vassal of the King: Husband, Pray for Your Wife!

vassal of the King: Husband, Pray for Your Wife!: HUSBAND: PRAY FOR YOUR WIFE! Geoffrey R. Kirkland Christ Fellowship Bible Church There just might be some news that would toweringly so...

Help! My Pastor is Leaving! What Do I Do?

Pray.

That's what you should do. You've just found out the man leading your flock is leaving. Not for any reason other than a change in his life has brought him to move onto another situation in ministry.

Once you catch your breath, pray.

Thank God for his and his wife's service to your church and the community.

Pray that God will prepare his new congregation to accept and love him as you did, maybe even more!

Pray for protection for him, his wife and his family, so he will not be distracted from the work ahead of him. (Hint: You should have already been praying this one while he was serving your church!)

Pray that God is already stirring the heart of the man who will replace your pastor.

Pray that the man's family will be open to coming to Long Island and embrace your congregation, as well as your community.

Pray for the selection committee to have an open heart to God's leading to the man He wants to lead your congregation.

Pray that your church family's hearts will be prepared to accept and love the new pastor as much, if not more than the one who is leaving.

Pray for your church to remain steadfast as the process plays out.

Then, pray, that you can used by God in all of this in a way that glorifies Him!

Then thank God that He has everything, including this in His sovereign control!

Evil Will Continue to Exist Until Jesus Makes Everything New

We have to come to grips with the fact evil will continue until the end of time when God makes all things new.

We should pray. We should continue to do good, help the poor, spread the good news about Jesus Christ, but we should be prepared that evil is not only not going away, it will probably get worse. Read Matthew 24 to see what I'm saying.

It's time the church got holy. It's time we stopped worrying about unimportant things and started acting like Christ. 

Is anyone listening out there?

Jesus Christ did little to nothing about the political scene. He taught people. He loved people. He served people. He healed. He gave life. He did force the money changers out of the temple. He was always showing the religious leaders of the day their hypocrisy. But His focus was to do the will of the One who sent Him. That will was to live, to teach and ultimately to die for the sins of all of us who have ever existed.

Jesus did not come to destroy evil. He came to seek and save the lost. He did not come to earth to condemn humanity. He came to die for the sins of the world.

Friends, we need Jesus if we are going to get through it all.

Chick fil A Does Not Compromise the Gospel-AGAIN!

I guess you'd have to have been on Mars or in a cave for a long time not to know about the furor Chick fil A caused by stating it was for the Biblical definition of marriage; one man, one woman. The LGBT community and their supporters railed against them. For a long time the media, which champions most, if not all, liberal-progressive causes ran negative story after negative story about this unashamedly Christian-run company. Yet, the company and its management stood firm in their beliefs.

Fast forward to the heinous evil terrorist attack by a radical Muslim in Orlando. 49 people killed, over 50 wounded. A horribly sad event. And Chick fil A in Orlando, whose corporate policy is to be closed on Sunday to honor the Christian Sabbath, opened their doors on a Sunday to feed those who were voluntarily giving blood for the wounded of the attack. And all the food was free. The company and that store in particular, once again stood firm in their beliefs.

Though, on the surface, this might seem to go against the Christian beliefs of this family-run company, it does not. And if you are thinking that, it proves that the vast majority of America and the world do not know or understand the Christian faith. This is for several reasons, the two main ones are the failure of the Christian church to effectively communicate our beliefs to the community around us and the failure of the media to honestly report on and about the Christian faith.

You see, if you got to know us personally, you'd see what we were all about and I would guess your opinion of us would change for the better.

Now it's true that we believe what God says in the Bible about marriage, but true Christians also believe, more importantly, that we are to love people (our neighbors). It is, after all, one of the two greatest commandments according to Jesus Christ. The other being we are to love God.

As little Christs (the definition of "Christian") our example is the sinless, perfect Christ. Jesus ignored the Jewish Sabbath to love His neighbor. Luke and Mark report on two different times Jesus healed someone (a man and a woman) on the Sabbath Day. You see, our Lord and Savior obviously thought people were more important than religious tradition and so do we Christians. Chick fil A is a wonderful, real-world example of that love.

So, please, if you've had a bad opinion of Chick fil A, I ask you to reconsider it, as well if you've had a negative opinion of Christians. If there's one thing Christians and Chick fil A do not want to do, that is leave a bad taste in anyone's mouth.

Love Your Neighbor-Christians are Not Enemies of the LGBT Community

We woke up yesterday to the horrific news of America's worst mass murder in our history. At least 50 dead and 53 wounded. 103 people shot in one venue in one horribly evil cowardly act.

And the perpetrator was an American citizen of the Muslim faith who, according to those who knew him, was usually angry, and has now been found to have pledged allegiance, not to America, but to ISIS.

As is usual in dark times, the call goes out to pray for the dead, the affected families, the community, the state, our country and the world. But, pray to whom?

As a Christian, I know I am not a citizen of this world. Once I believed and was baptized I became a new creation, an adopted child of the one true living God, a citizen of heaven. My allegiance is to God our Father, Jesus our Savior and the Holy Spirit our Counselor. But, is that the same as a Muslim pledging allegiance to ISIS? No, it is not.

Let's review the last mass murder of gays by a Christian.

Well, frankly, there's nothing to review.

True followers of Jesus Christ do not kill. Do not harm. Do not condemn. We love.

Sounds trite, but it's true. We love by praying, by showing up to help, by giving our time, talent and treasure. We love because Jesus said that was one of the two greatest commands He has given us. The other was loving God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength. And, since we pledge our allegiance and our love to Jesus Christ, we want to follow all the commands He's given us because we know it glorifies Him and makes us stand out to others so we can then talk about how great a relationship with the Messiah is. That is what spreading the Gospel, or Good News is all about.

So what?

The time of calling Christians gay-hating homophobes has come to an end with this evil event in Orlando. It is not Christians who shoot gay people. We do not throw gay people off roofs. We love gay people. We pray for gay people. At least true, Bible-believing, Jesus Christ following Christians do. Anyone else just is not a true Christian.

True Christians do not ask people what their sin is. We have our own sin to deal with. GASP! Christians SIN????? Yes, we are not perfect. We are forgiven, though. We have the assurance that Jesus's death, which was necessary for our sins to be forgiven, has been applied to our lives for our sins. And that forgiveness is so overwhelming that we spread the love shown to us by Jesus Christ to others who do not know Him yet.

When Jesus said, "God so loved the world" (emphasis mine), He meant every one falls into at least one of these or other sinful categories. But, because of Jesus's death on the cross, we can have those sins become as if we've never committed them, by believing in Christ and being baptized.
adulterer, thief, murderer, liar, cheat, phony religious person and, yes, every homosexual. Every

As John wrote, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

And forgiveness is something we all need.

We just need to admit it.

The Power to Change

Most people would probably be able to name at least one thing about themselves they would change if they could. Looks, punctuality, improve their health, change job, improve living arrangement, get a relationship. The one time of year people, as a whole, think of making a change is New Year's. 45% of people make a resolution on New Year's. However, only 8% of those who make a resolution actually carry it out. The seem to lack the power to change.

They came for Jesus in Gethsemane. They led him away to the High Priest's house. Peter, who had previously told Jesus he would die for him, followed a safe distance behind Jesus.

When they arrived, Peter sat around the fire with others as his friend was confronted by the High Priest. He was immediately recognized as a disciple of Jesus, but denied knowing the Lord. Then another recognized him, saying, "You are one of them,". Again Peter denies it. And, yet a third said, "Surely he's one of them, he's a Galilean!" For a third and final time Peter strongly denies knowing Jesus. At that moment a rooster crowed as Jesus turned to look at his friend. Peter, probably remembering how staunchly he stated he would die for Jesus instead of ever denying knowing Him, ran out of that courtyard and "wept bitterly". Let's face it, at that moment Peter realized what a coward he was. He folded under pressure after announcing how courageous he would be! He probably would have given anything at that moment to be able to change.

Fast forward to the crucifixion. Jesus is taken down from the cross and placed in the tomb. The disciples effectively disappeared. They actually ran away and hid. They were confused. They didn't realize what was happening. The feared the political revolution they thought Jesus would lead was "finished" before it even began. They faced humiliation from yet another failed "prophet". A failed teacher they put so much hope and energy into.

Then, on that Sunday morning, two of the women who had followed Jesus went to the tomb to anoint his body with spices and perfume. They knew the tomb was guarded, but probably hoped to convince the Roman soldiers to let them take care of their religious ritual. But when they got there, Jesus was not there. He had risen! Later on Jesus appeared to all the disciples. For the next 40 days he appeared to people including over 500 people. He told the disciples He had to leave, but He was sending a Comforter, a Guide; the Holy Spirit.

Forty days after Jesus ascended into heaven in front of all the disciples, Pentecost occurred. The Holy Spirit came down to live in the believers. The baptism of fire (the people saw the Spirit descend like tongues of flame) was happening! Jesus had previously stated that the Holy Spirit would give them power. But power for what?

On the day of Pentecost, Peter confronted a group of Jews. Peter? The one who just very recently had denied Christ and ran and hid? He confronted a large group and what did he do? He gave his first sermon preaching the Gospel and witnessing for Christ. Peter, through the Holy Spirit had changed! He was 180 degrees in the opposite direction. Instead of running away, he was running to the crowds. Instead of denying Christ, he was preaching Christ! Peter was different. He was bold. Well, he had always been bold at times, but now he was fearless. God's Spirit had transformed him in His fearless witness! A complete change.

If you're a child of God, you too can be changed. The same power that changed the Apostle Peter can change you. God's Spirit lives in you and He wants to change you to be His witness for Christ. You just have to ask and believe He can change you.

"but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth." Acts 1:8

Soaring thru Scripture! Colossians 1:1-14

Paul's letter to the church in Colossae, verses 1 through 14

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
2 To the saints and faithful brothers[a] in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.

Thanksgiving and Prayer
3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, 6 which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, 7 just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant.[b] He is a faithful minister of Christ on your[c] behalf 8 and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.

9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. 11 May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, 12 giving thanks[d] to the Father, who has qualified you[e] to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

A Little Background

The city of Colossae, at the time of Paul's letter, was in the twilight of its existence. A once great city on the decline. It's population was being overcome with the new age thinking of the day. In the midst of this, Paul's co-worker in Christ, Epaphas, established the church and it was thriving because the new believers embraced the Gospel of Jesus Christ, they were faithful and loving.

Greeting

As was Paul's way, he begins the letter establishing his credentials, stating, quite correctly, that he was an apostle (an eyewitness of Christ) by the will of Jesus Christ. That fact was established on Paul's journey to Damascus. Refer to The Acts of the Apostles chapter 9.

In verse 2 Paul establishes his audience, "the saints". So, he is writing to the believers (Christians) of the church in Colosae.

He goes on the compliment them on being a faithful and loving church and that they first heard the Gospel through Epaphras, a co-worker of Paul's.

Beautiful Prayer

Verses 9 through 11 give great insight into how Paul prayed for the Colossians. It's a wonderful prayer and would be a great way to pray for any believers, new or established, you know. It would be a great prayer for your children, if you have them. Come to think of it, it would be a great prayer to pray for yourself! We all need to be "filled with the knowledge of His will" and "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord".  And what Christian wouldn't want to "bear fruit", "increase in knowledge of God", as well as be "strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy"? I know I would!

Faithful Promise

Looking at verse 13, we are given a wonderful promise. When we are saved, we area delivered from the darkness of our unsaved, sinful life to the kingdom of our King Jesus Christ! As part of being a new creation, we are made members of God's kingdom! We are welcomed into that kingdom with all the rights, privileges and blessings of those who have gone before us and those who are to follow!

Foundational Truth

Verse 14 states an important foundational truth of Christianity. We are redeemed and forgiven through our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ! Without that truth, I think we can agree, Christianity has no real meaning. Without the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which we remember at Communion time, the is no Christianity, because Jesus would not be who He claimed to be.

Thanks be to our Father in Heaven, that is not the case and Jesus did rise from the dead and exited that tomb just as He said He would, cementing the fact that He truly is THE Messiah come to earth to redeem His people!

I hope you got something out of this. Something useful, uplifting or encouraging. Please feel free to comment or ask questions! I'd love to hear from you. All I ask is to keep it civil. I promise to do the same.

God bless and keep you!

Bob

What is a Christian?

According to a Pew Research survey, as of 2014, 71% of the US population describes themselves as Christian. That number is falling, unfortunately, but I think it's more realistic the lower it goes.

Christians are looked down on in America these days.

We're perceived as judgmental.

We're looked at as hypocrites.

We're told we are mean.

We're called racist and homophobic.

We're narrow minded, if we have a mind at all.

We're stupid and behind the times.

For those who are actual followers of Jesus Christ, those descriptions could not be farther from the truth.

Even casual observers of Jesus Christ's life can only conclude that He was about love and forgiveness; sacrifice and giving. And those who believe He is the Messiah, come down to earth to take the punishment for our sins and then follow His teachings and strive to live their lives accordingly, are authentic Christians. Quite frankly, everyone else just give Christians a bad name.

Authentic Christians ARE NOT:

Westboro Baptist Church. Let me repeat, authentic Christians ARE NOT Westboro Baptist Church. These people are exactly the opposite of authentic Christians.

The KKK who burn crosses and hate

Crusaders forcing people to convert and killing them if they don't

People who apply their own form of morality on society

Authentic Christians are just people who believe we personally are sinners who have broken our relationship with God and that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, come to earth to die for those sins. We TRY to live each and every day the way Jesus Christ would want us to live according to His teaching. We don't always succeed. We're human, after all.

We understand that those who aren't yet Christian watch us closely, scrutinizing our lives to see if we are different. And that's OK. It really is because that's the way God wants it. Jesus said we are to go into all the world to be His witnesses. That means we are to live our lives, not separate from, but within society to show we are different. Jesus is the reason we are different.

Please don't judge us when we fail. God doesn't.

When there is disaster anywhere in the world, generally speaking, Christians are the first on the scene with help. Organizations like Samaritan's Purse have disaster relief teams all around the world at the ready to react to earthquakes, floods, tornadoes and other natural disasters. They bring food, shelter and medical attention.

Authentic Christians help people. Pray for people. All people.

We do these things, because of the great grace and mercy shown to us by God, the Father who forgives our sin and guides us through our lives. We do it in response to His great love for us.

Do we always get it right? No way. We fail. We have a bad day. We sin. But, an authentic Christian will not live that way, perpetually failing, sinning. An authentic Christian will recognize their failure, ask for forgiveness, and strive to do better the next time with God's help.

We are praying for America and the world. Yes, we are even praying for the President and the US government.

Why do we do the things we do? Because we want everyone to know the love and forgiveness that comes from believing in Jesus Christ.

Being a Christian doesn't clear your life of troubles. Far from it, But the Christian life and following Christ gives you an advocate with God. Living the Christian life gives you someone who is perpetually with you to help you through life's turbulent times. More importantly, being a Christian means you have a place with God for all eternity.

So, please, when you see someone who identifies themselves as a Christian, by all means, scrutinize their life. Ask them what motivates their life. If they don't identify the two greatest commandments, then maybe, just maybe, they aren't authentic Christians.

I invite any and all comments and questions. Please keep it civil.

John 3:16

For God So Loved the World

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.