Jesus

The curse of the “Megachruch”

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There have been many of these churches that have sprung up and then fallen away since the 1950s. Many have make it all the way to television while others were situated to the city they were founded in.
One of the main flaws within them was a lack of personal relationships. People could become lost in the crowd and in many cases think they were saved or on the right path to God when in fact they were not. In time either through scandal or simply a parting of the ways in philosophies would result in the church either downsizing or ceasing to exist all together.
In most cases the leader of the megachurch led a wealthy lifestyle like those of the Pharisees in the time of Christ. If you looked closely you would see that they suffered from the same sin. Placing the rituals of man over the teaches of God. They would have seminars about the “self” this or the “self” that. Leaving the word of God behind but instead turning to that which they truly sought after.
Now they are going with what is politically correct, but not Biblically correct and yet many still believe they are pursuing God when in reality they are pursuing the world. We are called to be separate from the world. A living example of what is good and righteous unto God through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ.
If it is called a sin in the Bible then it is a sin. If we are called to repent and turn from this sin then that is what we must do. Yet the megachruches now say “come to us has you are. You can keep you sin, because we will love you exactly as you are.”
It is true that Jesus will take you at this moment as you are, BUT you must come to Him with a repentant heart feeling shame and sorrow over where you now at this moment standing in the sin of the moment. This repentance never ends until the day we leave this temporal life. If you were repentant once and then never again, they I say you were never truly repentant that one time, for you have returned to your sin or new ones turning your back upon God. Through this ongoing repentance you chip away at this big sin and then this little sin and the process repeats itself on and on, for that is how TRUE repentance works. It is a never ending task that wears upon each and every person that truly goes through it. How do I know this? Because I go through it every single day.
We are told to place God first and then to be humble and place all others before ourselves. When doing this you place yourself last. Caring for all about you, wanting them to seek out and be with God. Can a megachruch provide this? No it can’t because those that go to these huge buildings are all strangers to one another in most cases. If you cannot even seek out a personal relationship with a person in one of these places then how are you expected to have a personal relationship with God? You can’t. You may think you do, but when you get right down to it are you still living in a sinful life? Are you heartbroken over it? If you say yes to the first and no to the second then you are a “lukewarm” and Jesus has said you will be cast away from Him. (Revelation 3: 14-22)
This is the curse of the megachruches, look closely and you will come to realize it.

Conceptions of reality

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It is interesting when you think upon how others have come to a completely different understanding of something then you came to on the same topic. It all boils down to how they were taught and their personal experiences. It is also interesting on how the total opposite can occur even with these different influences throughout someone’s life.
One of the main such occurrences happens when someone turns to Christ.
In this one moment all are equal. In this one second a person can totally change into someone different and yet in some aspects the same. Yet once this moment is past then new branches begin to grow from each person, once again influenced by different elements. The one thing that does not change is their believe is Jesus and God are real.
Yet still due to events and the words of those about them they can suffer setback or experience spurts of growth in their faith.
One thing that is needed in Christendom is those that wish to teach the Bible. I don’t mean preachers I mean teachers. Those that have a fairly solid foundation in the Bible and the concepts within it that teach humans to go beyond being human into something that God finds pleasing to His eyes.
I know I am one of these. I try to cause people to think. I try to get them to stop and ponder where and if they stand with Jesus or are they merely acting a part filling a pew but not wanting to be there at all.
This is why true servants of God need to step up to the plate and try and pass on God’s knowledge. For is not God worth it?

The inner conflict

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Now this is not a talk about the inner conflict that people encounter within themselves as they try to decide on how to decide on something, but it is closely related. You can use that analogy and apply it to what I am going to type here.
Within the Body of Christ which is known at the church is millions of people. All pulling in their own direction. It is this behavior that is helping to causing issues. People serving God are placing too much emphasis upon themselves and their own wants and desires and not those of God’s.
It is this which has allowed those that oppose the Bible and God to flourish and grow. They for the most part are joined in a common cause. That cause is to remove God and the Bible from the United States of America. A prime example of this took place in the 2012 Presidential election.
Many that called themselves “Christian” stayed home and did not vote. Just because they did not like that the Republican Party’s nominee was a Mormon. As a result we find this nation in dire straits and many within the “Christian” communities do nothing but complain. What actions have been made to counter these action? From what I can tell none. Why? Because this “group” refuses to work together.
Yes we are all different. Yes many of us have different images of the two political parties that exist within this nation. I myself even though Conservative no longer deem myself to be Republican, but Independent. The thing is I see no person at all in the Democratic Party that is worth supporting due to many elements I have mentioned in other posts.
Do I like how a lot of things are being done in the Republican Party? No. Yet I see a party that at least still acknowledges that there is a God. Did I like the Republican Nominee of 2012? No, but I voted for him, because I feel that until the Democratic Party returns to God they in way should receive my support or my lack of supporting the Republican Party.
This is how ALL that call themselves “Christian” should do as well. Also if they hate how things are in the political arena then they should become active and participate in the system and try to change from the inside out. Not sitting on the sidelines or being armchair politicians.
We are told in the Bible that we should be servants to our nation to be shepherds unto the earth. Yet that is not what is being done. Most go about doing only that which is important to them and not God. This means that they are only acting a part in the play of life and so this acting has allowed those that are not acting to turn this once proud nation into something that cannot be trusted throughout the world. Why? Because those that deemed this nation as evil now run it and are turning it into that for which they say we were, but now are due to them. For only evil can cause evil yet they think themselves righteous in their own eyes for they have been blinded by the lies they have been taught. Because they were not taught that which is true which is the Bible and all that is within the Bible is inspired by God the creator of all things.

True confessions of a screwed up middle-aged man: True repentance

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Recently I had a discussion with someone. I have known them for years and felt I could be honest with them and help them to understand that their path they are walking is one that may not necessarily be the correct path.
Now I wish to make this perfectly clear at the outset: I AM IN NO WAY PERFECT! I SIN! Try as I might I still stumble and fall.
They have taken the manmade doctrine of “once saved always saved” completely literally. Even though John 15 and Revelations 3 state that you can me cast away from God even after you have been joined to Him.
This person commits crimes and yet believes that they are still welcome into God’s house. I tried to get them to understand that per the above verses God will tolerate so much before He will say enough then cut your branch away and give you unto men and then be cast into the fire.
Is it because I have known this person for so long? Could it be because they hold a grudge against me that they do not wish to listen? I do not know, but most likely that is the case. What I can say is that I sincerely was trying to help this person, but I have reached the point that I will no longer try and have decided it is best I say no more.
All that is left is for me to pray upon this person from afar and hope that in time they come to realize that yes God does love them and yes He will take you as you are, but that you MUST strive to better yourself through God’s word and to try your best not to sin. Will you mess up? YES, but as long as you try not to commit the same exact sin again and again then He will allow you to stand before Him on that great day we are all called to stand before God.

The Grey

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In the second and third chapters of Revelation. The apostle John is seeing the divine Christ who is talking to His disciple about seven churches within the young Christian faith at that time. These seven can reflect any group that calls themselves a church. There is a reason for this and it is something that all should read and try to understand even today, well especially today.
In the third chapter Jesus calls members of one of these churches lukewarm. Neither hot nor cold for God and Christ. I myself call them the grey for they are neither hot or white nor are they cold or black, thus they are grey.
Most that call themselves “Christian” in the United States can say this about themselves, but they don’t because they do not see it that it applies to them, but it does.
They do not teach nor do many truly follow the teachings of the Bible. No not even the basics of the Ten Commandments, yet they say they are “Christian.”
This posting is another of my attempts to get the Grey to awaken to their standing with God. Will most not listen? This is a definite, but still these words must be typed and posted like the thesis that Martin Luther posted upon the church door in his time. This is my “thesis.”
If you continue to read that verse to the Laodiceans you will see that Christ admonishes the Grey and says he would rather they be cold for Christ then to be lukewarm for He would spew them out.
So according to this verse if you call yourself “Christian” if you go to church and yet live your life as if God is nothing but a trip to a building once a week, than you are destine to be cast out by Jesus Himself.
To be cast out, do you understand what that means. If you are not welcome in heaven or the eternal life that follows it, then where are you welcome? If you don’t know that answer then you have lived your life in a vacuum.
How can you correct this? You must become hot for God. You must become white and shine His glory to the world and to counter that which is black and dark and evil.
Light is kindness and loving yet shows that if the Bible calls it a sin it is a sin. It does not condone it, it tries to push it into the darkness. When the sun shine can you see this darkness? No you cannot for it is driven away. Yet at night darkness thrives and lives, colors that you can see in the light of the moon become grey.
This nation is in a time of night and darkness. It is time for the sun to rise and the cast out the darkness so that all will be seen pure and clean. But remember there will still be a shadow for not all darkness can be cast out for only one has that power and His name is Jesus Christ.

Revelation 3: 14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; 15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Life choices

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Events have transpired lately that reminded me of my past. Events of growth into maturity; and the challenges of finding our place within this world that we must traverse through as we are forged into instruments that can or cannot be used by God. What got me through this time of teenage confusion and messages being shouted at me from all side was the foundation my parents had given me. Of all the elements they did not give this one element they did is the element that finally led me down the path which turned me into a tool for God.
This one important item is an item that is not being given to most of our children. It is an element that is being removed from society and today’s parents for the most part are allowing it. Why? Because they did not receive it themselves. As a result our world as we know it is falling into to chaos and confusion. It is why sin and the acceptance of sin is on the rise. It is why school violence is now the common place instead of the unusual. Ultimately who is responsible for this? Each and every person that does not make it known that these values that were the foundation of the upbringing of generations of citizens of this country the United States of America that it allowed to prosper and grow.
There are those that wish to blame this item for the ills of the world. There are those that wish to say all evil acts that came from this nation were the result of this one item. That would be a lie. For only evil can cause evil and evil only exists when this item is not present to help counter it.
It is those that do not accept what this item offers and represent that cause evil to rise and destroy.
This item offers insight into the human soul. This items allows all to understand that being human is not something we should strive to be, but something that is greater than being human. To attempt, even though we will falter and fall, to reach for the divine and holy. For when you strive to reach for something so pure and wonderful that you yourself become something better than you would ever accomplish by just being human.
For we are taught that only evil emits from a human heart, and what is divine and wondrous can never be found there.
But how can we learn to be above the corruption of humanity? What is this item that can lead us to being better, happier and something to seek after?
It is the Bible and all the teaching that are within, especially those that come directly from Jesus Christ the Son of God who is the divine.

What is it you think “Christians” do?

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I would really like some replies to this post. This is a serious question.
What conceptions do you live with of those that call themselves “Christian?” Why am I asking this question? Because I really think that most out there really do not understand Christianity or have a concept of that is not factual.
Some that reply may call themselves “Christian,” some may not.
I wish to address these replies, not today but over the next few days or weeks depending upon the responses.
I look forward to your replies and thank you for your time in doing so.

Jon Stewart’s dilemma

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Mr. Stewart has stated that the conservative view point is “killing him”( http://www.msn.com/en-us/tv/news/jon-stewart-on-why-he%E2%80%99s-leaving-%E2%80%98daily-show-conservatives-%E2%80%9Ckilling-me%E2%80%9D/ar-BBhZKPS).
Here is something that many don’t understand even those that call themselves “conservative;” spiritually he is. Those that truly follow the teachings of Christ will look to people like Mr. Stewart and wish to have a nice conversation with them. Not condemning or attacking but just conversing. That is how Jesus did it.
Many don’t even realize that there is only one party in this nation that still recognizes that God is an important part of this country. The party that Mr. Stewart belongs to is not this party. In the preamble of the platform for both parties you can read this for yourself. You will find that the word “God” is present in the Republican Party but it is missing from the Democratic Party.
Since these documents are voted upon before they are placed into the public venue this means that Mr. Stewart’s group has turned its back on God. Does that mean he personally has done so? I cannot say for I personally do not know him, but I would like to and have a nice talk with him.
I have seen the strain written upon his face in the last year in the four times I have seen him and it is telling.
Could it be other issues than those stated by him? Again I do not know.
Here is one thing that many liberals do not wish to know or accept. They call conservative narrow minded. In a way that is true, for when someone follows the teaching of Christ is it a narrow road that we must follow. Do we stumble and fall? By all means yes we do. Are we perfect? No we are not.
I see more haughtiness and self-righteousness from those on the left more than those on the right. Could this be something that is pulling him down and placing a strain upon him? Again I do not know. What I do know is what causes haughtiness and self-righteousness. It comes from a believe that you are better than others. This is something I mainly see from those on the left, but it is also seen on the right, by many that think they are “Christian” when in reality they are not.
To be “Christian” is to have an attitude that places all others before yourself. This is something that I never see on the left. They may say they do, but when you actually break down each element of their life you find hypocrisy. Is there hypocrisy for conservatives? Yes, but it is more obvious from those on the left.
Here is another thing that people need to think on. Basic meanings of words. Like “left” and “right.” These terms were coined decades ago. They have true basic meanings. Meanings many choose to ignore. The term “right” means you are going in the “right” direction and that you are “right” with God. Since it is documented that the Democratic Party has removed “God” from their platform that plainly shows they are not “right” with God nor do they ever wish to be. So they are “left.”
This in itself could be an issue to many on that side. Could they be upset by the fact that they may be “left” behind? Yes it could. Could it mean they wish to be “left” to live their life’s as they see fit? That is a definite yes.
Those that truly follow the teaching of Jesus wish to reach out and help them understand what their life choices mean. To help them not be “left” but to be “right” with God. Most do not listen nor do they ever wish to listen and that is their choice. Could this be something that is bothering Mr. Stewart in some way? Again I cannot answer.
It is obvious that he is in turmoil and my heart reaches out and wishes to comfort his spirit, but to be able to accomplish this he must allow his heart to be open to what is true. That those on the left wish man to dominate other men. That those on the left wish to shove their life choices into all places. Why? Because they feel “left” out, but why is this? Because they wish for God to take them as they choose to be and not by what He has told them they need to do to be able to stand clean before Him.
They refuse to accept that they are in the wrong or “left” of the issue. They refuse to see that what is “right” is called “right” for a reason and is supported to a degree by God since many still honor God as the creator of all. Where are these people found? In the conservative point of view. A view that honors the teaching of the Bible the very Bible those in the liberal party wish to reject and remove from all.
They wish to impose their believes that there is no God on all that say there is. This is a violation of all that wish to be free. Those that call themselves conservative do not wish to remove Liberals rights to live their live as they wish too, but that is what they wish to do to those that do honor God.
So who is the real group that is narrow minded and wishes to impose their values on others? It is the Liberals that are doing this. They do not believe this because they think all think as they do. Since they wish to impose their way of life on all they think all wish to do that as well, which is the furthest thing from the truth. That is how corrupted their way of thinking is.
If you state you are a “Christian” and you are a “Liberal.” I state how can you serve two masters. You must choose who you wish to serve. You cannot serve God and support a group that denies His existence. You cannot be for a group that wishes to live gloriously in sin and proud of it, when God says we are to avoid sin.
Understand we are not saying you cannot live without sinning, we ourselves sin. All sin, but to condone sin you deny God. Christians ask you not to sin. To turn from this sin, but if you do not we say fine that is your choice. Yet you support a group that states accept sin or you will be reviled. This is selfish behavior, which is opposite that of Christian believes. So again I ask who is it that you serve? God or a group that denies there is a God?
Could this be a factor that is tearing at the insides of Jon Stewart? Again I do not know.

https://www.gop.com/platform/preamble/
As we embark upon this critical mission, we are not without guidance. We possess an owner’s manual: the Constitution of the United States, the greatest political document ever written. That sacred document shows us the path forward. Trust the people. Limit government. Respect federalism. Guarantee opportunity, not outcomes. Adhere to the rule of law. Reaffirm that our rights come from God, are protected by government, and that the only just government is one that truly governs with the consent of the governed.

http://www.democrats.org/democratic-national-platform
Faith. Faith has always been a central part of the American story, and it has been a driving force of progress and justice throughout our history. We know that our nation, our communities, and our lives are made vastly stronger and richer by faith and the countless acts of justice and mercy it inspires. Faith- based organizations will always be critical allies in meeting the challenges that face our nation and our world—from domestic and global poverty, to climate change and human trafficking. People of faith and religious organizations do amazing work in communities across this country and the world, and we believe in lifting up and valuing that good work, and finding ways to support it where possible. We believe in constitutionally sound, evidence-based partnerships with faith-based and other non-profit organizations to serve those in need and advance our shared interests. There is no conflict between supporting faith-based institutions and respecting our Constitution, and a full commitment to both principles is essential for the continued flourishing of both faith and country.

You are known by your fruits

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Your own actions are your judge. My own actions are my judge. That is why it is best not to judge. For as Jesus said it is best to remove the beam from your own eye before you try to remove the sliver from someone else’s eye.
When the Pharisees confronted Christ about casting out demons they called him the son of the devil. He counters with the statements about a house, city or even kingdom divided against itself and that it would fall.
There are many ways to look at these statements, but what is important is to start with yourself. For you cannot stand if you, yourself are divided. When a tree breaks in a storm in most cases the tree dies. It can no longer bear fruit. If you are broken by serving two masters your fruit if you bear any is sour and rotten. For years I bore no fruit and if I even did it was not worthy to even be placed upon the table before God. Then in my year of Job I learned much about where I stood with God. I turned to Him and pleaded for forgiveness and strength. He gave it to me, and then He led me to my ministry, which is this blog.
I may type the words, but they are inspired by God. I do not plan the words that appear here and many times they are words I do not see myself ever typing under regular succumb-stances, but here they are.
Do I learn from them? Most of the time yes I do for in many cases they are an answer to pray. I hope that they teach you the reader as well.
Now I know that I bear sweet fruit that is acceptable to God. For I am his servant and in so being I am your servant. It is my goal to help you learn where you stand with God. When you see where you stand it is meant to either fortify your stance or force you to walk to more solid ground that can only be found through the love and the support of God through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. So I challenge you to seek out a stronger relationship with Jesus and in doing so you too will have sweet fruit.

Matthew 12: 24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. 25 And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: 26 And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? 27 And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges. 28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. 29 Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house. 30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. 31 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. 32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. 33 Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.