Happy Birthday Jon!!!! I hope you have a wonderful day full of happiness, joy and unexpected blessings! Thanks for being my best buddy!!!!! May all your dreams come true!
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Alpha Session 4: How Can I Be Sure of My Faith?
When someone becomes a Christian, he comes a brand new person inside. He is not the same anymore. A new life has begun! 2 Corinthians 5:17
What does it mean to be a Christian?
Is it just being a nice person? Is it being born in a Christian home? Is it going to church?
Being a Christian means having a living relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12
I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. 1 John 5:13
Also see: Ephesians 3:12
What has God done so I can be sure of my faith?
1. The promises of God. B-I-B-L-E (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth)
Faith comes from listening to this Good News--- the Good News about Christ. Romans 10:17
The good news is that our faith is based on facts not on feelings. (Feelings are not reliable).
A. Jesus promises to come into our lives.
"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me." Revelation 3:20
B. Jesus promises to be with us always.
"And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:20
C. Jesus promises to give His followers eternal life.
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of My hand. John 10:28
No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him. 1 Corinthians 2:9
Take Away Point #1
Salvation is not a feeling, but a faith in God! The more you trust God, the more you find He is faithful.
2. The finished work of Jesus.
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life. Romans 6:23
See also: Luke 23:40 John 19:30
A. God loves us and died to prove it!
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal ife. John 3:16
B. Jesus took our sins upon Himself.
See: Romans 3:23
Take Away Point #2
Whenever anything begings to disintegrate your life with Jesus, turn to Him at once and ask Him to establish rest.
When I am weak, Christ makes me strong. 2 Corinthians 12;10
3. The promise/presence of the Holy Spirit.
A. The Holy Spirit transforms us from within,
The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21
Take Away Point #3
Bad company does not make good character. 1 Corinthians 15:33
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23
B. The Holy Spirit brings a deep, personal conviction that we are God's children.
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by Him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Romans 8:15-16
When you doubt your faith, call on the Holy Spirit.
Take Away Point #4
Sorrow looks back, worry looks around, but faith looks up!
How do we respond to this gift?
A. By faith.
This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. Romans 3:22
B. By trust.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
What does it mean to be a Christian?
Is it just being a nice person? Is it being born in a Christian home? Is it going to church?
Being a Christian means having a living relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12
I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. 1 John 5:13
Also see: Ephesians 3:12
What has God done so I can be sure of my faith?
1. The promises of God. B-I-B-L-E (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth)
Faith comes from listening to this Good News--- the Good News about Christ. Romans 10:17
The good news is that our faith is based on facts not on feelings. (Feelings are not reliable).
A. Jesus promises to come into our lives.
"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me." Revelation 3:20
B. Jesus promises to be with us always.
"And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:20
C. Jesus promises to give His followers eternal life.
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of My hand. John 10:28
No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him. 1 Corinthians 2:9
Take Away Point #1
Salvation is not a feeling, but a faith in God! The more you trust God, the more you find He is faithful.
2. The finished work of Jesus.
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life. Romans 6:23
See also: Luke 23:40 John 19:30
A. God loves us and died to prove it!
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal ife. John 3:16
B. Jesus took our sins upon Himself.
See: Romans 3:23
Take Away Point #2
Whenever anything begings to disintegrate your life with Jesus, turn to Him at once and ask Him to establish rest.
When I am weak, Christ makes me strong. 2 Corinthians 12;10
3. The promise/presence of the Holy Spirit.
A. The Holy Spirit transforms us from within,
The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21
Take Away Point #3
Bad company does not make good character. 1 Corinthians 15:33
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23
B. The Holy Spirit brings a deep, personal conviction that we are God's children.
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by Him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Romans 8:15-16
When you doubt your faith, call on the Holy Spirit.
Take Away Point #4
Sorrow looks back, worry looks around, but faith looks up!
How do we respond to this gift?
A. By faith.
This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. Romans 3:22
B. By trust.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
Alpha Session 3: Why Did Jesus Die?
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
God Loves You!
1. What's our problem? Sin!
All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23
Galatians 3:22: The whole world is a prisoner of sin.
What are the consequences of our sin? There are 4:
A. The pollution of sin
What comes out of a man is what makes him "unclean." For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance, and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man unclean. Mark 7:20-23
B. The power of sin.
Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, eveyone who sins is a slave to sin." John 8:34
C. The penalty of sin.
For the wages of sin is death. Romans 6:23
Why is there a penalty? Because God refuses to compromise the spiritual integrity of Heaven.
D. The partition of sin.
Surely the arm of hte Lord is not too short to save, nor His ear to dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear. Isaiah 59:1-2
2. What is God's solution for our sin?
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibily dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:6-8
God's answer is love!
A. The self- substitution of God.
Christ, the sinless, became sin so that we, the sinners, could be counted sinless.
God made Him who had no sin to be sin fo rus, so that in HIm we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21
See also: Romans 9:22 and 1 John 4:10
B. The agony of the cross!
Jesus cried out in a loud voice...."My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" Mark 15:34
3. What did the cross achieve?
A. The cross achieved forgiveness: our sins are forgiven as if they never existed.
Take Away Point #1
Jesus Christ paid the debt He didn't owe to cancel the debt we couldn't pay!!!
B. The cross achieved freedom: The addictive power of sin has been broken.
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Galatians 5:1
Take Away Point #2
The cross reveals God's heart for the lost.
C. The cross achieved cleansing: The cross takes away the pollution of sin.
But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one anohter, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:7
D. The cross achieved reconciliation/restoration: Jesus' death brings us back into a relationship with God!
All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:18
Take Away Point#3
Jesus took my place on the cross to give me a place in Heaven.
"I tell you the truth, whoever hears My Word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life." John 5:24
God Loves You!
1. What's our problem? Sin!
All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23
Galatians 3:22: The whole world is a prisoner of sin.
What are the consequences of our sin? There are 4:
A. The pollution of sin
What comes out of a man is what makes him "unclean." For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance, and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man unclean. Mark 7:20-23
B. The power of sin.
Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, eveyone who sins is a slave to sin." John 8:34
C. The penalty of sin.
For the wages of sin is death. Romans 6:23
Why is there a penalty? Because God refuses to compromise the spiritual integrity of Heaven.
D. The partition of sin.
Surely the arm of hte Lord is not too short to save, nor His ear to dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear. Isaiah 59:1-2
2. What is God's solution for our sin?
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibily dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:6-8
God's answer is love!
A. The self- substitution of God.
Christ, the sinless, became sin so that we, the sinners, could be counted sinless.
God made Him who had no sin to be sin fo rus, so that in HIm we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21
See also: Romans 9:22 and 1 John 4:10
B. The agony of the cross!
Jesus cried out in a loud voice...."My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" Mark 15:34
3. What did the cross achieve?
A. The cross achieved forgiveness: our sins are forgiven as if they never existed.
Take Away Point #1
Jesus Christ paid the debt He didn't owe to cancel the debt we couldn't pay!!!
B. The cross achieved freedom: The addictive power of sin has been broken.
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Galatians 5:1
Take Away Point #2
The cross reveals God's heart for the lost.
C. The cross achieved cleansing: The cross takes away the pollution of sin.
But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one anohter, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:7
D. The cross achieved reconciliation/restoration: Jesus' death brings us back into a relationship with God!
All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:18
Take Away Point#3
Jesus took my place on the cross to give me a place in Heaven.
"I tell you the truth, whoever hears My Word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life." John 5:24
Monday, September 17, 2012
Small Update
Just a quick note to let you all know that my orientation went great and that training is going all right!!!!God willing, sometime this week, I will be able to send you Jon and you Zach a more detailed e-mail!!!!
Be blessed!!!!!
And please send me all your prayer requests!
Jerry
Be blessed!!!!!
And please send me all your prayer requests!
Jerry
Friday, September 14, 2012
Stories of Faith 2---My Grandfather Rollie
One person I look forward to being reunited with in Heaven is my Grandfather Rollie. He was my Dad's Dad and the husband to one of my favorite family members ever---my Grandmother Hazel. Grandpa Rollie got saved and baptized in a Baptist church with my Grandma Hazel in 1939. Grandpa Rollie had Parkinson's Disease. He had snow white hair and was always either in his bed or in his wheel chair. I was close to him in my own way---even though I couldn't understand a single word he said due to the Parkinson's disease. He enjoyed my Grandma's cooking! He especially loved her corn beef hash! I remember helping to feed him once!
Family members including my Grandmother Hazel told me that Grandpa Rollie really loved me! He was always kind to me, Crystal, and my Mom. There were times back when i was a ch ild when my Mom needed to borrow their car to get ust o school, and when Grandma Hazel would ask Grandpa Rollie permission he would always say "Yes." One of funniest things my Grandpa let me do to him was putting Purple moose in his hair! He was sitting out on the front porch by Grandma! I think I was 8 or 9 when I did that! It looked hilarious!
He also enjoyed riding his wheelchair up and down the front porch! I remember watching him push himself up and down the porch like he was in a race!
There is one story that my family has told me about my Grandfather that has really touched me---that I will treasure the most! When I was having my grand mal seizure at thea ge of 7, Parkinson's Disease was just getting to my Grandfather. My Grandfather would have a hard time walking. So while I was laid out on the couch of Grandma and Grandpa's couch waiting for Aunt Sharon and Uncle Allen to take me to the hospital, Grandpa Rollie got on his hands and knees and crawled to where I was just to hold my hand! Talk about love!!!!! This story never ceases to touch me in some way! Can you imagine loving someone so much that if you couldn't walk, you would crawl on your hands and knees to just be by them and hold their hand? I can't begin to fathom what it is like to have Parkinson's Disease. It's one thing to see someone have it but another to actually go through it! I am so thankful that I had a Grandfather who loved me so much that he would do that for me! These are the types of things taht testifies to someone being saved and having the love of Christ in them!
Even though I could never understand anything that my Grandpa "said", but looking back I can understand his love for me crystal clear!
My Grandfather Rollie died in August of 1987 when I was 10 years old from Parkinson's Disease! Talk about a blow to me at that time to have him die. But I do know where he is at---he is in Heaven waiting for me! I look forward to the day when the rapture happens or death, which ever comes first, where we can be reunited, and when I can have my very first conversation with him--where I will actually get to understand what he is saying!
I can only hope that I can be the type of Dad and Grandpa (if the Lord tarries) that has such a deep love for his children and grandchildren as my Grandpa Rollie did! I can only hope and pray!
Do you have a parent, a grand parent, a family member or even a friend that has such a deep love that he would crawl on his hand and knees just to hold your hand?
Family members including my Grandmother Hazel told me that Grandpa Rollie really loved me! He was always kind to me, Crystal, and my Mom. There were times back when i was a ch ild when my Mom needed to borrow their car to get ust o school, and when Grandma Hazel would ask Grandpa Rollie permission he would always say "Yes." One of funniest things my Grandpa let me do to him was putting Purple moose in his hair! He was sitting out on the front porch by Grandma! I think I was 8 or 9 when I did that! It looked hilarious!
He also enjoyed riding his wheelchair up and down the front porch! I remember watching him push himself up and down the porch like he was in a race!
There is one story that my family has told me about my Grandfather that has really touched me---that I will treasure the most! When I was having my grand mal seizure at thea ge of 7, Parkinson's Disease was just getting to my Grandfather. My Grandfather would have a hard time walking. So while I was laid out on the couch of Grandma and Grandpa's couch waiting for Aunt Sharon and Uncle Allen to take me to the hospital, Grandpa Rollie got on his hands and knees and crawled to where I was just to hold my hand! Talk about love!!!!! This story never ceases to touch me in some way! Can you imagine loving someone so much that if you couldn't walk, you would crawl on your hands and knees to just be by them and hold their hand? I can't begin to fathom what it is like to have Parkinson's Disease. It's one thing to see someone have it but another to actually go through it! I am so thankful that I had a Grandfather who loved me so much that he would do that for me! These are the types of things taht testifies to someone being saved and having the love of Christ in them!
Even though I could never understand anything that my Grandpa "said", but looking back I can understand his love for me crystal clear!
My Grandfather Rollie died in August of 1987 when I was 10 years old from Parkinson's Disease! Talk about a blow to me at that time to have him die. But I do know where he is at---he is in Heaven waiting for me! I look forward to the day when the rapture happens or death, which ever comes first, where we can be reunited, and when I can have my very first conversation with him--where I will actually get to understand what he is saying!
I can only hope that I can be the type of Dad and Grandpa (if the Lord tarries) that has such a deep love for his children and grandchildren as my Grandpa Rollie did! I can only hope and pray!
Do you have a parent, a grand parent, a family member or even a friend that has such a deep love that he would crawl on his hand and knees just to hold your hand?
Alpha Session 2- Who Is Jesus?
Here is Session 2 Outline of Alpha entitled:
Who Is Jesus?
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galations 5:1
Did Jesus exist?
A. Non-Christian sources support His existence.
* Roman Historians---Tacitus and Suetonius.
* Jewish Historian--- Josephus
B. Evidence in the New Testament supports His existence.
Who was Jesus?
A. He was fully HUMAN. (John 4:6, Matthew 4:2).
B. He had human EMOTIONS. (Mark 11:15-17, Mark 10:21, John 11:32-36)
C. He had human EXPERIENCES. (Mark 1:13, Mark 6:3)
What did Jesus say about Himself? (How do we know that Jesus is God? [jerry's note])
A. Through His Teachings.
Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me will never go hungry, and he who believes in Me will never be thirsty." John 6:35
Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12
Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies." John 11:25
Jerry's notes: Another scripture to look up is Matthew 11:28. Also, Jesus pointed to Himself when he pointed to God.
B. Through His Indirect claims:
When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit on His throne in Heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. Matthew 25:31-32
Jerry's Note: Jesus can forgive sins.
Take Away Point #1:
A life without Jesus is a hopeless end. But a life with Jesus is endless hope!
C. Through His Direct claims:
1. He claimed to be the Messiah.
The high priest asked Him, "Are you the Christ, The Son of the Blessed One?" "I am," said Jesus. " And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of Heaven." Mark 14:61-62
2. He claimed to be God the Son. "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was bron, I am!". John 8:58
Jerry's note: "I am" is the way God refers to Himself in the Old Testament.
3. He claimed to be God.
"I and the Father are one." Again the Jews picked up stones to stone Him, but Jesus said to them, "I have shown you many great miracles from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?" "We are not stoning you for any of these, " replied the Jews, "but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God." John 10:30-33
What evidence is there to support what Jesus said?
A. His teachings.
For the Word of God is living and active. Hebrews 4:12
Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the Word of Christ. Romans 10:17
B. His miracles.
Take Away Point # 2:
It was not the miracles that made His work so impressive. It was His love, especially for the unlovely .
C. His character.
Jerry's notes: Jesus' character has impressed millions of peole (nonbelievers and believers alike). Jesus said, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do". Jesus forgave them even on the cross!
D. His fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.
Jerry's notes: Jesus was prophesied in the Old Testament. Jesus fulfilled over 300 Old Testament Prophecies. Some say that J esus could have read the Word of God and decide to fulfill all the prophesies Himself without being the Messiah. Btu this isn't possible, because there were some prophesies that was out of Christ's control. such as: the place of His birth, His death, and His place of burial.
E. His Resurrection.
Jerry's notes: Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53 are prophecies about Jesus' death and resurrection.
What is the Evidence for the Resurrection of Jesus?
A. His absence from the tomb.
False Theories:
* Jesus did not die?
One of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. John 19.34
Jerry's notes: The Bible proves that Jesus was dead. Also John 19:34 tells that there was a separation of clot and serum (sudden flow of blood and water). These are medical terms and this can only happen when a person is dead.).
* The disciples stole His body?
"Take a guard," Pilate answered. "Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how." So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard. Matthew 27:65-66
Jerry's notes: Would you die for a lie? The disciples wouldn't. Most of the disciples were put to death for their belief in Jesus and the resurrection. The disciples would not have died for Jesus if the resurrection was a lie and if they had stolen the body.
* The authorities stole His body?
Jerry's notes: The authorities didn't have Jesus' body. Otherwise they would have showed the people Jesus' body once they had started maknig claims of the resurrections. The authorities would have said: " Jesus didn't rise from the dead. And here is His body to prove it.". However, the authorities did NOT do this! Proving that the authorities didn't have Jesus' body.
B. His appearance to the disciples.
Jerry's note: The appearance of the disciples was documented by the Bible and by Jewish historian: Josephus.
C. His immediate effect on society/the world.
Jerry's notes: The world went into a division of time: B.C. = "before Christ" and A.D. = "Anto Domini"- In the years of our Lord. The church also began to grow.
D. The undeniable experience of Christians through the ages.
Take Away Point #3:
No one is so good that they can save themselves.
No one is so bad that God cannot save them.
"I tell you the truth, whoever hears My Word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life." John 5:24
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1
Who Is Jesus?
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galations 5:1
Did Jesus exist?
A. Non-Christian sources support His existence.
* Roman Historians---Tacitus and Suetonius.
* Jewish Historian--- Josephus
B. Evidence in the New Testament supports His existence.
Who was Jesus?
A. He was fully HUMAN. (John 4:6, Matthew 4:2).
B. He had human EMOTIONS. (Mark 11:15-17, Mark 10:21, John 11:32-36)
C. He had human EXPERIENCES. (Mark 1:13, Mark 6:3)
What did Jesus say about Himself? (How do we know that Jesus is God? [jerry's note])
A. Through His Teachings.
Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me will never go hungry, and he who believes in Me will never be thirsty." John 6:35
Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12
Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies." John 11:25
Jerry's notes: Another scripture to look up is Matthew 11:28. Also, Jesus pointed to Himself when he pointed to God.
B. Through His Indirect claims:
When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit on His throne in Heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. Matthew 25:31-32
Jerry's Note: Jesus can forgive sins.
Take Away Point #1:
A life without Jesus is a hopeless end. But a life with Jesus is endless hope!
C. Through His Direct claims:
1. He claimed to be the Messiah.
The high priest asked Him, "Are you the Christ, The Son of the Blessed One?" "I am," said Jesus. " And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of Heaven." Mark 14:61-62
2. He claimed to be God the Son. "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was bron, I am!". John 8:58
Jerry's note: "I am" is the way God refers to Himself in the Old Testament.
3. He claimed to be God.
"I and the Father are one." Again the Jews picked up stones to stone Him, but Jesus said to them, "I have shown you many great miracles from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?" "We are not stoning you for any of these, " replied the Jews, "but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God." John 10:30-33
What evidence is there to support what Jesus said?
A. His teachings.
For the Word of God is living and active. Hebrews 4:12
Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the Word of Christ. Romans 10:17
B. His miracles.
Take Away Point # 2:
It was not the miracles that made His work so impressive. It was His love, especially for the unlovely .
C. His character.
Jerry's notes: Jesus' character has impressed millions of peole (nonbelievers and believers alike). Jesus said, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do". Jesus forgave them even on the cross!
D. His fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.
Jerry's notes: Jesus was prophesied in the Old Testament. Jesus fulfilled over 300 Old Testament Prophecies. Some say that J esus could have read the Word of God and decide to fulfill all the prophesies Himself without being the Messiah. Btu this isn't possible, because there were some prophesies that was out of Christ's control. such as: the place of His birth, His death, and His place of burial.
E. His Resurrection.
Jerry's notes: Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53 are prophecies about Jesus' death and resurrection.
What is the Evidence for the Resurrection of Jesus?
A. His absence from the tomb.
False Theories:
* Jesus did not die?
One of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. John 19.34
Jerry's notes: The Bible proves that Jesus was dead. Also John 19:34 tells that there was a separation of clot and serum (sudden flow of blood and water). These are medical terms and this can only happen when a person is dead.).
* The disciples stole His body?
"Take a guard," Pilate answered. "Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how." So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard. Matthew 27:65-66
Jerry's notes: Would you die for a lie? The disciples wouldn't. Most of the disciples were put to death for their belief in Jesus and the resurrection. The disciples would not have died for Jesus if the resurrection was a lie and if they had stolen the body.
* The authorities stole His body?
Jerry's notes: The authorities didn't have Jesus' body. Otherwise they would have showed the people Jesus' body once they had started maknig claims of the resurrections. The authorities would have said: " Jesus didn't rise from the dead. And here is His body to prove it.". However, the authorities did NOT do this! Proving that the authorities didn't have Jesus' body.
B. His appearance to the disciples.
Jerry's note: The appearance of the disciples was documented by the Bible and by Jewish historian: Josephus.
C. His immediate effect on society/the world.
Jerry's notes: The world went into a division of time: B.C. = "before Christ" and A.D. = "Anto Domini"- In the years of our Lord. The church also began to grow.
D. The undeniable experience of Christians through the ages.
Take Away Point #3:
No one is so good that they can save themselves.
No one is so bad that God cannot save them.
"I tell you the truth, whoever hears My Word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life." John 5:24
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1
Monday, September 10, 2012
Stories of Faith---My Testimony 1
Hey! How is everyone? Hope everyone is going okay! If you have kids, I hope you are surviving the 1st week of school! God has inspired me to share my testimony with you in what I call "Stories of Faith". I am 35 years old. God willing, I will be 36 in January. Since I have been born, I have lived a lot of life, been through a lot of hard times, had a lot of God-moments, and of course, have had good times as well! I hope and pray that God will use these "Stories of Faith" to bless you! And I hope God uses these stories to inspire you to do the same thing--share your own unique story as well!
So let's get started!
As you know, my name is Jerry. I was born on January 13th 1977 in Mobile, AL. If life was a college, my major would be survival. And I started taking survival classes as soon as I was born! On January 13th, my Mom (whose name was Patsy) was rushed to the hospital to give birth to me. The only problem was...I didn't want to be born! Ironically, for someone like me who doesn't know how to swim, I was enjoying swimming around in my mother's womb. I enjoyed it so much, I didn't want to come out and be born! This was BAD. Because this cause my Mom's blood pressure to go high. It got so bad, the doctor's asked my Dad (Jerry Sr.) who he wanted them to save. Of course, he chose both of us, if possible. So as I was swimming around, as soon as my head got to the birth canal, the doctor grabbed my head with a pair of tongs.
As soon as I was born, I started having seizures and almost died. My Mom almost died as well. I was quite the sick child. If you were to see my new born baby pictures, it looked like I went thru hell! I was bald, skinny, and had a red stain on what I was wearing---the red being the seizure medicine I had on.
This started years of taking seizure medicine (Dilantin and Phenonbabotol (sp?), going to doctor's appointments, taking blood, etc... My Aunt Sharon and Uncle Allen was so faithful in taking me to all my doctor's appointments and even taking me to the hospital when I needed to. My Mom wasn't really good at driving in busy city streets such as Mobile---the reason for my Aunt and Uncle taking me to all those appointments.
January 13th, 1977 wasn't the only date I almost died. When I was 7 years old (in 1984), I had a Grand Mal Seizure which is the most severe kind of seizure a person can have. I almost died from that one. In fact, according to family members, I was in a coma for 45 minutes. When I woke up, according to Uncle Allen, one of the first words that came out of my mouth, is that I asked for a cheeseburger! Also, back th en, the hospital did some type of MRI or brain scan..not sure which. But according to my family members, I had a scar on my brain. When they did the scan when I was 7 years old, the scar had disappeared! Praise God!
When I was 8 years old, 1985, I had another Grand Mal seizure in which I almost died! Thank Jesus I didn't! Five years later, in late June of 1990, when I was 13 years old, I went to another doctor's appointment at ap lace called "Crippled Children's Clinic". Dr. Schalub asked the basic same questions. When he foudn out that it has been 5 years since I had a seizure, he decided to take me off my seizure medication. He told me and Aunt Sharon and Uncle Allen that I could quit my medicine on July 3, 1990.
The first few days being off my medicine was a little strange since I felt a slight pressure in my head. But that soon left!
It has been 22 years since I have been off my seizure medication, and I haven't had any seizures! It has been a total of 27 years (since I was 8 years old) that I haven't had any seizures at all!
Uncle Allen back then once told me that I just "grew out of the seizures". However, i don't agree! I believe wit all my heart, soul, and mind that God healed me of my seizures and has kept me alive for a purpose! I may not always know what that purpose is, but I know God will reveal it in bits and pieces in His own perfect timing!
Thank you Jesus for healing me of seizures! I pray that the way I live my life in gratitude is a sweet aroma!
So let's get started!
As you know, my name is Jerry. I was born on January 13th 1977 in Mobile, AL. If life was a college, my major would be survival. And I started taking survival classes as soon as I was born! On January 13th, my Mom (whose name was Patsy) was rushed to the hospital to give birth to me. The only problem was...I didn't want to be born! Ironically, for someone like me who doesn't know how to swim, I was enjoying swimming around in my mother's womb. I enjoyed it so much, I didn't want to come out and be born! This was BAD. Because this cause my Mom's blood pressure to go high. It got so bad, the doctor's asked my Dad (Jerry Sr.) who he wanted them to save. Of course, he chose both of us, if possible. So as I was swimming around, as soon as my head got to the birth canal, the doctor grabbed my head with a pair of tongs.
As soon as I was born, I started having seizures and almost died. My Mom almost died as well. I was quite the sick child. If you were to see my new born baby pictures, it looked like I went thru hell! I was bald, skinny, and had a red stain on what I was wearing---the red being the seizure medicine I had on.
This started years of taking seizure medicine (Dilantin and Phenonbabotol (sp?), going to doctor's appointments, taking blood, etc... My Aunt Sharon and Uncle Allen was so faithful in taking me to all my doctor's appointments and even taking me to the hospital when I needed to. My Mom wasn't really good at driving in busy city streets such as Mobile---the reason for my Aunt and Uncle taking me to all those appointments.
January 13th, 1977 wasn't the only date I almost died. When I was 7 years old (in 1984), I had a Grand Mal Seizure which is the most severe kind of seizure a person can have. I almost died from that one. In fact, according to family members, I was in a coma for 45 minutes. When I woke up, according to Uncle Allen, one of the first words that came out of my mouth, is that I asked for a cheeseburger! Also, back th en, the hospital did some type of MRI or brain scan..not sure which. But according to my family members, I had a scar on my brain. When they did the scan when I was 7 years old, the scar had disappeared! Praise God!
When I was 8 years old, 1985, I had another Grand Mal seizure in which I almost died! Thank Jesus I didn't! Five years later, in late June of 1990, when I was 13 years old, I went to another doctor's appointment at ap lace called "Crippled Children's Clinic". Dr. Schalub asked the basic same questions. When he foudn out that it has been 5 years since I had a seizure, he decided to take me off my seizure medication. He told me and Aunt Sharon and Uncle Allen that I could quit my medicine on July 3, 1990.
The first few days being off my medicine was a little strange since I felt a slight pressure in my head. But that soon left!
It has been 22 years since I have been off my seizure medication, and I haven't had any seizures! It has been a total of 27 years (since I was 8 years old) that I haven't had any seizures at all!
Uncle Allen back then once told me that I just "grew out of the seizures". However, i don't agree! I believe wit all my heart, soul, and mind that God healed me of my seizures and has kept me alive for a purpose! I may not always know what that purpose is, but I know God will reveal it in bits and pieces in His own perfect timing!
Thank you Jesus for healing me of seizures! I pray that the way I live my life in gratitude is a sweet aroma!
"Christianity: Boring, Untrue, Irrelevant"
Greetings! Last Wednesday, I started my first week as a Alpha Table Leader. Thought I would share the outline from our first week of Alpha entitled: "Christianity: Boring, Untrue, Irrelevant". My buddy Zach asked me to post this on here. Hope you all are blessed by it!---Jerry
----------------------------------------------------
Here is the outline of the lesson we had in Alpha:
Take Away Point #1
*The whole point of life is to have a relationship with God.
* The only thing Christianity cannot be is moderately important.
Take Away Point #2
God is so great that we cannot begin to know Him. No one can begin to understand eternity. Job 36:26.
He has set eternity in the hearts of men. Ecclesiastes 3:11
* While life on earth offers many choices, eternity offers two:
Heaven or Hell.
* Your relationship with God on earth will determine your relationship with HIm in eternity.
* In every human being, the image of God has to some extent been tarnished by sin.
* Where we go "hereafter" is determined by what we "go after here."
Take Away Point #3
If you know Jesus as your Savior, you have no need to fear HIm as your Judge.
----------------------------------------------------
Here is the outline of the lesson we had in Alpha:
Christianity: Boring, Untrue, Irrelevant?
What does Christianity have to do with life today?
Jesus answered, "I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:6
What does Christianity have to do with life today?
Jesus answered, "I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:6
1. Jesus says. "I am the way." He brings direction for a lost World.
* We were created to live in relationship with God.
* We were created to live in relationship with God.
* No human relationship will satisfy entirely or be completely ongoing.
Take Away Point #1
The only perfectly on-going, truly loving relationship is with God made possible through His Son Jesus Christ.
*The whole point of life is to have a relationship with God.
2. Jesus says, "I am the truth." He brings reality for a confused World.
* The only thing Christianity cannot be is moderately important.
Take Away Point #2
Time will never end.
God is so great that we cannot begin to know Him. No one can begin to understand eternity. Job 36:26.
He has set eternity in the hearts of men. Ecclesiastes 3:11
* While life on earth offers many choices, eternity offers two:
Heaven or Hell.
* Your relationship with God on earth will determine your relationship with HIm in eternity.
3. Jesus says. "I am the life." He brings life in a dark World.
* Jesus said, "I came so you could find life in all its fullness."
* In every human being, the image of God has to some extent been tarnished by sin.
* Where we go "hereafter" is determined by what we "go after here."
Take Away Point #3
If you know Jesus as your Savior, you have no need to fear HIm as your Judge.
If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1
Heaven is for forgiven people, not perfect people.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Run Body Soul By Crystal Lewis
http://crystallewis.blogspot.com/2012/08/run-body-soul.html
Check out this blog by Crystal Lewis of some spiritual lessons she learned from running a race with her husband! It's great!
Check out this blog by Crystal Lewis of some spiritual lessons she learned from running a race with her husband! It's great!
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Hackers!
Hey guys!
What's up? Have you ever logged into your e-mail account to find that you have a lot of return messages saying that your e-mail was returned or was undeliverable? A few days ago, I logged into one of my e-mail accounts and saw a number of e-mails that stated that an e-mail that I supposedly sent was "undeliverable". I began to think, "oh no, someone has hacked my e-mail account." Then I see an e-mail with no subject from my best bud Jon. I opened it and he was kind enough to tell me that they have received an e-mail from my address promoting a website. He suggested that my e-mail account was hacked into! Wow! A confirmation that is had been hacked into! Thank you Jon for that confirmation!
Then I looked up on the top of my screen and saw that Yahoo! had sent me an alert. I opened it, and it said that someone from a different location had accessed my acount. I clicked on the link for the details, and it said that someone from China---yes China!---had accessed my account. So it gave me the opportunity to change my password which I did!
I simply can't believe that someone from China would have accessed my account. I am also surprised that someone from China would even know about me! Perhaps they got my e-mail address from reading my blog..who knows? But it is quite annoying to have someone hack into my e-mail acccount! Not only did I get some undeliverable mail, apparently this hacker deleted some of my e-mails as well! quite annoying!
Just a couple of weeks ago, my other e-mail address was hacked into as well! So I had to change that password!
And even before that, our credit card company called us to let us know that someone committed fraud on it by making a small purchase somewhere for like $6 and then after that a big purchase of $500 at Verizon. My wife had to tell our credit card company that it wasn't us. Our credit card company figured as much.
Jon and Zach, God willing, I still have your most current e-mail replies in my inbox! God willing, I will reply to them on Monday when Shiloh and I goes to the library!
Anyway, hope you all have a great Sunday! Let's pray that our accounts online are secure and hack-free!
Blessings!
What's up? Have you ever logged into your e-mail account to find that you have a lot of return messages saying that your e-mail was returned or was undeliverable? A few days ago, I logged into one of my e-mail accounts and saw a number of e-mails that stated that an e-mail that I supposedly sent was "undeliverable". I began to think, "oh no, someone has hacked my e-mail account." Then I see an e-mail with no subject from my best bud Jon. I opened it and he was kind enough to tell me that they have received an e-mail from my address promoting a website. He suggested that my e-mail account was hacked into! Wow! A confirmation that is had been hacked into! Thank you Jon for that confirmation!
Then I looked up on the top of my screen and saw that Yahoo! had sent me an alert. I opened it, and it said that someone from a different location had accessed my acount. I clicked on the link for the details, and it said that someone from China---yes China!---had accessed my account. So it gave me the opportunity to change my password which I did!
I simply can't believe that someone from China would have accessed my account. I am also surprised that someone from China would even know about me! Perhaps they got my e-mail address from reading my blog..who knows? But it is quite annoying to have someone hack into my e-mail acccount! Not only did I get some undeliverable mail, apparently this hacker deleted some of my e-mails as well! quite annoying!
Just a couple of weeks ago, my other e-mail address was hacked into as well! So I had to change that password!
And even before that, our credit card company called us to let us know that someone committed fraud on it by making a small purchase somewhere for like $6 and then after that a big purchase of $500 at Verizon. My wife had to tell our credit card company that it wasn't us. Our credit card company figured as much.
Jon and Zach, God willing, I still have your most current e-mail replies in my inbox! God willing, I will reply to them on Monday when Shiloh and I goes to the library!
Anyway, hope you all have a great Sunday! Let's pray that our accounts online are secure and hack-free!
Blessings!
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Be Humble
The Bible teaches the value of being humble. For example, Matthew 23:12b states: "Whoever humbles himself will be honored." Luke 14:11 and Luke 18:14 also says the same thing.
The Bible also states:
Ephesians 4:2:" Be humble and gentle in every way."
Colossians 3:12: "As holy people whom God has chosen and loved, be...humble..."
James 4:6b: "Scripture says: 'God opposes arrogant people, but he is kind to humble people".
James 4:10: "Humble yourselves in the Lord's presence. Then he will give you a high position".
1 Peter 5:6: "Be humbled by God's power so when the right time comes he will honor you."
So if you want to live an honorable life for Christ, then you must start out being humble. The Bible is full of paradoxes such as Matthew 10:39: "The person who tries to preserve his life will lose it, but the person who loses his life for me will perserve it."
If you humble yourself, then God will honor you!
However, if you don't humble yourself, what do you think will happen?
Proverbs 16:18 states: "Pride precedes a disaster, and an arrogant attitude precedes a fall."
Proverbs 29:23: "A person's pride will humiliate him, but a humble spirit gains honor. "
So if you are prideful, then you will face disaster and humiliation. Your pride will cause you to fall.
Why do you think these things are true? Of course, the most obvious reason is that it is the Word of God and everything that God says is true. Second, let's compare a humble person with a prideful person.
A humble person doesn't think too highly of him or herself. Because of this attitude, he or she will be kind and loving to people. A prideful person thinks he or she is better than other people. Such a person is more than likely to be a bully and is more than likely to mistreat other people .
A humble person when faced with a problem or crisis is willing to ask for help from other people and most importantly from God. However, a prideful person, thinks he or she can solve the problem without any help at all! so that person will refused to seek help from other people and from God. More often than not, that person ends up falling on his or her face and ends up in a humiliating disaster.
A humble person realizes that he or she is saved by grace through faith that it isn't of works lest he or she should boast! A humble person, henceforth, will confess and repent to Jesus and ask Him to save him or her. However, a prideful person won't repent and ask for forgiveness. Instead he or she will try to earn his or her salvation by doing "good works".
So how can you be humble? The best thing to do is to learn from the master--Jesus Christ. Jesus came to serve and be a servant and not to be served. He did so many things to show He was humble: healing the sick, feeding the hungry, loving the unloveable, and most importantly, dying on the cross and raising from the dead defeating death and giving us eternal life!
Did you know that Jesus washed His disciple's feet? He did! John 13:4-5: "So he got up from the table, removed his outer clothes, took a towel, and tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and dry them with the towel he had tied around his waist."
Why did He do this? John 13:12-17: "After Jesus had washed their feet and put on his outer clothes, he took his place at the table again. Then he asked his disciples, 'Do you understand what I've done for you? You call me teacher and Lord, and you're right because that's what I am. So if I, your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you must wash each other's feet. I've given you an example that you should follow. I can guarantee this truth: Slaves are not superior to their owners, and messengers are not superior to the people who send them. If you understand all of this, you are blessed whenever you follow my example."
Jesus washed the disciples feet as an example for them to follow. If they (and if we) follow Jesus' example, we will be blessed. Blessings come to the humble but not to the proud.
What a great way to practice being humble! Have you ever washed anyone's feet? If not, why don't you try it sometime this week? Pick a family member and or a friend to do it. I have done it before at my old church---Independent Church of God. We did it a couple of times before Easter. And it is a humbling experience!
In closing, if you want to live an honorable life for God full of His blessngs, then you must be humble! Following the example of Jesus is the best way to learn to be humble! Not only will you be humble by following Jesus' example but you will also be blessed! However, if you choose the opposite way which is being prideful---then that way will lead to a humiliating, disastrous fall!
Questions to ponder:
In what ways have you been humble?
In what ways have you been prideful?
What were the results of each?
In what ways can you be more humble?
The Bible also states:
Ephesians 4:2:" Be humble and gentle in every way."
Colossians 3:12: "As holy people whom God has chosen and loved, be...humble..."
James 4:6b: "Scripture says: 'God opposes arrogant people, but he is kind to humble people".
James 4:10: "Humble yourselves in the Lord's presence. Then he will give you a high position".
1 Peter 5:6: "Be humbled by God's power so when the right time comes he will honor you."
So if you want to live an honorable life for Christ, then you must start out being humble. The Bible is full of paradoxes such as Matthew 10:39: "The person who tries to preserve his life will lose it, but the person who loses his life for me will perserve it."
If you humble yourself, then God will honor you!
However, if you don't humble yourself, what do you think will happen?
Proverbs 16:18 states: "Pride precedes a disaster, and an arrogant attitude precedes a fall."
Proverbs 29:23: "A person's pride will humiliate him, but a humble spirit gains honor. "
So if you are prideful, then you will face disaster and humiliation. Your pride will cause you to fall.
Why do you think these things are true? Of course, the most obvious reason is that it is the Word of God and everything that God says is true. Second, let's compare a humble person with a prideful person.
A humble person doesn't think too highly of him or herself. Because of this attitude, he or she will be kind and loving to people. A prideful person thinks he or she is better than other people. Such a person is more than likely to be a bully and is more than likely to mistreat other people .
A humble person when faced with a problem or crisis is willing to ask for help from other people and most importantly from God. However, a prideful person, thinks he or she can solve the problem without any help at all! so that person will refused to seek help from other people and from God. More often than not, that person ends up falling on his or her face and ends up in a humiliating disaster.
A humble person realizes that he or she is saved by grace through faith that it isn't of works lest he or she should boast! A humble person, henceforth, will confess and repent to Jesus and ask Him to save him or her. However, a prideful person won't repent and ask for forgiveness. Instead he or she will try to earn his or her salvation by doing "good works".
So how can you be humble? The best thing to do is to learn from the master--Jesus Christ. Jesus came to serve and be a servant and not to be served. He did so many things to show He was humble: healing the sick, feeding the hungry, loving the unloveable, and most importantly, dying on the cross and raising from the dead defeating death and giving us eternal life!
Did you know that Jesus washed His disciple's feet? He did! John 13:4-5: "So he got up from the table, removed his outer clothes, took a towel, and tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and dry them with the towel he had tied around his waist."
Why did He do this? John 13:12-17: "After Jesus had washed their feet and put on his outer clothes, he took his place at the table again. Then he asked his disciples, 'Do you understand what I've done for you? You call me teacher and Lord, and you're right because that's what I am. So if I, your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you must wash each other's feet. I've given you an example that you should follow. I can guarantee this truth: Slaves are not superior to their owners, and messengers are not superior to the people who send them. If you understand all of this, you are blessed whenever you follow my example."
Jesus washed the disciples feet as an example for them to follow. If they (and if we) follow Jesus' example, we will be blessed. Blessings come to the humble but not to the proud.
What a great way to practice being humble! Have you ever washed anyone's feet? If not, why don't you try it sometime this week? Pick a family member and or a friend to do it. I have done it before at my old church---Independent Church of God. We did it a couple of times before Easter. And it is a humbling experience!
In closing, if you want to live an honorable life for God full of His blessngs, then you must be humble! Following the example of Jesus is the best way to learn to be humble! Not only will you be humble by following Jesus' example but you will also be blessed! However, if you choose the opposite way which is being prideful---then that way will lead to a humiliating, disastrous fall!
Questions to ponder:
In what ways have you been humble?
In what ways have you been prideful?
What were the results of each?
In what ways can you be more humble?
Dinosaurs
My oldest son is a HUGE fan of dinosaurs. I don't think a week goes by when we go to the library and he doesn't check out a book about some type of dinosaurs. I found this great website that educates us about dinosaurs from a Christian point-of-view. Feel free to check it out:
http://www.christiananswers.net/dinosaurs/journey0.html
http://www.christiananswers.net/dinosaurs/journey0.html
Friday, August 10, 2012
Justification-Sanctification-Glorification
I wanted to forward an article by Ron Graham which does a really great job on explaining the difference between justificaiton, sanctification and glorification. Click on the link below to read it:
Justification-Sanctification-Glorification
Justification-Sanctification-Glorification
Monday, August 6, 2012
Come Into My World
Sick Cycle Carousel
I went through a really deep depression in 2004 where I actually wanted to die. Sick Cycle Carousel by Lifehouse described my feelings at the time! Thank Jesus I don't feel that way anymore! Amy Grant has her "Come Into My World". I guess this is my version of it!
Jesus really brought me through that time! I have such a tremendous testimony for that time! I tell you honestly looking back, if it wasn't for Jesus, odds are, I probably would have committed suicide.
Not Ready To Make Nice
Personally, I think everyone overreacted to the whole thing! Considering everything that the world was going through those days. babies being aborted, the Iraqi war, crimes being committed, etc..etc..etc..
I do like this song because it is filled with anger!
Am I The Only One
My E-Book is on Barnes and Noble!
Hey poetry peeps!
Hey! My poetry e-book is now on Barnes and Noble online.
Check it out:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pieces-of-heavenpieces-of-earth-jerry-seaman/1112133552?ean=2940044687882
Note: If you all ready bought the book, then there is no need to re-buy it. But if you know of anyone who doesn't have the book, here is another way for he or she to buy it!
Hey! My poetry e-book is now on Barnes and Noble online.
Check it out:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pieces-of-heavenpieces-of-earth-jerry-seaman/1112133552?ean=2940044687882
Note: If you all ready bought the book, then there is no need to re-buy it. But if you know of anyone who doesn't have the book, here is another way for he or she to buy it!
Sunday, August 5, 2012
The mercy of eternal life
John 6:37b (GW): "I will never turn away anyone who comes to me."
What an inspiring verse! So many people refuse to get saved because he or she feels that they have done too many bad things! They feel like they need to clean themselves up more before they can get saved! But this verse shows that God will accept anyone who comes to Jesus and repents of their sins.
Once you come to Jesus, you can take comfort in the following verse:
John 6:47 (GW): "I can guarentee this truth: Every believer has eternal life."
So once you are saved, you don't have to worry about staying saved or losing salvation. Jesus said that every believer has eternal life. Being saved and having eternal life is a "state of being" not doing! Once you have accepted Christ as Lord and Savior, you simply are saved. It becomes part of who you are---a Child of God! You might mess up and stumble here and there, but since you are a believer, you still have eternal life!
How wonderful is that?! :)
What an inspiring verse! So many people refuse to get saved because he or she feels that they have done too many bad things! They feel like they need to clean themselves up more before they can get saved! But this verse shows that God will accept anyone who comes to Jesus and repents of their sins.
Once you come to Jesus, you can take comfort in the following verse:
John 6:47 (GW): "I can guarentee this truth: Every believer has eternal life."
So once you are saved, you don't have to worry about staying saved or losing salvation. Jesus said that every believer has eternal life. Being saved and having eternal life is a "state of being" not doing! Once you have accepted Christ as Lord and Savior, you simply are saved. It becomes part of who you are---a Child of God! You might mess up and stumble here and there, but since you are a believer, you still have eternal life!
How wonderful is that?! :)
Friday, August 3, 2012
What has "O" (Obama) accomplished???
From: Rapture Ready Bulletin Board
What has "O" accomplished???
Here is a very short list- kind of along a previous thread about why RR is against "O":
Quit trashing President Obama's accomplishments.
He has done more than any other President before him.
He has an impressive list of accomplishments:
************************************************** ****************
First President to apply for college aid as a foreign student, then deny he was a foreigner.
First President to have a social security number from a state he has never lived in.
First President to preside over a cut to the credit-rating of the United States
First President to violate the War Powers Act. .
First President to be held in contempt of court for illegally obstructing oil drilling in the Gulf of Mexico .
First President to require all Americans to purchase a product from a third party.
First President to spend a trillion dollars on 'shovel-ready' jobs when there was no such thing as 'shovel-ready' jobs.
First President to abrogate bankruptcy law to turn over control of companies to his union supporters.
First President to by-pass Congress and implement the Dream Act through executive fiat.
First President to order a secret amnesty program that stopped the deportation of illegal immigrants across the U.S. , including those with criminal convictions.
First President to demand a company hand-over $20 billion to one of his political appointees.
First President to tell a CEO of a major corporation (Chrysler) to resign.
First President to terminate America 's ability to put a man in space.
First President to cancel the National Day of Prayer and to say that America is no longer a Christian nation.
First President to have a law signed by an auto-pen without being present.
First President to arbitrarily declare an existing law unconstitutional and refuse to enforce it.
First President to threaten insurance companies if they publicly spoke-out on the reasons for their rate increases.
First President to tell a major manufacturing company in which state it is allowed to locate a factory.
First President to file lawsuits against the states he swore an oath to protect (AZ, WI, OH, IN).
First President to withdraw an existing coal permit that had been properly issued years ago.
First President to actively try to bankrupt an American industry (coal). WV
First President to fire an inspector general of Ameri-Corps for catching one of his friends in a corruption case.
First President to appoint 45 czars to replace elected officials in his office.
First President to surround himself with radical left wing anarchists.
First President to golf 73 separate times in his first two and a half years in office, 102 to date.
First President to hide his medical, educational and travel records.
First President to win a Nobel Peace Prize for doing NOTHING to earn it.
First President to go on multiple global “apology tours” and concurrent “insult our friends” tours.
First President to go on 17 lavish vacations, including date nights and Wednesday evening White House parties for his friends paid for by the taxpayer.
First President to have 22 personal servants (taxpayer funded) for his wife.
First President to keep a dog trainer on retainer for $102,000 a year at taxpayer expense.
First President to repeat the Holy Quran & tell us the early morning call of the Azan (Islamic call to worship) is the most beautiful sound on earth.
First President to tell the military men and women that they should pay for their own private insurance because they “volunteered to go to war and knew the consequences”.
Then he was the First President to tell the members of the military that THEY were UNPATRIOTIC for balking at the last suggestion.
First President to side with a foreign nation over one of the American 50 states (Mexico vs Arizona).
How is this hope and change working out for you?
THERE'S AN ELECTION COMING UP...
I HOPE YOU REMEMBER THIS LIST WHEN YOU VOTE!
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Another great Christy saying
There another great line from the 1st episode of "Christy" that is spoken by "Alice" in chapter/scene 7 of the 1st episode. It's this:
"Thank God and Seek Faith".
"Thank God and Seek Faith".
Here I Am
Last night, I watched the 1st episode of my favorite show "Christy" on dvd. That's such a Godly show. IN the 3rd chapter of the show, there a prayer Christy prays to God that always speak to my heart each time:
"Dear God,
When I came here, maybe I was partly running off from home for fun and adventure. But I think You've had something else in mind. What I am trying to say is: If you can use me in this cove, well here I am".
I have been here in Minnesota almost 10 years now (Sept 2012 will mark my 10th anniversary of moving here). This prayer of Christy's still remains my prayer to this day. "God if you can use me in Minnesota, well here I am".
"Dear God,
When I came here, maybe I was partly running off from home for fun and adventure. But I think You've had something else in mind. What I am trying to say is: If you can use me in this cove, well here I am".
I have been here in Minnesota almost 10 years now (Sept 2012 will mark my 10th anniversary of moving here). This prayer of Christy's still remains my prayer to this day. "God if you can use me in Minnesota, well here I am".
Monday, July 30, 2012
Are You Ready For The Rapture?
That is the question! Are you ready to meet Jesus when that trumpet blows? Jesus can come back at any time! There are no signs that have to be fulfilled for Jesus to rapture the church! That's why the rapture is called "imminent"! Luke 12:40 (God's Word) says: "Be ready, because the Son of Man will return when you least expect him". Even though there are no signs that have to be fulfilled for the rapture to occur, you can view everything that is happening in End Times Bible Prophecy and know that the time is closer than ever! Have you accepted Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? Have you accepted His free gift of salvation? The answer to that question will determine if you will be taken in the rapture.
Some people may say: "Look at all I do for God! Look at all the good things I do! Of course, I will be taken in the rapture!". There will be a lot of people who think they will be taken in the rapture because of all the "good" and/or "religious" things that they do, but when the rapture takes place, they will be sorely disappointed. Why?
Look at Luke 13:24-28 (God's Word):
Some people may say: "Look at all I do for God! Look at all the good things I do! Of course, I will be taken in the rapture!". There will be a lot of people who think they will be taken in the rapture because of all the "good" and/or "religious" things that they do, but when the rapture takes place, they will be sorely disappointed. Why?
Look at Luke 13:24-28 (God's Word):
24 “Try hard to enter through the narrow door. I can guarantee that many will try to enter, but they won’t succeed. 25 After the homeowner gets up and closes the door, it’s too late. You can stand outside, knock at the door, and say, ‘Sir, open the door for us!’ But he will answer you, ‘I don’t know who you are.’ 26 Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ 27 But he will tell you, ‘I don’t know who you are. Get away from me, all you evil people.’ 28 Then you will cry and be in extreme pain. That’s what you’ll do when you see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets. They’ll be in the kingdom of God, but you’ll be thrown out.
Look at Matthew 7:21-23 (God's Word):
21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord!’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the person who does what my Father in heaven wants. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name? Didn’t we force out demons and do many miracles by the power and authority of your name?’ 23 Then I will tell them publicly, ‘I’ve never known you. Get away from me, you evil people.’
What these passages are saying is that many people will try to enter Heaven by their good works, but won't succeed! Why? Because they neglected to do the most important thing: know Christ as personal Lord and Savior by having a relationship with Him. Instead of confessing, repenting and asking Christ to be their Lord and Savior and getting to know Him on a one-on-one personal relationship, they have decided to try to earn their salvation by the good works and religious things they do!
When the rapture happens, and they miss out, they will try to argue with God about it. They'll say to paraphrase: "We ate and drank with you. We prophesied in your name. We kicked out demons and performed miracles by the power of your name." But Jesus will reply: "I never knew you." When you first read that reply, it might be surprising! And you m ay have to ask yourself, what about these people that would cause Jesus to say "I never knew you." What are your ideas? It is because these people again never accepted and knew Christ as Lord and Savior. They never made that free transaction for eternal life! If only they had confess and repented to Christ and asked Him sincerely to be their Savior, these people would have been taken in the rapture! Jesus would have known them!
So to all of you who do great "works" for God, especially those of you in the work-based religions, such as Catholicism, have you repented and asked Christ to be your Lord and Savior? Have you made the free transaction for salvation? If so, Praise Jesus for you! I look forward to seeing you in Heaven one day after the rapture or after death whichever comes first! If you haven't, PLEASE consider falling on your knees right now and asking Jesus to be your Lord and Savior. It's easy. Here is a sample prayer (feel free to put it in your own words):
"Jesus, I realize and confess to You that I am a sinner. I confess that even though I have done a lot of good works, I have never taken the time to get to know You as my Lord and Savior. Jesus, I cannot earn my way to Heaven. It's only through You that I can make it to Heaven. Jesus I believe You were born of the virgin, that You bled and died for my sins and on the 3rd day rose from the dead. Jesus please forgive me of all my sins: past, present, and future. Please come into my heart and save me. Please fill my heart with Your Holy Spirit and enpower me to live for you each day. From this day forward, by Your grace, I will live for You and strive to know You more and more each day! Thank You Jesus for saving me! In Jesus' name I pray Amen!"
If you have made that decision, please let me know so I can pray for you! You can e-mail me at:
bibleprophecy77@yahoo.com .
Look at Matthew 7:21-23 (God's Word):
21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord!’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the person who does what my Father in heaven wants. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name? Didn’t we force out demons and do many miracles by the power and authority of your name?’ 23 Then I will tell them publicly, ‘I’ve never known you. Get away from me, you evil people.’
What these passages are saying is that many people will try to enter Heaven by their good works, but won't succeed! Why? Because they neglected to do the most important thing: know Christ as personal Lord and Savior by having a relationship with Him. Instead of confessing, repenting and asking Christ to be their Lord and Savior and getting to know Him on a one-on-one personal relationship, they have decided to try to earn their salvation by the good works and religious things they do!
When the rapture happens, and they miss out, they will try to argue with God about it. They'll say to paraphrase: "We ate and drank with you. We prophesied in your name. We kicked out demons and performed miracles by the power of your name." But Jesus will reply: "I never knew you." When you first read that reply, it might be surprising! And you m ay have to ask yourself, what about these people that would cause Jesus to say "I never knew you." What are your ideas? It is because these people again never accepted and knew Christ as Lord and Savior. They never made that free transaction for eternal life! If only they had confess and repented to Christ and asked Him sincerely to be their Savior, these people would have been taken in the rapture! Jesus would have known them!
So to all of you who do great "works" for God, especially those of you in the work-based religions, such as Catholicism, have you repented and asked Christ to be your Lord and Savior? Have you made the free transaction for salvation? If so, Praise Jesus for you! I look forward to seeing you in Heaven one day after the rapture or after death whichever comes first! If you haven't, PLEASE consider falling on your knees right now and asking Jesus to be your Lord and Savior. It's easy. Here is a sample prayer (feel free to put it in your own words):
"Jesus, I realize and confess to You that I am a sinner. I confess that even though I have done a lot of good works, I have never taken the time to get to know You as my Lord and Savior. Jesus, I cannot earn my way to Heaven. It's only through You that I can make it to Heaven. Jesus I believe You were born of the virgin, that You bled and died for my sins and on the 3rd day rose from the dead. Jesus please forgive me of all my sins: past, present, and future. Please come into my heart and save me. Please fill my heart with Your Holy Spirit and enpower me to live for you each day. From this day forward, by Your grace, I will live for You and strive to know You more and more each day! Thank You Jesus for saving me! In Jesus' name I pray Amen!"
If you have made that decision, please let me know so I can pray for you! You can e-mail me at:
bibleprophecy77@yahoo.com .
Was the murders in Colorado part of God's wrath?
I have heard it said by some when things of this nature happens, such as the murders in Colorado et al, that it is part of God's wrath. But is it really?
Here is a passage in the Bible that brings light to the subject:
Luke 13:1-5 (God's Word):
Here is a passage in the Bible that brings light to the subject:
Luke 13:1-5 (God's Word):
13 At that time some people reported to Jesus about some Galileans whom Pilate had executed while they were sacrificing animals. 2 Jesus replied to them, “Do you think that this happened to them because they were more sinful than other people from Galilee? 3 No! I can guarantee that they weren’t. But if you don’t turn to God and change the way you think and act, then you, too, will all die. 4 What about those 18 people who died when the tower at Siloam fell on them? Do you think that they were more sinful than other people living in Jerusalem? 5 No! I can guarantee that they weren’t. But if you don’t turn to God and change the way you think and act, then you, too, will all die.”
This passage is saying that this isn't part of God's wrath and that the people involved aren't more sinful than other people. But that we all who refuse to repent and accept Christ as personal Lord and Savior will all physically and spiritually die.
This passage is saying that this isn't part of God's wrath and that the people involved aren't more sinful than other people. But that we all who refuse to repent and accept Christ as personal Lord and Savior will all physically and spiritually die.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Friday, July 27, 2012
70000 Christians Locked In Concentration Camps
Let's pray for all these Christians that has been and are being persecuted in North Korea:
70000 Christians Locked In Concentration Camps
70000 Christians Locked In Concentration Camps
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Baptism--Is It Required?
There is some false teaching going on about baptism on the internet. For example, on http://steve-finnell.blogspot.com/, he teaches that you have to be baptized to be saved! So I wanted to post a Question and Answer session from Jack Kelley to clear things up. This comes from website: http://steve-finnell.blogspot.com/ Enjoy!
Is Baptism Required?
Q. I recently attended a church that is part of the Restoration Movement. This is the first I’d heard of it, but what puzzled me is that they believe baptism is necessary for salvation. They quote Acts 2:38 and Mark 16:16 in their literature. Could you please give your take on these verses?
A. Baptism is the evidence of salvation, not a requirement for it. It’s the public confirmation of a decision made in the heart. Mark 16:16 encourages baptism as evidence of salvation but does not say that the failure to be baptized will result in condemnation. Only the failure to believe can cause that. The same is true of Acts 2:38. In both cases baptism is shown to be an important step in the salvation experience. But nowhere is it described as an essential prerequisite. If it is then the thief on the cross could not have been saved.
A. Baptism is the evidence of salvation, not a requirement for it. It’s the public confirmation of a decision made in the heart. Mark 16:16 encourages baptism as evidence of salvation but does not say that the failure to be baptized will result in condemnation. Only the failure to believe can cause that. The same is true of Acts 2:38. In both cases baptism is shown to be an important step in the salvation experience. But nowhere is it described as an essential prerequisite. If it is then the thief on the cross could not have been saved.
Noteworthy Blog Posts
Hey guys!
I wanted to share some noteworthy blogs I have read that I thought you may enjoy reading!
The Word of God by my good friend and brother in Christ---Zach
Nevertheless Lord by Laurie
Enjoy!
I wanted to share some noteworthy blogs I have read that I thought you may enjoy reading!
The Word of God by my good friend and brother in Christ---Zach
Nevertheless Lord by Laurie
Enjoy!
Can God Use Anti-Social/Introverts?
I have a confession to make....
I am an introvert. Introversion is defined as: "the state of or tendency toward being wholly or predominantly concerned with and interested in one's own mental life". Our energy levels expand during reflection and deplete during interaction. An introvert is likely to enjoy time spent alone and find less reward in time spent with large groups of people, though he or she may enjoy interactions with close friends. Trust is usually an issue of significance: a virtue of utmost importance to an introvert choosing a worthy companion. Introverts are easily overwhelmed by too much stimulation from social gatherings and engagement(Wikipedia).
I am also somewhat anti-social. That doesn't mean I dislike people. It's just that I really don't have a great desire to make face-to-face friendships. However, online, I enjoy making friends. I express myself best when I write letters instead of having voice conversations. My basic social life is online, and when it comes to face-to-face, it's with my wife and kids and at times my inlaws. (Even at work, I tend to keep to myself.) I am sortof like Dolly Parton's husband Carl. He is a little bit of a recluse and only wants to be around Dolly no one else. As long as I am around Becky and my kids then I am perfectly content.
I have been a born-again Christian for 25 years---since the age of 10. There have been times since then that the devil will have a field day with my mind about my introversion and anti-social ways..especially when I look at how other people (who are extroverts) are serving God and doing big things for God. Sometimes I have thought "Can God use someone like me?". Has any of you felt that way?
It wasn't until this year when I took a class called S.H.A.P.E. that I finally became at peace with who I am as a person and as a Christian. I no longer feel the pressure of having to be like someone else. I no longer have to compare myself to what other people are doing. I can simply be me and allow God to use me any way He likes.
So can God use anti-social/introverted people? Yes! God has used introverted and anti-social people in the past. I have found one example from the Old Testament in the book of Exodus. His name is Moses. I find comfort in the character of Moses, because I feel like me and him are somewhat a like. Exodus 3:1 states that Moses was a shepherd. A shepherd was a solitary job where a man would lead sheep whereever they needed to go. This job sortof lends itself to being anti-social. I think I would have enjoyed that job!
Moses also wasn't a great speaker--- like myself! (Another reason I think he was anti-social and an introvert). Exodus 4:10 (God's Word) states: "Moses said to the Lord,'Please, Lord, I'm not a good speaker. I've never been a good speaker, and I'm not now, even though you've spoken to me. I speak slowly, and I become tongue-tied easily".
Even though I don't stutter, like Moses, I can totally relate to what he says. For I am not a good conversationalist. I am quiet and reserved.
Moses objected to God using him because of his weaknesses. Despite the objections from Moses, even though God got a little angry with Moses for being so down on himself and doubting God, God still was patient with Moses and was able to use Moses to free the Hebrew slaves from Egypt.
Haven't we all been like Moses and objected at some point to God using us in some way because of our weaknesses? Like Moses, God can still use us depsite our weaknesses. God can use us introverts and anti-social people for His glory! It may not be in a way that we imagine, but it will be in God's perfect will and on God's perfect timing.
So you may be asking: How can God use someone like me? I'm an introvert and anti-social! I'm shy! I battle social anxiety!
First, you have to have faith! Believe God when He says He can use you!
Second, depend on His strength and grace! We cannot do anything of ourselves, since we are only dust! Dust has no strength whatsoever. We can't even take our next breath without God giving us the strength to breathe it in!
Third, ask God to reveal to you what He wants you to do! Even though you may not be able to give speeches in front of people, or go out to parties or crowds and make conversation with people, God can still use you in a mighty way! Perhaps, He will bless you as an author of books of different varieties such as poetry, Christian fiction, Christian living, etc.... Or God may bless you with a penpal ministry through the internet. Perhaps God will make you an online missionary or an online pastor. You don't have to go physically to a missions trip to do a missions trip. You can minister to people all over the world through the internet.
There is no limit to what God can call you to be! There is a place for every one of God's children to serve! You just have to ask God to reveal it to you and to not hesitate to use your imagination! And sometimes we have to change our preceptions. A lot of us (even me) can get caught up in the false perception that we all have to accomplish "big" things for God. We often think that the only way to accomplish "big" things for God is by going on a mission trip or to be a church staff member like a pastor or to be a major evangelist, like Billy Graham.
However, what our definition of "big" is totally different of what God's definition of "big" is. We might think something like spending quality time with our children by taking them to a park or concert is no big deal. But if you are doing in obedience to God, then it is a big deal to God! Even cleaning the house, helping out your kids with a science project, cooking, visiting a sick loved one, giving a ride to a family member or stranger, etc...though they may seem small to you, but they are "big" things in the eyes of God because you are obeying Him and doing it for the right motives!
In conclusion, God can use anti-social and introverted people such as me and you! Don't compare yourself to others! Be at peace with who you are as a human being and who you are in Christ! Ask God to reveal to you what He wants you to do for Him! Once you find that out, go for it! Knowing that no matter what you do for God, it will be seen as "big" to Him since you will be obeying Him and doing it out of pure motives! Now, close your eyes, and picture God saying: "Be at peace and go for it!"
I am an introvert. Introversion is defined as: "the state of or tendency toward being wholly or predominantly concerned with and interested in one's own mental life". Our energy levels expand during reflection and deplete during interaction. An introvert is likely to enjoy time spent alone and find less reward in time spent with large groups of people, though he or she may enjoy interactions with close friends. Trust is usually an issue of significance: a virtue of utmost importance to an introvert choosing a worthy companion. Introverts are easily overwhelmed by too much stimulation from social gatherings and engagement(Wikipedia).
I am also somewhat anti-social. That doesn't mean I dislike people. It's just that I really don't have a great desire to make face-to-face friendships. However, online, I enjoy making friends. I express myself best when I write letters instead of having voice conversations. My basic social life is online, and when it comes to face-to-face, it's with my wife and kids and at times my inlaws. (Even at work, I tend to keep to myself.) I am sortof like Dolly Parton's husband Carl. He is a little bit of a recluse and only wants to be around Dolly no one else. As long as I am around Becky and my kids then I am perfectly content.
I have been a born-again Christian for 25 years---since the age of 10. There have been times since then that the devil will have a field day with my mind about my introversion and anti-social ways..especially when I look at how other people (who are extroverts) are serving God and doing big things for God. Sometimes I have thought "Can God use someone like me?". Has any of you felt that way?
It wasn't until this year when I took a class called S.H.A.P.E. that I finally became at peace with who I am as a person and as a Christian. I no longer feel the pressure of having to be like someone else. I no longer have to compare myself to what other people are doing. I can simply be me and allow God to use me any way He likes.
So can God use anti-social/introverted people? Yes! God has used introverted and anti-social people in the past. I have found one example from the Old Testament in the book of Exodus. His name is Moses. I find comfort in the character of Moses, because I feel like me and him are somewhat a like. Exodus 3:1 states that Moses was a shepherd. A shepherd was a solitary job where a man would lead sheep whereever they needed to go. This job sortof lends itself to being anti-social. I think I would have enjoyed that job!
Moses also wasn't a great speaker--- like myself! (Another reason I think he was anti-social and an introvert). Exodus 4:10 (God's Word) states: "Moses said to the Lord,'Please, Lord, I'm not a good speaker. I've never been a good speaker, and I'm not now, even though you've spoken to me. I speak slowly, and I become tongue-tied easily".
Even though I don't stutter, like Moses, I can totally relate to what he says. For I am not a good conversationalist. I am quiet and reserved.
Moses objected to God using him because of his weaknesses. Despite the objections from Moses, even though God got a little angry with Moses for being so down on himself and doubting God, God still was patient with Moses and was able to use Moses to free the Hebrew slaves from Egypt.
Haven't we all been like Moses and objected at some point to God using us in some way because of our weaknesses? Like Moses, God can still use us depsite our weaknesses. God can use us introverts and anti-social people for His glory! It may not be in a way that we imagine, but it will be in God's perfect will and on God's perfect timing.
So you may be asking: How can God use someone like me? I'm an introvert and anti-social! I'm shy! I battle social anxiety!
First, you have to have faith! Believe God when He says He can use you!
Second, depend on His strength and grace! We cannot do anything of ourselves, since we are only dust! Dust has no strength whatsoever. We can't even take our next breath without God giving us the strength to breathe it in!
Third, ask God to reveal to you what He wants you to do! Even though you may not be able to give speeches in front of people, or go out to parties or crowds and make conversation with people, God can still use you in a mighty way! Perhaps, He will bless you as an author of books of different varieties such as poetry, Christian fiction, Christian living, etc.... Or God may bless you with a penpal ministry through the internet. Perhaps God will make you an online missionary or an online pastor. You don't have to go physically to a missions trip to do a missions trip. You can minister to people all over the world through the internet.
There is no limit to what God can call you to be! There is a place for every one of God's children to serve! You just have to ask God to reveal it to you and to not hesitate to use your imagination! And sometimes we have to change our preceptions. A lot of us (even me) can get caught up in the false perception that we all have to accomplish "big" things for God. We often think that the only way to accomplish "big" things for God is by going on a mission trip or to be a church staff member like a pastor or to be a major evangelist, like Billy Graham.
However, what our definition of "big" is totally different of what God's definition of "big" is. We might think something like spending quality time with our children by taking them to a park or concert is no big deal. But if you are doing in obedience to God, then it is a big deal to God! Even cleaning the house, helping out your kids with a science project, cooking, visiting a sick loved one, giving a ride to a family member or stranger, etc...though they may seem small to you, but they are "big" things in the eyes of God because you are obeying Him and doing it for the right motives!
In conclusion, God can use anti-social and introverted people such as me and you! Don't compare yourself to others! Be at peace with who you are as a human being and who you are in Christ! Ask God to reveal to you what He wants you to do for Him! Once you find that out, go for it! Knowing that no matter what you do for God, it will be seen as "big" to Him since you will be obeying Him and doing it out of pure motives! Now, close your eyes, and picture God saying: "Be at peace and go for it!"
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Revelation Bible Study
Here is a Bible Study by Jack Kelley on the book of Revelation. So far he has it completed up to Ch. 14. For some reason, chapter 1 is missing. I suspect it was on Page 2 but it doesn't display properly! Oh well..atleast Chapter 2 -14 is on there. Feel free to check it out!
http://gracethrufaith.com/category/revelation-times/
http://gracethrufaith.com/category/revelation-times/
Once Saved Always Saved Study
The following link is to a site run by Jack Kelley where he posts commentaries and answers different Biblical questions. He has a page where he answers questions about once saved and always saved. Check it out!:
http://gracethrufaith.com/tag/once-saved-always-saved/
http://gracethrufaith.com/tag/once-saved-always-saved/
Draper Concert To Continue
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/54512569-78/concert-draper-walker-money.html.csp
Here is a link to a story where a Christian concert by Michael W. Smith in Draper is put on despite lawsuit threat.
I have to say I am thankful that the city of Draper has decided to allow the concert to go on...on July 24th. Even though I don't live there, I think it's great that the city government has taken a stand for what is right! Kudos to Draper!
I also have to say that I am getting sick and tired of athiests and non-believers complaining about a religious event taking place! I seriously cannot stand athiests and their behavior! They need to quit belly-aching when we Christians practice our right of praciticing our religion! If they do not like us practicing our faith, those non-believing athiests need to move to another country like Cuba or China or North Korea which are athiest countries!
I know I sound harsh. But goodness! I am getting sick and tired of non-believers spewing out their venom! Ugh!
As a Christian, I know I should love ALL people! And I really do try to. But I am tired of us Christians being persecuted for our beliefs. I am tired of everyone else: gays, athiests, etc...having the right to say things and do things and then us Christians being denied such rights!
Thanks for listening! I just had to get this off of my chest! :)
Here is a link to a story where a Christian concert by Michael W. Smith in Draper is put on despite lawsuit threat.
I have to say I am thankful that the city of Draper has decided to allow the concert to go on...on July 24th. Even though I don't live there, I think it's great that the city government has taken a stand for what is right! Kudos to Draper!
I also have to say that I am getting sick and tired of athiests and non-believers complaining about a religious event taking place! I seriously cannot stand athiests and their behavior! They need to quit belly-aching when we Christians practice our right of praciticing our religion! If they do not like us practicing our faith, those non-believing athiests need to move to another country like Cuba or China or North Korea which are athiest countries!
I know I sound harsh. But goodness! I am getting sick and tired of non-believers spewing out their venom! Ugh!
As a Christian, I know I should love ALL people! And I really do try to. But I am tired of us Christians being persecuted for our beliefs. I am tired of everyone else: gays, athiests, etc...having the right to say things and do things and then us Christians being denied such rights!
Thanks for listening! I just had to get this off of my chest! :)
Friday, July 20, 2012
Mark 12:28-30
Mark 12:28-30 (God's Word): 28 One of the scribes went to Jesus during the argument with the Sadducees. He saw how well Jesus answered them, so he asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of them all?”
29 Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Listen, Israel, the Lord our God is the only Lord. 30 So love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.
This passage of scripture really touched me the other day as I was reading it. With all the End Times prophecies coming true, I want to make it my goal to love Jesus with all my heart, soul, mind and strength! What does it take to love Jesus this way? What does that look like?
29 Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Listen, Israel, the Lord our God is the only Lord. 30 So love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.
This passage of scripture really touched me the other day as I was reading it. With all the End Times prophecies coming true, I want to make it my goal to love Jesus with all my heart, soul, mind and strength! What does it take to love Jesus this way? What does that look like?
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Eternity Without Christ
I am currently writing a poem about a fictional guy who has lost a friend who didn't know Christ as Lord and Savior.
Which makes me wonder...
Have you ever had a friend or family member die that you knew was lost...that you knew never accepted Christ as Lord and Savior? How did you deal or cope with that???
Which makes me wonder...
Have you ever had a friend or family member die that you knew was lost...that you knew never accepted Christ as Lord and Savior? How did you deal or cope with that???
Are you a photo expert?
Hey guys!
Are you a photo expert? Is there anyone that can help me redo this picture' s DPI setting (picture is above)? I am trying to submit this as a cover for the physical book on http://www.createspace.com/ , but when I do it says this:
Are you a photo expert? Is there anyone that can help me redo this picture' s DPI setting (picture is above)? I am trying to submit this as a cover for the physical book on http://www.createspace.com/ , but when I do it says this:
"For best print quality, we recommend using images with at least 300 dots per inch (DPI). The current image has 105 DPI. Optimal print quality would be achieved with an image of 6.25 inches wide by 9.5 inches high that has at least 300 DPI".
If any of you can help me with this, I would greatly appreciate it! :)
IF you can, please send the finished product to: bibleprophecy77@yahoo.com
If any of you can help me with this, I would greatly appreciate it! :)
IF you can, please send the finished product to: bibleprophecy77@yahoo.com
Thanks a millon!
Friday, July 13, 2012
Pursue Holiness
Thought for the day:
If you seek other people's approval, you will always get disappointed.
If you pursue holiness (and God's approval), disappointment will never find you!
Think on these things...
If you seek other people's approval, you will always get disappointed.
If you pursue holiness (and God's approval), disappointment will never find you!
Think on these things...
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Surrender
Here is another song lyric by Margaret Becker from her cd Air. It is such a great reminder that we need to surrender to God! The song lyric comes from: New Release Tuesday
Surrender
You and I have spoken all these words
Far as words go, there's no consolation
Forces come and press until it hurts
You just dig in and man your station
So why not try something old and new like
Surrender, surrender
Let it all fall where it must and just
Trust, trust
Surrender
You and I still believe because
We have seen our own transformation
We're old enough, we understand the crush
Is not for death but for destination
So why not try something old and new like
Surrender, surrender
Let it all fall where it must and just
Trust, trust
Surrender, be ground, be crumbled
Nothing grows on rock and steel
So let's just yield to surrender
Why not do something tried and true like
Surrender, surrender
Let it all fall where it must and just
Trust, trust
Surrender, be ground, be crumbled
Nothing grows on rock and steel
So let's just yield to surrender
Written by Margaret Becker
Produced by Stephen Leiweke
Surrender
You and I have spoken all these words
Far as words go, there's no consolation
Forces come and press until it hurts
You just dig in and man your station
So why not try something old and new like
Surrender, surrender
Let it all fall where it must and just
Trust, trust
Surrender
You and I still believe because
We have seen our own transformation
We're old enough, we understand the crush
Is not for death but for destination
So why not try something old and new like
Surrender, surrender
Let it all fall where it must and just
Trust, trust
Surrender, be ground, be crumbled
Nothing grows on rock and steel
So let's just yield to surrender
Why not do something tried and true like
Surrender, surrender
Let it all fall where it must and just
Trust, trust
Surrender, be ground, be crumbled
Nothing grows on rock and steel
So let's just yield to surrender
Written by Margaret Becker
Produced by Stephen Leiweke
All I Need Is Love
Hey guys! I want to share this song lyric by Margaret Becker called "All I Need Is Love". The lyric comes from website: New Release Tuesday .
All I Need Is Love
I feel the pulse beneath my skin
Waking up to what's been missing
I complicate, I discipline
I make it hard, You keep insisting that
All I need is love, love, love, love
Love is all I really need
All I need is love, love, love, love
And You are love to me
I must be crazy, a pompous fool
Got nothing good enough for You
No shiny trinkets, no precious jewels
Nothing but the simple truth, that
All I need is love, love, love, love
Love is all I really need
All I need is love, love, love, love
And You are love to me
All I need is love, love, love, love
Love is all I really need
All I need is love, love, love, love
And You are love complete
Written by Margaret Becker and Kelly Minter
Produced by Stephen Leiweke
All I Need Is Love
I feel the pulse beneath my skin
Waking up to what's been missing
I complicate, I discipline
I make it hard, You keep insisting that
All I need is love, love, love, love
Love is all I really need
All I need is love, love, love, love
And You are love to me
I must be crazy, a pompous fool
Got nothing good enough for You
No shiny trinkets, no precious jewels
Nothing but the simple truth, that
All I need is love, love, love, love
Love is all I really need
All I need is love, love, love, love
And You are love to me
All I need is love, love, love, love
Love is all I really need
All I need is love, love, love, love
And You are love complete
Written by Margaret Becker and Kelly Minter
Produced by Stephen Leiweke
Parody Challenge
Hey poetry peeps!
I would like to challenge you to do something fun!
Consider writing a parody. What is a parody? A parody is writing that makes fun of a song or story, etc.....Example, Weird Al Yankovic (sp?).
For this challenge, write a parody based on a song that is out there. For example, Britney Spears "Ooops...I Did It Again" could be turned into "Oops..I Farted Again".
E-mail me what you come up with at:
bibleprophecy77@yahoo.com
And I will post them on here!
Have fun doing your parody!
I would like to challenge you to do something fun!
Consider writing a parody. What is a parody? A parody is writing that makes fun of a song or story, etc.....Example, Weird Al Yankovic (sp?).
For this challenge, write a parody based on a song that is out there. For example, Britney Spears "Ooops...I Did It Again" could be turned into "Oops..I Farted Again".
E-mail me what you come up with at:
bibleprophecy77@yahoo.com
And I will post them on here!
Have fun doing your parody!
Free Creative Writing Course
I found a free creative writing course on the web that I like. I am considering possibly sometime in the future trying my hand at possibly writing short stories. Ultimately that is up to God. Feel free to take a look at the site and click on the link below:
Free Creative Writiing Course
Free Creative Writiing Course
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Free Michael Salman
From a forum post in raptureready.com:
Christian Sentenced to Jail for Home Worship .. no, not in China, but in USA!
Christian Sentenced to Jail for Home Worship .. no, not in China, but in USA!
This family are in trouble with the law for holding home church on their property!
Would you mind signing the petition, too and passing it on to others? Thank you and God bless!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVXvgwILcds&feature=share
"My wife and I have had worship with family and friends at our home since 2005. We live on 4.6 acres of land and have never open our home to the public, parked in street, violated any traffic or noise ordinances. The City of Phoenix violated me in 2009 because they said that we were not allowed to have such gatherings on our property even though they are private. According to the City only "Churches" that have commercial and public use codes are allowed to have religious gatherings. Since our property does not meet commercial guidelines we can not have religious gatherings at our home. We argue that this type of enforcement is discriminatory and unconstitutional, they pretty much said, Oh well and sentenced me to 60 days in Jail to report on July 9th. Please Call and Sign our Petition. We not only fight for us but for all those who gather under their rights. http://www.change.org/petitions/free-michael-salman Thank you all for your prayers and support."
Friday, July 6, 2012
Matthew 15:1-10 (NKJV)
Matthew 15:1-10 (NKJV):
15 Then the scribes and Pharisees who were from Jerusalem came to Jesus, saying, 2 “Why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.”
3 He answered and said to them, “Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition? 4 For God commanded, saying, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; [a] and, ‘He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.’[b] 5 But you say, ‘Whoever says to his father or mother, “Whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift to God”— 6 then he need not honor his father or mother.’[c] Thus you have made the commandment[d] of God of no effect by your tradition. 7 Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying:
10 When He had called the multitude to Himself, He said to them, “Hear and understand: 11 Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.”
I started reading the book of Matthew this past evening during my slow times at work and just came across this passage! (In this passage, Jesus was addressing the scribes and Pharisees.) And God caused it to strike me how the scribes and Pharisees of that time really resemble the Catholic church of today. I can easily see the Catholic church saying these exact words to Jesus. The Catholic church considers tradition just as authoritive as the word of God. The verse that struck me the most was Matthew 15:8-9: 8 ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And[e] honor Me with their lips,But their heart is far from Me.9 And in vain they worship Me,Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.' ".
So what do you think? In what ways are the Catholics similar to the Jews?
So what do you think? In what ways are the Catholics similar to the Jews?
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