long ago I ran smack into the side of the mountain. It's like I was looking down at my feet and not really paying attention then BOOM!! I look up and there it is, my mountain. That's an exiting feeling. I look back and think, that was pretty uncharacteristic of me to keep walking instead of sitting down in the dirt discouraged and lost. I kept walking in hopes I find my mountain side. There it is, I know why. There are more than one reason for that. First, is that I had hope. My hope that was given to me because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. That's right, with Christ there is always hope, because there is absolutely nothing that He can't do and there is absolutely nothing that He won't be able to get you through. He may not pull you out of the fire, but He will make sure wile your in there you won't get burnt. So what did I do? Well at the bottom of the mountain before I started climbing I had a guide. This is the one person I knew that knew the way up better than anyone else. When I figured out and told Him I trust Him and that I believe that He is the only one who can get me to the top I latched my rope to his back and started following Him up the mountain. After a while I got tired and started climbing slower and eventually take a brake, oh but not Him, He doesn't need a brake He's a professional climber the best there is and He just keeps on going, only because He knows my rope is connected to Him, and I keep calling out to make sure He is still there.
Eventually I realized that I couldn't see Him anymore so I started climbing again, and I got stronger and faster until I was looking like a pro climbing so fast. But, I got smart, I started cutting off pieces of the rope as I am catching up so if I fall behind again it won't be so far this time, and as I keep catching up to Him I'll cut off more and more. This way if I ever stop again the slack in the rope will tighten and give me a tug to keep me going.
That's exactly what happened. I thought I was stopping and I was going to fall behind again, but just as I got ready to stop the slack in the rope tightened and kept me walking, gave me that hope to keep going.
Now, I'm going to keep climbing and cutting off those pieces of the rope, I'm sure there will be more flat spots along the way and some pretty slick rocks. But that's OK, because I know that I've got my rope tied to the best climber there is and if I slip He'll be able to pull me past those tough spots and get me back on track. One day when I get to the top of this mountain He will be there and He'll put His arm around me and say" Good Job, son I"m proud of you."
See, Jesus is the way, and the truth, and the life, and the only way to get to the Father(the top of the mountain) is through Him. So lets make sure you take Him as your guide and clip onto His belt, because there is no other way up to the mountaintop.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
For God So Loved The World
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
Last night I read this verse, and this is just awesome. God loved us so much that He sent His only Son to die for us. To die FOR us, so that we don't have to. So Jesus, the Son of God, being in the very nature of God, as it says in Philippians, died for us. Wow! What does that say to you? Lets look at it this way, Jesus not only died for us, but he did so while we were still sinners. Romans 5:6-8 "You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." I've heard people talk about how their brother or sister, or mother, or father, etc, did something that made them angry to the point where they hate them, and don't speak to them for years. I have actually heard someone say to be that they hope their sister would die. That's crazy to me, Jesus(God on earth) came to die for us while we were sinners. And it's not like He came down here and some people got a hold of Him and killed Him. He allowed them to kill Him. He is God, death has no authority over Him and He became obedient to death. So, Jesus allowed Himself to die for us, so that we could be saved and have eternal life with Him in the Kingdom of God, and we are sinners. How many people would even take a punch for a guy that they just met. Not many, and this guy hasn't done anything wrong, imagine someone who has just cursed you or cut you off. That's love. in fact the bible tells us in John that there is no greater love than when someone lays his life down for someone else. No greater love, so there is no greater love than that of Christ Jesus because He didn't just lay His life down for you, or me, but for the WORLD. For all of us. So, that ANYONE who believes in Him, ANYONE will have eternal life. It's there, eternal life is right there, for anyone who wants it. All you have to do is believe in Jesus, have faith in God. The gift of salvation is right there in our hands all we have to do is open it.
The cool thing about eternal life, it starts now. Wait, wait, wait, what do you mean? Eternal life, you die you go to Heaven and that's eternal life. If that's what you think your missing the point. "that whoever believes in Him SHALL NOT PARISH, but have ETERNAL LIFE." See what is the result of sin? The answer is death, but that's the good news. Because of Jesus we no longer have to die for our sins, He already did. See the thing is, when I say eternal life begins now, I mean the day you are baptized into Jesus Christ you are put to death with Him, in Him you are dead to sin. Sin has no authority over you. Now, just as you were put to death with Jesus, don't you know that through the grace of God you will be resurrected with Him. Into a new life, no longer lead by sinful nature, but lead by the nature given graciously to us by God, led by the Holy Spirit. A NEW LIFE, an ETERNAL LIFE. If the result of sin is death, and we were put to death with Christ, and buried with Him, and also resurrected with Him, then your debt to sin has been payed and you are free from sin. So through Jesus your debt (death) to sin has been payed and you are no longer a slave to sin, a new debt is owed so give your life to Christ Jesus and be a slave to Him who you owe your life too. Your Eternal Life. Because, God so loved the world... and because of that love that He gave up His only Son, so I can have that gift of eternal life, then I give that eternal life that He gave me and use it to Do His Will.
Last night I read this verse, and this is just awesome. God loved us so much that He sent His only Son to die for us. To die FOR us, so that we don't have to. So Jesus, the Son of God, being in the very nature of God, as it says in Philippians, died for us. Wow! What does that say to you? Lets look at it this way, Jesus not only died for us, but he did so while we were still sinners. Romans 5:6-8 "You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." I've heard people talk about how their brother or sister, or mother, or father, etc, did something that made them angry to the point where they hate them, and don't speak to them for years. I have actually heard someone say to be that they hope their sister would die. That's crazy to me, Jesus(God on earth) came to die for us while we were sinners. And it's not like He came down here and some people got a hold of Him and killed Him. He allowed them to kill Him. He is God, death has no authority over Him and He became obedient to death. So, Jesus allowed Himself to die for us, so that we could be saved and have eternal life with Him in the Kingdom of God, and we are sinners. How many people would even take a punch for a guy that they just met. Not many, and this guy hasn't done anything wrong, imagine someone who has just cursed you or cut you off. That's love. in fact the bible tells us in John that there is no greater love than when someone lays his life down for someone else. No greater love, so there is no greater love than that of Christ Jesus because He didn't just lay His life down for you, or me, but for the WORLD. For all of us. So, that ANYONE who believes in Him, ANYONE will have eternal life. It's there, eternal life is right there, for anyone who wants it. All you have to do is believe in Jesus, have faith in God. The gift of salvation is right there in our hands all we have to do is open it.
The cool thing about eternal life, it starts now. Wait, wait, wait, what do you mean? Eternal life, you die you go to Heaven and that's eternal life. If that's what you think your missing the point. "that whoever believes in Him SHALL NOT PARISH, but have ETERNAL LIFE." See what is the result of sin? The answer is death, but that's the good news. Because of Jesus we no longer have to die for our sins, He already did. See the thing is, when I say eternal life begins now, I mean the day you are baptized into Jesus Christ you are put to death with Him, in Him you are dead to sin. Sin has no authority over you. Now, just as you were put to death with Jesus, don't you know that through the grace of God you will be resurrected with Him. Into a new life, no longer lead by sinful nature, but lead by the nature given graciously to us by God, led by the Holy Spirit. A NEW LIFE, an ETERNAL LIFE. If the result of sin is death, and we were put to death with Christ, and buried with Him, and also resurrected with Him, then your debt to sin has been payed and you are free from sin. So through Jesus your debt (death) to sin has been payed and you are no longer a slave to sin, a new debt is owed so give your life to Christ Jesus and be a slave to Him who you owe your life too. Your Eternal Life. Because, God so loved the world... and because of that love that He gave up His only Son, so I can have that gift of eternal life, then I give that eternal life that He gave me and use it to Do His Will.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Faith
Today at church, Billy (our pastor) called me up in front of the congregation for somewhat of an interview. He wanted to tell the people of Whispering Pines what was going on in my life, and the door that has been opened to me for a chance at some incredible ministry. I will be organizing after school activities, bible study, get togethers for the community, events... Basically getting this multi-housing community together and introduce them to Christ. The overall goal is to eventually plant a church using their clubhouse. Anyway when he gets me up there and is talking to the congregation explaining how this all came about. God speaks to me, and tells me, "I know it's scary, and you have no idea what to expect or do, but hold my hand and we will walk through this door together." Ironically after church, Billy hands me a piece of paper with the study material for our Tuesday night bible study that I co-teach. The topic, Faith.
What is Faith? The bible describes it in Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see." God tells me "Hold my hand and we will go through this door together" "Have Faith in Me" He says, God is telling me don't let the fact that you are scared, the fact that you don't know what to expect stop you from walking through that door. See, I know that just because God has opened that door for me doesn't mean that when I walk through it, it will be all peaches and cream, blue skies and rainbows, a nice little walk in the park. This door God has opened isn't going to lead to some place where all is good in His eyes, He is putting me in a place where he needs work done. In Matthew 9:12 Jesus said " it is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick." That just tells me that when He sends us to do work He sends us to a place where evil is strong. Not only strong, but ready for battle. God is sending us into a place where evil has found a home, and into that home we go to bring God into it and "flip" it. If you have ever seen that TV program flip that house, where they buy a house renovate it and sell it, then you know what I'm talking about. That's it though, He is going to renovate that apartment complex. The coolest thing is that He plans to use me as the project supervisor.
This whole thing about faith got me thinking about the story of David and Goliath. A young boy, a servant to Saul, and the watcher of his fathers sheep, was sent to the battlegrounds of the Israelites and the Philistines to take some things to his brothers and bring back word of them to his father. When he gets there they are both lining up in the battle formations, so David runs up to the battle lines and talks to his brothers, as he is talking to them this huge giant comes up from behind the enemy lines and lays out this challenge, Israel should send out the one man to fight him and if he should win the Philistines would serve Israel. David hears this and is like, "WHAT?" Did you hear what this guy said?" He sees that no one will stand up to this challenge and all are scared. So he kind of asks around to find out whats in it for the guy who kicks this giants butt? Finally he said "I'll do it." So, Saul hears word that some one is going to do this and calls for him. He gets there and Saul says, "What are you crazy, your a little kid and this guy is a giant who has been fighting basically all his life, he'll wreck you." And this is where I have been coming to with all this, you know what he said to Saul? He said, "Dude, Saul, I've been watching my dad's sheep, and when I'm watching them and a lion comes or a bear, and takes one of those sheep I chase him down and hit him, when he drops the sheep they get away, then when the come after me I grab them by the hair and kill them. This big guy will be as easy as one of them, because he is challenging the army of God, and just like when God keeps me safe from the lion and bear, He is going to do the same here, so no worries I got this."
Now that is faith. This guy David is about to fight is over nine feet tall, and by the way the bible describes him in 1 Samuel he wasn't skinny either. David knew that God will deliver this giant to him, he knew that the only armor and weapon he needs is God.
So when God opens the door for me, I will know that evil will be on the other side, and I will face my giant knowing that in the name of Jesus Christ no one, or nothing will be able to harm me, and I will have faith in the Lord to deliver this evil to me so that I might turn on the light and introduce God to the people. I will go into battle as it says to in Ephesians 6: 13-18 "Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." I will be ready, and God will do the work all I have to do is let him take me through the steps.
In the name of Christ Jesus our savior, may the love and peace and strength of the Lamb be with you all.
What is Faith? The bible describes it in Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see." God tells me "Hold my hand and we will go through this door together" "Have Faith in Me" He says, God is telling me don't let the fact that you are scared, the fact that you don't know what to expect stop you from walking through that door. See, I know that just because God has opened that door for me doesn't mean that when I walk through it, it will be all peaches and cream, blue skies and rainbows, a nice little walk in the park. This door God has opened isn't going to lead to some place where all is good in His eyes, He is putting me in a place where he needs work done. In Matthew 9:12 Jesus said " it is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick." That just tells me that when He sends us to do work He sends us to a place where evil is strong. Not only strong, but ready for battle. God is sending us into a place where evil has found a home, and into that home we go to bring God into it and "flip" it. If you have ever seen that TV program flip that house, where they buy a house renovate it and sell it, then you know what I'm talking about. That's it though, He is going to renovate that apartment complex. The coolest thing is that He plans to use me as the project supervisor.
This whole thing about faith got me thinking about the story of David and Goliath. A young boy, a servant to Saul, and the watcher of his fathers sheep, was sent to the battlegrounds of the Israelites and the Philistines to take some things to his brothers and bring back word of them to his father. When he gets there they are both lining up in the battle formations, so David runs up to the battle lines and talks to his brothers, as he is talking to them this huge giant comes up from behind the enemy lines and lays out this challenge, Israel should send out the one man to fight him and if he should win the Philistines would serve Israel. David hears this and is like, "WHAT?" Did you hear what this guy said?" He sees that no one will stand up to this challenge and all are scared. So he kind of asks around to find out whats in it for the guy who kicks this giants butt? Finally he said "I'll do it." So, Saul hears word that some one is going to do this and calls for him. He gets there and Saul says, "What are you crazy, your a little kid and this guy is a giant who has been fighting basically all his life, he'll wreck you." And this is where I have been coming to with all this, you know what he said to Saul? He said, "Dude, Saul, I've been watching my dad's sheep, and when I'm watching them and a lion comes or a bear, and takes one of those sheep I chase him down and hit him, when he drops the sheep they get away, then when the come after me I grab them by the hair and kill them. This big guy will be as easy as one of them, because he is challenging the army of God, and just like when God keeps me safe from the lion and bear, He is going to do the same here, so no worries I got this."
Now that is faith. This guy David is about to fight is over nine feet tall, and by the way the bible describes him in 1 Samuel he wasn't skinny either. David knew that God will deliver this giant to him, he knew that the only armor and weapon he needs is God.
So when God opens the door for me, I will know that evil will be on the other side, and I will face my giant knowing that in the name of Jesus Christ no one, or nothing will be able to harm me, and I will have faith in the Lord to deliver this evil to me so that I might turn on the light and introduce God to the people. I will go into battle as it says to in Ephesians 6: 13-18 "Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." I will be ready, and God will do the work all I have to do is let him take me through the steps.
In the name of Christ Jesus our savior, may the love and peace and strength of the Lamb be with you all.
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