Thanksgiving
All sunny warmth is passing away
Giving way to frost and cold
And you can breathe and see it in the air
And you are restless
And excited
Know that you shall soon see
Those who you have missed
And longed to see
And you can catch leaves of many colors
And stare at a gray sky till it makes you dizzy
You walk to the closet and pull out
The clothes
That you will need
For the cold
And you sit indoors from the cold
Longing for warm air
And summer days
But you are still anticipating
What others call “turkey day”
But you call it thanksgiving
And when the day comes
You are so excited you can hardly stand it
And around the table
There is not only food
But also love.
...by Kyla
Friday, November 27, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Leroy Thompson exemplifies the insanity of the 'prosperity gospel'
So, I actually watched Leroy Thompson for about 8 minutes
the other night (Link Below). I took notes as best I could between gags and bouts of nausea and disgust.. He was talking about and to ‘Harvest Millionaires’. The sermon (if you can call it that) was... Get this...
"Living the Financially Advanced Life in Godly Finances" Pt. 2
Would someone tell me what that mess even MEANS?????
Among other things He said that:
1) Though we all think that John 10:10 is for the future, it
is for today. John 10:10 says: The thief comes only to steal and kill and
destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
(How this was revelatory, I know not)
2) There is a place that you can put money to protect it
now. This is of course the tithe, and seed offerings
3) You are a millionaire already, because you can add up all
of your tithes and offerings, and call for it, in fact you can call down a 10
fold return (at which of course there was ‘shouting’ and jumping)
4) If there is gonna be any abundance down here, it’s gotta
include money
5) You should sow a more extensive seed, because your
‘millionaire manifestation’ comes when your ‘front seed’ and your ‘back seed’
meet ( I must have missed the earlier decriptions of these front and back
seeds)
6) Matt 6:19-20 is about sowing seed and tithing is laying
up treasures in heaven.
7) We must call on that seed, call on that tithe, it’s still
on deposit with God
8) Heaven is still ‘on the move’ (whatever that means)
So that you know that I am not making this up, the proof is just a click away...
CLICK HERE if you dare...
Yahshuah says...
Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby. For narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few are they that find it. Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. By their fruits ye shall know them. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but the corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Therefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy by thy name, and by thy name cast out demons, and by thy name do many mighty works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
(Matthew 7:13-23 ASV)
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hinder the truth in unrighteousness; because that which is known of God is manifest in them; for God manifested it unto them.
For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse: because that, knowing God, they glorified him not as God, neither gave thanks; but became vain in their reasonings, and their senseless heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
(Romans 1:18-22 ASV)
the other night (Link Below). I took notes as best I could between gags and bouts of nausea and disgust.. He was talking about and to ‘Harvest Millionaires’. The sermon (if you can call it that) was... Get this...
"Living the Financially Advanced Life in Godly Finances" Pt. 2
Would someone tell me what that mess even MEANS?????
Among other things He said that:
1) Though we all think that John 10:10 is for the future, it
is for today. John 10:10 says: The thief comes only to steal and kill and
destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
(How this was revelatory, I know not)
2) There is a place that you can put money to protect it
now. This is of course the tithe, and seed offerings
3) You are a millionaire already, because you can add up all
of your tithes and offerings, and call for it, in fact you can call down a 10
fold return (at which of course there was ‘shouting’ and jumping)
4) If there is gonna be any abundance down here, it’s gotta
include money
5) You should sow a more extensive seed, because your
‘millionaire manifestation’ comes when your ‘front seed’ and your ‘back seed’
meet ( I must have missed the earlier decriptions of these front and back
seeds)
6) Matt 6:19-20 is about sowing seed and tithing is laying
up treasures in heaven.
7) We must call on that seed, call on that tithe, it’s still
on deposit with God
8) Heaven is still ‘on the move’ (whatever that means)
So that you know that I am not making this up, the proof is just a click away...
CLICK HERE if you dare...
Yahshuah says...
Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby. For narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few are they that find it. Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. By their fruits ye shall know them. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but the corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Therefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy by thy name, and by thy name cast out demons, and by thy name do many mighty works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
(Matthew 7:13-23 ASV)
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hinder the truth in unrighteousness; because that which is known of God is manifest in them; for God manifested it unto them.
For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse: because that, knowing God, they glorified him not as God, neither gave thanks; but became vain in their reasonings, and their senseless heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
(Romans 1:18-22 ASV)
Monday, November 9, 2009
VESSELS…
A sermon by pastor.ctj...
1 John 3
1 Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God; and such we are. For this cause the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
2 Beloved, now are we children of God, and it is not yet made manifest what we shall be. We know that, if he shall be manifested, we shall be like him; for we shall see him even as he is.
3 And every one that hath this hope set on him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
Matthew 28:19 -20
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
2 Corinthians 4:1-7
Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
Essentially, what I gather from these passages is that there is no one unqualified to obey the Word.
No matter what you’ve been through, experienced, done.
Whom the Son sets free is Free indeed, and Isaiah 54:17 says that the righteousness of God's people is of Him…
Jesus said we are the salt of the earth, the light of the world. How do people see the light? How do they?
Through your cracks..
How you handle adversity? How you treat your spouse, how you love your kids? Through your flaws…
-> Cracked vessels make the best containers… Because they let the Light out!
Genesis 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
Yet, O Lord,...
Isaiah 64:8 We are the clay, You are the Potter; we are all the work of your hand.
-> God shaped and formed, and then He blew, and man became
Acts 1:4-9
4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
-> Jesus shaped and formed, and then He blew, and the church became
John 20:20-22
20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.
21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
Ephesians 4:11-15
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
What Paul is saying here is that the church is a body, a team, and each of the gifts is equally important for the perfecting of the saints for the maturing of the body,
Unlike the early church, which was:
1) Communally centered (which allowed for the operation of all of the gifts equally, and consistent growth)
2) God focused
3) Objective Worship based, and
4) Inclusive
See Acts2:42-49
Today’s church is:
1. Pastorally centered: The cult of personality.
The problem with this beloved is that mature Christians should not be eating pre-chewed food. What do i mean? Let's consider the Eagle: The Eaglet eats regurgitation, which is pre digested, (other’s interpretation and opinion) often containing bile (dislikes bias, etc.) among the stomach contents. But once it is mature, its talons and beak are hard and sharp, and it hunts, and eats for itself. Too many of our brethren are unable to hunt because their talons are dull, and their beaks are soft.
2. ME focused: That needs no explanation
3. Subjective Worship based,
Our concept of worship is that we come to be entertained, and as such treat God the same way. We come when we're in need, lift our hands, and like Chaka Khan, sing 'Whatcha gonna do for me, when the chips are down?'
Or when things are ok, we resort to Janet Jackson's classic lyric; 'What have you done for me lately?'
and
4. Exclusive. 11 am is STILL the most segregated hour in America.
We are backwards.
We have become a reflection of the society, instead of a reflection of Christ.
This is why you can turn on ‘Christian TV, Christian radio, and in a few hours hear false prophecies, twisted scriptural interpretation, and competing, vastly different doctrine. Why? Because everybody is blowing, just like Paul said. And the immature in the body are suffering…
-> The amplified Bible says:
14 So then, we may no longer be children, tossed [like ships] to and fro between chance gusts of teaching and wavering with every changing wind of doctrine, [the prey of] the cunning and cleverness of [a]unscrupulous men, [gamblers engaged] in every shifting form of trickery in inventing errors to mislead.
-> Those of us who know the Word are responsible.
-> Those of us who are mature are responsible
Matthew 28:19 -20
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
CRACKS AND ALL TRUST HIM
CRACKS AND ALL SURRENDER TO HIS WILL
CRACKS AND ALL DO WHAT HE SAYS!
Cracks and all, do what He says...
Amen.
1 John 3
1 Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God; and such we are. For this cause the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
2 Beloved, now are we children of God, and it is not yet made manifest what we shall be. We know that, if he shall be manifested, we shall be like him; for we shall see him even as he is.
3 And every one that hath this hope set on him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
Matthew 28:19 -20
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
2 Corinthians 4:1-7
Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
Essentially, what I gather from these passages is that there is no one unqualified to obey the Word.
No matter what you’ve been through, experienced, done.
Whom the Son sets free is Free indeed, and Isaiah 54:17 says that the righteousness of God's people is of Him…
Jesus said we are the salt of the earth, the light of the world. How do people see the light? How do they?
Through your cracks..
How you handle adversity? How you treat your spouse, how you love your kids? Through your flaws…
-> Cracked vessels make the best containers… Because they let the Light out!
Genesis 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
Yet, O Lord,...
Isaiah 64:8 We are the clay, You are the Potter; we are all the work of your hand.
-> God shaped and formed, and then He blew, and man became
Acts 1:4-9
4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
-> Jesus shaped and formed, and then He blew, and the church became
John 20:20-22
20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.
21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
Ephesians 4:11-15
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
What Paul is saying here is that the church is a body, a team, and each of the gifts is equally important for the perfecting of the saints for the maturing of the body,
Unlike the early church, which was:
1) Communally centered (which allowed for the operation of all of the gifts equally, and consistent growth)
2) God focused
3) Objective Worship based, and
4) Inclusive
See Acts2:42-49
Today’s church is:
1. Pastorally centered: The cult of personality.
The problem with this beloved is that mature Christians should not be eating pre-chewed food. What do i mean? Let's consider the Eagle: The Eaglet eats regurgitation, which is pre digested, (other’s interpretation and opinion) often containing bile (dislikes bias, etc.) among the stomach contents. But once it is mature, its talons and beak are hard and sharp, and it hunts, and eats for itself. Too many of our brethren are unable to hunt because their talons are dull, and their beaks are soft.
2. ME focused: That needs no explanation
3. Subjective Worship based,
Our concept of worship is that we come to be entertained, and as such treat God the same way. We come when we're in need, lift our hands, and like Chaka Khan, sing 'Whatcha gonna do for me, when the chips are down?'
Or when things are ok, we resort to Janet Jackson's classic lyric; 'What have you done for me lately?'
and
4. Exclusive. 11 am is STILL the most segregated hour in America.
We are backwards.
We have become a reflection of the society, instead of a reflection of Christ.
This is why you can turn on ‘Christian TV, Christian radio, and in a few hours hear false prophecies, twisted scriptural interpretation, and competing, vastly different doctrine. Why? Because everybody is blowing, just like Paul said. And the immature in the body are suffering…
-> The amplified Bible says:
14 So then, we may no longer be children, tossed [like ships] to and fro between chance gusts of teaching and wavering with every changing wind of doctrine, [the prey of] the cunning and cleverness of [a]unscrupulous men, [gamblers engaged] in every shifting form of trickery in inventing errors to mislead.
-> Those of us who know the Word are responsible.
-> Those of us who are mature are responsible
Matthew 28:19 -20
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
CRACKS AND ALL TRUST HIM
CRACKS AND ALL SURRENDER TO HIS WILL
CRACKS AND ALL DO WHAT HE SAYS!
Cracks and all, do what He says...
Amen.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
A portion of our 10/04/09 Event
On October 4, the Repairer's Fellowship Family went to Crawford UMC, in Bronx NY, and ministered as part of their Church's 157th Anniversary.
Here is a clip from the event.
The entire sermon,(and more)can be found on our Youtube Channel, and you may visit our website, www.repfel.org for more info about us and what we do...
Here is a clip from the event.
The entire sermon,(and more)can be found on our Youtube Channel, and you may visit our website, www.repfel.org for more info about us and what we do...
Monday, August 31, 2009
Dedicated to our homeschool familes...
In honor of our homeschool familes within the Fellowship:
Homeschool Family by Tim Hawkins
On the serious side, though. I am so proud of those of you who are taking matters of education into your own hands. There is nothing more important or God honoring than to train up our children in the fear and admonition of the Lord, especially in times like these.
God Bless You!!!
Homeschool Family by Tim Hawkins
On the serious side, though. I am so proud of those of you who are taking matters of education into your own hands. There is nothing more important or God honoring than to train up our children in the fear and admonition of the Lord, especially in times like these.
God Bless You!!!
What makes a lyric distinctively Christian?
Hello Family,
I've been thinking a lot lately about songs that are "spiritual" verses songs that are Christian. What I've been thinking: Must we as Christians be more deliberate in our praise to our Lord Jesus Christ when we pen a song? Particularly if we plan to send it out to the secular ear? Sure it is easy to know amongst my brothers and sisters in Christ that when we sing "God" that our theology, our "creed" is of likemindedness, which by the way is becoming even more difficult to discern in our postdenominational/transdenominational "relevant" new church model. Does the true "God" we sing about in our Christian/secular endeavors get lost in the mix?
It is becoming more and more evident that "God" has become "god" in our culture. Recent articles espouse that American religion is beginning to appear more Hindu like than ever--"Pick a god any god...All paths converge to the same mountain top" After all Gandhi had much to say about God. So what makes Gandi's "God" different than the Christian God? The "God" that makes his way onto the secular airwaves. When I sing of "God" to a secular audience is it wise to surmise that my audience knows that I am pointing to God through Christ? Am I deceiving myself to think that my song that speaks of "God" will draw others into a closer walk with Christ? Can I assume that they even care of who "God" is to me? In general the secular audience has little difficulty in "spirituality". In fact "spirituality" makes secularism feel better about itself.
I have no doubt that the secular world wants to hear nothing of "Jesus" unless they can redefine Him and repackage Him. As they have already done with "God" and are busy doing the same to "Christianity".
Carrie Underwood says, "Jesus take the Wheel" and then sings " I dug my key into the side of his pretty little suped up four wheel drive Carved my name into his leather seats took a Louisville slugger to both headlights slashed a hole in all four tires maybe next time he'll think before he cheats"...then in her follow up single she ends up waking up in a Las Vegas hotel bed with a hangover, a wedding ring on her finger not even knowing her last name. Is Ms. Underwood sending mixed messages? I'm just sayin'. Is this the Christianity that Christians sell to the secular audience thinking that we are evangelizing? Do we as Christians use "God" in our lyrics to justify our pursuits in the secular market? Do we preach (sing) of a "God" that helps a secular audience to "believe" AND hold onto what they've got? This God we afford them...is it spreading delusion; more harm than good?
Do we ignorantly believe that the "God" that tingles the ears of a secular audience is the same God we followers of Christ sing of in our churches and lives? Do we fuel the illusion when we sing of God but not Christ and then market it to a secular audience thinking it will eventually evangelize to them?
I've been thinking a lot lately about songs that are "spiritual" verses songs that are Christian. What I've been thinking: Must we as Christians be more deliberate in our praise to our Lord Jesus Christ when we pen a song? Particularly if we plan to send it out to the secular ear? Sure it is easy to know amongst my brothers and sisters in Christ that when we sing "God" that our theology, our "creed" is of likemindedness, which by the way is becoming even more difficult to discern in our postdenominational/transdenominational "relevant" new church model. Does the true "God" we sing about in our Christian/secular endeavors get lost in the mix?
It is becoming more and more evident that "God" has become "god" in our culture. Recent articles espouse that American religion is beginning to appear more Hindu like than ever--"Pick a god any god...All paths converge to the same mountain top" After all Gandhi had much to say about God. So what makes Gandi's "God" different than the Christian God? The "God" that makes his way onto the secular airwaves. When I sing of "God" to a secular audience is it wise to surmise that my audience knows that I am pointing to God through Christ? Am I deceiving myself to think that my song that speaks of "God" will draw others into a closer walk with Christ? Can I assume that they even care of who "God" is to me? In general the secular audience has little difficulty in "spirituality". In fact "spirituality" makes secularism feel better about itself.
I have no doubt that the secular world wants to hear nothing of "Jesus" unless they can redefine Him and repackage Him. As they have already done with "God" and are busy doing the same to "Christianity".
Carrie Underwood says, "Jesus take the Wheel" and then sings " I dug my key into the side of his pretty little suped up four wheel drive Carved my name into his leather seats took a Louisville slugger to both headlights slashed a hole in all four tires maybe next time he'll think before he cheats"...then in her follow up single she ends up waking up in a Las Vegas hotel bed with a hangover, a wedding ring on her finger not even knowing her last name. Is Ms. Underwood sending mixed messages? I'm just sayin'. Is this the Christianity that Christians sell to the secular audience thinking that we are evangelizing? Do we as Christians use "God" in our lyrics to justify our pursuits in the secular market? Do we preach (sing) of a "God" that helps a secular audience to "believe" AND hold onto what they've got? This God we afford them...is it spreading delusion; more harm than good?
Do we ignorantly believe that the "God" that tingles the ears of a secular audience is the same God we followers of Christ sing of in our churches and lives? Do we fuel the illusion when we sing of God but not Christ and then market it to a secular audience thinking it will eventually evangelize to them?
Saturday, August 29, 2009
At our 8/30 Service we will be discussing
The Attributes of God.
Attributes of God – The Meaning, The Characteristics
What do we really know about God?
What does John 3:16 really mean?
Attributes of God – The Meaning, The Characteristics
What do we really know about God?
What does John 3:16 really mean?
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
The local church baggage claim
I thought I would share with my family some of what is the local church,
On Aug 25, 2009, at 8:47 AM, *** wrote:
Hi to Him-Who-Is-Not-My-Enemy,
I still feel like I can’t handle the stress of hearing your story about the worship team, but maybe sometime soon. Anyway, I just wanted to say hi. ***
Hi ***,
It was nice to see you up front worshipping on Sunday. I had hoped to tell you personally before we left but I needed to leave before I got to you. I was planning on emailing you to tell you so, so I am glad you beat me to it as a reminder.
As far as "stress" and the worship team. It's not so much or should I say specifically the worship team @ **** Church that stresses me out. To be more clear I would say that it is how the church with a capital "C" approaches worship that stresses me out. In general worship has become a task, a "less than it should be" kind of routine that borders on apathy. It appears to me, that even the churches that have a more "contemporary" "professional" worship style seem to be increasingly caught up in entertaining themselves more so than glorifying God. The "Style" has been a result of human comfort levels rather than intent on glorifying God. So a simple guitar or 10 piece professional praise band is not the point to be made. It is the approach we take in incorporating it into our Sunday services/other services and our lives.
It was my hope that bringing in my brothers and sisters from outside of **** Church would in some way ignite the congregation to simply push from normal comfort zones, away from "routine" and towards being more intentional in our worship together and in our worship ministry efforts.
To be honest with you my sister, you are one of the few that I have seen modeling worship more passionately. I have heard some say that being "animated" is not generally the Presbyterian "the frozen chosen" way...to which I say "Don't be ridiculous!" LOL. As you may have recognized already my passion and emotions are easy to see. Sometimes for the good but other times often misinterpreted when it is outside of specifically leading worship. I have also come to recognize that because my emotions run deep they are not easy to hide no matter how I am feeling. I humbly venture to say the same might ring true for you. More often than not words can't explain what we feel. But we frustratingly try anyway which leads to further frustrations both in us and others. And at least for me in an attempt to be transparent leaves most feeling suspicion rather than making them more understanding. I have simply come to accept this reality; that part of the cross that I carry is that I tend to push people out of their comfort zones, which in turn evokes a defensive,suspicious reaction from most. My goal is never to simply cause trouble but rather to have the gospel proclaimed louder and to have more embrace our Savior with their very lives.
I am fairly new to **** Church. You have heard some of what is on my heart and also had an opportunity to see me worship and serve. To be honest, the church animal, no matter where I go is a bit of a struggle for me because I do indeed feel that, "the day is near". I have little patience for the slow way that has become the normal approach of church ministry. To me, there are too many lost sheep, too many wayward sheep, and too many goats amongst the sheep in the church congregation.
So how do we as a body of believers push forward and at the same time protect the body? How do we discern each others spiritual gifts? How do we empower each other and build one another up? These are just a few of the questions to be answered. Most of the time my general response to these type of questions is: "We must prepare and equip ourselves to 'GO!'...BE BOLD..we must go into enemy territory (specifically for me this means our schools) and fight to take it back! We must stop being weak sheep, stop hunkering down behind our church doors, afraid of what lies outside our church doors. We must TALK, PLAN AND ACT...i repeat AND ACT!
Perhaps sister, you are saying, "What the heck did I say that hoisted Mykel onto the soapbox?" Well....I just wanted to make clear that "my story about the worship team" is not specific to **** Church and my efforts are not meant to cause stress but to encourage action rather than complacency. And yes ***, I am indeed "Him-Who-Is-NOT-your-Enemy"
With the love of Christ,
Mykel
On Aug 25, 2009, at 8:47 AM, *** wrote:
Hi to Him-Who-Is-Not-My-Enemy,
I still feel like I can’t handle the stress of hearing your story about the worship team, but maybe sometime soon. Anyway, I just wanted to say hi. ***
Hi ***,
It was nice to see you up front worshipping on Sunday. I had hoped to tell you personally before we left but I needed to leave before I got to you. I was planning on emailing you to tell you so, so I am glad you beat me to it as a reminder.
As far as "stress" and the worship team. It's not so much or should I say specifically the worship team @ **** Church that stresses me out. To be more clear I would say that it is how the church with a capital "C" approaches worship that stresses me out. In general worship has become a task, a "less than it should be" kind of routine that borders on apathy. It appears to me, that even the churches that have a more "contemporary" "professional" worship style seem to be increasingly caught up in entertaining themselves more so than glorifying God. The "Style" has been a result of human comfort levels rather than intent on glorifying God. So a simple guitar or 10 piece professional praise band is not the point to be made. It is the approach we take in incorporating it into our Sunday services/other services and our lives.
It was my hope that bringing in my brothers and sisters from outside of **** Church would in some way ignite the congregation to simply push from normal comfort zones, away from "routine" and towards being more intentional in our worship together and in our worship ministry efforts.
To be honest with you my sister, you are one of the few that I have seen modeling worship more passionately. I have heard some say that being "animated" is not generally the Presbyterian "the frozen chosen" way...to which I say "Don't be ridiculous!" LOL. As you may have recognized already my passion and emotions are easy to see. Sometimes for the good but other times often misinterpreted when it is outside of specifically leading worship. I have also come to recognize that because my emotions run deep they are not easy to hide no matter how I am feeling. I humbly venture to say the same might ring true for you. More often than not words can't explain what we feel. But we frustratingly try anyway which leads to further frustrations both in us and others. And at least for me in an attempt to be transparent leaves most feeling suspicion rather than making them more understanding. I have simply come to accept this reality; that part of the cross that I carry is that I tend to push people out of their comfort zones, which in turn evokes a defensive,suspicious reaction from most. My goal is never to simply cause trouble but rather to have the gospel proclaimed louder and to have more embrace our Savior with their very lives.
I am fairly new to **** Church. You have heard some of what is on my heart and also had an opportunity to see me worship and serve. To be honest, the church animal, no matter where I go is a bit of a struggle for me because I do indeed feel that, "the day is near". I have little patience for the slow way that has become the normal approach of church ministry. To me, there are too many lost sheep, too many wayward sheep, and too many goats amongst the sheep in the church congregation.
So how do we as a body of believers push forward and at the same time protect the body? How do we discern each others spiritual gifts? How do we empower each other and build one another up? These are just a few of the questions to be answered. Most of the time my general response to these type of questions is: "We must prepare and equip ourselves to 'GO!'...BE BOLD..we must go into enemy territory (specifically for me this means our schools) and fight to take it back! We must stop being weak sheep, stop hunkering down behind our church doors, afraid of what lies outside our church doors. We must TALK, PLAN AND ACT...i repeat AND ACT!
Perhaps sister, you are saying, "What the heck did I say that hoisted Mykel onto the soapbox?" Well....I just wanted to make clear that "my story about the worship team" is not specific to **** Church and my efforts are not meant to cause stress but to encourage action rather than complacency. And yes ***, I am indeed "Him-Who-Is-NOT-your-Enemy"
With the love of Christ,
Mykel
Monday, August 24, 2009
Sunday, August 23, 2009
The Life Cycle of the Average Church
Blessings Family,
I was asked about the piece that I read on the Aug. 20 show titled
'The Life Cycle of the Average Church'
Here it is:
The Life Cycle of the average church - (c) 2006 CT Jermin
I have found in my studies that we (churches, though this formula also holds true in organizations, even cults) tend to follow the same pattern. A pattern that God desires to break us out of:
1) The Revelation/Impartation
It begins with a life changing encounter with God, or a vision imparted.
2) The Sharing/Telling
The sharing of the vision then begins.
Whether it be preaching, or in song, or however, the dissemination of the message begins.
3) The Gathering
The anointing of God, the lure of the vision, and the charisma/integrity of the visionary begins to draw people. Those who have caught the vision now begin to meet together,
praying/praising/worshipping It is the upper room time, leading up to the day of Pentecost
4) The Institutionalization
Gradually, we come to believe that a certain formalization of the organization is necessary. We then set about the task of 'building' the church/movement
5) The Ritualization
We do the things that God showed us that day, practice the things that we believe were the catalyst for the initial encounter, or practice the formula handed down by the visionary.
6) The Stagnation
We stop hearing from God, but do not notice because the ritual and the leader have become the object of attention. The Holy Spirit departs, and few even notice. Oftentimes, we then drift away from the historic doctrines of the faith as a result.
7) The Revolution
The new generation rises up, dissatisfied with the status quo, the "we've always done it this way", or concerned about the departure from doctrine, seeks God's face with the persistence of the widow who wouldn't stop asking (Luke 18:1-8), or the desperation of the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5: 25-34). God responds, taking the new generation to step one, where for them the cycle starts again
8) The Degeneration/dissolution
Having become totally engrossed in the form and ritual and prefrences & no longer hearing from God, the church, no longer relevant, fades, and begins a slow death.
Have you seen this happen? I know you have, I have too. .
You might even be living it now...
If you are, what stage is your church at? What can you do to stop it?
I submit to you today brethren, that this need not happen. I submit to you that this should NEVER happen. It is not the will of God. I believe that in order to continue to be relevant, we must make sure that from step we go back to step 1, and repeat 1, 2, 3.
I know that there is a season to every purpose under heaven, but He is from age to age the same. Therefore, by staying close to Him, we can always move when the cloud moves, move the pillar of fire moves.
How will this happen?
By the worship leaders truly becoming worship LEADERS, leading the flock into the presence of the Lord.
Leading because we know how to get in, because we go there regularly. By letting Him be glorified in our lives, and then glorify Him with our lives.
This will produce a level of intimacy and sensitivity to the spirit that will surpass anything that we have experienced before.
By the Pastors seeking God first, not a growth strategies manual, or latest expert analysis on successful ministry. Looking to God who is the author and finisher of our faith, and who knows just what His body needs to grow and flourish...
I was asked about the piece that I read on the Aug. 20 show titled
'The Life Cycle of the Average Church'
Here it is:
The Life Cycle of the average church - (c) 2006 CT Jermin
I have found in my studies that we (churches, though this formula also holds true in organizations, even cults) tend to follow the same pattern. A pattern that God desires to break us out of:
1) The Revelation/Impartation
It begins with a life changing encounter with God, or a vision imparted.
2) The Sharing/Telling
The sharing of the vision then begins.
Whether it be preaching, or in song, or however, the dissemination of the message begins.
3) The Gathering
The anointing of God, the lure of the vision, and the charisma/integrity of the visionary begins to draw people. Those who have caught the vision now begin to meet together,
praying/praising/worshipping It is the upper room time, leading up to the day of Pentecost
4) The Institutionalization
Gradually, we come to believe that a certain formalization of the organization is necessary. We then set about the task of 'building' the church/movement
5) The Ritualization
We do the things that God showed us that day, practice the things that we believe were the catalyst for the initial encounter, or practice the formula handed down by the visionary.
6) The Stagnation
We stop hearing from God, but do not notice because the ritual and the leader have become the object of attention. The Holy Spirit departs, and few even notice. Oftentimes, we then drift away from the historic doctrines of the faith as a result.
7) The Revolution
The new generation rises up, dissatisfied with the status quo, the "we've always done it this way", or concerned about the departure from doctrine, seeks God's face with the persistence of the widow who wouldn't stop asking (Luke 18:1-8), or the desperation of the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5: 25-34). God responds, taking the new generation to step one, where for them the cycle starts again
8) The Degeneration/dissolution
Having become totally engrossed in the form and ritual and prefrences & no longer hearing from God, the church, no longer relevant, fades, and begins a slow death.
Have you seen this happen? I know you have, I have too. .
You might even be living it now...
If you are, what stage is your church at? What can you do to stop it?
I submit to you today brethren, that this need not happen. I submit to you that this should NEVER happen. It is not the will of God. I believe that in order to continue to be relevant, we must make sure that from step we go back to step 1, and repeat 1, 2, 3.
I know that there is a season to every purpose under heaven, but He is from age to age the same. Therefore, by staying close to Him, we can always move when the cloud moves, move the pillar of fire moves.
How will this happen?
By the worship leaders truly becoming worship LEADERS, leading the flock into the presence of the Lord.
Leading because we know how to get in, because we go there regularly. By letting Him be glorified in our lives, and then glorify Him with our lives.
This will produce a level of intimacy and sensitivity to the spirit that will surpass anything that we have experienced before.
By the Pastors seeking God first, not a growth strategies manual, or latest expert analysis on successful ministry. Looking to God who is the author and finisher of our faith, and who knows just what His body needs to grow and flourish...
Hello my beloved brothers and sisters.
I wanted to tell all of you who joined me in worship last week @ Hope Church know that the Holy Spirit is moving in the congregation. One example in particular is: Amy up front helping to leading worship this week. Cyril can fill you in a bit about why that is particularly a good thing. I felt a change, but I also recognize at the same time the "stuck in a rut" motions that are prevalent @ HOPE. Please continue to pray that God chooses to use me to glorify him @ HOPE and that my brothers and sisters there will see "the day is near".
Equally encouraging is that Pastor Jeff was certainly used as a vessel of the Holy Spirit @ today's service. His message was timely and the Holy Spirit was speaking loudly and in no uncertain ways to many; noticeably to both Robin and I to our son Jessi specifically. Cyril, I am comfortable having you share w/ my RPFL family what is currently happening in our life and why I mention my son. Jessi along with the rest of us need your prayers. We are indeed praying for God's miraculous healing, truly believing that He is able to have this cup pass. But to be completely honest, somehow fear still weighs upon us. We say we are ready to trust in our LORD... NO MATTER WHAT, but we recognize that it will certainly be a very trying cross to carry if our fears are not relieved. I for one would rather scream the joy of His MIRACLE in Jessi's life, which is very much our own life too. Timing of events seems to be equally difficult. Sending our youngest daughter Michelle off to college yesterday for the first time, has made our days and nights an even more challenging emotional roller coaster ride.
Please pray that Jessi will wholeheartedly open his whole being up to the Holy Spirit and draw closer to God in a new and life changing way.
Pastor Jeff's message certainly spoke volumes to me, leaving me confident that God IS indeed speaking to Jessi. I don't believe in coincidences. It is also quite obvious that as the Holy Spirit speaks to Jessi, the world is busy trying to speak louder; working even harder to hold onto him. Jessi's self-pride and ill spent vested time is very much at work fueling him against God; helping him fight against the Holy Spirit. Nothing would make me happier right now than to see the enemy pinned quickly and for Jessi to raise his personal Savior high, proclaiming "VICTORY in JESUS!" I am comfortable knowing that Satan and his dominion are not a formidable opponent when it comes to Our God, but I am also quite aware that some demons are very strong, especially when it comes to our weakness. Especially when our pride and stubbornness deceives us making us believe we can fight the world and evil without the aid of the Holy Spirit; that somehow WE are able to do it on our own.
Please pray. Please be in prayer with me and my family for both a miracle and most of all for a Holy Spirit kind of change in Jessi's life.
Here is what this Sunday's service was focused on. Right now I am praying that the pit Jessi is feeling in his stomach and the tiredness he is experiencing is the cleansing of the Holy Spirit in his life.
The Scripture reading before this morning prayer was 1 John 2:15-17:
Pastor Jeff's message: Romans 13:8-14
Your brother in Christ,
Mykel
Equally encouraging is that Pastor Jeff was certainly used as a vessel of the Holy Spirit @ today's service. His message was timely and the Holy Spirit was speaking loudly and in no uncertain ways to many; noticeably to both Robin and I to our son Jessi specifically. Cyril, I am comfortable having you share w/ my RPFL family what is currently happening in our life and why I mention my son. Jessi along with the rest of us need your prayers. We are indeed praying for God's miraculous healing, truly believing that He is able to have this cup pass. But to be completely honest, somehow fear still weighs upon us. We say we are ready to trust in our LORD... NO MATTER WHAT, but we recognize that it will certainly be a very trying cross to carry if our fears are not relieved. I for one would rather scream the joy of His MIRACLE in Jessi's life, which is very much our own life too. Timing of events seems to be equally difficult. Sending our youngest daughter Michelle off to college yesterday for the first time, has made our days and nights an even more challenging emotional roller coaster ride.
Please pray that Jessi will wholeheartedly open his whole being up to the Holy Spirit and draw closer to God in a new and life changing way.
Pastor Jeff's message certainly spoke volumes to me, leaving me confident that God IS indeed speaking to Jessi. I don't believe in coincidences. It is also quite obvious that as the Holy Spirit speaks to Jessi, the world is busy trying to speak louder; working even harder to hold onto him. Jessi's self-pride and ill spent vested time is very much at work fueling him against God; helping him fight against the Holy Spirit. Nothing would make me happier right now than to see the enemy pinned quickly and for Jessi to raise his personal Savior high, proclaiming "VICTORY in JESUS!" I am comfortable knowing that Satan and his dominion are not a formidable opponent when it comes to Our God, but I am also quite aware that some demons are very strong, especially when it comes to our weakness. Especially when our pride and stubbornness deceives us making us believe we can fight the world and evil without the aid of the Holy Spirit; that somehow WE are able to do it on our own.
Please pray. Please be in prayer with me and my family for both a miracle and most of all for a Holy Spirit kind of change in Jessi's life.
Here is what this Sunday's service was focused on. Right now I am praying that the pit Jessi is feeling in his stomach and the tiredness he is experiencing is the cleansing of the Holy Spirit in his life.
The Scripture reading before this morning prayer was 1 John 2:15-17:
Do Not Love the World
15Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.Pastor Jeff's message: Romans 13:8-14
Love, for the Day is Near
8Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. 9The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." 10Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. 11And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.Your brother in Christ,
Mykel
Friday, August 21, 2009
What a wonder!
Hey Repairer's Fellowship Family!
I think this is so wonderful to have a blog to write out the goings on in our lives, thoughts that we want to share or just plain ole shout outs to one another. What a blessing! I look forward to writing and reading your comments, stories or whatever is on your mind.
Yeah to The Repairers Fellowship Family!!
Big Hugs
I think this is so wonderful to have a blog to write out the goings on in our lives, thoughts that we want to share or just plain ole shout outs to one another. What a blessing! I look forward to writing and reading your comments, stories or whatever is on your mind.
Yeah to The Repairers Fellowship Family!!
Big Hugs
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)