This is one of my favorite songs. It is finished.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
What is this you speak of?
There are many topics that I fail to understand. I often answer questions with, "I don't know." I often respond to comments with a dumbfounded look.
You're like this too. This is an obvious fact of life. We don't understand everything, and if we claim to, it shows how little we know.
I hate math. I hate math, because I do not understand math. In class today, I found myself in anger. It was almost like my teacher was speaking another language. I felt like an Indian who just met the pilgrims. I mean, I was frustrated beyond belief. What do you not understand? Maybe the way your spouse communicates or fails to communicate? Maybe the way your parents act over your curfew. Or it may be life. I stand on what I said. We hate what we do not understand.
The religious folks in the new testament did not understand grace. They could not wrap their minds around anything, but rules and regulations. When people spoke of grace they tuned their ears to a different station. In their eyes, when they saw grace, they saw nonsense. They didn't understand grace, so they hated grace. Jesus supported grace. Grace was shown through the actions of Jesus. Grace was heard through the words of Jesus. Grace was felt through the hands, and the blood, of Jesus. Religious people do not understand Jesus, so religious people hate Jesus.
Religious people? When you hear this term you may think church. When you hear the word religious you may see gargoyles or nuns. This is not what I mean by religious folk. These things may be an aspect of a certain religion, but that's not what I'm pointing to. When I say religious people, I don't mean people who go to church, even though people who attend church may be religious. Your church or your t-shirt does not define you as religious or not. When I say religious people I mean this...
Religious people are those who find themselves too good or righteous for Jesus. They are those that find themselves to be better than everyone else, and even those who find themselves to be better than some or most.
These people do not even understand the law that they attempt to represent. But, they most definitely do not understand Jesus.
Jesus came for sinners, and we are those. Jesus set down his crown, to walk as a human. He decided to humble himself and deal with our struggles. He did not do this from a distance. He came to us and walked among us! Jesus was sinless. Jesus was perfect. But, Jesus was murdered. He put himself in harms way. Jesus took death. But, it wasn't ordinary death. It was our death. We made mistakes, but He paid the literal price so that we could be victorious in the name of Jesus. We chose sin, He chose us.
Religious people hate this. They see themselves as different from sinners. They go to the altar, looking down on sinners, as if they are not one!
I don't claim to even begin to understand grace. But, I love it. I love it, because I have felt it. I embrace it, not because I am above it, but because I am below it. And yet, Jesus has still shown it.
Jesus is Lord. We are not. Love Him, know Him, and serve Him.
On the other hand...
There are other things that I do not understand. Like, why should I make my bed? I'll get in and mess it up the next night. I do not understand why I have to do school work at home. It seems senseless.
Maybe your sitting there thinking that you are okay. You are not. You say your okay out of pride or laziness. You may think that you have no need to stop sinning, because you love sin. You may think that you don't need to stop sinning, because you don't sin. Don't be lazy, don't be proud, for the wages of sin is death.
Don't allow YOU to get in the way. Jesus is is everything, and if you don't have Jesus, you don't have anything.
Believe Jesus. Love Jesus. Live Jesus.
You're like this too. This is an obvious fact of life. We don't understand everything, and if we claim to, it shows how little we know.
I hate math. I hate math, because I do not understand math. In class today, I found myself in anger. It was almost like my teacher was speaking another language. I felt like an Indian who just met the pilgrims. I mean, I was frustrated beyond belief. What do you not understand? Maybe the way your spouse communicates or fails to communicate? Maybe the way your parents act over your curfew. Or it may be life. I stand on what I said. We hate what we do not understand.
The religious folks in the new testament did not understand grace. They could not wrap their minds around anything, but rules and regulations. When people spoke of grace they tuned their ears to a different station. In their eyes, when they saw grace, they saw nonsense. They didn't understand grace, so they hated grace. Jesus supported grace. Grace was shown through the actions of Jesus. Grace was heard through the words of Jesus. Grace was felt through the hands, and the blood, of Jesus. Religious people do not understand Jesus, so religious people hate Jesus.
Religious people? When you hear this term you may think church. When you hear the word religious you may see gargoyles or nuns. This is not what I mean by religious folk. These things may be an aspect of a certain religion, but that's not what I'm pointing to. When I say religious people, I don't mean people who go to church, even though people who attend church may be religious. Your church or your t-shirt does not define you as religious or not. When I say religious people I mean this...
Religious people are those who find themselves too good or righteous for Jesus. They are those that find themselves to be better than everyone else, and even those who find themselves to be better than some or most.
These people do not even understand the law that they attempt to represent. But, they most definitely do not understand Jesus.
Jesus came for sinners, and we are those. Jesus set down his crown, to walk as a human. He decided to humble himself and deal with our struggles. He did not do this from a distance. He came to us and walked among us! Jesus was sinless. Jesus was perfect. But, Jesus was murdered. He put himself in harms way. Jesus took death. But, it wasn't ordinary death. It was our death. We made mistakes, but He paid the literal price so that we could be victorious in the name of Jesus. We chose sin, He chose us.
Religious people hate this. They see themselves as different from sinners. They go to the altar, looking down on sinners, as if they are not one!
I don't claim to even begin to understand grace. But, I love it. I love it, because I have felt it. I embrace it, not because I am above it, but because I am below it. And yet, Jesus has still shown it.
Jesus is Lord. We are not. Love Him, know Him, and serve Him.
- "...blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed"- John 20:29b
- "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble..." Proverbs 3:34
On the other hand...
There are other things that I do not understand. Like, why should I make my bed? I'll get in and mess it up the next night. I do not understand why I have to do school work at home. It seems senseless.
Maybe your sitting there thinking that you are okay. You are not. You say your okay out of pride or laziness. You may think that you have no need to stop sinning, because you love sin. You may think that you don't need to stop sinning, because you don't sin. Don't be lazy, don't be proud, for the wages of sin is death.
Don't allow YOU to get in the way. Jesus is is everything, and if you don't have Jesus, you don't have anything.
Believe Jesus. Love Jesus. Live Jesus.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Big Belly or Little Shirt?
I have gained weight. How do I know this? Well, the shirts that used to look big on me now look like spandex. Not, what you would call, appealing. Why have I gained this weight? I like to eat more than I like to run. I like to eat a lot. It is fun. There are times where I know that I should eat a banana, but I choose a honey bun instead.
I don't just stop with that snack. I want another..and another...and another. I never seem to get full, and if I do, the satisfaction passes quickly.
So what sense is there in me eating? Why should I fatten my self up like a prize calf, when the only fulfillment is between my stomach and shirt?
This makes no sense. But, you do it as well. You may not be on the brink of 800 lbs. like me, but you feed yourself with something.
Love money? Work real hard? What happens to that money once you spend it? Sure, you may have a new product, but won't it get old like the one you had?
Alcohol, drugs and sex? Feels good while your on cloud nine, right? But, what about when you fall? What about when the girl or boy, man or woman gets up to leave? What about when you wake up and feel as if someone hit you over the head with a baseball bat? Broken and ashamed. Empty. Sure, that's what we're looking for.
Athletic success? Maybe you want to be first in your class academically. Where does this get you when you don't go pro or people stop looking at your high school transcript?
What then? I will be quite frank with you. Once you smother yourself in the crap of this world you will still be hungry.
John 4:14 "..but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life."
Do not drink "the water" of this world because you will thirst again. Do not invest in worldly things, because they will fall through. And, do not pour yourself into the ideas of people, because they don't even hold water. I beg you, believers in Christ, do not whore yourselves to this world, for you are not your own, and you were bought with a price.
But eat, sleep, drink, and breathe Jesus. He alone is worthy, and he alone is enough. He will not falter. He will not leave you needing more. His love can never bounce like a bad check and His grace will never grow old.
Put every bit of hope into Jesus. You do that, and everything is taken care of. I am not talking of health, wealth, and prosperity. I am speaking about love that never fails, and a peace that will pull you through any suffering. As our Lord suffered, we will suffer, but we will do so without hunger.
The woman at the well was holding on to 5 husbands. What do you need to let go of?
Believe Jesus. Love Jesus. Live Jesus.
I don't just stop with that snack. I want another..and another...and another. I never seem to get full, and if I do, the satisfaction passes quickly.
So what sense is there in me eating? Why should I fatten my self up like a prize calf, when the only fulfillment is between my stomach and shirt?
This makes no sense. But, you do it as well. You may not be on the brink of 800 lbs. like me, but you feed yourself with something.
Love money? Work real hard? What happens to that money once you spend it? Sure, you may have a new product, but won't it get old like the one you had?
Alcohol, drugs and sex? Feels good while your on cloud nine, right? But, what about when you fall? What about when the girl or boy, man or woman gets up to leave? What about when you wake up and feel as if someone hit you over the head with a baseball bat? Broken and ashamed. Empty. Sure, that's what we're looking for.
Athletic success? Maybe you want to be first in your class academically. Where does this get you when you don't go pro or people stop looking at your high school transcript?
What then? I will be quite frank with you. Once you smother yourself in the crap of this world you will still be hungry.
John 4:14 "..but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life."
Do not drink "the water" of this world because you will thirst again. Do not invest in worldly things, because they will fall through. And, do not pour yourself into the ideas of people, because they don't even hold water. I beg you, believers in Christ, do not whore yourselves to this world, for you are not your own, and you were bought with a price.
But eat, sleep, drink, and breathe Jesus. He alone is worthy, and he alone is enough. He will not falter. He will not leave you needing more. His love can never bounce like a bad check and His grace will never grow old.
Put every bit of hope into Jesus. You do that, and everything is taken care of. I am not talking of health, wealth, and prosperity. I am speaking about love that never fails, and a peace that will pull you through any suffering. As our Lord suffered, we will suffer, but we will do so without hunger.
The woman at the well was holding on to 5 husbands. What do you need to let go of?
Believe Jesus. Love Jesus. Live Jesus.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Football and Opportunities
Image by scotthelsinger via FlickrThe coolest thing to me is the preparation and the pay-off. The players have worked hard. Most of them have waited for this moment since they were small children. All summer long they have busted their butts. Breaking themselves down in the weight room and building each other up in the locker room. They pulled themselves together and toughed it out through 100 degrees practice. And on this day, it all pays off. They will battle another team, who has prepared just the same, and attempt to catapult themselves to victory.
That is passion.
Do you have passion? What pushes you? Is it football? Is it your job, and that big promotion? I pray that for those players, it is not the game. I pray that it is the opportunity. I pray that they take it as an opportunity to glorify Christ in the game.
Everyday you live in a game. You prepare, you plan, and you play. But, who do you play for? I know this is cliche, but men do not play for themselves. Real men do not even play for the game. But, they play for the one who created the game and the one who gives us the opportunity to play
1 Colossians 3:17
"And(AT) whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,(AU) giving thanks to God the Father through him."
What do you do? Do it for Christ. What pushes you? What motivates you? For men, it is to be Christ. Period. If it is not, you are not a man. You are stuck in the 7th grade. Grow up, and put your big boy pants on.
Whatever it is, do it in the name of Jesus. When you lose your job, Jesus is there. When you realize you won't make it as a pro, he will be there. Do you put your hope in things that won't?
Take everyday as an opportunity. An opportunity to make an impact. Players seek to make big plays. Make the great throw, run then great run, or completely demolish someone with a devastating hit. Make an impact, but not in the name of Seth. Not in the name of Bob, Bill, or Dan. Not for the Glory of Susan, Lucy, or Ashley. But, in the name of Jesus. Thats the only way it will count. In the end, with the points tallied, the scores that will count are those that were scored in Jesus' name. Make an impact today and tell someone the Gospel. Be a gamebreaker and love someone unconditionally. Uncomfortable? Maybe. Worth it? Yes!
Believe Jesus. Love Jesus. Live Jesus.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Decisions and Soldiers
When young men and women sign up with the military, they have made a decision. They have decided to pack up, leave home, and when the battle cries, they will answer. There is no going back. There is no highway option.
Christianity is the same way.
Luke 9:62 "But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.”
But, within this battle you have to make decisions. When it comes to running the race with endurance, you have to make choices.
Christianity is the same way.
Luke 9:62 "But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.”
But, within this battle you have to make decisions. When it comes to running the race with endurance, you have to make choices.
What influences your decisions, Soldier? Is it home? Is it where you came from? No. It can't be.
When it comes to making decisions on the battle field it ultimately comes down to one thing. What would your commander have you do?
What are you going through? What choices are you having to make? Don't allow anything to sway you from The Way. Put your head down, and make the choice that will ultimately glorify Christ. God's will? Glorifying Jesus is God's will.
Believe Jesus. Love Jesus. Live Jesus.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Where He Would Be...
Last night, I went to bed at 2:00 am. Way past my bed time. But before then, I took a trip. A friend, Jon Law, and myself hopped in the car and rode into Louisville. We then stopped on Bardstown Road. It could be Bars-town Road and be understood. Up and down the street, even on a Wednesday night, people were in line to enter a bar. Sitting on benches were men and women who have never seen the inside of a church. Homosexual after homosexual, we saw.
You say, "Seth, why would you go there? What about living above reproach?"
Those people need Jesus. They don't need your religion. They don't your classic comb-over or shirt and tie. They don't need new evangelism techniques or the Awana and Upwards programs. They don't need you to ridicule them. The men don't need the latest gay joke, and the girls don't need you to call them trashy for their lack of clothing. What they need, however, is Jesus.
They need someone to love them. They need someone to care enough to introduce The Lord of the universe to them. Not religion, and not good ole' Southern Baptist tradition. They need Jesus.
I asked myself a question last night. "Would Jesus be in the church with the religious folks, or on the streets with those who are not too proud?"
I think, Jesus would rather be ministering to the prostitutes and homosexuals, than sitting in church and talking about how bad this world is. The world is bad. But Jesus laid down his crown in heaven and entered this bad world. He came for sinners. He came for us, and he came for the de-churched.
Quit being so proud. Quit being so religious. Love Jesus, and love his.
Believe Jesus. Love Jesus. Live Jesus.
You say, "Seth, why would you go there? What about living above reproach?"
Those people need Jesus. They don't need your religion. They don't your classic comb-over or shirt and tie. They don't need new evangelism techniques or the Awana and Upwards programs. They don't need you to ridicule them. The men don't need the latest gay joke, and the girls don't need you to call them trashy for their lack of clothing. What they need, however, is Jesus.
They need someone to love them. They need someone to care enough to introduce The Lord of the universe to them. Not religion, and not good ole' Southern Baptist tradition. They need Jesus.
I asked myself a question last night. "Would Jesus be in the church with the religious folks, or on the streets with those who are not too proud?"
I think, Jesus would rather be ministering to the prostitutes and homosexuals, than sitting in church and talking about how bad this world is. The world is bad. But Jesus laid down his crown in heaven and entered this bad world. He came for sinners. He came for us, and he came for the de-churched.
Quit being so proud. Quit being so religious. Love Jesus, and love his.
Believe Jesus. Love Jesus. Live Jesus.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
All I have is Christ
I was recently introduced to this song in KY. It has quickly risen to be my favorite.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Definition of Cool
Cold? No. Chill? Maybe.
There are many definitions of the word cool. You may think that the night breeze is cool? Or you may think that the guy down the street with a cheerleader girlfriend, and a nice car is cool.
What is your definition of cool (I don't mean a breeze)? What makes you think that someone is cool? Their shoes? Maybe their haircut? Probably their personality. Probably their financial status. And probably their view on a certain topic.
Piercings. A lot of people think that piercings are cool. Maybe their nose. It is rare if a 16 yr. old girl doesn't have an earring. All kinds of people have holes drilled into their faces and bodies, and think that it is cool.
I know a guy that had piercings. It was done in a fashion that makes me cringe, but he did it. His feet were pierced. That wasn't enough though. His hands were pierced. And finally his side was pierced. Some people look at the guy and don't understand his reasoning. Why? The world needed a man to be pierced. As time went on, his piercings led to his death. Why? The world needed a man to die.
"5 But he was pierced for our rebellion,
crushed for our sins.
He was beaten so we could be whole.
He was whipped so we could be healed."
-Isaiah 53:5
We sinned. NOT COOL. Christ took our punishment, gaining nail pierced hands, and has the power to forgive us of our debts. VERY COOL. Someone had to take it. But even in that need, we could not fulfill it. See, we are sinful, and saying "God, here is my life with all my junk, crucify me", was not enough. The sacrifice and the payment had to be spotless and clean. We are not. Our sin is like dirty rags before the Father, He cannot stand the sight of it. As we walked in our sin, we were already walking in our death.
Jesus was blameless. Being the Son of God, he came to earth. Laying down his crown, walking this earth for 33 years and living a sinless life, he picked up our cross and died a criminal's(our) death.
Very Cool.
Society's definition of cool is not cool at all. It sets you up thinking that you need new shoes, lots of sex, and expensive jeans. Society is WRONG.
Jesus is the definition of cool. To be cool, you need him. If you do not have Jesus, you are not "cool" with The Father, and you have failed.
Obviously, I am not speaking of social status. I am talking about your relational status with Jesus. If you do not have Jesus, you are empty of everything full and full of everything empty!
You social status will change. You will need new clothes. The bottle will run dry. Is sin cool? Only if the definition of cool includes your eternal destination being hell.
Quit trying to be cool for this world. Be cool IN Jesus. That means to believe and repent. Have you?
Believe Jesus. Love Jesus. Live Jesus.
There are many definitions of the word cool. You may think that the night breeze is cool? Or you may think that the guy down the street with a cheerleader girlfriend, and a nice car is cool.
What is your definition of cool (I don't mean a breeze)? What makes you think that someone is cool? Their shoes? Maybe their haircut? Probably their personality. Probably their financial status. And probably their view on a certain topic.
Piercings. A lot of people think that piercings are cool. Maybe their nose. It is rare if a 16 yr. old girl doesn't have an earring. All kinds of people have holes drilled into their faces and bodies, and think that it is cool.
I know a guy that had piercings. It was done in a fashion that makes me cringe, but he did it. His feet were pierced. That wasn't enough though. His hands were pierced. And finally his side was pierced. Some people look at the guy and don't understand his reasoning. Why? The world needed a man to be pierced. As time went on, his piercings led to his death. Why? The world needed a man to die.
"5 But he was pierced for our rebellion,
crushed for our sins.
He was beaten so we could be whole.
He was whipped so we could be healed."
-Isaiah 53:5
We sinned. NOT COOL. Christ took our punishment, gaining nail pierced hands, and has the power to forgive us of our debts. VERY COOL. Someone had to take it. But even in that need, we could not fulfill it. See, we are sinful, and saying "God, here is my life with all my junk, crucify me", was not enough. The sacrifice and the payment had to be spotless and clean. We are not. Our sin is like dirty rags before the Father, He cannot stand the sight of it. As we walked in our sin, we were already walking in our death.
Jesus was blameless. Being the Son of God, he came to earth. Laying down his crown, walking this earth for 33 years and living a sinless life, he picked up our cross and died a criminal's(our) death.
Very Cool.
Society's definition of cool is not cool at all. It sets you up thinking that you need new shoes, lots of sex, and expensive jeans. Society is WRONG.
Jesus is the definition of cool. To be cool, you need him. If you do not have Jesus, you are not "cool" with The Father, and you have failed.
Obviously, I am not speaking of social status. I am talking about your relational status with Jesus. If you do not have Jesus, you are empty of everything full and full of everything empty!
You social status will change. You will need new clothes. The bottle will run dry. Is sin cool? Only if the definition of cool includes your eternal destination being hell.
Quit trying to be cool for this world. Be cool IN Jesus. That means to believe and repent. Have you?
Believe Jesus. Love Jesus. Live Jesus.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Monday, August 9, 2010
Soaking in Worthlessness
Image via WikipediaSomething else happened today. It wasn't good. It was actually very foolish. I saw a fight. No, not karate or MMA, but a screaming across the parking lot, out of control, infuriated fight.
In a convenient store parking lot, two guys exchanged words, and began to go after each other angrily. The dispute came to a close when a store employee began to call the police.
This was chaos and anger. It was stupid. Through all the fist swinging and dropping of "F-Bombs", nothing was accomplished. It didn't stop there though.
Both men left, one with a little blood on his forehead, but both angry. There tires would squeal and they made their trucks sound like race cars. Wherever they were going, they had something in common. They would be bitter.
They would sit and think about the mess they had been apart of , and still be apart of it at heart. They grit their teeth while mumbling hateful words. They would soak in this worthlessness.
See, they were angry. They acted in this anger. They accomplished nothing in this act and probably can't remember what even started the fight. The entire event can be summed up as worthless. But, thats not enough. They take their sin home. They soak in it. Being overwhelmed by anger, they become pickled in their sin. They carry it around as a reminder, taking hatred in with every breathe. Hating each other, and loving a dispute that amounts to nothing. Sitting, and soaking in worthlessness.
My point? Think. Next time you want to act in anger, don't. Next time you want to carry this chaos with you, lay it down. Its worthless. Let things go. Accomplish something.
Why? If your a believer, it should be obvious. The entire purpose of your existence is to glorify Christ. The story that I just told you does nothing but glorify and expose stupidity. Exercise self-control. Its a fruit of the spirit for good reason. Be gentle, kind, and loving.
When you act on your emotion, does it glorify Jesus or make you look like a joke?
Don't soak in this worthlessness. Soak in love and forgiveness. Are you a christian? Look like Jesus. Love Him and love His. He forgave, you forgive.
Believe Jesus. Love Jesus. Live Jesus.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
"Jimmy"
I started to re-read a book today. This book is a challenging one. No, its not by Dave Ramsey. This book is a life changing one. No, its not by Max Lacado.
It is the biblical book of James. This book is the 20th new testament book. This book was written by James who happens to be the half brother of Jesus.
The reason this book is so challenging is not because James wrote it. The reason this book is so challenging has everything to do with who James knew. You get it? The book is not the way it is because of who James was, but because of who James knew. James knew Christ.
In the book, James discusses the relationship between faith and works. (Let me repeat) James knew Jesus. James did not have a "sunshine and flowers" faith, because he knew there was know such thing. Faith is not about being happy. Those who have a genuine faith, realize reality. They know that through faith in Jesus Christ, they are promised two things.
1.Eternal Life- Most everyone knows this one. Many know John 3:16 like the ABC's. As Christ comes to us, He offers Himself, and He offers salvation. In this we are called to leave our sin, believe in Him as Lord, and be saved.
In this we often tune our ears to nothing, but "believe and be saved". This brings me to Numero Dos.
2. A Cross- Many people hear this, but don't listen to it. This is the part in the Gospel that people don't take seriously. Many people want salvation, but do not want this. "Salvation? No hell? Yes heaven? Wow, give me that.", is the probable thought passing through a lost man's mind while listening to the popular watered down gospel. But with salvation is a cross. As Christ was crucified, we are to follow him in this act of self denial. We are unworthy to be crucified like the King, but we often see ourselves as to high up. We often think that the cross was necessary for Jesus, but optional for us. WRONG!
If you have real faith in a real Jesus, then you would be carrying a real cross.
"So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls" - James 1:21
There are two parts to this message as you see. "Rid" and "accept". Take note of these words. Apply these words.
The Challenge? Its not about who you are, but who you know. Know Jesus. If you know him, you will be changed by him.
P.S. Read James. He knew Jesus
Believe Jesus. Love Jesus. Live Jesus.
It is the biblical book of James. This book is the 20th new testament book. This book was written by James who happens to be the half brother of Jesus.
The reason this book is so challenging is not because James wrote it. The reason this book is so challenging has everything to do with who James knew. You get it? The book is not the way it is because of who James was, but because of who James knew. James knew Christ.
In the book, James discusses the relationship between faith and works. (Let me repeat) James knew Jesus. James did not have a "sunshine and flowers" faith, because he knew there was know such thing. Faith is not about being happy. Those who have a genuine faith, realize reality. They know that through faith in Jesus Christ, they are promised two things.
1.Eternal Life- Most everyone knows this one. Many know John 3:16 like the ABC's. As Christ comes to us, He offers Himself, and He offers salvation. In this we are called to leave our sin, believe in Him as Lord, and be saved.
In this we often tune our ears to nothing, but "believe and be saved". This brings me to Numero Dos.
2. A Cross- Many people hear this, but don't listen to it. This is the part in the Gospel that people don't take seriously. Many people want salvation, but do not want this. "Salvation? No hell? Yes heaven? Wow, give me that.", is the probable thought passing through a lost man's mind while listening to the popular watered down gospel. But with salvation is a cross. As Christ was crucified, we are to follow him in this act of self denial. We are unworthy to be crucified like the King, but we often see ourselves as to high up. We often think that the cross was necessary for Jesus, but optional for us. WRONG!
If you have real faith in a real Jesus, then you would be carrying a real cross.
"So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls" - James 1:21
There are two parts to this message as you see. "Rid" and "accept". Take note of these words. Apply these words.
The Challenge? Its not about who you are, but who you know. Know Jesus. If you know him, you will be changed by him.
P.S. Read James. He knew Jesus
Believe Jesus. Love Jesus. Live Jesus.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wow Factor
Wow. To some, this word is considered to be slang. To some, it is thought to me simple.
Wow is a word used to express an emotion. This emotion is usually amusement, or delight.
To be such a simple word, it has many synonyms...
- Acclaim
- Admiration
- Applause
- Approbation
- Esteem
- Praise
- Respect
...Just to name a few.
Many say wow to elegant speeches, outstanding physical beauty, or breathtaking and freakish athletic ability.
But what do you say about Jesus. The odd thing about Jesus is that, no matter what religious denomination, no matter what your sexual preference, and no matter what factors in on your belief system, everyone has an opinion on Jesus. Songs are sung to Him, people riot because of Him, and tears run in awe of Him. Whether you love him or hate him, you have an opinion of Him.
Why? For some reason, people flock to Jesus. Religious folks came to criticize, sick people came to be healed, and theives came steal knowledge that was free.
The reason is that Jesus had a "wow" factor. Jesus was the "wow" factor. He claimed to be The Son of God and through his ressurection, like every other claim, proved it to be true. See crazy people have always existed. People have always made ridiculous proclomations. But Jesus is the only one who has ever proved it.
Jesus, through his word and walk, proved to be faithful. Jesus, through his prophecy and his path, proved to be dependable. Jesus never lied, and what he spoke, he lived.
In the book of Revelation, Jesus spoke. In the 22nd Chapter, the last Chapter in the Bible, Jesus made a promise and tells us to be ready when it is fulfilled.
In Revelation 22:12-13 Jesus says, “Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”
Wow.
As Jesus said He would heal, He healed. As Jesus told the waves to shut up and sit down, they did. As Jesus said he would rise above the grave, He did. And as Jesus said He is coming back, He will.
Stand in awe of Christ. Be impressed. There has been no athletic play, no note in a song, and no peice of art that deserves a "WOW", like Jesus.
Believe Jesus. Love Jesus. Live Jesus.
Wow is a word used to express an emotion. This emotion is usually amusement, or delight.
To be such a simple word, it has many synonyms...
- Acclaim
- Admiration
- Applause
- Approbation
- Esteem
- Praise
- Respect
...Just to name a few.
Many say wow to elegant speeches, outstanding physical beauty, or breathtaking and freakish athletic ability.
But what do you say about Jesus. The odd thing about Jesus is that, no matter what religious denomination, no matter what your sexual preference, and no matter what factors in on your belief system, everyone has an opinion on Jesus. Songs are sung to Him, people riot because of Him, and tears run in awe of Him. Whether you love him or hate him, you have an opinion of Him.
Why? For some reason, people flock to Jesus. Religious folks came to criticize, sick people came to be healed, and theives came steal knowledge that was free.
The reason is that Jesus had a "wow" factor. Jesus was the "wow" factor. He claimed to be The Son of God and through his ressurection, like every other claim, proved it to be true. See crazy people have always existed. People have always made ridiculous proclomations. But Jesus is the only one who has ever proved it.
Jesus, through his word and walk, proved to be faithful. Jesus, through his prophecy and his path, proved to be dependable. Jesus never lied, and what he spoke, he lived.
In the book of Revelation, Jesus spoke. In the 22nd Chapter, the last Chapter in the Bible, Jesus made a promise and tells us to be ready when it is fulfilled.
In Revelation 22:12-13 Jesus says, “Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”
Wow.
As Jesus said He would heal, He healed. As Jesus told the waves to shut up and sit down, they did. As Jesus said he would rise above the grave, He did. And as Jesus said He is coming back, He will.
Stand in awe of Christ. Be impressed. There has been no athletic play, no note in a song, and no peice of art that deserves a "WOW", like Jesus.
Believe Jesus. Love Jesus. Live Jesus.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Thats why...
One question, with one word. A response, a statement, or a simple phrase of redundancy.
Why?
Many people ask why. Why this? Why that? Why me? Why not me? The question can hold so many connotations, point to many situations, and is part of several declarations.
The question why is often ased about Christian principles, and even Christianity itself.
Why Jesus? Why do I have to serve? Why must I go? It was their fault, why must I forgive?
The answer? Jesus said so, thats why.
Jesus said he was The Way, The Truth, and The Life. Thats why it is Jesus.
Jesus washed feet, healed the sick, made wine, and humbled himself to show The Father's love. Why do have to serve? Jesus did. Jesus told us to do the same.
Why must you go? He said go unto all the nations...and he said it with all authority in heaven and on earth. He had the right to say it, and did.
Forgiveness? Your a believer, a follower? Your forgiven. Jesus said it. Don't have a problem with that, right? Forgive others. Jesus said to.
(apologies for the tupe o's)
Why?
Many people ask why. Why this? Why that? Why me? Why not me? The question can hold so many connotations, point to many situations, and is part of several declarations.
The question why is often ased about Christian principles, and even Christianity itself.
Why Jesus? Why do I have to serve? Why must I go? It was their fault, why must I forgive?
The answer? Jesus said so, thats why.
Jesus said he was The Way, The Truth, and The Life. Thats why it is Jesus.
Jesus washed feet, healed the sick, made wine, and humbled himself to show The Father's love. Why do have to serve? Jesus did. Jesus told us to do the same.
Why must you go? He said go unto all the nations...and he said it with all authority in heaven and on earth. He had the right to say it, and did.
Forgiveness? Your a believer, a follower? Your forgiven. Jesus said it. Don't have a problem with that, right? Forgive others. Jesus said to.
(apologies for the tupe o's)
Sunday, July 18, 2010
God still working
Tonight is the farewell. Praying that I follow the example of Paul in his last address, in regards to his boldness and clarity.
PRAY WITH ME.
PRAY WITH ME.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Brazil Update #2
Today was good.
God continues to show us his faithfulness. He is keeping us safe and well-fed!
We will be having service in the morning, and official service and reach out starts tomorrow afternoon.
Shared the Gospel in town today. Spoke through an interpreter and it went much better than I expected.
Thank you for all prayers!
Please pray that the people we come in contact with will see Jesus and accept him for who He is, what He has done, and what He calls us to do.
Love you all and in Christ,
Seth
God continues to show us his faithfulness. He is keeping us safe and well-fed!
We will be having service in the morning, and official service and reach out starts tomorrow afternoon.
Shared the Gospel in town today. Spoke through an interpreter and it went much better than I expected.
Thank you for all prayers!
Please pray that the people we come in contact with will see Jesus and accept him for who He is, what He has done, and what He calls us to do.
Love you all and in Christ,
Seth
Friday, July 9, 2010
Brazil Update #1
We are here!
Everything went wonderfully! Only security issue was my shaving cream. Guess I´ll go with the John the Baptist look the rest of the trip.
We just ate our firt meal here... It was delicioso!
I speak NO portugese. Please pray for me, as well as all of our speakers, and all interpreters.
Thanks for all of your prayers!
I do not have access to phone service at the moment but, email is available.
Please pray for safety, all areas of ministry including medical clinic, street evangelism, and construction teams as they build 3 churches, and etc.
I hope to stay in touch, I love you all, continue to pray for a spiritual revolution to take place here.
Everything went wonderfully! Only security issue was my shaving cream. Guess I´ll go with the John the Baptist look the rest of the trip.
We just ate our firt meal here... It was delicioso!
I speak NO portugese. Please pray for me, as well as all of our speakers, and all interpreters.
Thanks for all of your prayers!
I do not have access to phone service at the moment but, email is available.
Please pray for safety, all areas of ministry including medical clinic, street evangelism, and construction teams as they build 3 churches, and etc.
I hope to stay in touch, I love you all, continue to pray for a spiritual revolution to take place here.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Stinkin' excited!
Please be in prayer me as I prepare to leave on Thursday, the 8th, for Belo Horizonte, Brazil. I will be ministering there until July 21st. I will preaching every night. I will also be street evangelism during the day. Please pray for me.
Please be in prayer for my team members. I am part of team that consists of approx. 200 members. This team ranges from doctors to a drama team. God willing, Christ will presented in many ways. Please pray for the team.
Please be in prayer for the Brazilian people. Brazil, like everywhere, needs Jesus. Pray for this need to be met.
Please be in prayer for my team members. I am part of team that consists of approx. 200 members. This team ranges from doctors to a drama team. God willing, Christ will presented in many ways. Please pray for the team.
Please be in prayer for the Brazilian people. Brazil, like everywhere, needs Jesus. Pray for this need to be met.
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