My Heart: In Pursuit of The Way, The Truth, and The Life...

Information about home churches.

2008-08-17T13:35:00.000-07:00

I got this article off of http://www.religioustolerance.org/chr_hous.htm

Christian groups follow different models:

Most Christian churches, from the third century CE to the present time, have been "program-based" organizations. Each is usually composed of one or more clergy, staff, volunteer committees and a large congregation. They conduct many programs during the week: from Scouts to Bible study; from choir practice to young adult meetings. The highlight of the week is the Sunday (or in some cases Saturday) service. And the highlight of that service is usually a member of the clergy preaching to the assembled congregation. That is what most people visualize when they hear the term "church."

A second, recent and growing church model is composed of many "cells" - each with up to perhaps 15 adults -- and their children -- meeting in each other's homes. The cells are the focus of church life; the congregation as a whole is seen as a federation of many cells. The weekend service still exists, but it is much less important to the membership than the weekly, intimate cell meetings. They meet in homes "for fellowship, ministry, prayer and evangelism, while the large group meetings are designed for preaching and worship." 1

Still a third model dispenses with the central church organization entirely, and consists of individual home churches. There is no professional clergy preaching to an assembled congregation; rather, there are many independent groups of lay persons meeting together on a regular basis. They may meet in homes, apartments, parks, restaurants, halls, etc. They may or may not network informally with other home churches in their area. Their structure bears a strong resemblance to the structure of the primitive Christian movement, modern-day Amish groups, and Neopagan covens.

Historical precedents:

Home churches attempt to replicate the meeting style of the very early Christian movement. In the 1st century CE, there were no cathedrals.

-According to most religious historians, there was very little church organization. There was no central religious government, no hierarchy of pope, bishops and priests. Most Christians met in each others homes, as informal fellowships that were frequently led by women.

-According to the Roman Catholic Church there was a structure involving priests, bishops, and the pope in Rome almost from the start of Christianity.

In most modern-day home churches, all members are considered to be equal. There are no professionals in charge; they often have no leaders. Those which do have leaders select them democratically and often rotate the position. Instead of a minister or priest addressing a congregation, they have discussions, prayers, and sharing among equals. This lack of a hierarchy is seen as a common theme in the Christian Scriptures:

-Mark 9:35: Jesus talked to his disciples, saying: "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all."

-Matthew 18:1-4: Jesus again talked to his disciples, saying "...whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

-Matthew 20:25-28: "Jesus called them together and said, 'You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave - just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve...'"

-Matthew 23:4-13: Jesus, criticizing the Pharisees and religious teachers of his day, told his disciples that:

"...you are not to be called 'Rabbi,' for you have only one Master and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called 'teacher,' for you have one Teacher, the Christ. The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted."

-1 Corinthians 14:26 describes an early church meeting, in which everyone present shared in providing hymns, instruction, revelation, tongues, or interpretation.

Home church members feel that they are following the organization of the early Christian church which:

"included leaders who were servants, a body of believers who shared, exhorted, confessed to, and built up each other and practiced the love and care they professed. [They met]... in small groups to maintain an intimate environment. Here they broke bread and built each other up in love while they lived out their faith for all to see!"

Home church members believe that Jesus intended the church to be different from the various forms of Judaism in the 1st century. He did not intend Christians to form large monolithic organizations, in which the authority and power is concentrated in a few leaders. Home church members feel that once primitive Christianity accepted the inevitable standards, requirements, methods, structure, influence etc of a large worldly organization, they lost their focus on Jesus.

They feel that they are following the example of the early Christian church, as expressed in Acts 2:46-47:

"Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bred in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people." (See also Acts 5:42)

Other pertinent passages are:

-Acts 12:12 mentions that group of Christians who met at Mary's house

-Acts 16:40 describes how that Paul and Silas came out of prison, and went to Lydia's house where they met with a group of Christians.

-Acts 20:20 mentions that Paul taught from house to house.

-Romans 16:5 and 1 Corinthians 16:19 refer to a church that met in the homes of Priscilla and Aquila.

-Colossians 4:15 refers to Nympha and a church which met in her home.

-Philemon 1:2 mentions Archippus and the church in his house.

The very early Christian movement was not forced to meet in each other's homes because of religious persecution. They appear to have chosen this organizational structure, because their home meetings were mentioned in the early verses of Acts, long before widespread persecution started.

The position in the early Church that is referred to as pastor, elder, bishop, and overseer were in reality leaders chosen to watch over the membership. They were unpaid amateur volunteers, who served part-time. They were not career clergy who were employed by the church. They were not educated at Bible schools or seminaries; they were trained on the job by other leaders.

Are you saved?

2008-06-16T21:36:00.000-07:00

Okay, repeat after me and mean it in your heart... "Repeating a prayer one time does not mean I am saved." There, now you know.. haha. I remember being in youth group at First Assembly, I was 12 years old when I prayed the prayer with pastor Jimmy and asked Jesus into my heart. I was sincere in my request and believe I was saved. Not because I said the magic words, but because I had sincerely repented of all my sins. I knew that I had to turn away from all my sins in order to be saved, to place Jesus Christ on the throne of my heart, instead of my own desires. I was changed, and my life was so different that my parents grounded me from church, for fear that I had been brainwashed. I didn't want to watch the television shows they were watching, I didn't want to listen to the radio stations they turned on in the car, I threw away all of my secular cds and started teaching my siblings about the love and grace of Jesus Christ. I stopped hanging out with my best friends, and spent a majority of my time reading my new Bible and singing praise songs. I was a new person, radically effected by my Creator.

A few times I rebelled against God, I walked away from Him in hope that I could fit in again with "normal" people. I didn't like being accused of thinking I was better than them. People were adamant about telling me that I couldn't be perfect, so stop trying so hard! "God doesn't expect you to be perfect, He knows you're human and that you're just not strong enough." I wanted that to be true, I didn't want God to expect holiness from me... it was so hard, and the cost was so high.

But the truth is this, God is Holy, and He hates sin. Yes, I know, God is love.. but that doesn't mean He can't hate! In order to truly love holiness you have to hate sin! It is not biblical to believe that God can't hate. I love children, so I hate abortion. I love truth, so I hate lies. I love God, so I hate sin! (I am not saying that God hates sinful people. That wouldn't make sense, considering that while we were sinners Christ died for us.) I am just trying to explain that you CANNOT be walking in continual sin AND be walking in harmony with the Holy Spirit!!

In order to be saved you have to repent.. turn away from your sin. YES YOU CAN! Nobody in this world will ever convince me that the same God who has the power to raise the dead, the Creator of the universe, can't help you stop sinning!!! I know that we will make mistakes, BUT there is a difference between making a mistake and walking in a lifestyle of sin. Mistakes should be few and far between, not a consistent way of life.

Christianity is a daily walk with God, not a one time prayer. If you're unsure if you're saved compare yourself to what the Bible says a saved person will look like. Do you have the fruit of the Spirit? Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Do you truly love God and others? DO NOT compare yourself to the people around you! Our society has different standards for Christians than God does! You can only be sure that the Holy Spirit is living in you if you are using God's measuring stick because the measuring stick of men will change according to their own selfish desires.

With most sincere love and hope in Christ,
Veronica Singer

I am nothing.

2008-02-19T19:57:00.000-08:00

I just got a great email today from a very trusted friend. It reminded me of who I am called to be as a Christian. I am called to be nothing, a vessel of the Holy Spirit. A humble servant, nameless, and faceless. Thank you friend! You know who you are... I needed a reminder.

From now on..

2008-02-16T15:24:00.000-08:00

"But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless."

Where I stand on issues..

2008-02-15T19:46:00.000-08:00

I'm going to write about the issues and where I stand... too bad there is NO CANDIDATE that is 100% who I want, haha. Maybe I should run for president...

1.) Abortion, you all know where I stand, haha. Pro-life in every circumstance. Abortion is not a private matter, and the government has every responsibility to intervene for the welfare of a child, as with child abuse. Or hospitalizing someone who is suicidal, it is never okay to kill someone, even yourself.

2.) Borders, closed. The terrorists want to kill us, anyone who wants open borders is naive at best.

3.) Welfare, yes. BUT with random drug testing, if you don't pass a test. You lose assistance for 3-6 months. I also think they should pay for day care while you go to college, and there should be a 6 year cut off. (If after the 6 years, this person hasn't gone to college and gotten a job, the church needs to step in, not the government.)

4.) The war in Iraq, I honestly don't know. I'm hearing different things from different people. If the war is keeping terrorists from killing Americans, I'm all for it. If the war is just a ruse for Bush to get money from oil companies, I want it to end. But I think it's important to point out that there was no war until after September 11th, and we have successfully stopped sequential terrorist attacks on American soil. Also, I think we need to step into Darfur and help stop the genocide.

5.) Health Insurance, I've heard that Canada has free health insurance for every citizen, because they add less than 5 dollars to every one's consumers bill. If we could do something like that, it would be incredible, I'd be all for it.

6.) Taxes, I don't know much about this, but what I think is that there should be a set percentage taken out of every ones pay check. If it's 12%, it should be 12% for everyone. It shouldn't be higher or lower depending on the amount of money you make.

7.) Outsourcing, I don't like it.

Well, that's it! What about you?

Dear little one...

2008-02-15T06:40:00.000-08:00

You haven't been alive long.
You are small and fragile.
God knows you.
I wonder what you think about,
What does God whisper to you?
The beating of your mothers heart,
it comforts you.
Even though you cannot hear it,
I'm sure you can feel the rhythm.

I can't explain what's going to happen to you,
It's better that you don't know what's coming.
If I could take you for myself I would.
I love you, and I want you to live.
Your mother doesn't know what she's doing.
I'm sure she would love you,
if she could see who you are meant to be.

Little one, I'm so sorry.
I don't know what else I can do,
I can try to reason with them,
I can scream and beg,
They are always hearing but never understanding;
always seeing but never perceiving.

Little one, I'm so sorry
That the one meant to protect you,
will hand you over to death.
She wouldn't do it, if she knew you.
If she knew how you struggle against
the instruments that invade your sanctuary.
That you fight as hard as your little body can fight.
But it's futile.
If she knew that you could feel pain.
If she knew that you wanted to live.

Maybe she wouldn't do it,
maybe she would.

And I hate,
but I know it's not them I hate,
it's the one they're handing you to.
Not the doctor, but the one working within him.

Satan
These women place their children on your tongue.
To be devoured. I loathe you
God could light and sustain the fires of hell
with my rage.

I can't help you little one.
They won't let me help you.
I can't reach you,
My heart aches as if I've lost my own child.
I would be your mother if I could.
I would rescue you..

I'll see you in Heaven sweet baby.

Who to vote for?

2008-02-13T06:34:00.000-08:00

Vote for who ever you want. It's a free country! haha. I changed this post because my opinion has changed on the subject. After much prayer, and talking with my husband Brandon, I've decided that I will vote.

My view was this: I can't vote for a murderer. If both are pro-choice, I just can't do it. I love those babies too much.

Now my view is this: If both are pro-choice, but one is pro-partial birth, I need to vote for the one who will kill less children. I want to save as many as I can. Because if I don't vote, and the next president vetoes another partial birth abortion ban, I couldn't live with myself. Doing nothing will do more harm than good.

In the beginning..

2008-02-12T12:26:00.000-08:00

God created everything in 6 days. Literal days, not thousands of years, we can know this for sure because God created plants on the 3rd day and created the Sun on the 4th day. How else would the plants have survived if this was not a literal day?

War!

2008-02-09T10:20:00.000-08:00

What is it good for? Absolutely nothin'! ...Or is it?

I'm torn. I'm talking about war in general.

This is why I am pro-war:
- The Jews (God's chosen race) would have been completely wiped out had the USA not intervened in World War 2.
- God instructed His people to go to war a lot on the Old Testament.
- I want my children to be safe in this country. Without fighting back, we won't be.

This is why I am anti-war:
- Jesus said to turn the other cheek.
- Jesus said to love our enemies.
- Jesus said to pray for those who persecute us.
- The New Testament doesn't say, "fight for freedom" it says, "be a good slave"

I'm totally torn.
Where do you stand and why?

Spiritual Gifts

2008-02-03T20:39:00.000-08:00

I encourage you to find out what your spiritual gifts are, so you can start using them to build up God's Kingdom.

I took a LONG test today, and mine are...

1.) Teaching: To understand, clearly explain, and apply the Word of God, causing greater Christ likeness in the lives of listeners.

2.) Leading/Shepherding: To nurture, care for, and guide people toward ongoing spiritual maturity and becoming like Christ.

3.) Word of Knowledge: To bring truth to the body through revelation or biblical insight.

I'm excited to hear about what yours are!!!

Something to think about...

2008-02-01T10:57:00.000-08:00

Are we losing our sense of moral outrage?

I heard this today and it made me ill.

A high school couple, Brian Peterson and Amy Grossberg delivered their baby in a room at the Comfort Inn. Once the child was born, they smashed his little head with brick, wrapped him in a plastic bag and threw him in dumpster.
They each got about 2 years in prison, and then got out early for good behavior.

That same week, in Wisconsin a man was sentenced to 10 years without the possibility of parole because he killed 10 cats.

Obviously I don't have to say anything else. This just proves how twisted our society is and where our priorities are as a nation.

It has gotten to me...

2008-01-30T20:07:00.000-08:00

I'm writing this from my comfortable green lazyboy. I can barely see the screen though my tears. I hope this all comes out right.

I feel like my world is crumbling. Everything I've ever believed about the Church is turning out to be a lie. I want life to be easy! I want to take the other pill and not remember any of this because now the Holy Spirit will never let me go back. Now I'm definitely an outcast, even among Christians.

And now I want to spread the word, but they're calling me a heretic. It makes me wonder, am I? How can I be right and so many others be wrong? But then again, Jesus said it would be a narrow path, and few would find it. Is this how He felt? Am I just suffering with Christ? Because if I am Lord, DON'T TAKE IT AWAY! If this is the cross that I should bear Lord, thank You for revealing it to me.

I want to go back to when everything made sense. When everyone knew their place on Sunday morning. The pew. And I want to go back but I can't go back because God's Word says this isn't true! This isn't His plan for us, to sit and stare and soak up someone elses prayers. He wants our hearts!!! And I feel like the modern church is doing less good than harm.

Jesus hated religion. He hated people exalting themselves over His children! Oh God, please help me make the right decision.

I say I wish I had taken the other pill, but I'm glad I didn't. I want to know the truth but my flesh is fighting against it. I was comfortable on that other path. I like to be like everyone else, and not stand out. At least among the Christians.

Thank You God, for calling me out. Thank You for this path I'm on. Thank You for these tears on my cheeks and the Comforter within me.

I long to serve You. My heart is aching to serve You and You only. Not mans theology. I want to serve the Jesus that is out on the street, healing the sick and handing out meat, spiritually. I want to serve the Jesus that speaks on mountain tops, not just from the pulpit. The One and Only Jesus who enters your house!

Don't keep God in a box. Don't keep Him in a building invite Him to your house. Take Him with you to work, and when you go to vote. Remember He can hear your heart. God Isn't distant!!!!

God isn't distant.

What about government?

2008-01-30T19:26:00.000-08:00

I'm sitting here, thinking about God's Church and the government of this world. Should we even get involved? Some say yes, some say no. I'm confused!!! I keep hearing not to mix faith with politics, but how can anyone intentionally remove their beliefs from their political choices? I just can't do it. So now I'm trying to decide if I should even vote. Am I as American as I am Christian? I hope not! Because this nation will fade away, but God's Kingdom never will.

What is my purpose as an American? Why did God place me in this country? Was there a reason? If there was, then what about the people who leave their own country to serve in another? Does it really matter at all?

What about how a Christian should vote? (If they should concern themselves with this stuff at all) Or if they should fight for what Jesus would fight for. Life! But would Jesus vote? Would He concern himself with the government on this world? He must! right?? My heart is breaking because I want to do what is right.. but I don't know what right is in this situation. I'm hearing different things from different people. That if Christians don't vote, this country will fall... but from someone else.. What should your faith have to do with a country that respects no faith, or all faiths for that matter?

Please, help me.

Questions...

2008-01-26T11:10:00.000-08:00

1.) Why aren't we perfect now that the Holy Spirit lives in us?
2.) Why do we still choose sin over obedience if we are empowered by the Holy Spirit?
3.) If obedience comes from faith, why do so many of us fall so often?
4.) Is it possible for someone to get saved, and then never sin again?
A.) If yes, than isn't it possible for all of us?
5.) If no sin is any greater than another then why does Jesus say this?

John 19:11
Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin."

A.) What about the unforgivable sin?

My heart's song...

2008-01-23T10:40:00.000-08:00

Here I am, perplexed Lord
Because I know You heal the blind eye
But I need glasses

Here I am, at peace Lord
Because I do not know Your plan
But I know You

For Your will Lord, I abandon my own
And if instead of pleasure, I see tragedy
I will still bless Your name

If You never answer another prayer
If You never again bring about a blessing in this life
You have already done enough

Thank You for offering Your own life, for mine
God, You are always worthy to be lifted up
No matter what my circumstances are

The Greatest Commandment

2008-01-22T11:32:00.000-08:00

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.

How can I love God with a worthy love? My righteousness is but filthy rags, and the worlds love that I've been taught is like hate in the eyes of God. But I have hope! Because God pours His perfect Love into our imperfect hearts, and through His Love, we have the ability to love Him, ourselves, and others.

What is Love?

2008-01-22T08:17:00.000-08:00

Love is patient
Love is kind
Love does not envy
Love does not boast
Love is not proud
Love is not rude
Love is not self-seeking
Love is not easily angered
Love keeps no record of wrongs
Love does not delight in evil
Love rejoices with the truth
Love always protects
Love always trusts
Love always hopes
Love always perseveres
Love never fails

God is Love. So we can use the words God and Love interchangeably here.

And if the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. We should be able to use our own names interchangeably here as well.

Jesus said.. (John 15:3-5)
Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

How can we remain in Him?
Jesus said.. (John 15:10)
If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love.

We are saved by faith, and obedience comes from faith. (Romans 1:5)

If you aren't bearing the fruit of the Spirit at all, maybe you aren't right with the Lord, and you should take a minute to repent of your sins and turn to your Savior for good. Every one of us has times where we mess up a little bit... most of the time God doesn't change us overnight... But if you are continually walking in sin, and your life bears no fruit at all, you are in a very dangerous place. I encourage you to call on the name of the Lord, turn from your sins and run to your God. He's waiting for you.

There is nothing you have done that cannot be forgiven. If you're in bondage, I've been in deeper. You will never be more lost than I have been. I should have been a lost cause, but God is Love and love is... (back to top) haha!

Presidential Candidates

2008-01-11T14:23:00.000-08:00

These are the hands and feet of a baby within the womb, at only 7 weeks gestation.

I will never cast a single vote, for any person who would intentionally support the massacre of innocent unborn children.. No matter where they stand on other issues. There is no such thing as a "lesser evil" .

Pro-Life
John Cox
Mike Huckabee
Fred Thompson- although he would not consider a human life amendment.

Pro-Death
Mit Romney- he will not fight for life, so he's as good as pro-death.
Barack Obama- also for partial birth
Hillary Clinton- also for partial birth
Rudy Giuliani- also for partial birth
John McCain- he's believes in abortion in "certain cases" . Your either for life or death, there is no in-between.
John Edwards- also for partial birth

I have heard the argument recently that presidents don't do anything about abortion or gay rights anyways, so who cares where they stand on those issues? Well, I'll tell you want I think, and I'll love you anyway if you disagree.

For one thing, Bill Clinton vetoed a partial birth abortion ban... and because of that veto, countless infants have been ripped from the wombs of their ignorant mothers, and handed over to a horrific death.

I want to know that the man leading my country has strong values, and will fight for life, if given the chance.

If our leader doesn't respect human life, what does that say about the people he represents?

I love my God, and I love the people He creates. I will be a voice for those who cannot yet speak for themselves. I will fight for the weak and oppressed, because Jesus fought for me.

For more on Bill Clinton and the partial birth abortion veto click this link

Of Tithes and Priests...

2008-01-09T14:07:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking, reading, praying, and talking to a lot of people about this subject for a while now. These are the issues...

Tithes were once required by God. Deuteronomy 14:22-27 says to set aside a tenth of all the meat, oil, and grain from your crops and farms, and eat of it in the presence of God. As an act of worship. Not forgetting about the Levites that live within your gates, (notice it doesn't say to give them the whole 10%, I'm pointing this out not to be stingy, but accurate. Being that every church I've ever been to teaches to give the whole thing.)

Levites were priests and not allowed to work for themselves.
You see, at that time we needed Levite priests to communicate with God for us, now we don't because when Jesus died He became our High Priest. Now we have one mediator between God and man, Jesus the Christ, our One and Only Savior. Now we are all considered Priests in God's sight.
1 Peter 2:9 says "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."

What does the modern day church do with the money? It's going mostly to pastor's salary, then to building maintenance, and then to debt... How much of our tithes are going to actual people in need?

Issue #2
If all parts of the body of Christ are equally important, than why are we fully supporting only one part? There are more than just priests and pastors.. what about teachers, healers, counselors, prophets, evangelists.. ect.?? Every one of us has at least one of these gifts.

I'm not saying that I don't think we should offer money and other material possessions to the church, but I definitely don't think we should require 10%, if anything, telling people to give 10% means that there are people out there who could give more, but won't. Because they don't feel they have to, they've already done their part.

Reasons to pay tithe??
The Bible says..

1 Corinthians 9:7-14 says..
"Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its grapes? Who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk? Do I say this merely from a human point of view? Doesn't the Law say the same thing? For it is written in the Law of Moses: "Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain." Is it about oxen that God is concerned? Surely he says this for us, doesn't he? Yes, this was written for us, because when the plowman plows and the thresher threshes, they ought to do so in the hope of sharing in the harvest. If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you? If others have this right of support from you, shouldn't we have it all the more? But we did not use this right. On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ. Don't you know that those who work in the temple get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar? In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel."

Does that mean missionaries or teachers? Or evangelists, pastors or priests? Could it mean all of them? Or maybe just one or two? What about the preachers who have 8 houses? Do you think God wants them to have so much, when so many people within the church have so little?

I have a lot more to express, but I'm tired and have a lot more reading to do tonight. Please teach me what you know... and use scripture please :)
Thanks :D

I complain too much.

2007-11-23T08:29:00.001-08:00

So this is what I'm going to do. Stop complaining. God has blessed me with so much! Let me tell you about how God has blessed me.

My husband loves me.

My children are healthy!

I have a nice warm place to live.

I have a nice car.

I have good food to eat.

I don't have bombs going off outside my home.

I can be a stay at home mom, and have more children anytime I want to.

I have eternal life through Jesus Christ, my Savior :)

Who could ask for more???

I think I have made life entirely too complicated!

2007-11-23T08:10:00.000-08:00

Love God first. Love the people God loves (everybody) by serving them. Bless everyone, especially when they hurt you. Forget about your past, focus on the future God has for you. Consider everyone better than yourself, because pride casts a shadow on God's grace. Be careful about what you say, always keep your word, even when it hurts. Consider advice from other people, God can speak to us through anybody.

That's it, just needed to clarify it, mostly for myself.

I know where I stand.

2007-11-18T17:44:00.000-08:00

I've been considering the Catholic religion for some time... being that my family is Catholic and I love them so I'm very concerned about their spiritual well being. (Just as they will always be concerned about mine.) After talking with Melissa, Philip's wife, I agree that all the Saints that have died are alive in Christ. And after talking with Kaley, Stephen's wife, I agree that it is possible to communicate with a person or persons who have died.

I have a memory seared into my mind from years ago when my little sister went to Catholic school. She came home with a statue of Mary in a box, she was instructed by her teacher, a nun, to kneel before the statue while praying because it would help keep her focused. I can't even begin to describe the panic that rose in my heart. This was my baby sister mind you, and her eternal soul was in jeopardy. I thought that then and I still do now, not for my sister but for any person that finds themselves on their knees in prayer before an image made of stone.

Exodus 20:4-5a say
You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them.

I understand that Mary was blessed among women, but even she would cringe at the thought of a child being taught to kneel before her image! What humble servant of God wouldn't?

Before Jesus came people needed to go through a priest to communicate with God. But once Jesus died He became our High Priest, He intercedes for us so we don't need to go through anyone else! We don't need a priest!!! We don't need anyone but JESUS! We can only be saved by Jesus Christ, and we can only communicate with God through Him as well.

Why can't we ask the Saints who have died and are now alive with Christ to pray for us? I honestly can't tell you not to, but I can say this, the Bible never tells us to. Jesus taught us to pray like this..

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.

That's why I won't pray to a sleeping saint, and that's why I will teach my children not to as well. We are free to approach the throne of grace with confidence, alone or with other believers here on earth, because that's what the Bible teaches.

Hebrews 4:15-16
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Matthew 18:19-20 says
"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

Jesus told me it was okay to gather with other believers here on earth to pray, but He never said anything about gathering with Saints who don't live here any more.

Learning..

2007-08-29T20:51:00.000-07:00

I can't stop thinking about something I over heard recently. I won't tell you word for word, but I'll tell you the basic thought that was being communicated... Unless you have been sitting in a theology classroom for 4+ years, you shouldn't discuss or challenge the beliefs of someone who has, because you have nothing of value to add to the conversation.

Do you really think you have to be sitting in a classroom to learn? I think it's wonderful to go to school, but education isn't limited to the classroom. There is nothing I need to know about my faith that isn't written in the Bible. I have a concordance and I know how to use it! I know how to look things up, and research ideas and new concepts. I love to learn all that I can about the early church because I find our history fascinating, not because I need to pass that test on Monday. What about the Holy Spirit? Isn't He here to counsel and guide us all? (not just Christians with degrees.) What if God decides He wants to reveal something incredible through someone who is, by our standards, uneducated? Will you reject their insight because they don't have a degree?

Please, don't take this the wrong way. God encourages us over and over again to gain wisdom!!! He said, wisdom is more profitable than silver,and her wages are better than gold! Seek out knowledge any way you can! Even if you don't ever enter another classroom, never stop learning. Going to school is the most obvious way to gain knowledge, but it's not the only way, and it's not always the best way either. Some people don't learn well in a classroom. Some people learn better through hands on experience. If this is you, don't lose hope! God will teach anyone willing to learn :)

All through the Bible God chose the weak to overcome the strong. He chose the small to lead the big and maybe, he'll use someone uneducated to teach you something.

1 Corinthians 3:18-20 "Stop deceiving yourselves. If you think you are wise by this world’s standards, you need to become a fool to be truly wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God..."

1 Corinthians 8:1-3 "Now regarding your question about food that has been offered to idols. Yes, we know that “we all have knowledge” about this issue. But while knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church. Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn’t really know very much. But the person who loves God is the one whom God recognizes."

1 Peter 3:8 "Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude."

Matthew 23:8-11 “Don’t let anyone call you ‘Rabbi,’ for you have only one teacher, and all of you are equal as brothers and sisters. And don’t address anyone here on earth as ‘Father,’ for only God in heaven is your spiritual Father. And don’t let anyone call you ‘Teacher,’ for you have only one teacher, the Messiah. The greatest among you must be a servant."

I also want to bring up, that God will often choose someone who is unqualified to do a job, just to show His strength in their weakness. Some people who go to school to become a pastor or a leader in the church aren't even chosen by God to be leaders. Some of them just want the label "Pastor" or "Father". Anyone can wake up one day and say, "I want people to look up to me the way they look up to Pastor Joe, I think I'll go to school to be a pastor too." What I'm saying is, a degree is not who you are, it's what you know. Satan knows everything in the Bible, he knows everything there is to know about Christianity, so be careful not to fall into pride because of your schooling.

1 Corinthians 2:3-5 "I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God."

Does God ever take away free will?

2007-08-23T22:01:00.000-07:00

God is able to take away our free will, but He never will. If God is going to bend someones will, why not bend every one's will so that no one goes to hell? By saying that God manipulates some people's will, you're saying that God condemns some to hell with no chance of salvation. That God creates some just to send them to hell. But the Bible says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, so that who ever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life."
Again, by saying that God chooses who goes to hell, even before they're born, you're saying that He chooses who will go to Heaven before they're born too, which means that missionaries are pointless, there is no rush guys, God's already chosen for us! The reason that missions are important is that if someone hasn't heard of Christ, they can't choose Him, because trust in Jesus is the only way to get to Heaven.

I would also like to clarify something.. it says in the Bible that God hardened Pharaoh's heart. Does that mean that God took away Pharaoh's will? Absolutely not! I looked up the word hardened and found out that when the Bible says hardened it's saying that God strengthened Pharaoh's heart, or made it stubborn. Pharaoh made the choice, then God strengthened his heart. Again, God did not change Pharaoh's heart, He accepted Pharaoh's decision and strengthened his resolve. Pharaoh had already made the decision! God did not choose for him. Well, it's nearly 2am, I'm tired and cold! Goodnight all!

Do you have a past?

2007-06-19T15:50:00.000-07:00

God can still use you. Don't give up. Don't let your past define who you are, only God can define you. He created you, and He loves you. It's not too late. Choose Him now, He's waiting for you. He can wash away your sins and make you a brand new person. He can give you a new life, all you have to do is ask Him.

"Many are called, but few are chosen."

2007-05-22T12:43:00.001-07:00

I found someone online who explained this very well.. If you want to read everything he wrote, go to http://www.ctsp.co.il/few_chosen.htm He explained it like this...
Jesus offered a third mashal specifically to the chief priests and Pharisees that were rejecting His kingdom (Mt. 22:1-14). He openly exclaimed in the parable, "My Kingdom was being actively rejected by these leaders!" To drive this point home, He spoke of a king that planned the prince's wedding. When preparations were ready, the king sent out messengers to call the guests. They rejected the invitation (22:3), and even harmed the messengers (22:4-6). Their insult was returned as the king sent judgment upon them (22:7) and extended the invitation to others in the same nation that had not previously been invited (22:8-9). Guests poured in, all respectful of the occasion and dressed (22:10). One man came in without proper dress for the occasion (a symbol of contempt for the host in that day) and the king singled him out (22:11-12). The king commanded that he be bound and cast out of the feast hungry for the insulting behavior (22:13). Jesus then closed the illustration with a popular ancient proverb, "Many are called, but few are chosen."

What was He saying? He was making the point to those who were rejecting Him that there was NO WAY for them to attain the blessing of fellowship with His Father except by honoring Him with proper respect. They were like the man without the wedding garb - they wanted "in" without respecting Jesus, and that simply couldn't happen.

In other words, Jesus is saying:

"Many are invited, but only a few of those that have been invited have met the criteria of proper respect for the King to be fully accepted."

What do you think?

A Dress Code for Heaven!!!

2007-05-21T21:05:00.000-07:00

I've been reading Matthew for awhile now, I've probably read through it a dozen times since I became a christian when I was 12. It's always been my favorite book :)

Anyways... while I was reading today I came across the Parable of the Great Feast. It's a story about a king, who was having a huge wedding feast for his son, and when everything was ready, he sent his servants to go get everyone who was invited. But they all refused to come!! The king sent his servants a second time, but everyone ignored them, some of the servants were attacked and killed. Well, the king was FURIOUS, and sent his army to go destroy the murderers and burn their towns. Then, the king told his servants to go out to the street corner and invite everyone they saw to the wedding feast, because the one's he had initially invited weren't worthy of the honor. So, they did, and the banquent hall was FILLED with people.
When the king was walking around introducing himself to everyone he noticed one man in particular who wasn't wearing the proper clothes for a wedding. "Friend," he asked, "How is it that you're here without wedding clothes?" But the guy didn't reply. So the king told his servants, "Bind the man's hands and feet, and throw him out into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."

After Jesus told this story he said, "For many are called, but few are chosen."

I don't know what He meant by that, but when I think I know, I'll tell you what I think ;) If you already know, enlighten me, please. :)

What struck me about the story, was why the king through him out... his clothes??

This is what I could find in the Bible about our "clothes"

Romans 13:12
The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living.

Romans 13:14
Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires

Galatians 3:27
And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes.

Colossians 3:12
Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

Colossians 3:14
Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.

1 Peter 3:4
You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.

We have been invited to a great feast!!! Make sure you're wearing the right clothes!!! I'll see you there!

My First True Love

2007-05-15T21:15:00.000-07:00

Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
The Son of the Living God.
Sent to earth to take my place on the cross.
Died, was buried and Rose again on the third day.
He is now seated at the right hand of God.