Proverbs 18:13 Geneva Bible (GNV)
He that answereth a matter before he hear it, it is folly and shame unto him.
James 1:19 Geneva Bible (GNV)
19 Wherefore my dear brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath.
Don't let the false judgements that certain individuals cast on you be a weight. Just bless them in Jesus' name, brush the dust off, and move on. Don't retaliate. Bless. And be joyful in the righteousness of JESUS, knowing that Jesus was also misjudged, misquoted, and was accused of saying things that He never actually said! If you stand on the Rock (Christ), and share your personal story, some people will panic because your story does not sound like their own personal ideal or their own journey in Christ. They may be tempted to assume you are wrong, when in fact there is nothing Biblically wrong with you.
Some people might answer you prematurely, before they TRULY hear (understand) what you are saying or writing. So please don't be discouraged by the odd ones who want to paint you in a negative light with a broad brush of generalization. That brush is not your identity. Your identity is in Christ alone. You are already justified by Christ, so you don't have to try and justify yourself to random people on social media. Yes those comments may be hard to hear at first, and emotionally upsetting.
But try to realize that they often have nothing to do with you. Most often I have found that the worst online criticisms usually come from people who have no actual relationship with you. They are just another person on social media. God bless them, but they are not your final authority. Only Jesus Christ (The Word) is the final authority.
And you don't have to waste time debating people who have -chosen- to misunderstand you by jumping to premature conclusions. When giving a final account, you will stand before God only, NOT before these arm-chair theologians and critics.
Just remember the words of Jesus:
Matthew 5:44 Geneva Bible (GNV)
"But I say unto you, Love your enemies: bless them that curse you: do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which hurt you, and persecute you,"
And finally, please don't stop sharing your walk with Christ. SOMEone needs to hear your story and how Jesus has faithfully led you in His own righteousness. Please keep writing, walking, and encouraging others. You will soon be the balm that will soothe the pain of another. Blessings to you!!
Still learning and growing, walking and writing, in Christ,
- Pastor Curtis
Saturday, February 25, 2017
The Man Who Taught Children: A Short Story
The Man Who Taught Children: A Short Story
Luke 12:51-53 GENEVA VERSION
Jesus said:
Luke 12:51-53 GENEVA VERSION
Jesus said:
51 Think ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, nay, but rather debate.
52 For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.
53 The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father: the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother: the mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law, and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.
There was a man who has spent nearly 16 years pouring ministry, love, teaching into children in his church youth class. They are the children of others who come to church. He has made an investment into future generations. He continues to do it for new children.
No doubt, though he may not see it, many of those children have grown up to be followers of Christ and have gone on to serve the Lord and make the world a better place.
And sadly, some of those older children from previous classes have grown up to block and/or unfriend him on social media.. and to distance themselves from him in person.... and it stings. But he still prays for them in Jesus' Name. It was Jesus that called the man to do that ministry. So that man obeys with joy and love. That man obeys despite the pain of loss. The greatest thing is when even one child can be taught the Word, be taught how to pray, and be taught how to follow Jesus and love Him.
That child may one day go further and do more than the man ever could.
No doubt, though he may not see it, many of those children have grown up to be followers of Christ and have gone on to serve the Lord and make the world a better place.
And sadly, some of those older children from previous classes have grown up to block and/or unfriend him on social media.. and to distance themselves from him in person.... and it stings. But he still prays for them in Jesus' Name. It was Jesus that called the man to do that ministry. So that man obeys with joy and love. That man obeys despite the pain of loss. The greatest thing is when even one child can be taught the Word, be taught how to pray, and be taught how to follow Jesus and love Him.
That child may one day go further and do more than the man ever could.
That same man made the difficult decision, years ago, to marry a woman who had already told him that she is unable to have children, but wants to follow him in ministry. So that man made the investment of marrying her, and loving her in Christ with all his faithfulness and might. And he was completely satisfied to do so, with no regret towards not having children. After all, he never really had the desire to have kids of his own, even when growing up.
But when she decided to abandon him a few years later, and leave for her old life, it stung. In this case, childlessness became a tremendous blessing .... as children always suffer the most in a divorce situation. A divorce where there are no children is still painful, but at least the cut is clean and there are no kids stuck in the middle.
But when she decided to abandon him a few years later, and leave for her old life, it stung. In this case, childlessness became a tremendous blessing .... as children always suffer the most in a divorce situation. A divorce where there are no children is still painful, but at least the cut is clean and there are no kids stuck in the middle.
Because of all those things, that man had come to appreciate children. He may not have had his own, but he is fine with it, and loves to continue teaching other people's children in church and in the marketplace. He appreciates them, but does not feel the need to bring any of his own into the world. Since there are so many children here already in the world, there is much work to be done, spreading the Gospel to them. This is how he appreciates children the most; by sharing the GOSPEL with them as they come to class.
He has endured a lot of heartache and has seen first hand how children often forsake those that love them the most. Some children do not. But many do, and it truly is painful for those who worked so hard to bless them and teach them. The man could not even imagine what a parent must feel about their own wayward child growing up and rebelling against Christ or against them.
He has endured a lot of heartache and has seen first hand how children often forsake those that love them the most. Some children do not. But many do, and it truly is painful for those who worked so hard to bless them and teach them. The man could not even imagine what a parent must feel about their own wayward child growing up and rebelling against Christ or against them.
So the man will continue in humility, seeking the Lord, repenting of his own shortcomings, and steadily climbing the steps of the Strong Tower, the Name of Jesus Christ. (Prov. 18:10) His heart is open to the Lord's gentle, loving, guiding and shaping hands. God could change him, and maybe He will.
Such a man will continue to serve in this capacity as long as the Lord sees fit. And he may even start to be brave enough... to write about it. He might become courageous enough to put these hidden wounds into the light for Jesus to heal and mend. And he will always appreciate children and the blessing they have already brought to him, and continue to bring to him.
-Story by Curtis J Alexander (c) 2017
[Originally Written Feb 20th 2017 2:17PM EST]
Sunday, February 19, 2017
Your Unique Path in Christ May be Misunderstood by Some
Some people may not understand your path, or how you came to be the way that you are. They may care about you and love you. But they probably don't fully understand you. And that's ok. You don't have to justify God's calling on your life to people, not even to loved ones. When you know the Lord has called you to walk a certain path, a road less traveled, it means fewer people will be able to follow you or understand you. You may even be walking alone with the Lord on such a road. And sometimes, you may not even understand that path yourself. Yet because you trust the Lord, you trek onward in Him.
Don't panic and wonder what is wrong with you. There is nothing wrong with you. As you submit to Christ and let Him transform you from glory to glory, there will come a realization that it is GOD Himself who places the desires of His heart in your heart. And those desires may not line up with the things everyone else wants for you. You may be wondering why you don't want the same things they may be wanting for you. You prayed about it, you searched the Scriptures, and you yielded to God's sovereign will through relationship to Christ. Yet you do not have the same desires as those loved ones who care for you. I am not talking about sin. This is IN NO WAY an endorsement for any kind of sin. And I am not encouraging fleshly desires, or disobedience to Scripture. We must put our disobedience and our sin to death... and take up our cross and follow Jesus.
This is an encouragement for you to arise in your unique calling to serve the Lord.
The Lord has given you a different set of desires, a different calling, and it is just as valid and holy as any of the other unique individual callings He gives to those that are His. But just because some Christian disciples may have walked a specific path with Jesus, that does not automatically mean God calls you to walk the exact same path that they have.
So please don't second-guess yourself. Keep walking in the way the Lord calls you to walk... even if you do not seem to be understood by those who are close to you.
Jesus DELIGHTS in you.
Today as I prayed alone, I sought the Lord. I was seeking comfort for a recent disappointment. But the Lord showed me an encouraging vision. He showed me Himself, Jesus Christ, the High Priest after the order of Melchisedec, interceding on my behalf to the Father in Heaven. On his High-priestly breastplate, was a precious stone.... that stone represented me. Jesus carries me and you close to His heart and He carries us to the Father in priestly intercession and prayer. He calls on the Father to move with FAVOUR in our lives. That is what the Lord showed me. Much of Christ's Melchisedec priesthood can be learned from Hebrews chapters 6-8.
So I want to encourage you.... you may be like me.... a precious stone of a different colour. You are unique to Jesus, and He bears you to the Father in prayer. Like the stones that represented the 12 tribes of Israel upon the breastplate of the Levitical priest's clothing, Jesus bears us as precious stones on His own breastplate.
You are called to walk as an individual disciple, with a unique path. It may be a non-traditional path, but it is well within Scripture, and the righteousness and the will of God. You may have a unique calling, but you are still called to unite in fellowship in the family of God through direct relationship to Jesus and to His followers. All believers need a home church to call their own, for regular fellowship, prayer, the word, and accountability.
So maybe you are like me. You may be loved, and misunderstood by some people. You may be expected by some people to do certain things, but yet the Lord has not impressed you to do those things. They aren't necessarily bad things. But they are not the right fit for you. And you know it. Yet you keep trying to fit in. Well, the Lord wants you to not feel bad for being a little different. You can keep trusting Jesus to lead you.... even if it means you are loved and misunderstood by others close to you.
Your unique path of discipleship in Christ may be misunderstood by some. But it's ok. God fully knows you and loves you and guides you. Just keep following the Word of God and the Spirit of God in His righteousness. Be obedient to the Lamb, and see a great reward come in your life over time.
Blessings,
Pastor Curtis
Sun Feb 19 2017 9:59pm EST
 |
| Road less traveled - Photo by Curtis J Alexander (c) 2015 |
Don't panic and wonder what is wrong with you. There is nothing wrong with you. As you submit to Christ and let Him transform you from glory to glory, there will come a realization that it is GOD Himself who places the desires of His heart in your heart. And those desires may not line up with the things everyone else wants for you. You may be wondering why you don't want the same things they may be wanting for you. You prayed about it, you searched the Scriptures, and you yielded to God's sovereign will through relationship to Christ. Yet you do not have the same desires as those loved ones who care for you. I am not talking about sin. This is IN NO WAY an endorsement for any kind of sin. And I am not encouraging fleshly desires, or disobedience to Scripture. We must put our disobedience and our sin to death... and take up our cross and follow Jesus.
This is an encouragement for you to arise in your unique calling to serve the Lord.
The Lord has given you a different set of desires, a different calling, and it is just as valid and holy as any of the other unique individual callings He gives to those that are His. But just because some Christian disciples may have walked a specific path with Jesus, that does not automatically mean God calls you to walk the exact same path that they have.
So please don't second-guess yourself. Keep walking in the way the Lord calls you to walk... even if you do not seem to be understood by those who are close to you.
Jesus DELIGHTS in you.
Today as I prayed alone, I sought the Lord. I was seeking comfort for a recent disappointment. But the Lord showed me an encouraging vision. He showed me Himself, Jesus Christ, the High Priest after the order of Melchisedec, interceding on my behalf to the Father in Heaven. On his High-priestly breastplate, was a precious stone.... that stone represented me. Jesus carries me and you close to His heart and He carries us to the Father in priestly intercession and prayer. He calls on the Father to move with FAVOUR in our lives. That is what the Lord showed me. Much of Christ's Melchisedec priesthood can be learned from Hebrews chapters 6-8.
So I want to encourage you.... you may be like me.... a precious stone of a different colour. You are unique to Jesus, and He bears you to the Father in prayer. Like the stones that represented the 12 tribes of Israel upon the breastplate of the Levitical priest's clothing, Jesus bears us as precious stones on His own breastplate.
You are called to walk as an individual disciple, with a unique path. It may be a non-traditional path, but it is well within Scripture, and the righteousness and the will of God. You may have a unique calling, but you are still called to unite in fellowship in the family of God through direct relationship to Jesus and to His followers. All believers need a home church to call their own, for regular fellowship, prayer, the word, and accountability.
So maybe you are like me. You may be loved, and misunderstood by some people. You may be expected by some people to do certain things, but yet the Lord has not impressed you to do those things. They aren't necessarily bad things. But they are not the right fit for you. And you know it. Yet you keep trying to fit in. Well, the Lord wants you to not feel bad for being a little different. You can keep trusting Jesus to lead you.... even if it means you are loved and misunderstood by others close to you.
Your unique path of discipleship in Christ may be misunderstood by some. But it's ok. God fully knows you and loves you and guides you. Just keep following the Word of God and the Spirit of God in His righteousness. Be obedient to the Lamb, and see a great reward come in your life over time.
Blessings,
Pastor Curtis
Sun Feb 19 2017 9:59pm EST
Saturday, February 18, 2017
Relationship and Worship Work Together
Worship the One you know. Worship is a relational act, not a religious one. It happens when we know God and truly appreciate and love Him for who He is. Without knowing God, we could never properly worship Him.
Jesus said:
"Ye worship that which ye know not: we worship that which we know: for salvation is of the Jews."
(John 4:22 GNV)
Worship and Relationship are two important things, and both are needed. But they are not the same.
Worship is humble respect and intense adoration toward someone worthy. Worship moves us to voluntarily pour in time, resources, and effort into that person we deem worthy.
But how can we discern that someone is worthy, without first knowing them personally?
Relationship is knowing someone directly and personally. It's when two individuals have an understanding and a mutual respect and love for one another. Christianity is built upon relationship, not religion. It's based on knowing Jesus, not knowing ABOUT Jesus. There is a huge difference there.
It is very possible to worship someone or something with no hint of an actual relationship being present. We worship things we wrongfully think to be worthy.
It happens all the time: Earth-worship, climate-worship, identity-worship, animal-worship, celebrity-worship, money-worship, lottery-worship, idol worship, false religion-worship, self-worship, human-worship, sex-worship, sport-worship, car-worship, IQ-worship, family-worship, demon-worship, angel-worship, career-worship... etc etc. The list goes on. These are all misguided attempts at worship, and they are all void of a true relationship to the Father and the Son.
As human beings of the world, apart from Christ, we worship what we do not know. We worship without even realizing it. We worship with no actual sense that we are being heard. We worship these things or people without knowledge that it matters or makes a difference. Or we try to worship God, but do not really know who, or where He is, or if He really hears us. Worship, apart from Christ, cannot reach God. See John 14:6.
Worldly people worship without relationship. Or they attempt to worship an earthly relationship.
And sadly, we worship to our own demise, because we fail to give God the glory that only He deserves. We misdirect our love and adoration to things and places and people and objects.
But.......
Jesus has come to tells us WHO He IS (The SON of GOD, The Saviour, The DOOR to heaven) and WHO He represents (The Father, God). It is through Jesus alone that we can KNOW and have RELATIONSHIP to the Father, God almighty.
And only when we KNOW GOD can we truly give Him proper WORSHIP. And that worship will be powerful in Christ, as it is guided by the Holy Spirit. Worship becomes effective when we do it through a living relationship to Jesus Christ! Worship must be done through relationship, not religious performance. Worship comes with a proper understanding of Scripture, as directed by the Holy Spirit.
To know Jesus is to know God. To worship Jesus is to worship God. And it is only through knowing Jesus that we can worship Him successfully.
"Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily I say unto you, before Abraham was, I am."
(John 8:58 Geneva Version)
We were made to worship the Lord God. But we need Jesus to point us back to God, to show us the WAY. Jesus IS the way to worship the Father. And your worship through Christ DOES matter. It is made in RELATIONSHIP to God. You know that in Christ, your worship reaches the Father.
You know Jesus through faith and through the Spirit. And your intimate spiritual connection to Him leads you to worship Him for who He IS, the Great "I AM."
You worship Jesus because you KNOW Him. It is the only real effective worship there is. All other worship is emptiness. It is emptiness without relationship.
And relationship is empty without worship. Worship enriches your connection to God the Father. So I want you to know, that God is LOOKING for worship.... He WANTS to know you.
And He VALUES your worship, if it comes in spirit and in truth. Your relationship to God matters. Your worship of Him matters too.
It makes an impact in heaven. It pleases the One who made us.
John 4:23-24 (Geneva Version)
23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in Spirit and Truth: for the Father requireth even such to worship him.
24 God is a Spirit, and they that worship him, must worship him in Spirit and Truth.
Matthew 28:17a (Geneva Version)
And when they saw him (Jesus), they worshipped him:
1 John 5:20 (Geneva Version)
But we know that that Son of God is come, and hath given us a mind to know him, which is true, and we are in him that is true, that is, in that his Son Jesus Christ, the same is that very God, and that eternal life.
True worship is possible when we truly know the One who created us, and abide in a dynamic daily relationship with Him. Call on Jesus, for only He can reveal the Father to you. Only He can give you the right relationship required to worship God in Spirit and in Truth.
Blessings,
Pastor Curtis
Sat. Feb. 18, 2017 8:40pm EST
Jesus said:
"Ye worship that which ye know not: we worship that which we know: for salvation is of the Jews."
(John 4:22 GNV)
Worship and Relationship are two important things, and both are needed. But they are not the same.
Worship is humble respect and intense adoration toward someone worthy. Worship moves us to voluntarily pour in time, resources, and effort into that person we deem worthy.
But how can we discern that someone is worthy, without first knowing them personally?
Relationship is knowing someone directly and personally. It's when two individuals have an understanding and a mutual respect and love for one another. Christianity is built upon relationship, not religion. It's based on knowing Jesus, not knowing ABOUT Jesus. There is a huge difference there.
It is very possible to worship someone or something with no hint of an actual relationship being present. We worship things we wrongfully think to be worthy.
It happens all the time: Earth-worship, climate-worship, identity-worship, animal-worship, celebrity-worship, money-worship, lottery-worship, idol worship, false religion-worship, self-worship, human-worship, sex-worship, sport-worship, car-worship, IQ-worship, family-worship, demon-worship, angel-worship, career-worship... etc etc. The list goes on. These are all misguided attempts at worship, and they are all void of a true relationship to the Father and the Son.
As human beings of the world, apart from Christ, we worship what we do not know. We worship without even realizing it. We worship with no actual sense that we are being heard. We worship these things or people without knowledge that it matters or makes a difference. Or we try to worship God, but do not really know who, or where He is, or if He really hears us. Worship, apart from Christ, cannot reach God. See John 14:6.
Worldly people worship without relationship. Or they attempt to worship an earthly relationship.
And sadly, we worship to our own demise, because we fail to give God the glory that only He deserves. We misdirect our love and adoration to things and places and people and objects.
But.......
Jesus has come to tells us WHO He IS (The SON of GOD, The Saviour, The DOOR to heaven) and WHO He represents (The Father, God). It is through Jesus alone that we can KNOW and have RELATIONSHIP to the Father, God almighty.
And only when we KNOW GOD can we truly give Him proper WORSHIP. And that worship will be powerful in Christ, as it is guided by the Holy Spirit. Worship becomes effective when we do it through a living relationship to Jesus Christ! Worship must be done through relationship, not religious performance. Worship comes with a proper understanding of Scripture, as directed by the Holy Spirit.
To know Jesus is to know God. To worship Jesus is to worship God. And it is only through knowing Jesus that we can worship Him successfully.
"Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily I say unto you, before Abraham was, I am."
(John 8:58 Geneva Version)
We were made to worship the Lord God. But we need Jesus to point us back to God, to show us the WAY. Jesus IS the way to worship the Father. And your worship through Christ DOES matter. It is made in RELATIONSHIP to God. You know that in Christ, your worship reaches the Father.
You know Jesus through faith and through the Spirit. And your intimate spiritual connection to Him leads you to worship Him for who He IS, the Great "I AM."
You worship Jesus because you KNOW Him. It is the only real effective worship there is. All other worship is emptiness. It is emptiness without relationship.
And relationship is empty without worship. Worship enriches your connection to God the Father. So I want you to know, that God is LOOKING for worship.... He WANTS to know you.
And He VALUES your worship, if it comes in spirit and in truth. Your relationship to God matters. Your worship of Him matters too.
It makes an impact in heaven. It pleases the One who made us.
John 4:23-24 (Geneva Version)
23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in Spirit and Truth: for the Father requireth even such to worship him.
24 God is a Spirit, and they that worship him, must worship him in Spirit and Truth.
Matthew 28:17a (Geneva Version)
And when they saw him (Jesus), they worshipped him:
1 John 5:20 (Geneva Version)
But we know that that Son of God is come, and hath given us a mind to know him, which is true, and we are in him that is true, that is, in that his Son Jesus Christ, the same is that very God, and that eternal life.
True worship is possible when we truly know the One who created us, and abide in a dynamic daily relationship with Him. Call on Jesus, for only He can reveal the Father to you. Only He can give you the right relationship required to worship God in Spirit and in Truth.
Blessings,
Pastor Curtis
Sat. Feb. 18, 2017 8:40pm EST
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Bless The Blockers
Dear Heavenly Father Above,
Thanks for blessing me with the chance to bless and minister to others. I have had a rare privilege to teach and instruct many children over the years in prayer and in Your Word, Lord Jesus. I still love teaching children, and I thank you for the current class I have.
I pray you bless each one as they grow. Bless even the ones who have grown up now, yet have chosen to ignore me. Bless those ones who have unfriended/blocked me on social media. They may block me, but they sure can't block you Lord. They also cannot block my prayers for them. I always pray for their best and for their health and for their blessing. I pray they will have a heart for you, even if they no longer want me in their life. I served my purpose.
And Lord you alone know why they distance themselves from their childhood mentor and pastor. But I actually am grateful to be blocked. And the reason is, because now I identify more closely with you Lord Jesus. You were abandoned, and denied by your closest companions. It must've been painful. It must've stung. I understand that a little better now. And yet, I am no victim. Just like You Lord, I am an overcomer! I follow You all the way!
SO I say BLESS the blockers oh Lord, In Jesus' Mighty Name. They can't block my prayers for them. You are an unstoppable God. You are the One and Only God.
They are just starting out as adults, and they are trying to find their way. Some have gone away to learn new things. Bless their endeavours.
I pray you guide their path even when they do not realize you are doing so. And when they do return back this way, may they sense the immense love of God, by Your Holy Spirit. My time in their life may be finished, or it may be limited. But Your time in their lives is just beginning. You ARE their LIFE, whether they understand that or not. May they remember and recall the old days, their times in my Sunday School class, learning to pray to Jesus, and learning to read His Word. May they recall the excellent Christian teachings and upbringing of their own parents.
The pain is not greater than the love I feel. That love comes from God. And I willingly forgive any pain these young ones caused. I was surely surprised by the direction that pain came from, but I willingly forgive and let go.
I am sure I have unwittingly caused You grief at times too, Father. I ask you forgive me also.
May these young ones (who are now young adults) be bound to the MIND and the WILL of the Father, In Jesus Christ. May they be protected from evil and temptation. Glory to You, Father, for you are WORTHY to be PRAISED.
In Jesus Name, Amen!
-PC
Dec 6 2016 12:06am EST
Thanks for blessing me with the chance to bless and minister to others. I have had a rare privilege to teach and instruct many children over the years in prayer and in Your Word, Lord Jesus. I still love teaching children, and I thank you for the current class I have.
I pray you bless each one as they grow. Bless even the ones who have grown up now, yet have chosen to ignore me. Bless those ones who have unfriended/blocked me on social media. They may block me, but they sure can't block you Lord. They also cannot block my prayers for them. I always pray for their best and for their health and for their blessing. I pray they will have a heart for you, even if they no longer want me in their life. I served my purpose.
And Lord you alone know why they distance themselves from their childhood mentor and pastor. But I actually am grateful to be blocked. And the reason is, because now I identify more closely with you Lord Jesus. You were abandoned, and denied by your closest companions. It must've been painful. It must've stung. I understand that a little better now. And yet, I am no victim. Just like You Lord, I am an overcomer! I follow You all the way!
SO I say BLESS the blockers oh Lord, In Jesus' Mighty Name. They can't block my prayers for them. You are an unstoppable God. You are the One and Only God.
They are just starting out as adults, and they are trying to find their way. Some have gone away to learn new things. Bless their endeavours.
I pray you guide their path even when they do not realize you are doing so. And when they do return back this way, may they sense the immense love of God, by Your Holy Spirit. My time in their life may be finished, or it may be limited. But Your time in their lives is just beginning. You ARE their LIFE, whether they understand that or not. May they remember and recall the old days, their times in my Sunday School class, learning to pray to Jesus, and learning to read His Word. May they recall the excellent Christian teachings and upbringing of their own parents.
The pain is not greater than the love I feel. That love comes from God. And I willingly forgive any pain these young ones caused. I was surely surprised by the direction that pain came from, but I willingly forgive and let go.
I am sure I have unwittingly caused You grief at times too, Father. I ask you forgive me also.
May these young ones (who are now young adults) be bound to the MIND and the WILL of the Father, In Jesus Christ. May they be protected from evil and temptation. Glory to You, Father, for you are WORTHY to be PRAISED.
In Jesus Name, Amen!
-PC
Dec 6 2016 12:06am EST
Friday, November 25, 2016
"Multiply and Fill the Earth" How Did Jesus Fulfill This?
We know that Jesus came in the flesh and fulfilled all the Law and the Prophets. He fulfilled the Old Testament to perfection with perfect and sinless obedience to the Heavenly Father. (Mat. 5:17; Luke 24:44)
So let me ask a question: How did Jesus, a single and childless man, fulfill God's command at Creation to "multiply and fill the earth"?
Genesis 1:28 (Geneva)
28 And God blessed them, and God said to them, Bring forth fruit, and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it, and rule over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the heaven, and over every beast that moveth upon the earth.
We know that Jesus was single for His entire walk on earth, and we know He did not produce any natural Children. Yet He fulfilled ALL the Law and the Prophets. He fulfilled the whole Book of the Old Testament.
So how did He fulfill Genesis 1:28?
The answer is found in these Scriptures.
Jesus is speaking in this one:
John 3:6 (Geneva)
6 That which is born of the flesh, is flesh: and that that is born of the Spirit, is spirit.
Also John 1:12-13 tells us how Jesus gained children and filled the earth with His Seed:
John 1:12-13 1599 Geneva Bible (GNV)
12 But as many as received him, to them he gave prerogative (the right) to be the sons of God, even to them that believe in his Name,
13 Which are born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
Jesus tells us who His spiritual children are! He is speaking here:
Revelation 21:5-7 (Geneva)
5 And he that sat upon the throne, said, Behold, I make all things new, and he said unto me, Write: for these things are faithful and true.
6 And he said unto me, It is done, I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end: I will give to him that is athirst, of the well of the water of life freely.
7 He that overcometh, shall inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he shall be my Son.
So did you catch that?
Jesus Christ has MULTIPLIED and FILLED THE EARTH as the LAST ADAM. He has filled the earth with His Spiritual children.... those who have RECEIVED CHRIST and are OVERCOMERS in Jesus.
The First Adam, (Genesis 1-3) was a natural man, who had a natural wife, and had natural children. He sinned, and thus his entire line was tainted with sin.
The Last Adam is the Lord from Heaven. He is a spiritual man, with no natural wife, no natural children, yet He FILLED THE EARTH. He did it with SPIRITUAL CHILDREN. He has a SPIRITUAL BRIDE, the New Heavenly Jerusalem (not the old one). (See Rev. 21.)
We are no longer bearing the image of the first Adam, who failed. We are now following and reflecting the image of the Last Adam! (For more, read 1 Corinthians 15:45-49)
We no longer rely on natural children to carry on our lineage. We rely on the spiritual heritage of Christ. He shall never die... and His Spirit-born children will never die either! We all shall live forever (John 11:25-26).
Jesus certainly upheld Biblical marriage and natural childbirth. But it is not meant to be a command used to make the single or the childless feel guilty. Listen to me: Jesus Christ was childless and single in the natural. Yet He is our LAST ADAM. He has an EARTH and a HEAVEN that is FULL of His Spiritual Children!!!
Now, instead of putting heavy emphasis on Genesis 1:28, we put emphasis on Matthew 28:18-20. Go and teach all nations. That is the LAST Adam's command and it is as important as Genesis 1:28, if not moreso. Natural birth is very important and we must uphold that. But we must not stop there. We must also preach the New Birth, being born in the Spirit according to Jesus in John 3.
The Apostle Paul and the Apostle John both realized that they were now the spiritual sons of Jesus Christ and they raised up more spiritual children themselves. So even those of us who are childless, like Jesus and Paul were, can raise up spiritual children in the local church. It's what I have been doing for the past 16 years... thanks be to Jesus for that privilege. I have blessed many people, spiritual children, and I try to follow Christ's example.
Matthew 19:13-15 English Standard Version (ESV)13 Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, 14 but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” 15 And he laid his hands on them and went away.
1 Timothy 1:1-2 English Standard Version (ESV)
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,
2 To Timothy, my true child in the faith:
Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
John also raised spiritual children. It was His love-language to the churches He cared for.
1 John 2:13 (Geneva)
I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome that wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.
---
So I encourage you not to feel guilt just because you don't feel led to have children, or you don't feel led to be married. You are not less of a Christian if you cannot bear natural children or have chosen not to produce them. You have a ministry in the local church, something God has specially designed for you to do. You can BLESS and RAISE spiritual children! It's the New Testament truth.
If you are already pregnant and expecting, then by all means, protect and cherish your child and let that child be born. I am FOR LIFE. Raise that child in love and in the Word of God.
But at the same time, the precedent has been set by our Last Adam. You are not a bad person just because you don't raise a natural family or cannot bear children. If you accept Christ, then you are ACCEPTABLE in the BELOVED! You are His loved child and you can carry on His legacy, by raising up people in the faith. Marriage and natural pregnancy remain important... but raising the spiritual family, the local churches, is now Christ's major focus.
Jesus has fulfilled Genesis 1:28 with spiritual children, and here is proof:
Ephesians 3:14-15 1599 Geneva Bible (GNV)
14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 (Of whom is named the whole family in heaven and in earth)
Be blessed,
Pastor Curtis
Fri Nov 25 2016 2:18pm EST
Thursday, November 24, 2016
Childless People are Blessed Too- in a different way
Here are some Scriptures I would like you to consider if you are childless.
And, for those who do not know, I was once married. And by entering the marriage, I knew I would be childless. A certain medical condition made it impossible to have natural children. I believe in miracles and at the time I married my ex-wife, I believed that the Lord could help us get pregnant if we asked Him, despite the glaring sterility we were faced with. I made the decision to love her even though I knew she could never give me children. And I married her knowing full well I would likely be childless for life. I was ready for it. I accepted it. And eventually, despite my faithfulness and love, my ex-wife abandoned me and we ended up divorced sadly. Years later she would apologize to me, and I fully forgave her, and released her back to the Lord. I have no further dealings with her, and she is free from any debt she owed me. That is what forgiveness is. Forgiveness is freedom from a previously owed debt. I want to be forgiven by my Heavenly Father, in Jesus' Name. So I forgive, with full sincerity and full release of debt. It is liberating.
And yet.... after 4 years of marriage and stress and abandonment, and 7 years of divorce and loss, I am here, thankful. I am serving the Lord. He maintained me. And He has blessed me to bless others, both children and singles and other Christians as well. I minister in a local church. I have been doing so for 16 years. I bless children without having any of my own, and I am still completely happy and
content in that. I still have no natural desire to produce children. And I am so thankful to the Lord that my exwife and I did not produce children- those children would have had to suffer through a divorce, and that is always a nightmare for children.
My only desire is what Jesus said:
John 4:13-14 Geneva Bible
13 Jesus answered, and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water, shall thirst again:
14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him, shall never be more athirst: but the water that I shall give him, shall be in him a well of water, springing up into everlasting life.
Matthew 10:42 Geneva Bible
42 And whosoever shall give unto one of these little ones to drink a cup of cold water only, in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.
Jesus Christ, who had no natural wife or children, desired to bless the children who came to Him. I wish to continue to bless children in that way:
Matthew 19:13-15 English Standard Version (ESV)
13 Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, 14 but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” 15 And he laid his hands on them and went away.
I desire to keep giving the little ones a cup of living water. It's what keeps me going. It inspires me. I realized that my childlessness blessed me with an ability to selflessly serve the Lord with undivided distraction. When one has natural children, you can believe there will be distractions. There will be blessings too. But a lot of heartache and loss as well. Some children rebel against the parents. Some parents disown their children. And a lot of it is because of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Read very carefully what Jesus says in Matthew ch. 10. It is a sobering statement, and it should make those of us who are childless more grateful that we have such a gift.
Read on:
Matthew 10:34-39 1599 Geneva Bible (GNV)
34 Think not that I am come to send peace into the earth, but the sword.
35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.
36 And a man’s enemies shall be they of his own household.
37 He that loveth father or mother more than me, is not worthy of me. And he that loveth son, or daughter more than me, is not worthy of me.
38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
39 He that will find his life, shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake, shall find it.
This is not to diminish the precious gift of having a baby or a child in the natural family. Each child is a blessing, and if there were no children, then I would have no ministry!
So this passage does not diminish the blessing of having children, but rather, it is to give us disciples of Christ a wake-up call to the COST OF DISCIPLESHIP.
Bottom line: The more natural family you have, the more it will cost you to follow Jesus. The less natural family you have, the easier it is to follow Jesus without distraction. Childlessness means less chance for persecution from family members.
God has given me this ministry and part of it is blessing children, giving them a cold cup of water in Jesus Name. The living water of Jesus Christ is what I provide them... the water that Christ Himself provides to me. I am a well. You are a well. God fills us as vessels so we can pour out to others.
Now I want you to consider, from Scripture, that it is not just those with natural children who are blessed. But those without their own natural children are also blessed. They are blessed in a different way.
Read what God's Word has to say about blessing the childless:
Luke 23:29
For behold, the days will come, when men shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck.
Isaiah 56:4-5 English Standard Version (ESV)
4 For thus says the Lord:
“To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths,
who choose the things that please me
and hold fast my covenant,
5 I will give in my house and within my walls
a monument and a name
better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name
that shall not be cut off.
Now in Luke 23:29, the context is that the women were lamenting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ as He was carrying His cross. Yet He turned and told them to weep for themselves and their own children instead. Life was about to get a lot harder for those of Jerusalem with children. It was soon after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ that God sent Titus the Roman leader to destroy Jerusalem and all who were in it perished. By that time, the Christians had already escaped because of the warning Jesus gave long in advance. But those who were childless had an easier time escaping and had less to lose if they were perchance killed in the raid.
Now looking at the blessing of the childless people in Isaiah 56:4-5:
These eunuchs, unmarried/childless men, were dedicated to the Lord. The Lord promised to give them a name and a monument that was "better than sons and daughters." Why is the name better? Because it is eternal!
You don't have to rely on natural children to continue your family name and lineage when you already know you yourself are going to live forever as an overcomer in the Heavenly Temple of God! You are not passing on a natural name. You are continuing the family name that lasts forever. You are in the lineage of the ETERNAL FAMILY NAME of Jesus Christ! In Christ, you shall never die, even if your body passes away. You will get a new, incorruptible body at the resurrection of the saints, when the Lord returns!
You don't have to rely on raising your own kids, when you can give the little ones, the children in church, a cup of cold LIVING water in the Lord's Name. You can help to raise SPIRITUAL CHILDREN... that is, children who are adopted into the family of Christ.
The NAME and the MONUMENT promised to the childless men of God in Isaiah 56 sounds a LOT like the eternal NAME and the PILLAR promised to the overcomers by Jesus:
Revelation 3:12-13 1599 Geneva Bible (GNV)
Also, by overcoming the World system's corruption, and your own fleshly corruption, and the devil's lies, you will be given a NEW NAME:
Revelation 2:17 GENEVA BIBLE
Let him that hath an ear, hear what the spirit saith unto the Churches. To him that overcometh, will I give to eat of the Manna that is hid, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth, saving he that receiveth it.
So I want to really encourage you. Your success as a disciple of Jesus Christ has nothing to do with bearing children. In fact, if you are childless, you have the advantage of serving Jesus without distraction, and without the possibility of internal persecution. Now we know persecution will come to all genuine believers... from somewhere. But satan generally likes to stir it up from inside families. So if you are unable to have children, or if you have decided to give your all to Jesus without having children, then just know that the Lord is on your side. He does not ignore you or put you on the sideline.
There is so much emphasis placed on family in the church, that those of us without a natural family sometimes feel ostracized. I don't think it is intentional. But the fact is, God blesses and uses childless people as much as he uses families. And no matter what your natural status is, we can ALL be a part of the Heavenly Family through Jesus Christ our Lord!
God bless you,
Pastor Curtis
And, for those who do not know, I was once married. And by entering the marriage, I knew I would be childless. A certain medical condition made it impossible to have natural children. I believe in miracles and at the time I married my ex-wife, I believed that the Lord could help us get pregnant if we asked Him, despite the glaring sterility we were faced with. I made the decision to love her even though I knew she could never give me children. And I married her knowing full well I would likely be childless for life. I was ready for it. I accepted it. And eventually, despite my faithfulness and love, my ex-wife abandoned me and we ended up divorced sadly. Years later she would apologize to me, and I fully forgave her, and released her back to the Lord. I have no further dealings with her, and she is free from any debt she owed me. That is what forgiveness is. Forgiveness is freedom from a previously owed debt. I want to be forgiven by my Heavenly Father, in Jesus' Name. So I forgive, with full sincerity and full release of debt. It is liberating.
And yet.... after 4 years of marriage and stress and abandonment, and 7 years of divorce and loss, I am here, thankful. I am serving the Lord. He maintained me. And He has blessed me to bless others, both children and singles and other Christians as well. I minister in a local church. I have been doing so for 16 years. I bless children without having any of my own, and I am still completely happy and
content in that. I still have no natural desire to produce children. And I am so thankful to the Lord that my exwife and I did not produce children- those children would have had to suffer through a divorce, and that is always a nightmare for children.
My only desire is what Jesus said:
John 4:13-14 Geneva Bible
13 Jesus answered, and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water, shall thirst again:
14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him, shall never be more athirst: but the water that I shall give him, shall be in him a well of water, springing up into everlasting life.
Matthew 10:42 Geneva Bible
42 And whosoever shall give unto one of these little ones to drink a cup of cold water only, in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.
Jesus Christ, who had no natural wife or children, desired to bless the children who came to Him. I wish to continue to bless children in that way:
Matthew 19:13-15 English Standard Version (ESV)
13 Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, 14 but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” 15 And he laid his hands on them and went away.
I desire to keep giving the little ones a cup of living water. It's what keeps me going. It inspires me. I realized that my childlessness blessed me with an ability to selflessly serve the Lord with undivided distraction. When one has natural children, you can believe there will be distractions. There will be blessings too. But a lot of heartache and loss as well. Some children rebel against the parents. Some parents disown their children. And a lot of it is because of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Read very carefully what Jesus says in Matthew ch. 10. It is a sobering statement, and it should make those of us who are childless more grateful that we have such a gift.
Read on:
Matthew 10:34-39 1599 Geneva Bible (GNV)
34 Think not that I am come to send peace into the earth, but the sword.
35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.
36 And a man’s enemies shall be they of his own household.
37 He that loveth father or mother more than me, is not worthy of me. And he that loveth son, or daughter more than me, is not worthy of me.
38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
39 He that will find his life, shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake, shall find it.
This is not to diminish the precious gift of having a baby or a child in the natural family. Each child is a blessing, and if there were no children, then I would have no ministry!
So this passage does not diminish the blessing of having children, but rather, it is to give us disciples of Christ a wake-up call to the COST OF DISCIPLESHIP.
Bottom line: The more natural family you have, the more it will cost you to follow Jesus. The less natural family you have, the easier it is to follow Jesus without distraction. Childlessness means less chance for persecution from family members.
God has given me this ministry and part of it is blessing children, giving them a cold cup of water in Jesus Name. The living water of Jesus Christ is what I provide them... the water that Christ Himself provides to me. I am a well. You are a well. God fills us as vessels so we can pour out to others.
Now I want you to consider, from Scripture, that it is not just those with natural children who are blessed. But those without their own natural children are also blessed. They are blessed in a different way.
Read what God's Word has to say about blessing the childless:
Luke 23:29
For behold, the days will come, when men shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck.
Isaiah 56:4-5 English Standard Version (ESV)
4 For thus says the Lord:
“To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths,
who choose the things that please me
and hold fast my covenant,
5 I will give in my house and within my walls
a monument and a name
better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name
that shall not be cut off.
Now in Luke 23:29, the context is that the women were lamenting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ as He was carrying His cross. Yet He turned and told them to weep for themselves and their own children instead. Life was about to get a lot harder for those of Jerusalem with children. It was soon after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ that God sent Titus the Roman leader to destroy Jerusalem and all who were in it perished. By that time, the Christians had already escaped because of the warning Jesus gave long in advance. But those who were childless had an easier time escaping and had less to lose if they were perchance killed in the raid.
Now looking at the blessing of the childless people in Isaiah 56:4-5:
These eunuchs, unmarried/childless men, were dedicated to the Lord. The Lord promised to give them a name and a monument that was "better than sons and daughters." Why is the name better? Because it is eternal!
You don't have to rely on natural children to continue your family name and lineage when you already know you yourself are going to live forever as an overcomer in the Heavenly Temple of God! You are not passing on a natural name. You are continuing the family name that lasts forever. You are in the lineage of the ETERNAL FAMILY NAME of Jesus Christ! In Christ, you shall never die, even if your body passes away. You will get a new, incorruptible body at the resurrection of the saints, when the Lord returns!
You don't have to rely on raising your own kids, when you can give the little ones, the children in church, a cup of cold LIVING water in the Lord's Name. You can help to raise SPIRITUAL CHILDREN... that is, children who are adopted into the family of Christ.
The NAME and the MONUMENT promised to the childless men of God in Isaiah 56 sounds a LOT like the eternal NAME and the PILLAR promised to the overcomers by Jesus:
Revelation 3:12-13 1599 Geneva Bible (GNV)
12 Him that overcometh, will I make a pillar in the Temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the Name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is the new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God, and I will write upon him my new Name.
13 Let him that hath an ear, hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches.
Also, by overcoming the World system's corruption, and your own fleshly corruption, and the devil's lies, you will be given a NEW NAME:
Revelation 2:17 GENEVA BIBLE
Let him that hath an ear, hear what the spirit saith unto the Churches. To him that overcometh, will I give to eat of the Manna that is hid, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth, saving he that receiveth it.
So I want to really encourage you. Your success as a disciple of Jesus Christ has nothing to do with bearing children. In fact, if you are childless, you have the advantage of serving Jesus without distraction, and without the possibility of internal persecution. Now we know persecution will come to all genuine believers... from somewhere. But satan generally likes to stir it up from inside families. So if you are unable to have children, or if you have decided to give your all to Jesus without having children, then just know that the Lord is on your side. He does not ignore you or put you on the sideline.
There is so much emphasis placed on family in the church, that those of us without a natural family sometimes feel ostracized. I don't think it is intentional. But the fact is, God blesses and uses childless people as much as he uses families. And no matter what your natural status is, we can ALL be a part of the Heavenly Family through Jesus Christ our Lord!
God bless you,
Pastor Curtis
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