The Unforgivable Sin

 According to Jesus there is a sin God can not forgive. He says it is possible to do something that is unforgivable. What are we to do with this statement? Everything we know of God is that He is a gracious and loving God who loves us no matter what. We say salvation is not based on works, so how could Jesus say something can make us lose our salvation? Is it possible to lose it? And what is this sin against the Spirit?

Matthew 12:22-24 Then they brought him a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, and Jesus healed him, so that he could both talk and see. All the people were astonished and said, "Could this be the Son of David?" But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, "It is only by Beelzebub, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons." The Pharisees truly despised Jesus. They were against everything He stood for because He was essentially overriding what they taught. “All the people were astonished and said, ‘Could this be the Son of David?’” Meaning, could this be the Messiah! Everyone who saw this miracle understood that Jesus had a profound connection to God because no one but God could command such things. And yet the Pharisees – hearing everyone attribute Christ’s power to God – chose themselves to attribute Christ’s power to Satan.

"He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters." meaning that the Pharisees were guilty of actively discouraging people from the kingdom of God. The Pharisee’s had gone beyond simply disagreeing with Christ and instead were now actively working to not only discredit Him but to keep people from Him. Again, don’t miss how huge this is! The religious leaders were conspiring against God, and for that reason – because they were actively working against God – Jesus unleashes the hardest saying found in Scripture: "And so I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come."

Every sin and blasphemy possible will be forgiven, except one: blasphemy against the Spirit. “Blasphemy” literally means a defiant hostility towards God. In essence, the one thing that God cannot forgive is a heart that is defiant and committed to working against God. The original word meant speaking evil of the sacred – so ‘blasphemy’ is when you call good evil. But it’s not just calling good evil, its calling God’s good evil. And that is exactly what the Pharisee’s were doing So what makes this sin unforgivable? What does Christ mean when He says it “will not be forgiven?” I mean, doesn’t 1 John 1:9 teach us that, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” so why, then, does Christ suggest that something is unforgivable when the rest of Scripture says that God will forgive whatever we confess?

So it is not that God cannot forgive this sin, the issue is that the person who does this sin never seeks forgiveness. Christ is not talking about an average person who doubts or even rejects Jesus because verse 32 says that you can speak against the Son of God and still be forgiven. That’s why Peter was still accepted by Jesus after Peter rejected Him. So Jesus is not talking about an average rejection of the gospel. What He is talking about is someone who witnesses God at work and not only rejects it, but persistently chooses to work against God. And that’s what the Pharisee’s were doing, not just once but repeatedly. And the reason God cannot forgive this sin is because this is a person who is so far gone that they refuse to seek God’s forgiveness.

There was a time in my life when I had become angry with God and wanted nothing to do with him, and after a while I began to wonder if I had committed the unforgivable sin and if God had abandoned me. Maybe you have wondered that, and maybe you have worried about your salvation. But here’s the thing: the very fact that you would worry about that, shows that the Holy Spirit is still working in your life to keep you sensitive to God. People who have truly committed this sin aren’t worried about their salvation because they are defiantly working against God and refusing to repent.
That kind of rebellion is rare and this sin does not happen easily or by accident.

So where does this leave us? We often talk about how salvation is a “gift” that we receive. And it is true – and Scripture tells us that in Ephesians 2:8 and 9. But even though that is true, that’s incomplete. Salvation isn’t just a gift. The problem with thinking of it only as a gift is that then we start thinking about receiving this gift we think as if it becomes ours – and maybe that’s why so many people fear losing it. But salvation belongs to God. Our salvation rests in God’s hands, not our own and so we can’t lose it.

I don’t know where this message finds you, but maybe you need to know that God never let’s go. Maybe you’ve been a Christian for a while, but life is hurting right now and you are confused or doubting. Know this, God won’t let go. Maybe you’ve gotten into some stuff that you just aren’t proud of. Know this, God won’t let go. Or maybe you’ve never even given God the chance – you’ve never trusted Him and never understood that He does want a relationship with you no matter what you’ve done. God wants you – and if you trust Him and choose to be in relationship with Him then He promises that He will never let go.

Have You Heard The One About The Camel?

Matthew 19:16-26. “Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, ‘Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?’ ‘Why do you ask me about what is good?’ Jesus replied. ‘There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.’ ‘Which ones?’ the man inquired. Jesus replied, ‘‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’’ ‘All these I have kept,’ the young man said. ‘What do I still lack?’ Jesus answered, ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’ When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.’ When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, ‘Who then can be saved?’ Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’”

"It's easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle," never say God doesn't have a sense of humor. But what He was trying to convey is vital in all our lives, not just the wealthy man. This young man ran up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” He wasn't satisfied with wealth and power, he felt that there was something missing.He was sincere in his request. He knelt before Jesus and asked what good thing he could do to gain eternal life. Now it's not quite often people just run up to you and ask this question. But Jesus didn't say just believe in me and say the sinners prayer. He knew the man's heart. He knew the man felt pious in his wealth and knowledge of the Law.

So Jesus tells him to keep the commandments and begins to list them. However He skips over one on purpose; not to covet. The man says that he has kept them all since his youth. Jesus was testing to see if he realized where his heart was. So Jesus then tells him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." At this point the man walks away. Jesus did not stop him or run after him, Why? This man already had another God in his life; wealth. Jesus knew this and is why he didn't pursue him. Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.” (Matthew 6:24)

To this man wealth meant more than an eternity with God. It was to hard of a choice for him to make.
It is easier for poor people to follow Jesus than for rich people. The reason is simple. A rich person has something they think they can trust to provide all their needs: Money. It is harder for them to stop trusting money and start trusting God. The point of the camel through the needle parable is that it is impossible for anyone to earn salvation. What we couldn’t do for ourselves, God did for us. When Jesus died on the cross He was taking my sin and failures upon Himself. I’m the one who should have been tortured and crucified–I’m guilty of sin. But the only sinless One who ever walked this planet took my place.

Are you really living? Can you say, “This is the life!”? You won’t find it in wealth, morality, or religion. The only place you’ll find eternal life is in a personal relationship with Jesus. Is there anything in your life that has become an idol? Is there something you could not live without if you were required to give up for Christ? It’s impossible for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, but it’s a miracle for God to take you through the door of salvation!

Bread For The Dogs

We all know we would do anything to protect our children. A young woman's child was deathly sick, but she heard that Jesus was in the town. She had heard the stories of how He had healed so many others, so she went to try and petition Him to help. “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon,” said the lady. Jesus replied to her, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she persisted and knelt before Him and said, “Lord, help me." And he answered, “It is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.”

Can you imagine how it would have been to hear Jesus refer to you as a dog? However she didn't walk away in shame, or react with anger. She simply replied, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.” So what are we to make of this statement from Christ? How could our redeeming loving Savior show this lack of compassion for this woman who was in such need? If we go back to the previous story, we can see this wasn't the case.

First off we must understand that dogs weren't the loving house pets they are today. They were scavengers, filthy, and dangerous. It was a dramatic insult to her. The Pharisees had just asked Jesus how could His disciples break the tradition of the elders by not washing their hands when they ate. Jesus responds to them by calling them hypocrites then saying,  “‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men." The Pharisees left and Jesus tells them, “Hear and understand: it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.”

But even then the disciples didn't understand and asked Him to explain it to them. “Are you also still without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the stomach and is expelled? But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person. But to eat with unwashed hands does not defile anyone.”

On the heels of this conversation about purity, they withdraw to Tyre and Sidon. These were two non-Jewish cities, which were symbols of Old Testament paganism and godlessness. Gentiles were synonymous with pagan and heathen, compared to God’s holy nation of Israel. This woman represented the contempt the Jews felt about other people. The disciples clearly knew their national history. Now, Jesus is able to flesh this teaching out with the disciples, to show them about purity in a real-life sort of way.
What better place to teach about purity than in the most unclean place imaginable?

So when the lady said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.” Jesus replied, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly. See Jesus was trying to teach His disciples about His parable of purity in the context of a real world situation. It doesn't matter what you eat, where you come from, what nationality or race you are; none of that matters. Only the evil that proceeds out of the mouth was able to defile you. Yes, in the context of the times, because of the traditions of the Jews, these people
would have been considered the perfect example of being unclean; or in other words, like a dog.

Today will you begin to look at all people through the eyes of Christ? If someone doesn't look like you, or act like you, or as well kept as you, it doesn't make them any less than you. Christ saw no difference in each and everyone of us, so why should we?

Dear Heavenly Father, we ask that you let us see each other through your eyes, and not through our own foggy blindness. Help us to not judge based on the outer appearance. We know that purity has nothing to do with appearance, race, or where we are from. Only what comes out of the mouth can defile us Lord. Renew in us a love for each other, that shows the love You have for all. In Jesus name, Amen.

You Must Hate Your Family?

Seventy-one thousand people have packed Mercedes Benz Stadium. They have come from all over the country. Many were willing to donate their life savings just to gain a seat to history. Mark and Luke are talking with him before showtime. "Ok Rabbi, try and keep it simple tonight. Let's stay away from any deep teachings." Thomas was off to the side, "Something is going to happen, I just know it." John strolls to the microphone. Being the great linguist, he begins to speak; "Ladies and Gentleman, straight from the town of Bethlehem, please give a warm welcome, He is your Savior, He is your Redeemer, He is God made flesh, our friend Jesus of Nazareth!

The roar from all in attendance is nothing short of the sound of a roaring storm. Jesus steps to the microphone, and goes right into His teaching. “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple." And just as quick as He came, He was gone. The silence was deafening. No one could speak. Then in a angry rush, people began to storm out of the stadium. "See I told you this wasn't going to go good," said Thomas. The reporters were all crowded in the corner, "No I don't know who He is," said Peter. Yet the reporters pressed harder a second and then third time. "I said I don't know Him, and I definitely didn't drive here with Him," Peter screamed at the reporters.

Does this seem a little far fetched? Well this was the scene 2,000 years ago, minus the stadium of course. Large crowds had been following Christ wherever He went. He stopped and spoke these words to the masses. And just as in our fictional story, many people walked off, including some of the disciples. They were unable to handle these deep teachings from Christ. Obviously Jesus didn't mean we literally were to hate our family. He had just told a man the two greatest commandments were to, "Love God with all your heart, and love your neighbor the same." So what did Christ mean by this?

It all goes back to the earlier conversation. Your love of God had to be so much, that in comparison, the love for others would seem as hate to this world. But in reality if our love is so great for our Heavenly Father, then His love will begin to show thru to everyone. Essentially bringing the love for others, up to the same level. If our love for God and humanity was at this level, than all the other commandments would be void. If you have that type of love for someone, no evil thought can enter. No lying, no murder, no theft, a literal utopia. Or how it will be when He returns, Heaven on Earth.

Life as a disciple of Christ would cost you just that; your life. Only those willing to forsake their life and what they had, would be able to follow Him. Does this mean you must leave everything including family behind just to be a Christian? Of course not. Does it mean that your life will change drastically? Without a doubt! Some may have parts of their life that will not be able to go where He sends them. That will be their time to decide if they can bear that cross. In the end you must know, He will be with you, and He will give you the strength to get through whatever it costs.

Will you carry your cross if it means leaving family or life's luxuries behind? Will you be able to stand in front of great persecution if the path leads you there? Only with Christ can we make it, wherever He may lead.  Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Dear Heavenly Father, You know every decision I need to make, and every challenge I face. Please forgive me for the times I try to figure this life out on my own. I need you. I need your Holy Spirit to give me strength, wisdom, and direction. God I trust you with all my heart. Wherever you want me to go, I will go. Even if it's not where I planned. Lead me and I will follow. In Jesus name, Amen.

Praying Through The Darkness

Sometimes our problems and grief can cut us so deep that prayer is the farthest thing from our minds. We hear people saying, "We're praying for you," over and over but we don't think to do it ourselves.
The truth is, we may have retreated into darkness so far that our mind tells us prayer is useless. It won't change anything because nothing and no one can help me. Coming from someone that's been there, you truly feel like you're all alone. People just fade from your view. All you see, and all you hear is a deafening silence of nothing but the thoughts in your mind.

But if you can focus for even a minute you will hear His whisper. "I'm here. I love you. I don't care if you need to stay up crying all night long. I will stay with you. There's nothing you can ever do to lose my love. I will always protect you. I am stronger than depression and I am braver than loneliness and nothing will ever exhaust Me." Psalm 147:3- He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."

Believe me when I say this; He IS there, and He DOES hear you. You just have to listen to Him, and cry out in prayer. If you have family or friends who are suffering from depression or mourning a death, cry out for them. We are happy when God answers our prayer, but be even more thankful when God makes you the answer to someone else's prayer. James 5:16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. 

Washington Irving, the author of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" said, "There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love." When Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane, tears of despair and loneliness so powerful they were drops of blood, He didn't give up. He cried out to our Heavenly Father in prayer to ask for strength to endure the hardships that approached. And on the cross, beaten down by all sin, those tears of overwhelming grief were poured out in unspeakable love for mankind.

If our creator was able to endure all of this in love for us, there is nothing in our lives He can not conquer. The deepest level of worship is praising God in prayer in-spite of the pain, thanking God during the trials, trusting Him when we're tempted to lose hope and loving Him when He seems so distant and far away. At our lowest, God is our hope. At our darkest, God is our light. At our weakest, God is our strength. And at our saddest, God is our comforter. Psalm 9:9-The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.

Dear Heavenly Father, we come to you today in prayer asking that you will touch the hearts of the hurting. Heal their wounds and help them to realize that You are the answer to the problems they face. You are love and You are the healer. Bind the works of the enemy, break every chain and set the captives free from bondage. You, Oh Great Father, will take us through this, we know it, for the battle is yours. Help us to not dwell on the negativity of this world, but embrace the positivity of Your Grace. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Facebook Or Prayerbook?

With the creation of social media came a whole new way to get information to more people than ever before. It has become a way to keep in touch with a multitude of people spread over vast distances. It has been a way to share life's stories and life's problems. But as we fill the vast internet with our problems and complaints, have we ever stopped to think about one simple question?

Have you prayed about it as much as you've talked about it? We tend to easily forget what Jesus said in Matthew 21:22: "And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” Now I'm not talking about praying for that huge house, or the new Mercedes, or winning the lottery. That's not what our Messiah is saying. Whatever your needs are, if asked in faith, will be received. Just that simple. By simply coming to Him in prayer through faith, He will answer us and help. Yet for some reason we forget about our avenue of communication with God, and instead communicate our problems with the world.

Not sure about everyone else, but any problem I ever posted on social media is still waiting on a solution. I like to compare God watching us post our complaints and waiting for us to come to Him, as the same as me waiting for the wall to respond and do what I say before my toddler does. It's pointless. Yet He shows a much more profound grace to us than I do to my toddler. I saw a quote that said, "Talking about our problems is our greatest addiction. Break the habit. Talk about your joys." Just as we've become addicted to sharing our problems with others and with God, we often forget to talk about and thank Him for the joys in our life.

We must remember, prayer is the most important conversation of our day. We should take it to God before we take it to anyone else. I can understand how tough things can get, even the small stuff. One thing after the next piled up yesterday and I just lost it. I was guilty of this because I texted my wife about all the issues first before I took them to Him. Once I did, things didn't completely change, but I was able to handle them much better. He doesn't always promise to remove us from our struggles and problems. However He does promise to change the way we look at them. Psalm 120:1- I took my troubles to the Lord; I cried out to Him, and He answered my prayer.

Prayer isn't to remind God of what our problems are, but to remind our problems who God is. Because those who give everything into God's Hand, will eventually see God's Hand in everything.
When we worry and take all our issues to the masses, we begin to believe more in our problems, than in God's promises.

Dear Heavenly Father, so many are worried about their situations, and see no way out. Help us realize we don't have to see the answer. We need to trust you to work it out in your way and in your time. Father, we can't thank you enough for taking our past problems and turning them into blessings. Help us to bask in your joy and release all fear and doubt. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Morning, Noon, and Night

No one likes waking up any earlier than they absolutely have to. But what if I told you that just those few extra minutes, could be a matter of life or death.  You would bounce right out of bed without a second thought. Those few minutes, changes the bleak morning of crusted eyes, to a body that feels like your on your third espresso. It changes your foggy mind to a clear day. Now your saying, "Ok what are you taking, because you could make a fortune!"

What I offer carries no price, no natural remedy, not the next big craze. No it's just a simple conversation. A conversation that will change your day from one that has already been defeated to one that is full of life. I'm referring to a simple talk with our Heavenly Father. A talk with our Savior. A talk with the One who redeemed us from death, so we would not have to experience it. Cause you see, mornings are better when you talk to God first.

Prayers should be the key in the morning and the lock at night. I'm definitely not an early riser or what would be considered a morning person. When I'm in the cool embrace of sleep, nothing short of Christ's return better wake me up. However, God has blessed me with children that personally see to that phrase never being a reality. Yet we have the ultimate answer to all life's questions and troubles on speed dial, but we never pick up the phone. Unfortunately He's further down the line on speed dial than the pizza delivery guy.

Our creator has given us the way to talk with Him at any moment, and for anything. All we have to do is pick up the line. He's available morning, noon, and night. Twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year. He's always with us, waiting on the other side, lovingly waiting for us to call.

You see, prayer is much more than just a quick prayer in the morning, or night, or at meals, or just when we need a breakthrough, or miracle! Prayer is a lifestyle change. A constant fellowship with The Father through His Son and by their Spirit. Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” We are constantly bombarded by this worlds temptations. How can we expect to make it thru the day if we never pick up the line? Our flesh is weak; and only with His Spirit working through ours, can we overcome.

You may think you can make it through the day on your own. And for awhile things may be going just fine for you. But when you hit a wall, and trust me there are walls all throughout this maze we call life, what will you do then? Will you cave and fall apart from the pressures and problems? Or will you grab the line and call out to Him? He will still be there waiting on the call, but He desperately wants to hear from you daily. Just as your earthly parents want to hear from you more so does He. And with daily fellowship with Him, you will be more prepared and grounded when life's troubles rear their ugly heads.

So as I said before, if those few minutes in the morning meant life or death, would you get up? Because they most definitively mean life or death for that day, and for every day after. Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.  Prayer is the graceful communion with our Father. A way for Him to bestow His mercy and guidance when we call out. Will you choose today to begin a daily heartfelt conversation with God?

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for bringing me to the beginning of a new day. I ask you to renew my heart with your strength and purpose. Forgive my errors yesterday and help me to walk closer in your way today. Shine through me so that every person I meet may feel your presence in my soul. Take my hand for I cannot make it by myself. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Prayer: Our Battle Plan

Throughout history there are untold stories of a father passing along wisdom to his son. One of those conversations I'm sure revolved around how to fight your battles. "If you fall get back up", "Never back down", and "Only the strong survive". But one thing most of us are not taught is your battles are not won that way. They aren't won with conflict. The only sure way to fight a battle and win is "on your knees".

"Prayer is a weapon, a mighty weapon in a terrible conflict. Our prayers are to be a continual, conscious, earnest effort of battle, against whatever is not God's will. (Peter Forsyth)
We fight a battle everyday. We are surrounded by dark forces that are seen and unseen. Temptations are so plentiful, that only those who have prepared for the battle will be able to prevail. Prayer is a weapon that does not rust in time, nor does it carry a heart of hate and destruction. Prayer has the ability to be an atomic bomb and at the same time a warm embrace. It completely destroys the enemy while showing the Father's Love.

R.A.Torrey was an evangelist in Chicago and joined Dwight Moody in starting The Moody Bible Institute. Torrey said: "The reason why many fail in battle is because they wait until the hour of battle. The reason why others succeed is because they have gained their victory on their knees long before the battle came. Anticipate your battles; fight them on your knees before temptation comes, and you will always have victory.

This is true not only in our prayer life but also just in everyday life. How often do we let a problem fester for too long before we decide to get help for it? Again we feel as though we can solve all our problems and we don't need to relinquish control to someone else. We will tell our children to prepare for a test, we will prepare for a big project at work, or prepare and do untold amounts of research on our favorite hobby before making a purchase, but we don't even think to prepare for the spiritual battle we face everyday when we walk out the door. I can't stress enough how real and important this battle is. Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

We battle forces everyday we can't even begin to comprehend. Only with a daily connection on our knees with God, can we defeat these forces. When God's Warriors go down on their knees, the battle is not over. It has just begun!

Dear Heavenly Father, we are weary from battle. Our daily fight against temptations are more than we can bare. But we know if we put the full armor of faith on, you are standing next to us in battle.  Thank you for teaching me that the enemy fights the hardest when my breakthrough and answer is about to show up in our lives. Father, through it all: every battle, every struggle, every storm, you were always with us, right by our side. Lord each time the rain poured, you said the battle is already won and we will overcome. Resting assured, relying on Your Word, and placing my uttermost faith in you, we will emerge victorious each and every time. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Extreme Prayer

"O most merciful Christ," John Huss wrote while awaiting his execution, "give us a courageous spirit, so that it may be ready. And if the flesh is weak, may your grace go before it, for without you we can do nothing, and above all, without you we cannot face a cruel death. Give us a bold courage and upright faith, a firm hope, and perfect charity, that we may give our life for you in all patience and all joy. Amen."

Huss had called for reform in the fifteenth-century church, challenging priests who sold indulgences (the right to sin without consequence) and calling for biblical standards of justice. Huss was promised royal protection to present his defense. But he now sat in a dungeon, awaiting death, and cried out to God.

On July 6, 1415, Huss was stripped and chained to a stake. As the fire was lit around him, Huss prayed, "Lord Jesus Christ, it is for the sake of the gospel and the preaching of the word that I undergo with patience and humility this terrifying, ignominious, and cruel death."

As the flames rose around him, Huss, with his final breath, cried out, "Christ, Son of the living God, have mercy upon me." Huss's witness was crucial in ending the practice of selling indulgences and influencing Christians to return to biblical teachings.

Prayer. That which does the most, we often do the least. Prayer is our first defense against spiritual warfare, yet often our last resort. Those who are persecuted for their faith teach us the priority of prayer. Their last remarks are not fighting words. Their final actions on earth are not resistance. Instead, prayer is their dying breath, confounding their accusers and convincing others of their resolute faith. History shows persecuted saints' dying prayers can influence others for the gospel perhaps more than if they had lived.

When you are in life's crucible and the "flames" are hot around you, will you turn to prayer? Will others see your first and last defense is your communication with your heavenly Father?

Dear Heavenly Father, we pray that we will have a faith so full of the Spirit that we praise you till our dying breath. Kindle a unquenchable fire in our souls that no darkness can extinguish. Lord we are incapable of doing anything of our own accord without you. In the times we are filled with unspeakable fears, we reach out our hand to you and ask for you to walk beside us. We cannot carry all our burdens ourselves, only you can. Please help us hold on strong through our trials, and hold fast to our faith in our darkest hour. Stay with us Lord, fill us with your Spirit. In Jesus name we pray. Amen



May You Be Blessed with Peace and Understanding.

(Exert from The Voice of the Martyrs)

Is Your Prayer On Life Support?

Prayer pulls the rope below, and the great bell rings above in the ears of God. Some scarcely stir the bell, for they pray so languidly; others give but an occasional pluck at the rope; but he who wins with heaven is the man who grasps the rope boldly and pulls continuously, with all his might. (Charles Spurgeon)

Does this describe your time with the Father? Do you pluck at it just a little, probably just when your in need of something? Or do you rarely even give it a second glance, usually passing it by without a thought? Or do you grab hold of that rope like it’s the only thing keeping you from drowning in the dark waters around you?  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always,  pray without ceasing,  give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Pray without ceasing. Pray as though your life depended on it. Prayer is your life support.  Without it, your left with a soul that’s dead, deprived from the life-giving connection of Christ.
Without God our week would be Sinday, Mournday, Tearsday, Wasteday, Thirstday, Fightday, and Shatterday. Seven days without God makes One Weak. The longer you spend away from God the farther down your life goes. If you go days without speaking to your family what happens? They feel as though your pulling away from them, anger rises, fights ensue, and a once happy family is torn apart simply from not communicating. How is your time with God any different?

Psalm 116:2 Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath. That’s an amazing verse. The Creator of all takes time to bend down, to lower himself to us, to listen to our needs. So I will pray if time is available. No! I will pray if there is something I really need or I'm sick. No! We will pray and give thanks for as long as we have breath! Praise God! We should be praying, giving thanks, and rejoicing in all things, not just the good but the bad as well.

Prayer is the key to heaven, but faith unlocks the door. Prayer is the key freely given through salvation. The key that opens the door to our souls, where we can speak directly to our Heavenly Father. But only with faith, can it be opened. Faith in consistently taking the time to speak with Him. Faith in using it for all situations, not just when we feel we are in need. Will you use the key given to you, and in the process grow your faith exponentially? Or will you take that key and throw it in the back of the junk drawer; and only pull it out when there is no other choice?

Even the most righteous among us needs a prayer check-up from time to time. We are all in need of talking with our Heavenly Father more. He wants a one-on-one relationship with us. We should all yearn to be like Moses in Exodus 33:11- Thus the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend.. This is what our Father wants; is us to come to Him face to face as if we were just speaking to a friend. How amazing is that! It's time we took our time with God more seriously. Spend time talking with our Father, let His strength fill your soul with His power. Only our Heavenly Father's life support can save us from death.

Dear Heavenly Father, Your Word says that prayers of faith shall heal the sick. We come to you today in faith asking to heal us from our pride, our lack of commitment, and our desire of trying to get by without your life support. Please forgive us, we know we only receive your healing through faith. Grow our faith, and our desire to speak with you face to face. In Jesus name, Amen.

To Spank Or Not To Spank...Is It A Question?

To spank or not spank, there are so many different opinions on the subject. What is the proper discipline for my child? If I spank them, how much is to much? If I don't spank them will they grow up and be unruly? If I do spank, will they grow up with resentment? So what's the right way to discipline? Honestly, I don't know.

What I do know is to be the smile of God to our children, this is our fundamental calling as parents. Jesus corrected with love. But God also corrected with punishment. Children have to have an understanding of boundaries. A simple "tippy tap", might not get the point across. It may convey the idea that if they do something wrong again, then the punishment will be mild and forgetful.

I can honestly only remember being spanked once. I believe I was about six or seven. Don't remember what for but I seemed to turn out just fine. In contrast my wife got the end of a switch a few times. But yet, she turned out fine as well. So what would be the advice on discipline? It will all come down to your own child, and what works best for them. Some children require a switch to get the point across. Others may only need restrictions of something for them to understand what they did was wrong.

Society has made us afraid to discipline our children, especially when the children are difficult. Fear of the child telling someone they were abused because they are upset with punishment. But the only thing that fear has brought is even more unruly children. Children have lost the moral capacity for what's right and wrong. This is why there's such a rise in these horrific shootings in schools. Evil has been able to spread with an unfettered rapid pace. From the movies, television, games, and music that glorify this behavior in all its forms. All while the parents have done little to nothing to prevent the kids from consuming this darkness.

Parents if you want these children to change, it doesn't start with the schools, or government, or someone else it starts with us.    Proverbs 3:12 For the LORD reproves him whom he loves, As a father the son in whom he delights. Our Heavenly Father disciplines those he loves, just as a Father should discipline the child he loves. Discipline, no matter how painful, is a showing of love to our children. It may not seem like it to them at the moment, but it gives them a foundation in morality.

Colossians 3:21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.  What does Paul mean by “provoke?” In this sense “provoke” means to challenge, or to irritate. An example would be the so-called “helicopter mom,” who “hovers” over her kids at all times. Another example would be the father who is never satisfied with his son’s performance in school, sports, work, etc.
This verse cannot be taken too seriously. When Paul says, “discouraged,” he literally means “to lose heart.” Training children is important—but needs to be done in a way that does not cause them to lose heart. It's hard to repair a broken child. And once they are broken, the cracks will begin to let all matters of darkness seep in.

Always remember, as it says in Psalms 127:3-Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
The fruit of the womb a reward. Children are not a burden, they are a reward. Why would a reward take a lifetime of hard work? Because, anything in life that is of great worth, takes work.

May You Be Blessed with Peace and Understanding.

Parenting Takes Supernatural Strength

Do you ever feel helpless? Do you feel anger from this helplessness? I often get angry when my kids get sick. Not because they got sick,( even though it’s probably from them not washing their hands or keeping their hands away from their face). My anger stems from my feeling of being helpless. I want so badly to just speak a word and they would be healthy. What I have to remember is, that feeling is not helplessness, but my own lack of control. I don’t have control of their ability to heal and it infuriates me. So I have to step back and just say, “Lord I have no control. Not only in my ability to heal my children, but also in my emotions. Please take control of this and handle it.”

Just like so many other areas of our life, our main problem is the desire to not give up control. We don’t like the idea of someone else making the decisions about our life. This is the stumbling block for most people who don’t believe in God. It’s not so much their inability to believe in something, it’s their subconscious desire to not release control. Parenting takes a huge leap of faith. If we try to go at it alone, we will shortly be consumed. I have profound respect for single parents. I can’t even begin to imagine the struggles of trying to raise a child alone. I barely get through the day, even though I have a spouse I can depend on.

There is a old saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” I feel it takes more than a village to raise a child. It takes a supernatural strength. The strength that can only be found in our Messiah. Psalms 138:3 On the day I cried out, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased. If we cry out to Him, He will strengthen our soul. I don’t know about you, but my need to cry out is a daily occurrence. Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. He will be right next to you in your times of trouble, and give you the strength to carry on.

The Great King on whom all creatures depend, opposes the proud, those who rely on their own ability(control) to work out their destiny. The humble, the poor and needy, those who acknowledge their dependence on Him in all things; these are the ones in whom He delights. God wants us to depend on Him. He wants us to cry out to Him for strength. With all the love of a caring parent, He provides all that we need through Him. Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." This often difficult, overpowering, frustrating, but joyful journey we call parenting takes a supernatural strength.

We couldn’t ask for a better example of parenting in love, than from the One who has an eternity of practice in displaying grace. Being a parent is a life-long commitment. Even long after they have left the nest, and had children of their own, we still will be called upon. We must teach His word to our children, as it says in Deuteronomy 6:7: Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. God instructs us to raise them in the word. Not just on Sunday and Wednesday, but all day. When we are at home, if we're driving down the road, when they go to bed at night, and when they wake in the morning.

I understand our hectic lives prevent us from having much time. I know in my own personal life and the life of my family, there are many areas where time can be made if we shed some extra activities. If they are taught the word daily will that ensure they won't stray? Unfortunately not. With the evils in this world surrounding them as they grow, they are bound to fall. But if they have a strong foundation in God, they will be better prepared to face the problems that will come. We need His strength daily to make it through life. Don't we owe it to our children to teach them to depend on Christ's strength? The greatest thing we can do as a parent is to raise our children to pattern Christ.

What a glorious world it would be if everyone would show the love of Christ to all those around them. It's a glorious thought, but as long as we are on this broken sinful world, it will remain a dream. This is why being a parent is the toughest job in the world, and can only be achieved with His supernatural strength.

Our Emotions Mold Their Minds

Your standing on the brink of “losing it” with your child at the local fast food joint. Your struggling to maintain a calm exterior. Inside you are screaming. Societies words of needing perfect children weigh on your mind, while the whispers of the Holy Spirit grow louder, telling me that my desire for perfect children is not only misguided, but also harmful. See, what my perfectionist heart really wants is control. I proudly take these pieces of clay into my hands, thinking I am the potter. I believe that if I can bend, shape, press, and turn my children enough, then I can rescue them from their own sinfulness. I work from the outside, expecting my fiery pressure to change them on the inside.

But the Word of God from Isaiah reminds me: But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. (Isaiah 64:8)

Yes, I have high standards for my kids. I expect them to show respect, kindness, and obedience to the house rules, etc. But, having standards is not the same as having expectations. And, no expectation I hold over them should include their perfection. Such impossible expectation leaves me frustrated, and them hurt. I run the risk of rejecting the warning in Ephesians while neglecting its parental plan.
Fathers [mothers] do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4) Thankfully, my gracious Lord calls me to raised hands rather than raised expectations for my kids. I am slowly learning to pursue a new set of expectations, one that reflects the gracious heart of the Lord Jesus.

In young families, milk will spill and voices will often be louder than necessary. Children are not born knowing how to manage every impulse of their tiny, spontaneous bodies. Instead, they are defined by their energy and their need—for direction, instruction, and discipline. I expect obedience and respect, but I should also expect them to lose control and act like children, as they are. When we set realistic expectations, we’re likely to face a whole lot less disappointment. The reality is, my children are sinners. So, I should not be surprised when they sin. Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins. (Ecclesiastes 7:20) I’m a sinner too. Raising children is like looking in a mirror. While parenting, my own sinful tendencies are on full display in the reflection of my kids. I wonder why they are so selfish while I make decisions that make my life easier at their expense. I tell them they need to have a good attitude when I won’t control the scowl on my own face. When I see one lose their temper over a tiny toddler heartbreak, I remember my reaction when I yell at something just as trivial. They are sinners. So am I.

“Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” (Matthew 7:3-5)

In God’s grace, He gives me plenty of opportunities to train my kids while I learn to re-frame the way I look at their mistakes. Rather than inconveniences or embarrassments, these moments of their disobedience and childishness are opportunities to teach, redirect, share the gospel, and point my children to Jesus. "You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul…You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” (Deuteronomy 11:18-20)
In his miraculous plan for parenting, God ordained these imperfect moments as gifts to point little eyes towards the redeeming sacrifice of Jesus that meets us right where we are. God offers eternal forgiveness and grace for my anger and for my child's disobedience. He draws them to a relationship with him and reminds me of the relationship I have with him regardless of my own imperfection and sin.

I can’t convict my children of their sin, only the Holy Spirit can do that. However, when they mess up, I can tell them that Jesus was perfect because they couldn’t be. I can remind them that God wants nothing more than to forgive them of their sins. And I can tell them that in his great grace, God delights in everyone who comes to him in repentance. This great grace is not only for my children, but also for this perfectionist parent learning to let go of my sinful expectations. The Lord tells me to anticipate their sin and repent of my own, seeing each one as an opportunity to shine a triumphant light towards the redemption offered through Jesus Christ at the cross.

Perfect Parents Don't Exist

There is immense pressure to keep up with the unrealistic and often unhealthy expectations that we, as parents, put on ourselves and feel from others. Some of these pressures have always been a part of the parenting journey, but there continues to be more and more pressure bombarding parents today.

Here are a few of the pressures I have seen in my own parenting experience, as well as those that I have observed:
1. My child must be in structured activities, early childhood education, and sports by the earliest age possible if they are going to be successful and able to keep up with other kids their age.

2. My child must be entertained at all times, especially if I need them to be quiet or want them to be happy. Entertainment might include going to the toddler movie and popcorn time at the movie theater, needing creative crafts and activities at their immediate disposal, having the latest gadget that all the kids are talking about, and being technologically savvy and entertained by the computer, TV, iPad, phone, and video games.

3. My child must be well-mannered, self-controlled, and obedient at all times in public (especially in church), or I must be doing something wrong as a parent.

4. My child must excel at something to keep up with all the other baby geniuses. Otherwise I might just have an “average” child.

5. My child will be disadvantaged if my husband and I both don’t work, in order to provide the best for them.

6. If my child isn’t reading by the age of four, I must have done something wrong (I didn’t play them music in the womb, show them Baby Einstein videos through infancy, or provide an intellectually stimulating environment for them).

7. If I have no choice but to work, I am not as good of a mom as those who stay home. Or, if I have the blessing of staying home with my children, I am not contributing or helping the family and am wasting my gifts and talents.

8. My child must begin a sport or cultural arts activity by the earliest age possible or they won’t be able to compete with their peers. He or she needs to play on a traveling team, even if requires all of our time, energy, and money, in order that we provide the best opportunities for them.

9. My child must be ________: homeschooled, in private education, or in the public school system; vaccinated or not vaccinated; fed organic food or not; the list goes on.

I think it’s safe to say that many parents today can relate to many, if not all, of these pressures. Of course, not all of these are bad within themselves (a little TV time, a library story time, a sports camp, crafts to do at home, etc.), but they can subtly plant lies in our heads and create overwhelming expectations that are not in line with what God desires for us as parents. Unfortunately, these pressures can suck the joy, contentment, simplicity, and sweetness out of raising the children we have been blessed to raise. First, we need to ask ourselves, “Who or what am I serving?” Am I serving Christ by the way I spend my time, money, and abilities, or am I striving to please and live up to what is acceptable and seemingly necessary in the eyes of the world? If the gospel is the central focus of our home, it will help us evaluate and bring clarity to the pressures we face with truth, rather than the cultural standard.

Second, we need to ask the Holy Spirit to help us recognize pressures we are putting on ourselves out of pride. The reality is, if my child excels in some area, I will feel proud — partly because I am proud of them and excited for them but partly because I feel pretty good about the fact that I must have passed on some good genes or done something right to bring about such success. That’s never easy to admit but, for anyone who recognizes the sin that lurks within them, it’s not hard to see the pride that is often hiding beneath the surface. Many pressures we face as parents have more to do with us than they do with our kids. Of course we love our children and want what is best for them, but underneath some of the choices we make, and the pressures we give into without really putting any thought into them, are driven somewhat by how it will reflect on us. Pride, of course, is not something we deal with once and for all. It’s a battle we will wage until we are free from these fallen bodies. However, it’s critical that we recognize where we are tempted to be driven by pride in our parenting.

Are we screaming at our kids on the way to church but then smiling and speaking tenderly to them as soon as we reach the church doors? (Guilty!) Do you find yourself bribing your child in the grocery store, pleading with them to stop screaming so you don’t feel the shameful looks of others? (Guilty too!). If I kept listing examples, I would probably be guilty of every single one of them at some point. But this is the beauty of the gospel. You and I are not perfect parents, and we never will be. But Jesus Christ lived the life we never will be able to and covered all our nasty pride with his shed blood on the cross. When we bring these things to him, in humility and repentance, he promises to forgive us, while shaping us more into his image. As we face the inevitable pressures of parenting, the best place to start is prayer. We can ask Christ to help us see the pressures we face through his eyes, to discern what he values and, to give us wisdom and strength to make each decision for our family in a way that most honors him.

Third, we need to spend time in God’s Word everyday to know him and learn how to apply the gospel to every area of our life, including our parenting. These truths can help us recognize ways that we are feeling pressured to live up to the world’s standards and values, rather than the Lord’s. It can be so life-giving to be freed from the weight of these unnecessary pressures. The grace of the gospel brings healing and hope to the weary and discouraged parent who feels like they just can’t provide their child or family with what the culture deems necessary for success. It takes pressure off the family whose life choices have been limited by illness, death, an unavailable spouse, a child or parent’s disability, or poverty. But when we try to keep up with the ways of the world rather than ways of God, we will be sucked down into a never ending spiral of defeat and stress. So let’s bring these burdens to the Word of God and be filled with his truth so that we can more easily recognize the unrealistic and unhealthy expectations that we may placing on ourselves, which God never asked us to carry.

Fourth, evaluate your priorities as a family, making a list of the goals and values that are worth pursuing. After making a list of short and long-term family priorities, break them down into practical applications to see what areas of your parenting (as well as your own time) are currently reflecting the pursuit of those goals and values. If you find areas that are sucking time and energy out of your family or your child, then evaluate if that’s an activity worth continuing. This can be a great list to come back to and reevaluate as your children grow and family dynamics change.

Lastly, remember that each family is unique, with a different set of circumstances, challenges, and personal convictions. There will always be a family that looks like they have it more together than yours. If your standard of success as a parent is measured by those around you, you will become either prideful, or envious, or both.  If you prayerfully ask the Lord’s direction and seek wisdom from the Scriptures and other godly men and women in the process of forming the personal convictions of your family, then you can humbly be confident in those convictions, while not judging families who have chosen otherwise. This will protect you from feeling insecure and defensive when you hear someone who disagrees with you, or from pridefully assuming that you are godlier than those who hold different convictions than you. In all things, Christ should be center, not us or our children.

Christ will be faithful to strengthen you in the fight against the unnecessary pressures of the world as you pray, grow in the truth of his Word, and rest in the confidence that you have no one to please but the One who is Lord over every parent’s decisions, failures, and successes.

But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children. (Psalm 103:17)

Praise God that he can use sinful parents to raise sinful kids in a sinful world, all the while turning sinners into saints, using us for his purposes, and bringing glory to himself.

"Pick Your Battles"

Perhaps you’ve heard the common refrain in a gathering of parents. As we discuss our latest parenting challenges, one of us relates our most recent “horror story” from the past week. Like a child giving the car’s seatback a shower with her saliva as she incessantly buzzed her lips. Despite multiple commands to cease and desist, she refused to obey. At this point, another parent chimes in, “Well, that isn’t that bad compared to my child.” Then the refrain, “Sometimes, you just have to pick your battles.”

No doubt, it begins as a matter of convenience for parents. We are either running late or tired, and the child refuses to obey. After the second or third call for obedience, the parent drops the issue and moves on. The next time the same obedience issue comes up the child exhibits the same obstinacy. The cycle may repeat a few more times before the parent frustratingly decides it is not a battle worth fighting. Feelings of parental slacking are assuaged with the refrain, “Sometimes, you just have to know which battles to pick.” So begins a pattern of conflict avoidance in parenting that will stretch into the teen years and more than likely grow worse. As parents use the “pick your battles” philosophy more and more, their children begin to realize which commands they can disobey without consequence. Children begin to understand certain house rules are more of a priority than others. Consequently, children begin to manipulate their parents: the philosophy has taught them the line at which their parents do not enforce obedience, and now there is a subtle campaign to move the line as far as possible in their favor.

The parents’ acquiescence has eroded the respect deserved by the parents from the child and weakened the parents’ authority. Nowhere, in the Bible, will Christian parents see God picking battles as he parents his children. The most illustrative and direct example of his parenting is found as he led Israel through the wilderness into Canaan. During this time, God does not permit certain commands to be heeded and others to be ignored. Case in point, no matter how many times his children grumbled, he continued to deal with the issue and did not allow it to go unaddressed.

Surprisingly, God did not deal with every instance of grumbling in a punitive manner, but he always addressed each instance of disobedience, thereby reinforcing his authority. With God as the perfect parenting model, there is a key principle he used that can guide parents as they train their children in the area of obedience. This principle stands in stark contrast to the “pick your battles” approach, which consists of attempts to gain compliance and ends in acquiescence to a child’s continued disobedience. At the outset, God reacted quite graciously to the Israelites grumbling. Only three days after miraculously crossing the Red Sea, the thirsty Israelites forgot the loving providence of their Father and complained about the bitter water at Marah. God responded with grace and provided sweet water (Exodus 15). A short time later, in the wilderness of Sin, the Hebrews grumbled about lack of food (Exodus 16). God once again gave them the object of their complaint without any retribution. The same thing happened again at Horeb with grumblings about lack of water (Exodus 17). The Lord responded again with grace.

In all three of these instances, God issued a warning to heed his commandments or bear severe consequences. Furthermore, at Marah, he gave them a promise to believe so they could be spared from any future punishment akin to what the Egyptians endured. Grumbling always stems from a lack of faith. God knew this and reinforced his love by giving the Israelites a promise to believe.
In no way was God acquiescing by not meting out punishment for their sin. He is not reluctantly giving in to their whining. He is giving grace in the moment based upon his wisdom.
God’s parenting approach changed later, though. In Numbers 11, the Lord was severe with his disciplining hand regarding Israel’s grumbling. His children had not learned from his graciousness. He did not acquiesce in light of continued grumblings nor did he continue to be as gracious lest his position and his authority be seen as weak. “The passing over of sin communicates God’s glory and his righteous governance are cheap and worthless.”

Eventually, sin must be righteously dealt with. Therefore, God punished their grumbling with his fire that “consumed some outlying parts of the camp” (Numbers 11:1). Again, just as little children, the Israelites failed to learn from their punishment, and they grumbled shortly thereafter. God graciously spared lives, but did punish those twenty and older by prohibiting their entrance into Canaan (Numbers 14). In this example of God parenting his grumbling children, he suspended punishment as long as he deemed wise — he extended grace. He knew his children and understood at what point love and understanding should be expressed with the purpose of capturing his children’s hearts. It is also seen where grace was not the proper response to disobedience, but punishment was. Punishment is not a pleasant aspect of parenting, but it is a necessary one exercised at the right time.

Every instance of disobedience to the same command does not need to be addressed in the same way. The key, however, is that it is addressed with purpose. Like our heavenly Father, parenting with grace and timely punishment provides a proper amount of leeway without compromising a parent’s authority and the respect deserved.

Extreme Truth

"Are you not afraid of what we will do to you?" the Communist colonel asked, his tone a combination of mockery and challenge.

Young Pastor Kochanga, having preached only one sermon in his career, stood before the colonel, knowing that the man held the power of life or death over him. He answered in a respectful, yet fervent tone.

"Sir, truth is never afraid. Suppose your government would decide to hang all mathematicians. How much would two plus two be then? Two plus two would still be four."

We have truth, as true as a mathematical equation. We have the truth that there is a God, and he is our loving Father. We have the truth that Jesus is the Savior of the world and wishes to save everyone, even you. We have truth that there is a Holy Spirit who empowers men and gives them light, and we have the truth that there exists a beautiful paradise.

"Whatever whips and whatever instruments of torture you have, it will always remain so. Two plus two still equals four."

Kochanga was beaten almost beyond recognition and then was never seen again. Though his battered and bloody face was hard to recognize for the other prisoners, in heaven he was immediately known and welcomed.

"Tell the truth." Children learn this command at an early age, yet its wisdom is timeless. If we will return to simply acknowledging what we know to be true, we will always have the words to say when we are called upon to testify for Christ. Many people often feel unqualified to witness for Christ, saying they lack "training." We fear being asked a theological question we don't know how to answer. However, professing Christ doesn't require course credit in apologetics. Simply tell the truth about what you know-just as those who have experienced religious oppression.

Testifying about Christ is easier than it seems. We must go back to the principle we learned in childhood. We are commanded to acknowledge Jesus Christ-to tell the truth.

Sermon on the Mounting Pressure of The Self-Gratification Gospel & The Ingratitude of The Fake Beatitudes

Blessed are those who are poor for absolutely nothing, for theirs is the Kingdom of Amazon and the domain of next day delivery.

Blessed are those who mourn for more, for they shall be comforted with a comfortable life that calmly and consistently boils their souls right dry.

Blessed are those who put themselves first, striving to be great instead of ever being second to anyone, because what really matters is to be great for this vaporous nano-second, even if that means being dead-last for all eternity.

Blessed are those who keep up with the Jones’ instead of keeping company with Jesus, for theirs is a life of climbing ladders instead of going lower, to the least and the lonely and the lost.

Blessed are those who focus on upward mobility — for theirs is an eternity of futility.
 
Blessed are those who are meek only at being meek, for it’s the powerful who punch back, the offended who attack, and all who hate to lack any digital thing, who will inherit the soul-wounding ways of this dog-eat-dog world.

Blessed who are those who thirst for more gourmet coffee and hunger for greater accolades, audiences, applauses, greater garages, closets, and wallets, for they shall be filled with a toxic discontent that scalds the inside of their only soul.

Blessed are those who live with pure but subtle greed, for they shall see their god in things and not in faces of those in need who God made.

Blessed are those who are never persecuted for being counter-cultural, who never give until it’s a sacrifice, who never risk for the Gospel’s sake, for theirs is the message of fake good news, and the relief of no-suffering lives.

The Gratitude Attitude of the Genuine Beatitudes:

Blessed are us who miss the road to riches. For less stuff, lets more of the only Savior save us.

Blessed are us who deny ourselves of some wanted things, so those in need can have direly needed things. For when we refuse to deny someone in need, Jesus refuses to ever deny us in our need.

Blessed are us who are grateful with less. For there is no other shape of greatness. 

Blessed are us who never stop loving giving, and when we don’t love giving, we don’t get to be Christ-like. For God so loved the world, He gave, and it’s the Givers who get to takeover the world with love.

Blessed are us who thirst with those who are parched for a glass of clean water and who hunger with those who crave crumbs from our brushed off tables, for our God is Emmanuel, God with us, and withness breaks brokenness, and being with the broken in the world begins to break the brokenness of the world.

Blessed are us who express our inexpressible gratitude to God by giving to those made in the image of God. For when we are mostly about protecting what we have — we have less God, and mostly have a god made in our image. 

Blessed are us who prioritize other people over our problems. For ours is the passion of the Christ.

When we give, those in need give thanks, and God gets glory, and giving begets glory, and we could make this the glorious story of the world. Giving begets gratitude and gratitude begets glory and when we give we are most like God who so loved that He gave His only begotten Son. 

Love lives given. 

Excerpts from Ann VosKamp's Blog

A Call To The Church

"When people are more impressed by the presentation, show, and spectacle, than they are with helping people....you might be in the wrong place.

When hundreds of thousands or even millions are spent on a building and cool stuff to go in the building while the community around it suffers.....you might be in the wrong place.

When you're told you suffer simply because you lack faith....you might be in the wrong place.

When the business of faith is an actual business....you might be in the wrong place."

I saw this last night. I don’t know if the person is a believer or unbeliever. No one can truly know the heart of another person. If they are a believer, than the picture of the church of today to them, is one of unrepentant pride, greed, and a conformity to the world. If they are an unbeliever, than the same applies, and it paints a grim picture for how the church looks to those it is called to reach.

Matthew 25: 34-40 Then the King will say to those on his right, `Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' Then the righteous will answer him, saying, `Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will answer them, `Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'

Poverty and the poor are used 446 times in 384 verses. In contrast wealth and greed are used 1,453 times in 1,273 verses. So God needed to discuss the dangers of greed almost 4 times as much as helping the poor. Sounds like that was a big issue in biblical times, and even more so now. The church is supposed to be His Light in the world. We are supposed to be a representation of Christ’s hands and feet here on earth. Christ’s hands were giving not receiving. His feet were walking miles to help others. Not propped up in ease and comfort.

We want to bring the lost of the world into the church to show them a new life in Christ, but the majority of churches look no different than the world around them. Their one point on people suffering because they lack faith I have to disagree with. Suffering is not from a lack of faith, it’s a prerequisite for faith. Faith is strengthened in suffering. But its hard to get that point across to a broken world, when all they see through the window is ease and comfort. How much have you truly suffered for Christ? How much are you actually willing to give up for Christ?

Jesus and his disciples had nothing. The first century church had nothing. They freely gave whatever they had. Was it given freely for the building, or for items of comfort in the building? Let’s see what scripture says: “And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

So what can be gleamed from this text. It says first they were devoted to the teachings. In other words, God’s word was their life. And they were together and had all things in common(they were all of like mind). They sold their possessions and gave to those who were in NEED. They had favor(or kind, caring) to all people. And in result of living like this, their numbers grew DAILY!

Church, God’s Church, was never meant to be run like a business. Jesus had some strong feelings with business being conducted in church. Matthew 21:12-13 And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. He said to them, "It is written, `My house shall be called a house of prayer,' but you make it a den of robbers."

A word to the churches: Do you want revival in the church? Do you want to truly reach the lost in this broken world? If so, priorities must change.
1) The Word must consume our life.
2) We must be like-minded, a cohesive organism.
3) Our finances must be focused on those in need.
4) We must show love to all people, not just the ones that meet certain criteria.
5) Walk as Christ, completely apart from this world, not conforming to it.

And in doing so, He will increase the numbers of saved for His Kingdom daily. The world is yearning for light. His Church is groaning for revival. It’s time for a call back to the church of the apostles.