THE WISDOM OF GAMALIEL
==========================
Acts 5:34-39 [Geneva Version]
34 Then stood there up in the Council a certain Pharisee named Gamaliel, a doctor of the Law, honored of all the people, and commanded to put the Apostles forth a little space,
35 And said unto them, Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves, what ye intend to do touching these men.
36 For before these times, rose up Theudas boasting himself, to whom resorted a number of men, about a four hundred, who was slain: and they all which obeyed him were scattered, and brought to naught.
37 After this man, arose up Judas of Galilee, in the days of the tribute, and drew away much people after him: he also perished, and all that obeyed him, were scattered abroad.
38 And now I say unto you, Refrain yourselves from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel, or this work be of men, it will come to naught:
39 But if it be of God, ye cannot destroy it, lest ye be found even fighters against God.
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If Christianity was to fail, it would have failed shortly after the death of Jesus Christ. After all, Theudas and Judas of Galilee both died and their followers were dispersed. Their movements died with them.
No one knows about those two today. But how come Jesus Christ's followers did not disband?
How come the Church of Jesus Christ is so wide spread today?
One simple answer: Jesus rose from the dead. He did what Theudas couldn`t do. He did what Judas of Galilee could not do.
He broke the mold of Jewish history, and human history in general. All the leaders that arose before Christ eventually died or were slain. But Jesus rose from the dead and this is historically verified because the church grew stronger rather than fading out.
Think about it. Who would be willing to risk Roman torture for a dead man, who is still dead in the grave?
There was something VERY different about Jesus. Namely, His grave is empty and He is ALIVE!
The church was willing to endure intense persecution and flogging and even martyrdom for the name and gospel of Jesus.
Why? Because Jesus brought a new hope, the hope of resurrection from the dead. That is something no other leader can offer. NO other person has demonstated this Resurrection power - only Jesus has. He was clinically and completely dead. Then on the third day, He rose from the grave,and people did not even recognize Him right away. He was in a glorified physical form and He did NOT look poor and beaten as He did on the cross.
He was and is glorious. He instilled bravery and courage and faith and hope in His followers. That is why Christianity breaks the mold.
That is why Gamaliel was correct. God gave that Pharisee some wisdom, and he was able to convince his fellow Jewish council members not to kill the Apostles.
Why? Because Gamaliel knew his facts. He knew history. He said that if this new "Jesus" movement, the followers of the "Way", was only a human effort, then it will not last.
BUT if it is of God, then not even Religious groups, governments, or demons will be able to stop it.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, forever (Heb 13:8). Let us be bold and spread the Gospel!
Believe in Jesus, repent from your sins. He paid for your sins and if you believe, you will be saved from God's wrath and punishment.
Confess Jesus as your Leader, God, and Lord. Believe He rose from the dead, and you WILL be saved! By doing this, by accepting His free gift, you will NOT spend eternity in hell, but rather,
you will spend all eternity in heaven with JESUS, and share in His joy and peace! You do not work to get to heaven. Indeed, you cannot work to get to heaven. Instead you simply believe in His Grace, or unearned favour. Jesus IS your one way to Heaven! (John 14:6) He wants a personal relationship with you.
Be encouraged! History is made by Jesus and it truly is His-story! He was unlike any other leader, and He continues His resurrection power, work, and healings to this day! Just as Gamaliel said, you cannot destroy the work of God! Rather than fighting God, we should join Him!
Blessings,
Pastor Curtis
Mon Aug 3 2015 7:11pm EST
Monday, August 3, 2015
Monday, July 13, 2015
How I Healed From a Broken Relationship (How you can too)
I want to take this time to write a little bit from the heart. God has blessed me in so many ways that I can't even begin to count. There have been so many times I have failed and God picked me back up and forgave me and sent me forward in His love and truth.
I am going to tell you some of the steps I personally took in the Lord to heal from my past relationship. (As you may know from my previous entries here, I was abandoned in marriage in 2008. I later ended up divorced in 2009 because of it (see 1 Cor. 7:15.)
Here are some of the steps I took. I hope some of them help you too.
Since the time I was left alone and also since I was divorced, I have done the following:
1) I spent many hours alone in Christ, in prayer, and in silent holy communion with Him. It takes discipline to not be distracted. And believe me, I am easily distracted. So I would just leave all my gadgets at home and go on a prayer walk with Him.
2) I held back from going on any dates during my period of brokenness, which was up to 2 years after the divorce (which was in 2009). Throughout our final period of separation, I honoured my wife until the marriage was legally over by decree of the judge and we were officially divorced. All separated spouses need to honour each other, by not dating someone new, until they are legally divorced. But even when I was divorced, I still was broken. I had no interest in dating because my mind and emotions had a lot of healing, accepting, and sorting to do. I was in no shape yet to give my heart again, so there were no dates for me. That was, I think, a God-ordained factor in my healing process.
3) I did not try to suppress my emotions or deny them when alone with God. I allowed myself to experience the anger, fear, hopelessness, and deep sadness that comes with this type of loss. Divorce is just about as traumatic as the death of a loved one. It is that intense. It is not healthy to try and "be strong" emotionally when you are really weak. And God sees your weakness anyway. So be honest with Him. Share with Him your "ugly" feelings.
See, when I was alone with God, I would let those raw emotions come out. He can handle these things and was not shocked or upset with me for feeling the way that I did. He just had this.... way.... of accepting and touching my raw emotions. When He did, I would cry and pour out before Him. When I stopped crying, there was a tremendous sense of relief and peace that would follow. This kind of deep healing touch from Jesus happened to me at least 3-4 times, since 2009. God was so very kind and gentle to me. He removed the confusion from my thinking. He helped me settle the matter and stop repeating long-gone and dead marital events over and over in my head.
4) I learned life lessons from my past relationship and how I can improve. I now know what I can do better the next time I get involved in a relationship. Even though I was faithful to the end, I can still learn and grow in the Lord. I can pick up lessons that will save me heartache later. One such lesson is: early in the relationship, do not ignore the warning signs of a person who is emotionally and/or spiritually immature. Don't go along with a relationship just because "no one else will go out with me" or "she 'says' all the right things". You have to look beyond their words and observe their actions and their passions to see if a person is really genuine. I have learned to be a little more "picky" and discerning when it comes to relationships.
5) I did not face the darkness alone. I had my church and family. Going through this loss was like walking through a very dark valley. It was like living in a dark depressing corner. In order to heal from loss, you must cross that dark path. There is no shortcut. God is there for us. He will be our light.
And it doesn't stop there. God uses people too. He blessed me so much by giving me the support, love, truth, and prayer partners I needed at church. I also had personal family to talk to and hearing their feedback really helped me to stop blaming or questioning myself over the loss. Their outside perspective was very important in helping me regain proper perspective of the situation.
6) I stopped communicating with my ex-wife. Now, to be clear, we did actually communicate with each other a handful of times after divorce. But we ultimately did not click and there was no reason to allow the communication to continue beyond those few exchanges we had. We ended on friendly terms, and she asked for forgiveness and I forgave her. But that was the end. Because forgiveness and trust are two different things. She had my forgiveness, but was showing that she was still not worthy of trust.
If I didn't make that choice to let the conversation end, then she would have kept me tangled in my emotions and mind and I could not let that happen. As much as I wanted to try again with her, it was still an unhealthy relationship, and she had a way of manipulating/hiding things and facts. I could not be around that kind of mentality if I was going to heal fully.
I realize that children change the dynamics of a divorce and that some communications will probably be needed in those situations (we had no children in our own marriage). But even then, you aren't just sitting on the phone having a general chat. You are focused on the children's needs and that's it. Healing is possible, but we must not allow ourselves to be dragged into our past again by letting our past lover into our present life in an intimate way. If you also have a manipulative ex, who wants to keep hanging on to you in a non-committal way, then you must make the difficult choice to stop communicating. Stop sending emails, making phonecalls, and texting. Ask them to stop sending communications, and if they still do, then refuse to reply to their communications. And you must stick to it. If not, your emotional and soulish wounds will keep being reopened. I speak from personal experience.
Now, some exes are able to keep a friendly line of communication open with each other long after the marriage is over, and everyone is healed. If so, great! But for most of us, we need to get alone with God for a long while, and resist the urge to talk to our ex.
7) I took my time in this process. There is no short cut! And every person handles grief in their own way. But the one common factor we all have, is that we all need time to heal from loss of a loved one. This blog entry deals specifically with the loss of divorce, but certainly several of these points would be true for those who have suffered other types of loss (like death). Give yourself lots of and lots of time. Don't hurry. Don't rush. Don't look for a new lover in order to ease your loneliness. That will often get us into trouble. Let God be the master surgeon who uses His Spirit, His Word, and time to heal your precious heart.
8) I experienced a new and powerful level of the Grace of God. He truly has shown me favour and blessing. I look back today, and can see it now. God's grace has been made a fresh reality in my life because of loss. I looked to Jesus instead of to a new lover, and the result was Amazing Grace! You have access to this grace too! Come boldly to His throne for help in time of need! Ask Jesus for grace!
9) I found the positives hidden in this time of loss. This whole story of mine is now a part of my bigger testimony, all about the love and grace of God. In this time of abandonment, God showed me that He NEVER abandons me. He was always there in the past, and He always will be there.
In that time when I was being lied to, God never lied to me, but always spoke truth in love to me!
Out of that time of loss, I now have the ability to empathize with those who have also experienced abandonment, divorce, and the emotions that go with it. I am empowered by God to minister life and love and truth to these dear saints who have a similar kind of heart-break. It is my honour and privilege to bless the people with compassion. This is the very same compassion Jesus showed me when I was struggling through it all. At one point, I didn't know which way was up, but Christ gently led the way.
I can now share more GRACE with people because I experienced and received it myself, in a special way! With every painful loss, there comes a greater degree of the Grace of God! If only we would be hungry for Him and seek Him diligently!
These events in my life have eventually worked together to show the GOODNESS and FAITHFULNESS of GOD. You too will see God's faithfulness revealed in your time of loss. Let healing come to you in the name of Jesus! Peace can be yours again! If God can restore it to me, He can certainly restore it to you!
Blessings,
Pastor Curtis
Mon. July 13, 2015 8:46PM EST
P.S. Below is my original song, "Broken and Healed" (c) 2014 inspired by Psalm 51 and also by my healing in God. Enjoy and be encouraged!
I am going to tell you some of the steps I personally took in the Lord to heal from my past relationship. (As you may know from my previous entries here, I was abandoned in marriage in 2008. I later ended up divorced in 2009 because of it (see 1 Cor. 7:15.)
Here are some of the steps I took. I hope some of them help you too.
Since the time I was left alone and also since I was divorced, I have done the following:
1) I spent many hours alone in Christ, in prayer, and in silent holy communion with Him. It takes discipline to not be distracted. And believe me, I am easily distracted. So I would just leave all my gadgets at home and go on a prayer walk with Him.
2) I held back from going on any dates during my period of brokenness, which was up to 2 years after the divorce (which was in 2009). Throughout our final period of separation, I honoured my wife until the marriage was legally over by decree of the judge and we were officially divorced. All separated spouses need to honour each other, by not dating someone new, until they are legally divorced. But even when I was divorced, I still was broken. I had no interest in dating because my mind and emotions had a lot of healing, accepting, and sorting to do. I was in no shape yet to give my heart again, so there were no dates for me. That was, I think, a God-ordained factor in my healing process.
3) I did not try to suppress my emotions or deny them when alone with God. I allowed myself to experience the anger, fear, hopelessness, and deep sadness that comes with this type of loss. Divorce is just about as traumatic as the death of a loved one. It is that intense. It is not healthy to try and "be strong" emotionally when you are really weak. And God sees your weakness anyway. So be honest with Him. Share with Him your "ugly" feelings.
See, when I was alone with God, I would let those raw emotions come out. He can handle these things and was not shocked or upset with me for feeling the way that I did. He just had this.... way.... of accepting and touching my raw emotions. When He did, I would cry and pour out before Him. When I stopped crying, there was a tremendous sense of relief and peace that would follow. This kind of deep healing touch from Jesus happened to me at least 3-4 times, since 2009. God was so very kind and gentle to me. He removed the confusion from my thinking. He helped me settle the matter and stop repeating long-gone and dead marital events over and over in my head.
4) I learned life lessons from my past relationship and how I can improve. I now know what I can do better the next time I get involved in a relationship. Even though I was faithful to the end, I can still learn and grow in the Lord. I can pick up lessons that will save me heartache later. One such lesson is: early in the relationship, do not ignore the warning signs of a person who is emotionally and/or spiritually immature. Don't go along with a relationship just because "no one else will go out with me" or "she 'says' all the right things". You have to look beyond their words and observe their actions and their passions to see if a person is really genuine. I have learned to be a little more "picky" and discerning when it comes to relationships.
5) I did not face the darkness alone. I had my church and family. Going through this loss was like walking through a very dark valley. It was like living in a dark depressing corner. In order to heal from loss, you must cross that dark path. There is no shortcut. God is there for us. He will be our light.
And it doesn't stop there. God uses people too. He blessed me so much by giving me the support, love, truth, and prayer partners I needed at church. I also had personal family to talk to and hearing their feedback really helped me to stop blaming or questioning myself over the loss. Their outside perspective was very important in helping me regain proper perspective of the situation.
6) I stopped communicating with my ex-wife. Now, to be clear, we did actually communicate with each other a handful of times after divorce. But we ultimately did not click and there was no reason to allow the communication to continue beyond those few exchanges we had. We ended on friendly terms, and she asked for forgiveness and I forgave her. But that was the end. Because forgiveness and trust are two different things. She had my forgiveness, but was showing that she was still not worthy of trust.
If I didn't make that choice to let the conversation end, then she would have kept me tangled in my emotions and mind and I could not let that happen. As much as I wanted to try again with her, it was still an unhealthy relationship, and she had a way of manipulating/hiding things and facts. I could not be around that kind of mentality if I was going to heal fully.
I realize that children change the dynamics of a divorce and that some communications will probably be needed in those situations (we had no children in our own marriage). But even then, you aren't just sitting on the phone having a general chat. You are focused on the children's needs and that's it. Healing is possible, but we must not allow ourselves to be dragged into our past again by letting our past lover into our present life in an intimate way. If you also have a manipulative ex, who wants to keep hanging on to you in a non-committal way, then you must make the difficult choice to stop communicating. Stop sending emails, making phonecalls, and texting. Ask them to stop sending communications, and if they still do, then refuse to reply to their communications. And you must stick to it. If not, your emotional and soulish wounds will keep being reopened. I speak from personal experience.
Now, some exes are able to keep a friendly line of communication open with each other long after the marriage is over, and everyone is healed. If so, great! But for most of us, we need to get alone with God for a long while, and resist the urge to talk to our ex.
7) I took my time in this process. There is no short cut! And every person handles grief in their own way. But the one common factor we all have, is that we all need time to heal from loss of a loved one. This blog entry deals specifically with the loss of divorce, but certainly several of these points would be true for those who have suffered other types of loss (like death). Give yourself lots of and lots of time. Don't hurry. Don't rush. Don't look for a new lover in order to ease your loneliness. That will often get us into trouble. Let God be the master surgeon who uses His Spirit, His Word, and time to heal your precious heart.
8) I experienced a new and powerful level of the Grace of God. He truly has shown me favour and blessing. I look back today, and can see it now. God's grace has been made a fresh reality in my life because of loss. I looked to Jesus instead of to a new lover, and the result was Amazing Grace! You have access to this grace too! Come boldly to His throne for help in time of need! Ask Jesus for grace!
9) I found the positives hidden in this time of loss. This whole story of mine is now a part of my bigger testimony, all about the love and grace of God. In this time of abandonment, God showed me that He NEVER abandons me. He was always there in the past, and He always will be there.
In that time when I was being lied to, God never lied to me, but always spoke truth in love to me!
Out of that time of loss, I now have the ability to empathize with those who have also experienced abandonment, divorce, and the emotions that go with it. I am empowered by God to minister life and love and truth to these dear saints who have a similar kind of heart-break. It is my honour and privilege to bless the people with compassion. This is the very same compassion Jesus showed me when I was struggling through it all. At one point, I didn't know which way was up, but Christ gently led the way.
I can now share more GRACE with people because I experienced and received it myself, in a special way! With every painful loss, there comes a greater degree of the Grace of God! If only we would be hungry for Him and seek Him diligently!
These events in my life have eventually worked together to show the GOODNESS and FAITHFULNESS of GOD. You too will see God's faithfulness revealed in your time of loss. Let healing come to you in the name of Jesus! Peace can be yours again! If God can restore it to me, He can certainly restore it to you!
Blessings,
Pastor Curtis
Mon. July 13, 2015 8:46PM EST
P.S. Below is my original song, "Broken and Healed" (c) 2014 inspired by Psalm 51 and also by my healing in God. Enjoy and be encouraged!
Saturday, July 11, 2015
The distinction between Home and Church in the New Testament
Here are a few of the verses I have come across showing that not all early churches were hidden in houses (due to persecution from the Romans). Many churches actually met in public. See how the distinction is made between home and church in the following passages.
1 Corinthians 11:22 KJV
"What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not."
1 Corinthians 11:34 KJV
"And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come."
1 Corinthians 14:35 KJV
We know some local churches started off in homes in the New Testament because of Roman persecution. They could not meet in public places or else they would be killed or imprisoned. But in places like Canada today, we should try our best to be like Jesus and meet in public as a habit. Paul shows the distinction between church and home. If you cannot get to a public meeting, due to special circumstances (such as being house-bound, or living in a country that persecutes Christians), then there are other ways to get into fellowship, such as home churches. After all, we are the church. Where two or three are gathered, Jesus is in the midst!
If however, you as a believer in Christ have the opportunity to get out to a local church, then I encourage you to go! You are an important body part in the Body! (1 Cor 12)
Heb 10:38 KJV
"Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him."
1 Corinthians 11:22 KJV
"What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not."
1 Corinthians 11:34 KJV
"And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come."
1 Corinthians 14:35 KJV
"And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church."
(As a side note: I do not believe this verse disallows women from being leaders or speakers in the church in general. Please see this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFGoGAI65rI )
Jesus is the example we should follow in life. His custom was to meet in the public assembly. In His context, it was a Jewish synagogue. It was not in his own home.
Luke 4:16 KJV
"And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read."
"And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read."
For us today, within our context we are invited to meet at a local Christian church. It is a place in which men and women of God can come meet in public, and worship, hear the word, pray, prophesy, and break bread, have communion and be baptized in water. If we will meet together regularly as Scripture tells us, we will grow together and be blessed. If we hide from each other, we will shrink and shrivel up spiritually.
We know some local churches started off in homes in the New Testament because of Roman persecution. They could not meet in public places or else they would be killed or imprisoned. But in places like Canada today, we should try our best to be like Jesus and meet in public as a habit. Paul shows the distinction between church and home. If you cannot get to a public meeting, due to special circumstances (such as being house-bound, or living in a country that persecutes Christians), then there are other ways to get into fellowship, such as home churches. After all, we are the church. Where two or three are gathered, Jesus is in the midst!
If however, you as a believer in Christ have the opportunity to get out to a local church, then I encourage you to go! You are an important body part in the Body! (1 Cor 12)
Heb 10:38 KJV
"Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him."
Let us press on and encourage each other in the public local churches! Be bold and press in to all that God has for you today!
Ephesians 2:19-22 1599 Geneva Bible (GNV)
19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners: but citizens with the Saints, and of the household of God.
20 And are built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone,
21 In whom all the building coupled together, groweth unto an holy Temple in the Lord.
22 In whom ye also are built together to be the habitation of God by the Spirit.
God wants to fit us together in the local assembly of believers and cause us to grow into a Holy Temple. We are not only individual dwellings of God, but a joined corporate dwelling place for Jesus' Spirit! And of course it is not about the appearance of the church building. It may be a stand-alone structure with a steeple. Or it may be a unit in a multi-use building. The point is, it is in the open where all can access it freely. That building is just there to provide a practical place for us to meet in public. The actual church is the people inside who gather together, encourage each other, pray, and bless the Name of Jesus!
It is the public gathering of saints in churches that fulfills the words of Jesus:
Mat. 5:14 GENEVA
"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill, cannot be hid."
When we gather, worship, and pray together in the public church assembly (as opposed to hiding in private), it is then that the world will see our faith and our light, Jesus Christ!
A local stranger will not simply walk into a private home (and they would not know a church is there). But they just might walk into a local public building designated as a church! If they do then this could happen:
1 Corinthians 14:23-25 GOD'S WORD Translation
23 Suppose the whole congregation gathers in the same place and you speak in other languages. When outsiders or unbelievers come in, won’t they say that you’re out of your mind?24 Now suppose you speak what God has revealed. When unbelievers or outsiders come in you will show them where they are wrong and convince them that they are sinners. 25 The secrets in their hearts will become known, and in this way they will quickly bow with their faces touching the ground, worship God, and confess that God is truly among you.
I love it when new local people just come in to our local church from off the street. We greet them, offer coffee and prayer. They are often touched by God and moved to worship Jesus, accept Him as their own Saviour and Lord. This is what it means to be a light to the world, a city on a hill!
God Bless,
Pastor Curtis
Sat July 11 2015 12:26AM EST
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
Christians, Let us depart from iniquity (starting with me and you)
2 Timothy 2:19-21 Geneva Version
19 But the foundation of God remaineth sure, and hath this seal, The Lord knoweth who are his: and, Let everyone that calleth on the Name of Christ, depart from iniquity.
20 Notwithstanding in a great house are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth, and some for honor, and some unto dishonor.
21 If any man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the Lord, and prepared unto every good work.
======
If you name the name of Christ, better walk away from living in sin (yes even the popular ones that seem ok). God wants to make us vessels of honour if we purge ourselves in Christ!
Are you being sanctified, and prepared for every good work?
It's time for us to look in the mirror of God's Word, and to ask the Lord to help us depart from those habits and ways that are displeasing to Him. There are many sins. There is one in particular which is a huge problem in today's churches.
I am talking about unmarried/unwedded/unlicensed cohabitation (Paul calls it Chambering in Romans 13:13 KJV).
The word for Chambering in the Greek is KOYTAY, and it literally means (from Blue Letter Bible http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G2845&t=KJV ):
Here the word KOYTAY is translated as "Bed" and it is approved. Why? Because "Marriage" is what precedes the word in this verse! Marriage means a wedding, according to the Greek. Weddings are where covenants take place. Jesus attended a wedding during His time on earth. He also distinguished married cohabitation from unmarried cohabitation. They are not the same thing!
John 4:18 NLT
Christians have been so worried about the same sex marriage ruling by both Canadian and American courts and governments. But meanwhile, we have kicked God's true marriage covenant to the curb. Many (but not all) Christians today are taking unbiblical short cuts that God never approved of. We now just say a private vow, sleep together, have casual sex with our boyfriend or girlfriend and call that "married in the sight of God." It's time to get serious and to purge ourselves. Will it be easy? No. Will it bring lasting reward? YES! To those who are chambering, either get married, or separate. Do one or the other. Because God can't use a vessel which resides in an unclean situation.
The following video explains the need for Christians to have integrity, especially when it comes to the need for a man and a woman to live in separate dwellings until they are legally married.
Cohabitation/chambering and sexual intercourse (aka living together) is reserved for one man and one woman, who have already gotten married and possess a license, signed by witnesses and the minister. In the mouth of 2 or 3 witnesses let every word be established. Moses, Jesus, and Paul each said that same statement in the Bible. It is a general principal, but it definitely applies to something as vital as marriage.
Let every Christian obey the government in power, because God put it there. Resisting government means resisting the ordinance of God. (Romans 13) However, we are not required to go against Scripture or God should a government ask us to do so.
Most people do not argue with the fact that all drivers need a license (plus insurance) in order to begin driving a car. You don't start driving until you have all your papers in order. Government requires it. Christians need to follow that requirement - if you want to drive, then get your license.
The exact same principal applies to marriage. You are not married unless you get the certificate first and your papers are legally signed by the minister and your two witnesses in a public setting. You cannot call yourself married in the sight of God if you are actively resisting the ordinances God established in government.
As for the same-sex marriage laws in the land, God allowed that. No these laws are not right rulings. But they happened. Since God is sovereign, He knows what national events need to occur in order to get the attention of His churches. See, Habakkuk struggled with the same thing about God. God allows injustice sometimes in order to correct His people. Read Habakkuk, all three chapters. In the end, Habakkuk learns to trust God, even when God allows injustice in order to correct His people whom He loves. In the end, God always removes injustice and bad governments. In His time. He wants to accomplish something in His church in the mean time.
Do we really value marriage, Christians? If so, follow the legal requirements before getting into the same house and the same bed. (Rom. 13:1,2,13 and Heb. 13:4)
Purge yourselves. That is what God wants. He wants to use you as a clean golden vessel for doing the works of God!
Are you separated from your spouse but not legally divorced? Then you are not free to date someone new. Either get a legal divorce or get reconciled, whichever God is leading you to do. But whatever you do, you are not free to start dating while still legally married. People get into all kinds of trouble when they skip God's steps and ordinances.
Please watch our video and prayerfully consider the Lord's word. Let His Spirit teach and guide you.
We all need to depart from iniquities of different kinds. It starts with me. And it starts with you. Let's practice righteous living and please the LORD! Let's get ready for the Master's good works! Will we always get it right? No, of course not. Humans fail all the time. I know I still fall short sometimes!
That is what God's grace is for. But at the same time, we are also not living in rebellion either.
For the times we do fail, confess it to Jesus. Any and all past or present sins are UNDER THE BLOOD of Jesus! Confess your sins to Jesus, He is faithful and just to cleanse you and forgive you! (1 John 1:9-10) Just as He told the woman caught in adultery, He says the same today: "I don't condemn you, go and sin no more."
God bless you.
Pastor Curtis
-Wed. July 8th 2015 10:34PM EST
19 But the foundation of God remaineth sure, and hath this seal, The Lord knoweth who are his: and, Let everyone that calleth on the Name of Christ, depart from iniquity.
20 Notwithstanding in a great house are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth, and some for honor, and some unto dishonor.
21 If any man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the Lord, and prepared unto every good work.
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If you name the name of Christ, better walk away from living in sin (yes even the popular ones that seem ok). God wants to make us vessels of honour if we purge ourselves in Christ!
Are you being sanctified, and prepared for every good work?
It's time for us to look in the mirror of God's Word, and to ask the Lord to help us depart from those habits and ways that are displeasing to Him. There are many sins. There is one in particular which is a huge problem in today's churches.
I am talking about unmarried/unwedded/unlicensed cohabitation (Paul calls it Chambering in Romans 13:13 KJV).
Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
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The word for Chambering in the Greek is KOYTAY, and it literally means (from Blue Letter Bible http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G2845&t=KJV ):
- a place for lying down, resting, sleeping in
- a bed, couch
- the marriage bed
- of adultery
- cohabitation, whether lawful or unlawful
- sexual intercourse
Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
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Here the word KOYTAY is translated as "Bed" and it is approved. Why? Because "Marriage" is what precedes the word in this verse! Marriage means a wedding, according to the Greek. Weddings are where covenants take place. Jesus attended a wedding during His time on earth. He also distinguished married cohabitation from unmarried cohabitation. They are not the same thing!
John 4:18 NLT
for you have had five husbands, and you aren’t even married to the man you’re living with now. You certainly spoke the truth!”
Christians have been so worried about the same sex marriage ruling by both Canadian and American courts and governments. But meanwhile, we have kicked God's true marriage covenant to the curb. Many (but not all) Christians today are taking unbiblical short cuts that God never approved of. We now just say a private vow, sleep together, have casual sex with our boyfriend or girlfriend and call that "married in the sight of God." It's time to get serious and to purge ourselves. Will it be easy? No. Will it bring lasting reward? YES! To those who are chambering, either get married, or separate. Do one or the other. Because God can't use a vessel which resides in an unclean situation.
The following video explains the need for Christians to have integrity, especially when it comes to the need for a man and a woman to live in separate dwellings until they are legally married.
Cohabitation/chambering and sexual intercourse (aka living together) is reserved for one man and one woman, who have already gotten married and possess a license, signed by witnesses and the minister. In the mouth of 2 or 3 witnesses let every word be established. Moses, Jesus, and Paul each said that same statement in the Bible. It is a general principal, but it definitely applies to something as vital as marriage.
Let every Christian obey the government in power, because God put it there. Resisting government means resisting the ordinance of God. (Romans 13) However, we are not required to go against Scripture or God should a government ask us to do so.
Most people do not argue with the fact that all drivers need a license (plus insurance) in order to begin driving a car. You don't start driving until you have all your papers in order. Government requires it. Christians need to follow that requirement - if you want to drive, then get your license.
The exact same principal applies to marriage. You are not married unless you get the certificate first and your papers are legally signed by the minister and your two witnesses in a public setting. You cannot call yourself married in the sight of God if you are actively resisting the ordinances God established in government.
As for the same-sex marriage laws in the land, God allowed that. No these laws are not right rulings. But they happened. Since God is sovereign, He knows what national events need to occur in order to get the attention of His churches. See, Habakkuk struggled with the same thing about God. God allows injustice sometimes in order to correct His people. Read Habakkuk, all three chapters. In the end, Habakkuk learns to trust God, even when God allows injustice in order to correct His people whom He loves. In the end, God always removes injustice and bad governments. In His time. He wants to accomplish something in His church in the mean time.
Do we really value marriage, Christians? If so, follow the legal requirements before getting into the same house and the same bed. (Rom. 13:1,2,13 and Heb. 13:4)
Purge yourselves. That is what God wants. He wants to use you as a clean golden vessel for doing the works of God!
Are you separated from your spouse but not legally divorced? Then you are not free to date someone new. Either get a legal divorce or get reconciled, whichever God is leading you to do. But whatever you do, you are not free to start dating while still legally married. People get into all kinds of trouble when they skip God's steps and ordinances.
Please watch our video and prayerfully consider the Lord's word. Let His Spirit teach and guide you.
We all need to depart from iniquities of different kinds. It starts with me. And it starts with you. Let's practice righteous living and please the LORD! Let's get ready for the Master's good works! Will we always get it right? No, of course not. Humans fail all the time. I know I still fall short sometimes!
That is what God's grace is for. But at the same time, we are also not living in rebellion either.
For the times we do fail, confess it to Jesus. Any and all past or present sins are UNDER THE BLOOD of Jesus! Confess your sins to Jesus, He is faithful and just to cleanse you and forgive you! (1 John 1:9-10) Just as He told the woman caught in adultery, He says the same today: "I don't condemn you, go and sin no more."
God bless you.
Pastor Curtis
-Wed. July 8th 2015 10:34PM EST
Sunday, June 21, 2015
To my Dad on Father's Day
Happy Father's Day to my Dad (John Alexander)!
Understand that because of your own deep love of our God Jesus Christ and His Word, and your sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, I was raised with the blessing of having an earthly father that loves and cares for me, a reflection of our relationship to the Heavenly Father. You knew how to draw this turtle out of his shell and help me open up one on one. You made me feel validated and accepted. You stuck to your rules and guidelines, taught me to respect authority. Yet even in your firm stance, you have always been so gentle. You somehow always knew when I had something on my mind as a teen, and you always took your time to wait and let me open up in my own way. You were transparent and helpful, letting me see that I was not strange, different, or weird, or beyond hope in my teens and young adulthood. You helped me see that I was human and in need of dependence on God. You exposed me to powerful Spirit-led fellowship in the local church from an early age. I have memories of that which still live on in me decades later. My childhood memories (30 years ago) of your participation in Agape Christian Fellowship are an important part of how God led me to find my current church, Church On The GO, in the year 2000. He called me to ministry, but it was your early influence in my life that prepared me for my current life. You have no idea how precious this is to me.
Just know that who I am and what I do is because you started me on this journey a long time ago. Understanding your background, it is even more exceptional that you put so much into your effort as a father. Our talks in the basement, building stuff together out of blocks when I was young, and our talks around the Amiga, listening to song files called MODS. :) You started me, and guided me early on in my journey to eventually being a man after God's heart. You also helped me cultivate my interest in computer software, music creation, cartooning, and art.
We are not the same in every way, since you never could transfer your love of old movies (40's, 50's, etc) to me when I was a child. I still remember you preparing 5-10 minute "movie clips". You loved these movies, but knew I could not sit through entire feature-length movies, due to my own attention issues. So the only way you could get me to agree to watch, was to tell me it was "just a clip". I would watch your clip, and be on my way. :)
While I have not turned out to be a "movie buff" like you, you may not realize your "movie clips" have had a positive impact on me in the long run: it cultivated a passion for short video (5-10 minutes), which I would eventually begin to make and post on the internet. Youtube eventually came along and I started to make my own "clips" to post on that site. So thank you for your "movie clips"! :)
Here is one of my newest youtube videos "In The Midst Of Thee". When I think about it, this video's influence came from God, and also from my time with you as a youngster. Spending time with you using Music software, watching your video clips, and praying with you all have had an impact, and it has led to creations like this:
Later on, when tragedy was about to strike in my personal life, God warned you in advance, and you prayed for me. Yours were some of the most important prayers to helping me cope through extreme loss and hidden depression. Others prayers made a difference too! But there is something about a father's prayers that carries weight.
I am better at expressing these things in writing than I am in spoken words. But they must be expressed. You continue to inspire me through your fearless approach to challenges and difficulty, and because you serve the Lord in Spirit and in Truth.
God bless, thank you, and enjoy this day!
Love,
Your son,
Curtis
Posted: Sun Jun 21, 2015 2:20pm EST
Understand that because of your own deep love of our God Jesus Christ and His Word, and your sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, I was raised with the blessing of having an earthly father that loves and cares for me, a reflection of our relationship to the Heavenly Father. You knew how to draw this turtle out of his shell and help me open up one on one. You made me feel validated and accepted. You stuck to your rules and guidelines, taught me to respect authority. Yet even in your firm stance, you have always been so gentle. You somehow always knew when I had something on my mind as a teen, and you always took your time to wait and let me open up in my own way. You were transparent and helpful, letting me see that I was not strange, different, or weird, or beyond hope in my teens and young adulthood. You helped me see that I was human and in need of dependence on God. You exposed me to powerful Spirit-led fellowship in the local church from an early age. I have memories of that which still live on in me decades later. My childhood memories (30 years ago) of your participation in Agape Christian Fellowship are an important part of how God led me to find my current church, Church On The GO, in the year 2000. He called me to ministry, but it was your early influence in my life that prepared me for my current life. You have no idea how precious this is to me.
Just know that who I am and what I do is because you started me on this journey a long time ago. Understanding your background, it is even more exceptional that you put so much into your effort as a father. Our talks in the basement, building stuff together out of blocks when I was young, and our talks around the Amiga, listening to song files called MODS. :) You started me, and guided me early on in my journey to eventually being a man after God's heart. You also helped me cultivate my interest in computer software, music creation, cartooning, and art.
We are not the same in every way, since you never could transfer your love of old movies (40's, 50's, etc) to me when I was a child. I still remember you preparing 5-10 minute "movie clips". You loved these movies, but knew I could not sit through entire feature-length movies, due to my own attention issues. So the only way you could get me to agree to watch, was to tell me it was "just a clip". I would watch your clip, and be on my way. :)
While I have not turned out to be a "movie buff" like you, you may not realize your "movie clips" have had a positive impact on me in the long run: it cultivated a passion for short video (5-10 minutes), which I would eventually begin to make and post on the internet. Youtube eventually came along and I started to make my own "clips" to post on that site. So thank you for your "movie clips"! :)
Here is one of my newest youtube videos "In The Midst Of Thee". When I think about it, this video's influence came from God, and also from my time with you as a youngster. Spending time with you using Music software, watching your video clips, and praying with you all have had an impact, and it has led to creations like this:
Later on, when tragedy was about to strike in my personal life, God warned you in advance, and you prayed for me. Yours were some of the most important prayers to helping me cope through extreme loss and hidden depression. Others prayers made a difference too! But there is something about a father's prayers that carries weight.
I am better at expressing these things in writing than I am in spoken words. But they must be expressed. You continue to inspire me through your fearless approach to challenges and difficulty, and because you serve the Lord in Spirit and in Truth.
God bless, thank you, and enjoy this day!
Love,
Your son,
Curtis
 |
| Alexander family, in March of 2015: Left to Right- me(Curtis), dad (John), my sister Corrie, mom (Marlene) |
Posted: Sun Jun 21, 2015 2:20pm EST
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Meme Commentary: Happy-Complicated-Hurt
I found an interesting meme online today, and was inspired to make a commentary on it:
Allow me to comment on this meme using Scriptural principals and also my life experience thus far:
1) I am responsible for my own emotions and happiness. I will never rely on another human being to be responsible for something they have no control over: my happiness. They might have some influence, but not control. This includes any romantic interest, bosses, coworkers, friends, family, and those I minister to or those I receive ministry from. At the end of the day, I still make the call to be happy or not. Most days, I choose to be happy with my lot in life, knowing God is sovereign over all.
I own up to my responsibility for my own emotions. That is part of mature adult life.
And.... I learned a long time ago that even if I try my hardest, I simply cannot "make" someone else happy. In other words, I cannot directly control the soul/emotions of another. I wouldn't want that kind of control anyhow. But, I can do kind things for them, perform a task in an excellent way, or say encouraging words (as I love to do). And yet... it is the other party's choice to be happy about it or not. Trust me, I know from experience and observation.
This in no way deters me from striving to do my best in any form of communication, service or relationship. We should always strive for excellence in our thoughts, actions and words, regardless of who notices us or thanks us or is happy because of us. I am still learning and growing at this!
--
2) If by "complicated", the meme writer means "confusing" then yes, we are not to invite confusion into our lives. BUT IF "complicated" simply means "complex" to this writer... well... all relationships are complex. Some are less complex than others, but all have some degree of complexity. Even good relationships get "complicated" at times. Jesus promised we would have trials in this world. But He also said in this promise: fear not, I have overcome the world.
Love relationships are very complex. After all, we are spirit, we have a soul (soul = mind, will and emotions), and we live in a body. We are 3-in-1 beings! When you put two 3-in-1 beings together, there is complexity, diversity, depth and richness of relationships.
--
3) Hurt, and pain is something we should avoid inflicting on others. But because of fallen human nature, we inadvertently hurt our loved ones. Sadly, this is inescapable, even in truly good relationships. We all fail at times. And yes, sometimes we hurt each other in words or actions, not out of malice, but out of heated or rash decisions that were made in poor judgement in a moment of weakness. It is for this reason Jesus tells us to leave our gift at the altar and make amends with those whom we have offended. Then after that, we can pick up where we were. Also, Jesus tells us to forgive so that we may be forgiven of God. It is unrealistic to expect a 100% pain-free relationships while living on this planet in its current state. It should be noted that forgiveness and "trusting again" do not automatically go hand-in-hand. The Bible never commands us to trust someone who is proven to be untrustworthy, only to forgive them.
Another angle: When parents discipline a child for wrong behaviour, as Proverbs tells us they should, there will usually be a consequence for that misbehaviour. It might mean a little bit of "pain". Like a loss of privileges for a while, or being grounded, for example. That is the kind of pain that tells of deep love, and of parents who wish their child to grow up and become excellent adults in the real world.
That said, we should always act in love and always think of the feelings of our loved ones, coworkers, bosses, friends and family before speaking and acting. And the same goes for our relationship to God. He can be grieved at some things we do as well, but you do not see Him abandon His people just because we sin again or fall short on occassion. He is faithful and merciful and loving. He will never abandon or forsake us. When we confess our faults directly to Jesus, He is faithful and just to forgive us. We grow closer in love with Jesus. We can choose to do the things that are pleasing to Him.
God bless,
Pastor Curtis
Thur June 18, 2015, 1:57am EST
Sunday, June 14, 2015
RETURNING TO OUR FIRST LOVE - A response to "Revive Cold Hearts"
RETURNING TO OUR FIRST LOVE - A response to "Revive Cold Hearts"
Please read it and then return here. The Holy Spirit has inspired me to write in response and in continuation of what my sister has said! I want you to focus particularly on what she has said about feeling alone in church. This is a common occurrence today! And I have news: if you feel alone in church, then who ELSE is probably feeling exactly the same way? Probably someone right next to you! You may feel alone, but you are not alone in your aloneness! And the fact that she felt that some churches are the same as watching a TV sermon at home, a true yet sad fact. See, TV is and always will be a spectator sport. And many people today go to church meetings thinking they are spectators. This could not be further from the truth. Hence a body of believers might act like a TV audience rather than engaged body parts.
Now I am not discouraging TV altogether.
It is great to watch services on TV or internet in special circumstance, such as when one is bedridden and cannot physically move. But going out to live local church meetings is better! Local churches were intended by God to be a regular place for you, the joints, to supply each other's needs in Christ! Amazing!
What my sister Stacey has said is spot on: God is about Relationships. We should be the same as Him!
Now I am not discouraging TV altogether.
It is great to watch services on TV or internet in special circumstance, such as when one is bedridden and cannot physically move. But going out to live local church meetings is better! Local churches were intended by God to be a regular place for you, the joints, to supply each other's needs in Christ! Amazing!
What my sister Stacey has said is spot on: God is about Relationships. We should be the same as Him!
We know that Jesus promised His presence where two or three are gathered. So we are never alone in that regard. But what if the members started to show love more to each other in their local church?
If you have read the above blog in the link, then let us continue here:
There are several local churches (plural as mentioned in Scripture) who have need of admonition and encouragement! Isn't it great that the Lord addresses each local congregation by name and is able to help us clarify and improve! Praise Him for His faithfulness!
Here is what Jesus has to say about the various churches gathering in public in specific geographic locations:
Rev 1:20 GENEVA VERSION
20The ministry of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks, is this, The seven stars are the Angels of the seven Churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest, are the seven Churches.
Revelation 2:1 GENEVA VERSION
1 Unto the Angel of the Church of Ephesus write, These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, and walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks.
and He goes on to say exactly what her blog post has said:
Revelation 2:2-4 GENEVA VERSION
2I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear with them which are evil, and hast examined them which say they are Apostles, and are not, and hast found the liars.
3And thou wast burdened, and hast patience, and for my Names sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.
3And thou wast burdened, and hast patience, and for my Names sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.
So far so good, but here is the kicker!
4 Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
4 Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
So this particular early church was different than the other early churches recorded in Revelation 2 and 3. This particular church represents a lot of western churches today. They have lost their first love. That is something we strive to keep central in our congregation: First Love! Let Jesus thrill your soul and make time for Him like a young couple in love makes time for each other! When one is in love with Jesus, nothing can distract you from being with Him and from showing love to His family! You want to spread it to everyone. And that is one of the benefits of being part of a smaller church: people do not get lost in the shuffle very easily. Everyone is included, as a body part in the Body of Christ! Larger churches must work harder (meaning each and every member, not just the leaders) to reach out to every member. It can be done, if each Christian would simply recognize that church is not a spectator sport! You are a functional member of the body, in Christ. Every joint supplies the need, as Paul tells the church in Ephesians.
Ephesians 4:15-16 GOD'S WORD TRANSLATION
15Instead, as we lovingly speak the truth, we will grow up completely in our relationship to Christ, who is the head.
16He makes the whole body fit together and unites it through the support of every joint. As each and every part does its job, he makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
16He makes the whole body fit together and unites it through the support of every joint. As each and every part does its job, he makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
THIS is my Biblical Ephesians/Revelation challenge to those who are part of local churches who may not reach out in love like they used to: If you are there and see the need, my challenge is for you to be the Lord's ignition switch. Stir people to love. Provoke them with God's Love. Return to your FIRST LOVE: Jesus!
Reach out in your church in quiet, humble and genuine ways. It will take boldness because often this doesn't make human sense. Don't do it to receive. Do it to give. Like Jesus did for you. And cooperate with the Spirit as He moves you! You WILL be surprised when God reciprocates love back to you in new and delightful ways! You cannot outgive God!
Let God ignite the fire of first love in YOU. Don't wait for the pastor or deacon or anyone else. Everyone typically thinks "Someone else will do it."
No! If you are in the midst of a cold church, heat things up with your love of Jesus and reach out to the sister or brother beside you. YOU are a minister, and YOU are a channel of God's blessing and Spirit. If you are Christian, you are a body joint! Do not wait any longer. You are connected to the Head, Jesus. The Head sends nerve impulses to body parts like you and me.
But....
If you have not filled up on His love, how can you give it out? If your relationship to Jesus is shallow, how can you express His deep love and devotion to others?
So before you take on this challenge, I strongly urge you to get alone with God before your next church service.
Yes, shut off social websites, TV, cellphones, tablets and anything else that can distract you. Go on a date with God.
Get alone and spend time with Jesus. Ask Him to revive your love with His Love. God IS Love. (1 John 4:16) So by being in God, you are in love! Let Him send you on a local mission to the unchurched, the unsaved, and those sitting in your church who do not really KNOW the love of God.
To know God is to know Love. Be a fire starter today!
Blessings!
Pastor Curtis
Sun June 14, 2015 3:34pm EST
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