Tuesday, December 16, 2008
WHATS IN IT FOR ME
So many times, we as Christians only participate when there's something in it for us. Whether it be another program of another church or the same church. Is it the spotlight we crave. Why is that? But if you truly seek after the Holy Spirit, would that be an option? Do we really believe what God has for us is for us and another person can't take it? Do we understand that we don't all have the same gifts and our destines are different? Do we really understand that because we might have the same gift as another that it doesn't mean that our levels in that gift will mirror each other? Click on this song, "What God Has For Me is For Me" and please enlighten me! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSns4e-xu3g&feature=related
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
AM I MY BROTHER'S KEEPER
Do we really believe we have a responsibility to "watch out" and "love" one another, "receive one another", "edify one another", "serve one another", "bear one another's burdens", "forgive one another", "submit to one another", "exhort one another", "consider one another", "be hospitable to one another"? When we see another in error, is it our responsibility to help correct the error or do we say, "You know the Lord will take care of that...we reap what we sow?"
The New Testament reveals "Our Responsibilities to one Another". It is commanded by Jesus (Jn 13:34-35; 15:12).
John 13:34-35 (NIV) 34"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
John 15:13 (NIV) 13 “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” 17 “This is my command: Love each other.”
Do we understand the full meaning of our "Responsibilities to One Another"? Enlighten me.
The New Testament reveals "Our Responsibilities to one Another". It is commanded by Jesus (Jn 13:34-35; 15:12).
John 13:34-35 (NIV) 34"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
John 15:13 (NIV) 13 “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” 17 “This is my command: Love each other.”
Do we understand the full meaning of our "Responsibilities to One Another"? Enlighten me.
Friday, October 3, 2008
THE REALISM OF SANTA CLAUS
In preparation for this production Detective George & The Gospel Thieves (written 5yrs ago), God lead me to study and include a controversy topic...Santa Claus. But you know it wasn't until this production that I understood why. I didn't question it then because I always told everybody that I believed in Santa Claus. And I still do. I believe in the spirit of which he stood for. He was a "real person" and loved Christ. Matter of fact, a Bishop in the Christian church.
Legends have created the fairy tale image of flying reindeers, elves, North Pole, etc. but this man had the "Spirit of Giving" especially to the needy and poor. I don't think its wrong to adapt his character. Shouldn't we as Christians or simply as humans have that type of spirit.
What prevents us from believing in something that appears unreal? What prevents us from believing in God's Promises...what He has said, will be? Are they too "fairy tale" for us to grasp and hold on to? Please enlighten me!
Legends have created the fairy tale image of flying reindeers, elves, North Pole, etc. but this man had the "Spirit of Giving" especially to the needy and poor. I don't think its wrong to adapt his character. Shouldn't we as Christians or simply as humans have that type of spirit.
What prevents us from believing in something that appears unreal? What prevents us from believing in God's Promises...what He has said, will be? Are they too "fairy tale" for us to grasp and hold on to? Please enlighten me!
Friday, August 1, 2008
HAS MISINTREPRETATION CREATED DENOMINATIONS?
There are hundreds of denominations that differ in name, organization, doctrine, worship, and plan of salvation but their base is “Christianity.” Is this division or unity? Is this based on God’s word? Ephesians 3:10,11 says that the church is part of God's eternal wisdom, so do you think denominationalism fits somewhere into His concept?
"Church" is used two ways; "universal and local”. The "universal church” refers to all who have been redeemed by Jesus' blood, have been forgiven of their sins, and have been born into His spiritual family. Matthew 16:18 - Jesus promised to build His church. Ephesians 5:23,25 - Jesus is Head of the church, and He is Savior of His body. Acts 2:47 - The Lord added to the church those who were saved.
The "local church(s) refers to a congregation of Christians who have united themselves to work and worship together. Acts 8:1 – Jerusalem Church, 1 Corinthians 1:2 - Corinth Church, 1 Thessalonians 2:14 – Judea Church, etc.
There were different congregations (Romans 16:16) however, they had the same pattern of organization; doctrine, worship, and salvation plan. In Romans 16:17-18, Paul alerts the Christians that differences over doctrinal is dangerous, matter of factual too dangerous to overlook and tells them to guard against those who bring divisions into the Church to the point of avoiding them. Paul wanted them to be wise in spiritual things but unlearned in evil things. Can this be “The evils of division when we say we’re representing the same God?”
Galatians 1:6-9 (KJV)
6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
Is denominationalism authorized in the gospel? Is denominationalism a man-made instrument used to set himself apart? Apart from what though? Traditionally, we are what our parents or grandmomma ‘em are/were but since I am “out the box on a lot of traditional man-made thoughts” my experiences and convictions steer me a different direction, so is this division and denominationalism? No, I think it makes me a universal believer (non denominational) who can find unity with any other believer of similar mindset and one without similarity, we can agree to disagree in love and move on. You see, I have found the love of God’s Word, the sincerity of its practice, the devotion to it, the love for God and others and… man-made tradition/laws in every denomination that I have encountered. Does this make us all going to heaven but traveling on different morning trains; one for each denomination and one for universal? I don’t say this to be cruel… I say this because of its TRUTH. Please enlighten me?
"Church" is used two ways; "universal and local”. The "universal church” refers to all who have been redeemed by Jesus' blood, have been forgiven of their sins, and have been born into His spiritual family. Matthew 16:18 - Jesus promised to build His church. Ephesians 5:23,25 - Jesus is Head of the church, and He is Savior of His body. Acts 2:47 - The Lord added to the church those who were saved.
The "local church(s) refers to a congregation of Christians who have united themselves to work and worship together. Acts 8:1 – Jerusalem Church, 1 Corinthians 1:2 - Corinth Church, 1 Thessalonians 2:14 – Judea Church, etc.
There were different congregations (Romans 16:16) however, they had the same pattern of organization; doctrine, worship, and salvation plan. In Romans 16:17-18, Paul alerts the Christians that differences over doctrinal is dangerous, matter of factual too dangerous to overlook and tells them to guard against those who bring divisions into the Church to the point of avoiding them. Paul wanted them to be wise in spiritual things but unlearned in evil things. Can this be “The evils of division when we say we’re representing the same God?”
Galatians 1:6-9 (KJV)
6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
Is denominationalism authorized in the gospel? Is denominationalism a man-made instrument used to set himself apart? Apart from what though? Traditionally, we are what our parents or grandmomma ‘em are/were but since I am “out the box on a lot of traditional man-made thoughts” my experiences and convictions steer me a different direction, so is this division and denominationalism? No, I think it makes me a universal believer (non denominational) who can find unity with any other believer of similar mindset and one without similarity, we can agree to disagree in love and move on. You see, I have found the love of God’s Word, the sincerity of its practice, the devotion to it, the love for God and others and… man-made tradition/laws in every denomination that I have encountered. Does this make us all going to heaven but traveling on different morning trains; one for each denomination and one for universal? I don’t say this to be cruel… I say this because of its TRUTH. Please enlighten me?
Saturday, July 19, 2008
CAN WE WALK AS JESUS WALKED ON EARTH
The Bible says, “Sin is the transgression of the law” (I John 3:4). Any command by God that is not obeyed perfectly would be defined as sin, correct? In 1 Jn 5:17, apostle John states, “All unrighteousness is sin”. Does that mean we have to be perfectly righteous to not sin any longer? Paul states, “for whatsoever is not of faith is sin” in Rom. 14:23; wouldn’t that include everything we do even our consciences and omissions, James 4:17; “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” James writes, "For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body" (James 3:2).
Jesus walked this earth sinless. He is our example. Does that mean we can walk this earth sinless? Thought comes to mind that Jesus had an advantage over us; He was/is as God, "First" so the answer is "NO." Lets me off the hook, huh? Nah..it really doesn't because all that answer says is, "it's a easy way out of responsibility." "All things are possible with God" plus, we are made in His image. AND....IT WOULD TAKE TOTAL COMMITMENT.
We all have blamed others and avoided the responsibility of being responsible for our actions. I believe when the scripture states, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” Romans 12.2, it is an example of the walk of Jesus. Although Jesus walked this earth, He “Spiritually lived in another world and was disconnected from this world in such a way that we all should strive to be so the disposition that ruled Jesus will rule us. Enlighten me.
Jesus walked this earth sinless. He is our example. Does that mean we can walk this earth sinless? Thought comes to mind that Jesus had an advantage over us; He was/is as God, "First" so the answer is "NO." Lets me off the hook, huh? Nah..it really doesn't because all that answer says is, "it's a easy way out of responsibility." "All things are possible with God" plus, we are made in His image. AND....IT WOULD TAKE TOTAL COMMITMENT.
We all have blamed others and avoided the responsibility of being responsible for our actions. I believe when the scripture states, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” Romans 12.2, it is an example of the walk of Jesus. Although Jesus walked this earth, He “Spiritually lived in another world and was disconnected from this world in such a way that we all should strive to be so the disposition that ruled Jesus will rule us. Enlighten me.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Why are the Saints so Worried???
WHY ARE THE SAINTS SO WORRIED?
The world is ever changing on a daily basis. We don’t know where, what , who, when, how things are going to change which causes people to WORRY about things such living, surviving, money and the ability to enjoy luxuries that we desire. What is baffling is that we hear many Christians, true born again believers, Saints; children of the most High God express their concerns for their live in the midst of this political, natural disastrous, non-serious religious world, which we live in today. How and why is this??
Matthew 6:25-34 (NIV) says:
25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his lifeF30 ?
28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
This is such a powerful passage that Jesus was privately giving to His disciples in the mountains. The same goes for us today. . . . . If we know that all things are in His hands and we belong to Him why do we the people of God worry about our surroundings, our families, our jobs etc.? How come we can’t be like Paul in the midst of all of his obstacles he states in Philippians 4:12;
“I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.”
Where is our foundation of strength? Do we really have Faith? Is trusting God only seasonal?
WHY ARE THE SAINTS SO WORRIED?
Saturday, May 10, 2008
NATURALLY & SPIRITUALLY BALANCED
1 Corinthians 15: 42-46
42 So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. 43 It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. 44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. 45 Thus it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit. 46 However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural; then the spiritual.
In the natural, we have fragile, delicate, human bodies inherited from Adam who was corruptible…but Christ-like is who should thrive to be; incorruptible and full of power. Where or is there a balance between the two? Or is it one or the other? Is it being so holy that we forget we are human with imperfections? Is it knowing who you are in Christ though you yet have issues? Is it seeking the face of God? Is it repentance?
In writing my interview with Reggie “Reg”, I made the statement that I think he has a natural and spiritual real-ness that a lot of Christians lack; balance. Why do I think he’s balanced? He knows what God has called him to do, he is thankful, he seeks God, he talks to God, he asks God, he waits on God, and he has not forgotten from where God has brought him. This world can't give us all that we need but we continue to ask it to instead of God. Why? I think when we do this...we are not naturally and spiritually balanced. What do you think? Enlighten me!
42 So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. 43 It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. 44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. 45 Thus it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit. 46 However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural; then the spiritual.
In the natural, we have fragile, delicate, human bodies inherited from Adam who was corruptible…but Christ-like is who should thrive to be; incorruptible and full of power. Where or is there a balance between the two? Or is it one or the other? Is it being so holy that we forget we are human with imperfections? Is it knowing who you are in Christ though you yet have issues? Is it seeking the face of God? Is it repentance?
In writing my interview with Reggie “Reg”, I made the statement that I think he has a natural and spiritual real-ness that a lot of Christians lack; balance. Why do I think he’s balanced? He knows what God has called him to do, he is thankful, he seeks God, he talks to God, he asks God, he waits on God, and he has not forgotten from where God has brought him. This world can't give us all that we need but we continue to ask it to instead of God. Why? I think when we do this...we are not naturally and spiritually balanced. What do you think? Enlighten me!
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