Sharing your faith with others is such a rewarding experience. We are all called to evangelize and tell the world about Jesus. God will often give us opportunities to share and express our love for The Father. We have so much to share. Just the mere fact we are alive to tell anything, is a miracle in itself. If we look back over our lives, some of us, if not all, can write 1000 books describing all He has done for us. The greatest testimony is what was done on the cross. We all can testify to that. Yeshua died on the cross, was buried, and rose again for you and me to be free. This is the greatest testimony of all. This is the truth that will set the captives free. When people hear how much we are loved by The Father, so much, that He gave up His only Son for us (John 3:16).
This is something to share. At our church we have gone out on Saturdays to share The Good News of Jesus Christ. We have seen God move outside of the church many times. God will move wherever there is faith for Him to move. We have seen salvation, healing, and deliverance. Right outside in the streets of Charlotte, NC and Washington, DC. We give God all the glory for what has been done thus far. Yet there is much more we can continue to do together as a church. Seek The Lord for new opportunities to spread His Word and His Love.
This is a crucial time for this work to be done. We can start sharing our faith anywhere with anybody, at any time, not just on Saturdays. God will show you how. He will give you the words to speak. Trust Him to lead you all the way and see the work of His hand working in you. He will train you to do the work of The Kingdom. This is the hour for His people to shout it from the roof top. Share your faith because God is good and He is good all the time.
Scripture of the Day: “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”
Matthew 28:19 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." - Acts 1:8
Showing posts with label sharing your faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sharing your faith. Show all posts
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Sunday, July 15, 2012
A Greater Witness
All right, which way will it be? Shall we listen to men, or shall we listen to God? That's easy. We will listen to God because His witness is greater than men's witness. God's witness or God's word says "that if we ask anything according to His will He hears us... And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him." (1 John 5:14-15)
Now if you don not know, that does not apply to you. Some people wonder why God is not answering their prayers. It could be that it is not a prayer of belief. It is a hope prayer. They just kind of threw something out there and hoped that something good would happen. Thank God for His mercy, however. There are times that the mercy of God will get involved in your life. The situation turned out for your good, but you could not duplicate it if you wanted to, because you don't know how it was done. It was God's mercy.
God is merciful. But He requires that we grow up in Him. There are some things we have to know. And there is a voice, the voice of the word of God, we must listen to. "If we know that he hears us whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him." (1 John 5:15)
Now when you know that you have asked someone for something, and you know that they have given it to you, what do you say to them? You thank. Giving thanks to God is a direct link to your faith in God. So if you are in a tough spot and you find your deliverance in the Word, then pray for that deliverance and thank the Father that you have it, you will see Him manifest Himself in your behalf.
The only thing left to do after that is to thank God. I t should not be asking God to deliver you today. Then tomorrow, ask again, then the next day ask again, because you do not see a change. It should not matter whether you see a change or not. You have confidence that God is taking care of it, and the change is bound to appear.
The word of God is a higher witness than the witness that you can see. His word is the ultimate witness. Faith in the name of Jesus, faith in His blood and faith in the word will cause the manifestation of God in your life.
Finally, the question is: Which witness will you listen to? Listen to the witness of the word of God, for it tells of His provision for you. When men say it ca not be done, God says it can. When men say you are finished, God says you can do all things through Christ. Which witness will you listen to, men or God?
Scripture Of The Day: "If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son." - 1 John 5:9 (KJV)
Robed as Evangelists
Despite the specifications of our individual purpose and calling; beyond our everyday titles and credentials; before we dress ourselves in the morning and set out to accomplish the day’s activities, we have been robed first and foremost as evangelists. In fact, every God-given gift we bear and every holy passion within us finds its root in the soil of evangelism. Why? Because God is missional in character and expression; His heart, indeed His very name reflects His purpose and promise to redeem (Ex. 34:6-7).
Unfortunately, missions and evangelism are often overlooked as the business of a designated department within the church or as the concern of those who hold the title of ‘Evangelist’ and the position of ‘Missionary’. But the fact of the matter is that the gospel has been given to each of us as a reproductive mechanism with which we are meant to produce fruit, for there is power in the gospel. In fact, it is the resuscitation device that shocks the heart back to life and resurrects that which was dead. Paul understood this in Romans 1:16 when he said, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel (good news) of Christ, for it is God's power working unto salvation [for deliverance from eternal death] to everyone who believes.” So it is that as the recipients of the gospel, we have also been enlisted as the sharers of the gospel.
Much like the early apostles, we who engage in evangelism must be willing to reach people at the point of their need, acknowledging that they and their context do matter to Christ. It is also important to grasp the fact that one of the greater aspects of evangelism is engaging in spiritual warfare and by so doing, actively counteract the principalities of darkness that wrestle against the souls of men and women. Evangelism then can be accomplished in the 21st century world when we as evangelists become aggressive in our prayer lives, align ourselves with the will and Spirit of God, go back to the basics while contextualizing the gospel message, and reach outside of tradition and social boundaries to find the lost and bring them home to Christ. Finally, it is important to note that the immediate contexts in which you live, work, and study are not by accident, your life is an altar and your abilities are your chosen tools for evangelism.
Evangelism isn’t a thing of the past; it is the substance and the fruit of your fellowship with God. Hence, you have been robed as an evangelist. God’s hand has smeared you with the anointing to share the Gospel – the good news and “the power of God unto salvation” – with those who are lost.
Scripture of the Day: “Though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” - 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
Unfortunately, missions and evangelism are often overlooked as the business of a designated department within the church or as the concern of those who hold the title of ‘Evangelist’ and the position of ‘Missionary’. But the fact of the matter is that the gospel has been given to each of us as a reproductive mechanism with which we are meant to produce fruit, for there is power in the gospel. In fact, it is the resuscitation device that shocks the heart back to life and resurrects that which was dead. Paul understood this in Romans 1:16 when he said, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel (good news) of Christ, for it is God's power working unto salvation [for deliverance from eternal death] to everyone who believes.” So it is that as the recipients of the gospel, we have also been enlisted as the sharers of the gospel.
Much like the early apostles, we who engage in evangelism must be willing to reach people at the point of their need, acknowledging that they and their context do matter to Christ. It is also important to grasp the fact that one of the greater aspects of evangelism is engaging in spiritual warfare and by so doing, actively counteract the principalities of darkness that wrestle against the souls of men and women. Evangelism then can be accomplished in the 21st century world when we as evangelists become aggressive in our prayer lives, align ourselves with the will and Spirit of God, go back to the basics while contextualizing the gospel message, and reach outside of tradition and social boundaries to find the lost and bring them home to Christ. Finally, it is important to note that the immediate contexts in which you live, work, and study are not by accident, your life is an altar and your abilities are your chosen tools for evangelism.
Evangelism isn’t a thing of the past; it is the substance and the fruit of your fellowship with God. Hence, you have been robed as an evangelist. God’s hand has smeared you with the anointing to share the Gospel – the good news and “the power of God unto salvation” – with those who are lost.
Scripture of the Day: “Though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” - 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Used by God
The greatest moment in my life clearly was the day that I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. It's a day I just won't forget—it changed the course of my life.
I wanted to try to make up for the years I had wasted up to that point. I wanted to learn more about God; I wanted to have a relationship with Him. I couldn't get enough.
What was happening in my life was that God was changing me. I wanted to reach out to other people with the message of the gospel. I wanted God to use me.
When the Israelites had entered the Promised Land, Joshua exhorted them "to love the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to keep His commandments, to hold fast to Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul" (Joshua 22:5). That was what I have wanted to do.
As I have often said, next to being a Christian, the greatest joy I know of in this life is serving the Lord, and having God direct your steps.
It amazes me that the Creator of the universe, the Almighty God would condescend to work in my life. It is totally amazing. It is the highest privilege conceivable that God wants to use us.
Scripture Of The Day: "Serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul." - Joshua 22:5 (NIV)
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Just An Inch Away
The other day my one year old climbed onto the giant ottoman in our front room. He sat on top for a while watching his sister practice her ballet. When he got tired of that he tried to get down on his own. He lay on his stomach and began to scoot off the ottoman.
At some point he thought he had gone as far as he could and was upset that his feet weren't touching the floor. He began clutching the furniture as tightly as his little fingers could and screamed out for help. When I looked over at him I noticed his feet were only an inch or two from the floor -- one more push and he would be down on his own.
Kyle was upset because he was no longer within the boundaries of his comfort zone. But instead of rushing over to "rescue" him, I began to try and encourage him to finish the task by himself.
"Kyle, you're almost there -- you can do it."
"Don't be afraid, keep going."
"You got it big boy, you can get down"
However Kyle didn't have the faith needed to continue his journey. At least he didn't know he had it. However, I knew he was already equipped for this assignment. So I just continued to encourage him from a short distance.
He eventually grew tired of just "hanging there" and pushed a little further. When his toes felt the floor, he instantly stopped crying and a huge smile formed across his face.
Five seconds later, it became a new game to him. He just kept climbing on and off, on and off in sheer delight.... laughing the entire time. He had defeated this Goliath in his life -- no longer was fear a factor.
Many of us are in the exact same place. We've gone as far as we think we can, holding on for dear life, waiting for God to “rescue” us.
Yet we feel like He has left us to fail or die in our current situation. But in actuality God is rooting for us on the sidelines because He has already given us the tools to finish. We just have to activate our faith and continue to push. The end is just a few inches away ... don't give up now!
Scripture Of The Day: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid.” - Psalms 27:1 (KJV)
Friday, July 15, 2011
Faith in Action
The subject of having faith in God is something that seems very elementary in our walk, but a closer look at faith might change that. Everyone of us who is a christian became one by placing our faith in God. But if we don’t examine ourselves on a continual basis, we will soon find ourselves placing our faith in everything but God.
It all starts with believing. You cannot act on something if you don’t believe. It is important that what you and I believe is in line with the word of God. Believing in God is not the same as having faith in God. Faith requires action. We see this over and over again in the Bible. Every time God gave instruction, it wasn't enough for the person to just believe it; the person had to act. The circumstances did not matter. God was looking for people who would just take Him at His word and obey.
Hebrews 11:6 tells us, “And it is impossible to please God without Faith.....” (NLT). God is looking for people who will not only believe but act on His word (James 1:22). God sees our faith through our actions. In Mark 2:1-12, we see a paralytic man being healed by Jesus. In verse 5, the Bible says that Jesus saw their faith. How was Jesus able to see their faith when faith is something that cannot be known through the five physical senses? Jesus saw their faith through their actions.
It is when we act in faith that we see the miraculous happen in our lives. Faith in God needs to be a part of every area in our lives--we need faith in God for our families, finances, education, health, future and everything else that we are involved with. When we don’t use our faith in certain parts of our lives and try to do things based on our abilities, we not only displease God but we also walk in pride. Our actions say that we know better and that we can do things without depending on God.
Having faith in God is something that should come naturally to us, but it often seems like a hard thing to do. It should be easy to trust in a person who cannot and will not fail. The problem however occurs when we let our mind and physical senses talk us away from what God says. When we are influenced by our physical senses more than we are by the word of God, we end up walking in fear and unbelief. The key to having and maintaining faith in God is by letting His word influence us more than anything else in our lives.
Simply put, faith in God comes down to two things: Overcoming influences that are contrary to the Word and acting on His Word instead of just believing.
So today, what is something you can do to start placing your faith in God? What is the action that you need to take today? Whatever it is, do it. Do it with boldness because His grace is always present to help you do it!
Scripture Of The Day: “And Jesus answered them, 'Have faith in God.'” - Mark 11:22 (ESV)
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Faith Is All I Have
We have witnessed devastation so vast that there are some who still don’t believe what has actually happened. The television accounts have allowed us to see a part of what has happened, but there is no account as detailed as that experienced by those who have been in the midst of floods, wildfires, earthquakes, tsunamis or any other disaster.
Lives have been lost, and uncivilized behavior raised its ugly head, primal behavior driven by desperation and deprivation. All we have is faith – faith that God is still in control; faith that if God’s people who are called by His name would humble themselves and pray and seek His face and turn from their wicked ways, that He will hear from heaven, forgive our sins, and heal the land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)
All we have is faith that America will seek God while God may be found – from the White House to the outhouse, from the pulpit to the pew, from the high-rise to the hut. All we have is faith, and it is our faith that helps us dare to hope when we remember that the unfailing love of the Lord never ends! Great is His faithfulness; every morning new mercies we see.
Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, mourns for God’s people in the midst of their own destruction and devastation. It is through the prophet Jeremiah that we understand not only God’s judgment, but God’s mercy and hope for humanity. It is through Jeremiah that Israel is called back to God in the midst of destruction.
We find ourselves today as a nation affected by all that has happened as related to economics, catastrophic weather, and employment. We are in a position where only our faith will see us through. Our faith will cause us to stay connected to the call and cause of Christ even in the midst of despair and destruction. Our faith will cause us to examine our lives and our walk with Christ. It is our faith that helps us to continue to walk with Christ and not walk away feeling abandoned and betrayed. After all, scripture tells us that God rewards those who diligently seek Him. Scripture tells us that the righteous have never been forsaken nor their seed begging bread. Scripture tells us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all other things will be added unto us. It’s in our times of distress and despair that the enemy causes us to question God and His word.
Faith is all that we have. It is in Lamentations 3:19-24 that Jeremiah declares, “The thought of my suffering and homelessness is bitter beyond words. I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss. Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this:
“The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, “The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!”
All we have is our faith!
Scripture Of The Day: "Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, 'The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!'” - Lamentations 3:23-24 (NLT)
Lives have been lost, and uncivilized behavior raised its ugly head, primal behavior driven by desperation and deprivation. All we have is faith – faith that God is still in control; faith that if God’s people who are called by His name would humble themselves and pray and seek His face and turn from their wicked ways, that He will hear from heaven, forgive our sins, and heal the land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)
All we have is faith that America will seek God while God may be found – from the White House to the outhouse, from the pulpit to the pew, from the high-rise to the hut. All we have is faith, and it is our faith that helps us dare to hope when we remember that the unfailing love of the Lord never ends! Great is His faithfulness; every morning new mercies we see.
Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, mourns for God’s people in the midst of their own destruction and devastation. It is through the prophet Jeremiah that we understand not only God’s judgment, but God’s mercy and hope for humanity. It is through Jeremiah that Israel is called back to God in the midst of destruction.
We find ourselves today as a nation affected by all that has happened as related to economics, catastrophic weather, and employment. We are in a position where only our faith will see us through. Our faith will cause us to stay connected to the call and cause of Christ even in the midst of despair and destruction. Our faith will cause us to examine our lives and our walk with Christ. It is our faith that helps us to continue to walk with Christ and not walk away feeling abandoned and betrayed. After all, scripture tells us that God rewards those who diligently seek Him. Scripture tells us that the righteous have never been forsaken nor their seed begging bread. Scripture tells us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all other things will be added unto us. It’s in our times of distress and despair that the enemy causes us to question God and His word.
Faith is all that we have. It is in Lamentations 3:19-24 that Jeremiah declares, “The thought of my suffering and homelessness is bitter beyond words. I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss. Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this:
“The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, “The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!”
All we have is our faith!
Scripture Of The Day: "Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, 'The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!'” - Lamentations 3:23-24 (NLT)
Thorns
I remember when I first made a commitment to follow the Lord that I felt peace and joy. But nobody told me about things like persecution and the ill-favor of man. I got a small lesson once when I witnessed to a guy who asked if I would still feel so loving if he pushed my motorcycle over. (Another time, somebody did far worse than kick it over; they set fire to it and destroyed it.)
Experiences like those showed me that Christianity isn't easy. It's a great life, but it has its trials. There are potholes in the road, thorns on the rose bushes. We need to tell people the truth. Jesus did: When a man promised to follow Him wherever He went, Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head" (Matthew 8:20).
Sometimes Christianity is presented as the Gospel of the "hot sale" or the "irresistible deal." In the 60s and 70s, there was a bandwagon approach, and people jumped on because their friends were doing it. Sometimes it's still like that.
But the Bible says, "All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution" (2 Timothy 3:12). Matthew chapter 10 is all about that. The world doesn't take kindly to the truth. Sinful people don't like to be confronted with their sin. As long as you keep the message positive, pat them on the back, and say, "It's nice to be nice," that's OK. When the message of sin, repentance, judgment and hell comes up, some try to soft-peddle it.
We need to share the whole truth and let the chips fall where they may. We should be sensitive. Jesus says in Matthew 10:16, "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves." But we should never have a false appeal. In some circles, the false appeal is that when you accept Christ you will have financial prosperity and you'll be free from any disease--and anything else only shows your lack of faith.
If that were true--and it's not--you would have people coming to Christ for that reason alone. That's Jesus as a "free lunch" or a "health insurance plan." There were people who tried to follow Jesus because of the signs He performed. But He wouldn't commit Himself to them; He didn't receive that kind of discipleship (see John 2:23-25).
Trials come to everyone, Christians and non-believers alike. The difference is this: In all things, God will weave it together for your highest good--so that life is not a series of experiences with no meaning, but God will have a plan and a purpose for them. And isn't that what we all really want?
Scripture Of The Day: "All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution" - 2 Timothy 3:12 (ESV)
Sunday, July 10, 2011
A Powerful Witness
There is no greater impediment to the progress of the gospel than Christians who live hypocritical lives. The world can sympathize and be forgiving when it comes to the errors which befall us due to our fallible humanity. After all, we all make mistakes. Yet, what the world cannot tolerate is preaching from a person who has no credibility because of a lifestyle that goes directly against the message preached.
Indeed, God has ordained things to work such that the lost see Christ and believe His testimony to be credible when we live our lives as if Christ is truly alive and at work in our hearts. Thus, if we claim to be Christians and yet fail to let Christ rule in our hearts, we blind people from seeing Christ. Our testimony is a very serious matter because it is a powerful influence in pointing someone toward or away from Christ and salvation.
The Bible gives us several identifying marks which all Christians should possess and live out. The first is love. John 13:34-35 says, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." We must love all people, even those who irritate us to no end, who curse our God, and those who would like nothing more than to see us suffer. No matter what, we must be kindhearted and care for the well-being of others ahead of our own.
In a world devoted to self-seeking and where love has grown cold, this surely makes believers stand out. A second identifying mark is unity. John 17:21 says, "That they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me." If the world can see a unified family, a unified church, or a unified Bible study group, for example, then they might believe that Christ is indeed the Messiah sent from God to redeem the world from its sin.
The world understands division, destruction, and an "every man for himself" mentality. But to see a group of people live with kindness and gentleness toward one another even when they have nothing to gain from doing so, this is a sign from heaven that Christ is indwelling these people. A third mark is holiness. Hebrews 12:14 says, "Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord."
A consistent and God-honoring lifestyle is necessary for true love to be manifested, to be seen, and to accomplish its powerful witnessing work. If we live like the world, how can the world see Jesus in us? We must obey Romans 12:9 which says, "Let love be without hypocrisy." A fourth mark is good works. Matthew 5:16 says, "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." Christians might have love in their hearts and be walking in obedience, but if they are not putting their love into action, the world is not getting a chance to see Christ.
When love is acted out in good works toward others, the world can see and praise God in heaven. The church should be known for its pure and undefiled religion, going to those in need and seeking to meet their needs (James 1:27). Finally, a fifth mark is our hope. 1 Peter 3:15 says, "But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence."
The world should be able to see the hope which we have no matter what circumstances we face to the extent that it makes them ask us how we could have such a hope despite what is going on in our lives or around us. Whether things are good or bad, it should be obvious to all that we still believe that God loves us and that God is on the throne.
As we live out these identifying marks, the world will have to take notice. Perhaps we will be persecuted, but then again, we might just have a chance to share the gospel. Regardless, it is by God's design that the gospel is advanced through His people, and therefore His people must provide evidence to the message preached by how they live their lives. May God give us grace to let Christ shine brightly through us this day and each day forward for the sake of the testimony of our Savior.
Scripture Of The Day: "But sanctify the Lord God[a] in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear." - 1 Peter 3:15 (NKJV)
Brenton M. Barnett is the founder of the free Bible teaching ministry, Relevant Bible Teaching, found on the web at http://www.relevantbibleteaching.com. He is also the author of Catch Fire: A Call to Spiritual Awakening. Brent’s greatest joys in life are his wife, Sarah, and daughter, Anneke.… Saturday, July 24, 2010
Are You Being Tested?
By Bishop E. Earl Jenkins
Let's take a look today at two tests:
(1) The offense test. Jesus said, "Offenses will come" (Lk 17:1). So be ready! Those who lead always take the worst of the flack. The front line is no place for the weak-willed or the weak-kneed. So, what are you going to do when offenses come? Get mad and get nowhere?
Get even and get into trouble? Or get over it by practicing forgiveness. "If you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins" (Mk 11:25 NIV).
(2) The warfare test. This test is for those who claim to be strong in faith, but prove to be weak in fight. "When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, 'If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt'" (Ex 13:17 NIV). Now, you haven't been called to be insensitive and abrasive, but if your destiny is worth pursuing - it's worth fighting for! So, toughen up! It's a battlefield, not a bed of roses. You must engage the enemy each day using each spiritual weapon at your disposal.
If you don't he'll steal every God-given blessing you've got, including your identity, your testimony, your integrity, your family, your calling, and your future. This test demonstrates your ability to continue in your vision even while you're experiencing disappointment and opposition. So remember, the level of attack is the best indicator as to the level of blessing that waits for you beyond the attack!
Scripture Of The Day: "Test me, O Lord...Examine my heart and my mind." - Psalm 26:2 NIV
Bishop Edward Earl Jenkins is the senior pastor and founder of the True Servant Worship & Praise Church located in Trenton, New Jersey. For over twenty years, Bishop Jenkins’ unique method of preaching and teaching has opened doors to allow him to touch the hearts of many lives near and far. For more information, visit him at http://www.eejministries.org…
Let's take a look today at two tests:
(1) The offense test. Jesus said, "Offenses will come" (Lk 17:1). So be ready! Those who lead always take the worst of the flack. The front line is no place for the weak-willed or the weak-kneed. So, what are you going to do when offenses come? Get mad and get nowhere?
Get even and get into trouble? Or get over it by practicing forgiveness. "If you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins" (Mk 11:25 NIV).
(2) The warfare test. This test is for those who claim to be strong in faith, but prove to be weak in fight. "When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, 'If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt'" (Ex 13:17 NIV). Now, you haven't been called to be insensitive and abrasive, but if your destiny is worth pursuing - it's worth fighting for! So, toughen up! It's a battlefield, not a bed of roses. You must engage the enemy each day using each spiritual weapon at your disposal.
If you don't he'll steal every God-given blessing you've got, including your identity, your testimony, your integrity, your family, your calling, and your future. This test demonstrates your ability to continue in your vision even while you're experiencing disappointment and opposition. So remember, the level of attack is the best indicator as to the level of blessing that waits for you beyond the attack!
Scripture Of The Day: "Test me, O Lord...Examine my heart and my mind." - Psalm 26:2 NIV
Bishop Edward Earl Jenkins is the senior pastor and founder of the True Servant Worship & Praise Church located in Trenton, New Jersey. For over twenty years, Bishop Jenkins’ unique method of preaching and teaching has opened doors to allow him to touch the hearts of many lives near and far. For more information, visit him at http://www.eejministries.org…
Friday, July 23, 2010
It’s Not the Title, It’s the Testimony
By Pastor Marvin Moss
The time has come for the church, church folk, the children of God, Christians to realize that it’s not the title, it’s the testimony. It’s the story that we tell with the way we live our lives. It’s the story that we tell by the way we execute the word of God. It’s in the execution that one recognizes another as a child of God or a child of the devil.
It’s what people see you do that makes all of the difference in the world. When you’re trying to get a job, it’s good to have the degree relative to the position you’re applying for, but you still have to undergo a battery of tests. Then there are interviews, more tests, and more interviews. That degree, diploma, and certificate are good but you still have to prove that what you’re saying is true.
They may call you Doctor, but are you board certified?
They may call you Attorney, but have you passed the bar?
They may call you Reverend, but is there anything about your life that would testify to the fact that you’re anything other than a Reverend?
It’s not the title, it’s the testimony.
How are you living? What kind of report would your family give about you? Is there a good report on you outside of the church as well as in the church?
It’s not the title, it’s the testimony.
Peter. Bold, big mouthed, boisterous Peter, has just allowed himself to be used by God to perform a miracle. You know the story, Peter and john were heading to the temple one afternoon to take part in the afternoon prayer. As they approached the temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the temple gate so he could beg from the people going into the temple. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money.
Peter looked at the man intently and said, “Look at us! I don’t have any money for you. But I’ll give you what I do have, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!” Up until this point, Peter and John were just like everybody else. They were two people who could meet the beggar’s need or what the beggar thought his need was. All too often, we think that it’s us meeting the needs of those whom God has trusted us with. This is where the ego comes into play; where we begin to wear our feelings on our sleeves. This is where we want to take credit for everything that only God can do.
God uses us as instruments to fulfill His purpose. We are called and the call has more to do with God’s divine purpose. It’s not about you! We’ve all been called to be leaders. We’re to lead the lost to the lamb. We’re to lead the left out to the One who can let them in.
God calls us to lead not by title but by testimony. How can you tell somebody else about the goodness of God if you’ve never experienced it for yourself? You might be able to tell them what you’ve seen happen to somebody else. You might be to tell them what somebody else has told you. But oh, there’s nothing like a firsthand account. Isaiah said in the year king Uzziah died, “I saw the lord.”
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, walked through the fiery furnace with an angel of the Lord. Somebody has been walking with Him all week. Somebody called on Him the midnight hour. And when they called on the name of Jesus, He answered them.
He turned their midnight into morning.
He turned their sorrow into a shout,
He turned their problem into praise.
He turned their worry into worship.
He gave them a testimony.
It’s not your title, but it’s your testimony.
Scripture Of The Day: " ...And why look at us as though we had made this man walk by our own power and godliness? For it is the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob, the God of all our ancestors who has brought glory to his servant Jesus by doing this..." - Acts 3:12-13v (NLT)
Pastor Marvin Moss is senior pastor of Cascade United Methodist Church, located in Atlanta, Georgia. Pastor Moss is extremely active within the Atlanta community, and serves on the Board of Trustees at Gammon Theological Seminary. For more information about Pastor Moss, log onto http://www.cascadeumc.org.
The time has come for the church, church folk, the children of God, Christians to realize that it’s not the title, it’s the testimony. It’s the story that we tell with the way we live our lives. It’s the story that we tell by the way we execute the word of God. It’s in the execution that one recognizes another as a child of God or a child of the devil.
It’s what people see you do that makes all of the difference in the world. When you’re trying to get a job, it’s good to have the degree relative to the position you’re applying for, but you still have to undergo a battery of tests. Then there are interviews, more tests, and more interviews. That degree, diploma, and certificate are good but you still have to prove that what you’re saying is true.
They may call you Doctor, but are you board certified?
They may call you Attorney, but have you passed the bar?
They may call you Reverend, but is there anything about your life that would testify to the fact that you’re anything other than a Reverend?
It’s not the title, it’s the testimony.
How are you living? What kind of report would your family give about you? Is there a good report on you outside of the church as well as in the church?
It’s not the title, it’s the testimony.
Peter. Bold, big mouthed, boisterous Peter, has just allowed himself to be used by God to perform a miracle. You know the story, Peter and john were heading to the temple one afternoon to take part in the afternoon prayer. As they approached the temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the temple gate so he could beg from the people going into the temple. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money.
Peter looked at the man intently and said, “Look at us! I don’t have any money for you. But I’ll give you what I do have, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!” Up until this point, Peter and John were just like everybody else. They were two people who could meet the beggar’s need or what the beggar thought his need was. All too often, we think that it’s us meeting the needs of those whom God has trusted us with. This is where the ego comes into play; where we begin to wear our feelings on our sleeves. This is where we want to take credit for everything that only God can do.
God uses us as instruments to fulfill His purpose. We are called and the call has more to do with God’s divine purpose. It’s not about you! We’ve all been called to be leaders. We’re to lead the lost to the lamb. We’re to lead the left out to the One who can let them in.
God calls us to lead not by title but by testimony. How can you tell somebody else about the goodness of God if you’ve never experienced it for yourself? You might be able to tell them what you’ve seen happen to somebody else. You might be to tell them what somebody else has told you. But oh, there’s nothing like a firsthand account. Isaiah said in the year king Uzziah died, “I saw the lord.”
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, walked through the fiery furnace with an angel of the Lord. Somebody has been walking with Him all week. Somebody called on Him the midnight hour. And when they called on the name of Jesus, He answered them.
He turned their midnight into morning.
He turned their sorrow into a shout,
He turned their problem into praise.
He turned their worry into worship.
He gave them a testimony.
It’s not your title, but it’s your testimony.
Scripture Of The Day: " ...And why look at us as though we had made this man walk by our own power and godliness? For it is the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob, the God of all our ancestors who has brought glory to his servant Jesus by doing this..." - Acts 3:12-13v (NLT)
Pastor Marvin Moss is senior pastor of Cascade United Methodist Church, located in Atlanta, Georgia. Pastor Moss is extremely active within the Atlanta community, and serves on the Board of Trustees at Gammon Theological Seminary. For more information about Pastor Moss, log onto http://www.cascadeumc.org.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
A Great Testimony
By Dr. Jack Graham
As a Christian, God expects you and me to be productive. What a great example we have of this in the fourth chapter of Nehemiah. Once the plot to stop the work of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem was foiled, everybody went back to work with renewed energy.
"Half of my servants worked on construction, and half held the spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail." - Nehemiah 4:16.
Even those who weren't actively rebuilding the walls kept armor and weapons ready in case the enemy attacked. Nobody sat around idly! First Corinthians 15:58 tell us to "be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord...."
And what exactly does "abounding in the work of the Lord" mean? For one, it means we're actively looking for ways to serve God and serve others. It means we're so busy thinking about what we can do next for the Kingdom that we have little time to think about ourselves, worry, and become discouraged!
Today I want to challenge you to go out of your way to serve someone. And don't just do it to do it. Let that person know you're helping them out because your service pleases the Lord you love!
It will be a great testimony of a life that's sold out for Christ. Look for ways to serve and love others today...and every day!
Scripture Of The Day: "Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." - 1 Corinthians 15:58v
Dr. Jack Graham is the pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church, one of the nation’s largest, most dynamic congregations. The author of numerous books, Dr. Graham is the founder of PowerPoint® Ministries, a radio and television broadcast ministry. For more information about Dr. Graham, log onto http://www.powerpoint.org. …
As a Christian, God expects you and me to be productive. What a great example we have of this in the fourth chapter of Nehemiah. Once the plot to stop the work of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem was foiled, everybody went back to work with renewed energy.
"Half of my servants worked on construction, and half held the spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail." - Nehemiah 4:16.
Even those who weren't actively rebuilding the walls kept armor and weapons ready in case the enemy attacked. Nobody sat around idly! First Corinthians 15:58 tell us to "be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord...."
And what exactly does "abounding in the work of the Lord" mean? For one, it means we're actively looking for ways to serve God and serve others. It means we're so busy thinking about what we can do next for the Kingdom that we have little time to think about ourselves, worry, and become discouraged!
Today I want to challenge you to go out of your way to serve someone. And don't just do it to do it. Let that person know you're helping them out because your service pleases the Lord you love!
It will be a great testimony of a life that's sold out for Christ. Look for ways to serve and love others today...and every day!
Scripture Of The Day: "Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." - 1 Corinthians 15:58v
Dr. Jack Graham is the pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church, one of the nation’s largest, most dynamic congregations. The author of numerous books, Dr. Graham is the founder of PowerPoint® Ministries, a radio and television broadcast ministry. For more information about Dr. Graham, log onto http://www.powerpoint.org. …
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Listening to a Greater Witness
By Bishop Keith Butler
All right, which way will it be? Shall we listen to men, or shall we listen to God? That's easy. We will listen to God because His witness is greater than men's witness. God's witness or God's word says "that if we ask anything according to His will He hears us... And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him." (1 John 5:14-15)
Now if you don not know, that does not apply to you. Some people wonder why God is not answering their prayers. It could be that it is not a prayer of belief. It is a hope prayer. They just kind of threw something out there and hoped that something good would happen. Thank God for His mercy, however. There are times that the mercy of God will get involved in your life. The situation turned out for your good, but you could not duplicate it if you wanted to, because you don't know how it was done. It was God's mercy.
God is merciful. But He requires that we grow up in Him. There are some things we have to know. And there is a voice, the voice of the word of God, we must listen to. "If we know that he hears us whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him." (1 John 5:15)
Now when you know that you have asked someone for something, and you know that they have given it to you, what do you say to them? You thank. Giving thanks to God is a direct link to your faith in God. So if you are in a tough spot and you find your deliverance in the Word, then pray for that deliverance and thank the Father that you have it, you will see Him manifest Himself in your behalf.
The only thing left to do after that is to thank God. I t should not be asking God to deliver you today. Then tomorrow, ask again, then the next day ask again, because you do not see a change. It should not matter whether you see a change or not. You have confidence that God is taking care of it, and the change is bound to appear.
The word of God is a higher witness than the witness that you can see. His word is the ultimate witness. Faith in the name of Jesus, faith in His blood and faith in the word will cause the manifestation of God in your life.
Finally, the question is: Which witness will you listen to? Listen to the witness of the word of God, for it tells of His provision for you. When men say it ca not be done, God says it can. When men say you are finished, God says you can do all things through Christ. Which witness will you listen to, men or God?
Scripture Of The Day: "If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son." - 1 John 5:9 (KJV)
Bishop Keith A. Butler is the founder and pastor of Word of Faith International Christian Center in Southfield, MI, and Word of Faith Christian Center in San Antonio, TX. For more information about Bishop Butler, visit http://www.woficc.com.
All right, which way will it be? Shall we listen to men, or shall we listen to God? That's easy. We will listen to God because His witness is greater than men's witness. God's witness or God's word says "that if we ask anything according to His will He hears us... And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him." (1 John 5:14-15)
Now if you don not know, that does not apply to you. Some people wonder why God is not answering their prayers. It could be that it is not a prayer of belief. It is a hope prayer. They just kind of threw something out there and hoped that something good would happen. Thank God for His mercy, however. There are times that the mercy of God will get involved in your life. The situation turned out for your good, but you could not duplicate it if you wanted to, because you don't know how it was done. It was God's mercy.
God is merciful. But He requires that we grow up in Him. There are some things we have to know. And there is a voice, the voice of the word of God, we must listen to. "If we know that he hears us whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him." (1 John 5:15)
Now when you know that you have asked someone for something, and you know that they have given it to you, what do you say to them? You thank. Giving thanks to God is a direct link to your faith in God. So if you are in a tough spot and you find your deliverance in the Word, then pray for that deliverance and thank the Father that you have it, you will see Him manifest Himself in your behalf.
The only thing left to do after that is to thank God. I t should not be asking God to deliver you today. Then tomorrow, ask again, then the next day ask again, because you do not see a change. It should not matter whether you see a change or not. You have confidence that God is taking care of it, and the change is bound to appear.
The word of God is a higher witness than the witness that you can see. His word is the ultimate witness. Faith in the name of Jesus, faith in His blood and faith in the word will cause the manifestation of God in your life.
Finally, the question is: Which witness will you listen to? Listen to the witness of the word of God, for it tells of His provision for you. When men say it ca not be done, God says it can. When men say you are finished, God says you can do all things through Christ. Which witness will you listen to, men or God?
Scripture Of The Day: "If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son." - 1 John 5:9 (KJV)
Bishop Keith A. Butler is the founder and pastor of Word of Faith International Christian Center in Southfield, MI, and Word of Faith Christian Center in San Antonio, TX. For more information about Bishop Butler, visit http://www.woficc.com.
Free to Love Like Jesus
By Alan Riley
In the day in which we live, it takes a lot to shock us. We see so much sorrow, death and destruction each night on the news that after a while we become desensitized to it. Something I saw around this time two years ago shocked, sickened and saddened me. I'll never forget it. Maybe you remember seeing it too.
A 49 year old woman named Esmin Green was admitted to the emergency room of King's County Hospital Center in New York for psychiatric evaluation, and she was left in the waiting room for over 24 hours. At 5:32 am, the security camera shows her collapsing on the floor. For the next 30 minutes, Ms. Green lay on the floor convulsing, moving and at one point appearing to try to get up. Hospital workers and employees came in, looked at the woman and then left. One even appeared to be looking at the television while completely ignoring the stricken woman. She stopped moving at 6:07 am.
One hour and three minutes after she collapsed, a hospital worker came into the room and nudged Ms. Green with her foot. When she got no response, the worker waited a few minutes more and then summonded help. But it was too late. Esmin Green was dead.
How could someone collapse in a hospital's waiting room and lay there for an hour until she died? How could hospital workers and perhaps other people waiting for treatment in the waiting room ignore someone who was obviously in need of help? How could people be so uncaring and heartless toward another human being?
We later heard that six workers at King's County had been fired for their failure to help Ms. Green and for their attempts to cover it up. Obviously, they should have been. But as I thought about this story, I can't help but think that to one extent or another, you and I are in some ways as guilty of neglect as those hospital workers.
Now to be sure, if someone collapsed in the hall outside my office or in the parking deck as I was walking to my car, I would no doubt act decisively to assist them and to summon help. I am sure you would do the same. But how many times recently have I crossed paths with someone who was in great need spiritually or emotionally and I ignored them just as those hospital workers ignored Esmin Green?
Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan to expose the racism and elitism of the Pharisees. He also wanted to point out their lack of compassion for those in need. You remember the story... a man is attacked, beat up, and left for dead. Several religious leaders pass by the injured man before a Samaritan - a group of people hated by the Jews - stopped to help.
In those moments when we are being really honest with ourselves and with God, we know in our hearts that left to our own devices we tend to be like the Pharisees. It is when we are being like Jesus that we reach out in love and compassion to help and to share the gospel with all we come in contact with. Our culture teaches us to withdraw from and distrust those who we don't know and those who are not like us. Jesus has set us free to love like He loves.
And He reminds us that when we touch the least of these we are touching Him. When we refuse them, we are refusing Him.
Lord, make me sensitive to the needs, the cares, the concerns, the hurts, and the spiritual condition of those that I come in contact with today!
Scripture Of The Day: "Therefore by their fruits you will know them." - Matthew 7:20 (NKJV)
Alan Riley is Vice President for Ministry and Media Development for 316 Networks (http://www.316Networks.com), Streaming Faith’s sister media property. He can be found blogging at http://www.alansblog.com or more often opining in 140 characters or less at http://www.Twitter.com/AlanRiley.…
In the day in which we live, it takes a lot to shock us. We see so much sorrow, death and destruction each night on the news that after a while we become desensitized to it. Something I saw around this time two years ago shocked, sickened and saddened me. I'll never forget it. Maybe you remember seeing it too.
A 49 year old woman named Esmin Green was admitted to the emergency room of King's County Hospital Center in New York for psychiatric evaluation, and she was left in the waiting room for over 24 hours. At 5:32 am, the security camera shows her collapsing on the floor. For the next 30 minutes, Ms. Green lay on the floor convulsing, moving and at one point appearing to try to get up. Hospital workers and employees came in, looked at the woman and then left. One even appeared to be looking at the television while completely ignoring the stricken woman. She stopped moving at 6:07 am.
One hour and three minutes after she collapsed, a hospital worker came into the room and nudged Ms. Green with her foot. When she got no response, the worker waited a few minutes more and then summonded help. But it was too late. Esmin Green was dead.
How could someone collapse in a hospital's waiting room and lay there for an hour until she died? How could hospital workers and perhaps other people waiting for treatment in the waiting room ignore someone who was obviously in need of help? How could people be so uncaring and heartless toward another human being?
We later heard that six workers at King's County had been fired for their failure to help Ms. Green and for their attempts to cover it up. Obviously, they should have been. But as I thought about this story, I can't help but think that to one extent or another, you and I are in some ways as guilty of neglect as those hospital workers.
Now to be sure, if someone collapsed in the hall outside my office or in the parking deck as I was walking to my car, I would no doubt act decisively to assist them and to summon help. I am sure you would do the same. But how many times recently have I crossed paths with someone who was in great need spiritually or emotionally and I ignored them just as those hospital workers ignored Esmin Green?
Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan to expose the racism and elitism of the Pharisees. He also wanted to point out their lack of compassion for those in need. You remember the story... a man is attacked, beat up, and left for dead. Several religious leaders pass by the injured man before a Samaritan - a group of people hated by the Jews - stopped to help.
In those moments when we are being really honest with ourselves and with God, we know in our hearts that left to our own devices we tend to be like the Pharisees. It is when we are being like Jesus that we reach out in love and compassion to help and to share the gospel with all we come in contact with. Our culture teaches us to withdraw from and distrust those who we don't know and those who are not like us. Jesus has set us free to love like He loves.
And He reminds us that when we touch the least of these we are touching Him. When we refuse them, we are refusing Him.
Lord, make me sensitive to the needs, the cares, the concerns, the hurts, and the spiritual condition of those that I come in contact with today!
Scripture Of The Day: "Therefore by their fruits you will know them." - Matthew 7:20 (NKJV)
Alan Riley is Vice President for Ministry and Media Development for 316 Networks (http://www.316Networks.com), Streaming Faith’s sister media property. He can be found blogging at http://www.alansblog.com or more often opining in 140 characters or less at http://www.Twitter.com/AlanRiley.…
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Church Sleeping Man
By Anne Jackson
Over the last year or so, I’ve had the opportunity to speak at several Sunday morning worship gatherings. Recently, I was thinking about one when a guy fell asleep (I’m pretty sure before I took the stage — I hope…) during the service.
It was a wide room, and he was a rather large man, seated somewhere in the middle. In otherwords, it was impossible to miss him as I would scan the audience to make eye contact. I won’t lie. Deep inside, something in me wanted to stop what I was talking about and ask someone to wake Church Sleeping Man up. When I would raise my voice a bit to make a point, I would focus right on him, hoping he’d snap out of it.
Nothing. He was practically in a coma.
When I travel, I spend a lot of time in reflection on my flight home. I usually don’t read or write, but pop in my earbuds to some Album Leaf, Explosions in the Sky (sounds like a death wish, I know), or Sigur Ros. No real lyrics, just music and mumblings. I allow myself to nod off a bit into that lucid state where I’m able to just allow thoughts to enter, I process them, and tuck them away.
On this flight home, I found myself not being able to move on from Church Sleeping Man. Now, I don’t know Church Sleeping Man personally. And what I feel inside (I’m tempted to call it anger, but am too chicken to actually do so) isn’t directed specifically at him. But I do find myself getting really, really upset.
Because Church Sleeping Man represents so much of our culture today. Although we may not actually fall asleep during a church service, many of us are sleepwalking in our faith.
Myself included.
God has so many words for us to hear, so many opportunities to pursue, so many visions to chase, so many people to love, so many lives we can physically save with the resources we have and yet…
We sleep.
We live for the moments when we find ourselves alive, awake, and fulfilling a purpose. But those moments have become special because they are exceptions to our normally sleepy lives. Sure, we dream a lot…but what do we do with those dreams after we wake up?
I truly believe that God has wired humanity the other way around. When our norm is constantly living in that state of being alive - fully, abundantly. While we’re asleep — and dare I say it…only dreaming — we are being robbed of our very purpose in life.
Scripture Of The Day: "Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus." - Colossians 1:28 (NKJV)
Anne Jackson is an author, speaker, and transformational activist who lives in the Nashville area with her husband, Chris. Her highly-anticipated book, Mad Church Disease - Overcoming the Burnout Epidemic (Zondervan) released in February 2009. Her next book is due to be out in Fall 2010.
Over the last year or so, I’ve had the opportunity to speak at several Sunday morning worship gatherings. Recently, I was thinking about one when a guy fell asleep (I’m pretty sure before I took the stage — I hope…) during the service.
It was a wide room, and he was a rather large man, seated somewhere in the middle. In otherwords, it was impossible to miss him as I would scan the audience to make eye contact. I won’t lie. Deep inside, something in me wanted to stop what I was talking about and ask someone to wake Church Sleeping Man up. When I would raise my voice a bit to make a point, I would focus right on him, hoping he’d snap out of it.
Nothing. He was practically in a coma.
When I travel, I spend a lot of time in reflection on my flight home. I usually don’t read or write, but pop in my earbuds to some Album Leaf, Explosions in the Sky (sounds like a death wish, I know), or Sigur Ros. No real lyrics, just music and mumblings. I allow myself to nod off a bit into that lucid state where I’m able to just allow thoughts to enter, I process them, and tuck them away.
On this flight home, I found myself not being able to move on from Church Sleeping Man. Now, I don’t know Church Sleeping Man personally. And what I feel inside (I’m tempted to call it anger, but am too chicken to actually do so) isn’t directed specifically at him. But I do find myself getting really, really upset.
Because Church Sleeping Man represents so much of our culture today. Although we may not actually fall asleep during a church service, many of us are sleepwalking in our faith.
Myself included.
God has so many words for us to hear, so many opportunities to pursue, so many visions to chase, so many people to love, so many lives we can physically save with the resources we have and yet…
We sleep.
We live for the moments when we find ourselves alive, awake, and fulfilling a purpose. But those moments have become special because they are exceptions to our normally sleepy lives. Sure, we dream a lot…but what do we do with those dreams after we wake up?
I truly believe that God has wired humanity the other way around. When our norm is constantly living in that state of being alive - fully, abundantly. While we’re asleep — and dare I say it…only dreaming — we are being robbed of our very purpose in life.
Scripture Of The Day: "Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus." - Colossians 1:28 (NKJV)
Anne Jackson is an author, speaker, and transformational activist who lives in the Nashville area with her husband, Chris. Her highly-anticipated book, Mad Church Disease - Overcoming the Burnout Epidemic (Zondervan) released in February 2009. Her next book is due to be out in Fall 2010.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
The Mark Of A Disciple
By Pastor Andre Butler
What makes a true disciple? When you bear much fruit for Jesus—when you produce for Him—you become a disciple. When you go forth and win souls, consolidate, disciple, and send, you are a true disciple.
In our ministry, we have a revelation that we call J12, which means “Be like Jesus and get your twelve,” or, simply, “Make disciples.” J12 is more than a motto, a logo, a creed, or a song. J12 is a revelation. Each of us needs to embrace that revelation, because when we do, when it is burning on the inside of us, we will make disciples and win our city.
You, as one individual, need to make disciples—plural, meaning more than one disciple. When you get to eternity and stand before the King of kings and God pulls out the Book, He should be able to see that you individually made disciples.
We say, “Get your twelve,” and we chose that number for several reasons. First, twelve is the number of government in scripture. Second, Jesus raised up twelve disciples. But the revelation behind it is not just “twelve,” it is “disciples.” If you get fifteen disciples, great! If you get your twelve tomorrow, you are not done.
People still are dying and going to hell, and you still have work to do. While twelve is a good number to reach toward, the concept is that you need to make disciples.
Proverbs 11:30 - The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. The righteous should be producing fruit for God. Notice that this verse says that he who wins souls—plural, meaning many souls—is wise. Daniel 12, verse 3, talks about end-time prophecies and the rewards believers receive once we are done here on earth: And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
Notice that those who are wise shall turn many to righteousness. Those who are wise will shine as the stars in the firmament; they will be as stars forever. God’s will is that you turn many to righteousness and make disciples!
Scripture Of The Day: "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples." - John 15:8 (NKJV)
Pastor Andre Butler is a young man anointed and commissioned by God to spread the Good News of Christ. A 1996 graduate of Rhema Bible Training Center, Pastor Butler serves as Co-Pastor of Word of Faith International Christian Center in Southfield, MI.s. For more information about Pastor Andre Butler, log onto http://www.andrebutler.tv.…
What makes a true disciple? When you bear much fruit for Jesus—when you produce for Him—you become a disciple. When you go forth and win souls, consolidate, disciple, and send, you are a true disciple.
In our ministry, we have a revelation that we call J12, which means “Be like Jesus and get your twelve,” or, simply, “Make disciples.” J12 is more than a motto, a logo, a creed, or a song. J12 is a revelation. Each of us needs to embrace that revelation, because when we do, when it is burning on the inside of us, we will make disciples and win our city.
You, as one individual, need to make disciples—plural, meaning more than one disciple. When you get to eternity and stand before the King of kings and God pulls out the Book, He should be able to see that you individually made disciples.
We say, “Get your twelve,” and we chose that number for several reasons. First, twelve is the number of government in scripture. Second, Jesus raised up twelve disciples. But the revelation behind it is not just “twelve,” it is “disciples.” If you get fifteen disciples, great! If you get your twelve tomorrow, you are not done.
People still are dying and going to hell, and you still have work to do. While twelve is a good number to reach toward, the concept is that you need to make disciples.
Proverbs 11:30 - The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. The righteous should be producing fruit for God. Notice that this verse says that he who wins souls—plural, meaning many souls—is wise. Daniel 12, verse 3, talks about end-time prophecies and the rewards believers receive once we are done here on earth: And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
Notice that those who are wise shall turn many to righteousness. Those who are wise will shine as the stars in the firmament; they will be as stars forever. God’s will is that you turn many to righteousness and make disciples!
Scripture Of The Day: "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples." - John 15:8 (NKJV)
Pastor Andre Butler is a young man anointed and commissioned by God to spread the Good News of Christ. A 1996 graduate of Rhema Bible Training Center, Pastor Butler serves as Co-Pastor of Word of Faith International Christian Center in Southfield, MI.s. For more information about Pastor Andre Butler, log onto http://www.andrebutler.tv.…
Sunday, July 11, 2010
A Powerful Witness
By Brent Barnett
There is no greater impediment to the progress of the gospel than Christians who live hypocritical lives. The world can sympathize and be forgiving when it comes to the errors which befall us due to our fallible humanity. After all, we all make mistakes. Yet, what the world cannot tolerate is preaching from a person who has no credibility because of a lifestyle that goes directly against the message preached.
Indeed, God has ordained things to work such that the lost see Christ and believe His testimony to be credible when we live our lives as if Christ is truly alive and at work in our hearts. Thus, if we claim to be Christians and yet fail to let Christ rule in our hearts, we blind people from seeing Christ. Our testimony is a very serious matter because it is a powerful influence in pointing someone toward or away from Christ and salvation.
The Bible gives us several identifying marks which all Christians should possess and live out. The first is love. John 13:34-35 says, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." We must love all people, even those who irritate us to no end, who curse our God, and those who would like nothing more than to see us suffer. No matter what, we must be kindhearted and care for the well-being of others ahead of our own.
In a world devoted to self-seeking and where love has grown cold, this surely makes believers stand out. A second identifying mark is unity. John 17:21 says, "That they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me." If the world can see a unified family, a unified church, or a unified Bible study group, for example, then they might believe that Christ is indeed the Messiah sent from God to redeem the world from its sin.
The world understands division, destruction, and an "every man for himself" mentality. But to see a group of people live with kindness and gentleness toward one another even when they have nothing to gain from doing so, this is a sign from heaven that Christ is indwelling these people. A third mark is holiness. Hebrews 12:14 says, "Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord."
A consistent and God-honoring lifestyle is necessary for true love to be manifested, to be seen, and to accomplish its powerful witnessing work. If we live like the world, how can the world see Jesus in us? We must obey Romans 12:9 which says, "Let love be without hypocrisy." A fourth mark is good works. Matthew 5:16 says, "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." Christians might have love in their hearts and be walking in obedience, but if they are not putting their love into action, the world is not getting a chance to see Christ.
When love is acted out in good works toward others, the world can see and praise God in heaven. The church should be known for its pure and undefiled religion, going to those in need and seeking to meet their needs (James 1:27). Finally, a fifth mark is our hope. 1 Peter 3:15 says, "But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence."
The world should be able to see the hope which we have no matter what circumstances we face to the extent that it makes them ask us how we could have such a hope despite what is going on in our lives or around us. Whether things are good or bad, it should be obvious to all that we still believe that God loves us and that God is on the throne.
As we live out these identifying marks, the world will have to take notice. Perhaps we will be persecuted, but then again, we might just have a chance to share the gospel. Regardless, it is by God's design that the gospel is advanced through His people, and therefore His people must provide evidence to the message preached by how they live their lives. May God give us grace to let Christ shine brightly through us this day and each day forward for the sake of the testimony of our Savior.
Scripture Of The Day: "But sanctify the Lord God[a] in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear." - 1 Peter 3:15 (NKJV)
Brenton M. Barnett is the founder of the free Bible teaching ministry, Relevant Bible Teaching, found on the web at http://www.relevantbibleteaching.com. He is also the author of Catch Fire: A Call to Spiritual Awakening. Brent’s greatest joys in life are his wife, Sarah, and daughter, Anneke.…
There is no greater impediment to the progress of the gospel than Christians who live hypocritical lives. The world can sympathize and be forgiving when it comes to the errors which befall us due to our fallible humanity. After all, we all make mistakes. Yet, what the world cannot tolerate is preaching from a person who has no credibility because of a lifestyle that goes directly against the message preached.
Indeed, God has ordained things to work such that the lost see Christ and believe His testimony to be credible when we live our lives as if Christ is truly alive and at work in our hearts. Thus, if we claim to be Christians and yet fail to let Christ rule in our hearts, we blind people from seeing Christ. Our testimony is a very serious matter because it is a powerful influence in pointing someone toward or away from Christ and salvation.
The Bible gives us several identifying marks which all Christians should possess and live out. The first is love. John 13:34-35 says, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." We must love all people, even those who irritate us to no end, who curse our God, and those who would like nothing more than to see us suffer. No matter what, we must be kindhearted and care for the well-being of others ahead of our own.
In a world devoted to self-seeking and where love has grown cold, this surely makes believers stand out. A second identifying mark is unity. John 17:21 says, "That they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me." If the world can see a unified family, a unified church, or a unified Bible study group, for example, then they might believe that Christ is indeed the Messiah sent from God to redeem the world from its sin.
The world understands division, destruction, and an "every man for himself" mentality. But to see a group of people live with kindness and gentleness toward one another even when they have nothing to gain from doing so, this is a sign from heaven that Christ is indwelling these people. A third mark is holiness. Hebrews 12:14 says, "Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord."
A consistent and God-honoring lifestyle is necessary for true love to be manifested, to be seen, and to accomplish its powerful witnessing work. If we live like the world, how can the world see Jesus in us? We must obey Romans 12:9 which says, "Let love be without hypocrisy." A fourth mark is good works. Matthew 5:16 says, "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." Christians might have love in their hearts and be walking in obedience, but if they are not putting their love into action, the world is not getting a chance to see Christ.
When love is acted out in good works toward others, the world can see and praise God in heaven. The church should be known for its pure and undefiled religion, going to those in need and seeking to meet their needs (James 1:27). Finally, a fifth mark is our hope. 1 Peter 3:15 says, "But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence."
The world should be able to see the hope which we have no matter what circumstances we face to the extent that it makes them ask us how we could have such a hope despite what is going on in our lives or around us. Whether things are good or bad, it should be obvious to all that we still believe that God loves us and that God is on the throne.
As we live out these identifying marks, the world will have to take notice. Perhaps we will be persecuted, but then again, we might just have a chance to share the gospel. Regardless, it is by God's design that the gospel is advanced through His people, and therefore His people must provide evidence to the message preached by how they live their lives. May God give us grace to let Christ shine brightly through us this day and each day forward for the sake of the testimony of our Savior.
Scripture Of The Day: "But sanctify the Lord God[a] in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear." - 1 Peter 3:15 (NKJV)
Brenton M. Barnett is the founder of the free Bible teaching ministry, Relevant Bible Teaching, found on the web at http://www.relevantbibleteaching.com. He is also the author of Catch Fire: A Call to Spiritual Awakening. Brent’s greatest joys in life are his wife, Sarah, and daughter, Anneke.…
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)