NY CELEBRATES DEATH OF THE INNOCENT AND THE CHRISTIAN RESPONSE

           

     The state of New York passed landmark legislation legalizing abortion at any and every stage of pregnancy.  Previously, abortion in New York, was legal up to 24 week, and could be performed only by a licensed doctor.  All that changed this week, as Democrats, for the first time in years, took control of the state senate and hastily decreed death to viable babies, who's only crime was to have not yet taken a breath.  

      Disguised as a reproductive health issue, the new law allows for the murder of an unborn child based on the "viability of the child or the life and health of the mother."  On the face of it, this seems almost reasonable.  It simply gives a woman the right to avoid the pain of going full term only to deliver a dead or dying baby or the right to preserve her own life if carrying the baby to full term was somehow a terminal situation, right?  Well, maybe...

      Here are a few reasons why this law is about more than protecting the health of women

1.  The "health of the mother" portion of the law is the extremely broad and includes mental health.  In other words, a woman, in labor, can decide she is too stressed out or mentally strained to raise a child and she can choose, at that point, for the sake of her "health" to terminate the baby before it takes a first breath.  
    
       Yes, this is an extreme scenario, but, nonetheless, one made legal by the good people of the New York legislature.

2.  Allowing abortions to be performed by medical personnel other than doctors.  Previously, only licensed doctors could perform abortions, now, nurse practitioners, physician's assistants and midwives can perform non surgical abortions. 

       So we are to believe allowing a midwife to perform an abortion is somehow safer for a woman than being under a physician's care?
The whole idea of protecting a woman's health as the primary purpose of this heinous law falls apart at this point.

3. Killing a baby in the womb is no longer considered homicide, even if the killing is done against the mother's will.  So, if a pregnant woman believes she is carrying a baby in her womb, she would be wrong under the new law, as anyone could cause death to the unborn child and not face a homicide charge.  Kicking a pregnant woman in the stomach and causing the death of her unborn baby would now be considered assault rather than murder.  

4. Unabashed celebration. As if this horrific piece of legislation was not enough, Governor Cuomo's glee as he signs the bill into law is nothing less than astounding. According to the proponents of abortion, it is solemn private matter and should be safe, legal and rare.  So we celebrate greater access to something considered solemn and private?  This is about far more than a woman's health and privacy.  And, if the giddiness of the sponsors and signatory is not enough, the city of New York lit up One World Trade Center with special pink lights in honor of this most festive occasion.

What should our response be to this horror show in New York?  Do we attack Governor Cuomo on social media and call him evil?  Do we spew hatred to those on the other side of this issue or do we love our enemies as we are commanded in scripture? 

     Is Governor Cuomo an evil man because he joyfully signed this bill into law?  I will submit to you, Gov. Cuomo signed this bill into law because he is an evil man.  Signing this does not make him evil, his evil lead to sign.  Let me explain: all people are evil at heart. Mankind has, historically, been brutal and destructive to one another. Gov. Cuomo is no more evil than your neighbor down the street, he only has greater capacity to exercise his evil because of his position of power.  Without the righteousness of Christ, imparted to me by God, I would have the same untamed evil nature, restrained only by my fear of consequences.  

 Our response, as followers of Christ, can never be hate.  We were able to see what unbridled hate led to earlier this week when the media misrepresented the Covington students.  Today is a day for prayer, for introspection and a redoubling of our efforts to save as many babies as possible.

What can we do?

1.We can support local Women's facilities which offer faith based counsel and support for unwed moms, pregnant teens and others who are at risk of terminating a pregnancy.

2. We can support legislation limiting and restricting abortion.  Here is a link for a petition started by author and Christian apologist, Heather Schuldt sign the petition to end 3rd trimester abortion  

3. Support adoption.  Either consider adopting or help families who are in the adoption process. Adoption fees and lawyer costs can range between 10 and 50 thousand dollars.  This is the biggest obstacle to adoption.  

4. Help educate the next generation. As the next generation has access to greater technology, the big lie told by the abortion industry can be exposed. Groups like Planned Parenthood would have you believe an unborn child is nothing but a lump of nonviable flesh.  A beating heart and brain activity proves otherwise.  

5. Engage your local, state and federal representatives.  Planned Parenthood receives federal tax dollars, even after being exposed for selling baby body parts. Almost every republican in office, including President Trump, campaigned on eliminating funding for Planned Parenthood, yet, government funding continues.  We need to hold our politicians accountable.

     Now is not the time to give up or get discouraged, now is the time to pray, educate and act.  Women who have had abortions need to know God loves them and offers forgiveness through Jesus Christ.  Many women suffer horrible guilt after an abortion, it is not our job as the Church to make them feel worse. Jesus is our example, when He told the woman caught in adultery, "neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more,"

       Abortion is not the disease, abortion is a symptom of the disease. The disease is sin. We have been commanded to go and make disciples. Disciple making is the cure for the disease.  Cure the disease, eliminate the symptom.  God loves Governor Cuomo and God loves the foolish people who are celebrating this abominable law.  Let us not forget, hate is not an option.

Now, go live as Christ... and give the devil hell!

       

A LESSON FOR THE CHURCH FROM THE COVINGTON SCHOOL DEBACLE

   

       What can we learn from all the controversy surrounding the two students from the Covington Catholic school and an elderly Native American man?  This weekend, a tiny portion of a much longer video surfaced, edited in such a way, as to portray two young men, at the March for Life rally, as bullies, harassing an elderly Native American man.  The mainstream press, along with much of the liberal community, was very quick to rush to judgment and condemned the high schoolers.  Verified Tweeters of a left wing persuasion called for violence against these boys.  In fact, threats of violence caused the school to suspend classes.

      The liberal left showed it's true colors in an avalanche of hate and threats spewed all over social media.  Some wished for a school shooting to take place at Covington, a record label owner called for the boys to locked in the school while it was burned down, journalist Eric Abriss was fired for wishing death to both the boys and their parents and a female SNL writer offered sexual favors for anyone who punched the boys in the face.  Celebrities jumped on board the hate train and accused the boys of everything from being Nazis to Klansman.  Daily Show host Trevor Noah opined his desire to punch the boys in the face.

      Days later, an avalanche of mea culpas is flooding the world of social media.  "I am sorry for rushing to judgment" is the new rally cry across the Twitterverse.  Too little, too late, in my opinion.  Shamefully, Twitter was slow to react and did not suspend accounts of those who vomited threats towards minors, until the full video was released and the truth of the event was revealed. The elderly Native American man who was portrayed as a victim was actually the villain of the story.   Nathan Phillips, a known provocateur, orchestrated a media event, in order to advance his agenda. 

     The lesson we must take away from this is do not rush to judgment based on initial appearances.  Whether it is a news story, a juicy bit of gossip or something  heard in church, until you are able to verify the information, tread carefully.

    The Bible says a matter is established on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Before you run off and tout something you heard, verify the information.  As believers in Christ, we cannot allow our emotions to run away with us or cause us to believe the worst about someone with whom we disagree. 

     The  Apostle Paul commended the Berean people for fact checking his message with scripture. How many false teachers and heretics would lose their followings if modern Christians were as noble as the Bereans and checked their doctrines in light of scripture?  

        In the world of fake news, fact checking is more important 
than ever.  Also of utmost importance is fact checking your faith.  Know what you believe and why you believe it.  If your faith is based solely on something you have been taught all your life, you are building your house on sand.  2 Timothy 2:15 - Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth

 Don't just take someone's word
       
            God gave us His Word and His Spirit to help us understand His Word.  You are ultimately responsible if you believe bad doctrine. Shame on those who would use the Word of God to manipulate and deceive others but shame on those who do not study scripture for themselves and fact check.

The truth is always true


        If what you believe is the truth, never fear the questions.  The truth is always true and the questions all have answers.  People who never question and follow blindly often come to a crisis of faith when they cannot defend a hand me down religion. If you do not have a reason for your hope in Christ, you may not truly know Him.

If a religious leader discourages questions, he probably has something to hide

       If you have been part of a church that discourages questions, as I was, many years ago, you may have become suspicious of the leaders and, sadly, even suspicious of God. A pretty good rule of thumb is, if your religious leaders discourage questions, they probably have something to hide.  Some ministers discourage questions for fear of being exposed as a fraud, some simply do not know the answers to tough questions and are embarrassed, and some ministers have actually become atheist but are trapped in a job.  Walk, don't run, away from a church leader who gets hostile if you dare question something he has taught.  "You just have to have faith" is probably one of the worst possible answers a minister can give to a tough question.

         Be sure to learn what you think you know.  Ask questions if you don't understand something and remember, if you are a believer in Christ, you have the Spirit of God indwelling you.  Verify what you hear and check your emotions  before you react and you will be better off than all those who rushed to judgment against two kids who did nothing wrong.  Do not allow your personal bias to become part of the narrative until you have all the facts.  1 Peter 3:15-16 -  but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 



        Now, go live as Christ... and give the devil hell!
           

     

THE SOLOMONITE CHURCH - DENY NOT THYSELF - OR CHRIST'S CHURCH

Matthew 16:24  Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 

      What did Jesus mean when he gave the command to deny self, pick up your cross and follow?  It's hard to know, looking at the condition of what passes itself off for Christianity in America.  It may be hard to tell by what passes itself off as Christianity in my own life, sometimes.... maybe, a lot of the time.  Have we become a church of Solomons?  Do we have all the wisdom and resources of God and fail to honor Him with what He has given because we are erecting monuments, amassing wealth and indulging our sexual whims?

          God has blessed the American church with almost unlimited resources and we, like King Solomon, squander what God has given on the indulgence of the flesh and monuments to self, bigger houses, nicer cars, fancier church buildings etc. There is little we deny ourselves, if we are truly honest.  

            Our entertainment, alone, would have made a demon blush in past generations, yet we find no problem being entertained by things God calls an abomination. We have no problem allowing our children to indulge in sin as a right of passage because they may have reached some magical age where suddenly exposure to or participation in sin is somehow acceptable and no longer destructive.

           Oh, we know all the right things to say and we give great advice and counsel but our behavior does not match our words.  Solomon wrote the book of Proverbs. Solomon imparted wisdom to his son, in the hopes his son would live an upright and honest life, honoring to God.  Solomon, however, showed his son a very different example than what was written. Solomon built monuments and palaces for himself and his glory.  Solomon amassed great wealth to his glory.  Solomon collected women like a child collects bottle caps. 

              Solomon's son was far more influenced by his dad's behavior than anything his dad ever wrote or said. We know this by reading the account of Rehoboam's first days as king of Israel.  In 
1 Kings chapter 12, we see Rehoboam blow his first big test as king, which resulted in his losing more than half his kingdom.  

           We tend to glamorize King Solomon and his exploits. We admire him for his great wealth and how he used it.  We do not realize the destructive heritage King Solomon's lifestyle wrought on his children.  Solomon spoke like a prophet, yet, he lived as if there were no God to whom he must answer. The book of Ecclesiastes chronicles why Solomon is not a man to be revered nor emulated.  

             So, what exactly did Jesus mean when he said we must deny self, pick up our cross and follow Him?

Let's look at each piece separately first and then put it all together:

1. Deny self

         To deny self is to recognize not all things we feel or desire are good for us. Proverbs 14:12  There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. 

           Do you pretty much do whatever you feel?  Solomon denied himself nothing and instead of finding satisfaction he only found himself wanting more.  To deny self also goes beyond simply avoiding obviously sinful practice but actually allows you to find sufficiency in God by removing distractions from your life.  Denying your impulses and urges, denying yourself through fasting and denying yourself indulgences allows you to move from seeking satisfaction in things superficial and temporary to finding sufficiency in God who is the same today, yesterday and forever.

God has set parameters in order to protect us. God's commands are a protective fence, not a prison yard.  

2. Pick up your cross

     This is probably one of the most misunderstood passages of scripture.  So often people speak of hardship as "my cross to bear".  This is not speaking of hardship. The cross represents purpose.


Jeremiah 1:5  “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” 

  Jesus recognized His purpose was to bear the cross.  When we are told to pick up our cross, we are being instructed by God to get busy serving according to our design.  God made you with specific talents and a place in the Body of Christ, the church.  Just like a human body, if members do not function properly, the whole body is mal-affected.  You were not designed to merely sit in church for an hour per week, you were designed with purpose and have a ministry tailored to your design.  

True fulfillment of life is found in serving according to your purpose and design


3. Follow Jesus

     Following Jesus means recognizing His voice, obeying what you hear and doing what He did.  


John 10:27  My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.  

Following Christ may not lead you where you expected, or maybe even where you wanted to go, but He will lead to a path marked with peace and joy.  The path may be difficult and, at times, treacherous, but as the Psalmist wrote, "yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for thou art with me."  

Following also means not running off on your own and trying to do ministry under your own power.  Follow God's lead and you can be assured you are right where He wants you, even when things seem difficult

Putting it all together

  When we take all the components of self denial, acting according to our purpose and following God's lead we will begin to see God's power manifest in our lives like never before.  Do you feel as if your life is adrift and unsatisfying?  It is because you are pursuing self rather than pursuing God's best for you.  

Solomon lamented a wasted life and realized at the end the purpose of our existence is to honor God and obey His commands.  By the time Solomon realized this, the damage to his son was done.  Do not allow the lie of the enemy or the urges of your flesh rob from you and the ones you love.  Do not be a Solomonite.

Now, go live as Christ... and give the devil hell!

    

 

SPIRITUAL GOAL CHALLENGE FOR A NEW YEAR

   The New Year is upon us and as we look back over the last 12 months, it is a good time to reflect on what worked for us and what did not.  

     The million dollar question is, "What do yo plan on doing differently next year to grow in Christ?

This question does not assume you had a bad year or failed your goals, this question simply acknowledges real growth comes through building on success and learning from failure.  As a believer in Christ, the goal should be growing in your faith, becoming more like Jesus and developing your God given gifts of service.  Hopefully, you implemented some spiritual pursuits which helped in this endeavor, over the past year.

         If something worked for you, continue the practice.  Just as important, do not make the same mistakes, learn from them.

Here are some Biblical guidelines to successful goal setting:

SET REALISTIC GOALS
Micah 6:8 - What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?

         Setting realistic goals is the key to success in any endeavor. Setting reasonable goals allows you to experience success, while setting ridiculously large goals will lead to discouragement. If you have never read through your Bible, setting a goal to read the whole thing in a year is a realistic goal.  Deciding to write a commentary on the whole Bible when you have not read it all, may not be very realistic.  Deciding to get involved in local outreach is a realistic goal, winning your whole city for Christ may be a bit outside your reach. 

SET GOD'S GOALS
Psalm 127:1 - Unless the LORD build the house, the builders labor in vain

Understanding God's supernatural empowerment to accomplish His goals for you opens the door to unlimited possibilities.  Saying, "I want to reach a million souls for Christ this year" may seem a bit lofty, but if God chooses to work through you and you follow His lead, why not. The only caveat is: make sure your goal is God's goal. Nothing will lead to failure and frustration quicker than running ahead of God.  

SEEK OTHERS WITH SIMILAR GOALS
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 - Two are better than one, because they have a good return on their labor, if one falls down, the other can help him up... though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves, a cord of three strands is not quickly broken

Surround yourself with those pursuing the same purpose.  For instance, if you are planning a trip to Alaska, do not partner up your preparations with a guy planning a trip to Hawaii.  The Hawaii guy will have very different preparations and chances are, you will hinder one another.  If your plan is to read through the Bible in a year, find others with the same goal and hold one another accountable.  

DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED BY SETBACKS
Proverbs 24:16 - For the righteous falls seven times and rises again

Everyone of us experiences setbacks.  The Apostle Paul had a goal to reach Rome to preach.  If he gave up when he was imprisoned in Jerusalem or shipwrecked on the Island of Malta many books of the Bible would not have been written.  Paul did make it to Rome and had fruitful ministry there, the path was not how he envisioned, but the goal was met.

      Even if you do not have a specific goal beyond knowing God better, pursue knowing God with all your heart.  Psalm 37:4 - Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart.

What do yo plan on doing differently next year to grow in Christ?

What are your goals for the new year?  Do not plan to fail by failing to plan. Get together with your Father, who loves you, and get His plan, set some goals and watch God do His thing.

Now, go live as Christ... and give the devil hell!

CHILDREN OF A GARDEN PARTY FROM HELL

       Went to a garden party to reminisce with my old friends
       A chance to share old memories and play our songs again
      When I got to the garden party, they all knew my name
      No one recognized me, I didn't look the same

           But it's all right now, I learned my lesson well.
You see, ya can't please everyone, so ya got to please yourself

                   

                                                                     - Rick Nelson

            If you are my age or older, you probably remember this catchy little tune from Ricky Nelson circa 1972.  Garden Party's chorus easily gets stuck in your head: But it's all right now, I learned my lesson well. You see, ya can't please everyone, so ya got to please yourself   This was a pretty common sentiment in 1972, essentially, look out for number one. Who is number one?  Why ME of course!

             What a self destructive societal plague this sentiment is!  Imagine a world where a majority of people are serving their own best interests and everyone else be damned?  Well, you don't have to imagine it, look no further than Washington DC and you can see Ricky Nelson's words in action.

            This is not just a Washington DC problem.  If you are honest, fear of consequences govern more of your better behaviors than altruism.  No, I do not believe everyone is a miscreant, but then again, what would a day free of consequences mean for you?  

                      What would your life look like if you were suddenly Bill Murray in Groundhog Day, if you knew tomorrow would reset everything and nothing you did today would be remembered, except by you?  If your mind is running wild with possibilities you may be a miscreant at heart! 

                       Who are we really, when no one is looking? Do we all pretend to be better than we are for fear of exposure? Can your friends and family see the real you?

                    The problem is, we are all tainted with selfishness because of a Garden Party from hell almost 6000 years ago.  In the Garden of Eden, Adam traded God's protection and provision for a chance to please himself.  This resulted in Adam realizing he had made a grave error. Adam's attempt to hide from from God was futile.  Adam's children have been trying to hide from God ever since.  

                 Adam's attempt to please himself ended in abject disaster.  Not much has changed in 6000 years.  The Bible has a good deal to say on this topic:   Jeremiah 17:9  The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?      
 Proverbs 14:12  There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.   Our attempts to take care of number one will always leave us unsatisfied, frustrated and disillusioned.

             The remedy is putting God first: Proverbs 3:6-7  In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.  Following God's method will lead to fulfillment, peace, joy and satisfaction.  

     No one spent more resources and effort in pleasing self than King Solomon.  In his winter years, he looked over his life and realized the futility of all he pursued. Solomon came to this conclusion: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14  The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil. 

      It's true, you can't please everyone, so you should try to please the Lord. You have an audience of one and what He thinks is all that should matter.

Now, go live as Christ... and give the devil hell!!
              

                                   

                                      

   

         

THE WWE AND DEITY OF CHRIST - STORIES FROM THE FRINGE

The Fringe - Open Air Church

          As many readers know, I am one of the pastors with a ministry called Metal Mission of Knoxville.  Each week, MMOK hosts The Fringe, an open air church service, followed by serving breakfast to the area homeless.

                We meet many interesting people each week and look forward to seeing all our regulars, as well.  Real, serious, ministry takes place, and occasionally, we get a funny story worth sharing.  The following two stories are indicative of a typical Saturday morning.

                  Many of the homeless, for years, have been camping under a bridge, across the street from Knox Area Rescue Mission.  For years, the city has, without success, attempted to clear the space under the bridge and restrict access.  Until recently, all efforts have failed.  The city is now moving forward with a new plan, which appears to be successful. One of the gentlemen we minister to each week informed me the WWE was behind the removal of the homeless.  Yes, that WWE...
                
            According to my "friend in the know", when Glenn Jacobs(WWE superstar Kane) was elected Knox County Mayor, Vince McMahon, the CEO of WWE, donated $100,000 to the city of Knoxville to clean up the homeless. The gentleman sharing the story with me, looked me in the eyes, wagged his finger at me and adamantly declared, "do you know who is responsible for this? Vincent. Kennedy. MCMAHON!!!"  Geez, I wish Mr. McMahon would donate $100,000 to me so I can quit my job and minister full time!

                 On a more serious note, here is a story about some of the important ministry taking place downtown:

               One of our regulars is a Muslim gentleman who often asks for prayer.  This week, we had a great conversation about the Trinity and whether or not Jesus is God.

                In Islam, Jesus is regarded as a prophet and a good teacher, but not God. As my friend and I discussed the trinity, I asked him to consider how Jesus could possibly be considered good if He claimed to be God yet was just a man.  If Jesus claimed to be God and is not actually God, He would be a liar and, therefore, not good. 

                The deity of Jesus is a conundrum Islam cannot reconcile.  Either Jesus is God, as He claimed, or He is a liar which disqualifies Him from being a good teacher or prophet.  Many Muslims will argue Jesus never claimed to be God, which is simply intellectual dishonesty.  Repeatedly, Jesus claimed to be God. John 8:58 - truly truly I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM and
John 10:30 - I and the Father are one. Just to list a couple.

           The Old Testament prophets also attested to the Messiah being God: Isaiah 9:6  For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

                My Muslim friend disclosed he reads the Bible and the Koran and he acknowledged Jesus claimed to be God.  He promised to consider the issue of Jesus claiming to be God contradicting the teachings of Islam.  Please pray for my friend to accept the Gospel and be saved.  He seems open to the idea.

         This is a pretty typical snapshot of what goes on any given Saturday morning.  I am truly blessed and honored to be able to serve God in this capacity. I am blessed to serve with a great bunch who are dedicated rain or shine and many who are behind the scenes, praying and supporting.  If you are interested in finding out how you can serve with us, hit me up in the comment section or message me on Facebook or Twitter.  

         If you are not currently serving God, I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and step into ministry.  Not everyone is called to serve the homeless but everyone is called to serve. God has a ministry designed just for you and He is waiting for you to step into it.  God wants to use you, of this I am sure!

Now, go live as Christ... and give the devil hell!
             

CAN YOU SEE THE REAL ME, JESUS?

                          Can you see the real me, can you?
                           I ended up with the preacher,
                           Full of lies and hate,
                           I seemed to scare him a little                           
                           So he showed me to the golden gate. - The Who

     What if we all saw each other beyond what we actually reveal?  Imagine if we could actually read one another's minds!  How many relationships would be destroyed if our thoughts and feelings were broadcast for public consumption?

            How much more careful would we be if our desires and urges were, somehow, no longer secret?  

             Most of us are pretty good at wearing a mask that covers up who we really are. We reveal just enough of ourselves to maintain superficial relationships and often cast ourselves in the best light possible.

             Maybe you dared reveal more of yourself to someone and they showed you the golden gate, as it were.  Do you fear God would reject you if He really knew what was in your heart?  

             The big lie we tell ourselves is we can hide from God.  Adam hid in the Garden, God knew where He was and why.  Whatever you think you are hiding from God... you're not.  The truth is, God sees your deepest darkest secrets and His response is - He loves you.

             If you feel estranged from God, you're the one who moved.  Isaiah 59:2  but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear. 

                Just a few verses later, God promises to redeem those who turn from transgression.  There is nothing you have done or has been done to you that is too big for God to handle.

              But the good news is, God will not reject your return: Isaiah 59:20  “And a Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who turn from transgression,” declares the LORD. 


                 God can see the real you and, through the blood of Christ, wants to lead you to the Golden Gates of eternity, in His presence.  

                 Don't deceive yourself into thinking you are hiding from God.  Don't let the devil deceive you into thinking you've out sinned God's grace. God is in the restoration business!!

          Can you see the real me?  Maybe, maybe not, but God does and loves me anyway.  Have I seen the real you?  Maybe, maybe not, bud God does and loves you anyway.  

           If you think you are hiding from God, you can stop now, He sees and knows all and is patiently awaiting your return.  God is a loving Father and He wants to change you into the image of Christ.  Be real with yourself by being real with God, because He already knows.  Zechariah 1:3  Therefore say to them, Thus declares the LORD of hosts: Return to me, says the LORD of hosts, and I will return to you, says the LORD of hosts. 

Now, go live as Christ... and give the devil hell!

WITH THE BAND OR JUST A FAN? AVOIDING FAKE FAITH

     

     Are you a fan of a band or sports team?  Do you have a sports jersey you like to wear, identifying you with your favorite team?  Do you wear a t-shirt of your favorite band?

      Do you like to sit in a stadium or arena and watch a live sporting event?  Do you enjoy sitting in the audience for a live concert?  

         Does wearing a t-shirt or jersey and sitting in the audience make you believe you are a member of the team or band you are watching? 

         If any of these things makes you think you are a musician or athlete, you are delusional.  Yet, millions of people sit in church, put on paraphernalia identifying themselves as Christians and think they are somehow part of team Jesus, without ever making a commitment to God or serving in any way.

        Just as a musician must learn his craft and an athlete must train his body, a follower of Christ must do more than "identify" with faith.  A true follower of Christ will seek to grow in his faith and will actively seek holiness in his life.

2Timothy 2:15  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

        Surely you are not self deceived into thinking you are a rock star because you have an Iron Maiden t-shirt or you are a famous quarterback because you own a Tom Brady jersey.  Please be sure you are not, likewise, self deceived about your relationship with God.  

       Is there Spiritual fruit in your life?  If not, no amount of church membership or religious jewelry will change the condition of your soul.  Christianity is not some club to join, it is a way of life which should transform your mind and heart.

Romans 12:2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

     Jesus, Himself, stated, many will say, "I did this in your name, but I will say to them, depart from me, I never knew you."

      Looking at the shape of the culture, given the high percentage of those who claim faith in Christ, somewhere there is a very big disconnect.  

      Be sure you are not part of the disconnect.  Evaluate your life and see if you are pursuing the righteousness you claim in Christ.  Jesus told us, "He who does not gather with me, scatters."  There is no neutral ground in Christ.  

      It is not too late to join together with the Band and it is always the right time to hop on Team Jesus. Stop being just a spectator and get in the game!  

Now, go live as Christ... and give the devil hell!
      

WALKING WITH GOD VS WALKING ACCORDING TO GOD

       

   What is the difference between walking with God vs walking according to His instructions?  

            If you need to come to my house, I can give instructions on how to get there. Depending on how well you listened and understood the instructions and how good you are at following the instructions will determine whether or not you make to my house or get lost along the way.  If I come to you and we go to my house together, is there any doubt you will make it?

              This is the difference between religion and relationship.  Even within soul saving faith, many fall into the trap of religion and lose their way.  I am not suggesting a loss of salvation, but I am suggesting a journey filled with unnecessary detours and wrong turns.  A journey that is only as good as the ability to hear, understand and follow God's directions.

               Jesus told us, "Pick up your cross and follow me."  Jesus did not say, "here is the best way to go..."  He told us to follow Him.  When Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, God did not hand him a map and a compass and tell him, "I'll meet you there!"  No, God led Moses and Moses walked with God.

              When Jesus was in His earthly ministry, He did not say, "I'm just following instructions."  No, Jesus said, as recorded in scripture: John 5:19 So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise.

               God gave us His Word, the Bible, but He also gave us His Spirit to dwell in us, giving the Bible life changing power as we apply it to our lives, according to His lead.  Having the Bible without the Spirit is like having a car with no gas.  Through great effort you can push the car where you want to go, but you will expend all your strength and not get very far.  Trying to apply the Bible to our lives without the direction and strength of God will wear you out!

               Many believers say, "I am trying to serve God the best I can."  This statement is nothing more than the seeds of failure.  I hate to quote Yoda here, but, "Do or do not, there is no try."   "I'll try" is born of doubt while "I will" is an emulation of the Savior we claim to follow.  

            So, how exactly do we walk with God when we cannot physically detect His presence?  The first step is getting over the barrier of mere mental ascent.  So many acknowledge God in their minds yet never actually commit their hearts.  Ask the average person if he believes the Bible is the Word of God.  I daresay, most will say, "yes."  Now, ask all the people who answer yes, "when was he last time they actually read the Bible."  You will be amazed by the results.  

             Reading the Bible must be accompanied by prayer and a willingness to apply what is read to our lives, not as a set of rules designed to keep us out of trouble, but as a guide for daily life.  When the Bible tells us to pray without ceasing, this means we are to have a constant awareness of God's presence and we are to be interacting with God just as we interact with those with whom we physically share our lives. 

              Walking with God will lead us to love.  Not romance or feelings based love, but true sacrificial love which leads us to see others as God sees them.  This kind of love is sacrificial and unconditional.  This kind of love allows us to look beyond socio, economic, and cultural differences and love whether we agree or not.  This kind of love will lead us to serve others in the hopes of leading them to the truth of the Gospel.  

               Walking with God produces peace and joy while trying to walk according to God brings angst and worry.  Walking with God takes the guesswork out of life. 

                 What would life be like if you no longer had to worry if you were good enough? Walk with God and find out!


             God desires fellowship with us and has given us an innate desire to know Him, though many suppress this desire.  Experience life as God designed it to be lived. Experience life in God's presence.  Follow God, not what you think are His rules. Enter into the unlimited love, joy and peace which can only be found in Christ.


Now, go live as Christ... and give the devil hell!



              

                                

THE SYNAGOGUE SHOOTING REVEALS THE SUPERNATURAL ORIGINS OF ANTISEMITISM

           

         This past week, a despicable crime was committed in the name of hate. Nazi sympathizer, Robert Bowers, stormed into a the Tree of Life Synagogue and opened fire, killing 11 people.  Bowers shouted, "All Jews must die!", before he gunned down worshipers gathered for Sabbath services.  

         So many are asking, "Why?"
  
          Throughout the world, Jews are hated, maligned and distrusted.  Today, many claim hatred of the Jews is justified because of the Palestinian crises.  This argument fails because the Jews were hated, maligned and distrusted throughout history, whether they were in the Land or not.



          Hatred for the Jew is Satanic to the core. One of Satan's many ploys to topple God's plan is to eliminate the Jewish people.

        Every one of the writings of the Major prophets end with pronouncements of the future glory and restoration of the 12 tribes of Israel.  What better way to thwart God's plan than to eliminate the Jews?  Suddenly the words of our deranged gunman take on a new context, "All Jews must die!"  Yeah, if you are Satan and you are trying to knock God off His throne. 

                I have often said, "if you want proof God exists, look to the Jew."  No other nation of people have ever been called God's chosen, on no other nation of people do the hinges of prophecy turn and no other nation of people have been given God's promise of future redemption and restoration.  Without the Jewish people, God's promises to all men fail and God is no longer God.

           The almost universal hatred for the Jewish people, throughout time, is strong evidence that God exists.  The universal hatred of the Jews is irrational and baseless as the Jewish people have never posed a threat to any nation in which they have lived.  

           In America, Jews do not proselytize, protest, or engage in organized crime yet they are, by some, blamed for all that is wrong in the world.  Senseless!  This kind of senseless universal hatred only makes sense in a world where God exists and God has an adversary.

             Speaking of the nation of Israel, the prophet Zechariah wrote: Zechariah 2:8 For thus said the Lord of hosts, after his glory sent me to the nations who plundered you, for he who touches you touches the apple of his eye:
         
              Clearly this hatred is of supernatural origin.   

               The antisemitism of the early church bears as much blame as Hitler and today's neo-Nazis.  Church history is rancid with hatred for the Jews, from the inquisition to the very foundations of the reformation.  Some of this is contributed to the persecution of Christians by Jewish authorities in the first century, which ended abruptly in 70 AD when Jerusalem was sacked by Rome.

         What many have lost sight of is, our faith, as Christians, is built on the foundation of martyred Jews who accepted Yeshua as Messiah.   It is very ironic how anyone can claim to hate Jews in the name of Christ when Jesus Himself was a Jew!  When I say ironic, I really mean idiotic...

          Antisemitism has no place in the church.  The Jews are referred to, in the early part of the first chapter of the book of Ephesians, as God's elect.  Later, in the same chapter, the Apostle Paul - a Jew -  refers to the Gentile believers as also being included into the promises of God through faith in Christ.

          The very foundation of our faith in Christ's sacrifice comes from the Jewish law which states:  Leviticus 17:11 “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes an atonement for the soul.  In other words, without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sins.  

        With no Temple in Jerusalem, there is no place to sacrifice for sin. God did not leave His people without a sacrifice, Christ's blood was shed on the cross and serves as a once for all sacrifice, rather than the needed repeated sacrifices of sheep, goats and bulls.  

         Isaiah 53 clearly prophecies a suffering servant who would come and redeem His people Israel.  God loves the Jewish people, Jesus wept over Jerusalem, days before He went to the cross, lamenting: Matthew 23:37 -  “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!

           The Apostle Paul stated: Romans 10:1 Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved.

            Nowhere in Christian scripture is hatred or violence against the Jews encouraged - in fact, just the opposite. If you are a Christ follower, know that the enemy of the Jews hates you as well. We must conquer love through hate.   

Now, go live as Christ... and give the devil hell!