church mess

Giving God Your Best

2011-07-28T19:30:00.001-07:00

I have a profound question! In today's world , is it possible to give God your best? Are we giving him the leftovers?

What Does the 'Real Church' Look Like? | Christianpost.com

2009-08-31T04:27:00.001-07:00

What Does the 'Real Church' Look Like? | Christianpost.com

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Pentecostal Students Challenged to be More than Sunday Christians | Christianpost.com

2009-08-27T14:32:00.001-07:00

Pentecostal Students Challenged to be More than Sunday Christians | Christianpost.com

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Your're Invited to a Life Changing Experience | Christianpost.com

2009-08-27T14:31:00.001-07:00

Your're Invited to a Life Changing Experience | Christianpost.com

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Christian Doctors Raise Flags Over New Pro-Suicide Bias in U.S. Law, Policy | Christianpost.com

2009-08-27T14:29:00.001-07:00

Christian Doctors Raise Flags Over New Pro-Suicide Bias in U.S. Law, Policy | Christianpost.com

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Thou Shalt Not Kill: Does God Violate His Own Commandment?

2009-08-26T04:33:00.000-07:00

Introduction

The sixth commandment is "Thou shall not kill."1 Atheists claim that God violated His own commandment in ordering the destruction of entire cities, just to allow the Jews to have a homeland in the Middle East. The Bible confirms that God ordered the killing of thousands of people. Isn't this an open and shut case for the hypocrisy of the God of the Bible?
Is all killing the same?

One thing you have to love about atheists is their extreme appreciation for the King James Version (KJV) translation. The KJV was translated in the early 17th century using an archaic form of modern English. In the last 400 years, English has changed significantly. Unfortunately, the vast majority of those who read the KJV (both believers and unbelievers) are unqualified to know what the text means in many instances because of word meaning changes. In attempting to demonstrate the contradiction of God's commands to Israel and the sixth commandment, atheist cite the KJV translation, "Thou shalt not kill."

However, like English, Hebrew, the language in which most of the Old Testament was written, uses different words for intentional vs. unintentional killing. The verse translated "Thou shalt not kill" in the KJV translation, is translated "You shall not murder"2 in modern translations - because these translations represents the real meaning of the Hebrew text. The Bible in Basic English translates the phrase, "Do not put anyone to death without cause."2 The Hebrew word used here is ratsach,3 which nearly always refers to intentional killing without cause (unless indicated otherwise by context). Hebrew law recognized accidental killing as not punishable. In fact, specific cities were designated as "cities of refuge," so that an unintentional killer could flee to escape retribution.4 The Hebrew word for "kill" in this instance is not ratsach, but nakah, which can refer to either premeditated or unintentional killing, depending upon context.5 Other Hebrew words also can refer to killing.6-8 The punishment for murder was the death sentence.9 However, to be convicted, there needed to be at least two eyewitnesses.10 The Bible also prescribes that people have a right to defend themselves against attack and use deadly force if necessary.11
Is God's killing justified?

To answer the question whether God breaks His own commandments, we need to determine if God committed murder (i.e., killed people without cause). The Bible is quite clear that God has killed people directly (the most prominent example being the flood) and indirectly (ordered peoples to be killed). If God ordered or participated in the killing of innocent people, then He would be guilty of murder. Let's look at two of the most prominent examples.
The flood

According to the Bible, God killed every human except Noah, his wife, his sons, and their wives in the flood. Were any of these people killed unjustly? The Bible says specifically that all people (except Noah and his family) had become corrupted.12 Not only had all people become corrupted, but they were continually plotting evil!13 Is it possible that an entire culture can become corrupted? You bet! Recent history proves the point rather well. When the Nazis took over Germany before WWII, opposition was crushed and removed. When they began their purging of the undesirables (e.g., the Jews), virtually the entire society went along with the plan. Further examples are given on another page. So, the Bible indicates that no innocent people were killed in the flood.
God orders killing

What about when God ordered Joshua and his people to kill every man, woman and child in Canaan?14 What crime could be so great that entire populations of cities were designated for destruction? God told Moses that the nations that the Hebrew were replacing were wicked.15 How "wicked" were these people? The text tells us that they were burning their own sons and daughters in sacrifices to their gods.16 So we see that these people were not really innocent. For these reasons (and others17), God ordered the destruction of the peoples whom the Israelites dispossessed.
What about the children and other "innocents"

Surely God could have spared the children! People tend to assume that children are innocent, even if their parents are doing bad things. The assumption is unfounded. For example, Palestinian Muslim children are officially taught in grammar school to hate their Jewish neighbors.18 They are so well indoctrinated that some of them give up their lives in suicide bombings as children.19 Corruption literally does breed corruption, which is why God did not want the Hebrews tainted by the other corrupt cultures of the Middle East.

Surely there must have been other innocent adults in those cities who were destroyed with the wicked! There actually is an example of a time when God was asked if He would destroy the innocent along with the wicked. Prior to destroying Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham asked God if He would destroy the righteous along with the wicked.20 God replied that He would spare the entire city for 50 righteous people.21 Abraham kept reducing the possible number of righteous people, asking God if He would destroy the entire city along with those number of righteous people.22 God's reply in each case was that He would not destroy the righteous along with the wicked. The lowest number Abraham asked about was ten righteous people, although the answer would likely be the same with as few as one righteous individual. How do we know this? God sent two angels to warn the four righteous people in Sodom to flee before He destroyed the city.23 It is quite convenient that such details are usually left out of atheistic sites complaining about the "evil" perpetrated by God. In fact, God saved certain people from being killed in cities such as Jericho.24
Conclusion Top of page

The commandment "Thou shalt not kill" is really not as general as the King James version would indicate. The commandment actually refers to premeditated, unjustified killing - murder. Although God ordered the extermination of entire cities, He did so in righteous judgment on a people whose corruption had led to extreme wickedness, including child sacrifice. Did God destroy the righteous along with the wicked? In an exchange with Abraham, God indicated that He would spare the wicked to save the righteous. He demonstrated this principle by saving righteous people from Sodom and Jericho prior to their destruction. The charge that God indiscriminately murdered people does not hold to to critical evaluation of the biblical texts.

How Could Everything Change So Dramatically | Christianpost.com

2009-08-25T04:37:00.001-07:00

How Could Everything Change So Dramatically | Christianpost.com

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Marriage: Making it Righteous | Christianpost.com

2009-08-25T04:36:00.001-07:00

Marriage: Making it Righteous | Christianpost.com

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Christians to Rally in Calif. to Defend 'Jesus' Prayers | Christianpost.com

2009-08-24T04:38:00.001-07:00

Christians to Rally in Calif. to Defend 'Jesus' Prayers | Christianpost.com

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Report: Obama's Faith-Based Initiative Less Controversial than Bush's | Christianpost.com

2009-08-24T04:31:00.001-07:00

Report: Obama's Faith-Based Initiative Less Controversial than Bush's | Christianpost.com

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Rick Warren Stresses Need for Christians to Build Bridges | Christianpost.com

2009-08-24T04:25:00.001-07:00

Rick Warren Stresses Need for Christians to Build Bridges | Christianpost.com

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10 Stupid Things That Keep Churches from Growing | Christianpost.com

2009-08-23T15:21:00.001-07:00

10 Stupid Things That Keep Churches from Growing | Christianpost.com

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Worthy | Christianpost.com

2009-08-21T06:32:00.001-07:00

Worthy | Christianpost.com

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Church is Not A Place | Christianpost.com

2009-08-21T06:30:00.001-07:00

Church is Not A Place | Christianpost.com

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Max Lucado Emboldens Christians to Fear Less | Christianpost.com

2009-08-21T06:22:00.001-07:00

Max Lucado Emboldens Christians to Fear Less | Christianpost.com

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SBC Guys Eyeing the 'Mac' | Christianpost.com

2009-08-21T06:19:00.001-07:00

SBC Guys Eyeing the 'Mac' | Christianpost.com

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Are we to love the sinner but hate the sin?

2009-08-19T10:16:00.001-07:00

Are we to love the sinner but hate the sin?

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Is The Church A Good Place To Find A Mate?

2009-08-19T10:01:00.000-07:00

These days it seems as if people are searching high and low for places to meet a prospective mate. Whether it's at a nightclub, in the work place, at a gym or even at the grocery store, people are looking everywhere for that special someone.

Some experts believe that finding a mate isn't as complicated as many think. Just go to church. The church? Can the church really be a good place to find a mate?

Bishop T.D. Jakes, the renowned pastor of The Potter's House in Dallas, TX, seems to think so.

"The Bible teaches that whosoever finds a wife, finds a good thing (Proverbs 18:22). It is far better to be found by a good man than it is for our Sisters to be forced to shop for one," the best-selling author of Woman, Thou Art Loosed! and The Lady, Her Lover, And Her Lord tells JET.
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He continues that the church can also be a good place to find a mate because the spirit is at work there.

"Real love doesn't come like shoes in a store. I believe that it is best when there is divine orchestration of lives by God who knows what each of us needs to be fulfilled," he says.

Even though Bishop Jakes feels that the church can be a wonderful place for meeting a mate, he stresses that people go there with more on their mind than just searching for a mate.

"I believe the best reason to go to church is to seek God," Bishop Jakes asserts. "If in the process of seeking God He sends you a mate, all the better. But remember that shopping for a man is not good for your self-esteem. If a man finds you, he tends to treasure you far more than if you find him."

Finding a mate in the church sure beats meeting one in a club, relates Rev. Dr. Sheron C. Patterson, senior pastor of Jubilee United Methodist Church in Duncanville, TX.

"The lights are on. You can see who you're talking to. The music is not too loud. You can hear what is said. In the church atmosphere, hopefully, the Holy Spirit is in the room, permeating the air and making the intentions pure. Being on church ground and holy ground usually gives people pure motives," she explains.

Patterson, who founded The Love Clinic, a Christian-based relationship seminar, at her church five years ago, recognizes that society has become so sophisticated in spelling out places for people to find a mate that the church has become off-limits for many.

"We have made the church an embarrassing place to meet someone. Traditionally the church has been our community meeting place. There was no shame in going there and meeting someone a long time ago because that was all we had," she points out.

And while the church can be a good place to meet a mate, Patterson encourages people to not assume that just because you meet someone in church, his or her intentions are righteous.

"The trouble starts when the church atmosphere is charged with desperation and devilment. This causes a phenomenon called the Holy Hoochie and the Holy Hustler, women and men in the church who are up to no good. Don't be fooled by the exterior just because a person is carrying a Bible or wearing a cross. This could be a decoy ... Test the Spirit with the Spirit. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you a warning. God gives us red flags, but we ignore them based on the exterior. Pray for the spirit of discernment," she contends.

Noted psychotherapist Dr. Ronn Elmore, author of How To Love A Black Man and How To Love A Black Woman, also believes the church is a good place to meet a mate, but he says that it takes lots of work to make it happen there.

"Church is not always set up where you can make the connection. It's a great place if you're not just looking on Sunday. Throughout the week, in ministries, is when you can interact with others. It can be a great opportunity to praise the Lord and to find the mate He has for you," the ordained minister, who heads the Relationship Clinic in southern California, states.

Like Patterson, Elmore agrees that you must not assume that everyone who crosses your path in church is sent from God.

"Put up a plaque that says, `Take nothing for granted.' Don't take for granted that you're dealing with holy people just because they're in the church," he reveals. "Get recommendations and ask others about a person. After there is some point of seriousness in the relationship, get it cleared up and verified from the pastor or others, but don't just listen to church gossip, positive or negative, about a person."

Once you find a potential mate, Elmore suggests you pray. "When all is said and done and you did all the work of checking and finding out about someone, conversing and dating, never leave out the necessity of prayer so you can make wise choices. Pray for yourself and how you fare in the process and have others pray for you. Relationships can be tricky in church and out."

Egyptian President's Visit Magnifies Christian, Muslim Tension | Christianpost.com

2009-08-18T18:51:00.001-07:00

Egyptian President's Visit Magnifies Christian, Muslim Tension | Christianpost.com

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I Want To Do Wrong-NOT!

2009-08-18T18:27:00.000-07:00

Question: "What was Paul's thorn in the flesh?"

Answer: Countless explanations concerning the nature of Paul’s thorn in the flesh have been offered. They range from incessant temptation, dogged opponents, chronic maladies (such as eye problems, malaria, migraine headaches, and epilepsy), to a speech disability. No one can say for sure what Paul’s thorn in the flesh was, but it probably was a physical affliction.

What we do know about this thorn in the flesh comes from Paul himself in 2 Corinthians 12:7: “To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.” First, the purpose of the thorn in the flesh was to keep Paul humble. Anyone who had encountered Jesus and was spoken to and commissioned by Him (Acts 9:2-8) would, in his natural state, become “puffed up.” Add to that the fact of being moved by the Holy Spirit to write much of the New Testament, and it is easy to see how Paul could become “haughty” (KJV) or “exalted above measure” (NKJV) or “too proud” (NCV). Second, we know that the affliction came from or by a messenger of Satan. Just as God allowed Satan to torment Job (Job 1:1-12), God allowed Satan to torment Paul for God’s own good purposes and always within God’s perfect will.

It is understandable that Paul would consider this thorn a hindrance to wider or more effective ministry (Galatians 5:14-16) and that he would three times petition God for its removal (2 Corinthians 12:8). But Paul learned from this experience the lesson that dominates his writings: divine power is best displayed against the backdrop of human weakness (2 Corinthians 4:7) so that God alone is praised (2 Corinthians 10:17). Rather than removing the problem, God gave him grace and strength through it, and He declared that grace to be “sufficient.”

Tony Davis: Unfinished Business on Earth

2009-08-18T04:13:00.001-07:00

Tony Davis: Unfinished Business on Earth

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Nicole Bromley: Breaking the Silence

2009-08-18T04:11:00.001-07:00

Nicole Bromley: Breaking the Silence

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The preacher and moral failures

2009-08-16T18:00:00.000-07:00

Let’s face it, the minister of a Baptist church can be forgiven of almost anything, if he repents and changes his ways, except sexual sins. If a minister gets involved in a sexual sin (adultery, child molestation, homosexuality), he might as well resign and look for a new occupation. Well, maybe not every time, but almost every time. Even if he stays in the ministry, he usually has to move to an office other than senior pastor. Once a diamond is chipped, it may be reground, but it will never be as large as before.

Many are aware of the past history of outstanding preachers who have fallen to the sin of David. The movie about Elmer Gantry, the fictional preacher who fell to moral sin, made many people aware that preachers are human. In more recent times, the moral failure of Jim Bakker, Jimmy Swaggart, Ted Haggard, and in our state the failure of a large church pastor and successful evangelist, has created news events that reflect poorly on all ministers. Even sadder is the fact that there are hundreds of ministers who fail morally that we never hear about.

In a recent conversation with Dr. H.B. London of Focus on the Family, he told me of serving on the restoration committee of Ted Haggard and then he said, “When you hear the names of these great preachers who failed, you never think of their accomplishment because it is always overshadowed by their moral failure.”

What is wrong? Why are so many preachers failing morally? Can we trust any minister? What can the church do to make sure they do not call an immoral minister? Is there anything the church, association or state convention can do to keep ministers from failing morally? There are a lot of questions, but there are also some answers.

First, not all ministers are anywhere close to moral failure. Most pastors and staff serve all their lives and never do anything questionable related to moral conduct. The number of ministers who commit adultery is much, much lower than that of the average male population. Today we are made aware of the sexual sins of ministers more so than in past years. The failure of a well-known evangelist was on the first page of the Birmingham News, on the “Rick and Bubba Show” and even on Paul Fienbaum’s sports talk radio show.

The church can do a much better job making sure they do not call an immoral minister. Churches must check out the minister before extending a call. They should run references, talk to directors of missions, check with former church members, and question other ministers who know the prospect. Don’t hesitate to ask any question about the prospective minister. Listen carefully to what the reference may tell you.

The church can do some things in a preventive way to help their pastor when temptation comes. They can give him time off for family. The deacons or others can warn him if they see signs of over-involvement with a particular woman.

The minister is the one who can do the most to avoid sexual failure. He can guard his thoughts. Ultimately, the battle for sexual purity is won or lost in the mind. Those things that could erode your thought life should be avoided. He should make sure that his best time goes to his wife and family. Only great husbands and great fathers can be great pastors. He should resolve never to be alone personally or to be involved emotionally with a woman who is not his wife, sister, mother or grandmother, or at least old enough to be his grandmother.

The minister will do well to remember the cost of sexual sin. A big house may be attractive, but the payments are huge. He should recognize his vulnerability. No one is above sexual temptation. No pastor should destroy his call to the ministry for a moment of pleasure. An effective minister must be a holy minister.

The morally failing minister is usually a loner. He may be in his late 30s in a highly successful church, receiving a huge salary with praise coming from all directions. He may rationalize that he is so capable that God will overlook his moral sins and that he deserves a second or third woman, but he is usually a loner. He may be in his 50s with a troubled church and an unhappy family life, but he is usually a loner. We all need accountability!

We need to attend the associational ministers’ conference. We need to have minister friends. We need to have close deacon friends. We need to rely on our director of missions. We need accountability!

The minister should value his family. It is more important than the church, more important than money, and more important than pleasure. Outside God, family is the most important thing in a preacher’s life.

Most importantly, the minister must stick close to God. Pray, read your Bible, love your family, minister to your people and please keep your life clean.

Josh Hamilton's Wife 'Very Proud'; Prays for Critics | Christianpost.com

2009-08-15T15:24:00.001-07:00

Josh Hamilton's Wife 'Very Proud'; Prays for Critics | Christianpost.com

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MercyMe Resumes Tour After Fatal Crash | Christianpost.com

2009-08-15T15:23:00.001-07:00

MercyMe Resumes Tour After Fatal Crash | Christianpost.com

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Greg Laurie Celebrates 20 Years of S. Calif. Evangelism | Christianpost.com

2009-08-15T15:21:00.001-07:00

Greg Laurie Celebrates 20 Years of S. Calif. Evangelism | Christianpost.com

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Confessions of a Worship Pastor

2009-08-15T07:21:00.000-07:00

A major part of my current job description is to be a ‘worship pastor.’ It was part of the vision of our vicar to develop the musical and artistic worship of the church and he employed in part to develop this side of the church as this is my background. However, my belief is that our primary worship is to offer ourselves as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1) and this has to do with honouring God in our whole lives, and not very much to do with singing songs.

My main thoughts are that a lot of christians consider worship to be the singing of songs when they gather. The quality of worship something to do with ‘anointing’ of a worship leader’ and how good it sounds, and often (from my personal experience of feedback) how well liked the songs were. In fact, somehow I just know how to put a song list together and create an inclusive groove that we seem to like. I can immediately here someone saying, but you can’t make God show up! I know that sometimes we are more aware of the presence of God, but I often think that is just because we are looking, taking down our own barriers to the reality of His presence.

Whilst this self perpetuating system continues, I ask you, does it remain an obstacle to christians seeking to worship God in the whole of life? I’m not saying that singing songs to God is wrong, or that the sense of His presence we often feel at those times isn’t genuine. But somehow, when this is placed in a system of church I think it re-enforces a dualistic worldview.

Therefore, I really struggle with spending time developing this ministry. Taking people, whose lives are already incredibly busy, and asking them to improve on for example, our band sound. 1) Does it make any real difference to God? 2) Is it giving them a false impression of ministry – engaging in activity I struggle to see an missional in any way?

An honest talk with God is the first step in finding peace of mind. | Home Daily Dose Word of the day

2009-08-15T07:10:00.001-07:00

An honest talk with God is the first step in finding peace of mind. | Home Daily Dose Word of the day

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When God & cancer meet-Dave's story

2009-08-14T23:47:00.000-07:00

On 11/15/07 I woke up like any other day. It was payday so I went to go run some usual payday errands. I had got a CAT Scan done the previous day due to having reoccurring headaches for almost a month. I didn't think to much of it. I figured I would just go back to the doctor and he would tell me that my blood pressure had increased. But oh no, When I got home there was a message from my doctor and also his nurse telling me to call back ASAP. That terrified me, I had never really been sick besides a flu or cold here and there.

So I called and he said there was something strange on my scan and he was sending me for a MRI. He told me to go down to get the test right then and he would call me by the end of the day with the result. Of course he left the office afterwards and I did not hear from him until I called the next morning. He sent me to a neurosurgeon in Chico, Ca. I went there the following Monday. My doctor there sent me for another MRI that would tell him more specifically what it was in my head. He had me come back in a few days. So I waited anxiously to find out what it was. I couldn't remember ever having a old injury which they thought was a possibility. Then I came back and he told me that it was a tumor. I thought I was going to faint, my wife and step mom were there with me. They later told me, I turned white as a ghost, and my wife had to grab me from falling. At the end of the appointment the doctor asked what we want to do. He gave us two options; 1 take it out or 2 wait and come back in 90 days. I asked him what he recommended and he said to get it out. So me and my wife decided to get it done on 12/18/07.

That was about 3 weeks away. We did it then because she had a business trip in 2 weeks that was already paid for. It was a important trip. Also, I would get to be home for Christmas, and she would be home the next 2 weeks to take care of me. It was a nerve wracking wait. Then the day finally came. We left around 6 A.M. because I had yet another MRI before my surgery. I went in the hospital with strips all over my head. I remember going in the pre-op room and asking the anesthesiologist if the medicine he was giving me was the stuff to put me out. And he said no. Thats all I remember.

Next thing I know I was talking to a guy who had a knee surgery. I was told I was cracking jokes. My surgery started at 10 am and I was out of recovery at 1pm. I went to the ICU for the first night and they had me on a liquid diet, and I was hungry. My doctor came in that night checking on me and said are you hungry. I said yeah. He told the nurse to get me a sandwich. I thought I knew I came to him for a reason. I had tubes all over my body. It sucked. This is the first time EVER I was in the hospital. Except, having my boys, but that was fun (for me at least).

I moved down to the main floor the next morning and they wanted me to shower first. My head had been bandaged, and there was 27 pretty stainless steel staples in my head. I got in the shower and could not touch my head without shaking. It was horrible. My youngest son was scared to come by me at first. I called myself Zipper Head. I went home the next evening.

My surgery was on Tuesday and my tumor was sent to the University of San Francisco. My doctor said he would have the results Thursday or Friday. I waited until 5 o'clock Friday and finally called. They had not got the results. This sucked. I would have to wait the weekend and Monday and Tuesday because the Christmas Holiday. It made for a long Christmas, but we still stuck to our regular hectic schedule.

Finally, Wednesday came and first off the doctor told me it was cancer (olgendroglioma stage II). Then I got my staples out. That part I liked. He referred me to University of San Francisco to a brain oncologist. I went to my first visit 1/23/08 and the doctor there told me the last MRI my surgery area was not healed up enough to see if any of the tumor was left. He told me to come back in a month and get a MRI there and then see the doctor again. I made my appointment for 3/5/08. I am going on a cruise to Mexico on 2/25/08. Thats where I am at. I will add more when I get more.

I am now off the Temodar after a long 1 year cycle. I am divorcing but life is looking good and I feel good. I am going in every 3 months for a MRI to make sure there is no changes. I continue to pray daily for complete healing for myself as well as all infected by this ugly disease. God Bless, Dave = Team God Heals Cancer

How To Deal With Church Hurt

2009-08-14T08:17:00.000-07:00

We all know that when we get more than one person together that there will be differences. Many differences occur because some people tend to walk outside of their calling in effect trying to do everyone elses job and not theirs "busy-bodies."

Paul states, in 2 Thessalonians 3:11 "For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busy-bodies." We must perform a self analysis to see whether we are the ones starting the trouble, and then we can move on from that point. Jesus encountered trouble among the disciples, Judas sold Him for thirty pieces of silver, and Peter denied Him three times, but the church still stands today. What Satan meant for evil, God meant for good. God calls us to holiness and we must cast aside our differences and promote unity in the love of Jesus Christ. Jesus states, in Matthew 18:20, "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them." The church is not the building but our hearts that have been purchased by Christ's blood. Forgiveness and prayer are the best ways to overcome church hurt.

Reasons Pastors and Churches “Divorce”

2009-08-12T19:05:00.000-07:00

Dr. Jim West has an interesting piece at his blog on the reasons why pastors and churches 'divorce'. I like pieces like this that make me think a little bit. Hopefully it will help you get the wheels turning today as well. I'd love to hear what you think? Have you ever been 'divorced'?

There are three basic reasons why Pastors and churches ‘divorce’ or go their separate ways:

1- God leads the Pastor to another place of service. Or, God leads the Church to find another Shepherd. This is the murkiest of the reasons in the sense that it is extraordinarily difficult for either the Pastor or the Church to know when it’s time to “split up.” If things are going well in the Church, it is even more difficult. But if things are going poorly for either one or both pastor and church, the decision is obviously a bit easier. Nonetheless, the leadership of the Spirit being for the most part intangible, the decision to leave is only made after a considerable period of prayer.

2- Infidelity. The second reason Pastors and Churches go their separate ways is no different than the reason husbands and wives sometimes divorce: infidelity. Pastors can become unfaithful to the Church in a number of ways not limited to - a growing indifference to the needs of the flock; another Church becomes more ‘attractive’ (the grass is greener theory of life); or a sense of being unappreciated and thus unappreciative. Churches too can become unfaithful to their pastor, in failing to pray for him; by always comparing him to a former pastor or an idealized pastor they would like to have; by inattentiveness (sermons become something to be endured rather than an opportunity to grow as a believer); and by staying away from worship (voting against the pastor with their absence).

3- Money. Let’s face facts here; just as husbands and wives leave each other because of infidelity and money, so too Churches and Pastors often part ways for exactly the same reasons. Many Pastors are underpaid and many Churches operate on the presumption that “you have to keep the preacher humble by keeping him poor”. So, it is quite normal, and human, that if the Pastor is offered a better salary package by another Church he ‘hear the voice of Go calling him there.’ When Churches undervalue their Pastor, they will inevitably discover that if offered the opportunity to be valued appropriately, he will take it. To be sure, there’s always some wag in every church who honestly thinks that “we just pay the preacher what he’s really worth” and though they would never tolerate that kind of treatment from their own ‘boss’ they not only tolerate it, but actively implement it in their treatment of their pastor.

Which, if any, do you think are reasonable for pastor/church divorce? Dr. West shares his thoughts here… What do you think?

What Is Marriage 3

2009-08-12T18:08:00.000-07:00

Many couples are faced with asking themselves the age old question of “Why did I marry him/her in the first place?” Another popular question among married couples is “Did I ever really love him/her?” Most times couples can effectively answer these questions by
reviewing their courtship. Couples who were romantic during the period of their courtship may now feel led to exert more effort to commit themselves in their marriage to redevelop their existing relationship. Some married couples find it increasingly hard to maintain a fresh and vibrant marriage after a few years or after the birth of children. Couples tend to focus on family life, bills, and ensuring that the children’s needs are met while neglecting their spouse simultaneously. Couples must revisit the very feelings that made them fall in love with each other. One of the first questions you must ask yourself is “Did I fall in love with the person or the personification of the person through romance?” Often in relationships and life we often attempt to make ourselves look better than we are in order to impress others. Couples often times fall in love and marry a lie which is portrayed by their spouse as the “real me.” The earlier within the marriage the couple realize that they have fell in love with the romance of the relationship and not the person the better the marriage can recover more efficiently. Marriages must maintain an open and effective dialogue in which both parties can express themselves openly. Active courtship in a marriage is paramount, because each individual spouse owes each other intimate time. Couples should relive enjoyable experiences, and their decision to marry each other. Starting with the courtship period to the present the coupe must give each other an earnest account of where they feel their marriage is at the present and where it is headed. Maintain courtship and communication to enjoy a successful marriage.

When God's Word Isn't Enough

2009-08-11T22:15:00.000-07:00

Posted on September 14, 2007. Filed under: devotions | Tags: , Abraham, bible, christianity, faith, God, hope, Jesus, Lazarus, religion, Salvation, sanctification, Scriptures, word of God |

2corinthians4_5.jpg

There is an interesting passage of scripture I overlooked in Luke 16. I was reading the story that involves Abraham, Lazarus the beggar, and the rich man. This morning I had a “things that make you go hum” moment.

Everyone that is saved for any length of time has heard this story or read it. Well sometimes we can read the Word or hear it numerous times that it becomes too familiar.

We already go into reading or hearing a particular scripture with preconceived notions of what that passage is saying.

This morning the Lord showed me something that I hadn’t paid attention to even though I had it highlighted! So my spirit grasped it then. But there was an appointed time for me to consciously lay hold of it.

According to this story, there was a certain rich man who had more than he ever wanted or needed. He lived his life for himself, in selfish indulgence, not caring at all about the poor. Lazarus was a poor beggar who like a dog desired to be fed the crumbs from the masters table, though it is not clear if he ever was fed by the rich man.

After they both die, we get a glimpse of their situations in eternity. Lazarus is with Abraham, symbolizing that he is grafted into the family of God by faith in Christ. He is in heaven. The rich man is in agony in the burning flames of hell. Between the two a great divide which cannot be crossed is fixed.

A conversation is said to take place between Lazarus, the rich man, and Abraham. The rich man knows that his five brothers are as wicked as he was and without a doubt end up in torment as he is, so he begs Abraham to send somebody, even Lazarus, to his brothers. He thinks that if his brothers see a person raised from the dead that they will repent and put their faith in God.

Yet Abraham explains that unless they hear the law and the prophets, which they already have available to them, they will not repent.

Abraham’s statement, told by Christ as He gives this story, is emphasizing that the Scripture is sufficient.

Unless a person hears what they already have in the Word of God, they cannot and will not be saved. Even if some miraculous sign happened for the rich man’s brothers or for any man for that matter, they would still not believe.

We can deceive ourselves into thinking that if only Jesus came and appeared to all men that they would trust Him. We can think that we can come up with some other means to woo somebody to church or to Christ. The reality is that the greatest sign of all time has already taken place. Jesus Himself rose from the dead and people reject that, despite the overwhelming evidence of its historicity.

The Lord knew this and was foretelling in this story that even His death burial and resurrection would not be sufficient to bring some people to repentance. Christ Himself knew that only the Word of God could change a person’s heart. If Christ even byperforming the greatest miracle of all time couldn’t convince a person to believe, what really do we have to come up with?

The Church has so many programs and works that they perform all to bring people to Christ. They are working themselves to death trying to come up with ways that will attract people into the household of the Lord.

Programs, skits, musicals, bazaars, fairs, workshops, auctions, giveaways, you name it the Church tries it. I look at all of the churches with theatre props, book stores, coffee houses, gyms, empowerment & business centers, soup kitchens, credit unions, colleges, schools, daycares, restaurants and so forth and so on. We here in America have made the Word of God secondary in comparison to all of the wonderful things we are doing for Him.

Churches are not willing to preach the full counsel of the Word for fear of losing members. They have listened to polls that say people’s attention spans cannot absorb a sermon over 15 minutes. So the Word becomes secondary and the programs are first.

Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against a lot of this stuff as long as it is in its proper place. What has me concerned is the mindset that the Word of God is not enough to get people saved.

The Word of God can stand on it’s on. It doesn’t need any help. The only thing God put His full backing on is His Word. The Scripture is the Power of God in written form. It is only through hearing and appropriating the Scriptures can sanctification take place.

Good works, community service, and theatrics can have their place. The issue is whether they are sufficient to be able to stand on their own apart from the Word of God.

The Body of Christ needs to study, memorize and meditate on the Word of God. I am very concerned for the Church here in America because of what is coming down the pipeline for this country. The scripture says “Who have believed our report?” Isaiah 53:1. You have to first know the report in order to believe it.

Remember man cannot live apart from taking in the Word of God. He cannot be saved apart from hearing the gospel, and he cannot be a mature Christian without instruction from the Scripture. We already know from Romans 1:16 that the “gospel is the power of God unto salvation.” We know from 2 Timothy 3:16-17 that “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” Romans 10:16 says that “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” John 17:17 says, “Sanctify them in the word; your word is truth.”

All of our progress in being sanctified into the image of Christ is due to our being immersed in the truth of the Word of God. There is no short cut to this thing called Sanctification.

© 2007, Candace House, All Rights Reserved.

Your "A Time to Honor" Testimonies

2009-08-11T04:28:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been to a promise keeper meeting?
The Conference was God Breathed
You know, I was at the conference in Boulder and sat there the entire time wondering what it was all about, as I had attended many events that were only for men. This was different but then I saw God at the end and had a Jewish Rabbi place a star of David on my shirt, at which time I broke down. But God - But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever!

I went back to have a Rabbi pray for me and his words were anointed. He prayed something at the beginning that only the Holy Spirit could have spoken to him.

The conference was God Breathed.

God Bless You

-Wiley Work
Let us here your experience when you came into God's presence

the Gospel of Inclusion

2009-08-09T06:19:00.000-07:00

What if Hell didn’t really exist?

Have you ever asked how a loving God could condemn most of His children to eternal torment? Bishop Carlton Pearson did, and his answer will change everything you ever thought you knew about God, eternity and God’s plan for humankind.

In The Gospel of Inclusion, Bishop Pearson courageously explores the exclusionary doctrines of mainstream religion and concludes that according to the evidence of the Bible and irrefutable logic, they cannot be true. Instead, he offers us the Gospel of Inclusion—the simple, stunning truth that everyone has already been saved by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

In this astonishing book, Pearson argues that the controlling dogmas of religion are the source of much of the world’s ills, and that we should turn our backs on proselytizing and holy wars and focus on the real Good News: that all of humanity is indeed loved by the Divine!

The Gospel of Inclusion will transform your perception of religion’s role in your life and give you a priceless gift: hope for the future.

Is this gospel of inclusion A new passage to God? We know that God loves all, but His word does say sin is death. What's your take on this growing matter? Let's Hear some Church Mess

Divorce and Remarriage

2009-08-09T06:14:00.000-07:00

Divorce and remarriage
U.S. divorce rates for various faith
groups, age groups, & geographic areas

Sponsored link.

Divorce rates in the U.S.:

"There is consensus that the overall U.S. divorce rate had a brief spurt after WW2, followed by a decline, then started rising in the 1960s and even more quickly in the 1970s, then leveled off [in the] 1980s and [has since] declined slightly." 7 However, such gross statistics are misleading. There are a number of factors involved that obscure the real data:
bullet The normal lifestyle of American young adults is to live together for a period of time in a type of informal trial marriage. These relationships frequently do not endure.
bullet Couples enter into their first marriage at a older age than in the past.
bullet A growing percentage of committed couples have decided to live in a common-law relationship rather than get married. This is particularly true among some elderly who fear reduction in government support payments.

The current U.S. divorce rate:

The media frequently reports that 50% of American marriages will end in divorce. This number appears to have been derived from very skimpy data related to a single county or state. However, it appears to be reasonable close to the probable value. The Americans for Divorce Reform estimates that "Probably, 40 or possibly even 50 percent of marriages will end in divorce if current trends continue. However, that is only a projection and a prediction." 7

Divorce rates among Christian groups:

The slogan: "The family that prays together, stays together" is well known. There has been much anecdotal evidence that has led to "unsubstantiated claims that the divorce rate for Christians who attended church regularly, pray together or who meet other conditions is only 1 or 2 percent". 8 Emphasis ours]. Dr. Tom Ellis, chairman of the Southern Baptist Convention's Council on the Family said that for "...born-again Christian couples who marry...in the church after having received premarital counseling...and attend church regularly and pray daily together..." experience only 1 divorce out of nearly 39,000 marriages -- or 0.00256 percent. 9

A recent study by the Barna Research Group throws extreme doubt on these estimates. Barna released the results of their poll about divorce on 1999-DEC-21. 1 They had interviewed 3,854 adults from the 48 contiguous states. The margin of error is ±2 percentage points. The survey found:
bullet 11% of the adult population is currently divorced.
bullet 25% of adults have had at least one divorce during their lifetime.
bullet Divorce rates among conservative Christians were significantly higher than for other faith groups, and much higher than Atheists and Agnostics experience.

George Barna, president and founder of Barna Research Group, commented:

"While it may be alarming to discover that born again Christians are more likely than others to experience a divorce, that pattern has been in place for quite some time. Even more disturbing, perhaps, is that when those individuals experience a divorce many of them feel their community of faith provides rejection rather than support and healing. But the research also raises questions regarding the effectiveness of how churches minister to families. The ultimate responsibility for a marriage belongs to the husband and wife, but the high incidence of divorce within the Christian community challenges the idea that churches provide truly practical and life-changing support for marriages."

According to the Dallas Morning News, a Dallas TX newspaper, the national study "raised eyebrows, sowed confusion, [and] even brought on a little holy anger." This caused George Barna to write a letter to his supporters, saying that he is standing by his data, even though it is upsetting. He said that "We rarely find substantial differences" between the moral behavior of Christians and non-Christians. Barna Project Director Meg Flammang said: "We would love to be able to report that Christians are living very distinct lives and impacting the community, but ... in the area of divorce rates they continue to be the same." Both statements seem to be projecting the belief that conservative Christians and liberal Christians have the same divorce rate. This disagrees with their own data.

The survey has come under some criticism:
bullet David Popenoe, co-director of the National Marriage Project at Rutgers University has said that the survey doesn't make sense. He based this belief on his assessment that Christians follow biblical models of the family, making a bond that "the secular world doesn't have...It just stands to reason that the bond of religion is protective of marriage, and I believe it is."
bullet Tom Ellis of the Southern Baptist Convention suggests that the Barna poll is inaccurate because the people contacted may have called themselves born-again Christians, without having previously made a real commitment to God. He said: "We believe that there is something more to being a Christian...Just saying you are [a born-again] Christian is not going to guarantee that your marriage is going to stay together." 9
bullet Some researchers have suggested that religion may have little or no effect on divorce rates. The apparently higher rate among born-again Christians, and lower rate among Atheists and Agnostics may be due to the influence of financial and/or educational factors.

One reason for the discrepancy of beliefs about divorce rates among born-again Christians may be that their churches are unaware of the true number of divorcing couples in their midst.
bullet Many couples would find it difficult to continue attending services in the same congregation after their marital separation. Meeting at church would be awkward. So, they drop out.
bullet Many probably find that the climate in their church is very negative towards divorcing couples. So, they move to other congregations that are either more accepting of divorce, or are unaware of their marital status.

Barna report: Variation in divorce rates among Christian faith groups:
Denomination (in order of decreasing divorce rate)

% who have been divorced
Non-denominational ** 34%
Baptists 29%
Mainline Protestants 25%
Mormons 24%
Catholics 21%
Lutherans 21%

** Barna uses the term "non-denominational" to refer to Evangelical Christian congregations that are not affiliated with a specific denomination. The vast majority are fundamentalist in their theological beliefs. More info.

Barna's results verified findings of earlier polls: that conservative Protestant Christians, on average, have the highest divorce rate, while mainline Christians have a much lower rate. They found some new information as well: that atheists and agnostics have the lowest divorce rate of all. George Barna commented that the results raise "questions regarding the effectiveness of how churches minister to families." The data challenge "the idea that churches provide truly practical and life-changing support for marriage."

Donald Hughes, author of The Divorce Reality, said:

"In the churches, people have a superstitious view that Christianity will keep them from divorce, but they are subject to the same problems as everyone else, and they include a lack of relationship skills. ...Just being born again is not a rabbit's foot."

Hughes claim that 90% of divorces among born-again couples occur after they have been "saved."

Sponsored link:
Click here to find out more!

Variation in divorce rates by religion:
Religion % have been divorced
Jews 30%
Born-again Christians 27%
Other Christians 24%
Atheists, Agnostics 21%

Ron Barrier, Spokespersonn for American Atheists remarked on these findings with some rather caustic comments against organized religion. He said:

"These findings confirm what I have been saying these last five years. Since Atheist ethics are of a higher caliber than religious morals, it stands to reason that our families would be dedicated more to each other than to some invisible monitor in the sky. With Atheism, women and men are equally responsible for a healthy marriage. There is no room in Atheist ethics for the type of 'submissive' nonsense preached by Baptists and other Christian and/or Jewish groups. Atheists reject, and rightly so, the primitive patriarchal attitudes so prevalent in many religions with respect to marriage." 2

StopTheReligiousRight.org had some scathing comments as well:

"We hear an awful lot from conservatives in the Bible Belt and on the TV about how we all should be living. Certainly a culture that teaches the conservative religious values of the Christian right must have clean living written all over it. And lots of ripe fruit from their morally superior lives abounding."

"It doesn't. Far from it. People that talk the loudest may be the ones walking the slowest. Joining its history of Biblically correct bigotry and discrimination, it is an area with the highest divorce, murder, STD/HIV/AIDS, teen pregnancy, single parent homes, infant mortality, and obesity rates in the nation. As a region, the Bible Belt has the poorest health care systems and the lowest rates of high school graduation." 12

Variation in divorce rates by age:
Age group % have been divorced
Baby boomers (33 to 52 years of age) 34%
Builders (53 to 72 years of age) 37%
Seniors (above 72 years of age) 18%

Many seniors were married in the late 40's or early 50's at a time when divorce rates were much lower than they are today.

Variation in divorce rates by location:

The Barna Group study found:
Area % are or have been divorced
South 27%
Midwest 27%
West 26%
Northeast 19%

The Associated Press computed divorce statistics from data supplied by the U.S. Census Bureau and the National Center for Health.4 They found that Nevada had the highest divorce rate, at 8.5 divorces per 1,000 people in 1998. Nevada has had a reputation as a quickie divorce location for decades. People from other states visited Nevada, fulfilled their residency requirements, got divorced and returned home single.

The data showed that the highest divorce rates were found in the Bible Belt. "Tennessee, Arkansas, Alabama and Oklahoma round out the Top Five in frequency of divorce...the divorce rates in these conservative states are roughly 50 percent above the national average" of 4.2/1000 people.
bullet 11 southern states (AL, AR, AZ, FL, GA, MS, NC, NM, OK, SC and TX averaged 5.1/1000 people. (LA data is not available; TX data is for 1997).
bullet Nine states in the Northeast (CT, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT) averaged only 3.5/1000 people.

Some of the factors that contribute to a high divorce rate in the Bible Belt, relative to Northeastern states are:
bullet More couples enter their first marriage at a younger age.
bullet Average household incomes are lower (OK and AR rate 46th and 47th in the U.S.)
bullet They have a lower percentage of Roman Catholics, a denomination that does not recognize divorce. Anthony Jordan, executive director of the Southern Baptist Convention in Oklahoma commented: "I applaud the Catholics," says Jordan. "I don't think we as Protestant evangelists have done nearly as well preparing people for marriage. And in the name of being loving and accepting, we have not placed the stigma on divorce that we should have."
bullet Some factor in conservative Protestantism -- which is prevalent in the Bible Belt -- may causes a higher level of divorce.

Associated Press' confirmation of Barna's results:

The Associated Press analyzed divorce statistics from the US Census Bureau. They found that Massachusetts had the lowest divorce rate in the U.S. at 2.4 per 1,000 population. Texas had the highest rate at 4.1 per 1,000. They found that the highest divorce rates are found in the "Bible Belt."

According to the Boston Globe:

"The AP report stated that 'the divorce rates in these conservative states are roughly 50 percent above the national average of 4.2 per thousand people.' The 10 Southern states with some of the highest divorce rates were Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas. By comparison nine states in the Northeast were among those with the lowest divorce rates: Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont."

One reason for the higher divorce rates in the Bible Belt may be the lower percentage of Roman Catholics in the South. Their denomination does not recognize divorce. Other reasons could be related more to culture than religion:
bullet Couples in the South enter their first marriages at a younger age.
bullet Family incomes in the South are lower.
bullet Educational attainment is lower in the South: One in three Massachusetts residents have completed college. while only 23% of Texans have. 11

Sponsored links:

Divorce among Protestant clergy:

A 1997-AUG survey by Barna among 601 senior Protestant pastors revealed that the vast majority are married (95%). Only 13% have ever gone through a divorce. This is about half of the rate among the general population. "Just 3% of all current senior pastors are divorced and have not remarried." 6

Divorce among members of the Unification Church:

Michael Inglis, a member of the Unification Church staff, reported on 2000-MAR-28 the results of a survey of some of the couples who were married in two mass marriage blessing ceremonies during 1982. One was in New York City and involved 2,075 couples; the other was in Seoul Korea and involved 6,000 couples. In most, the founder of the church, Reverend Moon, paired up the couples. Participants in the study were chosen from among those individuals who had worked in the U.S. If the 294 subjects, 48% were American citizens, 24% Japanese, 14% Europeans, and 14% other. Inglis found that:
bullet 82.6% were still married to their original partner.
bullet 17.4% were divorced from their original partner. 3

Data from the Unification Church compares very favorably with those from all other faith groups. This is in spite of the couples having known each other for a only a very short interval before marriage.

One factor that may have contributed to their marriage stability is that the couples averaged 2.52 children, compared with the American average of 1.6. A 1977 study showed that divorce in America is most common in families with large families and among those that are childless; a moderate number of children contributes to marital stability. 13 Another study in the same year stated that "divorce and separation rates are moderately lower for those who have children than for the childless." 14

Combating the high divorce rate:

In 1999, the National Center for Policy Analysis (NCPA) reported that in the U.S.:
bullet Nationally, there were about 4.2 divorces for every thousand people in 1998.
bullet The rate was 8.5 per thousand in Nevada, 6.4 in Tennessee, 6.1 in Arkansas, 6.0 in Alabama and Oklahoma.
bullet Of southeastern states, only South Carolina's rate of 3.8 was below the national average.
bullet By contrast, the divorce rate is less than 3.0 in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York. 15

In the same year, Mike Huckabee, governor of Arkansas, declared a "marital emergency." His goal was to halve the divorce rate in his state by 2010, from 6.1 per 1,000 people per year to about 3. Frank Keating, governor of Oklahoma also initiated a campaign to reduce the divorce rate in his state by a third by 2009, from 6.0 to about 4. 4,5

By the end of 2001, Huckabee's program in Arkansas appeared to be a failure. The divorce rate had increased to 6.6 per 1,000 people per year. Arkansas state ranked 46th in the nation. By the end of 2004, the rate had dropped slightly to 6.3 -- still higher that the value when the program began.

By the end of 2001, Oklahoma's program appears to be a success. Their divorce rate was 3.4.

Some of the approaches being used by governments and religious groups to reduce the divorce rate are:
bullet Pre-marital counseling for engaged couples. Some clergy now refuse to marry a couple unless they have completed such a course. The Roman Catholic church has done this for many years.
bullet Encouraging couples to accept mediation before deciding to divorce.
bullet Adding public school courses that discuss values and relationships.
bullet Introducing covenant marriages which are more difficult to get into and more difficult to get out of, in comparison with regular marriages.

References:

The following information sources were used to prepare and update the above essay. The hyperlinks are not necessarily still active today.

1. "Christians are more likely to experience divorce than are non-Christians," Barna Research Group, 1999-DEC-21, at: http://www.barna.org/ Barna no longer has this report online. However, a review of the report is at: http://www.adherents.com/
2. AANews, Posting #699, issued by American Atheists on 2000-JAN-2.
3. Michael Inglis, "Survey of the Unification Church 1982 marriages," at: http://www.unification.net/
4. "Bible belt has nation's worse divorce rate," CNN.com, 1999-NOV-12. Online at: http://www.cnn.com/ (Cache copy as of 2000-FEB-11. The page has since expired.) A similar report is at: http://www.divorcereform.org/
5. David Crary, "Deep in the Bible Belt, a counterattack on the nation's worst divorce rate," Detroit News, 1999-NOV-11, at: http://detnews.com/
6. "Survey provides profile of Protestant Pastors," 1998-JAN-6, at: http://www.barna.org/
7. "Divorce statistics collection: Summary of findings so far," Americans for Divorce Reform, at: http://www.divorcereform.org/
8. "Fresh Thinking Needed on Divorce Issues," Jesus Journal, at: http://www.jesusjournal.com/
9. John Rossomando, "Born-Again Christians No More Immune to Divorce Than Others, Says Author," CNSNews, 2002-JAN-21, at: http://www.cnsnews.com/
10. Donald Hughes, "The Divorce Reality." 109 pages. This is an eBook written from a positive, conservative Christian. It can be purchased and then downloaded from Theatron Media at: www.Bookstore.TheatronMedia.com
11. William V. D'Antonio, "Walking the walk on family values," The Boston Globe, 2004-OCT-31, at: http://www.boston.com/
12. James Veverka, "The moral hypocrisy of the Bible Belt," Stop The Religious Right, undated, at: http://www.stopthereligiousright.org/
13. Arland Thornton, "Children and Marital Stability," Journal of Marriage and the Family, Vol. 39, #3, 1977-AUG, Pages 531-539. Abstract at: http://www.eric.ed.gov/
14. Aandrew Cherlin, "The effect of children on marital dissolution," Demography©, Vol. 14, #3, 1977-AUG, Pages 265 to 272. Abstract at: http://links.jstor.org/
15. "Bible Belt Leads U.S. In Divorces," National Center for Policy Analysis, 1999-NOV-19, at: http://www.ncpa.org/
16. "U.S. state divorce rates...including 2004 data." Divorce Reform, at: http://www.divorcereform.org/

Copyright © 2000 to 2009 by Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance
Originally written: 2000-APR-27
Latest update: 2009-JUL-20
Author: B.A. Robinson

When God Says No

2009-08-07T07:19:00.000-07:00

Five ways God can answer your prayers.

BY: Luis Palau

Over the years, I've discovered from Scripture and experience that God loves to answer our prayers. Here are five of his most frequent answers:

1. "No, I love you too much."

The Lord of the universe isn't under obligation to say "yes" to every prayer. That's a good thing considering some of the things we request!

But sometimes God says "no" to our most heartfelt requests. Have you discovered this to be true in your own life? I certainly have. When my friend Diane started losing her hearing. When my mother-in-law came down with polio. When my nephew contracted AIDS.

I would be known as Luis Palau Jr. if it weren't for the fact that God said "no" to my most earnest childhood prayers. Shortly after my tenth birthday, my father, Luis Palau Sr., contracted bronchial pneumonia and died ten days later.

Death became, to me, the most undeniable reality under heaven. Everything else can be rationalized and wondered about and discussed, but death is there, staring you in the face. It's real. It happens. Even to the most godly people. No matter how hard we pray. Why? Because we still live in a fallen world.

I've been reminded of this repeatedly since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on America. Tens of thousands of lives were spared. But God said "no" to thousands of other prayers. Will good come of their deaths? I believe so.

Without a doubt, the death of my father has had more impact on my ministry than anything else in my entire life, besides my own conversion to Jesus Christ. My wish and desire is that people get right with God, settle the big question, and die happy, knowing...like my father...that they will be with Jesus, "which is better by far" (Philippians 1:23).

Does that mean we shouldn't bother to pray? Just the opposite.

Over the years, traveling throughout the world, I've discovered four other ways God frequently answers prayer. Believe me, He loves to say "yes!"

2. "Yes, but you'll have to wait."

Listen to clips from Luis Palau's DC Festival
Immediate answers to prayer. You want them. I want them. But God simply does not always work that way. And to get His best, we must be patient. In some cases, we must wait until 11:59 for His answer to come.

Phil Callaway didn't know what to say when his young children asked if Mommy was going to die. His wife, Ramona, suffered horrible seizures.

Hundreds of friends and relatives prayed, but Ramona's weight eventually slipped to ninety pounds. Medical specialists tried everything, but by the fall of 1996, the seizures were occurring daily, sometimes hourly.

Phil rarely left Ramona's side. He wondered if she would even make it to her thirtieth birthday. One evening, when things looked utterly hopeless, Phil paced their dark backyard, then fell to his knees. "God!" he cried out. "I can't take it anymore. Please do something!"

As he stood, a doctor's name came to mind. Phil called the doctor, who saw Ramona the next morning and diagnosed a rare chemical deficiency.

Within a week, Ramona was a different person. The seizures ended. Her eyes lit up with the sparkle that had first attracted Phil to her. The miracle was so incredible Phil says, "God gave me back my wife."

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you" (Matthew 7:7).

3."Yes, but quite different from how you thought I would answer."

Have you ever asked God to use you? If so, expect the unexpected!

National Football League running back Sherman Smith, the Sherman Tank, stood six feet four inches tall and packed two hundred twenty-five pounds of the most muscle you'd ever want to tackle. His reputation for bowling over defensive linesmen raised his celebrity to near-cult status in the Pacific Northwest, where he played for the Seattle Seahawks. He was treated like royalty.

Then, without warning, the Seahawks traded their most popular player to the San Diego Chargers. Everything changed overnight for this running back whose Christian faith was as rock solid as his rib cage. He wasn't with the Chargers for more than a few weeks when he blew out his knee. While in rehabilitation, he wondered, Lord, why did you ship me to San Diego?

But while his knee mended, Sherman had the opportunity to lead one of his teammates to the Lord. That converted party-man, Miles McPherson, has since become an outstanding youth evangelist who reaches tens of thousands each year.

Why was Sherman traded to San Diego? He now knows God wanted to use him, all right!

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5-6).

4. "Yes, and here's more!"

Ever wonder if the Lord knows what you want and need?

Australian David Smallbone felt God leading him to promote Christian concerts. He started in a country where Christianity had taken root among only five percent of the people. When too few fans filled seats during one major tour, however, David took a $250,000 bath in red ink.

Creditors swiftly repossessed his home, and the father of six looked for work elsewhere. A top artist offered him a job in Nashville, so the Smallbones sold their furniture and other possessions and purchased tickets to America.

A few weeks after they arrived in the U.S., however, David was informed that his position was no longer available. He literally could not get out of bed for several days. Then he and his wife explained what happened to the children. They got on their knees and asked God to help them.

Listen to clips from Luis Palau's DC Festival
Then the most interesting things happened. God provided bags of groceries, a mini van, and odd jobs. Then the biggest surprise of all...a recording contract for David's oldest daughter, Rebecca, age fifteen. She recorded her first album using an old family name, St. James.

Flash forward to today. David promotes his own daughter's sold-out concerts. Rebecca St. James has become one of the hottest Christian artists in America. Christianity Today magazine has named her one of the top fifty up-and-coming evangelical leaders under age forty. We love asking her to sing at our evangelistic festivals around the country.

All along...no surprise...God knew what he was doing!

"For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future'" (Jeremiah 29:11).

5. "Yes, I thought you'd never ask."

Many people think prayer is complicated. Actually, the simplest prayer can bring you the miracle you need, when you need it.

After a serious fall, an older gentleman named Luke Mulder prayed to receive Jesus Christ. He then prayed for his wife, Clara, who was visiting her sister in California. That very same day Clara heard a Gospel presentation and trusted Christ.

Christian cartoonist Ron Wheeler dreamed of creating evangelistic tracts, but he needed a new computer. He did his homework, found out what he needed, and started to pray. Two weeks later, a friend called Ron out of the blue and offered him a new computer...the exact model Ron had been praying about. Shortly after setting up the computer, Ron received a phone call from American Tract Society asking him to design a whole series of evangelistic cartoon tracts.

My friends Esteban and Carmela Tosoni were driving one of the highest mountain passes in the world when their car broke down at dusk. They were twenty miles from the nearest town. So the Tosoni family prayed for God to send help. When they opened their eyes, a mechanic appeared out of nowhere, walked straight over to their car, immediately asked if he could help, fixed their gas filter, then departed.

Christian fasting - what does the Bible say?

2009-08-07T07:14:00.000-07:00

Question: "Christian fasting - what does the Bible say?"

Answer: Scripture does not command Christians to fast. God does not require or demand it of Christians. At the same time, the Bible presents fasting as something that is good, profitable, and beneficial. The book of Acts records believers fasting before they made important decisions (Acts 13:4, 14:23). Fasting and prayer are often linked together (Luke 2:37; 5:33). Too often, the focus of fasting is on the lack of food. Instead, the purpose of fasting should be to take your eyes off the things of this world to focus completely on God. Fasting is a way to demonstrate to God, and to ourselves, that we are serious about our relationship with Him. Fasting helps us gain a new perspective and a renewed reliance upon God.

Although fasting in Scripture is almost always a fasting from food, there are other ways to fast. Anything given up temporarily in order to focus all our attention on God can be considered a fast (1 Corinthians 7:1-5). Fasting should be limited to a set time, especially when fasting from food. Extended periods of time without eating can be harmful to the body. Fasting is not intended to punish the flesh, but to redirect attention to God. Fasting should not be considered a “dieting method” either. The purpose of a biblical fast is not to lose weight, but rather to gain deeper fellowship with God. Anyone can fast, but some may not be able to fast from food (diabetics, for example). Everyone can temporarily give up something in order to draw closer to God.

By taking our eyes off the things of this world, we can more successfully turn our attention to Christ. Fasting is not a way to get God to do what we want. Fasting changes us, not God. Fasting is not a way to appear more spiritual than others. Fasting is to be done in a spirit of humility and a joyful attitude. Matthew 6:16-18 declares, “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

Recommended Resource: A Hunger for God by John Piper.

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Can I Abstain

2009-08-07T07:06:00.000-07:00

Q:

I'm a Christian teenage girl practicing abstinence. I have a boyfriend who has the same morals as me and who also wants to wait until marriage to have sex. My question for you is this; is oral sex the same as sexual intercourse? Does it count as having sex? If we have oral sex are we still virgins?

A:

This is a very difficult question to answer, both biologically speaking and in a religious context. These pages may help you figure out where you stand on the issue:
http://teenadvice.about.com/library/weekly/aa072300a.htm
http://brainphysics.com/guide/sexuality.html#notsex

Biologically speaking, sexual intercourse is a sex act between a male and a female that involves penile and vaginal contact, often indicated by a broken hymen in females. But this is a very outdated way of thinking. I ask you, if you have oral sex every night and the next girl has sexual intercourse once a week (both in the context of a loving and committed relationship), who is really less "pure" as far as sexual experimentation?

Let me pose another question to you? Does your faith caution you against ANY sexual activity or just intercourse? I was raised Protestant, and my understanding has always been that all lustful activity is frowned upon, making any sort of sexual act unacceptable. The Bible does clearly forbid all lustful actions and stating that any act entered into out of lust as a sin. It also says that "spilling a seed" for reasons other than procreation is wrong, suggesting that masturbation is also sinful. This is purely opinion, but my understanding of the Christian stand has always been that any sort of sexual contact that results in or is likely to result in orgasm counts as sex. I have also understood that all sexual of activity outside of marriage is unacceptable. A better source on the Christian perspective would probably be Brandon at Christian Teens.
http://christianteens.about.com

I think in this matter you need to follow your heart. I don't think that it is fair for me to tell you what is right and what is wrong, since only you have to face God and account for your actions. What is right for one person may not be right for another. I think it important that you know that sexual intercourse is not the only risky type of sexual activity. STDs can be passed without intercourse. See:
http://teenadvice.about.com/cs/stdsymptoms/index.htm

Oral sex is risky. You can't get pregnant, but almost every serious STD can be transmitted through this type of sexual activity. Oral sex is just as intimate as intercourse, it has the same emotional repercussions, and can have the same detrimental effects on relationships if it is entered into lightly. I urge you to give oral sex the same consideration you would intercourse and only try it if you want to. Do not give into pressure from your partner or feel you have to honor requests for oral sex because you are not ready for or interested in intercourse. Any sex act involves giving something of yourself to another person -- something you can never get back. Don't do anything you aren't 100% sure is right for you and your beliefs. If you are having any doubts, it is best to go without!

Pastors who Cheat on Their Wives: Dr. Betty Price Pens Book Titled "Warning To Ministers, Their Wives and Mistresses"

2009-08-07T06:59:00.000-07:00

The book, entitled "Warning To Ministers, Their Wives and Mistresses," is the provocative new book by Dr. Betty Price, wife of Apostle Frederick K.C. Price.

Price is the pastor of bicoastal mega-church Crenshaw Christian Center in Los Angeles. Together they have built Ever Increasing Faith television ministry.

Price said she wrote "Warning" to help prevent pastoral sexual infidelity. But the warning should be heeded by all leaders including pastors, celebrities and politicians.

"All of the ministers I know who've cheated on their wives, their lives were cut short. And I've seen it happen to ministers of all ethnicities. When you live an immoral life, you're doing what Galatians 6:7 says. God is not mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap. You are sowing seeds of death and destruction when you commit adultery because you're betraying something very sacred. Your oath to God and your spouse."

Price's book also reveals personal trials with women who have tried to tempt her high-profile charismatic husband. Although they were cunning, Price said none has caused her husband to fall short of his commitment to God or herself. As a highly respected first lady thousands of women have shared their stories with Price. So her book is full of real-life accounts.

Can You See Blessings

2009-08-06T19:40:00.000-07:00

Many of us look for blessings in how much we have accumlated. we beleive blessing come in forms of receiving. It is somewhat easy to except when good things happen. We feel we are in good standing with God. What is good standing. Is there such a thing?
God is supreme. God is soverign. He's righteous. He's kind. He's patient, and His mercy endureth forever. If God is all these things and an eternity of more, why is it so hard to see the blessings when things don't seem as"good."
Come on saints, let's hear some church mess.

Christian Pakistanis, Called "America's Dogs," Have Long History Of Persecution In Punjab

2009-08-06T19:33:00.000-07:00

After eight people were burnt alive, over 50 houses destroyed and a church desecrated in the village of Gojra, Pakistani Christians have expressed their rage and frustration. There have been nationwide protests, and Christian schools across Pakistan were closed for three days from the 3rd of August.

"We are closing the schools to show our anger and concern," Bishop Sadiq Daniel said. "We want the government to bring all perpetrators of the crime to justice."

Interestingly enough, these schools are not restricted to the Christian community. A large portion of this country's elite attends these schools that were established in the 19th century. Convents such as St Patrick's High School and St Joseph's Convent, run by the Catholic Church, are considered to be prestigious educational institutes.

The province of Punjab has long been at the heart of assaults on Pakistani Christians. The Christians of Pakistan are the largest religious minority in the country. In 2008, they were estimated to make up about 1 percent of the population, but Christian leaders argue the number is closer to 5 percent. More than 90 percent of the country's Christians live in Punjab, which makes them the largest religious minority in the province.

The Daily Times points out that:

'Charges of blasphemy and desecration of the Quran are "used" against them, but the latter is used against them collectively, followed by organized dispossession and destruction of property.'

(As was the case in Gojra.)

Many argue that Punjabi landowners, some of the most influential and affluent people in Pakistan, who constitute a large part of the political elite, use the blasphemy law to usurp properties owned by Christians. The law states that anyone insulting the Quran or Prophet Mohammad is subject to life imprisonment or death. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has repeatedly demanded the repeal of the law on the grounds that it can be used for sectarian witch-hunts.

The British brought in the blasphemy law during the colonial rule, but amendments introduced by the military ruler, General Zia-ul-Haq, have made it an instrument of religious discrimination and persecution.

Just a couple of months ago, it was reported that the Christians of Kasur, a village also situated in Punjab, were similarly threatened by the Muslims of the area. Over a hundred families had to flee into fields in the middle of the night to escape a mob ready to burn down their homes. The allegation here too was blasphemy.

Roman Catholic Archbishop of Karachi Evarist Pinto held a press conference in Karachi where he said that 'the recurrence of such violent acts, coupled with the indifference of the security forces, was spreading feelings of insecurity amongst members of minority communities.'

Blogger Dr Awab Alvi, professional dentist and well-respected member of the Pakistan Twitter scene, tweeted an email sent out by Bishop Ijaz Inayat of Karachi's Holy Trinity Cathedral. In his email, the bishop asks 'why the police and the Agencies allow the situation to simmer in spite of a [very large] history of such incidents in Pakistan.'

Though thought to be defunct, extremist organizations like the Sipah-e-Sahaba, are still capable of instigating locals as we witnessed in Gojra. Witness accounts tell us that the masked men who arrived from the neighboring district of Jhang managed to gather a mob of hundreds. The HRCP claims that announcements were made from mosques to 'make mincemeat of the Christians.' This speaks of the street power of such extremist organizations and the mindset of the people. Nicholas D. Kristof has written in the New York Times about the 'creeping Talibanization' and how in his more recent travels to Punjab, he found it more troubled than in the past.

According to the Christian Science Monitor, Joseph Francis of the Christian National Party sees a link between violence against Christians and the US-led war in Afghanistan. The Muslim mob in Gojra had been incited with hate-speech that called Christians "America's dogs." He says, "Since 9/11, we've felt a lot more at risk. Whenever we have large gatherings or processions, we have to ask for police protection."

This is not the first time an attack on Pakistan's Christians has been linked to the US-led war on terror. In October 2001, over a dozen were killed at a Protestant church in Bahawalpur, once again a Punjabi town. Worshipers said that as the gunmen opened fire they declared Pakistan would become a graveyard of Christians to avenge deaths in Afghanistan. The timing of the attack made the connection all the more believable. Already vulnerable, Christian leaders had asked for protection before the United States launched its military offensive against Afghanistan.

Even though, Hindus, another minority group, are viewed as being synonymous with the projected archenemy, India, it is the Christians who are attacked again and again.

The Chief Minister of Punjab has assured that protection as well as compensation will be served to the victims of the Gojra tragedy while the perpetrators of the crime will be brought to justice, but Pakistani Christians are not satisfied. They are looking for a more permanent solution to their insecurity. Joseph Francis has said that a black day of mourning is to be observed on August 11, marked in Pakistani calendars as Minority Day.

Analyst and columnist, Cyril Almeida, claims that the government may be reluctant to take on extremist organizations like the Lashkar-e-Taiba and the Sipah-e-Sahaba despite the latter's links with al-Qaeda. "While the army is already tackling the Taliban, that is their first priority. They probably don't want to start another confrontation with organizations that are more sectarian in nature." He said this in the context of India's demands of Pakistan to take on Hafiz Saeed and his banned Lashkar-e-Taiba, which they believe to be behind last year's Mumbai attacks.

RACE OF JESUS?"

2009-08-04T06:11:00.000-07:00

The race of Jesus has been a hot button topic for years. We encourage readers to express their opinion at the end of this story (by clicking the comment link).

The race of Jesus has been a subject of debate since at least the 19th century. The physical appearance of Jesus of Nazareth was debated by theologians from early on in the history of Christianity, though with no explicit emphasis on race.

Different societies have depicted Jesus and most other biblical figures as their own ethnicity in their art; for example he is primarily white in the West. The current dominant opinion among historians and scientists is that he most likely a Galilean Jew and thus would have features which resemble modern-day persons of Middle Eastern or Semitic descent.

Others, however, have suggested other possible racial backgrounds. For some Christians the question is complicated by the belief that his birth was a unique miracle, an "incarnation in flesh of divine substance."

Your opinion?

SEX AND THE CHURCH

2009-08-02T21:12:00.000-07:00

When it comes to sex, today’s evangelical Christianity definitely is not your parents’ church. A generation ago, the three-letter s-word could hardly be whispered from the pulpit, and then only with a blush and the sour warning, “Don’t!“
After generations of silence, today's church leaders are speaking openly about sexuality.

© Ron Chapple Studios Dreamstime.com
Related
Links
http://www.familydynamics.net
http://www.songofsolomon.com
http://www.edyoung.com
My, how things have changed.
This past November, the Rev. Ed Young of Fellowship Church in Dallas drew nationwide attention when he challenged married couples in his congregation to have sex for seven straight days as a way of improving their relationships.
Many other prominent ministers also promote the raptures of physical love, and several travel the country offering wildly popular seminars on the Song of Solomon.
Outside the pulpit, on Christian Web sites, the good news gets downright purple. One site, themarriagebed.com, offers explicit advice on masturbation, oral sex and whether it's OK to videotape your lovemaking (in a word-yes). And a Web site called Book 22--the name is a reference to Song of Solomon, the Old Testament's 22nd book--sells everything from edible massage oils to vibrating "marital aids."
The underlying message might be described as: Have a blast!
Critics have decried all this as a sign the church is devolving into the hedonism of the larger, secular culture.
But in conversations with Everyday Christian, several Christian leaders who extol the benefits of sex argued the opposite. They all promote traditional standards, they said: that God created sex and instituted rules for it, that it should be confined to marriage, and that it's only one aspect of a relationship rather than the relationship's central purpose.
However, they said, Christians have long suffered from a vacuum of information about healthy, appropriate sexuality and from a conspiracy of silence based in prudishness, not in biblical truth.
A general decline in sexual morality
These leaders agreed that sexual morality in the United States has changed dramatically for the worse over the past few decades. The result, they said, has been a maelstrom of emotional pain: broken hearts, promiscuity, divorces, unplanned pregnancies, extramarital affairs, sexually transmitted diseases.
"Rather than the church influencing the culture, the culture has influenced the church to accept far too many of the destructive aspects of sex," said Dr. Andrew Boswell, director of crisis marriage programs at the Family Dynamics Institute in Franklin, Tenn., which teaches marriage-enrichment courses all over the United States.
Christians live in the same country as everyone else, said Kyle Idleman, teaching minister at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Ky., which draws 18,000 worshipers each weekend.
The church and the larger culture always move along "parallel lines," he said, in which Christian morality stays just a step above that of the secular society. As the standards of the broader culture have fallen, Christian standards have, too.
Idleman has taught on sex from Southeast Christian's pulpit and participates in two or three large Song of Solomon conferences each year.
"I would call it a need," he said. "I think the consequences of not doing things God's way in this have caught up with people."
Similarly, Tommy Nelson, senior pastor of Denton Bible Church, a 5,000-member congregation in Texas, said that 50 years ago American society as a whole believed sex ought to be reserved for marriage.But today's churchgoers, he said, have grown up in a world in which premarital sex, cohabitation before marriage, pornography and homosexuality are accepted as norms. About one-in-four girls and one-in-six boys are sexually exploited.
When couples come to his church's staff for pre-marriage counseling, Nelson said, it's not uncommon for the ministers to find the couple are already living together. And the ministers rarely encounter a couple in which both the man and woman were raised in intact families with two biological parents who remained married to each other.
"So the consensus doesn't work anymore," Nelson said.
He used to travel the country teaching 10 six-hour conferences a year on the Song of Solomon. Those events typically drew 1,000 to 2,500 people, sometimes more.
"I got tired," he said. "I just ran out of juice about three years ago."
Still, if a minister today isn't willing to address sex forthrightly, Nelson said, "you'd better be Amish. Your church is going to fold if you don't speak to it."
Walking a fine line
Discussions of sex always run the risk of making people uncomfortable-especially when they're sitting in church pews.
A controversy has arisen in some quarters over how plain-spoken church leaders ought to be when they talk about this subject. That is, how can they address intimate issues in terms explicit enough to be helpful but without crossing a line into titillation?
Dr. David Tolliver, executive director of the Missouri Baptist Convention in Jefferson City, Mo., said he's bothered by a trend toward increasing frankness about sex from pastors.
"I don't think vulgarity has any place in the pulpit," he said. For some ministers, "it's kind of a shock-jock sort of thing."
He's not against sermons on the Song of Solomon or sexual morality per se.
"You cross the line when you use particular words," he said, referring to slang terms for body parts or certain acts.
When he was a pastor, Tolliver preached in favor of sexual abstinence among unmarried teenagers and fidelity within marriage, but he had limits on what he'd say.
In one such sermon, "I said, ‘I enjoy sex with my wife . . . and that's as much detail as you're going to get out of me.' "
Mainly, though, the church leaders who spoke with Everyday Christian said they've received few if any criticisms for their teachings.
"We do not eroticize our explanations of sex," said Terry Northcutt, a colleague of Andrew Boswell at the Family Dynamics Institute. "We discuss sex in the safe, secure confines of a healthy marriage, showing how God designed sexual union to be a beautiful expression of love, respect, appreciation, intimacy and commitment."
Idleman, of Louisville's Southeast Christian, announces ahead of time when he'll be talking about sex, so those who might be offended will know what to expect.
"I've received a few criticisms at different times, but that's true of many subjects," he said.
Far more common, Idleman said, are the elderly women who come up to him after such sermons. Often they have tears in their eyes. They say they wish someone had told them how to have a joyful sexual relationship when they were newlyweds.
Nelson of Denton Bible Church thinks church leaders shouldn't worry about those who criticize them for talking openly about sexuality.
"If you have to run the risk of being too much, go ahead and be too much," he said.
The church has been way too timid on this subject for far too long, he said. As a result, Christians' lives and relationships have suffered terrible damage.
"Go ahead and be strong," Nelson said. "It's no use being an armored soldier if you don't go where the battle is raging."

Not Easily Broken

2009-08-01T21:24:00.000-07:00

Bishop T.D. Jakes movie is kinda “easily broken”
Posted on January 10, 2009 by hiscrivener
There is a new movie in a theater near you based on a book by Bishop T.D. Jakes, “Not Easily Broken.”

Have you read the book? No? Here’s HiScrivener’s synopsis:
There’s this L.A. preacher named Albert Hall (played stoically and remarkably by Jakes), and warming his pews is a lovely couple, Dave (played by Morris Chestnut, Ricky from the iconic “Boyz N The Hood”) and Clarice (played by Taraji P. Henson, Whitney Rome from “Boston Legal”).
The two lovebirds in public are rapidly drifting apart in private, and it all started with a tragic car wreck that ruined Dave’s hopeful shot at a baseball career.
Of course, it doesn’t help that his wife is oblivious to his feelings, not at all interested in having a baby and has a mother (played by Jenifer Lewis, who used to crack me up as Aunt Helen in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”) who is an emasculating wench who likes her love served up cold and bitter. Vicious!
So, in the spirit of dual-overtone compensation (both for the game and the child), Dave coaches little league baseball and hangs out with his two “bros”, the ubiquitous and overrated casanova (played by Eddie Cibrian, known as the great Jimmy Doherty on “Third Watch”) and the generic vociferous and droll second banana (played by Kevin Hart, known as the host of BET’s “One Night Stand”).
And of course, Dave is the habitual yet flimflam character who waxes philanthropic by mentoring an ex-con and harmonic by befriending… [cue horror music]… the white, single mother.
Plot plays out the way you think: Mom and wifey discover the error of their misguided ways, Hubby has a “Come to Jesus” meeting and looks at himself in the mirror (without his shirt nonetheless) and the boys chill the freak out and become the friends they should. Happily Ever After. The End.
Now, while there are obviously some redemptive messages and a universal theme that would make Jesus proud, Dave’s wife and mother-in-law are so over the top. I mean, it’s vexatious. Almost like they are both Lorena Bobbitt eagerly suiting Dave up for a good night’s sleep. Tense.
What’s refreshing is the relationship between Dave and “the white girl” is wholesome and not some surriptious means to assuage white guilt, which can be seen on oh, more than a thousand movies. News Flash: Some of us actually can and do get along! At least that is what I learned in a certain fraternity espousing brotherhood. Anywhoo…
The movie has an adept cast who can weave a verbal tapestry of comic relief, dramatic nuance and thought-provoking dialogue… if only they were given a chance throughout the entire film, which (forgive the pun) has a script that seems “broken”.
Yet, through it all, you understand needing open communication, having a tight circle of friends, maintaining introspective honesty with self and God, allowing transparency in a godly marriage and throughout it all, realizing why dogmatic truths work in a relationship. No condemnatory finger pointing, just a fleeting glance of what you can have, if only you believe in God enough to try.

There has been a lot of debate as to weather Jakes retreated behind maybe a worldly demeanor to produce this movie. Some say too much profanity and sexual connotation. As Christians are we to carry the light at all times. the old cliche says "if you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything." Did Jakes miss the mark. Let's hear some Church Mess

Name Of the Antichrist

2009-08-01T21:15:00.000-07:00

TESTING THE FAITHDid Jesus actually reveal name of the 'antichrist'?Viral video makes Hebrew word connection to latest White House occupant
Posted: July 30, 20099:50 pm Eastern
By Joe Kovacs© 2009 WorldNetDaily
For centuries, many have wondered about the identity of a biblical leader who will do Satan the devil's bidding, trying to thwart the plans of Jesus Christ shortly before His prophesied return to Earth.

That character has come to be known as "the antichrist," even though the Bible never uses that word to describe any single person.
Now, after endless speculation suggesting Presidents John F. Kennedy, Franklin Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush could possibly be the End Times Bad Boy, there's a new viral video placing the current occupant of the White House into the club.
An American Christian has produced a brief film for YouTube that connects one statement by Jesus in the Gospel of Luke to President Barack Obama.
His 4-minute video focuses on the direct quote: "I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven." (Luke 10:18)
"When I started doing a little research, I found the Greek word for 'lightning' is 'astrape', and the Hebrew equivalent is 'Baraq,'" said YouTube contributor "ppsimmons," a self-described Christian with a theological education and many years in the ministry, who spoke to WND under condition of anonymity out of concern for members of his local church. "I thought that was fascinating."
As he continued looking into the rest of the words in the phrase, he focused on "heaven," and found that it can refer not just to God's dwelling place, but also "the heights" or "high places."
He then recalled Isaiah 14:14, where Lucifer, another name for Satan, is quoted as saying, "I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High."
"I wondered what the word 'heights' is," said ppsimmons, "and I looked it up in the dictionary, and it's 'Bamah.'"
Thus, on the video, the announcer notes, "If spoken by a Jewish rabbi today, influenced by the poetry of Isaiah, He (Jesus) would say these words in Hebrew ... 'I saw Satan as Baraq Ubamah.'"
"Gosh, was Jesus giving us a clue or was this just a freak coincidence?" thought the filmmaker at the time of his research.
Find out everything you always wanted to know about the devil but were too afraid to ask (plus hundreds of other amazing Bible facts) in the best-selling book that champions the absolute truth of Scripture, "Shocked by the Bible: The Most Astonishing Facts You've Never Been Told" -- personally autographed!
"I want to emphasize I'm not ashamed of what I put there," he told WND. "I'm not proclaiming he is the antichrist, or that I'm some kind of a Hebrew expert, but the word associations are indisputable. The Hebrew word for lightning is 'Baraq' and the word for heights or high places is 'Bamah.'"
The movie has a prominent disclaimer stressing the film does not declare "BHO" [Barack Hussein Obama] to be the antichrist, but is merely pointing out the Hebrew words and their "striking" correlations to Jesus' statement.
Obama is far from being the first public figure to have his identity tied to Bible prophecy. For instance, President Reagan was considered by some to be a potential merely because each of his names – Ronald Wilson Reagan – has six letters, prompting some to think of 666, the "number of the beast" in the Book of Revelation.
Modern books such as "Naming the Antichrist: The History of an American Obsession" and "Antichrist: Two Thousand Years of the Human Fascination with Evil" have chronicled a wide variety of other suspects including Henry Kissinger, Adolf Hitler, Saddam Hussein, Italy's Benito Mussolini, Juan Carlos of Spain, Israel's Moshe Dayan, Egypt's Anwar Sadat, the Rev. Sun Myung Moon, Elvis Presley and ex-Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, perhaps for his famous birthmark on his head that some thought could be "the mark" of the beast mentioned in Revelation.
When WND asked if people should take the video seriously or with a grain of salt, its producer said, "I take the middle road. I don't take it with a grain of salt, but I don't use the Bible like a Ouija board either. It's not like a magical crystal ball. Clear prophecy is one thing. Making word associations is another. Just look at it. I wouldn't take it super serious and say that's the proof we need. It's a little weird."

I'M IN LOVE WITH A STRIPER

2009-08-01T20:52:00.000-07:00

When one thinks of love, he or she thinks of passion, selflessness, matrimony, bliss, sharing. who determines who one falls in love with. who determines the hair color, the facial structure, the height, name, etc. Who determines the wealth or worth of an individual. what happens when one falls for someone that seems, to everyone else, trouble.

When their circumstance isn't enough to sever the love kindled. Hosea fell for a woman that was a harlot. Gomer was what we would consider a prostitute, a street walker. She was not the kind of lady a man bring home to momma, or was she. God told Hosea to go and take up unto thee a wife of whoredom. Hosea did what thus saith the Lord. Hosea could not control this woman. Hosea wanted to give up on her, but God refused to release him to do so. Hosea discovered a type of love that only God could kindle.

If you were in the shoes of Hosea could you continue to love someone that don't want to be loved? come on saints. Let's hear some Church Mess.

Christian Success Story That Blesses

2009-08-01T13:47:00.000-07:00

You can almost picture the Hollywood studio execs scratching their heads.

Kirk Cameron stars in "Fireproof," a new film by the Kendricks brothers whose proceeds for the film go to their church.(Courtesy Samuel Goldwyn Films)
A film that was made for $500,000, relied more on word of mouth than television and print ads, and is headlined by an actor best known for a 1980s television show, opens at No. 4 in the country and rakes in $6.8 million in ticket sales.
"Where did this come from? We didn't see this on the radar," actor Kirk Cameron imagined the execs saying. "What is 'Fireproof?'"

After this week, few will be left wondering. The Christian-themed film, which stars Cameron as a firefighter whose marriage is on the rocks, is the latest aimed at the 80-million strong evangelical audience. And, like the instant popularity of Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin, it's a sign that the strength of the evangelical community has not waned.
"We just smiled," Cameron, the former "Growing Pains" star, told ABCNews.com, referring to himself and the filmmakers. "We knew that no one would expect it to do well."
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WATCH: Kirk Cameron 'Still Growing'

From Child Star to Jesus Enthusiast
The film exceeded even the filmmakers' expectations. They were hoping to make $3 million or $4 million and crack the top 10 when the film opened last weekend. Instead, they topped the Coen Brothers' "Burn After Reading," with Brad Pitt and George Clooney, in its third week, and Spike Lee's "Miracle at St. Anna," which made only $3.5 million in its opening weekend.
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Even more impressive, "Fireproof" opened on only 839 screens, which makes its per screen average of $8,100 second only to last weekend's No. 1 movie, Shia LaBeouf's critically panned "Eagle Eye," which was in 3,500 theaters.
"That's reason to praise God," said Alex Kendrick, the director of "Fireproof."
Kendrick co-wrote the script with his younger brother Stephen, who also produced the film. Together, they've made three films and have become known as the "Christian Coen Brothers."
"We tried to make a movie that speaks to your middle-American family and couple facing all the common issues in marriage," Alex Kendrick said. "Hollywood is good at reflecting the values and lifestyles of people in California and New York. But there are so many of us who have a standard of morality and faith that is rarely reflected in films coming out of Hollywood."

Can your marriage stand to be fireproofed?

The Dead Has Risen

2009-08-01T13:42:00.000-07:00

Aimee Herd from BREAKING CHRISTIAN NEWS:
The Dead Raised again! Woman, ALREADY WITH RIGOR MORTIS SET IN--Suddenly Comes Back to Life, Doctors Call it a "Medical Miracle"

"By the time she was found, her body had become stiff with rigor mortis."

(Charleston, West Virginia)--According to the AP report, West Virginia resident, Val Thomas' heart stopped last Saturday morning, and by the time she was found, her body had become stiff with rigor mortis. (Photo: AP)
Paramedics were able to revive her, but only after an estimated 15 minutes without oxygen or a pulse--she was rushed to an area hospital. During procedures to lower her body temperature, Val's heart stopped two more times.
The Thomas family was told by doctors that Val had only a 10 percent chance of survival. She went 17 ½ hours with no brain waves, while waiting for word on an organ donor recipient. The family made the decision to take her off life support.
Daniel Pence, Val's nephew said, "I prayed to God, 'Just show me something, I know there's something here,' but I didn't see it."
Some time after the life support tubes were removed from Val, she suddenly awoke. Doctors say, although her heart stopped three times, Val does not have any heart blockages. She was taken to Cleveland Hospital for further evaluation, but they could find nothing wrong with her--they are calling it a "medical miracle."
"I feel very blessed, I know God has something in store for me," says Val.
Another exciting aspect of this news, is seeing it reported by mainstream media outlets, such as: ABC News, Breitbart, and the AP/Yahoo News video, as well as the video on Fox News.
However, one fact that has not been mentioned before in other media reports is that a relative (niece-in-law) of Val, named Darla, had been prayed for by an attendee of the Lakeland Healing meetings in Florida. As this person prayed over Val's relative, she told her that there would be "healing, revival...and restoration in her family." At the time, the relative of Val Thomas did not know what she meant by that, but of course now, she is praising God for her Aunt Val's resurrection.
Says Darla, "Jesus stepped in when man stepped away--when doctors could do no more--Jesus did the rest."
But there is even more to this resurrection story; there is great fruit for the Kingdom of Heaven which has come from it.
We received the following report from Joni Ames, whose friend is a member of Val Thomas' church. Joni's friend writes: "Joni, the story is true. In fact, the lady (Val Thomas) was in the hospital; brain dead. They had already called the funeral home. The family had three relatives that were not saved. Two family members told God if He would allow her to live, they would give their life to God. The other was Val's 70-year-old brother who had already left the hospital after she died. When they took her off life support, and after she woke up, she wanted to know where her son was. So they phoned the brother to come back to hospital, and he hit his knees and gave his life to Christ too. The testimony was given Sunday morning at church and that's when the anointing broke out."
Already, three people have come to the Lord because this woman was brought back to life by the sovereign hand of God. What glorious fruit! There are reportedly numerous other resurrections of which have been testified during meetings in Lakeland. We at BCN and The ElijahList are working to confirm these, and hope to report them to our readers as soon as possible.

I Met God

2009-08-01T12:53:00.000-07:00

Once a Homeless Teen in Paris, Man Finds Jesus on a Street in India, and Returns to France to Start a Christian TV Station
"I am now running Holy God TV which started one-and-a-half years ago. It's the first twenty-four Christian TV in France broadcasting in both Tamil, French and English."
Dan Wooding/AH (Oct 17th, 2006)

Uthayakumar Gerard once lived as a homeless young man in Paris, a Tamil refugee from his native Sri Lanka. Unbeknownst to him at the time, God had a huge plan for this teenager, who seemed to have no hope, and no permanent shelter.
"I stayed on the streets of Paris without a home for more than three years," said Gerard. "At that time there were not a lot of Tamils who wanted to accept me into their households, so I slept on the streets without anybody to help me."
According to the ASSIST News article, his life began to change when a Catholic priest brought him in from the street. "His name was Gerard and he picked me up from the street one day and gave me a room and food and everything. After that, when I decided to stay on in France, I changed my surname to Gerard because this man literally saved my life."
That was the start of something big as, after studying to become a priest himself, he found the Lord on the streets of India, and returned to Paris to begin a much needed ministry of Christian broadcasting. Read his inspiring testimony, written by Dan Wooding, by foll

Too Young To Serve....?

2009-08-01T12:48:00.000-07:00

Following God's Lead – Nine-Year-Old Plans Trip to Africa to Bring Supplies to Children
"The Lord told me to go to Africa, just to help all the children, to give them supplies and money."

Sarah Brown/AH (Oct 17th, 2006)
Showing again there is no age limit to hear from God, nine-year-old Jaako Polkki, in Ontario, Canada is following through with what he feels the Lord told him to do. Back in May, a Guatemala-based missionary visited Thunder Bay Christian Fellowship, asking the children there, to think about where God might want to use them to help in the world.
"In May God told him he was to go to Africa, and when he told me I kind of just dismissed it," Jaako's mom, Sue Polkki admits. "He kept bugging me until I realized that this child is serious. He has heard from God and [is] taking action."
In January, 2007, Jaako plans to travel to Lilongwe, Malawi, with his mother, to deliver gifts to the poverty-stricken children there. Already he has begun to fill the many "Ziploc" bags he plans to bring, with crayons, and small toys, which will then be slipped into a cloth draw-string bag for delivery.
Jaako's goal is 1,000 bags, and he hopes to get other children involved in the project. Another and bigger goal the young missionary has is to raise $800,000 for the people of Malawi. "He is going to bring the children little 'Bags of Hope,' money to purchase needed items, and above all, he wants to share God's love with them," explains Sue. "Our church, Thunder Bay Christian Fellowship, is backing this trip, and all finances are being run through their books so that we are accountable to all."
According to an article in the Chronicle-Journal, Jaako's mother first found the task of raising money, and filling bags to be overwhelming. "Now I think it's amazing," she says.
For Jaako, it's simple: "The Lord told me to go to Africa, just to help all the children, to give them supplies and money."

A lot of youth believe they are too youngto do work for God. A lot of parents allow them to follow this misconception because we feel they got all their life to do God's will. Let's hear some church Mess.

And Still I Rise

2009-08-01T12:41:00.001-07:00

Pentecostal Prophetess Juanita Bynum has risen from the ashes like a phoenix rising.
Or at least it seems that way.

Just a little over a week after her alleged abuse spread like wildfire, the "beat up from the feet up" televangelist spoke publicly for the first time since the arrest of her husband -- and accused batterer -- Bishop Thomas W. Weeks, III.
The celebrated celebrity clergywoman addressed a throng of journalists Tuesday afternoon in Atlanta, saying it has been a difficult time for her but that she forgives Weeks and wishes him the best.
Just like the Christian doctrine states.
"I wouldn't say that I've been hiding," the popular gospel industry personality said. "I didn't feel the need that it be discussed publicly because some things you go through and you deal with it."
"Relationships are what they are. Relationships are difficult moments and until that night in the parking lot I realized it was more than just a difficult moment that this was a crisis and this was something that would be addressed."
To recap, Police say that during an Aug. 21 argument outside a hotel, Weeks choked Bynum, pushed her to the ground and started to kick and stomp on her.
Two days later he turned himself into authorities and now faces charges of aggravated assault and terroristic threats following the near fatal confrontation.
Bynum, a former anorexic, welfare recipient, and Pan-Am flight attendant, maintained that she did not want to be seen as a "damsel in distress."
"I believe that I represent every woman all over this world," she said. "In Africa, in Italy, there are woman all over the world that have experienced what I've been through. And I've taken a position. Instead of a victim, I want to become an advocate."
She wouldn't comment on whether she would assist in the prosecution of her husband, who is free on bond.
Known to many of her faithful flock as "Mother," "Sister," "Minister" and "Prophetess," the Chicago native later appeared on the TBN's 'Praise The Lord' program, a Christian talk show -- and reigned supreme.
On the show, Bynum said she had no bitterness toward Weeks -- who is due back in court Friday -- and would not say anything negative about him.

Many of us as christians can make mistakes and they seem to merly fade away. Some people are in the public eye, and we as christians always expect them to do what we aren't willing.It's easy to say what you will and will not do when you are not in that situtation. Why is that? Let's hear some Church Mess.

What Is Marriage 2?

2009-08-01T09:39:00.001-07:00

The overall consensus is that marriage is made in heaven, however true that particular statement is we must realize that marriages are maintained in this earthly setting. The newness and excitement of marriage can be eroded by daily routines, growing irritations, competing attractions of jobs and children, and by coping with multiple life problems.

Most couples develop intimate coping mechanisms to overcome these various aspects. Satisfaction of marriage fluctuates during the family life cycle and it is expected and at times needed. The problem occurs when the marital relationship does not have intimacy. Intimacy is defined as: a relationship of closeness, total honesty and trust with several dimensions. It includes social, sexual, intellectual, recreational, emotional, and spiritual intimacy. Many marriages suffer because of the lack of preparation for marriage, marriage is more than going to your local church and saying I do. Marriage is a life long commitment to God and your spouse and must be taken seriously. The lack of understanding and the lack of total honesty often degrades marriages. Once couples are married the false pretenses that some provide to attract their spouses began to fall away and the real person emerges, and some people don't recognize who they are actually married to. I hope these marriage post will help someone to better understand the institution of marriage.

Iseral and God's word

2009-07-31T04:32:00.000-07:00

The Bible and the State of Israelby Steve Hayner
Is the modern state of Israel the fulfillment of Biblical prophecy? Are the Jews "God's chosen people" and does God have a special plan for the Jews in Israel today? Do the Jews have an exclusive right to the land called Israel? But what does Bible actually say?

Old Testament is full of affirmation and wonder about God's choice of the nation of Israel to be his special people. He chose these people for the glorious purpose of being the nation through whom the Messiah would come for the whole world.
In Romans 9:4-5, Paul talks about his own heritage as a Jew and says that these people
are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; to them belong the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, comes the Messiah, who is over all, God blessed forever.
But these are the same people about whom Paul says that he now has "great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart" (Romans 9:2). He loves the people of Israel - the descendants of Abraham. There is no room for anti-Semitism, but Paul is concerned because they have not turned to Jesus.
Paul goes on to say that
... not all Israelites truly belong to Israel, and not all of Abraham's children are his true descendants; but 'It is through Isaac that descendants shall be named for you.' This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as descendants.
Paul is saying that the true Israel today is neither the Jews nor the modern Israelis, but rather believers in the Messiah, even if they are gentiles. Paul is even clearer in Romans 2:28ff.:
For a person is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is true circumcision something external and physical. Rather, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly, and real circumcision is a matter of the heart it is spiritual and not literal. Such a person receives praise not from others but from God. (See also Luke 3.7-8; John 8.3159; Matt. 21.43; Eph. 3:1-6.)
This perspective is actually in the Old Testament as well. The prophets rather consistently draw the distinction between those who are merely "born" as physical descendents of Abraham, and those who are true members of the covenant because of their obedience. The prophets insisted that God's choice of Israel to be the covenant people would not guarantee immunity from the judgment of God.
But what about the Promised Land? Does the Bible indicate that the Jews will one day return to the Promised Land? Many believers think so. And since this promise was never literally fulfilled after the Old Testament, these believers have looked forward to this return. Is that what happened in 1948 when the modern state of Israel came into being? And is the current expansion of Israel since the 1967 War continuing this process?
I would make a few observations:
The Old Testament promises about the Jews' return to the land are always accompanied by a description of their return to the Lord. It is hard to see how the secular and largely unbelieving State of Israel can possibly be a fulfillment of any of these prophecies. (Less than 20% of Israelis today even say they believe in God, and most of the Christians in Israel are actually Palestinians.)
The Old Testament promises concerning "the land" are nowhere repeated in the New Testament. There are promises that Jews will turn to Christ, but the land and Israel as a political entity are not mentioned.
The international community has given the Jews a homeland where they have a right to live in peace and security along with others who have been in that land for hundreds and hundreds of years. Even for those who believe that the Jewish people have some divine claim to reside in Palestine today (and such a claim is certainly not clear in the Bible), then the biblical mandate is that Israel must treat the residents of the land with justice and mercy. This has always been God's call. There is no biblical support for the notion that the land should belong to the Jews alone and that they should have a right to push the Palestinians out.
God cares about all the people in Israel/Palestine today. There is no biblical support for backing the Israeli government when it practices economic strangulation of Palestinians, confiscation of homes and lands, and the unjust violation of human rights. Neither is there biblical support for backing the reciprocal violence of the Palestinians. Jesus calls us to be peacemakers, to stand for justice, to love people of every ethnicity, to share God's love through Christ with the nations, and to extend help to those in need. Jesus calls us to pray for peace.
Unless otherwise noted, all materials on the urbana.org web site are Copyright InterVarsity Christian Fellowship / USA. All rights reserved.
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What do you think will happen with israel?

When I Get To Glory

2009-07-30T19:09:00.000-07:00

Many of us are fascinated with "eschatology" or the end times that we forget that we have to live on this earth. Focusing on heaven is not a bad idea, but we must also have a working knowledge of "soteriology" or the doctrine of salvation. If we are not saved then we can't enter into the kingdom of heaven. It puzzles me to hear people say what they plan to do when they get to heaven, and when I look at what they are currently doing it doesn't add up.

Jesus said in Matthew 25:21, "His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord." How can we anticipate God calling us a faithful servant when we have not done any serving? We have to serve God and man alike on our journey here on earth, and when we have prayed our last prayer, and sang our last hymn, we then can patiently await for our entrance into a house eternal in the heavens not made by man's hands. Jesus is coming back, so we should not try to wait until we get to heaven to live Holy. Be ye holy as God is holy.

Can We Pray

2009-07-30T04:37:00.000-07:00

Church Mess would like to create a community of prayer worriers. If you would like to be a Church Mess Prayer Worrier, just start. We ask that you comment in a prayer for whoever and about whatever you wish. Pray without ceasing.

What Is Our Responsibility To God

2009-07-28T14:23:00.000-07:00

Our responsibility to God is not a very complex situation at all. Genesis 1:26 states, "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth." The statement "in our image" points directly to the Trinity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost. We should be like God in the fact that He is a ruler, and He expects us to rule over the earth until Christ returns for His church without spot wrinkle or blemish.

God expects us to act just as he does precise and to the point. We are to act like Christ in our teaching, ensuring that everyone from the smallest child to the oldest adult knows about the goodness of God. In being like Christ, we must come to the conclusion that there is a certain undetermined amount of suffering that must take place, after all Christ died for the remission of our sins. When we think about behaving like the Holy Ghost, we must then be able to comfort one another just as the Holy Ghost does while we are awaiting the return of Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 states, "Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as ye do." We have been given the task to edify one another or build each other up, and not tear down one another. Paul provides a mandate to Christians in Romans 15:1 which states, "We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves."

Dead Zone

2009-07-27T18:01:00.000-07:00

Today i was driving back to work from a job when my phone rang. I answered it; it was my brother. As we talked i drove into a thicket of trees. I soon lost the signal, and my brother and i were disconnected. As i drove i asked myself i wonder what God says when the signal is dropped between He and His child. We will not tolerate faulty equipment. we will return phones, faxes, computers and etc inorder to stay connected. what can we do to ensure postive and undivided communication with God. come on saints. Let's hear some Church Mess!

What Is Marriage?

2009-07-27T13:37:00.002-07:00

What is marriage? This is question has endless answers depending on who you ask. I view marriage as the professing of undying love between a man and woman, who in turn has a union that symbolizes Christ's union with the church. Marriage is not an act of convience or companionship, because not only does one promise their spouse of undying love, but one also promises God. When a man and woman get married they become as one, and with that being said in a successful marriage both the husband and wife must travel in the same direction together.

One cannot go left while the other is going right. Amos 3:3 states, "Can two walk together, except they be agreed? Marriage is a life-long commitment which must first begin with God. Paul instructs the church at Ephesus, in Ephesians 5:25, "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it." This is a very direct and to the point statement that all parties should take seriously when approaching marriage.

A Few Descriptions About Marriage

Marriage is a gift.
Marriage is an opportunity for love to be learned.
Marriage is a journey in which we as the travelers are face with many choices and are responsible for these choices.
Marriage is affected more by our inner communication than our outer communication.
Marriage is more often influenced by unresolved issues from our past than we realize.
Marriage is a call to servanthood, friendship, and suffering.
Marriage is a refining process. It is an opportunity to be refined by God into the person He wants us to be.
Marriage involves intimacy in all areas for it to be fulfilling.

Quel est mariage ?
Quel est mariage ? C'est question a des réponses sans fin selon qui vous demandez. Je regarde le mariage en tant que professer de l'amour impérissable entre un homme et une femme, qui a alternativement une union qui symbolise l'union du Christ avec l'église. Le mariage n'est pas un acte de convience ou de compagnie, parce que non seulement une promesse leur conjoint de l'amour impérissable, mais on promet également Dieu. Quand un homme et une femme obtiennent les a épousés deviennent en tant qu'une, et avec cela qui est indiqué dans un mariage réussi le mari et l'épouse doivent voyager dans la même direction ensemble. On ne peut pas disparaître gauche tandis que l'autre va bien. États d'AMOs 3:3, "Peuvent-ils deux marchent-ils ensemble, à moins que pour être convenus ? Le mariage est toute la vie un engagement qui doit d'abord commencer par Dieu. Paul instruit l'église chez Ephesus, dedans Ephesians 5:25, des « maris, aiment vos épouses, même pendant que le Christ aimait également l'église, et se sont donnés pour il. « C' est très un direct et au rapport de point que toutes les parties devraient prendre sérieusement en approchant le mariage.
Quelques descriptions au sujet de mariage
Le mariage est un cadeau.
Le mariage est une occasion pour que l'amour soit appris.
Le mariage est un voyage dans lequel nous en tant que voyageurs sommes le visage avec beaucoup de choix et sont responsable de ces choix.
Le mariage est affecté plus par notre communication intérieure que notre communication externe.
Le mariage plus souvent est influencé par les questions non définies de notre passé que nous réalisons.
Le mariage est un appel au servanthood, amitié, et douleur.
Le mariage est un processus de raffinage. C'est une occasion d'être raffiné par God dans la personne il veut que nous soient.
Le mariage implique l'intimité dans tous les secteurs pour qu'il soit accomplir.

The Last Supper

2009-07-22T20:31:00.000-07:00

St. Matthew 26:21
And as they did eat, He(Jesus) said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.

Many of us have had someone to turn on us. we've had someone to talk about us behind our backs. we've had people to lie on us for no apparent reason. It hurt doesnt it?
Jesus was having His last supper with the discples. He knew he would be betrayed. He knew that His death awaited. If Jesus had to suffer, are we any better?

we often feel the strain of life pushing in all different directions, we often loose sight of Christ. Are we capable of suffering persecution at the level that most of us have suffered and continue to call Jesus Lord. How can we find comfort in our trials and tribulations

Romans 8:18
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not to be compared with glory which will be revealed in us.

Come On. Let's hear some Church Mess

My Wife's A Queen-My Husband's A king

2009-07-22T20:14:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wnnting to tell your wife or your husband how much you felt about them? sure you have. Well, have you ever wanted to tell the whole world how much you felt about them? well here's your chance. Just comment in the way you want to tell the world how you feel about your spouse. when viewers read this they will have the oppertunity to see all the comments. Remember this is to bring about postive enforcement in you marriage.

My wife of six years is the flam in my life. she is a good woman. I am privileged to have her by my side. she is truly my better half. Baby thank you for putting up with me. I love more today than ever!

Can I Give You A Hand

2009-07-22T19:56:00.000-07:00

Can I Give you a hand? Maybe I can! Many people a being laid off their jobs, homes are being forclosed on, bills are overflowing, and credit cards intrest rates are soaring. Can I give You A Hand? Maybe I Can!
If you are in a position to give advice, information about possible job openings, possible legal help for someone who have, or maybe in foreclosure trouble, information on how to postively decrease credit card intrest rate, and/or just any type of releif for anyone in need, I ask you to place a comment on this post. you do not have to reveal any personal information, just where a person need to go to get the heil they need. Church Mess really appreciate your help.

Entergy Arkansas,Mississippi,Texas, Louisanna
http://www.entergy.com.

select careers
select a state

maybe theirs something here that can help someone

Reverand,Deacon,Doctor,Apostle,Prophet,Elder,Rabbi, Preist, Father

2009-07-22T19:31:00.000-07:00

Thank you for visiting this blog. Like a game of chess people often have to rethink their moves. In life there are some moves that could be fatel, but their are those that can prove to be very rewarding. This blog is for the men and women of clergy; yet our readers should feel free to coment as well.

In todays society many leaders in our ministeral positions are finding it ever so difficult to encourage members that are suffering due to lack of spiritual, emotional, and finiancial help. I added spiritual because for some it is the last resort no matter how long they've been covered. how do you keep your flock encouraged? Come on you all. Let's hear some Church Mess!

Too Tired To Pray

2009-07-22T19:19:00.000-07:00

Have you ever felt that you were too tired to pray? Not only were you too tired, you were frustrated because it seems that anytime you've prayed for something that seemed important to you, God didnt come through. what do you do now? come on my prayer worriers! let's hear some of that Church Mess.

Romans12:12
Rejoicing in hope;patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.

Word Of The Day

2009-07-22T19:01:00.000-07:00

October 05, 2009

Set your affection on things above, not in things on the earth. (Colossians 3:2). If we focus on the things of this earth, we then focus on the things that are not like God. We should focus of Christ a d what He has taught and is currently teaching through the Holy Ghost. God is more than than we can ever imagine. He is bigger than the biggest mountain that we face. Be blessed!

October 01, 2009

Lord, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked triumph? (Psalms 94:3). David asks God a question that we often ask of it. It often times seem as if the wicked recieve endless blessings and the children of God continually suffer. Let us keep in mind that Christ suffered horribly in His death, but He got up from the grave with all power. No cross, no crown! Be blessed!

September 30, 2009

For the Son of man shall come in the glory of His Father with His angels; and then He shall reward every man according to his works. (Matthew 16:27). Jesus assures us that when He returns He will reward each of us according to the profession of our faith in Him. There is great joy in knowing that Christ wants us to be with Him in God's kingdom. Be blessed!

September 29, 2009

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 7:23). It is not enough to just call on the name of the Lord, but their must be obedience. Obedience is greater than sacrifice, because often times sacrifice is short lived while obedience is life long. If we truly love the Lord as we say that we do, it should not be a great feat to obey Him. Be blessed!

September 28, 2009

Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul. (1 Peter 2:11). Everyday we are faced with dealing with the flesh. Our minds and souls become transfixed on things that are not of God. The things of this world are controlled by Satan to keep us out of heaven; thanks be to God that Satan does not possess the same attributes that God does. Through every season in our life God has a harvest prepared for us. Be blessed!

September 24, 2009

For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding. (Psalm 47:7). God is the creator of the world and everything in it and He alone is worthy to be praised. When we petition God we should understand exactly who He is and what He means to us individually and collectively. We should take time to give God praise and thanks for what He has done for us. Often times we are so selfish with our dealings with God that when we petition Him it is always about God. Give God praise for Him and His wondrous works. We should put ourselves aside sometimes and focus on God. Be blessed!

September 23, 2009

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. (Psalms 51:10). Our daily prayer should consist of God creating a clean heart in us for we are flawed vessels incapable of walking upright without God. At our very best we are as filthy rags before God, a stench in His nostrils. Petition God to create a clean heart in you today. Be blessed!

September 22, 2009

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23). We have no hopes of salvation on our own because when Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden if Eden we were condemned to death. Thank God for His redeemptive forethought of Christ being the propitiation for our sins. The balance of justice has been made level through Christ's death on the cross for our sins. Be blessed!

September 21, 2009

For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. (Romans11:29). God makes no excuses about the calling and gifts He places in someones life. Every person has a gift or gifts, but it is that person's responsibility to walk in their gift to exalt God. God calls and gives gifts to us so that His name is exalted and not ours. Be blessed!

September 20, 2009

In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning. (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Be not dismayed whatever be tied, God will take care of you. No matter what we are going through, we must remember that God is with us and we must give Him thanks. Trials are not for our demise but to increase our strength in the Lord. Be blessed!

September 19, 2009

So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. (Romans 12:5). We as Christians are all a part of the body of Christ, and each of us have the same importance. There is no respect of persons because it takes every part of the body to make it whole. It is on effect cancerous for one part of the body to attack another. Don't become a mutated cell called cancer support the body and not attack it. Be blessed!

September 18, 2009

Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with malice. (Ephesians4:31). Arguing and verbal jousting does nothing but promote discord. If people can't get along together we should be Christ- like enough to agree to disagree and go our separate ways. God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, love, and a sound mind. Love each other in Christ. Be blessed!

September 17, 2009

Therefore thus saith the Lord God; An adversary there shall bring down thy strength from thee, and thy palaces shall be spoiled. (Amos 3:11). The strong man comes in to disrupt our relationship with God in order to obtain God's glory. Satan dwells in places where he can reach maximum devastation and that is why so many churches are in peril. God is God and Satan is earnestly trying to overtake God. Although Satan is the ruler of this world, he has no power to defeat God. Join the winning team and follow Christ.

September 16, 2009

For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins. (Hebrews 10:26). Christ died for the remission of our sins so that we may have everlasting life. When we continue to sin after conversion, we severely water down the witness of Christ dying for us. Essentially every time we sin, we put Christ back on the cross, and the remission of sin only occurred after Christ's death. Resist the devil and he will flee! Be blessed!

September 15, 2009

For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. (1 Thessalonians 4:7). God calls us to holiness, however Satan tries to get us to believe that God's holiness is too good to be true. In order for us to be holy we must be like God and we have the obligation to cast out all things that are not like Him. God commands us to "Be ye holy as I am holy." god would not command us to do so if it was impossible for us to be holy. Jesus made us holy. Be blessed!

September 14, 2009

It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling. (Proverbs20:3). It seems as though when we try to get our lives together in God someone is always meddling. This verse states that a fool will meddle because they don't respect the awesome power of God. Touch not my anointed and do my prophets no harm not only speaks for the preacher but for everyone that has been anointed with the saving blood of Jesus Christ. When people meddle with God's children they are daring God to act. Be blessed!

September 10,2009

My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God? (Psalm 42:3). At times we are overwhelmed by our emotions and the unsaved ask where is God now? God is omnipresent meaning that He is everywhere at the same time even in the midst of our sorrows He is there. All of our trials are not due to punishment, but some are preparation for things to come. God is always there even when we are down. Be blessed!

September 09, 2009

My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? (Psalm 42:2). At the onset of our life journey our hearts will only beat so many times; our lungs will only expand so many times. One day our last breath will come and we will be standing before God to give an account of our lives. Our souls should thirst after God at all times for He is good. Life is short make the best of life while worshipping God. We must evaluate our lives daily and cut away whatever is not like God. Be blessed!

September 08, 2009

In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiahthe son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live. (2 Kings 20:1). Everyday we shall set our own houses in order for no man knows when his story of life will end. When we love one another in Christian love we should exhibit it daily not just on special occasions. Our fleshly bodies shall surely die one of these days. Is your house in order with God? Be blessed!

September 07, 2009

Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. (1 John 3:7). John refers to Christians as little children because we are all children in God's sight. When God declares us righteous through Jesus no man has the authority to claim that we are not righteous in God's sight. God is the keeper of our souls not man himself. We are righteous through Christ because of His shedding of blood for the remission of our sins. Be blessed!

September 06, 2009

The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. (Psalm 110:1). We don't have to give our enemies word for word. All we have to do is stay at the feet of Jesus, for He is sitting at the right hand of the Father to plead or case. God will fight our battles if we are obedient to His will and His way. Many people try to knock us down, but the Holy Ghost stands in our defense. Sometimes those we consider friends hurt us give it to the Lord and He will make a way. Be blessed!

September 05, 2009

Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into His rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. (Hebrews 4:1). No one can enter into God's rest of themselves. We must have the saving grace of Jesus Christ on our side. Christ gave His life so that we can enter into rest with the Father in heaven. We have a home over in glory not made by the hands of man for us to live and commune with the King. Be blessed!

September 04, 2009

Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into His rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. (Hebrews 4:1). No one can enter into God's rest of themselves. We must have the saving grace of Jesus Christ on our side. Christ gave His life so that we can enter into rest with the Father in heaven. We have a home over in glory not made by the hands of man for us to live and commune with the King. Be blessed!

September 03, 2009

Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. (Romans 8:34). We have not the ability to condemn anyone because we ourselves were condemned until we accepted Christ as our savior. Jesus paid the ultimate price so that when Christians die they won't have to be condemned to hell. Unbelievers are condemned until they accept Christ as their personal savior. How can we condemn anyone when we are flawed ourselves. No sin is big or small; sin is sin. Be blessed!

September 02, 2009

There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin. (Psalms 38:3). Our flesh is sinful and we should feel ashamed and unworthy of God's love when we sin. God made it possible through Christ's blood that we can be restored and counted righteous before His eyes. Jesus died so that we can enjoy renewed fellowship with God the Father. All we have to do is let Him in and be the head if our life. Be blessed!

August 31, 2009

Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be like minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. (Philippians 2:2). Unless Christians are of one accord or one mind, Satan will come in and divide the minds of God's people because they are not together. We have to be careful who we entertain because some people love to sow discord among God's chosen. If peace does not abide in our lives we have the obligation to make changes, because if there is no peace then we are not giving all of our attention to God. Be blessed!

August 30, 2009

If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? (1 John 4:20). We have to be increasingly weary of people who claim that they live God and hate their brothers. God lives in each and everyone of us and we choose to allow Him to be the head of our lives. If then we hate our brothers we are really saying that we hate God because he created us in His image. We should not dislike the person but look beyond them and acknowledge that their spirit is being used by Satan. Dislike the evil spirit and not the person for the person is not evil the spirit is. Be blessed!

August 29, 2009

Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. (Proverbs 27:17). We as Christians have the duty and obligation to help each other through the daily attacks of evil. How can we effectively help each other when we are dull in the spirit. We must maintain a sharp countenance in order to show others that God is good and greatly to be praised. Be blessed!

August 28, 2009

A prudent man forseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished. (Proverbs 27:12). The Holy Spirit worksin us to eschew evil and lead us in the path of righteousness. If we then hide ourselves in God's love and stand for the right thing, then we can effectively avoid evil by forseeing it. When we lean to our own understanding we then become simple in our thinking and get ambushed by evil. We must keep our minds and souls in God's hands. Be blessed!

August 27, 2009

There the wicked cease from troubling; and there the weary be at rest. (Job 3:17). We have joy to look forward too when we get to glory. No longer will wicked people pick at us and attempt to assassinate our characters, we will be safe with Jesus. When we labor for the Lord against evil we get weary and down trodden. Heaven is our goal and soon and very soon we are going to see the King. Be blessed!

August 26, 2009

I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart. (Psalm 40:8). In order for us to spread the Gospel of Christ, we must first believe in Him and delight ourselves in His love. We have a responsibility to do what God commands us to do and to love our neighbors as ourselves. The love of God is a consuming fire that we should spread every opportunity that we have on this earth. If we acknowledge that God's law is in our heart we should act and live better because God is in our hearts. Be blessed!

August 25, 2009

That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. (John17:21). In the midst of these perilous times, true Christians must stand together and face the work of the devil with the powerbof the Holy Ghost. When things are wrong or contreversial the Christians that know better must stand for right with holy boldness. What would Jesus do? If Christ would not do it neither should we. Be blessed!

August 24, 2009

He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail. (Proverbs 22:8). We understand that iniquity merely means sin and vanity is sin because it describes the faith and indulgence in self. If one trust in onesself how can they trust God. We cannot serve two masters you either love one or hate the other. If we sow sin we can only reap sin. Let us sow the goodness of Jesus. Be blessed!
August 22, 2009

Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles. (Proverbs 21:23). A person's mouth often gets them into situations that they wish they were never in. Our mouths are the biggest transgressors of God's word and often times it is unintentional. Moreover our mouths perform calculated task that our brain suggests that end up hurting and killing others character. If we can't say it to God we shouldn't say it! Be blessed!

August 21, 2009

For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. (Psalm 1:6). God has solace for the righteous because Jesus died to make us righteous in His sight. The ungodly cannot claim righteousness because they have not accepted Jesus as their Savior. God has prepared a home not made with man's hands so that we can have an eternal place to worship Him. Unbelievers have a place of torment to live because they have not accepted Christ in the pardon of their sins. Be blessed!

August 20, 2009

And whosoever will not do the law of thy God, and the law of the king, let judgment be executed speedily upon him, whether it be unto death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment. (Ezra 7:26). Ezra declares that there should be severe consequences for disobeying God as well as the king of the land. We currently live in a time where many people don't feat God or follow the laws of the land. We as a people need to repent and turn back to God. Be blessed!

August 19, 2009

My soul is weary of my life; I will leave my complaint upon myself; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul. (Job 10:1). Job in this verse is tired of his present life, and is careful not to blame God but takes the burden upon himself. God has promised that He will take care of us and bot put more on us than we can bare. We must stay before the Lord in prayer during the good times as well as the bad. God will sustain us even in our dry season. Remember to God be the glory and not us; His divine will a d not our finite will. Be blessed!

August 18, 2009

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised.) (Hebrews 10:23). When we profess our faith in Christ to God, we must rationalize that it is a promise to serve Him for eternity. There is no room for turning back or going a different way. Hold on to God's promises and keep the faith at all times and situations. God is worthy to be praised! Be blessed!

August 17, 2009

For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. (2 Peter 1:16). We don't have to look far to see that Christ is making preparation for His triumphant return. Upon His return He will be looking for His church which He purchased with His own blood. We have been purchased but often times we attempt to resale ourselves. Stay with God for He cares for you. Serve the Lord with gladness and thanksgiving, for time is winding up. Be blessed!

August 16, 2009

Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord. (2 Peter 1:2). We need grace to help us through our lives and we need God's peace to soothe our minds. So then if we need both of these things, how much do we need God? Peter states that our knowledge of Him will multiply grace and peace in our lives. We all need extra portions of God's grace and peace, and we can only get to God through the Son Jesus Christ. Be blessed!

August 15, 2009

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. (1 Peter 4:8). Satan sits back patiently and waits for an opportune time to attack. Satan attacks us when our spirit is low or distracted from God. God protects us from Satans attempts when we are His children. We can seek refuge in God through Jesus Christ our Redeemer. Be blessed!

August 14, 2009

Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and Godly fear. (Hebrews 12:28). God's kingdom cannot be moved or manipulated because God's kingdom is not made by the hands of man. In order to serve God ,we must submit to His will and adhere to His word. When we serve God we must do so in complete submission and Godly fear for He is the Alpha and Omega. Be blessed!

August 13, 2009

But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6). We must have faith in God in order to believe that He is able to sustain us in our lives. In order to have faith in Him we must seek Him at all times in earnest prayer and meditation just as Christ did in the Garden of Gethsemane. Be blessed!

August 12, 2009

Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescending to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. (Romans 12:16). We should not condemn each other for their shortcomings because we all have faults. If we buy into our own conceit then we are discounting God's power in the act of perfecting our hearts. Love each other as we love ourselves. Be blessed!

August 11. 2009

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17). We often hear alot of things that we tend to believe without any valuable evidence to support the claim. How is it that Jesus lived, died, and was resurrected for our sins, but we can't believe if God be for us; who then is against us? If we hear more about God and from Him we will be better off. Live in victory. Be blessed!

August 10, 2009

And God saw every thing that He made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. (Genesis 1:31). God was well pleased with all of His creations. He did not create anything that was bad. We often view people as being bad, but we must remember we were created in God's image. We may exhibit some bad spirits, however we as humans are not bad. Be blessed!

August 09, 2009

Know therefore that the Lord thy God, He is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love Him and keep His commandments to a thousand generations. (Deuteronomy 7:9). God will keep us in perfect peace as long as we acknowledge Him and believe that Jesus dies for our sins. Just because He keeps us in peace does not mean we won't encounter some situations that are not peaceful. God cares and loves us unconditionally. Be blessed!

August 08,2009

Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. (Psalm 37:1). We don't have to give word for word with evildoers because God knows all about it. He will rebuke the devour for our sakes, god records that "vengeance is mine." we don't have the authority to judge, but it belongs to God. Let God fight your battles. Be blessed!

August 07, 2009

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (Matthew 6:10). We are not going to stay here on earth, our bodies are destined to die, but our souls have a eternal resting place. So why then would we lay up treasures on earth to leave them. Place your treasure or most valuable thing which is our souls with God in heaven. Heaven will last from everlasting to everlasting, but this world shall pass away. Be blessed!

August 05, 2009

And fear not them which kill the body, but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:28). Many people fear other men because of the perception that they can harm them eternally. Man does not have the power to put anyone in heaven or hell. We are all flawed vessels and that precludes us from being a righteous judge. God is the only righteous judge capable of judging anyone. Judge not lest ye be judged. Be blessed!

August 03, 2009

The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell Theron. (Psalm 24:1). The entire world belongs to God and we are just travelers passing through. Man truly does not own anything, but we are just borrowing for a short time. Even our lives and souls belong to God because we are living on borrowed time. Our souls belong to God because whether or not we accept Christ, He purchased our souls with His blood. How wonderful is His name! Be blessed!

August 02, 2009

A prudent man forseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished. (Proverbs 22:3). God has commisiones each of us to stand up for what is spiritually a d morally right. We must keep in mind that if we stand idly by while infractions are railed against God we are just as guilty as the ones in the fault. God holds us accountable for nuturing His Kingdom. Shun evildoers and their evil thoughts, keeping in mind that silence gives consent. Be blessed!

August 01, 2009

Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. (Psalm 40:4). We can not go wring if we trust in the Lord, He will never let us down. If we place our trust in man he is sure to disappoint us at some time in our lives. If a man has a mouth he is capable and most likely will lie. God does not lie and He cannot lie. Trust in the Lord at all times. Be blessed!

July 30, 2009

Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord comandeth it not? (Lamentations 3:37). People often speak and try to will what they want in our lives. The truth of the matter is nothing can go on in our lives without God's approval, and if things go on in our lives God is giving us a message that we need to adhere to. Be grateful for your storms and accomplishments alike. The wind from storms blow things out of our lives that are undesireable and against God's will, and we have to be prepared to weather the storm at all costs. Be blessed!

July 29, 2009

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3:1). It is extremely important to be able to recognize when a season starts, but it is just as important to k ow when a season ends. A season just merely characterizes a time period, and everything in life has a prescribed time. Some seasons last our natural lives and others part of our lives. If we find ourselves in situations where our best is not enough anymore; it may not mean that there is something wrong with us, our season in that particular area in our life may be up. It may be a relationship, a church we attend, or a job, whatever the case seek God's guidance and adjust accordingly. Be blessed!

July 28,2009

I said, Lord, be merciful unto me: heal my soul; for I have sinned against thee. (Psalm 41:4). This verse should be our daily prayer because all throughout everyday we say or do something that transgresses against God. We must treat everyone how we would want to be treated. Christ loves us inspite of our short-comings, so we should love everyone because we all fall short of the glory of God. God continues to welcome us into His loving arms even when we turn our backs on Him and His teachings. We have the task to help our fellow brothers and sisters inspite of any wrong or discord surrounding them or us. Many times it is not other people with the issue, but often times it turns out to be the person standing in the mirror. Remember everytime we point a finger at someone, there are three more fingers pointing at us. Be blessed!

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. (James 2:26). When our spirit ascends from our physical bodies we are declared spiritually dead. The same scenario is true whenour faith is at one level and our works for the kingdom of God is nonexistent. Faithfully work for God. Be blessed!

Am I too Churchie?

2009-07-21T19:46:00.000-07:00

Am i too churchie? many people are posed with the task of trying to defend their "going to church too much, or not going enough." a lot of weight hunh! can a person actually give God too much time? let's talk about this. let's hear some church mess!