Sunday, September 26, 2010
09/26/2010 Christian Unity
If you have been involved in a Church for any period of time, you have had to face disagreement of one form or another. The Bible records what Christ had to say about Christian unity in John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. In Pauls letter to the emerging Church in Philippi, he praises them for their Church (Philippians 1) But is quick to warn them of the danger of backbiting and decention within the Church as hindering or destroying the Church.
One of the greatest detriments to Church strength and growth is apostasy, falling away from the Truth. One of the signs that apostasy is affecting the Christian Church is the bickering and disunity among Christians. One of the basic Truths that is violated when there is bickering in the Church comes from the words of Jesus when he said, “By this shall all men (the world) know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another”.
The devil hates to see a Church grow or thriving in it's service to God. When things are going good in a Church, The devil knows that the quickest way to cause problems in a Church is to get 2 of the members to dissagree on anything. Even a dispute about the color of the paint in a class room will stall a Church and it has been know to split a Church. The shepherds job is not only to get them to the promise land, but to keep them together for the journey. Weneed to follow the great commission and not worry about the color of the lines painted in the parking lot, or if the lights in the baptismal are incandesent or florecent bulbs. We have a job to do and it is to go foth and baptise in the name of The Father, and The Son, and The Holy Spirit.
One of the greatest detriments to Church strength and growth is apostasy, falling away from the Truth. One of the signs that apostasy is affecting the Christian Church is the bickering and disunity among Christians. One of the basic Truths that is violated when there is bickering in the Church comes from the words of Jesus when he said, “By this shall all men (the world) know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another”.
The devil hates to see a Church grow or thriving in it's service to God. When things are going good in a Church, The devil knows that the quickest way to cause problems in a Church is to get 2 of the members to dissagree on anything. Even a dispute about the color of the paint in a class room will stall a Church and it has been know to split a Church. The shepherds job is not only to get them to the promise land, but to keep them together for the journey. Weneed to follow the great commission and not worry about the color of the lines painted in the parking lot, or if the lights in the baptismal are incandesent or florecent bulbs. We have a job to do and it is to go foth and baptise in the name of The Father, and The Son, and The Holy Spirit.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
09/14/10 Rest
On Friday September 10th, our Church Youth headed out with 4 adults to attend the 2 day Rock The Universe event at Universal Studios Florida. This was our second year and we had a blast. This year we did scale back and did not go into the park Saturday morning after being in the park until 1:00am on friday evening. The event starts at 4:00pm on Friday and Saturday afternoon and ends at 1:00am Last year we spent all day saturday from 9:00am until 1:00am Sunday morning. By the end of the day last year, everyone was tired and on edge from the long hours we were in the park. This year, we had time to rest on Saturday. Let me tell you that the rest made a huge differance. God gives us an example of resting and the importance of it in Genesis 2:2.
Genesis 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
People often ask why God would need to rest. We need to look at the origional text where the word Shavat is used and while the word is better translated as "abstain" rather than to seek physical rest to recharge. God, who spoke the universe into existance, does not need to rest, but he was setting an example for us. Just as a loving father who takes their child for a walk. The father is not tired but recognizes the need for his child to rest and he stops for the child. I see this verse, not as a need for himself, but as an example for us and to give us a chance to catch up a little. We must remember that God loves us and does so much for us. We owe him so much and He ask for so little in return. He wants what is best for us even though we do not always seem to realize it.
Genesis 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
People often ask why God would need to rest. We need to look at the origional text where the word Shavat is used and while the word is better translated as "abstain" rather than to seek physical rest to recharge. God, who spoke the universe into existance, does not need to rest, but he was setting an example for us. Just as a loving father who takes their child for a walk. The father is not tired but recognizes the need for his child to rest and he stops for the child. I see this verse, not as a need for himself, but as an example for us and to give us a chance to catch up a little. We must remember that God loves us and does so much for us. We owe him so much and He ask for so little in return. He wants what is best for us even though we do not always seem to realize it.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
09/08/2010 What are you using the Bible to do?
We have all heard people quoting Bible passages many times, but what was there reason? Many people take a few words from the Bible and use it to justify the things they do or to say that others are doing wrong. A passage that is often partially used is Romans 8:28 where some like to say "All things work for good". I have heard this used to justify the consumption of intoxicating drinks, illegal actions, divorce, and various other self serving actions.Most recently, I heard it used to justify a trip to the beach in place of being at Church on Sunday. However, when we take a larger look at the scripture, we find out that there is more than was first quoted.
Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them
who are the called according to his purpose.
Amazing how the passage changes as more of the pictre is revealed. It reveals that all things do not work for good for just anyone. Secondly, we see that it is given to us as an encouragement to show s that when we love God with "Agape (all encoumpassing, self sacrificeing Love)", he will turn things around to work for good, But, we also need to realize that part of that love is that we also answer his calling. That being said, it is not always as "comfortable". Working together for good is a greater good. Just like the word AGAPE is all encompassing, the word good, in this case, extdends to the greater or all encompassing good. For instance, in the caase of Paul, who was sent to prison. Many of us would say that going to prison would be far from good. When Paul ended up in prison, he started one of the first prision ministries ever. Paul did not turn his situation into a chance to turn against God or to blame him for the situation, but a chance to show his love and commitment by continuing to serve God and lead others to Him. The next time we feel like God has let us down or forgot abot us, we need to look for the chance to continue to serve him with all our heart and watch his blessing unfold. Remember to look for the greater good than our ow peersonal selfish gain or justification.
Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them
who are the called according to his purpose.
Amazing how the passage changes as more of the pictre is revealed. It reveals that all things do not work for good for just anyone. Secondly, we see that it is given to us as an encouragement to show s that when we love God with "Agape (all encoumpassing, self sacrificeing Love)", he will turn things around to work for good, But, we also need to realize that part of that love is that we also answer his calling. That being said, it is not always as "comfortable". Working together for good is a greater good. Just like the word AGAPE is all encompassing, the word good, in this case, extdends to the greater or all encompassing good. For instance, in the caase of Paul, who was sent to prison. Many of us would say that going to prison would be far from good. When Paul ended up in prison, he started one of the first prision ministries ever. Paul did not turn his situation into a chance to turn against God or to blame him for the situation, but a chance to show his love and commitment by continuing to serve God and lead others to Him. The next time we feel like God has let us down or forgot abot us, we need to look for the chance to continue to serve him with all our heart and watch his blessing unfold. Remember to look for the greater good than our ow peersonal selfish gain or justification.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
09/07/10-The great Commission!
Matthew 28:16-20
16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had
appointed them.
17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven
and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and
of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I
am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
I am a Boy Scout leader for a local troop where my son is working on his Eagle rank. The Eagle rank is, for those who have worked to acheive this rank, the pinicle of a boy's journey in Scouting. The Eagle rank not only takes a certain time to complete and certain requirements that need to be met, but it requires that a boy be nurtured and directec along the way. The Young Man that was being revued for his Eagle rank, was one of the boys who is in my sons age group. I started Scouting, as an adult leader, when my son was in first grade and became a Tiger Cub. In that Tiger Den we had 10 boys to begin with and we only have 5 in his age group. Of the 5, only 2 were Tiger Cubs in the begining. One joined the next year and the other 2 were only in Cub Scouts for a short time befor becoming Boy Scouts. The point of telling you this is that, not every kid will earn their Eagle Scout rank. That being said, Leaders do not quit or get discouraged to the point of giving up hope that they can influance every young man they come in contact with. Baseballplayers know that every baseball they hit will not go out of the park, but they do not quit trying to hit the ball.
You may wonder how this relates to the great commission. It is simular in our committment to always fight the good fight. Every person we tell about the Love of God and his plan for our lives here on eatrth, and the price paid for our sins by Jesus by His suffering and death on the cross shoule receive salvation. However, they do not always accept the gift. That being said, we do not stop trying to lead people to Christ. The great commission tells us to go teach the nations. Nothing is said about quiting or giving up. The point is that we have to follow through with our duty. we never should just give up on our task. It is like driving nails in a board. Some nails are going to bend or go in crooked, but we keep putting nails in the board because we know it is needed to complete the project at hand. We all want the same end result. The Lord does not tell us we will loose our salvation if we do not meet a quota of people saved in a life. This is not something requiring a score card. We are told to go forth and teach all nations and to Baptise them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. And it also says he is with us always. Be encouraged to go out and tell others about God and be encouraged that the words from your mouth are his will. The work you do is not in vane, but trust in him that he has a plan and you are planting seeds that others will water as the fulfill their Great Commission. One day we will see the big picture and understand how our tasks make a difference. Do not be discouraged, do not give up. Keep your eyes on God and do as he has called you to do. Be the Christian you are called to be!
16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had
appointed them.
17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven
and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and
of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I
am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
I am a Boy Scout leader for a local troop where my son is working on his Eagle rank. The Eagle rank is, for those who have worked to acheive this rank, the pinicle of a boy's journey in Scouting. The Eagle rank not only takes a certain time to complete and certain requirements that need to be met, but it requires that a boy be nurtured and directec along the way. The Young Man that was being revued for his Eagle rank, was one of the boys who is in my sons age group. I started Scouting, as an adult leader, when my son was in first grade and became a Tiger Cub. In that Tiger Den we had 10 boys to begin with and we only have 5 in his age group. Of the 5, only 2 were Tiger Cubs in the begining. One joined the next year and the other 2 were only in Cub Scouts for a short time befor becoming Boy Scouts. The point of telling you this is that, not every kid will earn their Eagle Scout rank. That being said, Leaders do not quit or get discouraged to the point of giving up hope that they can influance every young man they come in contact with. Baseballplayers know that every baseball they hit will not go out of the park, but they do not quit trying to hit the ball.
You may wonder how this relates to the great commission. It is simular in our committment to always fight the good fight. Every person we tell about the Love of God and his plan for our lives here on eatrth, and the price paid for our sins by Jesus by His suffering and death on the cross shoule receive salvation. However, they do not always accept the gift. That being said, we do not stop trying to lead people to Christ. The great commission tells us to go teach the nations. Nothing is said about quiting or giving up. The point is that we have to follow through with our duty. we never should just give up on our task. It is like driving nails in a board. Some nails are going to bend or go in crooked, but we keep putting nails in the board because we know it is needed to complete the project at hand. We all want the same end result. The Lord does not tell us we will loose our salvation if we do not meet a quota of people saved in a life. This is not something requiring a score card. We are told to go forth and teach all nations and to Baptise them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. And it also says he is with us always. Be encouraged to go out and tell others about God and be encouraged that the words from your mouth are his will. The work you do is not in vane, but trust in him that he has a plan and you are planting seeds that others will water as the fulfill their Great Commission. One day we will see the big picture and understand how our tasks make a difference. Do not be discouraged, do not give up. Keep your eyes on God and do as he has called you to do. Be the Christian you are called to be!
Monday, September 6, 2010
09/06/2010-The Begining
I have been feeling a need to start a Blog as an extension of my ministry and to feature our small country Church in the cyber world. I want to share a scripture each day and trust in God to make sure it will affect someone or many people in the way he intends. Today I would like to open with;
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
This really exemplifies the unending love that our Father has for each and eveery one of us. In this he is shown to be sacrificing his SON to die for our sins. The thing is that he died for everyones sin and the price he paid was made so we could have the gift of everlasting life. the only obligation is that we accep thie gift and acknowledge God's son Jesus as our savior.The price has been paid and even if we do not take advantage of it, the cost is the same. If we do not acknowledge and accept the gift it will not change the fact that the nails peirced Christ's hands and feet. If we do not ask Jesus into our hearts, it woes not deminish his suffering. If we say no to his gift, t does not pull the crown of thorns forced into his heas and stop the pain in his brow from thorns up to 3 inches long that went through the thin skin of his forehead and scrapped his verty bone. It just is a gift that goes unopened and u used by the intended recepient. I urge you to take advantage of that gift today.
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
This really exemplifies the unending love that our Father has for each and eveery one of us. In this he is shown to be sacrificing his SON to die for our sins. The thing is that he died for everyones sin and the price he paid was made so we could have the gift of everlasting life. the only obligation is that we accep thie gift and acknowledge God's son Jesus as our savior.The price has been paid and even if we do not take advantage of it, the cost is the same. If we do not acknowledge and accept the gift it will not change the fact that the nails peirced Christ's hands and feet. If we do not ask Jesus into our hearts, it woes not deminish his suffering. If we say no to his gift, t does not pull the crown of thorns forced into his heas and stop the pain in his brow from thorns up to 3 inches long that went through the thin skin of his forehead and scrapped his verty bone. It just is a gift that goes unopened and u used by the intended recepient. I urge you to take advantage of that gift today.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)