Thursday, December 31, 2009 Print Article
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Saddle Up
Milan Ford
Well, here we are. Today is Thursday, December 31st.
The very last day of the year 2009. And what a year it was.
It seems like only yesterday that many of us joined up with millions of people across the nation this time last year to gather inside of our respective local churches for some form of New Year's Eve or Watch Night Service. And although there are times when the variations of our church annual themes and proclamations can make God sound a bit schizoid to the ears of the unbeliever, for the most part, many of us heard a message that evening about the significance of the year 2009.
2009. The year of (yep, that's right)...
...New Beginnings.
From areas of relationships to finance, issues of health and areas of leadership, the hope for a New Beginning was indeed high on the hearts and minds of believers both young and old this year.
Now I am not in any way what you call the greatest practitioner of biblical numerology, but last year around this time, I remember doing a little research about the significance of the number nine (9).
What I found was actually very interesting. The number nine (9) literally means: to bring to an end. In fact, in one instance, I found that the number (9) means: to bring a judgment (or conclusion) to. I think I'll repeat that one more time...
To bring to an end.
To bring to a conclusion.
To bring a judgement to.
Those aren't exactly the kind of words people pack out a sanctuary or tear up a few pews in order to hear at the beginning of a new year. New Year phrases like 'the year of divine favor,' or 'the year of a new beginning' tend to have a better ring to them.
About a month or so ago, I heard probably one of the most powerful faith statements I had ever heard in my life. It is one that I pray becomes a staple for every believer reading this devotional today as we prepare for the beginning of a new year.
"God's sovereignty does not excuse our apathy."
While I realize we all are looking forward to a great harvest in 2010, please know that this harvest in many respects will be a result of the seeds we have sown throughout 2009.
2009 (for many of us) should have been a year to put an end to our excuses. A year that you and I should have ceased from blaming any oppressor (spiritual or natural) from hindering us from accomplishing the goals and dreams we set out for earlier this year.
2009 was not a year to be lazy. Or vulnerable. This year (for many of us) should have been a year that many of us for the first time in our lives became (sorry for the dirty word here)... responsible.
On tonight, be careful not to become too consumed with asking God (yet again) to begin some new things in your life, without examining the things He has also told you to bring to an end this year.
You still have a few hours left to cancel some of those credit cards you know you need to stop using. A few hours left to 'unfriend' that person you know God has told you to stop chatting with online. A few hours left to email that proposal you've been sitting on now for weeks to your boss.
In fact, there's even a few hours to call that relative of yours you know God has told you to apologize to and mend the relationship. It may be tough to do, but it is time to get it done.
I realize there are a plethora of scriptures many of us will probably be given on tonight concerning what God may have in store for us next year, but I want to give you one that my wife and I have already taken on as a personal challenge for our family throughout 2010.
It's a dangerous one, so please don't write it down if you're not prepared for it just yet.
"If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, then how can you contend with the horses? And if in the land of peace, in which you trusted, they wearied you, then how will you do in the floodplain of the Jordan?" Jeremiah 12:5-6
Ladies and gentlemen, whether you and I are ready or not, 2010 is here. For many of us, this will be a year that many of the things we have prayed for throughout this year will come to pass. However, for those of us who are still holding on to things (and people) God has told us to get rid of, and for those of us who have allowed 2009 to be a year where our apathy and discontentment for where our lives are right now get the best of us, then what in the world are we going to do when the 'horses' arrive?
If God decides to bless you in 2010 with that 'new job' you've been asking for, are you prepared for it? If God decides to bless your business or church with incredible growth in 2010, did you position yourself properly this year to receive it? Or perhaps for some of you reading this today who are still waiting for God to send you a spouse, will you be able to identify him or her when they come, or is your focus still on holding on to those 'safe alternatives' from your past?
Family, enough is enough. No more excuses.
To be quite honest...I am tired of making them. And if you're like me, tired of hearing them too.
The horses...are here!! SADDLE UP.
Milan Ford has been a leader (and survivor) of ministry within the local church for most of his life. A lover of Red Vines Licorice and all things pointing North, Milan released his first book, 83 Things I Wish The Black Church Would Stop Doing earlier this month, which was recently ranked #1 on Amazon.com (Religion & Spirituality / African-American). You can find Milan rambling and writing at at ThePewView.com.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
GOD’S LOVE WE DELIVER
GOD’S LOVE WE DELIVER
SERVICE PROJECT FOR: 12/30/2009
Hello Fellow Frontliners( and all of those visiting the Blog)
I have just come back from communing with the brothers, and participating in the GODS LOVE WE DELIVER service project. From the moment we arrived, I could tell that this was a special place; and they were indeed doing God’s work. We began by watching a very informative video which told us about the inception of the organization, and described the people in need that they serve. After which, Nate Hamilton lead us in prayer; and we were hustled downstairs to the kitchen where the work began.
We were seasoning chicken, chopping up vegetables, labeling food trays, wiping down work areas, and the finale was preparing the meal of the day (assembly line style). There was a great sense of camaraderie amongst all of the brothers, frontliners,volunteers and staff: and the Staff was “rocking” great music while we worked. It was just like being in your own home preparing food for your family.(just multiply it by 5,000)!!
The 8 Brothers who participated were: Ted Hamilton, Wayne Quashie, Rich Jenkins, Rotimi Akinnuoye, Nate Hamilton, Lamont Bullock, Ernest Perry, and Myself.
This was a wonderful experience and I’m sure all who participated were deeply touched, and felt moved to be contributing to the nutrition of the community at large. We intend to go back and serve in the near future so don’t miss out on this blessing!
Remember……….. God is blessing you…..so that YOU may be a blessing to someone else!
To the 8 brothers that came out today:
Thank you For serving on the FRONTLINES….where the fighting is the fiercest.
BE BLESSED!,
BRUCE
Monday, December 28, 2009
Praise Report and Testimony from Frontliner Tim Robinson
Merry Christmas!! I just got a new permanent job with the NYC Health Dept. Praise God, He hears our prayers, we just have to keep walking (trying to reach our goal) in FAITH (feeling certain) regardless of what we see or hear (i.e. in the news), until He moves things in our direction.
I have increased my faith by putting these scriptures on 3 x 5 flash cards and say them out loud to myself every chance I get:
"Therefore I say to you whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them and you will have them." - Mark 11:24
"We walk by FAITH not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7
"My God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" - Philippians 4:19
"Now this is the confidence that we have in him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us , whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him." - 1 John 5:14-15
"For with God NOTHING shall be impossible." -- Luke 1:37
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:13
"I will show you my FAITH by my WORKS" - James 2:18
Remember: "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God." - Romans 10:17
Bruce, if you could please forward this praise report and scriptures to the Frontliners for me, I'm sure it will lift up their spirits!
Thank you for everything. See you soon.
Yours In Christ,
Timothy
I have increased my faith by putting these scriptures on 3 x 5 flash cards and say them out loud to myself every chance I get:
"Therefore I say to you whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them and you will have them." - Mark 11:24
"We walk by FAITH not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7
"My God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" - Philippians 4:19
"Now this is the confidence that we have in him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us , whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him." - 1 John 5:14-15
"For with God NOTHING shall be impossible." -- Luke 1:37
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:13
"I will show you my FAITH by my WORKS" - James 2:18
Remember: "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God." - Romans 10:17
Bruce, if you could please forward this praise report and scriptures to the Frontliners for me, I'm sure it will lift up their spirits!
Thank you for everything. See you soon.
Yours In Christ,
Timothy
United States Census Jobs
Seasons Greetings To All:
Below you will find information concerning the availability of jobs as advertised by the "United States Census 2010". Please distribute this information throughout your networks:
UNITED STATES CENSUS 2010
Good pay....Flexible hours....Work close to home....Paid training....Temporary & Part-time jobs.
DO NOT WAIT.........APPLY TODAY
To schedule a test, call the toll-free jobs line at: 1.866.861.2010
More information, including a practice test, is available at: www.2010censusjobs.gov
Clerical and Field Positions are available: SALARY RANGE: $13.50 TO $20.25 per hour.
Happy Holidays,
James E. Robinson
CO-Convener
Coalition for the Improvement of
Bedford-Stuyvesant
718.399.8005(voice)
718.622.0541(fax)
tcgcon@aol.com
Below you will find information concerning the availability of jobs as advertised by the "United States Census 2010". Please distribute this information throughout your networks:
UNITED STATES CENSUS 2010
Good pay....Flexible hours....Work close to home....Paid training....Temporary & Part-time jobs.
DO NOT WAIT.........APPLY TODAY
To schedule a test, call the toll-free jobs line at: 1.866.861.2010
More information, including a practice test, is available at: www.2010censusjobs.gov
Clerical and Field Positions are available: SALARY RANGE: $13.50 TO $20.25 per hour.
Happy Holidays,
James E. Robinson
CO-Convener
Coalition for the Improvement of
Bedford-Stuyvesant
718.399.8005(voice)
718.622.0541(fax)
tcgcon@aol.com
His Birth and our New Birth
His Birth and Our New Birth
Oswald Chambers
"Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which is translated, 'God with us'" -- Matthew 1:23
His Birth in History
". . . that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God." (Luke 1:35). Jesus Christ was born into this world, not from it. He did not emerge out of history; He came into history from the outside.
Jesus Christ is not the best human being the human race can boast of -- He is a Being for whom the human race can take no credit at all. He is not man becoming God, but God Incarnate -- God coming into human flesh from outside it.
His life is the highest and the holiest entering through the most humble of doors. Our Lord's birth was an advent -- the appearance of God in human form.
His Birth in Me
"My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you . . ." (Galatians 4:19). Just as our Lord came into human history from outside it, He must also come into me from outside.
Have I allowed my personal human life to become a "Bethlehem" for the Son of God? I cannot enter the realm of the kingdom of God unless I am born again from above by a birth totally unlike physical birth.
"You must be born again" (John 3:7). This is not a command, but a fact based on the authority of God. The evidence of the new birth is that I yield myself so completely to God that "Christ is formed" in me.
And once "Christ is formed" in me, His nature immediately begins to work through me. This is what is made so profoundly possible for you and for me through the redemption of man by Jesus Christ.
Oswald Chambers (1874-1917) was converted in his teen years under the ministry of Charles Haddon Spurgeon, and as a young man, began an itinerant Bible-teaching ministry in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan. My Utmost For His Highest, his best-known book, has been continuously in print in the United States since 1935 and remains in the top ten titles of the religious book bestseller list with millions of copies in print. For more information on Chambers, log onto http://www.oswaldchambers.co.uk
© Oswald Chambers all rights reserved.
Oswald Chambers
"Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which is translated, 'God with us'" -- Matthew 1:23
His Birth in History
". . . that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God." (Luke 1:35). Jesus Christ was born into this world, not from it. He did not emerge out of history; He came into history from the outside.
Jesus Christ is not the best human being the human race can boast of -- He is a Being for whom the human race can take no credit at all. He is not man becoming God, but God Incarnate -- God coming into human flesh from outside it.
His life is the highest and the holiest entering through the most humble of doors. Our Lord's birth was an advent -- the appearance of God in human form.
His Birth in Me
"My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you . . ." (Galatians 4:19). Just as our Lord came into human history from outside it, He must also come into me from outside.
Have I allowed my personal human life to become a "Bethlehem" for the Son of God? I cannot enter the realm of the kingdom of God unless I am born again from above by a birth totally unlike physical birth.
"You must be born again" (John 3:7). This is not a command, but a fact based on the authority of God. The evidence of the new birth is that I yield myself so completely to God that "Christ is formed" in me.
And once "Christ is formed" in me, His nature immediately begins to work through me. This is what is made so profoundly possible for you and for me through the redemption of man by Jesus Christ.
Oswald Chambers (1874-1917) was converted in his teen years under the ministry of Charles Haddon Spurgeon, and as a young man, began an itinerant Bible-teaching ministry in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan. My Utmost For His Highest, his best-known book, has been continuously in print in the United States since 1935 and remains in the top ten titles of the religious book bestseller list with millions of copies in print. For more information on Chambers, log onto http://www.oswaldchambers.co.uk
© Oswald Chambers all rights reserved.
Merry Christmas!
Friday, December 25, 2009 Print Article
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Merry Christmas from Streaming Faith!
Chance Mason
Like some of you, I did not grow up in the church. I came to faith in Jesus Christ as a young adult, so my memories of Christmas as a child are not about being a shepherd or a wise man at church. No, my memories are all about the presents, toys, food and egg nog!
One vivid memory I have is watching all of the Christmas specials on television. You knew it was Christmas when you saw "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "Frosty The Snowman" on TV.
One of my favorites was "A Charlie Brown Christmas." There's a part of that program that I understand much better now than I did when I was a kid. Do you remember the scene where Charlie Brown is upset because everyone -- including his dog Snoopy -- is into the commercialism and materialism of Christmas? Even the Christmas Play is turning into a mess for poor Charlie Brown because everyone wants to be the star. He stands on the stage and yells out, "Can someone PLEASE tell me what Christmas is really all about?"
Linus slowly walks over to Charlie Brown and says, "Sure, Charlie Brown. I can tell you what Christmas is all about."
The lights on the stage dim and Linus says, "...And there were in the same country shepherds, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shown round about them, and they were sore afraid. But the angel said unto them, 'Fear not; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, A Savior, which is Christ, the Lord. And this will be a sign unto you: You will find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.'
"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the Heavenly Host, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men!'"
Linus then turns to Charlie Brown and says, "That, Charlie Brown, is what Christmas is all about."
Sometimes we can get so busy at Christmas that instead of the "Most Wonderful Time of the Year" it can become the most hectic and frustrating time of the year! Have you ever felt like just yelling out, "Can someone PLEASE tell me what Christmas is all about?"
The answer is the same for us as it was for Charlie Brown. "I bring you good tidings of great joy... A Savior is born!"
From the Streaming Faith family to your family, we wish you a blessed, joyful Christmas and a prosperous and Happy New Year!
Chance Mason is President of Streaming Faith
© Streaming Faith all rights reserved.
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Merry Christmas from Streaming Faith!
Chance Mason
Like some of you, I did not grow up in the church. I came to faith in Jesus Christ as a young adult, so my memories of Christmas as a child are not about being a shepherd or a wise man at church. No, my memories are all about the presents, toys, food and egg nog!
One vivid memory I have is watching all of the Christmas specials on television. You knew it was Christmas when you saw "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "Frosty The Snowman" on TV.
One of my favorites was "A Charlie Brown Christmas." There's a part of that program that I understand much better now than I did when I was a kid. Do you remember the scene where Charlie Brown is upset because everyone -- including his dog Snoopy -- is into the commercialism and materialism of Christmas? Even the Christmas Play is turning into a mess for poor Charlie Brown because everyone wants to be the star. He stands on the stage and yells out, "Can someone PLEASE tell me what Christmas is really all about?"
Linus slowly walks over to Charlie Brown and says, "Sure, Charlie Brown. I can tell you what Christmas is all about."
The lights on the stage dim and Linus says, "...And there were in the same country shepherds, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shown round about them, and they were sore afraid. But the angel said unto them, 'Fear not; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, A Savior, which is Christ, the Lord. And this will be a sign unto you: You will find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.'
"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the Heavenly Host, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men!'"
Linus then turns to Charlie Brown and says, "That, Charlie Brown, is what Christmas is all about."
Sometimes we can get so busy at Christmas that instead of the "Most Wonderful Time of the Year" it can become the most hectic and frustrating time of the year! Have you ever felt like just yelling out, "Can someone PLEASE tell me what Christmas is all about?"
The answer is the same for us as it was for Charlie Brown. "I bring you good tidings of great joy... A Savior is born!"
From the Streaming Faith family to your family, we wish you a blessed, joyful Christmas and a prosperous and Happy New Year!
Chance Mason is President of Streaming Faith
© Streaming Faith all rights reserved.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Christmas Eve Gift
Thursday, December 24, 2009 Print Article
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Christmas Eve Gift
Alan Riley
My family on my father's side had an unusual tradition.
Many years at Christmas we would travel to my grandparents' house in Alabama on December 23. We would be there for Christmas eve day and then head back home that night. My father was the oldest of seven children, so I had a LOT of uncles, aunts and cousins on that side of the family, most of whom lived nearby. On December 24, whenever one of the family would arrive at my grandparent's house, they would come through the door saying, "Christmas Eve gift!"
I remember wondering why they said that. Sometimes they were carrying gifts to put under the tree but at least half of the time they had nothing in their hands as they walked through the door and said, "Christmas Eve gift!"
As an adult, I asked one of my uncles about the family custom. He smiled and said that the family had been doing that since my father was a little boy. The meaning behind it was simple, yet profound. The "gift" they referred to was themselves. The gift of being together as a family was, after all, the best gift we could give each other.
Some Christmases when my father was growing up, especially during the Great Depression, that was about the only gift that they had to give each other. But even in the years when there were presents under the tree for all of us, the best gift they gave each other was being together at Christmas. So they recognized that with the tradition of saying "Christmas Eve gift!" as they arrived to share the special day together.
For the life of me, I can't recall a single material gift that I was ever given at my grandparent's house - even though there was always something under the tree for me. Whatever those gifts were - perhaps toys, clothing, or books - they have long since faded from my memory. Yet I can close my eyes and see the faces of my cousins as we talked, laughed and sang together on Christmas Eve. I can vividly remember what it smelled like in my grandmother's kitchen, and the love and patience showered on me by all of my uncles and aunts.
So they were right. The gift that we announced as we came through the door and shouted "Christmas Eve gift!" was the best gift, the most valuable gift, and the gift that has stood the test of time: the gift of time spent with those you love.
As you give presents to those you love this Christmas, keep in mind that the best gift you can give is the gift of yourself. The material things you get and give this year will soon be used up, broken and forgotten. But the gift of love and time invested in your loved ones will be kept and cherished in their hearts - and in yours - for the rest of our lives.
Some say we give gifts at Christmas to carry on the tradition of the Magi who brought gifts to Jesus. But when we give the gift of ourselves, we are truly being like the One whose birth we celebrate. The one who loves us and gave Himself for us so that we could spend eternity together with Him.
Christmas Eve gift!
Alan Riley is Vice President for Ministry and Media Development for 316 Networks (www.316Networks.com), Streaming Faith's sister media property. From 2006-2009 he served as Director of Web Operations and Managing Editor for Streaming Faith. An ordained Baptist Minister, Alan is a frequent contributor to the Streaming Faith Daily Devotional. He can sometimes be found blogging at www.alansblog.com or more often opining in 140 characters or less at www.Twitter.com/AlanRiley.
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Christmas Eve Gift
Alan Riley
My family on my father's side had an unusual tradition.
Many years at Christmas we would travel to my grandparents' house in Alabama on December 23. We would be there for Christmas eve day and then head back home that night. My father was the oldest of seven children, so I had a LOT of uncles, aunts and cousins on that side of the family, most of whom lived nearby. On December 24, whenever one of the family would arrive at my grandparent's house, they would come through the door saying, "Christmas Eve gift!"
I remember wondering why they said that. Sometimes they were carrying gifts to put under the tree but at least half of the time they had nothing in their hands as they walked through the door and said, "Christmas Eve gift!"
As an adult, I asked one of my uncles about the family custom. He smiled and said that the family had been doing that since my father was a little boy. The meaning behind it was simple, yet profound. The "gift" they referred to was themselves. The gift of being together as a family was, after all, the best gift we could give each other.
Some Christmases when my father was growing up, especially during the Great Depression, that was about the only gift that they had to give each other. But even in the years when there were presents under the tree for all of us, the best gift they gave each other was being together at Christmas. So they recognized that with the tradition of saying "Christmas Eve gift!" as they arrived to share the special day together.
For the life of me, I can't recall a single material gift that I was ever given at my grandparent's house - even though there was always something under the tree for me. Whatever those gifts were - perhaps toys, clothing, or books - they have long since faded from my memory. Yet I can close my eyes and see the faces of my cousins as we talked, laughed and sang together on Christmas Eve. I can vividly remember what it smelled like in my grandmother's kitchen, and the love and patience showered on me by all of my uncles and aunts.
So they were right. The gift that we announced as we came through the door and shouted "Christmas Eve gift!" was the best gift, the most valuable gift, and the gift that has stood the test of time: the gift of time spent with those you love.
As you give presents to those you love this Christmas, keep in mind that the best gift you can give is the gift of yourself. The material things you get and give this year will soon be used up, broken and forgotten. But the gift of love and time invested in your loved ones will be kept and cherished in their hearts - and in yours - for the rest of our lives.
Some say we give gifts at Christmas to carry on the tradition of the Magi who brought gifts to Jesus. But when we give the gift of ourselves, we are truly being like the One whose birth we celebrate. The one who loves us and gave Himself for us so that we could spend eternity together with Him.
Christmas Eve gift!
Alan Riley is Vice President for Ministry and Media Development for 316 Networks (www.316Networks.com), Streaming Faith's sister media property. From 2006-2009 he served as Director of Web Operations and Managing Editor for Streaming Faith. An ordained Baptist Minister, Alan is a frequent contributor to the Streaming Faith Daily Devotional. He can sometimes be found blogging at www.alansblog.com or more often opining in 140 characters or less at www.Twitter.com/AlanRiley.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
The True Meaning of Christmas
Wednesday, December 23, 2009 Print Article
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The True Meaning of Christmas
Dr. Frederick K.C. Price
Christmas is one of the most important days among Christians. This day commemorates and celebrates the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. Christmas is more than just a holiday. It is the remembrance of the fact that God so loved the world that He have His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Jesus' birthday - Christmas is about God's love. It is about God's love for you and me. It is God expressing His great love for mankind, through the giving of the greatest gift, the Lord Jesus Christ. He loves us not because of what we are, but He loves us because of what He knows we can become, if we'll allow Him to get involved in our lives.
John 1:1-3, 14:
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 He was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
This passage from the Book of John tells us what Christmas is all about. It is about Jesus coming into the world. It is about the Word of God, the Living Word; Jesus is called the Logos, or the Word of God, and it says, "In the beginning was the Word."
Notice that verse 1 says "the Word was with God". This verse shows Jesus' separate and distinct personality. Then it says "the Word was God." Now, I can't explain this to you. I can't explain it in a rational way so that you can understand it intellectually, but that's what the Bible says, it says that the Word was with God and then it says that the Word was God. Praise God that He doesn't require us to understand it mentally in order to gain the benefits from it; all we have to do is simply believe it.
Romans 8:1-3:
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.
3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh,
This is the purpose of Jesus' coming. His purpose was to come and take away our sin. To come and pay the penalty that all of us should have rightfully paid as a result of Adam's sin in the garden of Eden. Jesus came to do it for us; that's what this season is all about. That's the true meaning of Christmas, that Jesus came to do what the flesh could not do and that is to bring us back into fellowship and communion with the Heavenly Father.
Hebrews 2:10-15:
10 For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
11 For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren,
12 saying: "I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You."
13 And again: "I will put My trust in Him." And again: "Here am I and the children whom God has given Me."
14 Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil,
15 and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
Jesus came to set us free from the ravages of death. Praise the Lord! The real meaning of Christmas is Jesus Christ: crucified, dead, risen, ascended, and coming again!
Dr. Price is the founder and pastor of Crenshaw Christian Center West in Los Angeles and CCC East in Manhattan. To obtain more information about his ministry, please call (800) 927-3436 or visit www.faithdome.org.
Dr. Frederick K.C. Price is the founder and pastor of Crenshaw Christian Center West in Los Angeles and CCC East in Manhattan. To obtain more information about his ministry, please call (800) 927-3436 or visit www.faithdome.org. Click here to browse and purchase MP3 sermons by Dr. Frederick K.C. Price!
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The True Meaning of Christmas
Dr. Frederick K.C. Price
Christmas is one of the most important days among Christians. This day commemorates and celebrates the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. Christmas is more than just a holiday. It is the remembrance of the fact that God so loved the world that He have His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Jesus' birthday - Christmas is about God's love. It is about God's love for you and me. It is God expressing His great love for mankind, through the giving of the greatest gift, the Lord Jesus Christ. He loves us not because of what we are, but He loves us because of what He knows we can become, if we'll allow Him to get involved in our lives.
John 1:1-3, 14:
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 He was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
This passage from the Book of John tells us what Christmas is all about. It is about Jesus coming into the world. It is about the Word of God, the Living Word; Jesus is called the Logos, or the Word of God, and it says, "In the beginning was the Word."
Notice that verse 1 says "the Word was with God". This verse shows Jesus' separate and distinct personality. Then it says "the Word was God." Now, I can't explain this to you. I can't explain it in a rational way so that you can understand it intellectually, but that's what the Bible says, it says that the Word was with God and then it says that the Word was God. Praise God that He doesn't require us to understand it mentally in order to gain the benefits from it; all we have to do is simply believe it.
Romans 8:1-3:
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.
3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh,
This is the purpose of Jesus' coming. His purpose was to come and take away our sin. To come and pay the penalty that all of us should have rightfully paid as a result of Adam's sin in the garden of Eden. Jesus came to do it for us; that's what this season is all about. That's the true meaning of Christmas, that Jesus came to do what the flesh could not do and that is to bring us back into fellowship and communion with the Heavenly Father.
Hebrews 2:10-15:
10 For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
11 For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren,
12 saying: "I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You."
13 And again: "I will put My trust in Him." And again: "Here am I and the children whom God has given Me."
14 Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil,
15 and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
Jesus came to set us free from the ravages of death. Praise the Lord! The real meaning of Christmas is Jesus Christ: crucified, dead, risen, ascended, and coming again!
Dr. Price is the founder and pastor of Crenshaw Christian Center West in Los Angeles and CCC East in Manhattan. To obtain more information about his ministry, please call (800) 927-3436 or visit www.faithdome.org.
Dr. Frederick K.C. Price is the founder and pastor of Crenshaw Christian Center West in Los Angeles and CCC East in Manhattan. To obtain more information about his ministry, please call (800) 927-3436 or visit www.faithdome.org. Click here to browse and purchase MP3 sermons by Dr. Frederick K.C. Price!
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Galveston Service Project 12/17-12/20
Our Trip to Galveston
A detailed description By Hector M. Vera
The persons that went were Doug Toppin, Allie Sullivan, Will Reeder, Gary Small, Rev. Tyrone Monro, Dea. Veronica Monro and myself.
On Friday and Saturday, we were able to help in renovating the only and oldest Mexican Church on Gavelston Island, La Primera Iglesia Bautista (First Baptist Church). We were able to build a partition in the women's bathroom, installed molding on doors and windows, installed commercial tile flooring in 2 bathrooms, moved pews into place in the sanctuary, hung several doors and accessories among other duties.
The two work days were spent working long hours but we hardly knew it since we were all having a great time doing God's work. On this trip, the team really jelled and everybody did their work with the utmost care attention to even the minor details.
On Sunday, prior to leaving, we attended the bilingual service at the Church. I was not challenged at all but I had to constantly translate for Sully and Will (nicknamed "Hammertime" on the trip!). At the service, Pastor Tim introduced us to the congregation and told them how much we had advanced the work at the Church. All were very appreciative to the point of tears in one of the parishners.
All in all, it was a rewarding trip. I came away gaining more than I can ever give. I want to personally thank Rev. Monro for providing the group with leadership and direction and Deacon Veronica Monro for the great meals she prepared!
Thank you much for my early Christmas Gift and God Bless!
HMV
P.S. Rev. Munroe and Doug Toppin should have the pictures of the trip.
A detailed description By Hector M. Vera
The persons that went were Doug Toppin, Allie Sullivan, Will Reeder, Gary Small, Rev. Tyrone Monro, Dea. Veronica Monro and myself.
On Friday and Saturday, we were able to help in renovating the only and oldest Mexican Church on Gavelston Island, La Primera Iglesia Bautista (First Baptist Church). We were able to build a partition in the women's bathroom, installed molding on doors and windows, installed commercial tile flooring in 2 bathrooms, moved pews into place in the sanctuary, hung several doors and accessories among other duties.
The two work days were spent working long hours but we hardly knew it since we were all having a great time doing God's work. On this trip, the team really jelled and everybody did their work with the utmost care attention to even the minor details.
On Sunday, prior to leaving, we attended the bilingual service at the Church. I was not challenged at all but I had to constantly translate for Sully and Will (nicknamed "Hammertime" on the trip!). At the service, Pastor Tim introduced us to the congregation and told them how much we had advanced the work at the Church. All were very appreciative to the point of tears in one of the parishners.
All in all, it was a rewarding trip. I came away gaining more than I can ever give. I want to personally thank Rev. Monro for providing the group with leadership and direction and Deacon Veronica Monro for the great meals she prepared!
Thank you much for my early Christmas Gift and God Bless!
HMV
P.S. Rev. Munroe and Doug Toppin should have the pictures of the trip.
Jesus Our Friend
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 Print Article
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Jesus, Our Friend
Jack Zavada
"A rule I have had for years is: to treat the Lord Jesus Christ as a personal friend. His is not a creed, a mere doctrine, but it is He Himself we have." -Dwight L. Moody
When Jesus came into the world in human form, he changed our relationship with God forever. He made it possible for us to become adopted sons and daughters in God's family, co-heirs with him to the gift of eternal life with the Father.
But he gave us another Christmas gift few of us ever open: his friendship. He experienced firsthand the loneliness of being human, and he saw that as much as we need a savior, we also need a friend.
"I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." John 15:15 (NIV)
What better friend could you have? Jesus is steadfastly loyal. He forgives your every fault. He supports and encourages you when you need it most, and he listens whenever you want to talk. He is a tireless listener. Jesus loves you as a friend who wants to see you grow to your full potential. There is no jealousy in him. He wants only the best for you.
Enter more deeply into friendship with Jesus this Christmas season. You can trust him. If you reach out and accept the friendship he offers, your life will never be the same.
Jack Zavada is the popular author of Single & Sure, a new ebook aimed at single Christians. A cancer survivor, Jack is a contributing author for a number of online publications, and shares his experiences as a single Christian on his website, Inspiration-For-Singles.com.
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Jesus, Our Friend
Jack Zavada
"A rule I have had for years is: to treat the Lord Jesus Christ as a personal friend. His is not a creed, a mere doctrine, but it is He Himself we have." -Dwight L. Moody
When Jesus came into the world in human form, he changed our relationship with God forever. He made it possible for us to become adopted sons and daughters in God's family, co-heirs with him to the gift of eternal life with the Father.
But he gave us another Christmas gift few of us ever open: his friendship. He experienced firsthand the loneliness of being human, and he saw that as much as we need a savior, we also need a friend.
"I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." John 15:15 (NIV)
What better friend could you have? Jesus is steadfastly loyal. He forgives your every fault. He supports and encourages you when you need it most, and he listens whenever you want to talk. He is a tireless listener. Jesus loves you as a friend who wants to see you grow to your full potential. There is no jealousy in him. He wants only the best for you.
Enter more deeply into friendship with Jesus this Christmas season. You can trust him. If you reach out and accept the friendship he offers, your life will never be the same.
Jack Zavada is the popular author of Single & Sure, a new ebook aimed at single Christians. A cancer survivor, Jack is a contributing author for a number of online publications, and shares his experiences as a single Christian on his website, Inspiration-For-Singles.com.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Christ in You
Christ In You
Bishop E. Earl Jenkins
"Christ in you, the Hope of Glory." Colossians 1:27 NIV
The Virgin Birth is more than just another Christmas story; it illustrates just how close God wants to get to you. In fact, He's asking you the same question He asked Mary, "Are you willing to let Me move in?" Throughout scripture it's always been His desire to get close to His people. Jesus told the disciples, "I am in you" (Jn 14:20 NCV).
Paul prayed, "That Christ may dwell in your hearts" (Eph. 3:17 NIV). John says, "Those who obey...live in him, and he in them" (1 Jn 3:24 NIV). Paul wrote, "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Col 1:27 NIV), then he added: "It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me" (Gal 2:20 NAS). And Jesus said, "If anyone...opens the door, I will come in" (Rev. 3:20 NIV).
In the Old Testament God was with Adam and Eve in the Garden...He was with Abraham, and even called him His friend...He was with Moses and the Israelites. But as a believer He's in you - and He'll keep growing in you until He comes out in what you say, how you act and the decisions you make. Do you struggle with bitterness, worry, habits and fear?
Not Jesus! And because He lives in you, you have access 24/7 to His unlimited power! That's why Paul writes about "striving according to His power, which mightily works within [us]" (Col 1:29 NAS). What's in you? "His power!" What more do you need? Remember when the Lord appeared to Mary and she said, "Let it be...according to your word." (Lk 1:38 NKJV)
Make that your prayer this Christmas!
Bishop Edward Earl Jenkins is the senior pastor and founder of the True Servant Worship & Praise Church located in Trenton, New Jersey. Bishop Jenkins earned his Bachelor of Theology degree from Eastern Bible College and has been preaching the unadulterated gospel for over twenty years. His unique method of preaching and teaching has opened many doors to allow him to touch the hearts of many lives near and far. Bishop Jenkins is the proud husband of Lady Sheila Jenkins and father of Travis, Jamal, Clarrisa and Dionna. Click here to purchase Don't Hate Your Enemies...Just Step On Them! by Bishop E.E. Jenkins!
© Bishop E. Earl Jenkins all rights reserved.
Bishop E. Earl Jenkins
"Christ in you, the Hope of Glory." Colossians 1:27 NIV
The Virgin Birth is more than just another Christmas story; it illustrates just how close God wants to get to you. In fact, He's asking you the same question He asked Mary, "Are you willing to let Me move in?" Throughout scripture it's always been His desire to get close to His people. Jesus told the disciples, "I am in you" (Jn 14:20 NCV).
Paul prayed, "That Christ may dwell in your hearts" (Eph. 3:17 NIV). John says, "Those who obey...live in him, and he in them" (1 Jn 3:24 NIV). Paul wrote, "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Col 1:27 NIV), then he added: "It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me" (Gal 2:20 NAS). And Jesus said, "If anyone...opens the door, I will come in" (Rev. 3:20 NIV).
In the Old Testament God was with Adam and Eve in the Garden...He was with Abraham, and even called him His friend...He was with Moses and the Israelites. But as a believer He's in you - and He'll keep growing in you until He comes out in what you say, how you act and the decisions you make. Do you struggle with bitterness, worry, habits and fear?
Not Jesus! And because He lives in you, you have access 24/7 to His unlimited power! That's why Paul writes about "striving according to His power, which mightily works within [us]" (Col 1:29 NAS). What's in you? "His power!" What more do you need? Remember when the Lord appeared to Mary and she said, "Let it be...according to your word." (Lk 1:38 NKJV)
Make that your prayer this Christmas!
Bishop Edward Earl Jenkins is the senior pastor and founder of the True Servant Worship & Praise Church located in Trenton, New Jersey. Bishop Jenkins earned his Bachelor of Theology degree from Eastern Bible College and has been preaching the unadulterated gospel for over twenty years. His unique method of preaching and teaching has opened many doors to allow him to touch the hearts of many lives near and far. Bishop Jenkins is the proud husband of Lady Sheila Jenkins and father of Travis, Jamal, Clarrisa and Dionna. Click here to purchase Don't Hate Your Enemies...Just Step On Them! by Bishop E.E. Jenkins!
© Bishop E. Earl Jenkins all rights reserved.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
The Truth of the Nativity
Sunday, December 20, 2009 Print Article
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The Truth of the Nativity
John Macarthur
The story of the first Christmas is so beloved that singers and storytellers across the centuries have embellished and elaborated and mythologized the story in celebration. However, most people now don't know which details are biblical and which are fabricated. People usually imagine the manger scene with snow, singing angels, many worshipers, and a little drummer boy. None of that is found in the biblical account.
Christmas has become the product of an odd mixture of pagan ideas, superstition, fanciful legends, and plain ignorance. Add to that the commercialization of Christmas by marketers and the politicization of Christmas in the culture wars, and you're left with one big mess. Let's try to sort it out. The place to begin is in God's Word, the Bible. Here we find not only the source of the original account of Christmas, but also God's commentary on it.
We can't know Jesus if we don't understand He is real. The story of His birth is no allegory. We dare not romanticize it or settle for a fanciful legend that renders the whole story meaningless. Mary and Joseph were real people. Their dilemma on finding no room at the inn surely was as frightening for them as it would be for you or me. The manger in which Mary laid Jesus must have reeked of animal smells. So did the shepherds, in all probability. That first Christmas was anything but picturesque.
But that makes it all the more wondrous. That baby in the manger is God! Immanuel!
That's the heart and soul of the Christmas message. There weren't many worshipers around the original manger-only a handful of shepherds. That's intriguing because shepherds were among the lowest and most despised social groups.
The very nature of shepherds' work kept them from entering into the mainstream of Israel's society. They couldn't maintain the ceremonial washings and observe all the religious festivals and feasts, yet these shepherds, just a few miles from Jerusalem, were undoubtedly caring for sheep that someday would be used as sacrifices in the temple. How fitting it is that they were the first to know of the Lamb of God!
More significant, they came to see Him the night he was born. No one else did. Though the shepherds went back and told everyone what they had seen and heard, and though "all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds" (v. 18), not one other person came to see firsthand.
Scripture doesn't describe how the shepherds' search for the baby Jesus actually unfolded, but it's not unreasonable to assume that they entered Bethlehem and asked questions: "Does anybody know about a baby being born here in town tonight?"
The shepherds might have knocked on several doors and seen other newborn babies before they found the special Child lying in the feeding trough. At that moment, those humble men knew for certain that the angels' announcement was a word from God. After their encounter with Joseph and Mary and Jesus, the shepherds couldn't help but tell others about what the angels had told them. They became, in effect, the first New Testament evangelists.
The shepherd's story is a good illustration of the Christian life. You first hear the revelation of the gospel and believe it (Romans 10:9-10). Then you pursue and embrace Christ. And having become a witness to your glorious conversion, you begin to tell others about it (Luke 2:17).
May God grant you the life-changing spiritual experiences and the ongoing attitude of enthusiasm and responsiveness that causes you to tell others that you, too, have seen Christ the Lord.
John MacArthur is Widely known for his thorough, candid approach to teaching God's Word, John MacArthur is a fifth-generation pastor, a popular author and conference speaker, and has served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California since 1969. John is the president of The Master's College and The Master's Seminary, and he has written hundreds of books and study bibles. For more information on John, log onto www.gtv.org.
© John MacArthur all rights reserved.
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The Truth of the Nativity
John Macarthur
The story of the first Christmas is so beloved that singers and storytellers across the centuries have embellished and elaborated and mythologized the story in celebration. However, most people now don't know which details are biblical and which are fabricated. People usually imagine the manger scene with snow, singing angels, many worshipers, and a little drummer boy. None of that is found in the biblical account.
Christmas has become the product of an odd mixture of pagan ideas, superstition, fanciful legends, and plain ignorance. Add to that the commercialization of Christmas by marketers and the politicization of Christmas in the culture wars, and you're left with one big mess. Let's try to sort it out. The place to begin is in God's Word, the Bible. Here we find not only the source of the original account of Christmas, but also God's commentary on it.
We can't know Jesus if we don't understand He is real. The story of His birth is no allegory. We dare not romanticize it or settle for a fanciful legend that renders the whole story meaningless. Mary and Joseph were real people. Their dilemma on finding no room at the inn surely was as frightening for them as it would be for you or me. The manger in which Mary laid Jesus must have reeked of animal smells. So did the shepherds, in all probability. That first Christmas was anything but picturesque.
But that makes it all the more wondrous. That baby in the manger is God! Immanuel!
That's the heart and soul of the Christmas message. There weren't many worshipers around the original manger-only a handful of shepherds. That's intriguing because shepherds were among the lowest and most despised social groups.
The very nature of shepherds' work kept them from entering into the mainstream of Israel's society. They couldn't maintain the ceremonial washings and observe all the religious festivals and feasts, yet these shepherds, just a few miles from Jerusalem, were undoubtedly caring for sheep that someday would be used as sacrifices in the temple. How fitting it is that they were the first to know of the Lamb of God!
More significant, they came to see Him the night he was born. No one else did. Though the shepherds went back and told everyone what they had seen and heard, and though "all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds" (v. 18), not one other person came to see firsthand.
Scripture doesn't describe how the shepherds' search for the baby Jesus actually unfolded, but it's not unreasonable to assume that they entered Bethlehem and asked questions: "Does anybody know about a baby being born here in town tonight?"
The shepherds might have knocked on several doors and seen other newborn babies before they found the special Child lying in the feeding trough. At that moment, those humble men knew for certain that the angels' announcement was a word from God. After their encounter with Joseph and Mary and Jesus, the shepherds couldn't help but tell others about what the angels had told them. They became, in effect, the first New Testament evangelists.
The shepherd's story is a good illustration of the Christian life. You first hear the revelation of the gospel and believe it (Romans 10:9-10). Then you pursue and embrace Christ. And having become a witness to your glorious conversion, you begin to tell others about it (Luke 2:17).
May God grant you the life-changing spiritual experiences and the ongoing attitude of enthusiasm and responsiveness that causes you to tell others that you, too, have seen Christ the Lord.
John MacArthur is Widely known for his thorough, candid approach to teaching God's Word, John MacArthur is a fifth-generation pastor, a popular author and conference speaker, and has served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California since 1969. John is the president of The Master's College and The Master's Seminary, and he has written hundreds of books and study bibles. For more information on John, log onto www.gtv.org.
© John MacArthur all rights reserved.
Friday, December 18, 2009
What Incarnation Means to you and me
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Friday, December 18, 2009 Print Article
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What Incarnation Means to You and Me
Alan Riley
Have you ever noticed that we church folk are sometimes infatuated with our own vocabulary? Our language (sometimes referred to as "Christianese") is full of humongous words that are used to describe basic tenets of our faith. Words like "justification," "sanctification," "atonement," and my all-time favorite, "propitiation."
I'm afraid sometimes when we couch spiritual truth in obscure multi-syllable words, we make the gospel - the good news - less accessible to those who didn't grow up in church and hear the term "transubstantiation" shortly after graduating from Kindergarten. Most, if not all of our fancy theological terms can be explained in a much more accessible way with easier to understand words and terms (but I sound SO much smarter if I use the big words!)
Karl Barth was a complicated German Theologian whose work Christian Dogmatics is widely regarded as one of the most important theological treatises of the last 250 years. It encompasses thirteen volumes, six million words, and it took him from 1932 until shortly before his death in 1968 to complete. Some of it is literally impossible to grasp without a theological background. When lecturing at Princeton University in 1962, Barth was asked by a student, "Dr. Barth, what's the most profound thing you have ever heard?"
The brilliant theologian rested his hand on his chin for a moment, deep in thought. The students were waiting with pen in hand to write down his answer. Then he spoke: "Jesus loves me, this I know... for the Bible tells me so."
Many times the most profound things are the simplest to express. So it is with the spiritual terminology surrounding Christmas. Have you ever heard the word "Incarnation?" Or that Jesus is "God Incarnate?" Sounds mysterious and obscure, doesn't it? The meaning is really quite simple. It means "embodied in flesh." A pastor friend of mine put it even simpler than that: Incarnation means "God with skin on."
When the birth of Jesus was foretold by the prophet Isaiah, he said that his name would be Emmanuel, which means "God with us." God with us! Not far off in heaven somewhere, but one of us. Jesus is at the same time fully God and fully man.
That's not to say that the concept of the Incarnation is not a mystery. It is no doubt a great mystery. Contemporary theologian J.I. Packer wrote "Nothing in fiction is so fantastic as is the truth of the Incarnation." But just because something is a mystery doesn't make it obscure or difficult to grasp. The operation of my car is for the most part a mystery to me, but that doesn't stop me from driving it every day. The vast expanse of the universe is a mystery to me, but that won't stop me from enjoying the sunset tonight, or giving praise to God as I look out at the stars. The fact that my wife loves me and puts up with me is most certainly a mystery to me, but that doesn't stop me from enjoying my life together with her.
Likewise, I don't need to understand the mysteries of the union of Godhead and manhood in the person of Jesus Christ to know that what it means to me in practical terms is God is with me. Not far removed, not untouched by my pain or my problems, not a cosmic force who set the world in motion and then watches dispassionately from a distance, but a personal God who has been where I am, was tempted as I am, and who invites me to cast all of my cares on Him.
This is what incarnation means: His name is Emmanuel, which means God with me... and with you! Rejoice!
Alan Riley is Vice President for Ministry and Media Development for 316 Networks (www.316Networks.com), Streaming Faith's sister media property. From 2006-2009 he served as Director of Web Operations and Managing Editor for Streaming Faith. An ordained Baptist Minister, Alan is a frequent contributor to the Streaming Faith Daily Devotional. He can sometimes be found blogging at www.alansblog.com or more often opining in 140 characters or less at www.Twitter.com/AlanRiley.
© Alan Riley all rights reserved.
Friday, December 18, 2009 Print Article
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What Incarnation Means to You and Me
Alan Riley
Have you ever noticed that we church folk are sometimes infatuated with our own vocabulary? Our language (sometimes referred to as "Christianese") is full of humongous words that are used to describe basic tenets of our faith. Words like "justification," "sanctification," "atonement," and my all-time favorite, "propitiation."
I'm afraid sometimes when we couch spiritual truth in obscure multi-syllable words, we make the gospel - the good news - less accessible to those who didn't grow up in church and hear the term "transubstantiation" shortly after graduating from Kindergarten. Most, if not all of our fancy theological terms can be explained in a much more accessible way with easier to understand words and terms (but I sound SO much smarter if I use the big words!)
Karl Barth was a complicated German Theologian whose work Christian Dogmatics is widely regarded as one of the most important theological treatises of the last 250 years. It encompasses thirteen volumes, six million words, and it took him from 1932 until shortly before his death in 1968 to complete. Some of it is literally impossible to grasp without a theological background. When lecturing at Princeton University in 1962, Barth was asked by a student, "Dr. Barth, what's the most profound thing you have ever heard?"
The brilliant theologian rested his hand on his chin for a moment, deep in thought. The students were waiting with pen in hand to write down his answer. Then he spoke: "Jesus loves me, this I know... for the Bible tells me so."
Many times the most profound things are the simplest to express. So it is with the spiritual terminology surrounding Christmas. Have you ever heard the word "Incarnation?" Or that Jesus is "God Incarnate?" Sounds mysterious and obscure, doesn't it? The meaning is really quite simple. It means "embodied in flesh." A pastor friend of mine put it even simpler than that: Incarnation means "God with skin on."
When the birth of Jesus was foretold by the prophet Isaiah, he said that his name would be Emmanuel, which means "God with us." God with us! Not far off in heaven somewhere, but one of us. Jesus is at the same time fully God and fully man.
That's not to say that the concept of the Incarnation is not a mystery. It is no doubt a great mystery. Contemporary theologian J.I. Packer wrote "Nothing in fiction is so fantastic as is the truth of the Incarnation." But just because something is a mystery doesn't make it obscure or difficult to grasp. The operation of my car is for the most part a mystery to me, but that doesn't stop me from driving it every day. The vast expanse of the universe is a mystery to me, but that won't stop me from enjoying the sunset tonight, or giving praise to God as I look out at the stars. The fact that my wife loves me and puts up with me is most certainly a mystery to me, but that doesn't stop me from enjoying my life together with her.
Likewise, I don't need to understand the mysteries of the union of Godhead and manhood in the person of Jesus Christ to know that what it means to me in practical terms is God is with me. Not far removed, not untouched by my pain or my problems, not a cosmic force who set the world in motion and then watches dispassionately from a distance, but a personal God who has been where I am, was tempted as I am, and who invites me to cast all of my cares on Him.
This is what incarnation means: His name is Emmanuel, which means God with me... and with you! Rejoice!
Alan Riley is Vice President for Ministry and Media Development for 316 Networks (www.316Networks.com), Streaming Faith's sister media property. From 2006-2009 he served as Director of Web Operations and Managing Editor for Streaming Faith. An ordained Baptist Minister, Alan is a frequent contributor to the Streaming Faith Daily Devotional. He can sometimes be found blogging at www.alansblog.com or more often opining in 140 characters or less at www.Twitter.com/AlanRiley.
© Alan Riley all rights reserved.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
The Word Made Flesh
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Thursday, December 17, 2009 Print Article
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The Word Made Flesh
Rev. James C. Matthews
"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14
John 1:14 is one of the most revealing scriptures in the Bible. It not only reveals God Himself having come as one of us, but a kingdom principle that God intends for us to live by. This principle simply stated is: Every word God speaks, He intends for it to be made flesh - or manifest! If this is true, and believers desire to see God's Word manifest in their lives, why is there so little manifestation taking place? It is not that the Word is impotent or insufficient. Far from it! The answer lies in our lack of understanding concerning the biblical principle and process by which God has ordained manifestation occur.
Many people have become frustrated, and even fainted, due to a lack of manifestation in their lives as it pertains to the Word of God. They hear and believe the Word of God, but are still waiting on the promises to manifest in their lives. We misunderstand what the Word of God is and how it manifests in our lives. Manifestation is really the revelation of what was there all the time - it just wasn't visible. Manifestation is a two part process that involves both God and man. God initiates the process by providing the spiritual substance of the thing, then man is responsible for doing what is necessary in the natural to prepare a place for it to manifest. Without both there will be no manifestation.
"Now faith (the Word of God) is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1, brackets added). This scripture reveals that God has provided the substance of all things we hope for through His Word. Our ability to see what we're hoping for is dependent upon a place being prepared in the natural.
This is more clearly seen in John 1:1 and John 1:14. It reads, "In the beginning was the word' ... 'And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." The Word has been there all the time. However, when God decided to make His Word flesh or to manifest it, He had to find a "prepared place" (Mary's womb) for the Pre-existing Word to manifest itself. Man now could see what had been there from the beginning. We first receive a thing by our hearing before it can pass through our hands.
As I considered this revelation, the Holy Spirit revealed to me, there is so little manifestation in believers' lives because they do not understand that God provides for us by speaking to us. Every provision God has given man has come from His mouth. They continue to look for things at the mailbox, another person or through a job, when the authorized means of manifestation begin in the Word. God has done His part - He has given us His Word. We must receive and prepare to see what He has said.
I praise God for His Word that was made flesh! When we were helplessly lost and desperately indebted to sin, God sent His Word to be made flesh for us. The same Word that created all things (Hebrews 11:3, Colossians 1:16), became a man so that He could die for all men and pay a debt that we could not pay. I thank God that His Word became flesh! Even more so, I am glad that His Word has found a prepared place in me and become flesh!
Pastor James C. (J.C.) Matthews is the founder and Senior Pastor of the multi-cultural non-denominational Dunamis Life Ministries of Dallas, Texas. Pastor Matthews is known for his love of God's Word, unusual wisdom, passionate preaching style and gift of practically applying scripture to everyday. He is the author of the Saved but Stuck: 30 Days to Personal Revival". "I'll Come... When I Get Myself Together" and "My Situation Is Not My Destination - Only Preparation". J.C. Matthews lives in the Dallas / Ft. Worth Texas area with his wife Gena and four children.
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Thursday, December 17, 2009 Print Article
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The Word Made Flesh
Rev. James C. Matthews
"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14
John 1:14 is one of the most revealing scriptures in the Bible. It not only reveals God Himself having come as one of us, but a kingdom principle that God intends for us to live by. This principle simply stated is: Every word God speaks, He intends for it to be made flesh - or manifest! If this is true, and believers desire to see God's Word manifest in their lives, why is there so little manifestation taking place? It is not that the Word is impotent or insufficient. Far from it! The answer lies in our lack of understanding concerning the biblical principle and process by which God has ordained manifestation occur.
Many people have become frustrated, and even fainted, due to a lack of manifestation in their lives as it pertains to the Word of God. They hear and believe the Word of God, but are still waiting on the promises to manifest in their lives. We misunderstand what the Word of God is and how it manifests in our lives. Manifestation is really the revelation of what was there all the time - it just wasn't visible. Manifestation is a two part process that involves both God and man. God initiates the process by providing the spiritual substance of the thing, then man is responsible for doing what is necessary in the natural to prepare a place for it to manifest. Without both there will be no manifestation.
"Now faith (the Word of God) is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1, brackets added). This scripture reveals that God has provided the substance of all things we hope for through His Word. Our ability to see what we're hoping for is dependent upon a place being prepared in the natural.
This is more clearly seen in John 1:1 and John 1:14. It reads, "In the beginning was the word' ... 'And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." The Word has been there all the time. However, when God decided to make His Word flesh or to manifest it, He had to find a "prepared place" (Mary's womb) for the Pre-existing Word to manifest itself. Man now could see what had been there from the beginning. We first receive a thing by our hearing before it can pass through our hands.
As I considered this revelation, the Holy Spirit revealed to me, there is so little manifestation in believers' lives because they do not understand that God provides for us by speaking to us. Every provision God has given man has come from His mouth. They continue to look for things at the mailbox, another person or through a job, when the authorized means of manifestation begin in the Word. God has done His part - He has given us His Word. We must receive and prepare to see what He has said.
I praise God for His Word that was made flesh! When we were helplessly lost and desperately indebted to sin, God sent His Word to be made flesh for us. The same Word that created all things (Hebrews 11:3, Colossians 1:16), became a man so that He could die for all men and pay a debt that we could not pay. I thank God that His Word became flesh! Even more so, I am glad that His Word has found a prepared place in me and become flesh!
Pastor James C. (J.C.) Matthews is the founder and Senior Pastor of the multi-cultural non-denominational Dunamis Life Ministries of Dallas, Texas. Pastor Matthews is known for his love of God's Word, unusual wisdom, passionate preaching style and gift of practically applying scripture to everyday. He is the author of the Saved but Stuck: 30 Days to Personal Revival". "I'll Come... When I Get Myself Together" and "My Situation Is Not My Destination - Only Preparation". J.C. Matthews lives in the Dallas / Ft. Worth Texas area with his wife Gena and four children.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
My Skin For His
Wednesday, December 16, 2009 Print Article
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My Skin For His
Milan Ford
For the past fifteen years (perhaps even longer), I have struggled with the discoloration of my skin due to poor acne growing up. Like most young people growing up, acne was that distant cousin no one wanted around, but kept showing up uninvited and more often than not, with friends.
Like many young adults who are still recovering from skin scars from their adolescent years, I have just about tried every product in the book. Some have worked, most have not. As one particular dermatologist told me earlier this year (while I was standing in a grocery checkout line):
"It takes longer to heal from a scar than it does to actually make one."
Honestly, I didn't know whether to respond with "thank you" or "did I ask for your opinion" - it's amazing how your flaws (when visible to the public) have a way of constantly drawing someone else's diagnosis even when you haven't asked for it.
As a leader (and survivor of ministry) within the local church, my appearance is often something that has been a private prison for me. Despite the unconditional love of my wife and three children, there are still times when I shy away from taking some family photos, and when it comes to meeting with other leaders or friends, keeping eye contact remains a tall mountain to climb.
About a week or so ago, while standing in my bathroom, preparing to test yet another skin care product someone had recommended, I was reminded of this incredibly powerful passage of scripture found in John 1:1-5v:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was the life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
Now skip down to the 14th verse:
And the Word became FLESH and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
I want to speak directly to everyone reading this today who may have a problem with the 'skin' that they find themselves in right now. Whether you are having a challenge regarding your weight, finding meaningful relationships, locating a new job, or perhaps just holding onto the job you have now...
...please do not allow your quest for personal improvement to cause you to lose sight of the glorious image our Father has provided us all through His Son, Jesus Christ.
I realize that your new year's resolution list is piling up yet again concerning some of the things you desire to change about yourself, but before you invest in yet another self-help product, be sure to spend the time necessary to embrace the fact that you have been uniquely fashioned 'in Christ' before the foundations of the world. Everything that you still deem to be 'dark' in your life cannot compare to the light that Christ desires to shine on us who believe.
This is not a time to hang your head down low or to live a life that is beneath what you are capable of. The time has come for you to exchange YOUR SKIN for HIS.
To know that despite our flaws, Christ came down, embraced our humanity, and now presents us as 'flawless' before an omnipotent God, should ignite within us all a fire that no one can extinguish.
So if you can excuse me, I'm running late for a photo shoot my wife scheduled for me!
Perhaps it's time you should schedule yours.
Milan Ford has been a leader (and survivor) of ministry within the local church for most of his life. A lover of Red Vines Licorice and all things pointing North, Milan recently released his first book, 83 Things I Wish The Black Church Would Stop Doing, which is currently ranked #3 on Amazon.com (Religion & Spirituality / African-American). You can find Milan rambling and writing at at ThePewView.com.
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My Skin For His
Milan Ford
For the past fifteen years (perhaps even longer), I have struggled with the discoloration of my skin due to poor acne growing up. Like most young people growing up, acne was that distant cousin no one wanted around, but kept showing up uninvited and more often than not, with friends.
Like many young adults who are still recovering from skin scars from their adolescent years, I have just about tried every product in the book. Some have worked, most have not. As one particular dermatologist told me earlier this year (while I was standing in a grocery checkout line):
"It takes longer to heal from a scar than it does to actually make one."
Honestly, I didn't know whether to respond with "thank you" or "did I ask for your opinion" - it's amazing how your flaws (when visible to the public) have a way of constantly drawing someone else's diagnosis even when you haven't asked for it.
As a leader (and survivor of ministry) within the local church, my appearance is often something that has been a private prison for me. Despite the unconditional love of my wife and three children, there are still times when I shy away from taking some family photos, and when it comes to meeting with other leaders or friends, keeping eye contact remains a tall mountain to climb.
About a week or so ago, while standing in my bathroom, preparing to test yet another skin care product someone had recommended, I was reminded of this incredibly powerful passage of scripture found in John 1:1-5v:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was the life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
Now skip down to the 14th verse:
And the Word became FLESH and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
I want to speak directly to everyone reading this today who may have a problem with the 'skin' that they find themselves in right now. Whether you are having a challenge regarding your weight, finding meaningful relationships, locating a new job, or perhaps just holding onto the job you have now...
...please do not allow your quest for personal improvement to cause you to lose sight of the glorious image our Father has provided us all through His Son, Jesus Christ.
I realize that your new year's resolution list is piling up yet again concerning some of the things you desire to change about yourself, but before you invest in yet another self-help product, be sure to spend the time necessary to embrace the fact that you have been uniquely fashioned 'in Christ' before the foundations of the world. Everything that you still deem to be 'dark' in your life cannot compare to the light that Christ desires to shine on us who believe.
This is not a time to hang your head down low or to live a life that is beneath what you are capable of. The time has come for you to exchange YOUR SKIN for HIS.
To know that despite our flaws, Christ came down, embraced our humanity, and now presents us as 'flawless' before an omnipotent God, should ignite within us all a fire that no one can extinguish.
So if you can excuse me, I'm running late for a photo shoot my wife scheduled for me!
Perhaps it's time you should schedule yours.
Milan Ford has been a leader (and survivor) of ministry within the local church for most of his life. A lover of Red Vines Licorice and all things pointing North, Milan recently released his first book, 83 Things I Wish The Black Church Would Stop Doing, which is currently ranked #3 on Amazon.com (Religion & Spirituality / African-American). You can find Milan rambling and writing at at ThePewView.com.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
I Know
Tuesday, December 15, 2009 Print Article
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I Know
Mike DeVries
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14
There are perhaps no two more powerful words than the words "I know."
I know what you're going through.
I know what it is like.
I know how you are feeling.
I know.
We all long to hear those words, do we not? We all long to believe that there is someone, anyone, who knows what it is like - who knows what we are going through. When you find that certain someone who does know what it is like, doesn't it seem to change everything?
Some two thousand years ago, in a sleepy town in Judea, God did something revolutionary. Rather than offering a voice of concern to a weary world, God did something beyond what anyone could have ever dreamed or imagined.
In Jesus, the Word, the voice, comes to dwell among us.
In the incarnation, we celebrate the reality that God knows and cares enough about people that He chose to dwell among us in a very physical and present sort of way. The unseen God of Israelite history was now the seen God. The invisible made visible.
We are told in the Scriptures that in Jesus "we saw the glory of the one and only." In other words, Jesus was putting God on display. You want to see what God is like? You want to see how to live in harmony with the Creator? Look at Jesus. He is the way and the truth and the life.
In the incarnation is found a large message from God to you and me: I know.
I know what you're going through.
I know what it is like.
I know how you are feeling.
I know.
So wherever you find yourself this day, no matter what circumstances you may find yourself in, know that there is a God who knows. Feeling alone? He knows. Feeling overwhelmed? He knows. Feeling as if you just cannot go on? He knows. Feeling like there is no one who understands? He knows. He's been there too. In Jesus, He knows.
He knows. He knows. He knows.
Mike DeVries is the teaching pastor at Sa'kred - a community of Jesus followers in Laguna Hills, California who are exploring what it looks like to embody the way and teachings of Jesus in this present culture. Mike is a thinker, reader, observer, listener, searcher, questioner, teacher, writer, and practioner, as well as a husband and father. You can find Mike blogging here http://awakening.typepad.com/.
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I Know
Mike DeVries
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14
There are perhaps no two more powerful words than the words "I know."
I know what you're going through.
I know what it is like.
I know how you are feeling.
I know.
We all long to hear those words, do we not? We all long to believe that there is someone, anyone, who knows what it is like - who knows what we are going through. When you find that certain someone who does know what it is like, doesn't it seem to change everything?
Some two thousand years ago, in a sleepy town in Judea, God did something revolutionary. Rather than offering a voice of concern to a weary world, God did something beyond what anyone could have ever dreamed or imagined.
In Jesus, the Word, the voice, comes to dwell among us.
In the incarnation, we celebrate the reality that God knows and cares enough about people that He chose to dwell among us in a very physical and present sort of way. The unseen God of Israelite history was now the seen God. The invisible made visible.
We are told in the Scriptures that in Jesus "we saw the glory of the one and only." In other words, Jesus was putting God on display. You want to see what God is like? You want to see how to live in harmony with the Creator? Look at Jesus. He is the way and the truth and the life.
In the incarnation is found a large message from God to you and me: I know.
I know what you're going through.
I know what it is like.
I know how you are feeling.
I know.
So wherever you find yourself this day, no matter what circumstances you may find yourself in, know that there is a God who knows. Feeling alone? He knows. Feeling overwhelmed? He knows. Feeling as if you just cannot go on? He knows. Feeling like there is no one who understands? He knows. He's been there too. In Jesus, He knows.
He knows. He knows. He knows.
Mike DeVries is the teaching pastor at Sa'kred - a community of Jesus followers in Laguna Hills, California who are exploring what it looks like to embody the way and teachings of Jesus in this present culture. Mike is a thinker, reader, observer, listener, searcher, questioner, teacher, writer, and practioner, as well as a husband and father. You can find Mike blogging here http://awakening.typepad.com/.
Monday, December 14, 2009
The Word Became flesh and moved into the neighborhood
Monday, December 14, 2009 Print Article
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The Word Became Flesh and Moved Into the Neighborhood
Bishop Donald Hilliard
Among the Christmas Eve congregation at 5th Avenue Presbyterian Church was a recovering alcoholic named Jim. It was his first Christmas alone, and when a young family sat down beside him he couldn't handle it. Leaving the church he met Pastor Thomas Tewell who asked where he was going. "Out for a drink," he replied.
Knowing Jim's history, Tewell said, "You can't. Where's your sponsor?" "On vacation," he replied. "I came tonight needing a word of hope and ended up sitting beside this family. If I had my life together, I'd be here with mine."
As the pastor walked to the pulpit he prayed, "God, give me a word of hope for Jim." Then after welcoming the congregation he said, "I have a request. If anyone here is a friend of Bill W.'s, and if you are you'll know it, please meet me in the vestry. (Bill Wilson, better known as Bill W., co-founded Alcoholics Anonymous)
Immediately people from all over the congregation began to respond. Dr. Tewell says, "While I was busy preaching about the Incarnation, the Word was becoming flesh before my eyes!"
As you celebrate Jesus' birth, remember that many around you are hurting; they've lost hope. Don't forget, "The Word became flesh" only because Jesus went out of His way to redeem sinners, lift the fallen, encourage the despairing, and minister to the sick, the lonely and the forgotten.
He said, "In as much as you've done it unto the least...of these...you've done it unto me" (See Mt 25:40). So instead of keeping to yourself this year, reach out to others - go ahead, make it your best Christmas ever!
Bishop Donald Hilliard, Jr. is the Pastor of one church in three locations in New Jersey: Cathedral International in Perth Amboy, Cathedral Assembly by the Shore in Asbury Park, and Cathedral Assembly in the Fields in Plainfield. Dr. Hilliard's willingness to say "YES" to the Lord fostered his ability to grow the church from 125 in 1983 to well over 5,000 members today. As a result of Dr. Hilliard's unwavering faith, multifaceted mindset, and ability to trust in the Lord, over fifty ministries are at work within the three cities. For more information on Bishop Hilliard's ministry, visit www.thecathedral.org. Click here to purchase After the Fall by Dr. Donald Hilliard, Jr.!
© Cathedral International all rights reserved.
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The Word Became Flesh and Moved Into the Neighborhood
Bishop Donald Hilliard
Among the Christmas Eve congregation at 5th Avenue Presbyterian Church was a recovering alcoholic named Jim. It was his first Christmas alone, and when a young family sat down beside him he couldn't handle it. Leaving the church he met Pastor Thomas Tewell who asked where he was going. "Out for a drink," he replied.
Knowing Jim's history, Tewell said, "You can't. Where's your sponsor?" "On vacation," he replied. "I came tonight needing a word of hope and ended up sitting beside this family. If I had my life together, I'd be here with mine."
As the pastor walked to the pulpit he prayed, "God, give me a word of hope for Jim." Then after welcoming the congregation he said, "I have a request. If anyone here is a friend of Bill W.'s, and if you are you'll know it, please meet me in the vestry. (Bill Wilson, better known as Bill W., co-founded Alcoholics Anonymous)
Immediately people from all over the congregation began to respond. Dr. Tewell says, "While I was busy preaching about the Incarnation, the Word was becoming flesh before my eyes!"
As you celebrate Jesus' birth, remember that many around you are hurting; they've lost hope. Don't forget, "The Word became flesh" only because Jesus went out of His way to redeem sinners, lift the fallen, encourage the despairing, and minister to the sick, the lonely and the forgotten.
He said, "In as much as you've done it unto the least...of these...you've done it unto me" (See Mt 25:40). So instead of keeping to yourself this year, reach out to others - go ahead, make it your best Christmas ever!
Bishop Donald Hilliard, Jr. is the Pastor of one church in three locations in New Jersey: Cathedral International in Perth Amboy, Cathedral Assembly by the Shore in Asbury Park, and Cathedral Assembly in the Fields in Plainfield. Dr. Hilliard's willingness to say "YES" to the Lord fostered his ability to grow the church from 125 in 1983 to well over 5,000 members today. As a result of Dr. Hilliard's unwavering faith, multifaceted mindset, and ability to trust in the Lord, over fifty ministries are at work within the three cities. For more information on Bishop Hilliard's ministry, visit www.thecathedral.org. Click here to purchase After the Fall by Dr. Donald Hilliard, Jr.!
© Cathedral International all rights reserved.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Like Jesus
Sunday, December 13, 2009 Print Article
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Like Jesus
Ed Young
The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us - John 1:14.
Whether they are traveling through a small farming town in Nebraska, a surfing village in California or an industrial community in Pennsylvania, politicians love to show how they can relate to the people in that area. But the sad thing is that they can't really meet those people on the same level; they can't identify with them no matter how hard they try to make it appear like they can.
Jesus, though, never gives us that illusion of identity. He doesn't throw up a façade to try and appear like he gets where we are coming from. Jesus Christ connected with the people of two thousand years ago, and he connects with you and me today on a level that we can understand and appreciate.
At one point we've all said, "No one understands my situation." But that statement could not be farther from the truth. Jesus understands; he's been there; he knows what we go through day in and day out. He had a job - for most of his life he was a carpenter. He had the same relationships that you and I have today - mother, father, brothers, sister, friends, and enemies. He even faced the same temptations that you and I face. Jesus knows what daily living is like. He knows because he's been there himself.
So this week, when you feel like there is no one that can grasp what you are going through; when you feel like throwing up your hands and giving up; when you have that gut reaction of, "No one understands my situation..." remember that our Savior has been there and then add two words to your statement: "Like Jesus."
Ed Young is the founding and Senior Pastor of Fellowship Church. As a straightforward communicator who uniquely connects God's unchanging truth with a diverse culture through compelling and creative teaching methods, Ed provides resources for church leaders around the world and his weekly television program, Ed Young Ministries, can be seen throughout the U.S. and Europe, including USA, TBN, Daystar and CNBC Europe. You can find more on Ed at www.fellowshipchurch.com or find him blogging at www.edyoungblog.com.
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Like Jesus
Ed Young
The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us - John 1:14.
Whether they are traveling through a small farming town in Nebraska, a surfing village in California or an industrial community in Pennsylvania, politicians love to show how they can relate to the people in that area. But the sad thing is that they can't really meet those people on the same level; they can't identify with them no matter how hard they try to make it appear like they can.
Jesus, though, never gives us that illusion of identity. He doesn't throw up a façade to try and appear like he gets where we are coming from. Jesus Christ connected with the people of two thousand years ago, and he connects with you and me today on a level that we can understand and appreciate.
At one point we've all said, "No one understands my situation." But that statement could not be farther from the truth. Jesus understands; he's been there; he knows what we go through day in and day out. He had a job - for most of his life he was a carpenter. He had the same relationships that you and I have today - mother, father, brothers, sister, friends, and enemies. He even faced the same temptations that you and I face. Jesus knows what daily living is like. He knows because he's been there himself.
So this week, when you feel like there is no one that can grasp what you are going through; when you feel like throwing up your hands and giving up; when you have that gut reaction of, "No one understands my situation..." remember that our Savior has been there and then add two words to your statement: "Like Jesus."
Ed Young is the founding and Senior Pastor of Fellowship Church. As a straightforward communicator who uniquely connects God's unchanging truth with a diverse culture through compelling and creative teaching methods, Ed provides resources for church leaders around the world and his weekly television program, Ed Young Ministries, can be seen throughout the U.S. and Europe, including USA, TBN, Daystar and CNBC Europe. You can find more on Ed at www.fellowshipchurch.com or find him blogging at www.edyoungblog.com.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
The True meaning of Christmas
Saturday, December 12, 2009 Print Article
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The True Meaning of Christmas
Dr. Frederick K.C. Price
Christmas is one of the most important days among Christians. This day commemorates and celebrates the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. Christmas is more than just a holiday. It is the remembrance of the fact that God so loved the world that He have His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Jesus' birthday - Christmas is about God's love. It is about God's love for you and me. It is God expressing His great love for mankind, through the giving of the greatest gift, the Lord Jesus Christ. He loves us not because of what we are, but He loves us because of what He knows we can become, if we'll allow Him to get involved in our lives.
John 1:1-3, 14:
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 He was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
This passage from the Book of John tells us what Christmas is all about. It is about Jesus coming into the world. It is about the Word of God, the Living Word; Jesus is called the Logos, or the Word of God, and it says, "In the beginning was the Word."
Notice that verse 1 says "the Word was with God." This verse shows Jesus' separate and distinct personality. Then it says "the Word was God." Now, I can't explain this to you. I can't explain it in a rational way so that you can understand it intellectually, but that's what the Bible says, it says that the Word was with God and then it says that the Word was God. Praise God that He doesn't require us to understand it mentally in order to gain the benefits from it; all we have to do is simply believe it.
Romans 8:1-3:
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.
3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh,
This is the purpose of Jesus' coming. His purpose was to come and take away our sin. To come and pay the penalty that all of us should have rightfully paid as a result of Adam's sin in the garden of Eden. Jesus came to do it for us; that's what this season is all about. That's the true meaning of Christmas, that Jesus came to do what the flesh could not do and that is to bring us back into fellowship and communion with the Heavenly Father.
Hebrews 2:10-15:
10 For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
11 For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren,
12 saying: "I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You."
13 And again: "I will put My trust in Him." And again: "Here am I and the children whom God has given Me."
14 Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil,
15 and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
Jesus came to set us free from the ravages of death. Praise the Lord! The real meaning of Christmas is Jesus Christ: crucified, dead, risen, ascended, and coming again!
Dr. Frederick K.C. Price is the founder and pastor of Crenshaw Christian Center West in Los Angeles and CCC East in Manhattan. To obtain more information about his ministry, please call (800) 927-3436 or visit www.faithdome.org. Click here to browse and purchase MP3 sermons by Dr. Frederick K.C. Price!
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The True Meaning of Christmas
Dr. Frederick K.C. Price
Christmas is one of the most important days among Christians. This day commemorates and celebrates the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. Christmas is more than just a holiday. It is the remembrance of the fact that God so loved the world that He have His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Jesus' birthday - Christmas is about God's love. It is about God's love for you and me. It is God expressing His great love for mankind, through the giving of the greatest gift, the Lord Jesus Christ. He loves us not because of what we are, but He loves us because of what He knows we can become, if we'll allow Him to get involved in our lives.
John 1:1-3, 14:
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 He was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
This passage from the Book of John tells us what Christmas is all about. It is about Jesus coming into the world. It is about the Word of God, the Living Word; Jesus is called the Logos, or the Word of God, and it says, "In the beginning was the Word."
Notice that verse 1 says "the Word was with God." This verse shows Jesus' separate and distinct personality. Then it says "the Word was God." Now, I can't explain this to you. I can't explain it in a rational way so that you can understand it intellectually, but that's what the Bible says, it says that the Word was with God and then it says that the Word was God. Praise God that He doesn't require us to understand it mentally in order to gain the benefits from it; all we have to do is simply believe it.
Romans 8:1-3:
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.
3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh,
This is the purpose of Jesus' coming. His purpose was to come and take away our sin. To come and pay the penalty that all of us should have rightfully paid as a result of Adam's sin in the garden of Eden. Jesus came to do it for us; that's what this season is all about. That's the true meaning of Christmas, that Jesus came to do what the flesh could not do and that is to bring us back into fellowship and communion with the Heavenly Father.
Hebrews 2:10-15:
10 For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
11 For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren,
12 saying: "I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You."
13 And again: "I will put My trust in Him." And again: "Here am I and the children whom God has given Me."
14 Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil,
15 and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
Jesus came to set us free from the ravages of death. Praise the Lord! The real meaning of Christmas is Jesus Christ: crucified, dead, risen, ascended, and coming again!
Dr. Frederick K.C. Price is the founder and pastor of Crenshaw Christian Center West in Los Angeles and CCC East in Manhattan. To obtain more information about his ministry, please call (800) 927-3436 or visit www.faithdome.org. Click here to browse and purchase MP3 sermons by Dr. Frederick K.C. Price!
Friday, December 11, 2009
In the time of Need
Friday, December 11, 2009 Print Article
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In the Time of Need
Bishop E. Earl Jenkins
"Grace to help in a time of need." Hebrews 4:16 (NAS)
Grace reminds us of an ambulance coming to treat someone with a medical emergency. The paramedics offer assistance to the victim on the spot. They dispense immediate grace to the most serious symptoms. Then they slide them into the ambulance, which is equipped with more grace - more medical facilities - to deal with the problem. And as the paramedics are administering more grace to the patient, the ambulance races to the hospital where even more grace awaits. And once the patient is admitted, the hospital keeps dispensing grace to meet the need until the problem has been addressed and the patient can go home again. As the beloved hymn goes: "'Twas Grace that brought me safe thus far, and Grace will lead me home."
One day Jesus heard our emergency call: "I am a sinner and I need a Savior." He came to earth, found us dying in sin and reached down to save us. And as our High Priest, He also transported us from where we were, to a place that has all the grace we will ever need as long as we live, until we are finally and fully restored at the resurrection and go home with Him. So, how can we have a Savior and High Priest like this and not draw near to Him in prayer? "But I'm tired" you say. That's ok, just draw near. "But you don't understand. I'm hurting and I feel like quitting."
Others may not understand, but Jesus does. Just draw near to Him. He will meet you where you are, then take you to where He is - before the throne that dispenses grace!
Bishop Edward Earl Jenkins is the senior pastor and founder of the True Servant Worship & Praise Church located in Trenton, New Jersey. Bishop Jenkins earned his Bachelor of Theology degree from Eastern Bible College and has been preaching the unadulterated gospel for over twenty years. His unique method of preaching and teaching has opened many doors to allow him to touch the hearts of many lives near and far. Bishop Jenkins is the proud husband of Lady Sheila Jenkins and father of Travis, Jamal, Clarrisa and Dionna. Click here to purchase Don't Hate Your Enemies...Just Step On Them! by Bishop E.E. Jenkins!
© Bishop E. Earl Jenkins all rights reserved.
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In the Time of Need
Bishop E. Earl Jenkins
"Grace to help in a time of need." Hebrews 4:16 (NAS)
Grace reminds us of an ambulance coming to treat someone with a medical emergency. The paramedics offer assistance to the victim on the spot. They dispense immediate grace to the most serious symptoms. Then they slide them into the ambulance, which is equipped with more grace - more medical facilities - to deal with the problem. And as the paramedics are administering more grace to the patient, the ambulance races to the hospital where even more grace awaits. And once the patient is admitted, the hospital keeps dispensing grace to meet the need until the problem has been addressed and the patient can go home again. As the beloved hymn goes: "'Twas Grace that brought me safe thus far, and Grace will lead me home."
One day Jesus heard our emergency call: "I am a sinner and I need a Savior." He came to earth, found us dying in sin and reached down to save us. And as our High Priest, He also transported us from where we were, to a place that has all the grace we will ever need as long as we live, until we are finally and fully restored at the resurrection and go home with Him. So, how can we have a Savior and High Priest like this and not draw near to Him in prayer? "But I'm tired" you say. That's ok, just draw near. "But you don't understand. I'm hurting and I feel like quitting."
Others may not understand, but Jesus does. Just draw near to Him. He will meet you where you are, then take you to where He is - before the throne that dispenses grace!
Bishop Edward Earl Jenkins is the senior pastor and founder of the True Servant Worship & Praise Church located in Trenton, New Jersey. Bishop Jenkins earned his Bachelor of Theology degree from Eastern Bible College and has been preaching the unadulterated gospel for over twenty years. His unique method of preaching and teaching has opened many doors to allow him to touch the hearts of many lives near and far. Bishop Jenkins is the proud husband of Lady Sheila Jenkins and father of Travis, Jamal, Clarrisa and Dionna. Click here to purchase Don't Hate Your Enemies...Just Step On Them! by Bishop E.E. Jenkins!
© Bishop E. Earl Jenkins all rights reserved.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Studio Apt. available
There is a small studio available in my browstone for a Dec 15th move-in date (One person occupancy). Below are the details. PASS IT ON!
***Bedford-Stuyvesant location (Hancock St. b/w Lewis Ave. & Marcus Garvey Blvd.)
***Clean, quiet brownstone, on the top floor
***Close to A/C trains
***Heat, hot water and utilities are included in the rent
*** Rent is $800/mo.
***Requirements: W2 form, security and first month rent
***No Pets
If interested or have questions, please call Spencer 347-682-9325, if you receive voicemail please leave your full name and phone number
Spencer Casseus :-)
***Bedford-Stuyvesant location (Hancock St. b/w Lewis Ave. & Marcus Garvey Blvd.)
***Clean, quiet brownstone, on the top floor
***Close to A/C trains
***Heat, hot water and utilities are included in the rent
*** Rent is $800/mo.
***Requirements: W2 form, security and first month rent
***No Pets
If interested or have questions, please call Spencer 347-682-9325, if you receive voicemail please leave your full name and phone number
Spencer Casseus :-)
Recieve the Lord Today
Receive the Lord Today
Bishop Keith Butler
He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. Proverbs 29:1 (KJV)
The Lord is merciful. He is reaching out His hand for all to receive Jesus today, not tomorrow. Don't think simply because you are young that means you then have a visa card of life to do whatever you want without consequences. Not true. God is against sin because sin will kill you.
Often reproved means that he's been warned and warned and warned. The Holy Ghost will warn you not to do this, not to go this way, not to be with these people, not to be in this place. He'll keep warning you. As he keeps warning people, there are people who will listen and then there are people who will not. They keep going their own way. Yet God keeps trying to get to them. You may have been rejecting God. God keeps calling for you, and you keep on rejecting him b ecause you want to do what you want to do, the way you want to do it, and still think you're going to get into heaven. Well, the scripture says that he that is often reproved shall be destroyed suddenly without remedy.
Suddenly he will be destroyed, and without remedy. I heard R. W. Schambach talked about how a 15 or 16 year old boy came to a church that he was pastoring. He drove a motorcycle. And the spirit of God moved on him to minister to that young boy and told him, "Son, you need to get saved today; Get saved today." The boy was being drawn by the Holy Ghost and shrugged it off. He said, "I'm not ready yet. I'll do it when I'm ready." He walked on out of that church. He got on his bike heading home. The pavement was wet and he therefore lost control of that bike and wound up in the grill of an 18 wheeler truck. He met eternity suddenly. He wasn't prepared. He thought he had all day.
I submit to you that you don't have all day to decide to follow God. Who are you to tell God to wait? Who are you to tell God, when you're ready? When God calls you, you'd better answer and come. He loves you, and His mercy is out there. So come to Him now while it is called today.
Scripture References: Hebrews 4:1-16; Matthew 11:28-30; John 6:37
Bishop Keith Butler
He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. Proverbs 29:1 (KJV)
The Lord is merciful. He is reaching out His hand for all to receive Jesus today, not tomorrow. Don't think simply because you are young that means you then have a visa card of life to do whatever you want without consequences. Not true. God is against sin because sin will kill you.
Often reproved means that he's been warned and warned and warned. The Holy Ghost will warn you not to do this, not to go this way, not to be with these people, not to be in this place. He'll keep warning you. As he keeps warning people, there are people who will listen and then there are people who will not. They keep going their own way. Yet God keeps trying to get to them. You may have been rejecting God. God keeps calling for you, and you keep on rejecting him b ecause you want to do what you want to do, the way you want to do it, and still think you're going to get into heaven. Well, the scripture says that he that is often reproved shall be destroyed suddenly without remedy.
Suddenly he will be destroyed, and without remedy. I heard R. W. Schambach talked about how a 15 or 16 year old boy came to a church that he was pastoring. He drove a motorcycle. And the spirit of God moved on him to minister to that young boy and told him, "Son, you need to get saved today; Get saved today." The boy was being drawn by the Holy Ghost and shrugged it off. He said, "I'm not ready yet. I'll do it when I'm ready." He walked on out of that church. He got on his bike heading home. The pavement was wet and he therefore lost control of that bike and wound up in the grill of an 18 wheeler truck. He met eternity suddenly. He wasn't prepared. He thought he had all day.
I submit to you that you don't have all day to decide to follow God. Who are you to tell God to wait? Who are you to tell God, when you're ready? When God calls you, you'd better answer and come. He loves you, and His mercy is out there. So come to Him now while it is called today.
Scripture References: Hebrews 4:1-16; Matthew 11:28-30; John 6:37
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
How Jesus meets the deepest Longings of your heart
Wednesday, December 09, 2009 Print Article
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How Jesus Meets the Deepest Longings of Your Heart
Dr. Jack Graham
More than likely, you've heard the story out of the New Testament of the chief tax collector, a man named Zacchaeus.
As I have read his story over and over, I have come to realize that Zacchaeus' story is everyone's story-including yours and mine.
As you read his story, you come to realize that Zacchaeus illustrates the four basic weaknesses and needs of every human heart: the feeling of emptiness, the feeling of loneliness, the weight of guilt, and the fear of death.
There really are some great life-lessons you and I can learn as we look at this man. Let's pick up his story in Luke 19:1-9:
Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature. So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house." So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, "He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner." Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold." And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."
Zacchaeus was a wealthy man in his day, but he was empty inside. His story is a great reminder that it doesn't matter how well off you are financially or physically, there is a need deep within every human heart to be filled with something that will last...something that will fill that emptiness we feel in souls.
Friend, you and I were made to know God, to love God, to experience grace, and to know true, saving faith in Him.
It doesn't matter how much money you have...how much status you achieve...or how many things you have. You need God because you were made to know Him...just like Zacchaeus was.
But Zacchaeus had another problem. He was lonely. He was a Jew working for the Romans to collect taxes, one of the most hated professions of that day.
He was skimming off the top, swindling and scandalizing his friends. Zacchaeus was a man who seemingly had no conscience-and no friends. He was an outcast of society!
As a result, he was a very lonely man...just like so many people today. We were made to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, so we naturally feel lonely without Him. And this is how Zacchaeus felt.
Along with that loneliness, Zacchaeus carried around a huge weight of guilt...a feeling everyone experiences.
Some people try to numb the pain of guilt with excessive alcohol consumption, illicit drug use, or unhealthy relationships.
But no matter how you try to hide it...no matter how far you may try to run, you will never be able to dissolve that sense of guilt apart from a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Finally, just like anyone who doesn't have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, Zacchaeus was afraid to die. And while most people don't admit this fact, it's true.
Even though many considered Zacchaeus a waste case, Jesus knew that he was empty and lonely...Jesus knew that he felt guilty...and Jesus knew that he was afraid to die. And that's why Jesus stopped!
I don't know where you may be in life today, my friend. Maybe you can relate to one or more of Zacchaeus' weaknesses.
Whatever your station may be today...good, bad, rich or poor...I hope you have come to realize all that God is offering you through Jesus Christ...the Friend of the wounded heart.
Because through Jesus you can indeed know fullness for your emptiness, forgiveness for your guilt, and intimacy with God for your loneliness. And through Him you have the ultimate victory, the victory over death.
Dr. Jack Graham's passion is to lead men and women from all walks of life into a more intimate and life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ. Pastor Graham is the voice of Power Point Ministries and has led the 26,000-member Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas since 1989. He is the author of several books including You Can Make a Difference, Lessons from the Heart, Life according to Jesus, and A Man of God. Dr. Graham lives in Frisco, Texas, with his wife and ministry partner, Deb. The Grahams have three children and one grandson. For more information, check out www.PowerPoint.org
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How Jesus Meets the Deepest Longings of Your Heart
Dr. Jack Graham
More than likely, you've heard the story out of the New Testament of the chief tax collector, a man named Zacchaeus.
As I have read his story over and over, I have come to realize that Zacchaeus' story is everyone's story-including yours and mine.
As you read his story, you come to realize that Zacchaeus illustrates the four basic weaknesses and needs of every human heart: the feeling of emptiness, the feeling of loneliness, the weight of guilt, and the fear of death.
There really are some great life-lessons you and I can learn as we look at this man. Let's pick up his story in Luke 19:1-9:
Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature. So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house." So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, "He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner." Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold." And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."
Zacchaeus was a wealthy man in his day, but he was empty inside. His story is a great reminder that it doesn't matter how well off you are financially or physically, there is a need deep within every human heart to be filled with something that will last...something that will fill that emptiness we feel in souls.
Friend, you and I were made to know God, to love God, to experience grace, and to know true, saving faith in Him.
It doesn't matter how much money you have...how much status you achieve...or how many things you have. You need God because you were made to know Him...just like Zacchaeus was.
But Zacchaeus had another problem. He was lonely. He was a Jew working for the Romans to collect taxes, one of the most hated professions of that day.
He was skimming off the top, swindling and scandalizing his friends. Zacchaeus was a man who seemingly had no conscience-and no friends. He was an outcast of society!
As a result, he was a very lonely man...just like so many people today. We were made to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, so we naturally feel lonely without Him. And this is how Zacchaeus felt.
Along with that loneliness, Zacchaeus carried around a huge weight of guilt...a feeling everyone experiences.
Some people try to numb the pain of guilt with excessive alcohol consumption, illicit drug use, or unhealthy relationships.
But no matter how you try to hide it...no matter how far you may try to run, you will never be able to dissolve that sense of guilt apart from a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Finally, just like anyone who doesn't have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, Zacchaeus was afraid to die. And while most people don't admit this fact, it's true.
Even though many considered Zacchaeus a waste case, Jesus knew that he was empty and lonely...Jesus knew that he felt guilty...and Jesus knew that he was afraid to die. And that's why Jesus stopped!
I don't know where you may be in life today, my friend. Maybe you can relate to one or more of Zacchaeus' weaknesses.
Whatever your station may be today...good, bad, rich or poor...I hope you have come to realize all that God is offering you through Jesus Christ...the Friend of the wounded heart.
Because through Jesus you can indeed know fullness for your emptiness, forgiveness for your guilt, and intimacy with God for your loneliness. And through Him you have the ultimate victory, the victory over death.
Dr. Jack Graham's passion is to lead men and women from all walks of life into a more intimate and life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ. Pastor Graham is the voice of Power Point Ministries and has led the 26,000-member Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas since 1989. He is the author of several books including You Can Make a Difference, Lessons from the Heart, Life according to Jesus, and A Man of God. Dr. Graham lives in Frisco, Texas, with his wife and ministry partner, Deb. The Grahams have three children and one grandson. For more information, check out www.PowerPoint.org
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
The first begotten son
Tuesday, December 08, 2009 Print Article
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The First Begotten Son
Dr. Creflo A. Dollar
When you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you became born again. That simply means that your spirit was transformed from a state of spiritual death to life in a split second of time. But have you ever considered that Jesus went through the exact same thing? Often, in the midst of our religious views of Him, we forget that He was actually the first person to ever become born again. That's right. He suffered what He did on the cross so that He could become the prototype for the new creation. He was the first begotten son of Almighty God.
In order to understand the new creation experience, it is essential to realize why this whole thing had to happen. When Adam committed high treason in the Garden of Eden by turning his authority over to Satan, death, sin and the curse entered the earth. Adam's connection to God was immediately severed, and Satan became his god instead. Romans 5:19 says, "For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous." There was nothing anyone could do or not do to be a sinner; the only qualification was to be born.
God knew that Adam would sin. Therefore, from the beginning, He established a plan to restore mankind back to perfect fellowship with Him. He sent Jesus to the earth to accomplish the task. Jesus' birth had to be a supernatural one because if He were born of a woman and a man, He wouldn't be able to be a spotless sacrifice; every person born of a woman was already spiritually dead. So God supernaturally impregnated the Virgin Mary so that Jesus could have what I call "blood type G," or God's blood type.
There's a reason why Jesus is your big Brother-He was the first man to ever be born again, or spiritually recreated from death to life. He set the precedent for you and me. When Jesus died on the cross and descended into the depths of hell to pay the price for your sins, He died both physically and spiritually (Romans 10:7). In those agonizing moments, Jesus became sin, and His heavenly Father turned His back on His Son (Matthew 27:46).
After spending three days and nights in the pit of hell, the power of God resurrected Him back to spiritual life with a new spirit, and a glorified body. Acts 13:33 says, "God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee." This day that God is talking about is the day that Jesus was resurrected. He became the first begotten son of God-born again from spiritual death to life.
You and I, as children of God, are also born again from death to life. By allowing Jesus to come into your heart, you accepted the free gift of righteousness through Him. Through faith in God's power, your spirit was quickened and made alive. You were made worthy to partake of every promise and privilege that the Word of God has to offer.
If you've ever questioned your spiritual identity, don't go another day wondering where you stand with God. With Jesus sitting on the throne of your life, you've been made a new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17) and are a partaker of eternal life with Him!
Dr. Creflo A. Dollar is the senior pastor of World Changers Church International, 25,000 member church in College Park, Georgia. He is committed to changing the world one person at a time, and his award-winning "Changing Your World" television broadcast reaches nearly one billion homes worldwide. Visit www.CrefloDollarMinistries.org to learn more. Click here to browse and purchase Books, CDs, and DVDs by Dr. Creflo A. Dollar!
© Creflo A. Dollar Ministries all rights reserved.
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The First Begotten Son
Dr. Creflo A. Dollar
When you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you became born again. That simply means that your spirit was transformed from a state of spiritual death to life in a split second of time. But have you ever considered that Jesus went through the exact same thing? Often, in the midst of our religious views of Him, we forget that He was actually the first person to ever become born again. That's right. He suffered what He did on the cross so that He could become the prototype for the new creation. He was the first begotten son of Almighty God.
In order to understand the new creation experience, it is essential to realize why this whole thing had to happen. When Adam committed high treason in the Garden of Eden by turning his authority over to Satan, death, sin and the curse entered the earth. Adam's connection to God was immediately severed, and Satan became his god instead. Romans 5:19 says, "For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous." There was nothing anyone could do or not do to be a sinner; the only qualification was to be born.
God knew that Adam would sin. Therefore, from the beginning, He established a plan to restore mankind back to perfect fellowship with Him. He sent Jesus to the earth to accomplish the task. Jesus' birth had to be a supernatural one because if He were born of a woman and a man, He wouldn't be able to be a spotless sacrifice; every person born of a woman was already spiritually dead. So God supernaturally impregnated the Virgin Mary so that Jesus could have what I call "blood type G," or God's blood type.
There's a reason why Jesus is your big Brother-He was the first man to ever be born again, or spiritually recreated from death to life. He set the precedent for you and me. When Jesus died on the cross and descended into the depths of hell to pay the price for your sins, He died both physically and spiritually (Romans 10:7). In those agonizing moments, Jesus became sin, and His heavenly Father turned His back on His Son (Matthew 27:46).
After spending three days and nights in the pit of hell, the power of God resurrected Him back to spiritual life with a new spirit, and a glorified body. Acts 13:33 says, "God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee." This day that God is talking about is the day that Jesus was resurrected. He became the first begotten son of God-born again from spiritual death to life.
You and I, as children of God, are also born again from death to life. By allowing Jesus to come into your heart, you accepted the free gift of righteousness through Him. Through faith in God's power, your spirit was quickened and made alive. You were made worthy to partake of every promise and privilege that the Word of God has to offer.
If you've ever questioned your spiritual identity, don't go another day wondering where you stand with God. With Jesus sitting on the throne of your life, you've been made a new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17) and are a partaker of eternal life with Him!
Dr. Creflo A. Dollar is the senior pastor of World Changers Church International, 25,000 member church in College Park, Georgia. He is committed to changing the world one person at a time, and his award-winning "Changing Your World" television broadcast reaches nearly one billion homes worldwide. Visit www.CrefloDollarMinistries.org to learn more. Click here to browse and purchase Books, CDs, and DVDs by Dr. Creflo A. Dollar!
© Creflo A. Dollar Ministries all rights reserved.
In need of a savior
Monday, December 07, 2009 Print Article
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In Need of a Savior
Alan Riley
David Miller, a ministry friend of mine relates the story of the birth of his first child. When his son was born, David was sure that there had never been a child born to man and woman to compare to this special child. "But it wasn't long after we brought him home from the hospital," David relates, "that we realized that the chain of sin was still unbroken!"
We laughed when we heard David tell that story, but he makes an important point. His child was born with a sinful nature. You and I were, too. We all were. It is a legacy passed down from Adam. Each one of us at some point in our lives makes a conscious choice to disobey God and sin, but that is because we were born with a sinful nature, a bent toward sinning, if you will.
People sometimes get upset with you if you tell them they are a sinner. They think we are judging them, but in reality that is something that we have in common with them. The Apostle Paul said that he was the "chief of sinners" (1 Timothy 1:15). John reminded us that if we say we have not sinned we are a liar (1 John 1:8).
The late Rich Mullins (writer of "Awesome God" and "Sing Your Praise to the Lord") told the story of getting stranded at an inn while on a hike. To meet back up with his party would require a ten mile walk and he was already spent from the day's hike. He struck up a conversation with a man at the inn and in the course of the conversation, Mullins shared that he was a Christian musician. The man offered to give Mullins a ride to meet his party, but said there was something he needed to tell him first. "I am gay" the man told him. Rich chuckled and replied that he still needed a ride to the drop off point! As he took Rich to meet up with his hiking companions, the man was silent for most of the trip.
Finally he turned to Rich and asked, "Does God hate me?" Mullins wrote that the question, and the heart cry behind it broke his heart. He turned to the man and said, "God loves you as much as He loves me! Yes, God hates the sin in your life, but no more than he hates the sin in my life." The man realized that in Rich Mullins he had found a friend, not a judge. That is how we need to relate to those around us, many of whom are struggling with sin. We aren't better than them, we're just forgiven. When I share Christ with others, I am just one beggar telling another beggar where I found food.
We tend to want to rank sin in order of severity, but God doesn't make such distinctions. It's true that in the Old Testament (Proverbs 6) there is a list of things God despises, but included on that list are lying and sowing discord among brothers. Ever lied before? (If your answer is no, read 1 John 1:8 again!) Sin is sin. It is all rebellion against Him. We are all in need of saving. We are all in need of a Savior.
That is what we celebrate this Christmas season. We need to look beyond all the hype and the materialism of the holiday and focus in on the baby in a manger in Bethlehem. The only child who ever chose to be born. The one who left the glory of heaven to save us from our sins.
He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. 1 John 1:10-14 (NKJV)
Alan Riley is Vice President for Ministry and Media Development for 316 Networks (www.316Networks.com), Streaming Faith's sister media property. From 2006-2009 he served as Director of Web Operations and Managing Editor for Streaming Faith. An ordained Baptist Minister, Alan is a frequent contributor to the Streaming Faith Daily Devotional. He can sometimes be found blogging at www.alansblog.com or more often opining in 140 characters or less at www.Twitter.com/AlanRiley.
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In Need of a Savior
Alan Riley
David Miller, a ministry friend of mine relates the story of the birth of his first child. When his son was born, David was sure that there had never been a child born to man and woman to compare to this special child. "But it wasn't long after we brought him home from the hospital," David relates, "that we realized that the chain of sin was still unbroken!"
We laughed when we heard David tell that story, but he makes an important point. His child was born with a sinful nature. You and I were, too. We all were. It is a legacy passed down from Adam. Each one of us at some point in our lives makes a conscious choice to disobey God and sin, but that is because we were born with a sinful nature, a bent toward sinning, if you will.
People sometimes get upset with you if you tell them they are a sinner. They think we are judging them, but in reality that is something that we have in common with them. The Apostle Paul said that he was the "chief of sinners" (1 Timothy 1:15). John reminded us that if we say we have not sinned we are a liar (1 John 1:8).
The late Rich Mullins (writer of "Awesome God" and "Sing Your Praise to the Lord") told the story of getting stranded at an inn while on a hike. To meet back up with his party would require a ten mile walk and he was already spent from the day's hike. He struck up a conversation with a man at the inn and in the course of the conversation, Mullins shared that he was a Christian musician. The man offered to give Mullins a ride to meet his party, but said there was something he needed to tell him first. "I am gay" the man told him. Rich chuckled and replied that he still needed a ride to the drop off point! As he took Rich to meet up with his hiking companions, the man was silent for most of the trip.
Finally he turned to Rich and asked, "Does God hate me?" Mullins wrote that the question, and the heart cry behind it broke his heart. He turned to the man and said, "God loves you as much as He loves me! Yes, God hates the sin in your life, but no more than he hates the sin in my life." The man realized that in Rich Mullins he had found a friend, not a judge. That is how we need to relate to those around us, many of whom are struggling with sin. We aren't better than them, we're just forgiven. When I share Christ with others, I am just one beggar telling another beggar where I found food.
We tend to want to rank sin in order of severity, but God doesn't make such distinctions. It's true that in the Old Testament (Proverbs 6) there is a list of things God despises, but included on that list are lying and sowing discord among brothers. Ever lied before? (If your answer is no, read 1 John 1:8 again!) Sin is sin. It is all rebellion against Him. We are all in need of saving. We are all in need of a Savior.
That is what we celebrate this Christmas season. We need to look beyond all the hype and the materialism of the holiday and focus in on the baby in a manger in Bethlehem. The only child who ever chose to be born. The one who left the glory of heaven to save us from our sins.
He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. 1 John 1:10-14 (NKJV)
Alan Riley is Vice President for Ministry and Media Development for 316 Networks (www.316Networks.com), Streaming Faith's sister media property. From 2006-2009 he served as Director of Web Operations and Managing Editor for Streaming Faith. An ordained Baptist Minister, Alan is a frequent contributor to the Streaming Faith Daily Devotional. He can sometimes be found blogging at www.alansblog.com or more often opining in 140 characters or less at www.Twitter.com/AlanRiley.
Monday, December 7, 2009
A message from Shaam Jones
MEETING YOU WHEREVER YOU ARE IN LIFE: Do You Already!!!
By Shaam Jones for The Frontliners of EBC
I overslept again! I got up and frantically rushed around the house trying to get out the door, only to discover that there was no hot water, and my button-up shirt that I hand washed the night before was still too damp to wear. I was tempted to resort to my old school, played out ways and start cussing and fussing. But then a sense of calmness came over me.
I said a quick prayer aloud. “Father God, come into my heart and show me Your will and purpose for me this morning. Quiet my stress-filled mind and remove my double-mindedness. Fill me with Your Spirit and guide me in this moment. This is my prayer as Your son, amen, amen, amen.”
I heard an audible voice say: Do you already! So, of course I had a 1 Samuel 3:4 ah-ha moment. I asked, God affirmatively answered, “streamingfaith.com.” Then I reached over to my nightstand and opened up my laptop.
Thank God for streamingfaith.com on those mornings when ‘Bedside Baptist’ is where I have to join in fellowship with other Emmanuelites. It has been a Godsend whenever I’m on the road traveling for business and find myself in a strange hotel, away from the safety of home with a nightstand Bible as my only weapon against the temptations of provocative cable programming, and faceless strangers in the bar downstairs.
It is in these moments I’m glad that I’m a mobile professional with wireless access, and I can log onto www.EBC-ny.org to hear sermon podcasts in the archives, look at photos of my brothers on the frontlines, and reminisce about all the memorable experiences I’ve had as a member of this community of faith.
Being able to log onto www.streamingfaith.com, click the “Live” tab and scroll down to “10:00 am” where I look for the “Live Now” icon next to “Emmanuel Baptist Church, Anthony L. Trufant” is such a much-appreciated resource when I am physically disconnected from my EBC family. And you can take notes while you watch.
I’m glad that EBC is a 21st century ministry that personifies its call to purpose “Connecting People to Christ.”
So, I logged on and joined into praise and worship with Total Praise being led by Pastor Haye this morning in my PJs. I sang without being self-conscious of who heard me, because I’m not much of a singer (lol).
Then Rev began by asking two thought-provoking questions:
1. Who has helped you stay in New York ?
2. Who do you believe the Spirit is prompting you to help stay in New York ?
And I turned to the mirror (lol – my neighbors went to service) I repeated: “God wants us to help each other”
I thought, “Hmm…interesting…” so I turned up the volume a bit more.
Then I joined in our corporate prayer of petition: God, we’re grateful to You for granting us persons who come in and out of our lives. We thank You for using family members who pour into our lives, and ask that as Your sons and daughters You fill us with the power to become Your servants. This is our prayer in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, amen.
RTs message was entitled: “Help!!!” drawn from Romans 16:1-2
Through the technological wonders of Internet Explorer 8, I was able to open another tab and log onto www.biblegateway.com to type in the message scripture. I like this site because it gives the option of even being able to view the scriptural text in several translations. Next, I cut and paste the text into an open Word document on which I’ve been taking notes:
“1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant (deaconess) of the church in Cenchrea. 2 I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many people, including me.” – Romans 16:1-2
Paul’s letter to the fellowship of the faithful in the Book of Romans was on open ‘shout out’ of commendation to Phoebe and those who do. To those he were standing around it may have read like a “Do you already!” reminder. He calls Phoebe our sister (the word “sister” comes from the Greek word “Adelphi” which means the sister that is loved). This letter was his helping hand up to those who were committed to handing out blessing for others.
CHECKING HIS LIFE’S RESUME: Paul wasn’t considered a team player from day one. In fact, he was once called a prayer-hater. Even after his faith transition, Paul’s competency was continually called into question; not by outsiders, but rather by those who proclaimed to be faith sharers. Why? He was formerly someone that persecuted the disciples of the Way (Christ). Yet, he is credited as one of the first writers of the Gospel in the New Testament as the author the Book of Galatians.
Rev then shared a tragic account of a 10-year girl who was sexually abused by her father and step mom. Many people should’ve done something, but they didn’t. Like you I, they choose to not get involved, fearing they might’ve misjudged or misread the situation. So, they did nothing.
No one called 911. No one discouraged the destructive, unkind behavior that led to her death. No one did anything.
Do you hear and see things and not want to get involved? Most people, including police are hesitant and cautious from intervening in domestic disputes because it’s highly likely they’ll find themselves under attack as well. So, no one does anything.
What is your common sense criteria for getting involved? We are not just “created” we are also “called” to serve, not yesterday – today. “We live in the eternal now” as Rev poignantly pointed out. Do you hit the “Christian mute button” when an opportunity to help the well-being of others comes? Are you experiencing a “holy discontent” about the situational challenges of others.
“God calls us through what we speak. He speaks to us through what we see.”
A lot of people want to “talk about God” but they don’t want to “join God, in what God is doing.” The framework of capitalism has it structured within a system a have-not section that is reserved for the disenfranchised. These days however, the reality of capitalism has come closer to us “unemployment is not a statistic, it’s our situation.”
We pay farmers to grow food that is stored in silos and thrown away, even though we have children with hungry stomachs all around us. Why? Have you discovered you “sacred vocation” or merely settled for your “occupation” to avoid doing the work of God which you are more than capable of doing? Why do you continue to allow other people’s aptitude of your ability to hinder your altitude in God’s army of change makers?
You watch 5 hours of television everyday. You have the same 168 hours as the rest of us, yet you’re squandering them at home rather than honing the skills necessary to use your God-given gifts for the work of the Kingdom. It’s not just why you should you help, “it’s whom and when?”
The Bible reveals to us the lengths God will go to pursue us.
What you’ve done doesn’t mean much if you’re not intentional in what you’re doing.
Are you work-in-progress that has submitted to the transformational process? God changes us from the inside outside out – that’s sanctification. Our faithful, praise-filled display of our devotion to God attentiveness – that’s glorification.
Apologetics 101: Rev pointed out “people can question your doctrines and beliefs, but they cannot question the consistency of your life.” Some to your prayer haters say, “You can’t argue with people’s experience.”
Our precepts must become practices. We are called as believers to do something we wouldn’t do. Let’s stop being lazy, waiting around for others to tell us what to think and partner with God, today!
DYK? Christ was a layperson that made a difference. What are you doing?
Are those who are connected to your faith network experiencing “dropped calls” because you’re out of the coverage area? You are called to make connections with those in need, and not send their incoming calls for help to voicemail. As a believer, you’ve been commissioned to be a 800 number operator for the Kingdom network. As a member of the EBC community of faith, you’ve been saved to serve as on the ‘help desk’ responding to the needs of those around you.
Congratulations to Brother James Billingy on taking his walk of faith at Sunday’s 10 a.m. service and thanks to the Frontliners who supported his faithful response to the moment of decision. Thanks!
RT’S WORD OF THE WEEK: Pernicious – harmful, insidious, spiteful and evil.
By Shaam Jones for The Frontliners of EBC
I overslept again! I got up and frantically rushed around the house trying to get out the door, only to discover that there was no hot water, and my button-up shirt that I hand washed the night before was still too damp to wear. I was tempted to resort to my old school, played out ways and start cussing and fussing. But then a sense of calmness came over me.
I said a quick prayer aloud. “Father God, come into my heart and show me Your will and purpose for me this morning. Quiet my stress-filled mind and remove my double-mindedness. Fill me with Your Spirit and guide me in this moment. This is my prayer as Your son, amen, amen, amen.”
I heard an audible voice say: Do you already! So, of course I had a 1 Samuel 3:4 ah-ha moment. I asked, God affirmatively answered, “streamingfaith.com.” Then I reached over to my nightstand and opened up my laptop.
Thank God for streamingfaith.com on those mornings when ‘Bedside Baptist’ is where I have to join in fellowship with other Emmanuelites. It has been a Godsend whenever I’m on the road traveling for business and find myself in a strange hotel, away from the safety of home with a nightstand Bible as my only weapon against the temptations of provocative cable programming, and faceless strangers in the bar downstairs.
It is in these moments I’m glad that I’m a mobile professional with wireless access, and I can log onto www.EBC-ny.org to hear sermon podcasts in the archives, look at photos of my brothers on the frontlines, and reminisce about all the memorable experiences I’ve had as a member of this community of faith.
Being able to log onto www.streamingfaith.com, click the “Live” tab and scroll down to “10:00 am” where I look for the “Live Now” icon next to “Emmanuel Baptist Church, Anthony L. Trufant” is such a much-appreciated resource when I am physically disconnected from my EBC family. And you can take notes while you watch.
I’m glad that EBC is a 21st century ministry that personifies its call to purpose “Connecting People to Christ.”
So, I logged on and joined into praise and worship with Total Praise being led by Pastor Haye this morning in my PJs. I sang without being self-conscious of who heard me, because I’m not much of a singer (lol).
Then Rev began by asking two thought-provoking questions:
1. Who has helped you stay in New York ?
2. Who do you believe the Spirit is prompting you to help stay in New York ?
And I turned to the mirror (lol – my neighbors went to service) I repeated: “God wants us to help each other”
I thought, “Hmm…interesting…” so I turned up the volume a bit more.
Then I joined in our corporate prayer of petition: God, we’re grateful to You for granting us persons who come in and out of our lives. We thank You for using family members who pour into our lives, and ask that as Your sons and daughters You fill us with the power to become Your servants. This is our prayer in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, amen.
RTs message was entitled: “Help!!!” drawn from Romans 16:1-2
Through the technological wonders of Internet Explorer 8, I was able to open another tab and log onto www.biblegateway.com to type in the message scripture. I like this site because it gives the option of even being able to view the scriptural text in several translations. Next, I cut and paste the text into an open Word document on which I’ve been taking notes:
“1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant (deaconess) of the church in Cenchrea. 2 I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many people, including me.” – Romans 16:1-2
Paul’s letter to the fellowship of the faithful in the Book of Romans was on open ‘shout out’ of commendation to Phoebe and those who do. To those he were standing around it may have read like a “Do you already!” reminder. He calls Phoebe our sister (the word “sister” comes from the Greek word “Adelphi” which means the sister that is loved). This letter was his helping hand up to those who were committed to handing out blessing for others.
CHECKING HIS LIFE’S RESUME: Paul wasn’t considered a team player from day one. In fact, he was once called a prayer-hater. Even after his faith transition, Paul’s competency was continually called into question; not by outsiders, but rather by those who proclaimed to be faith sharers. Why? He was formerly someone that persecuted the disciples of the Way (Christ). Yet, he is credited as one of the first writers of the Gospel in the New Testament as the author the Book of Galatians.
Rev then shared a tragic account of a 10-year girl who was sexually abused by her father and step mom. Many people should’ve done something, but they didn’t. Like you I, they choose to not get involved, fearing they might’ve misjudged or misread the situation. So, they did nothing.
No one called 911. No one discouraged the destructive, unkind behavior that led to her death. No one did anything.
Do you hear and see things and not want to get involved? Most people, including police are hesitant and cautious from intervening in domestic disputes because it’s highly likely they’ll find themselves under attack as well. So, no one does anything.
What is your common sense criteria for getting involved? We are not just “created” we are also “called” to serve, not yesterday – today. “We live in the eternal now” as Rev poignantly pointed out. Do you hit the “Christian mute button” when an opportunity to help the well-being of others comes? Are you experiencing a “holy discontent” about the situational challenges of others.
“God calls us through what we speak. He speaks to us through what we see.”
A lot of people want to “talk about God” but they don’t want to “join God, in what God is doing.” The framework of capitalism has it structured within a system a have-not section that is reserved for the disenfranchised. These days however, the reality of capitalism has come closer to us “unemployment is not a statistic, it’s our situation.”
We pay farmers to grow food that is stored in silos and thrown away, even though we have children with hungry stomachs all around us. Why? Have you discovered you “sacred vocation” or merely settled for your “occupation” to avoid doing the work of God which you are more than capable of doing? Why do you continue to allow other people’s aptitude of your ability to hinder your altitude in God’s army of change makers?
You watch 5 hours of television everyday. You have the same 168 hours as the rest of us, yet you’re squandering them at home rather than honing the skills necessary to use your God-given gifts for the work of the Kingdom. It’s not just why you should you help, “it’s whom and when?”
The Bible reveals to us the lengths God will go to pursue us.
What you’ve done doesn’t mean much if you’re not intentional in what you’re doing.
Are you work-in-progress that has submitted to the transformational process? God changes us from the inside outside out – that’s sanctification. Our faithful, praise-filled display of our devotion to God attentiveness – that’s glorification.
Apologetics 101: Rev pointed out “people can question your doctrines and beliefs, but they cannot question the consistency of your life.” Some to your prayer haters say, “You can’t argue with people’s experience.”
Our precepts must become practices. We are called as believers to do something we wouldn’t do. Let’s stop being lazy, waiting around for others to tell us what to think and partner with God, today!
DYK? Christ was a layperson that made a difference. What are you doing?
Are those who are connected to your faith network experiencing “dropped calls” because you’re out of the coverage area? You are called to make connections with those in need, and not send their incoming calls for help to voicemail. As a believer, you’ve been commissioned to be a 800 number operator for the Kingdom network. As a member of the EBC community of faith, you’ve been saved to serve as on the ‘help desk’ responding to the needs of those around you.
Congratulations to Brother James Billingy on taking his walk of faith at Sunday’s 10 a.m. service and thanks to the Frontliners who supported his faithful response to the moment of decision. Thanks!
RT’S WORD OF THE WEEK: Pernicious – harmful, insidious, spiteful and evil.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Finishing well
Friday, December 04, 2009 Print Article
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Finishing Well
Ken Boa
We sing the song, "I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back," but why is it that so many people do? There seems to be an epidemic of Christians who begin well but finish poorly. Let me share seven crucial characteristics that will help you to finish well.
1. Intimacy With Christ.
Our highest calling is to grow in our knowledge of Christ and to make Him known to others. Does our desire to know Christ exceed all other aspirations? If not, whatever is taking His place in the center of our affections must yield to Him if we are to know the joy of bearing spiritual fruit. A key secret of those who finish well is to focus more on loving Jesus than on avoiding sin. The more we love Jesus, the more we will learn to put our confidence in Him alone.
2. Fidelity With Spiritual Disciplines
Spiritual disciplines such as prayer, fellowship, study, worship, and submission are not ends in themselves, but means to the end of intimacy with Christ and spiritual formation. When left to itself, however, any one of these disciplines tends to decline and decay. An infusion of directed intentionality and effort is necessary to sustain order and growth and to bring repeated times of personal renewal.
3. A Biblical Perspective On The Circumstances Of Life.
Part of the purpose of our suffering and trials is to drive us to dependence on God alone. God responds by revealing more of Himself to us. This knowledge increases our faith and our capacity to trust His character and His promises through the times we do not understand His purposes and His ways. When we view our circumstances in light of God's character instead of God's character in light of our circumstances, we come to see that God is never indifferent to us, and that He uses suffering for our good so we will be more fully united to Christ.
4. A Teachable, Responsive, and Humble Spirit.
Those who finish well maintain an ongoing learning posture through the seasons of their lives. Humility and responsive obedience are the keys to maintaining a teachable spirit.
Humility is the disposition in which we displace self through the enthronement of Christ in our lives and realize that all of life is about trust in God. Obedience is the application of biblical faith in that which is not seen, and that which is not yet. As we mature in Christ, we learn to trust God's character and promises in spite of ambiguity or trials.
5. A Clear Sense Of Personal Calling.
God has called each of us to a purposeful journey sustained by faithfulness and growing hope. This calling or vocation transcends our occupations and endures beyond the end of our careers. As we seek the Lord's guidance in developing a personal vision and clarity of mission, we move beyond the level of tasks and accomplishments to the level of the purpose for which we were created.
6. Healthy Relationships with Resourceful People.
Relationships such as spiritual mentoring, servant leadership, and personal and group accountability are valuable resources that encourage, equip, and exhort. People who finish well do not do so without the caring support of other growing members of the body of Christ. These relationships help us to increase in intimacy with Christ, maintain the needed disciplines, clarify our long-term perspective, sustain a teachable attitude, and develop our purpose and calling.
7. Ongoing Ministry Investment In The Lives Of Others.
Spirit-filled living requires us to discover and develop the spiritual gifts we have received and exercise them through the Spirit's power for the edification of others. Believers who finish well are marked by ongoing outreach and sacrificial ministry for the good of other people.
Those who squander the resources, gifts, experiences, and hard-learned insights God has given them by no longer investing them in the lives of others soon wither and withdraw.
What does it take to finish well? Taking to heart the above seven characteristics will help you finish well day by day, as you "run with endurance the race that is set before [you]" (Heb. 12:1).
Ken Boa is the president of Reflection Ministries, an organization that seeks to provide safe places for people to consider the claims of Christ. He has authored numerous books, including Pursuing Wisdom, The Art of Living Well, The Psalms: A Journal, and The Trinity: A Journal (all NavPress). For more on Ken, log onto www.kenboa.org
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Finishing Well
Ken Boa
We sing the song, "I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back," but why is it that so many people do? There seems to be an epidemic of Christians who begin well but finish poorly. Let me share seven crucial characteristics that will help you to finish well.
1. Intimacy With Christ.
Our highest calling is to grow in our knowledge of Christ and to make Him known to others. Does our desire to know Christ exceed all other aspirations? If not, whatever is taking His place in the center of our affections must yield to Him if we are to know the joy of bearing spiritual fruit. A key secret of those who finish well is to focus more on loving Jesus than on avoiding sin. The more we love Jesus, the more we will learn to put our confidence in Him alone.
2. Fidelity With Spiritual Disciplines
Spiritual disciplines such as prayer, fellowship, study, worship, and submission are not ends in themselves, but means to the end of intimacy with Christ and spiritual formation. When left to itself, however, any one of these disciplines tends to decline and decay. An infusion of directed intentionality and effort is necessary to sustain order and growth and to bring repeated times of personal renewal.
3. A Biblical Perspective On The Circumstances Of Life.
Part of the purpose of our suffering and trials is to drive us to dependence on God alone. God responds by revealing more of Himself to us. This knowledge increases our faith and our capacity to trust His character and His promises through the times we do not understand His purposes and His ways. When we view our circumstances in light of God's character instead of God's character in light of our circumstances, we come to see that God is never indifferent to us, and that He uses suffering for our good so we will be more fully united to Christ.
4. A Teachable, Responsive, and Humble Spirit.
Those who finish well maintain an ongoing learning posture through the seasons of their lives. Humility and responsive obedience are the keys to maintaining a teachable spirit.
Humility is the disposition in which we displace self through the enthronement of Christ in our lives and realize that all of life is about trust in God. Obedience is the application of biblical faith in that which is not seen, and that which is not yet. As we mature in Christ, we learn to trust God's character and promises in spite of ambiguity or trials.
5. A Clear Sense Of Personal Calling.
God has called each of us to a purposeful journey sustained by faithfulness and growing hope. This calling or vocation transcends our occupations and endures beyond the end of our careers. As we seek the Lord's guidance in developing a personal vision and clarity of mission, we move beyond the level of tasks and accomplishments to the level of the purpose for which we were created.
6. Healthy Relationships with Resourceful People.
Relationships such as spiritual mentoring, servant leadership, and personal and group accountability are valuable resources that encourage, equip, and exhort. People who finish well do not do so without the caring support of other growing members of the body of Christ. These relationships help us to increase in intimacy with Christ, maintain the needed disciplines, clarify our long-term perspective, sustain a teachable attitude, and develop our purpose and calling.
7. Ongoing Ministry Investment In The Lives Of Others.
Spirit-filled living requires us to discover and develop the spiritual gifts we have received and exercise them through the Spirit's power for the edification of others. Believers who finish well are marked by ongoing outreach and sacrificial ministry for the good of other people.
Those who squander the resources, gifts, experiences, and hard-learned insights God has given them by no longer investing them in the lives of others soon wither and withdraw.
What does it take to finish well? Taking to heart the above seven characteristics will help you finish well day by day, as you "run with endurance the race that is set before [you]" (Heb. 12:1).
Ken Boa is the president of Reflection Ministries, an organization that seeks to provide safe places for people to consider the claims of Christ. He has authored numerous books, including Pursuing Wisdom, The Art of Living Well, The Psalms: A Journal, and The Trinity: A Journal (all NavPress). For more on Ken, log onto www.kenboa.org
Thursday, December 3, 2009
it's better not to know better
Thursday, December 03, 2009 Print Article
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It's Better Not To Know Better
Steven Furtick
My youngest son Graham lets me throw him up in the air so high that he almost goes through the ceiling. He loves it. He just turned 1 about a month ago.
His older brother Elijah used to let me do the same thing. He's 3 now, and he doesn't like it so much any more. It scares him. Didn't used to scare him, but my wife Holly says now that he's more aware of his surroundings, being thrown in the air freaks him out. I guess that's understandable.
Sometimes our awareness of our surroundings can take the naiveté out of our faith in God. When I first came to Christ, it was like I was letting Him throw me up in the air as high as He could (or would, more like it), and it never crossed my mind that this was dangerous.
It never crossed my mind that He might drop me.
If He prompted me to speak out for Him, I spoke up. If He urged me to give something to Him, I gave. If He wanted me to give up something for Him, I gave it up.
Then came mortgage payments, adult responsibilities and the like. Now I'm more aware of my surroundings. And it's a little more unnerving to get thrown up in the air.
It didn't frighten me at all when I didn't know any better...and sometimes I think it's better not to know any better. As a child of God, and even more so as a leader, I don't ever want to become so aware of my surroundings that I stop innately trusting God because it's dangerous.
Not that we should stay in a state of perpetual childhood. It's good to grow up, to exercise wisdom, and to analyze the risks.
But when it comes time to jump, never let your awareness of your surroundings be the final factor when deciding how high to go and how much to trust.
As you finish this year strong, find confidence in the strength of the one who caught you the last time, and who is positioned to catch you again.
Steven Furtick is Pastor of Elevation Church, located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Under his passionate leadership, Elevation Church was named one of the 10 fastest growing churches in America. A devoted husband and father of two, you can find Steven blogging at www.stevenfurtick.com
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It's Better Not To Know Better
Steven Furtick
My youngest son Graham lets me throw him up in the air so high that he almost goes through the ceiling. He loves it. He just turned 1 about a month ago.
His older brother Elijah used to let me do the same thing. He's 3 now, and he doesn't like it so much any more. It scares him. Didn't used to scare him, but my wife Holly says now that he's more aware of his surroundings, being thrown in the air freaks him out. I guess that's understandable.
Sometimes our awareness of our surroundings can take the naiveté out of our faith in God. When I first came to Christ, it was like I was letting Him throw me up in the air as high as He could (or would, more like it), and it never crossed my mind that this was dangerous.
It never crossed my mind that He might drop me.
If He prompted me to speak out for Him, I spoke up. If He urged me to give something to Him, I gave. If He wanted me to give up something for Him, I gave it up.
Then came mortgage payments, adult responsibilities and the like. Now I'm more aware of my surroundings. And it's a little more unnerving to get thrown up in the air.
It didn't frighten me at all when I didn't know any better...and sometimes I think it's better not to know any better. As a child of God, and even more so as a leader, I don't ever want to become so aware of my surroundings that I stop innately trusting God because it's dangerous.
Not that we should stay in a state of perpetual childhood. It's good to grow up, to exercise wisdom, and to analyze the risks.
But when it comes time to jump, never let your awareness of your surroundings be the final factor when deciding how high to go and how much to trust.
As you finish this year strong, find confidence in the strength of the one who caught you the last time, and who is positioned to catch you again.
Steven Furtick is Pastor of Elevation Church, located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Under his passionate leadership, Elevation Church was named one of the 10 fastest growing churches in America. A devoted husband and father of two, you can find Steven blogging at www.stevenfurtick.com
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
TOTAL PRAISE TO PERFORM AT ROCKEFELLER CENTER WITH ARETHA FRANKLIN
TUNE IN and WATCH
TOTAL PRAISE
as they perform and open the national hour with
ARETHA FRANKLIN
on
NBC's 2009 TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY AT
ROCKEFELLER CENTER
Other performers include Barry Manilow, Alicia Keys, Michael Buble, Shakira, Rod Stewart, José Feliciano, Rob Thomas, The Roots, The Muffets, The Radio City Rockettes and more!
Along with special guests Miss Teen USA, Miss Universe, NBC's Nightly News Brian Williams,
Taylor Schilling
and James Tuppe (NBC's "Mercy')
Co-hosted by NBC's
Jane Krakowski ("30 Rock") and Zachary Levi ("Chuck")
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2009
7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. EST - WNBC-TV (local hour)
8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. EST - NBC-TV (national hour)
TOTAL PRAISE
as they perform and open the national hour with
ARETHA FRANKLIN
on
NBC's 2009 TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY AT
ROCKEFELLER CENTER
Other performers include Barry Manilow, Alicia Keys, Michael Buble, Shakira, Rod Stewart, José Feliciano, Rob Thomas, The Roots, The Muffets, The Radio City Rockettes and more!
Along with special guests Miss Teen USA, Miss Universe, NBC's Nightly News Brian Williams,
Taylor Schilling
and James Tuppe (NBC's "Mercy')
Co-hosted by NBC's
Jane Krakowski ("30 Rock") and Zachary Levi ("Chuck")
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2009
7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. EST - WNBC-TV (local hour)
8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. EST - NBC-TV (national hour)
Please put the remote down.....
Tuesday, December 01, 2009 Print Article
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Please, Put the Remote Down
Milan Ford
Well, it's official.
My wife and I can no longer watch television together.
And I must admit - it is largely my fault.
While it pains me to share this with you, several years ago I contracted a deadly disease that is affecting men of all ages and ethnicities at an alarming rate. The disease is called O.C.F.
Also Known As: Obsessive Channel Flipping.
Some of the symptoms of this disease include:
(1) An inability to watch any show or film in its entirety.
(2) An abnormal distaste for commercial breaks.
(3) An endless pursuit and search through movie channels I know I haven't paid for yet.
(Pray for me - but sometimes I wake up hoping my cable company would one day make a mistake.)
Since it has become nearly impossible for my wife (or anyone for that matter) to sit and enjoy watching any form of television with me, I decided to get some serious help. After seeking the advice of several close friends, family members, as well as a few cable technicians I knew, I soon discovered that my problem was much bigger than channel flipping.
In fact, it is a problem that men, women, and a majority of the Body of Christ today have as well.
Our problem: FINISHING.
Whatever happened to that project you were working on (that you just knew was ordained by God), that led you to flip to something else less demanding because you were afraid of failing?
Or what about that relationship you took before God in prayer earlier this year? Why were you so quick to flip onto something (or someone) else after that first sign of disagreement?
It is amazes me how we (as believers) are at times some of the biggest channel flippers when it comes to life's challenges. When faced with adversity, we often surf for a better station, rather than to wait and see what God may have in store for us at the end of the program.
Sometimes we forget that God (as described in Hebrews 12:2) is the AUTHOR and FINISHER of our faith. There is nothing that catches Him by surprise concerning our lives.
While there may be times in our life that seem too difficult to watch and endure, we must find confidence in knowing that God does not view our life as some one-time program. He sees our lives as a series.
A series that He has authored and gone before us all to finish.
A finish that you and I just can't afford to miss.
While 2009 is indeed drawing to a close, and there still may remain some things you were hoping to accomplish this year, this is not a time for channel flipping.
This is a time to finish the work that God has begun in you. So today, if you are in need of any words of encouragement (or accountability) in order to aid you in finishing this year strong...
...let me leave you with five good ones my wife gave me the other day:
PLEASE. PUT THE REMOTE DOWN!
Milan Ford has been a leader (and survivor) of ministry within the local church for most of his life. A lover of Red Vines Licorice and all things pointing North, Milan has recently released his first book, 83 Things I Wish The Black Church Would Stop Doing. You can find Milan rambling and writing at at ThePewView.com.
© Milan Ford all rights reserved.
Share this devotional on: MySpace
Leave a Comment
Please, Put the Remote Down
Milan Ford
Well, it's official.
My wife and I can no longer watch television together.
And I must admit - it is largely my fault.
While it pains me to share this with you, several years ago I contracted a deadly disease that is affecting men of all ages and ethnicities at an alarming rate. The disease is called O.C.F.
Also Known As: Obsessive Channel Flipping.
Some of the symptoms of this disease include:
(1) An inability to watch any show or film in its entirety.
(2) An abnormal distaste for commercial breaks.
(3) An endless pursuit and search through movie channels I know I haven't paid for yet.
(Pray for me - but sometimes I wake up hoping my cable company would one day make a mistake.)
Since it has become nearly impossible for my wife (or anyone for that matter) to sit and enjoy watching any form of television with me, I decided to get some serious help. After seeking the advice of several close friends, family members, as well as a few cable technicians I knew, I soon discovered that my problem was much bigger than channel flipping.
In fact, it is a problem that men, women, and a majority of the Body of Christ today have as well.
Our problem: FINISHING.
Whatever happened to that project you were working on (that you just knew was ordained by God), that led you to flip to something else less demanding because you were afraid of failing?
Or what about that relationship you took before God in prayer earlier this year? Why were you so quick to flip onto something (or someone) else after that first sign of disagreement?
It is amazes me how we (as believers) are at times some of the biggest channel flippers when it comes to life's challenges. When faced with adversity, we often surf for a better station, rather than to wait and see what God may have in store for us at the end of the program.
Sometimes we forget that God (as described in Hebrews 12:2) is the AUTHOR and FINISHER of our faith. There is nothing that catches Him by surprise concerning our lives.
While there may be times in our life that seem too difficult to watch and endure, we must find confidence in knowing that God does not view our life as some one-time program. He sees our lives as a series.
A series that He has authored and gone before us all to finish.
A finish that you and I just can't afford to miss.
While 2009 is indeed drawing to a close, and there still may remain some things you were hoping to accomplish this year, this is not a time for channel flipping.
This is a time to finish the work that God has begun in you. So today, if you are in need of any words of encouragement (or accountability) in order to aid you in finishing this year strong...
...let me leave you with five good ones my wife gave me the other day:
PLEASE. PUT THE REMOTE DOWN!
Milan Ford has been a leader (and survivor) of ministry within the local church for most of his life. A lover of Red Vines Licorice and all things pointing North, Milan has recently released his first book, 83 Things I Wish The Black Church Would Stop Doing. You can find Milan rambling and writing at at ThePewView.com.
© Milan Ford all rights reserved.
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