Wisdom and Free Will, Your Choice. (Weekly Message 11/30/14)

Greetings everyone.  I hope this study finds you doing well after a holiday weekend of thanksgiving, love and time with family, and most of all, giving honor to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Well as usual, just when I think I have the perfect message that I wanted to provide, God always taps me on the shoulder and puts into my head what he wants me to write.  As I stated before,  I am going through a study on Proverbs and it is amazing.  Please take a moment to review and I will provide my two cents at the bottom.
 
Book:  Proverbs
Authors:  King Solomon, other wise men, such as Agur son of Jakeh, and King Lemuel.
Time: The tenth century b.c., some comparables to writings of the second millennium b.c.; and it is believed  that some important sections of Proverbs were compiled and edited from 715 to 686 b.c.
Purpose:  "According to the prologue (1:1-7), Proverbs was written to give "prudence to the simple,knowledge and discretion to the young" (1:4), and to make the wise even wiser (1:5). The frequent references to "my son(s)" (1:8,10; 2:1; 3:1; 4:1;5:1) emphasize instructing the young and guiding them in a way of life that yields rewarding ends. Acquiring wisdom and knowing how to avoid the pitfalls of folly lead to personal well-being, happy family relationships, fruitful labors and good standing in the community (see outline, p. 1279). Although Proverbs is a practical book dealing with the art of living, it bases its practical wisdom solidly on the fear of the Lord (1:7; see Ps 34:8-14 and note)." (The information regarding this book was taken from BibleStudyTools.com.  Please feel free to connect to the following link for further information. (http://www.biblestudytools.com/proverbs/)

The First Collection of Solomonic Proverbs
1 The Proverbs of Solomon: A wise child makes a father rejoice, but a foolish child is a grief to his mother.

2 Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from mortal danger.

3 The Lord satisfies the appetite of the righteous, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.

4 The one who is lazy becomes poor, but the one who works diligently becomes wealthy.

5 The one who gathers crops in the summer is a wise son, but the one who sleeps during the harvest is a son who brings shame to himself.

6 Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the speech of the wicked conceals violence.

7 The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the reputation of the wicked will rot.

8 The wise person accepts instructions, but the one who speaks foolishness will come to ruin.

9 The one who conducts himself in integrity will live securely, but the one who behaves perversely will be found out.

10 The one who winks his eye causes trouble, and the one who speaks foolishness will come to ruin.

11 The teaching of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the speech of the wicked conceals violence.

12 Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all transgressions.

13 Wisdom is found in the words of the discerning person, but the one who lacks wisdom will be disciplined.

14 Those who are wise store up knowledge, but foolish speech leads to imminent destruction.

15 The wealth of a rich person is like a fortified city, but the poor are brought to ruin by their poverty.

16 The reward which the righteous receive is life; the recompense which the wicked receive is judgment.

17 The one who heeds instruction is on the way to life, but the one who rejects rebuke goes astray.

18 The one who conceals hatred utters lies, and the one who spreads slander is certainly a fool.

19 When words abound, transgression is inevitable, but the one who restrains his words is wise.

20 What the righteous say is like the best silver, but what the wicked think is of little value.

21 The teaching of the righteous feeds many, but fools die for lack of wisdom.

22 The blessing from the Lord makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow to it.

23 Carrying out a wicked scheme is enjoyable to a fool, and so is wisdom for the one who has discernment.

24 What the wicked fears will come on him; what the righteous desire will be granted.

25 When the storm passes through, the wicked are swept away, but the righteous are an everlasting foundation.

26 Like vinegar to the teeth and like smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who send him.

27 Fearing the Lord prolongs life, but the life span of the wicked will be shortened.

28 The hope of the righteous is joy, but the expectation of the wicked will remain unfulfilled.

29 The way of the Lord is like a stronghold for the upright, but it is destruction to evildoers.

30 The righteous will never be moved, but the wicked will not inhabit the land.

31 The speech of the righteous bears the fruit of wisdom, but the one who speaks perversion will be destroyed.

32 The lips of the righteous know what is pleasing, but the speech of the wicked is perverse.

Matthew Henry Commentary :
Chapter 10:  Through the whole of the Proverbs, we are to look for somewhat beyond the first sense the passage may imply, and this we shall find to be Christ. He is the Wisdom so often spoken of in this book.

Proverbs 10:1 The comfort of parents much depends on their children; and this suggests to both, motives to their duties.

Proverbs 10:2, 3 Though the righteous may be poor, the Lord will not suffer him to want what is needful for spiritual life.

Proverbs 10:4 Those who are fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, are likely to be rich in faith, and rich in good works.

Proverbs 10:5 Here is just blame of those who trifle away opportunities, both for here and for hereafter.

Proverbs 10:6 Abundance of blessings shall abide on good men; real blessings.

Proverbs 10:7 Both the just and the wicked must die; but between their souls there is a vast difference.

Proverbs 10:8 The wise in heart puts his knowledge in practice.

Proverbs 10:9 Dissemblers, after all their shuffling, will be exposed.

Proverbs 10:10 Trick and artifice will be no excuse for iniquity.

Proverbs 10:11 The good man's mouth is always open to teach, comfort, and correct others.

Proverbs 10:12 Where there is hatred, every thing stirs up strife. By bearing with each other, peace and harmony are preserved.

Proverbs 10:13 Those that foolishly go on in wicked ways, prepare rods for themselves.

Proverbs 10:14 Whatever knowledge may be useful, we must lay it up, that it may not be to seek when we want it. The wise gain this wisdom by reading, by hearing the word, by meditation, by prayer, by faith in Christ, who is made of God unto us wisdom.

Proverbs 10:15 This refers to the common mistakes both of rich and poor, as to their outward condition. Rich people's wealth exposes them to many dangers; while a poor man may live comfortably, if he is content, keeps a good conscience, and lives by faith.

Proverbs 10:16 Perhaps a righteous man has no more than what he works hard for, but that labor tends to life.

Proverbs 10:17 The traveler that has missed his way, and cannot bear to be told of it, and to be shown the right way, must err still.

Proverbs 10:18 He is especially a fool who thinks to hide anything from God; and malice is no better.

Proverbs 10:19 Those that speak much, speak much amiss. He that checks himself is a wise man, and therein consults his own peace.

Proverbs 10:20- 21 The tongue of the just is sincere, freed from the dross of guile and evil design. Pious discourse is spiritual food to the needy. Fools die for want of a heart, so the word is; for want of thought.

Proverbs 10:22 That wealth which is truly desirable, has no vexation of spirit in the enjoyment; no grief for the loss; no guilt by the abuse of it. What comes from the love of God, has the grace of God for its companion.

Proverbs 10:23 Only foolish and wicked men divert themselves with doing harm to others, or tempting to sin.

Proverbs 10:24 The largest desire of eternal blessings the righteous can form, will be granted.

Proverbs 10:25 The course of prosperous sinners is like a whirlwind, which soon spends itself, and is gone.

Proverbs 10:26 As vinegar sets the teeth on edge, and as the smoke causes the eyes to smart, so the sluggard vexes his employer.

Proverbs 10:27- 28 What man is he that loves life? Let him fear God, and that will secure to him life enough in this world, and eternal life in the other.

Proverbs 10:29 The believer grows stronger in faith, and obeys with increased delight.

Proverbs 10:30 The wicked would be glad to have this earth their home for ever, but it cannot be so. They must die and leave all their idols behind.

Proverbs 10:31- 32 A good man discourses wisely for the benefit of others. But it is the sin, and will be the ruin of a wicked man, that he speaks what is displeasing to God, and provoking to those he converses with. The righteous is kept by rhe power of God; and nothing shall be able to separate him from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus.

I am currently reading a book titled "The Gospel of Wealth and Other Timely Essays," by Andrew Carnegie in 1901.  The story basically seems to be about the life of Carnegie and his thoughts on wealthy people use or misuse the wealth they made in their lifetime.  Ultimately he became a billionaire after an initial life of poverty and with little or no education, during the 1800 -1990s. Carnegie began his book using the following  introduction.  "It is a great pleasure to tell how I served my apprenticeship as a business man. But there seems to be a question preceding this: "Why did I become a business man? I am sure that I should never have selected a business career if I had been permitted to choose. The eldest son of parents who were themselves poor, I had, fortunately, to begin to perform some useful work in the world while still very young in order to earn an honest livelihood, and was thus shown even in early boyhood that my duty was to assist my parents and, like them, become, as soon as possible, a bread winner in the family. What I could get to do, not what I desired, was the question."

As I read this story, I began to look at the choices I made in my life.  What really hit me was how those choices had an effect on my family, especially, my two sons.  Let's consider the opening statement of this book how many of us know young people who are willing to take on such a burden. How many people know someone close to them that is willing to take on such a burden. How about you yourself, are you willing to make a similar choice for your family or sacrifice your possibilities, your dreams to ensure the safety and progression of your home?

The first verse in chapter 10 begins with a message to a son, consider that whether it's a daughter or son, the question is how good it would be for a parent to have a wise child.  The scripture doesn't stop there and focuses just on the life of a child, as it progresses throughout the chapter it speaks upon the behavior of one and their relationship with Christ.  How do you consider your behavior against the actions of one who is not wise, or for the one who doesn't know Christ. As I stated before, we are currently living in a society of those who desire to be able to do what they want, when they want, and how they want, without any ramifications or without any care. Take for example those who want to change drug laws, such as smoking marijuana in public; or those who want to have open sex relationships while married; or those who want to drink beyond excess, those who want to pierce their bodies in the weirdest way and place and all of these things we desire fleshly. Where is the balance, where does it end, at what point do we come home and ask the Lord for forgiveness, and/or wisdom and discernment?  I am not pointing these issues out to judge; but once as a witness to or partaker in some of the above mentioned actions; I failed to take time to consider the effect it would have on my future or those around me.  Take a look around you and take a moment to see what's going on, if you're not familiar with the scriptures or if you're not familiar with a common set of morals or understanding of wrong and right, then this may not be something that you'd understand. But those who have a sense of morality or a sense of wrong and right can see that our society is spiraling. Whether you want to believe it or not, or whether you want to say or not, because you're concerned about what others may think of you, it doesn't mean it is not happening. Christ has a greater plan, are you willing to accept His plan and forgo your own?

On Saturday morning my wife asked me why is this form of study is so important to me; why is the Lord pushing me into this direction? I told her that I believe that small groups or this format, may be one of the best ways that the Lord can get this message to those who don't know him. Additionally, what I see is the biggest fear everyone has; they believe they have to give up thier freedom if they take the opportunity to know Christ.  Christ died on the cross specifically so that you could be free, but he put boundaries within that freedom.  The boundaries are set so that you recognize his sacrifice for you and your commitment to the Father.   Additionally, when you accept Christ you are a new creature. As it is written in John 3:3 "Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (ESV)".  Because he wanted you to ensure that under a relationship with Him, you have to be in retrospect of your past and you also have to be a changed person.  According to 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (ESV)

Finally, you will have to recognize that you're responsible for the actions that you make.   If you desire to be a child of God, recongize that a father challenges his children to do great things.  He also chastises his children for doing wrong.  This doesn't mean he wants to prohibit you from enjoying or experiencing life.  You have the free will to do as you please, but remember the commandments of God,  and how the new covenant is part of your life. Also remember, that in the midst of your freedom, you are not to cause your brother to stumble.

Question: "What does it mean that we are not to cause others to stumble?"
Answer: The concept of not causing others to stumble is found inRomans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8. In these chapters, Paul talks about personal convictions and our responsibility to our fellow believers in Christ. He highlights several topics over which believers have disagreements—food, drink, and sacred days. In Paul’s time, the disagreements were mostly concerning Jewish law versus the new freedom found in Christ. We experience much the same type of disagreements today, even over the same topics, to which we could add things like body piercings, tattoos, clothing style, movies, video games, books, and alcohol/tobacco. These are all areas for which the Bible does not provide specific instruction and yet are areas in which many feel conviction. Some of these things can lead to worldliness, sin, impurity or even just become an obsession/idol. But, on the flip side, legalism and avoidance of anything the world has to offer can also become an idol. (http://www.gotquestions.org/causing-to-stumble.html)

As usual,  I know this message as well as the others is long. However, I  ask that you continine to indulge me with the ability to provide God's word the best way I know how.  I pray that this message finds you and your family well.

Eternal Values of McLean Bible Church (Weekly Message 11/2/14)

I am aware that some of you may have been waiting for the next posting regarding biblical doctrine.  Therefore,  I thought it would be fair to provide you with a copy of the Eternal Values of our church, McLean Bible Church.  From time to time I will be providing excerpts from our church and other sources which will allow you to research or verify my comments for yourself.  Take a moment to review at your leisure and God bless you.

The Bible is inerrant and infallible.
“All Scripture is God-breathed…” 2 Timothy 3:16a 2.

The Bible is the guide for all faith and practice.
“…and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16b-17 3.

Where the Bible is clear, we will be emphatic.  Where the Bible is silent, we must allow people freedom.
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom.”    2 Corinthians 3:17 “Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters. One man’s faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him. Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.” Romans 14:1-4 4.

Jesus Christ is God in human flesh.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1 5.

All people are eternally lost; salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ apart from human works.
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” Luke 19:10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 6.

Jesus Christ is the head and authority of the Church.
“And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the first born from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.” Colossians 1:18 7.

All ministry that is effective must be empowered by the Holy Spirit.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 8.

God moves in response to our united and personal prayer.
“The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” James 5:16b 9.

The glory of God is the motive of our ministry.
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

The Rejection of Knowledge (Weekly Message 11/2/14)

Ok, because it is cold outside and many of you may have stayed home today, I thought I would give you a bonus.  Also, I will be honest,  I have been traveling doing the college and soccer thing with my son. The positive side is that I have been able to study a lot more.

Anyway, I was looking for the right words to say and I saw a sign at a local church stating, "My People are destroyed for lack of knowledge," study the word. Hosea 4:6

What is important is that you read the rest of the verse:  "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge,  I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. (NKJV)

Now,  consider this was a problem for the Israelites in the covenant before Christ. Look at us today. 

Matthew Henry Commetary: Hosea 4:6:

A little quick background,  this was happening during the time of Tiglath-Pileser III, king of Assyria (744-727 BC), the people were being destroyed/or taken to a new land as captives due to their lack of knowledge and obedience to God.

"Both priests and people rejected knowledge; God will justly reject them. They forgot the law of God, neither desired nor endeavoured to retain it in mind, and to transmit the remembrance to their posterity; therefore God will justly forget them and their children. If we dishonour God with that which is our honour, it will, sooner or later, be turned into shame to us. Instead of warning the people against sin, from the consideration of the sacrifices, which showed what an offence sin was to God, since it needed an atonement, the priests encouraged the people to sin, since atonement might be made at so small an expense.(MHC)"

Today, November 2, 2014; my point to this,  is that this is not new. We have many preachers, pastors, etc., teaching about humanism and how you have the power in you, claim it, etc. (Trying to make you feel good with emotional preaching).  Then you have those who say that scripture has to change with the times.  

Here is what I know.  Jesus Christ made a new covenant with us,  we are responsible to study and understand how the Old Testament applies to the New Testament and we allow Christ to lead our lives. Christ's death on the cross covered everything,  but we are obligated to not dismantle the Word for our convenience.  Look at our society, and look at the Bible, the similarities of Old Testament behavior should be scary.

LET'S GET BACK TO LEARNING THE WORD, IF IT HURTS SOMEONE'S FEELINGS, KINDLY ASK THEM TO WORK IT OUT WITH GOD BECAUSE YOU DID NOT WRITE IT.

The Glory of Gifts (Weekly Message 11/9/14)

Good Sunday morning to you all:
I know this message maybe a little early,  but, I figured let's start the new week with talking about gifts. This Is a little long, so beware.

This even for me was somewhat confusing. I say this because often when I am studying something in a pattern,  I overlook the original message.  After spending time in the Word and focusing on what Jesus was pointing out in regards to Zaccheaus, it made sense.  If you read Luke 19 : 1-11, you will see the exchange between Jesus and Zaccheaus the tax collector.

Scripture: Luke 19:11-27
Time period: 27 - 31 AD
Place: Jericho, a city East of Jerusalem,  near the Jordan river
Author: Dr. Luke (most scholars believe)
Events: Christ is teaching through various cities in preparation for His return to Jerusalem.

The Parable of the Ten Minas
11 While the people were listening to these things, Jesus proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear immediately. 12 Therefore he said, “A nobleman went to a distant country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. 13 And he summoned ten of his slaves, gave them ten minas, and said to them, Do business with these until I come back.  14 But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, We do not want this man to be king over us!  15 When he returned after receiving the kingdom, he summoned these slaves to whom he had given the money. He wanted to know how much they had earned by trading. 16 So the first one came before him and said, Sir, your mina has made ten minas more.  17 And the king said to him, Well done, good slave! Because you have been faithful in a very small matter, you will have authority over ten cities.  18 Then the second one came and said, Sir, your mina has made five minas.  19 So the king said to him, And you are to be over five cities.  20 Then another slave came and said, Sir, here is your mina that I put away for safekeeping in a piece of cloth. 21 For I was afraid of you, because you are a severe a man. You withdraw what you did not deposit and reap what you did not sow.  22 The king a said to him, I will judge you by your own words, you wicked slave!  So you knew, did you, that I was a severe man, withdrawing what I didnt deposit and reaping what I didnt sow? 23 Why then didnt you put my money in the bank, so that when I returned I could have collected it with interest?  24 And he said to his attendants,  Take the mina from him, and give it to the one who has ten.  25 But they said to him, Sir, he has ten minas already!  26 I tell you that everyone who has will be given more, but from the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. 27 But as for these enemies of mine who did not want me to be their king, a bring them here and slaughter them in front of me! ”

Luke 19:11- 27 (Matthew Henry Commentary)
Vs. 11- 27. This parable is like that of the talents, Matthew ch 25. Those that are called to Christ, he furnishes with gifts needful for their business; and from those to whom he gives power, he expects service. The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal, 1 Corinthians 12:7. And as every one has received the gift, so let him minister the same, 1 Peter 4:10. The account required, resembles that in the parable of the talents; and the punishment of the avowed enemies of Christ, as well as of false professors, is shown. The principal difference is, that the pound given to each seems to point out the gift of the gospel, which is the same to all who hear it; but the talents, distributed more or less, seem to mean that God gives different capacities and advantages to men, by which this one gift of the gospel may be differently improved. (MHC)

Now, here is what I believe we should take from this:
Each of you have a gift that in some way enhances or brings honor to the glory of God's kingdom.  This/these gifts afford(s) you the opportunity to spread the gospel through your actions, or other means. However,  it is your duty to use them in His service. Many of us spend our time searching for our dreams to do what make us happy. Others search to do what make others happy. Have you noticed how many unhappy successful people there are in the world? 

Have you considered searching for what would make God happy?  Consider identifying the natural talent provided by God, if you do, the success will be that much greater. Everyone is not going to be a preacher, songstress, actor,  etc. However, given what God has given you, who knows. In today's society,  many people still blame something or someone for their lack of success. Don't let politicians and government programs be your savior.  How about looking within 1st and seeking a relationship with Christ and asking for help to accept your mistakes or missteps and move on.

Be blessed and have a great week.

The beginning of Poverty and Culture

I recently watched a news story speaking about poverty. They mentioned a gentleman by the name of William Galston,  he was a Presidential advisor in the 1990s.  The following attached article in 2006, stated, "William Galston, the former advisor to President Clinton, has found that in order to avoid being poor you have to do three things: (1) graduate from high school, (2) wait until getting married to have children, and (3) wait until age 20 to have children. Only 8% of people who do those three things are poor, compared to 79% for those who do not(1).

The article Poverty and Culture below begins with the following statement.  "The primary cause of poverty in America today is the breakdown of breakdown of marriage. Or to put it in a somewhat more sophisticated formulation to forestall some rebuttals, the primary cause of poverty in America today is a breakdown in culture, in which out of wedlock childbirths are the most visible symptom." 
If you have time, you may want to read this. Within many communities, educational centers, and homes, people are refusing to address these facts. By the way, since the 1990s the figures have dramatically increased.  Is it truly a race issue?

http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/news-forum/index

Continuation of Poverty and Culture

Okay, remember I told you that my goal is to provide you with information.  Whether biblical doctrine or academic theory, I want create a culture of knowledge.  Social media has some benefits,  but also has a decaying effect on our society.  Anyway, continuing with my post on Poverty and Culture,  I took a look at the author's reference regarding Social Disruptions.  Although this research is from the late 1990s,  please read the 5 topics. We have all but doubled or tripled these numbers in around 20 years.

1. Out of Wedlock Births
2. Cohabitation and Divorce
3. Moynihan ' s Scissors
4. Drugs
5. Teenage Births

When I was younger,  I was not aware of the effects these issues could have on my future.  Falling victim (due my own actions/choices) to the divorce and cohabitation caused me to stray off course. Christ obviously,  was the only way I was able to rebound and be born again.  These post may not interest you, but someone you know could use this information to turn their life around. We have a generation of young people who have no clue of where to go from here "The age of the hook-up".  I will continue to work for the Lord and help were I can.

LINK TO PBS DATA:
http://www.pbs.org/fmc/timeline/ddisruption.htm

Absolutism (Weekly Message 11/16/14)

Good morning everyone,  I hope you had a blessed week and you were able to spread God's word and joy to someone along the way.  Well, as we get ready for a new week, I have something that has been on mind all week. Although,  I am completing a 30 days of Luke study, this was on my heart to provide to you today. (Yes, another long one.) :-) May God bless you and keep you as you consider your relationship with His son Jesus Christ.

Also, I am currently finishing a fictional book titled "Apocalypse Dawn", by Mel Odom.  Odom was one of the people instrumental in the writing of the series "Left Behind."  In the book,  I found the following : "We will be called home to heaven. No warning bell. No chance to say good-byes. One moment in this world, the next, standing in God's perfection. And what of the people left behind?" - the words found in the clothes of a character in the book Chief Petty Officer Mellencamp, a believer who was taken in the Rapture. Please consider where you believe you will fit while reading this study.

The Merriam Webster's dictionary defines absolutism in the following manner:

Ab•so•lut•ism.\ˈab-sə-ˌlü-ˌti-zəm\noun
1.)  a:  a political theory that absolutepower should be vested in one or more rulers. 
       b:  government by an absolute ruler or authority :despotism
2.) advocacy of a rule by absolute standards or principles
3.) an absolute standard or principle

Book: John
Author: John
Time: It is believed around 85-90 AD,  The Gospel of John was written to prove that Jesus was the Son of God.
John 1:1-13 - New English Translation
1 In the beginning a was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was fully God. 2 The Word was with God in the beginning. 3 All things were created by him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of mankind. 5 And the light shines on in the darkness, but the darkness has not mastered it.

6 A man came, sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify about the light, so that everyone might believe through him. 8 He himself was not the light, but he came to testify about the light. 9 The true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was created by him, but the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to what was his own, but his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who have received him - those who believe in his name - he has given the right to become Gods children 13- children not born by human parents or by human desire or a husbands decision, but by God.

Matthew Henry Commentary: John the Baptist came to bear witness concerning Jesus. Nothing more fully shows the darkness of men's minds, than that when the Light had appeared, there needed a witness to call attention to it. Christ was the true Light; that great Light which deserves to be called so. By his Spirit and grace he enlightens all that are enlightened to salvation; and those that are not enlightened by him, perish in darkness. Christ was in the world when he took our nature upon him, and dwelt among us. The Son of the Highest was here in this lower world. He was in the world, but not of it. He came to save a lost world, because it was a world of his own making. Yet the world knew him not. When he comes as a Judge, the world shall know him. Many say that they are Christ's own, yet do not receive him, because they will not part with their sins, nor have him to reign over them. All the children of God are born again. This new birth is through the word of God as the means, 1 Peter 1:23, and by the Spirit of God as the Author.

John  14:5 - 7 (NET)
5 Thomas said, “Lord, we dont know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6. Jesus replied, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you have known me, you will know my Father too. And from now on you do know him and have seen him.”

Matthew Henry Commentary : Christ is the sinner's Way to the Father and to heaven, in his person as God manifest in the flesh, in his atoning sacrifice, and as our Advocate. He is the Truth, as fulfilling all the prophecies of a Savior; believing which, sinners come by him the Way. He is the Life, by whose life- giving Spirit the dead in sin are quickened. Nor can any man draw nigh God as a Father, who is not quickened by Him as the Life, and taught by Him as the Truth, to come by Him as the Way. By Christ, as the Way, our prayers go to God, and his blessings come to us; this is the Way that leads to rest, the good old Way. He is the Resurrection and the Life.

Book: Romans
Author: Paul
Time: It is believed 57-58 AD Romans explains God's plan of salvation by grace,  through faith in Jesus Christ.
Romans 10: 9 - 13 (NET)
9 because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord a and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and thus has righteousness and with the mouth one confesses and thus has salvation. 11 For the scripture says, “ Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between the Jew and the Greek, for the same Lord is Lord of all, who richly blesses all who call on him. 13 For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

Matthew Henry Commentary : Romans 10:9-13 - The self- condemned sinner need not perplex himself how this righteousness may be found. When we speak of looking upon Christ, and receiving, and feeding upon him, it is not Christ in heaven, nor Christ in the deep, that we mean; but Christ in the promise, Christ offered in the word. Justification by faith in Christ is a plain doctrine. It is brought before the mind and heart of every one, thus leaving him without excuse for unbelief. If a man confessed faith in Jesus, as the Lord and Savior of lost sinners, and really believed in his heart that God had raised him from the dead, thus showing that he had accepted the atonement, he should be saved by the righteousness of Christ, imputed to him through faith. But no faith is justifying which is not powerful in sanctifying the heart, and regulating all its affections by the love of Christ. We must devote and give up to God our souls and our bodies:our souls in believing with the heart, and our bodies in confessing with the mouth. The believer shall never have cause to repent his confident trust in the Lord Jesus. Of such faith no sinner shall be ashamed before God; and he ought to glory in it before men. There is not one God to the Jews, more kind, and another to the Gentiles, who is less kind; the Lord is a Father to all men. The promise is the same to all, who call on the name of the Lord Jesus as the Son of God, as God manifest in the flesh. All believers thus call upon it.

I was listening to a sermon preached by our Pastor  Lon Solomon. The sermon was about 10 - 15 yrs old. It was titled, "What would Jesus say to Oprah? "  The basic premise was how Oprah and many of her colleagues believe that there are many ways to get to heaven. She believes that if one searches for a  higher power through other disciplines or a deep inner spirit, and do good things, God will not reject you from getting into heaven. Obviously,  you know that she was completely wrong. She also said that we are all God's children and he won't leave us behind. Well that is also wrong. As John 1:12 explains and as Pastor Solomon put it, we are all created by God, but we are not all His children unless you accept His Son Jesus Christ. Well this led me to pray and think about this week.  I look at our society and many of our Christian churches or organizations,  they too have gone to a level of inclusion and tolerance. Where does it say that in the Bible?  Hence my definition in the beginning of this message about absolutism. The Bible as we established is infallible and God breathed. Why are so many people afraid to say it? Just because you disagree with someone,  it doesn't make you an evil person. If you stand for the principles and standards created by Christ, then stand for them or be left behind. Be an ABSOLUTIST, stand for Christ. Remember, if you believe in Christ, then you believe in  His Word,  the He is the only way. You can love those you disagree with.

Your Christian Responsibility in Society (Weekly Message: 11/23/14)

Greetings  fellow believers,  I hope the Lord's day find you well and in awe of his wondrous works when you took your 1st breath this morning. Before I begin, I wanted share a portion of a conversation I had with my wife. We were discussing the actions of people. Whether it be family, friends, or those we see, read, or hear about.  Specifically, we reminisced on our youth and the way we were raised. Obviously, today, to each generation seems different from what they remembered.  People truly seem act as if there are no boundaries. Many give the appearance that they are entitled to all things at all times, and when it doesn't happen, all hell breaks loose ( in a general sense). For reasons unknown, people refuse to seek the joy in life, for the sake of joy. Instead, they spend time searching for the negative or are only happy when someone else's situation is worse than theirs. Now they won't say it publicly, but watch their conversations or the people they surround themselves with. They all sound the same.

Initially, my message was derived from Proverbs. I am in am the midst of a 30 day study on Proverbs. However,  the Lord had other plans.  As the issues around the world heat up and cause mass confusion and issues close to home get even worse, the Lord and I talked about the issues in Ferguson, MO. Before I share my thoughts, I ask that you read God's word first and then see what I had to say.  You may or may not agree.

Book: Romans (Ch. 13:1-14) New English Translation
Author: Paul
Time: 57 - 58 AD
Why: Romans explains God's plan of salvation by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ. Divinely inspired, Paul passed on truths that are followed by believers to this day.

Submission to Civil Government
1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except by Gods appointment, and the authorities that exist have been instituted by God. 2 So the person who resists such authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will incur judgment 3 (for rulers cause no fear for good conduct but for bad). Do you desire not to fear authority? Do good and you will receive its commendation, 4 for it is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be in fear, for it does not bear the sword in vain. It is God's servant to administer retribution on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of the wrath of the authorities but also because of your conscience. 6 For this reason you also pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants devoted to governing. 7 Pay everyone what is owed: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due.

Exhortation to Love Neighbors
8 Owe no one anything, except to love one another, for the one who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. 9 For the commandments, “ Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not covet,” (and if there is any other commandment) are summed up in this, “ Love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

Motivation to Godly Conduct
11 And do this because we know the time, that it is already the hour for us to awake from sleep, for our salvation is now nearer than when we became believers. 12 The night has advanced toward dawn; the day is near. So then we must lay aside the works of darkness, and put on the weapons of light. 13 Let us live decently as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in discord and jealousy. 14 Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh to arouse its desires.

Matthew Henry Commentary :
Vs. 1- 7. The grace of the gospel teaches us submission and quiet, where pride and the carnal mind only see causes for murmuring and discontent. Whatever the persons in authority over us themselves may be, yet the just power they have, must be submitted to and obeyed. In the general course of human affairs, rulers are not a terror to honest, quiet, and good subjects, but to evil- doers. Such is the power of sin and corruption, that many will be kept back from crimes only by the fear of punishment. Thou hast the benefit of the government, therefore do what thou canst to preserve it, and nothing to disturb it. This directs private persons to behave quietly and peaceably where God has set them, 1 Timothy 2:1, 2. 

Vs 8-10; Christians must not use any trick or fraud. All smuggling, dealing in contraband goods, withholding or evading duties, is rebellion against the express command of God. Thus honest neighbors are robbed, who will have to pay the more; and the crimes of smugglers, and others who join with them, are abetted. It is painful that some professors of the gospel should countenance such dishonest practices. The lesson here taught it becomes all Christians to learn and practice, that the godly in the land will always be found the quiet and the peaceable in the land, whatever others are. Christians must avoid useless expense, and be careful not to contract any debts they have not the power to discharge. They are also to stand aloof from all venturesome speculations and rash engagements, and whatever may expose them to the danger of not rendering to all their due. Do not keep in any one's debt. Give every one his own. Do not spend that on yourselves, which you owe to others. But many who are very sensible of the trouble, think little of the sin, of being in debt. Love to others includes all the duties of the second table. The last five of the ten commandments are all summed up in this royal law, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself; with the same sincerity that thou lovest thyself, though not in the same measure and degree. He that loves his neighbor as himself, will desire the welfare of his neighbor. On this is built that golden rule, of doing as we would be done by. Love is a living, active principle of obedience to the whole law. Let us not only avoid injuries to the persons, connections, property, and characters of men; but do no kind or degree of evil to any man, and study to be useful in every station of life

Vs. 11- 14. Four things are here taught, as a Christian's directory for his day's work. When to awake; Now; and to awake out of the sleep of carnal security, sloth, and negligence; out of the sleep of spiritual death, and out of the sleep of spiritual deadness. Considering the time; a busy time; a perilous time. Also the salvation nigh at hand. Let us mind our way, and mend our pace, we are nearer our journey's end. Also to make ourselves ready. The night is far spent, the day is at hand; therefore it is time to dress ourselves. Observe what we must put off; clothes worn in the night. Cast off the sinful works of darkness. Observe what we must put on; how we should dress our souls. Put on the armour of light. A Christian must reckon himself undressed, if unarmed. The graces of the Spirit are this armour, to secure the soul from Satan's temptations, and the assaults of this present evil world. Put on Christ; that includes all. Put on righteousness of Christ, for justification. Put on the Spirit and grace of Christ, for sanctification. The Lord Jesus Christ must be put on as Lord to rule you as Jesus to save you; and in both, as Christ anointed and appointed by the Father to this ruling, saving work. And how to walk. When we are up and ready, we are not to sit still, but to appear abroad; let us walk. Christianity teaches us how to walk so as to please God, who ever sees us. Walk honestly as in the day; avoiding the works of darkness. Where there are riot and drunkenness, there usually are chambering and wantonness, and strife and envy. Solomon puts these all together, Proverbs 23:29- 35. See what provision to make. Our great care must be to provide for our souls: but must we take no care about our bodies? Yes; but two things are forbidden. Perplexing ourselves with anxious, encumbering care; and indulging ourselves in irregular desires. Natural wants are to be answered, but evil appetites must be checked and denied. To ask meat for our necessities, is our duty, we are taught to pray for daily bread; but to ask meat for our lusts, is provoking God, Psalm 78:18.

First and foremost,  thank you for taking the time to read the Word.  May God richly and truly bless you for it. Secondly,  you may be asking, what does that have to do with what's happening in Ferguson?

Well, let's consider a few things: Our initial introduction to this town began with the shooting and death of a young man, by a police officer.  What made it story, was that the officer was white and the young man was black.  From that point, the story by numerous outlets, went into a thousand different directions. Leaving behind, the causal foundation of the type society, where member of the government, would believe it has cause to shoot a member that it is supposed to serve. The two questions we have not asked is where does the level of responsibility lie on the citizen, and where does the responsibility lie on that of the government officials? Additionally, have you considered the responsibility of the citizens who routinely do harm to each other on a daily basis. Remember the shootings in Chicago? By the way, these people are black too.

My point is not a political one, but one of responsibility and those who refuse to place Christ first in their daily actions. We may not like the laws that are on the books. But, it doesn't mean that one should find ways to disregard them to satisfy their own desires. Secondly,  let's consider our behavior. As a child you may have been taught by parents or some adult about how your appearance and behavior creates a perception. What still holds to this day is that often times, your 1st impression is the only impression that people get.  Yes, it is true, racism,  sexism, and other culturally biased problems still exist. However, as the Bible is clear in Gal.6:8; "because the person who sows to his own flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit." What does this mean? Every person, whether government official or citizen, is or will be held responsible for their actions. God created life to balance out that way.

What are we doing that draws this level of unwanted attention by the government that is designed to serve us?  Even in a low income area or inner-city, behavior and social accountability, plays a major role in how authorities view those who may be a threat to law and order in a society. Education is the largest factor, when given a glimpse of wisdom and discernment, it would be easier for one to realize that if you desire people to take you seriously, then you must 1st take yourself seriously. This is not a meaning of blame, just a fact.

Finally, if we believe that corruption exists within the government "elected by the people and for the people." What steps have been taken by the citizenry to route(sp) it out? The Bible talks about how Daniel through God, dealt with those whom he felt were corrupt and meant him or his colleagues harm (Daniel 3:12-18). We have a better way, yes we can vote, run for office or apply for jobs to place various cultures in jobs to ensure there is a level of diversity which ensures a fair application of the law. However, the better way is to begin with Christ, allow him to come into your life and begin anew.

If you desire another view point, take a look at the following link: "What does the Bible say about Government" http://www.gotquestions.org/Printer/Bible-government-PF.html

Be blessed and have a great week.

Removing the plank out of our eyes!

Ladies and gentlemen,

In support of comments made by my Facebook friend Cross Light (below),  I made the following statement.  Please feel free to comment.

Words from Cross Light:
"It is really disheartening to see the ministers of God and the leaders of his flock being the most frazzled and the least Christ like in this time when Godly wisdom and spiritual answers need to be heard and shared. How real is your ministry if in times like this when the world is watching us fall into chaos that our men of God are so caught up in racial angst that they forget to be citizens of the Kingdom. You all need to repent and compose yourselves...immediately! We do not look at all like peculiar people when we bask in outrage and anarchy but claim to have the peace that passes all understanding."

Obviously we have to consider each word that proceeds out of our mouths (fingers), during this sensitive time.

I would like you to take a moment and step back and consider this. No other culture in the world would routinely blame a particular race of people for its daily problems, but then when they decide to fight the system of oppression;  they choose to self destruct and destroy their own homes and communities.  Why? Is there some particular reason that we fail to choose education and intelligence as weapons? We have to greatest weapon of all, and that is the Word of God. Because we are even less educated about what it means,  we continue to beat ourselves.

I continue to say, yes racial issues exist. But, look at the statistics;  how many people often set the conditions for what happens to them. Is the system stacked against young black males who commit minor criminal offenses, yes. But the question is, why. Why are so many young men, black, white, hispanic, etc., choosing to forego a life of responsibility and civility? This is deeper than race. We must get back to Christ, family, morals and love. These foundations would lessen the environments where our young people give reasons for people to pay attention to them (i.e. standing on the street corners, pants sagging,  dropping out of high school and unwed child birth).

We have got to consider where we fit in. There are ways to fight this.

Introduction to Blade Seventy-one's, Strategy4Life blog

Greetings everyone, 

Thanks to my wonderful cousin Jonee' Drake, I have created a blog to post my comments.   She suggested that this would allow them to be searchable and archived. 

As I stated several weeks ago,  God has truly blessed me with the opportunity to spread his Word and provide information about various issues from an intellectual point of view.  My aim is to provide doctrinal instruction of the Bible, through the exegetical process.  I will also if the Holy Spirit leads me, post signicicant information which requires one to consider thier personal station in life and what options do they or can they take, to go to the next level. 

Please note at no time is this about me. If throughout my postings you feel that Christ is not part of the discussion or I lose sight of the point I am trying to make, you have every right to put me back on track.