Christians Safe in America

                   
                        I’ve become increasingly freighted about the reality that “we Christians in America are safe”, we are secured by the laws of "freedom of religion", to the extent that we pay no attention to the effect this can possibly have on our faith. I've read numerous stories about persecution in foreign countries all over the world, and the extremes of the persecution expressed on Christians that has resulted in numerous deaths. Thousands of testimonies have been spoken about tortured victims whose been brutally beaten all for the sake of the gospel. Those persecuted in other foreign countries have been through it with a heart after God; through rejoicing in their supposed "humiliation" of being a Christian, also viewing their persecution in the perspective of honoring Christ, and living their faith out in Jesus (Jms.1:1-3), they understand Christ was persecuted first, and they pray for their persecutors (Matt 5:44), (Jn 15:20). This I believe is an inspiration, but also something that calls for our attention as a body of believers. The extremes of Christian persecution executed in foreign countries can become burdensome for those experiencing it, also this may cause doubt in their faith, and often times may cause them to grow weary. Therefore, we as a body of believers should respond, question is how?

1. We should pray for them and on another that we all may continue strong in the faith (Jams 5:13)

2. Those persecuted in these foreign countries have been deprived of their financial need, so we should contribute financially (Matt 6:21), (Lk 6:38), (2 Cor 9:7)

3. Let us join together in unity praying for one another’s weaknesses, uplifting one another, planting seeds in each other's lives so that if in the face of opposition, that seed may prosper in that person's life (Gal 6:1-2,6-10).

Of course, let us remember those persecuted for the gospel and let our hearts be set on Christ that if we may endure persecution for the sake of the Gospel, we will not grow weary but we will press forward so that we may receive the crown of life in heaven (Jms 1:12). If your interested in reading stories of those persecuted and their personal testimonies, go to www.persecution.org.

Church Vs. Business

I have so many questions that come to mind in regards to some Churches becoming a business. Is that what God intended for the church to become? Must we allow our humanly desires to subject us into unbiblical practices? Why do we allow it to go on? Has the church become a business because of our own prideful issues hindering us from continual growth and leading of the Holy Spirit being present in our lives and the church? I understand God provides avenues in order for the church to be maintained financially as well as spiritually. How can the church become completely biblical and not a lukewarm church? Where does the culture of this world play a role in that? At times I realize as a man is placed in different positions within the body of Christ, sometimes its easy for other sinful practices to take control of that person. I wouldn’t judge them because I am in no position to judge. It concerns me though, even with my own sinful practices that may take place at times the process it takes to defeat it is an endless war. However, even when we are aware of this sinful practice taking place, why don’t we take the time to strive in stopping it from happening in our own lives? I’m concerned with some of the things I have observed in some churches that I believe for me is not biblical, however, who am I to judge? So what does a church look like then in the eyes of Christ? I believe it’s a “hospital for the sick” as you all may know. I believe the Church should be what reaches out to the community of non-believers and sharing with them the good news of Christ so that they might be saved. Furthermore, I believe the Church should be about loving one another in the midst of differences and disagreements instead of having “church cliques” because we don’t necessarily prefer to particularly engage in discussion and interaction with certain people. The churches should not choose in keeping themselves away from fellowshipping with other churches of a different “denomination”. When is the body of Christ as a Church going to become one? The church should be about imitating as a body of Christ, what the Holy Spirit wants to do and is doing now. Church isn’t about simply sitting in a pew, hearing a good sermon, paying your tithes, shouting around, and then leaving. And then walk by thousands of strangers not speaking to any of them, where is the church in our hearts? Can you imagine if Jesus came on earth right now just too simply walk around in the world, how many lives he would touch and save? Well, we are that little Jesus in the world to save and touch lives, ultimately glorifying the kingdom of God. We are the mouth pieces for God, his humble servants. Matthew 28 says as I quote, “Go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the father, the son, and the Holy Spirit”. Jesus did ministry, not business. I love you all, God bless.     

Walk in Peace and Godly Love for one another

Scripture- Romans 14:19 Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutal edification.

Paul astounds me as he writes so many marvelous letters to so many people. As you read this verse Paul puts sooo many words and implications in this one great verse. As we live our daily lives, in the situations we encounter let us make peace and strive for peace. Life is not about beating one another up, or proving ourselves right over someone else, or trying to make a name for ourselves. Its about serving God, and one way in which we can please God is striving for peace. Imagine your driving and someone rams into your car accidently, theyre at fault. Your rear bumper is partially damaged but not severly damaged. The driver who hit you is very poor finacially and really is struggling, eventhough we all are. Are you going to demand their insurance and make demand they pay for your damage or are you going to say all is well, and leave off.(leave your answer in a comment). The key thing to remeber when we are in numerous situations is you still want to have peace with yourself and the other person. Secondly, edification can easily turn into condemning or judging another person, however lets cut the line and define edification. When you help edify another person, it should be out of a Godly love for that person. Edification is meant to help build a person up and build their walk with Christ stronger. As I close, always remeber God is ruler over everything, he is LORD of lords and King of kings. No one is perfect, but we have God who is molding us each and everyday. Lets aim for a stronger walk with God.

Walk in the spirit and talk in silence
-Christ Disciple