What does it mean to have a "Christ-centered home"?

QUESTION

 

My spouse is always talking about the importance of having a "Christ-centered home." What do you think that means? I grew up in a family where people's actions rarely matched their religious verbiage, and I don't want to repeat that pattern. Can you help us?

ANSWER

 

It's regrettable that your religious upbringing has left you with such a bad taste in your mouth. There have always been tares among the wheat, hypocrites amidst the saints and sanctimonious Pharisees in the church. We're all fallen people, so there's an ever-present danger that even the best and most sincere believers among us might at some point fall into the trap of parading a mere "form of godliness" while "denying the power thereof" (II Timothy 3:5). But that doesn't prove that God doesn't exist or that Christ can't make His influence felt in our lives in very real and unmistakable ways. It doesn't imply that there's no such thing as "a Christ-centered home."

What is a "Christ-centered home?" One thing's certain: it's not a home governed by dead, restrictive "religious" rules. Instead, it's a place where family members live their lives under the "bright shadow" of the presence of the Son of God — where people speak and act and relate to one another in the awareness that Jesus Himself is an intimately concerned participant in everything they do. It's a household of which it can truly be said, "Christ is the Head of this house, the Unseen Guest at every meal, the Silent Listener to every conversation."

How does this "Christ-centeredness" play itself out in the practical details of everyday life? To a certain extent it expresses itself differently from situation to situation. Every Christian family, like every Christian individual, is a poem  written by God (Ephesians 2:10), and every poem is unique. But there are some common features we can expect to find in every genuinely Christ-centered home.

In the first place, joy is characteristic of a truly Christian home. Having said this, it's crucial to add that joy and happiness are not necessarily the same thing. Happiness is a result of what happensto us. Joy has deeper roots. Every marriage and every family will encounter trials and hardships of various kinds, but there is no circumstance that can rob us of our joy if we know that the key to our present welfare and future destiny lies in Christ alone.

Second, a Christian home is orderly. As the apostle Paul says, "God is not the author of confusion but of peace" (I Corinthians 14:33). In an important sense, this home is guided by Thoreau's famous dictum: "Simplify, simplify, simplify!" It is purposely not in chaos. The tyranny and bedlam of the world are required to stay outside. The members of the household regularly review everything that's allowed in. Should it stay? Does it build up the family? Does it encourage people to value one another over things?

Third, a Christ-centered home should be marked by grace. It should be a safe place to mess up. Family members need the ointment of grace applied to the wounds of their hearts. They need to remember that love, not perfection, is the goal. There's enough hostility, judgment, sarcasm, biting humor and antagonism out in the world. Home should be a retreat where the hurting can find comfort, rest and healing.

Fourth, a Christian home is a place of service. Its atmosphere is tempered and flavored with acts of kindness, respect, humility and love. This is where husbands and wives discover that serving each other in Christ is primary; that service to others in the outside world is founded upon an attitude of selflessness at home; and that all of life, including the mundane duties of laundry, housekeeping and lawn-mowing, can be sacred.

Fifth, a Christ-centered home is a place where the spiritual disciplines are practiced. It provides an environment in which every member of the family learns how to live by studying the Scriptures, praying, meditating on God's Word and spending time alone in the presence of the Lord.

Finally, a Christian home is based on God's purposes for every member of the household. It's a place where the family's goals are founded upon His values and where the corporate vision of the future is consistent with His plan. Developing a family "Mission Statement" can be a wonderful place to start crafting a genuinely Christ-centered home. The guiding principles embodied in this document should be flexible but consistent. From beginning to end, they should reflect your eternal focus and express your deep hope of seeing Jesus face to face one day.

Blessings~

Daniel

A Reasoning God

Exodus 32:7-35............⁷ And the Lord said to Moses, “Go, get down! For your people whom you brought out of the land of Egypt have corrupted themselves. ⁸ They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them. They have made themselves a molded calf, and worshiped it and sacrificed to it, and said, ‘This is your god, O Israel, that brought you out of the land of Egypt!’” ⁹ And the Lord said to Moses, “I have seen this people, and indeed it is a stiff-necked people! ¹⁰ Now therefore, let Me alone, that My wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them. And I will make of you a great nation.”

¹¹ Then Moses pleaded with the Lord his God, and said: “Lord, why does Your wrath burn hot against Your people whom You have brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? ¹² Why should the Egyptians speak, and say, ‘He brought them out to harm them, to kill them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth’? Turn from Your fierce wrath, and relent from this harm to Your people. ¹³ Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, Your servants, to whom You swore by Your own self, and said to them, ‘I will multiply your descendants as the stars of heaven; and all this land that I have spoken of I give to your descendants, and they shall inherit itforever.’” ¹⁴ So the Lord relented from the harm which He said He would do to His people.

¹⁵ And Moses turned and went down from the mountain, and the two tablets of the Testimony were in his hand. The tablets were written on both sides; on the one side and on the other they were written. ¹⁶ Now the tablets were the work of God, and the writingwas the writing of God engraved on the tablets.

¹⁷ And when Joshua heard the noise of the people as they shouted, he said to Moses, “There is a noise of war in the camp.”

¹⁸ But he said:

“It is not the noise of the shout of victory,
Nor the noise of the cry of defeat,
But the sound of singing I hear.”

¹⁹ So it was, as soon as he came near the camp, that he saw the calf and the dancing. So Moses’ anger became hot, and he cast the tablets out of his hands and broke them at the foot of the mountain. ²⁰ Then he took the calf which they had made, burned it in the fire, and ground it to powder; and he scattered it on the water and made the children of Israel drink it. ²¹ And Moses said to Aaron, “What did this people do to you that you have brought so great a sin upon them?”

²² So Aaron said, “Do not let the anger of my lord become hot. You know the people, that they are set on evil. ²³ For they said to me, ‘Make us gods that shall go before us;as for this Moses, the man who brought us out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.’ ²⁴ And I said to them, ‘Whoever has any gold, let them break it off.’ So they gave it to me, and I cast it into the fire, and this calf came out.”

²⁵ Now when Moses saw that the people were unrestrained (for Aaron had not restrained them, to their shame among their enemies), ²⁶ then Moses stood in the entrance of the camp, and said, “Whoever is on the Lord’s side—come to me!” And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together to him. ²⁷ And he said to them, “Thus says the Lord God of Israel: ‘Let every man put his sword on his side, and go in and out from entrance to entrance throughout the camp, and let every man kill his brother, every man his companion, and every man his neighbor.’” ²⁸ So the sons of Levi did according to the word of Moses. And about three thousand men of the people fell that day. ²⁹ Then Moses said, “Consecrate yourselves today to the Lord, that He may bestow on you a blessing this day, for every man has opposed his son and his brother.”

³⁰ Now it came to pass on the next day that Moses said to the people, “You have committed a great sin. So now I will go up to the Lord; perhaps I can make atonement for your sin.” ³¹ Then Moses returned to the Lord and said, “Oh, these people have committed a great sin, and have made for themselves a god of gold! ³² Yet now, if You will forgive their sin—but if not, I pray, blot me out of Your book which You have written.”

³³ And the Lord said to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against Me, I will blot him out of My book. ³⁴ Now therefore, go, lead the people to the place of which I have spoken to you. Behold, My Angel shall go before you. Nevertheless, in the day when I visit for punishment, I will visit punishment upon them for their sin.”

³⁵ So the Lord plagued the people because of what they did with the calf which Aaron made.

God is able to relent on the destruction of all the Israelites for their sin of the golden calf.

God's anger was fierce, but Moses was able to reason with God not to allow destruction of the people reminding Him of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. God relents.

Can we reason with God? Well these scriptures, and others in Genesis 18:26-33 ²⁶ So the Lord said, “If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sake.”

²⁷ Then Abraham answered and said, “Indeed now, I who am but dust and ashes have taken it upon myself to speak to the Lord: ²⁸ Suppose there were five less than the fifty righteous; would You destroy all of the city for lack of five?” So He said, “If I find there forty-five, I will not destroy it.” ²⁹ And he spoke to Him yet again and said, “Suppose there should be forty found there?” So He said, “I will not do it for the sake of forty.” ³⁰ Then he said, “Let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak: Suppose thirty should be found there?”

So He said, “I will not do it if I find thirty there.”

³¹ And he said, “Indeed now, I have taken it upon myself to speak to the Lord: Suppose twenty should be found there?” So He said, “I will not destroy it for the sake of twenty.” ³² Then he said, “Let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak but once more: Suppose ten should be found there?” And He said, “I will not destroy it for the sake of ten.” ³³ So the Lord went His way as soon as He had finished speaking with Abraham; and Abraham returned to his place.

Abraham gets God to have mercy on Sodom and Gomorrah if they just found just ten righteous, God would not destroy the cities.

Abraham was trying to use reason with God. So  can we reason with God? The answer to this question is: The Bible reminds us that Jesus Christ: ⁸ Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

We don't even realize we are trying to reason with God, and the reasoning is scriptural. He may just see your reasoning.

Blessings~

Daniel

Christianity VS Satan

Exodus 4:5  “that they may believe that the Lord God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you.”
Did Muhammad perform like Jesus or even Moses?
    All through the Bible, prophets such as Elisha, the disciples perform miracles. Peter raising the dead of Tabitha in Joppa (Acts 9:40-42)⁴⁰ But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. ⁴¹ Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. ⁴² And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord.... or Elijah against the prophets of Baal, (1Kings 18:20-38)²⁰ So Ahab sent for all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together on Mount Carmel. ²¹ And Elijah came to all the people, and said, “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people answered him not a word. ²² Then Elijah said to the people, “I alone am left a prophet of the Lord; but Baal’s prophets are four hundred and fifty men. ²³ Therefore let them give us two bulls; and let them choose one bull for themselves, cut it in pieces, and lay it on the wood, but put no fire under it; and I will prepare the other bull, and lay it on the wood, but put no fire under it. ²⁴ Then you call on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the Lord; and the God who answers by fire, He is God.”   So all the people answered and said, “It is well spoken.”²⁵ Now Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “Choose one bull for yourselves and prepare it first, for you are many; and call on the name of your god, but put no fire under it.”

²⁶ So they took the bull which was given them, and they prepared it, and called on the name of Baal from morning even till noon, saying, “O Baal, hear us!” But there was no voice; no one answered. Then they leaped about the altar which they had made.

²⁷ And so it was, at noon, that Elijah mocked them and said, “Cry aloud, for he is a god; either he is meditating, or he is busy, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is sleeping and must be awakened.” ²⁸ So they cried aloud, and cut themselves, as was their custom, with knives and lances, until the blood gushed out on them. ²⁹ And when midday was past, they prophesied until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice. But there was no voice; no one answered, no one paid attention.

³⁰ Then Elijah said to all the people, “Come near to me.” So all the people came near to him. And he repaired the altar of the Lord that was broken down. ³¹ And Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the Lord had come, saying, “Israel shall be your name.”^[a] 32 Then with the stones he built an altar in the name of the Lord; and he made a trench around the altar large enough to hold two seahs of seed. ³³ And he put the wood in order, cut the bull in pieces, and laid it on the wood, and said, “Fill four waterpots with water, and pour it on the burnt sacrifice and on the wood.” ³⁴ Then he said, “Do it a second time,” and they didit a second time; and he said, “Do it a third time,” and they did it a third time. ³⁵ So the water ran all around the altar; and he also filled the trench with water.

³⁶ And it came to pass, at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near and said, “Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and I am Your servant, and that I have done all these things at Your word. ³⁷ Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that Youare the Lord God, and that You have turned their hearts back to You again.”

³⁸ Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood and the stones and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench.

or as Jesus said (John 10:37, 38 and John 3:2)³⁷ If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me;
³⁸ but if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him.”   ² This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.”
     There are no such miracles attributed to Muhammad, or for that matter, any false God. This goes for Allah in the Koran when unbelievers challenged Muhammad to perform a miracle, he refused. He merely said read a chapter in the Koran: Surah 2:118

And they that know not say, 'Why does God not speak to us? Why does a sign (ayatun) not come to us?' So spoke those before them as these men say; their hearts are much alike. Yet We have made clear the signs (bayyanna al-ayati) unto a people who are sure.

Several to chose from are: Surah 3:181-184, 4:1535, 6, 8, 9, 37 in the Koran.

    In Jesus ministry, there are miracle and miracle, unlike Muhammad who could not perform any, as he was a false prophet. Jesus proved that He was the Christ the Son of God and is the John 14:6 ⁶ Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me...and we are saved through His grace (Ephesians 2:9-10) 2 not of works, lest anyone should boast. ¹⁰ For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

So, give your life to Jesus-any who is reading this and following a false prophet, turn to Jesus!

Fruitful Growth in the Faith

2Peter 1-11:

Greeting the Faithful

1 Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ,

To those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:

² Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, ³ as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, ⁴ by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Fruitful Growth in the Faith

⁵ But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, ⁶ to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, ⁷ to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. ⁸ For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹ For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.

¹⁰ Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; ¹¹ for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Knowledge is the first fruit Peter spoke of. One must have that knowledge of the basic precepts of faith in Christ.

After knowledge, Peter mentions self control. All of us must have self control, to learn how to win over the temptations of sin.
From self control, Peter speaks of perseverance. Never give up on faith. Keep running the race, fighting temptations and sin. If you fall, repent from your knees, get up and keep running the race.

After perseverance, Godliness.  You must have genuine Godliness toward God, in every aspect of your life. In all things we do - we must have Godliness or we may cause a younger christian to stumble.

From Godliness, we add brotherly kindness. We must be kind more in the church, but it we is lacking. You though, yourself, be kind to your brothers and sisters.

Finally,  Peter speaks of love. This is the love for our Lord Jesus and for all friends and enemies.

Then Peter speaks of the shortsighted blind christian. Even though God has forgave their sins, and they have forgotten it, that he has been cleansed of all his sins. This christian is inactive, and not bearing fruit.

But- we must do the things above to make our election sure. See 2Corinthians 13:5-- Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified. For if we do these things, knowledge, self control, perseverance, Godliness, brotherly kindness...we will not stumble.

So let us pursue these virtues so we are guaranteed a place in Heaven with our Lord Jesus!

Daniel

Revelation Promise

This is what God promises you in Revelations 21 and 22. If you finish the race and finish it strong, you will live in this heaven. A new heaven and a new earth that He creates.
So I still question as to why people do not believe. I question this because every prophesy in the Bible is coming true. And Jesus fulfilled every prophesy about the Messiah in the New Testament except the prophesy of Him coming back. So as I go back to my blog from last night as I said: As He stands at teh door and knocks, if anyone opens that door and sups with Him - you are saved. You let HIm in your heart and He will transform your heart from hatred and bitterness and these worldly goals to wanting to have the rewards of heaven - ones that do not rust and mold. So take Him in your heart as He transform your heart, your life, your future.

Is America the church of Laodicea?

Are we in America here the seventh church of Revelation? That is the church of Laodicea?
 ¹⁴ “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write,

‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: ¹⁵ “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. ¹⁶ So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. ¹⁷ Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— ¹⁸ I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. ¹⁹ As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. ²⁰ Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. ²¹ To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

²² “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Are we this church that is so rich and has so much increase of goods and need of nothing? Is it that we do not know that we are wretched? miserable? poor? blind and naked? And that we are lukewarm, neither cold nor hot so that He will spew us out of His mouth? Is that the church of the United States today? Then we must listen to His counsel, if we agree that it is! That is to buy gold tried in the fire.That we may be rich and we will be clothed in white and thine eyes with eye salve so you may see. Repent! Behold, HE stands at the door and knocks. If anyone hears HIS voice and opens the door, HE will be there! He will come in and sup with him and he with ME!  To he that overcomes it says will I grant to sit with Him in His throne, even as He also overcoame and sat with the Father. When Jesus comes to YOUR door and knocks, please answer that door! Let Him sup with you - change your heart from bitterness and hate to love and joy! Let Him save you from the terrible, terrible things of Hell, the gnashing teeth and everlasting fire! So when you hear His knock at that door, answer - He will change your heart, this very day! If you only answer the door!

A few of His Miracles....

Here is just a little reading for you....

Healing of a Centurion's Servant

Luke 7:1-10

          Now when He concluded all His saying in the hearing of the people, He entered Capernaum. 2 And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear to him, was sick and ready to die. 3 So when he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to Him, pleading with Him to come and heal his servant. 4 And when they came to Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying that the one for whom He should do this was deserving, 5 "for he loves our nation and has built us a synagogue.'

          6 Then Jesus went with them.  And when He was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, "Lord do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof. 7 Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You.  But say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8 For I am also a man placed under authority having soldiers under me.  And if I say to one, 'Go' and he goes; and to another, 'Come' and he comes; and to my servant, 'do this' and he does it."

          9 When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, "I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! 10 And those who were sent, returning to the house, found the servant well who had been sick.

Healing Peter's Mother-in-Law

Luke 4:38, 39

          Now He arose from the synagogue and entered Simon's house.  But Simon's wife's mother was sick with high fever, so they made a request of Him concerning her.  So He stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her.  And immediately she arose and served them.

Healing the Sick in the Evening

Luke 4:40

          When the sun was setting, all those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and He laid His hand on everyone of them and healed them.

Stilling the Storm

Luke 8:22-25

          22 Now it happened, on a certain day that He got into a boat with His disciples. And He said to them, "Let us cross over to the other side of the lake."  And they launched out. 23 But as they sailed He fell asleep.  And a windstorm down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy. 24 And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, "Master, Master we are perishing!"

          Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of water. And they ceased, and there was calm. 25 But He said to them, "Where is your faith?"

          And they afraid and marveled, saying to one another, 'Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!'

                              Demons are Cast into Swine

Luke 8:26-40

          26 Then they sailed to the country of the Gadarenes, which is opposite Galilee.

27 And when He stepped out on the land, there met Him a certain man from the city who had demons for a long time. And he wore no clothes, nor did he live in a house but in the tombs.  When he saw Jesus he cried out, fell down before Him and with a loud voice said, "What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?  I beg You, do not torment me!" 29 For He had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man.  For it had often seized him and he was kept under guard, bound with chains and shackles; and he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the wilderness.

          30 Jesus ask him, saying, "What is your name?"

          And he said, "Legion" because many demons had entered him. 31 And they begged Him that He would command them to go out into the abyss.

          32 Now a herd o many swine was feeding there on the mountain.  So they begged Him that He would permit them to enter them.  And He permitted them.  33 then the demons went out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the lake and drowned.

          34 When those who fed them saw what had happened, they fled and told it in the city and the country. 35 Then they went out to see what had happened, and came to Jesus, and found the man from who the demons had departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus ,clothed and in his right mind. 36 They also who had seen it told them by what means he who had been demon-possessed was healed. 37 Then the whole multitude of the surrounding region of Gadarenes asked Him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. And He got in the boat and returned.

          38 Now the man from whom the demons had departed begged Him that he might be with Him.  But Jesus sent him away, saying, 39 "Return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you" And he went his way and proclaimed throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him. 40 So it was, when Jesus returned, that the multitude welcomed Him, for they were all waiting for Him.


This is the God we serve and who loved us enough to come from Heaven to Earth and performed these miracles. How could you not want to serve Him?

Can We Trust God in all Circumstances?

2 Corinthians 4:8-9

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁸ We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;⁹ persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—

We have troubles all around us but we are not defeated. We do not know what to do.

God does care for us, of course, for John 3:16-17 shows us how much:

¹⁶ For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. ¹⁷ For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. But can we trust God to help and provide for us? Sometimes it is best to get out of God's way and let Him handle the situation when we are overwhelmed.

After all in Isaiah 40:11, God will fight for us - we just have to trust Him to handle the entire situation for us:

11He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, And carry them in His bosom, And gently lead those who are with young.

So what do you think of all this of our God when we are in a bind, will He fight for us? In Exodus14:14:  ¹⁴ The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” 

Just trust, don't direct or question. Just pray and wait to see what God does, nothing more is necessary. Psalm 62:6:  6He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved.

So, pray as the Psalmist prayed in Psalms 109:22  22 For I am poor and needy, And my heart is wounded within me.

He will save you from any circumstance!

What is Communion and Why Do Christians Observe Communion?

Answer: Unlike Baptism, which is a one time event, Communion is a practice that is meant to be observed over and over throughout the life of a Christian. It is a holy time of worship when we corporately come together as one body to remember and celebrate what Christ did for us.

Why do we observe Communion?

• We observe Communion because the Lord told us to. We are to obey His commands: 
  And when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." 1 Corinthians 11:24
• In observing Communion we are remembering Christ and all that He has done for us in his life, death and resurrection: 
  And when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do thisin remembrance of me." 1 Corinthians 11:24 
• When observing Communion we take time to examine ourselves: 
  A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. 1 Corinthians 11:28 
• In observing Communion we are proclaiming His death until He comes. It is, then, a statement of faith: 
  For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. 1 Corinthians 11:26 

• When we observe Communion we show our participation in the body of Christ. His life becomes our life and we become members of each other: 
  Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf. 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 

Three main Christian views regarding the bread and the wine during the practice of Communion:

• The bread and the wine become the actual body and blood of Christ. 
• The bread and the wine are unchanged elements, but Christ's presence by faith is made spiritually real in and through them.
• The bread and the wine are unchanged elements, used as symbols, representing Christ's body and blood, in remembrance of his enduring sacrifice.

Scriptures Associated with Communion:

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body." Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." Matthew 26:26-28 

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take it; this is my body." Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it. "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many." Mark 14:22-24 

And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you." Luke 22:19-20

Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf. 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 

And when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. 1 Corinthians 11:24-26 

Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." John 6:53-54 

There is a God!

Atheism is a religion in itself. Their defense of this very fact has actually caused it to be a faith. And the atheist is missing some serious facts which PROVE that as a Christian singer, Carman, put it together just like this:

93 million miles from the blistering surface of the sun hands the planet earth. A rotating sphere perfectly suspended in the center of the universe. The ultimate creation from an infinite mind. An unbelievably intricate complex design. A supernatural testimony, an irrefutable sign that there is a God. 

The size, position and angle of the earth is a scientific phenomenon to see. A few degrees closer to the sun we'd disintegrate, a few degrees further we'd freeze. The axis of the earth is titled at a perfect 23 degree angle and it's no mistake that it is. This allows equal global distribution to the rays of the sun making it possible for the food chain to exist. 

Or take for example the combination of nitrogen and oxygen in the atmosphere we breathe every day. It just happens to be the exact mix that life needs to prosper, it doesn't happen on any other planet that way. 

You see, the Bible says the invisible things of God are seen through His creation, to believe this is not hair. If there's a design, there's a designer, if there's a plan, there's a planner and if there's a miracle, there is a God. 

There is a hope, there is a light 

There is an answer to all answers 

There is a flame that burns in the night 

And I know, I know, I know there is a God 

The Scripture says the heavens declare the glory of God and the skies proclaim the work of His hands. If we allow our minds to drink in all the truth that surrounds the truth that just surrounds us, creation itself with help us understand. 

Did you know the moon controls the tides, it's the maid that cleans the oceans. Even the waves don't crash the shores in vain. The tides drag impurities from the depths of the sea, it's nature's constant recycling chain. 

It simply boggles the mind to think that the stars will rotate with such exact precision that it's true. That the atomic clock with an error factor of less than three seconds per millennium is set by the way we move. 

Though they silently orbit, the sun, the moon, the stars are like celestial evangelists above. Who circle the earth every 24 hours shouting in every languages that there is a God. Atheism is the wedge under the foundation of our faith, trying to topple our relationship with Christ. When the fool said in his heart, there is no God, he rejects the truth God painted on the canvas of the night. Atheism has never created an artistic masterpiece, never healed a fatal disease or calmed a fear. Atheism has never still given answers to our existence, peace to a troubled mind or even dried a tear. 

 For it's God who created heaven and earth and flung the stars in space and breathed in the handful of dirt and it became a man. It's God who sits on the circle of the earth and measures the mountains in a scale, and holds the seven seas in the palm of His hand. It's God who sent His only begotten Son to the cross of Calvary to save our souls from Hell and the grave. It's God who creates, God who delivers, God who heals and who is worthy of a thunderous ovation of praise. 

The atheist has hope there is hope. Evolution has been debunked time after time. The big bang theory was God creating the earth. Evolutionist have even given up and said there has to have been a designer of earth. That designer is God.

But as I said, there is hope for unbelievers. Repent of your sins, accept Jesus as your savior. As is Carman, the earth is a  great witness that there is a God so repent of your sins and take God as your savior and live with hope and faith. He wants all to be saved, and come to the the knowledge of the truth 1Timothy 2:4 He did not make hell for humanity, but for Satan and his demons. 

That is their ultimate destination, the everlasting lake of fire. But that doesn't have to be you! Accept Christ as your Savior and heaven will be YOUR destination!

Take a moment and listen to this song:

http://youtu.be/p9mWyd4dkq8

Postcards #1

Most of the books of the Bible have many chapters in them and may take days to read and study. Yet there are four in the New Testament that are 25 verses or less that would take ten minutes or less.  But these four letters have a lot to teach us.  I call these four letters postcards from the first century because as you will see the letters can fit on a postcard.

            The four letters are 2John, 3John, Philemon, and Jude. And although there all  small  enough  to fit on a postcard you will see after a thorough study there is much to be gleaned from these postcards.  At least I hope you do.

2^nd John

The Elder to the elect lady and her                           7 For many deceivers have gone

children, whom I love in truth and not                       out into the world who do not

only I but also all those who have known                  confess Jesus Christ as coming

the truth                                                                      in the flesh. This is a deceiver

2 Because of the truth which abides in us                  and an antichrist                                              

and will be with forever                                             8 Look to yourselves that we do                                              

3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you               not lose those things we worked for

from God the Father and the Lord Jesus                     but that we may receive a full

Christ the Son of the Father in truth and love.            Reward.

4 I rejoiced greatly that I found some of your            9 whoever transgresses and does            

children walking in the truth, as we received              not abide I the doctrine of Christ            

commandment from the Father.                                  does not have God. He who abides

5 And now I plead with you, lady,. not as                   in the doctrine of Christ has both

though I wrote a new commandment to you,              the Father and the Son.

but that which we have had from the: beginning:       10 If anyone comes to you and

that we love in another                                                does not bring this doctrine do

6This is love, that we walk according to his               receive him into your house nor commandments. This is the commandment                greet him.               ,

that as you have heard from the beginning.                11 For he who greets him shares

you should walk in it.                                                  In his evil deed

                                                                                     12 Having many things to write to                                                 :                                                                                     you I did not wish to so with

                                                                                      paper and ink; but I hope  to comet

                                                                                      to you and speak face to face that,

                                                                                      our joy may be full                                                              

                                                                                    13 The children of your elect sister

                                                                                     greet you. Amen.

            The first postcard we will look at is 2John written by the Apostle John.  Although we should first tell why we believe the Apostle John wrote this postcard.  It is the fact that John refers to himself as The Elder in his introduction and the writer write with apostolic authority.  Also the literary  style is similar to his other letters.

            And who is the Apostle John writing to when he opens in verse 1 “Greetings to the Elect lady” First we must understand John is not speaking to a church.  WE know this because he speaks of the elect lady’s children and at the end of the of the letter he tells her that her “ elect sister send her greetings.”  As we continue to study we find in verse 2 makes this statement “ because of the truth abides in us and will be with us forever” should be undersrstood by all Christians that Gods truth never changes or alters the word of  God. His Son the Lord Jesus Christ or the Holy Spirit that lives within us does not change because times change.  This should reassure Christians that as the Word of Jesus Christ is the same  yesterday today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

            In verse 3 John conveys “grace, mercy and peace will be in you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father in truth and love.” This should teach us  that grace, mercy and peace are the actions of a Christian who shows truth and love to this world of darkness.

            In verse 4 John “rejoice that he has found some of your children walking in the truth as we received commandment from the Father.” Do we as Christians today rejoice when the young walk in obedience, truth and love for God.  All of us should encourage and rejoice when the young walk in grace, mercy and peace.

            Verse 5 John reminds us that we should love on another as Christians. Something today’s churches need reminded of.  And I believe the love John is talking about practicing love not just speaking it.  For instance helping the  Christian widow is practicing love.

            In verse 6 John reminds us that love is that we are obedient to God and His commandments. Obedience to God is to love God.

            Its in verse 7 that the tone of the letter changes when he speaks of “many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh.  This is a deceiver  and an antichrist

            This is one of the greatest heresies there is to deny Jesus was fully a man at the same time being fully God goes against the teaching the Bible.  That is why John refers to them as antichrist.  There are many people today who believe the same thing and they to John would refer to these people as antichrists as well.

            In the following verse 8 John tells us to”Look to yourselves that we do not lose those things we worked for that we may receive a full reward.” This is a warring to all of us not to give in to false teaching.  We must look at ourselves and make sure we are not

following any teachings of apostasy. Whatever you here during a sermon or read in book look to your Bible to ensure it is on line and not a false teaching.

            John further goes on in verses 9 through 11and states that “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God.. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son  If  anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him, for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.”

            John could not have put this any simpler for us as Christians.  Those who do not believe as the Apostle Paul stated in Romans “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised from the dead you will be saved  Romans10:9.Those who do not believe  in this, but teach a different doctrine we are not to let him in our house or even greet them as we would share in their evil.  We are not to invite heretic in our home or even offer them Godspeed. In today’s world this would include the Jehovah Witness who altered the text of the Bible  or the Mormon who has added other holy books they say are equal to the bible are both heresies.  Do not even invite them even to debate their doctrines.

            But the one who simply believes as John wrote in his gospel” For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life” John 3:16

            And remember Paul words in Ephesians “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is a gift of God not of works lest any one should boast” Ephesians 2:8, 9

            This is sound doctrine and it is a simple faith.  If this anyone brings this doctrine to you greet them with Christian truth and love.  Also we must continue to abide in the doctrine  of Christ and not get caught up in movements  such the word faith doctrine, or the prosperity doctrine- john would consider theses heresies,  Remember dealing with these people  we share in their evil deed sand we lose a full reward in heaven as well.

            In verses 12 and 13 John close his letter by saying he would have many more things to write.  But instead he hopes to come and see and speak with her face to face so “that  our joy may be full.  This joy happens when  two Christians , who believe in sound doctrine, the result will be genuine joy. John then follows up by letting her nieces and nephews send her greetings through John. This must bring her even more joy to know the close relationship they have with the Apostle John

            2^nd John may fit on a postcard but as you have seen in 13 verses the Lord inspired him to teach us many things and to help grow in our faith as children of the Living God lets take a look at John’s other postcard  3^rd John.........next