Christ requires a change in heart and character

Greetings,

The message for today seems to go in several directions, but arrives back at choosing Christ for eternal salvation (Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God - Psalms 42:11) On Sunday (2/21/16) we attended church service at McLean Bible Church and Pastor Solomon's message (https://www.mcleanbible.org/sermons) was based on the book of Job; specifically Job 1:1-6, whereby we have hope in Christ. Pastor Solomon when on to discuss the "Four Promises" God has made to those who believe in Christ.  Before sharing the message, I wanted to put you in on the 4 promises:

1. Our troubles have all been inspected

2. Our troubles have a divine purpose

3. In our trouble we are never alone

4. Our troubles will always turn into good

                                                Christ requires a change in heart and character

Earlier this week I began preparing this message based on what was happening in the news regarding politics and global events. I had a host of concerns regarding how often we find it difficult to keep an eye on the issues occurring around us at the ground level. I admit that I often find myself victim of the Beltway mindset. This unfortunately causes you to be inundated by media, politics, and nonsense. Furthermore, depending on where you sit, you know the truth and it upsets you when the outside world believes everything the media provides them. Last week the message was based on personal responsibility. As we continue on this path we will discuss how salvation in Christ must be the beginning of personal change.

One of the problems difficult for us all to face is that why some people do well, some fail, and why poor people and tragedy exists. In Deuteronomy 15:11(For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’), the Bible is clear that we are help those in need, however,  it is also clear that those in need will always exist. 1 Samuel 2:7, says that (The Lord makes poor and makes rich; he brings low and he exalts.) Therefore, there will also be differing socio-economic classes among any given society. However, for those who have the will to succeed, move foward and have goals, should not be considered sinners as long as they do so in accordance with 1 Corinthians 10:31, to God’s glory.

According to the Olive Tree Bible App, the word poor is mentioned in the Bible 174 times, while death was mentioned 469 times. What I found in the midst of those words were issues of suffering, success, condimnation, wealth, failure and defeat. What many of the people shared was either they had  relationship with Christ or they did not. For those who knew Christ, the theme was reoccurring; they were heirs of the promise. However,  they were fully warned in Rev 2:10, where the Lord told John about how the faithful will suffer, "Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful aunto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Here is where the rubber meets the road. Reread that passage and ask if it applies to you. Do consider the Lord your savior? Have you asked Jesus to come into your life, so that you may understand that your situation is not without purpose. The key is what you do with it. As hard as it may seem, at your lowest point, you can have joy, freedom and a way out. I would like to close with letting you know that your situation is not as bad as you think. Consider Joseph (Gen 39 - 50), son of Jacob and brother to 11 other brothers, who threw him into a pit, sold him into slavery and told thier father, he was dead. God used Joseph and his gift of interpreting dreams to propel him to a position beyond his imagination. If God can do such things for Joseph, why are you not entitled to the same promises?

May God richly bless you and keep you.

Personal Responsibility

Greetings everyone,

I would like to send out a special thank you to a very close family friend who shared with my wife and I how much the messages I have written have meant to them. I would like to apologize for my absence, but please know that it has been for a good cause. Last fall I started Seminary with Liberty University. I am currently on a short break, but I acknowledge the instruction has been phenomenal. If you bear with me, I would like to share with you a small message the Lord shared with me that may or may not speak to you, but someone you know.

Why the words "Personal Responsibility" are so hard to hear.

In the 21st Century we appear to still be dealing with issues of race. Humbly it is acknowledged that as long as sin exists, racism will do the same. Through my seminar studies I have learned that one of the most critical barriers for the non-believer either accepting Christ as their personal savior, is personal responsibility. Many non-believers associate Christianity with rules or a burdensome set of requirements. While in reality, belief in Christ actually gives you greater freedom (Galatians 2:4 & 5:1), only that you acknowledge that your freedom comes with responsibility and that you are now a direct representative of Christ.

Unfortunately, this same barrier of fear has done damage to many in our society today. Initially when I prepared this, I wanted to single out minorities. However, after doing further research and reading the scriptures, this behavior has continued for some time and is bound to no single race. You only have to consider the various people and cultures discussed in the Old Testament. When looking for a biblical approach on personal responsibility, I reviewed Got Questions.org, who stated that “As we progress through childhood, we take on more and more responsibility.” Paul stated in 1 Cor 13:11, “When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.”

Got Questions.org also stated: “The one who sins is the one who will die. The child will not share the guilt of the parent, nor will the parent share the guilt of the child. The righteousness of the righteous will be credited to them, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against them” (Ezekiel 18:20). Personal responsibility is closely related to the law of sowing and reaping (Galatians 6:7–8). “Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds. Woe to the wicked! Disaster is upon them! They will be paid back for what their hands have done” (Isaiah 3:10–11).”

What is clear is that when the media, public officials, special interest groups, etc., approach minority communities about personal responsibility, at least two arguments are bound to surface:

1. Society, the media and often the spokesmen of these communities, portray the citizenry as eternal victims. There seems to be a blame everyone else attitude, or an absence of personal responsibility.

2. Immediately racism is often cited when the discussion of victim status or personal responsibility is mentioned by Conservatives, media, politicians, or people who are not members of that minority community.

Both should be addressed immediately. However, the current society we live in seems void of addressing these issues. Granted past incidents endured during the history of America were truly ugly and unforgettable. Unfortunately, we seem to be stuck in a reoccurring dream, one that seems to adjust with time. Many youth today seem to believe that they have a kindred spirit with the Civil Rights Movement of the 60s. Furthermore, they seem to believe that they are fighting against the same hardship and a system that is stacked against them. This allows them to remove personal responsibility and place the blame on the system, rich people, etc. However, when met face to face with the direct question of choice, the discussion goes off course.

Recognizing that incidents of harassment, racism, nepotism, and other unfair activities occur, these actions are not complete prohibitions to your success. Furthermore, living in a lower economic neighborhood, being the child of a single parent and or even being an orphan has not prohibited progress. Some of the brightest minds from these unfortunate situations, have created inventions you use today, or started Fortune 500 hundred companies that are well known today. Author John Maxwell in “Failing Forward” stated “What starts people down the failure freeway is a common mistake, failure, or mess up. But people who stay on the failure freeway don’t think that it’s their fault.”  He also quoted “The moment a question comes to your mind, see yourself mentally taking hold of it and disposing of it. In that moment is your choice made. Thus you learn to take the path to the right. Thus you learn to become the decider and not the vacillator. Thus you build character. – H. Van Anderson”

As usual, I have a lengthy way of trying to make a point. However, I have learned through my studies that God’s ways are not mine (Isaiah 55:8-9). I believe that what He merely wanted me to share with you is that you consider your actions. If you could write down two lists, one depicting all of the people or issues preventing you from pursuing your dreams, and a second list of all of the things you have done to pursue them. Upon reviewing your list, consult with yourself as did Nehemiah (Nehemiah 5:6-8), when confronting the Israelites who charged interest against their own people in violation of the scriptures. Once you have completed your review, be honest with yourself, who or what is the cause of you not progressing. If you can honestly place 100% of the blame on some other source without adding yourself, then I am truly sorry for what happened to you and I will pray for you. However, if there is even a 1% chance that you had some responsibility for your current position in life, then you may want to reexamine the list.  

I will leave you with this from author Jason Riley in “Please Stop Helping Us,” who quoted an excerpt from Booker T. Washington’s writings, “It is important and right that all privileges of the law be ours, but it is vastly more important that we be prepared for the exercise of these privileges.” Don’t miss the chance of using the privileges afforded you for a chance at success.

May God richly bless you and keep you.

Make a Decision and a Difference

Ok ladies and gentlemen, 

Let's first give honor to God for providing us with a Savior, Jesus Christ. 

On Veteran's Day, I sent out a text to some friends and family members regarding my thanks for thier service, whether past or present,  I wanted to take a moment to thank them. I then went on to share a small statement from a WW II veteran, Reverend William T Cummings, who stated that "There are no atheistic fox holes." This same statement was later used by President Eisenhower and many others since. I say all this, because it is time for you or whomever this message touches, to wake up.  The events in France and the Middle East, should be an alarm ringing without a snooze or shutoff button.  For many of you the events surrounding Beau Bergdahl (sp), Bengahazi, Bradley Manning, and Edward Snowden, may either mean nothing, you are uninformed, or naively believe that it doesn't effect you. Unfortunately, you are sadly mistaken. The devil has been busy and sending his minions to keep you in the dark with "Black Lives Matter", the protests at the colleges, and removing the criminalization of Marijuana, to just to name a few. I am not saying the some of these issues are not important to discuss, but remember you live in a free society,  one that in spite of the prejudice and unkind words or actions that may come your way, there are people who spend 24 hours a day defending your right to protest. While many believe the government should provide free this or that, enforce $15 an hour wages, there are people who leave their families for months at a time, some never to see them again,  so that you have the right to ask for this stuff. 

See, the attackers in France, Islamic Extremist, and other Terrorist, don't care if someone calls you a name or disagrees with you. Remember the only safe space they plan to provide you is a coffin!! Remember if you tried to protest with same issues in other countries, would they let you, many of them would not allow it. So, I will say this, if you and the Lord are not on a first name basis and you have not developed a true relationship with Christ, when he returns, you are going to have a problem.  

Secondly,  I recognize that the knowledge and experience that I and many of my colleagues have experienced may not allow you to understand where I am coming from but know this, "FREEDOM ISN'T FREE ", and you need to take your head out of the 60s, because this ain't it. Figure out what is your gift and use it to God’s glory,  while finding a way to defend our right to be free from all tyranny and oppression

Great Parents

9/25/2015 – Thank You for Being Great Parents!

Greetings everyone,

I would like to apologize for my absence. I have been going through quite a bit. I have been having a hard time adjusting to my mother being gone. Although I have a great support group, awesome wife, children, Dad, and siblings, God has been my anchor. I recently joined a group at my church called Grief Share. This group has been extremely helpful and has allowed me to reach out to some of my old colleagues and friends from the past.

This past weekend was my mom’s 73rd birthday. We each attempted celebrate and deal with her loss in our own special way. However, I am sure that my dad took it the hardest. I love him so much and I have always saw him as my hero, for what he has done to keep us together and to teach my brother and I how to be men.  

This brought me to the Word and how God always has a message within each situation. Therefore, I will be taking words from one of my study Bible’s and sharing it with you. I pray that the information is received within your heart and God’s word stirs you to act.

From the New Student Bible (NKJV):

Book: Proverbs

Year Written: Sometime around 900 BC

Author: King Solomon

Purpose: According to gotquestions.org, “Knowledge is nothing more than an accumulation of raw facts, but wisdom is the ability to see people, events, and situations as God sees them. In the Book of Proverbs, Solomon reveals the mind of God in matters high and lofty and in common, ordinary, everyday situations, too. It appears that no topic escaped King Solomon's attention. Matters pertaining to personal conduct, sexual relations, business, wealth, charity, ambition, discipline, debt, child-rearing, character, alcohol, politics, revenge, and godliness are among the many topics covered in this rich collection of wise sayings.”
 
Proverbs is often considered a Father’s Guidance Book. “Its education prepares you for the street and the marketplace, not the school.” “…Fifteen times the father voice says, “My son”.”

Prov. 1:8 (NIV) – Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.

Prov. 6:20 (NIV) - My son, keep your father’s command and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. 

“The overwhelming emphasis of Proverbs is on verbal encouragement and teaching. The whole book is framed as a father’s words to his son, teaching him those “facts of life” that have nothing to do with biology.” Consider Prov. 17:6 (NIV) Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children. Basically, this explains that “parents and children are not meant to be adversaries, but allies in life who are proud of each other.”

As I reflect on my mother and how she emphasized the importance of having God in our lives, I am truly grateful. She often quoted Prov. 22:6(NIV) - Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. She also quoted Prov. 13: 24 (NIV) - Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them; and Prov. 29:15 (NIV) - A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom, but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother.

I won’t burden you in my first return with the details from Matthew Henry’s Commentary, but if you journey to https://www.biblegateway.com/. You will be able to connect to the commentaries for yourself. However, to save time, I will be honest. My mother ensured that she whooped our butts and made sure that we attended church as often as possible. I truly believe that had it not been for the reproof and instruction from my parents. I would not have been able to accept the Lord and his grace. I definitely would not be where I am today.

I can’t speak for anyone else, but I have a deep hole in my heart. I miss my mom dearly and I love my dad beyond words. God has provided a double portion of blessings, my mother is in heaven and my dad is hear with us continuing to teach us while strengthening his walk with the Lord, so that they both will be together in heaven.

I pray that God richly blesses you and your family.

In a World of Chaos, Where do you Fit?

Greetings family,

I pray that your week has been a blessed one and that you have had time to spend with God this week.

This week has not been hectic or traumatic in anyway, but I have noticed that during the quiet times I find myself thinking of my mother and my brother in their absence. People often ask how I am doing or do I know that my mom is in a better place and that I will see her again soon. I personally have no doubt that I will see both she and my brother again soon.  Granted where they spend eternity is not up to me. That decision belongs to the Lord. Now, do I wish that they experience eternity with Christ,  of course I do, and that is all I can do. However, I can ensure that while I still remain here, I can do my part to share God's Word with others and do my best to address my own salvation through Christ our Lord.

I bring this up, because daily as I go through my studies and I am immediately in battle with the world,  whether it's with my boys (who are also part of the current culture), my vocation,  the news and the everyday people I interact with. Please let's not forget the state of our nation.

This is not one of those doom and gloom messages, this is just meant to get you to think. Earlier this week brother Brandon Payne mentioned his disappointment with the current postings on Facebook and how users have failed to take advantage of this great resource for the advancement of our people and nation.

Scripture teaches that we have a responsibility not only to our government ("Whether the Bible uses the terms “master,” “ruler,” “government,” or any other name for an established authority, the instruction is always the same – obey. We must remember that God created the authorities ruling over us just as He created us. As Paul wrote to the Romans, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves” (Romans 13:1-2). Peter wrote, “Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right” (1 Peter 2:13-14). Both Peter and Paul also remind slaves repeatedly to be obedient to their masters for the same reasons (Ephesians 6:5-8; Colossians 3:22-25; 1 Timothy 6:1-2; 1 Peter 2:18-20; Titus 2:9-11)") excerpt from - http://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-government.html

Also, we have a responsibility to govern ourselves in a manner that gives honor to God in all that we do. - (1 Cor. 10:31; So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.- English Standard Version) (Matthew Henry Commentary : According to this advice of the apostle, Christians should take care not to use their liberty to the hurt of others, or to their own reproach. In eating and drinking, and in all we do, we should aim at the glory of God, at pleasing and honoring him. This is the great end of all religion, and directs us where express rules are wanting. A holy, peaceable, and benevolent spirit, will disarm the greatest enemies.)

I believe that this is our greatest problem, if we first understand what the Word is trying to say in this manner, it would be easier to put to practice.

1. The Rich Man and Lazarus - Luke 16:19-31
Time to accept Christ may be short. Jesus Christ himself,  explained to His disciples that many will not believe until it is to late.

2. Christ's Example of Humility - Phillipians 2:1-11
Christ gave His life for you! What more do you need, to believe?

3. Accepting Christ, makes you a new creature (change your life and actions) -2 Corinthians 5:17 New King James Version (NKJV) 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

4. The Bible teaches we must separate ourselves from this world and have Faith in Christ - Romans 12:2 - Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (This is difficult for us and our children,  the world of sin is much more intriguing,  full of freedom, no boundaries. It is this world that fools us into thinking we have time.)

5. Job - explained how God brought him in the world and can take him out. - Job 1:21 King James Version21 And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.  - The blessing of family and the tragic loss of family, can still end in giving glory to God. - According to GotQuestions.Org "The Book of Job teaches us to trust God under all circumstances. We must trust God, not only WHEN we do not understand, but BECAUSE we do not understand. The psalmist tells us, “As for God, His way is perfect” (Psalm 18:30)." http://www.gotquestions.org/Book-of-Job.html

6. With love and faith in Christ, our lives are restored and Jesus went to prepare a place for us.- John 14:1-14;

- I Am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life - Verse 14 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going." - Excerpt from Insight for Living http://daily.insight.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=13299

As you can see the scriptures in this message were not as long as usual. This particular message is surrounding a series of areas, from loss of a loved one,  dealing with today's culture and changing your life once accepting Christ.

I know that many of you have experienced Job-like issues in your own lives, and it is/are these events which either bring you closer to God or further away.  You are definitely not alone.  Just because someone may be farther along in their walk with the Lord, it does not negate the fact that they may also be struggling with the relationship with Him.

At the end of the day, and you walk past a mirror; whether in your home, at a store or anywhere in a public place take a moment to look at yourself, are you happy with your current status?  Is there someone or something really holding you back from success or are you the obstacle to reaching your goals. Christ is waiting on you.

 

Message for 8-4-15 (Revelation on Freedom)

Greetings,  

Brother and Sisters, believers and non-believers, those on the fence, and the lukewarm believers, I hope this message finds you in good health and continuing on a path to developing a right relationship with Christ.

Initially I was planning to write to you regarding the book of Romans. This has been part of my study, which started last week. I am also still in the book of Psalms, but, it is a good pathway that has helped me learn how to understand the importance of both the Old and New Testament.

Well, as God would have it, he had a better plan and information that he wanted to get out to you. Again, I preference my writings with stating I am not a preacher, I am not perfect and the Word I proclaim is not my own. You have every right to challenge what I say and search the scriptures for yourself. Prayerfully that is my aim, that you may find a personal relationship with Christ.

As you know my family and I are parishioners at McLean Bible Church, McLean, VA (McLeanBible.org). In the spring of 2014, our Pastor Lon Solomon, completed an 18-part series, titled a “Bible Survey”. I routinely listen to the series because it is an amazing breakdown of the books of the Bible that not only take you on a tour of history, but also allows you to understand how to apply it to your life. Additionally, it answers many questions that not only I have asked, but also I am sure you have asked the same or similar questions.

I plan to take items from his message today because; I was guided to listen to this message four times today. Each time I heard different messages that either were for me or reassured some of the choices I made in my life, to get me closer to Christ. I pray that you take a look at the words I mention and/or take a moment to listen to his message (hopefully more than once).

The message was titled “Bible Survey, part 8 – The New Testament The Epistles (Galatians, part 2) “Limiting Our Freedom in Christ” (https://www.mcleanbible.org/sermons/galatians-limiting-our-freedom-christ-0)

This message was part of a two-part sermon on the book of Galatians. According to Pastor Solomon:

1. Paul wrote Galatians in 48 A.D. to the churches he had established on his first missionary journey in southeastern Turkey. 


2. Paul’s purpose was to deal with a theological heresy that had crept into these churches – led by a group of false teachers called “Judaizers.” 


3. Judaizers’ plan of salvation = “relying on Jesus’ blood + human works.”


4. In the Book of Galatians, Paul defends God’s TRUE plan of salvation as found in the Bible: “relying on 
Jesus’ blood + no human works of any kind.”

5. But these Judaizers were also teaching that human works form the foundation of our relationship with 
God even AFTER we’re saved. 


6. “For through faith in Jesus Christ, you are all sons/daughters of God.” Galatians 3:26
[Therefore, as an adopted child of God] “. . . you are no longer under Law [human performance system with God], but under grace.” Romans 6:14 


7. “. . . nothing in creation [even our bad performance] shall be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:39

8. As a follower of Christ, I can do anything I want without it ever endangering the family bond between me and my Heavenly Father.

9. “It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore, stand firm in that freedom and do not let yourself be subjected again to a yoke of bondage [i.e. performance system in relation to God].” Galatians 5:1

10. Biblical Balance:
While it is true that we have this wonderful freedom in Christ – it is just as true that God asks us to “limit” that freedom at certain times and in certain circumstances.

11. “For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh . . .” Galatians 5:13a

 Pastor Solomon spoke about six Sieves (Coffee filters) that we should use to guide our “Freedom in Christ” Please see them below and review my comments afterwards.

- If a contemplated action gets caught in one of these six “sieves” – then God is telling me to “limit” my freedom here.

- “All things may be lawful for me, but not all things are profitable.” 1 Corinthians 10:23a


- Just because I have the freedom in Christ to do anything I want without losing God’s love – does not mean that I should!


Sieve #1 – “Is it intrinsically offensive to God [sin]?”

- “As obedient children . . . like the Holy One who called you, be holy in all your behavior. For it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’” 1 Peter 1:14-16

- God calls on us to pursue holy behavior in our lives.
When we don’t, God “disciplines” us as His children [Hebrews 12:6].


- And sometimes, God allows the bad consequences of our sinful behavior to come upon us [Galatians 6:7].

Sieve #2 – “Will it harm me physically?”


 “. . . your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God. You are not your own, you were bought with a price. Therefore, honor God in your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

There are lots of things we have freedom in Christ to do – but which will harm our bodies [which are not our property]!


Sieve #3 – “Will it help me spiritually?”

“. . . let us throw off every weight, and the sin that so easily besets us, so we can run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Hebrews 12:1

God tells us not to load our lives up with “extra weight” spiritually that turns our “race for God” into a “crawl for God.”

“Flee sexual immorality! Every other sin a person does is outside their body; but the person who commits sexual immorality sins against their own body.” 1 Corinthians 6:18

Sexual sin wounds both people involved in a special way.


Sieve #4 – “Will it identify me with unrighteous things even though I may not actually be doing anything wrong?”

 “. . . avoid all appearance of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:22

 “Do not let your good be evil spoken of.” Romans 14:16

 Many times we can exercise some freedom in Christ with a pure heart, but the questions is – “Are we giving off the appearance of evil?”

Sieve #5 – “Will it hurt a fellow believer’s Christian walk?”


“It is not good to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother [sister] to stumble.” Romans 14:21


The mark of a mature follower of Christ is the attitude that says: “I care so much about my fellow Christian’s walk, that I will set aside any freedom I have to – in order not to hurt their walk.”

Sieve #6 – “Will it hurt my platform for evangelism with non-believers?”


“Walk in wisdom when it comes to those who are outsiders . . .” Colossians 4:5


“But I have used none of these rights, lest I hinder the Gospel of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 9:12b

Once we “go public for Jesus Christ” – people start watching us like a hawk.

They have certain expectations as to how a Christian should act – and if we violate them – it will destroy our evangelistic platform with them.

As usual I am sure you are wondering where this is coming from. Over the last several days, I have either witnessed something about myself, people I come across or even members of my family and I question the words I say to them or the actions I portray. Especially the way I interact with my wife and children. Now that my boys are moving into adulthood, I see some similarities in their behavior or characteristics that resemble some of my own actions or that of other people who are or were once in the world. I routinely share with them the results of my actions and how although God forgave me of my sins, I was still required to receive the punishment.

In today’s society it is difficult to understand where people are headed. Initially I used to think it had to do with age or it was a generational thing. I realized that for the most part it is about free will and the Freedom many Believers have in Christ. Those who have not accepted Christ as their personal savior are acting purely on free will, while believers choose take their freedoms to the limit, with the belief that Christ will forgive me no matter what I do. I can only tell you that, you will have to pay for what you do in disobedience to God. You may not even believe any of this, but that day will come when you have to determine whether it is real or fake. For some making lifestyle changes in accordance to the “Six Sieve’s above may be difficult. However, you will have to decide whether you soul or that of another is worth it. I would suggest that each of us examine our current situations and run our lives through these filters to determine what needs to be changed. It may convict you, but in the end, this will save your life.

I pray that God keeps you and covers you in His grace. May God richly bless you.

Message for week 7-28-15

Hello everyone,

Well another glorious week has past and God willing, a new one was on the way. However, it is now the middle of the week and this is just going out. As you can see, I continue to struggle with timeliness in preparing and sharing the Word of the Lord. I allow distractions to interupt my responsibility. Please forgive me.

This week I would like to give out a few thankyou's to a few brothers who checked up on me and my family to see how we are doing. Patrick Davis, Antoine Drake, Carlton Jones and Eugene Choi. With it only being just over a month ago for the passing of my mother, I appreciate these brothers looking out for us. I humbly admit that although God continues to strengthen us and provides the Holy Spirit for comfort, the human (flesh) side of me is week and I miss her and my brother deeply.

With that said, I wanted to take some time today and provide you with the Word of God and ensure His wisdom, clarity, and purpose for you is available for you to obtain. As always, His will be done, whether through me or anyone whom He chooses to provide you with exegetical and doctrinal teaching of the scriptures, in order that you can apply His words to your life.

This past week I was studying both the books of Psalms and Acts. In Psalms, chapters 26 - 48 and in Acts, chapters 22 - 28.

- Let's consider the book of Psalms, according to "www.biblestudy.org", its purpose is:

Overview

Understanding the overall characteristics of this section of the Bible can help us fully appreciate what they say and teach.

1. The purpose of many of the songs is public worship in Israel's temple, although some are more suited for private devotion. They all, however, ultimately lead people to worship the true God.

2. They were a part of Israel's daily life. The Bible records a number of times when the people spontaneously responded to God with a Psalm of praise.

3. They passionately record a person's response to God given their situation and circumstances at the time. Some songs cry out to God during a trial and others seek his intervention in their (and others) affairs. Some focus on God's blessings or curses, while others sing his praises and thank him for what he has done.

Prophecy division

A prophetic theme exists within the five-folder original structure of the Psalms.

1. Section 1 (1 to 41) refers to the Passover, the beginning of Israel as a nation, and the start of the New Testament plan of salvation centering around Jesus

2. Section 2 (42 to 72) shows Israel as a single body in the land of Israel and pictures the creation of the New Testament Church

Additionally, if you are interested, www.biblestudy.org, also identified "Categories of Songs", describing numerous ways in which to divide the book of Psalms other than by section. Please visit the website for further review.

Let's consider the book of Acts:

A. THE IMPORTANCE OF THE BOOK OF ACTS The importance of this second of Luke's two-volume work can hardly be over-estimated, for without it we would have no record of the beginnings and development of the early church. Therefore, as Acts furnishes for us aselective record of events that took place during the formative years of the church, it provides us with the historical antecedents of our faith and how that faith came to be embraced from Jerusalem to Rome. It also provides helpful information of the facts surrounding many of the letters of the apostles, which in turn helps us to better understand when they said what they said and why they said it. It was probably written in the early 60's, perhaps from Antioch, Rome or Ephesus.

B. THE PURPOSE OF ACTS As was stated, Acts is the second part of what was originally a two-part, single volume (i.e. Luke-Acts; cf. Acts 1:1). Therefore, it is reasonable to include Luke's purpose for Acts as falling under his purpose for the book of Luke. In Luke 1:4 the author says that he is writing to "most excellent Theophilus" . . . "in order that he might know the certainty of the things he had been taught." Apparently, as Longenecker1 observes, Theophilus "seems to have been a man, who though receptive to the gospel and perhaps even convinced by its claims, had many questions about Christianity as he knew it." Luke wrote to strengthen him in his belief. Given the contents of the book of Acts, Theophilus appears to have had questions about the coming and activity of the Holy Spirit, the ministry of the apostles, Paul and his dealings with the Jerusalem apostles and the advance of Christianity to the Imperial capital.

In a sentence, given the emphasis on the unity of the church (2, 4, 15, 20) and its expansion from Jerusalem to Rome we may say that the Luke's purpose was to demonstrate to Theophilus the sovereign, unified and unmitigated advance of the gospel into all the world, i.e. from Jerusalem to Rome. There are seven "progress reports" on the unity and advance of the church that further confirm this (cf. 2:47; 6:7; 9:31; 12:24; 16:5; 19:20; 28:30, 31). With this knowledge, Theophilus, who was probably a Roman official,2could understand how Christianity reached his city.

The chapter breakdown is below:

E. PAUL IN JERUSALEM (21:15-23:22)

1. Welcomed by Brethren (21:15-26)

2. Arrested by the Jews (21:27-40)

3. Paul's Defense (22:1-21)

4. The Response of the People (22:22-29)

5. Paul Before the Sanhedrin (23:1-10)

6. The Plot Against Paul (23:11-22)

F. PAUL IN CAESAREA (23:23-26:32)

1. Paul Escorted to Caesarea (23:23-35)

2. Paul Before Felix (24:1-21)

3. Paul Imprisoned (24:22-27)

4. Paul Before Festus (25)

5. Paul Before Agrippa (26)

G. PAUL IN ROME (27, 28)

1. The Shipwreck (27)

2. Paul in Malta (28:1-15)

3. Paul in Rome (28:16-31)

I am sure that while reading this information you are wondering how does this apply to your life. Recognizing that we discussed two books covering the Old and New Testament. Also, if you noticed, in Psalms gave bits of wisdom and preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ. While the book of Acts tells of the expansion of the Church and the challenges faced with the work of spreading God’s word.

An example from Psalms 31: Into Your Hand I Commit My Spirit; To the choirmaster.

In you, O LORD, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me! Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily!

Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me!

For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name's sake you lead me and guide me;

you take me out of the net they have hidden for me, for you are my refuge.

Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God.

I hate those who pay regard to worthless idols, but I trust in the LORD.

I will rejoice and be glad in your steadfast love, because you have seen my affliction;

you have known the distress of my soul, and you have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy;

you have set my feet in a broad place. Consider your life.

Matthew Henry Commentary: Psalms 31:1

Vs. 1-8. Faith and prayer must go together, for the prayer of faith is the prevailing prayer. David gave up his soul in a special manner to God. And with the words, ver. 5, our Lord Jesus yielded up his last breath on the cross, and made his soul a free-will offering for sin, laying down his life as a ransom. But David is here as a man in distress and trouble. And his great care is about his soul, his spirit, his better part. Many think that while perplexed about their worldly affairs, and their cares multiply, they may be excused if they neglect their souls; but we are the more concerned to look to our souls, that, though the outward man perish, the inward man may suffer no damage. The redemption of the soul is so precious, that it must have ceased for ever, if Christ had not undertaken it. Having relied on God's mercy, he will be glad and rejoice in it. God looks upon our souls, when

we are in trouble, to see whether they are humbled for sin, and made better by the affliction. Every believer will meet with such dangers and deliverances, until he is delivered from death, his last enemy.

In the book of Acts we see Paul going through the process of preparing lay down his life for his faith in Christ. Through the multiple appearances before various kings and governors, he remained steadfast. He was given his task on the "Road to Damascus" he went out to both the Jews an Gentiles and did his best to spread the word everywhere. My question to you is have you been, in a position like David? Have you made the effort to work with the Lord and cleanse your soul? Have you considered searching for mercy and redemption?

I pray that you take time create a relationship with Christ. I pray that you chose Christ today.

References:

1. The book of Psalms: http://www.biblestudy.org/basicart/who-wrote-the-psalms.html

2. The book of acts: https://bible.org/article/study-outline-acts