Shaniya’s Mom Needs the Gospel

Posted in Uncategorized with tags , , , , , , , , , , on November 23, 2009 by James Jones

 

            Shaniya’s lifeless 5 year old body was found off the side of the road in Sanford, North Carolina after a week long search.  Preliminary autopsy results indicate she was raped and died from asphyxiation on Tuesday, November 10th.  Her father claims Antoinette, the mother, trafficked her to pay off a drug debt.  Whatever the reason, the life of a beautiful, precious 5 year old soul has departed after a gruesome event.  Now, her mother sits in a jail cell two months pregnant.  Antoinette’s 7 year old son has been removed from her residence.

             One precious soul has departed, finally resting at peace in the bosom of Abraham (Luke 16).  Shaniya’s father raised her for the majority of her life.  He will never share another holiday with his little girl, take another picture, hear another laugh, or feel the tight embrace of her arms wrapped around his neck.  He lost her due to sin.

             Our Almighty Father has a child currently sitting in a jail cell due to sin.  Antoinette has been lost in drugs and other sins that have kept her from the fellowship of the Divine Creator.  Antoinette has been separated from the life of hope that the gospel offers every one.  She has been lost to a life so desperate that she would allegedly trade her daughter to pay her debt. 

            Jehovah had His Son die for Antoinette (John 3:16).  Jesus died, wanting nothing more than for Antoinette to be forgiven of her sins, and be reconciled to the Father (Rom 5:6-8; Luke 23:34).  Jesus wants Antoinette to know that drugs will not bring peace to her life.  Jesus wants Antoinette to know that life in this world is temporary, but life in God’s kingdom, which is now present, lasts for an eternity.  Jesus wants Antoinette to have hope in the resurrection.  He wants her to know that no matter what, His way is always better and that there is always hope. 

             Our Father wants Antoinette’s 7 year old son to know about the gospel.  The Almighty wants her precious 2 month old residing in the womb to be raised knowing the security and peace that only the life lived by the gospel can provide. God wants Antoinette to know that He WANTS to forgive her, and live with her for an eternity.  Jehovah wants Antoinette to know that drugs, prostitution, or any other sin will not bring her life back.  God wants her to know that the only way she can ever be reunited with her beautiful 5 year old daughter is to believe and submit to the gospel of Christ. 

            Shaniya’s father already lost his little girl due to sin.  Antoinette’s Father does not want her to be lost forever due to sin.  Antoinette needs the church.  She needs our prayers, as do all involved in this case.  Most importantly, Shaniya’s mom needs the gospel.   That is why the church is here.

 

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It Can’t Be That Simple!!!

Posted in Uncategorized on November 16, 2009 by James Jones

math frustrated

            Have you ever made something out to be harder than it really was?  I had that trouble in my math classes.  No matter how much I studied and worked on problems, I always made solving the problems more difficult than it really was.  One math teacher repeatedly advised me to stop trying to understand it all, and just follow the formulas.  I had a hard time swallowing her advice because I did not want to believe these complex problems could be resolved so simply.  As my year with this particular teacher progressed, I began heeding her advice.  Slowly, but surely, I realized she was correct.  I began to have confidence in her simple advice, and benefitted greatly for it.

            We have all been burdened with the great problem of sin.  We know it is there.  We know it is a plague that haunts every human being (Rom 3:23).   We will never experience the eternal home with our Father as long as sin is on our record.  We can attain great successes in life, but the problem of sin remains. 

             Naaman was a commander in the Syrian army (2 Kings 5).  Even though he was a ranking officer, he was burdened with leprosy.  He was told of a great prophet in Syria that could heal him of his leprosy.  He went to see the prophet regarding his very difficult affliction that did not respect his person or status in life.  Instead of treating the leprosy as a horrible ordeal, Elisha merely sent a messenger to Naaman telling him to dip in the Jordan seven times to be healed.  Naaman was not happy with the instructions.

             Jesus made it clear in His ministry that we must submit to Him as the Son of God (John 8:24; cf. Acts 4:12).  In his parting speech to His apostles, Jesus wanted the message of faith and baptism preached to the world in order for their sins to be washed away (Matt 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16).  Jesus’ instructions are easy to understand, but not necessarily easy to receive.  Sadly, belief can be highlighted, yet fail to be practiced in submitting to baptism.

             Naaman had to humble himself and submit to Elisha’s words.  He had to believe the message, no matter how simple it was.  When he did so, he evidenced faith in the instructions.  When we really have faith in Jesus as the Son of God, then we will believe what He says about believing and being baptized to be saved (Mark 16:1516).  The apostles preached this ‘simple’ cure on Pentecost (Acts 2:38), Ananias instructed Paul in this direction (Acts 22:16), and Paul taught it as an accepted fact (Rom 6:3-4; Gal 3:26-27). 

           We do not have to understand all the ins and outs and workings of baptism to believe Jesus’ instructions.  That is why faith is required.  I must trust Jesus with my salvation.  If I trust Him, I will follow His message for cleansing.  I had difficulty learning to surrender to ‘simple formulas’ in math, Naaman had to humble himself to be healed of his leprosy, and we must all believe that how to have our sins removed from our record can be ‘that simple’!

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I Hate Sundays, I Do Not Like ‘Going to Church’, and, Yes, I am a Preacher

Posted in Uncategorized with tags , , , on November 15, 2009 by James Jones

kid praying             Something was wrong.

            I had people talking about how great it was to assemble with God’s people, and I just mentally rolled my eyes and wanted them to get on with the services.  I tried to psyche myself into liking Sundays, and worshipping with the church, by quoting the positive verses about worship, putting on a smile, and telling myself how good it was to see people at church.

            And, that worked………….as long as I did not think about how I felt.  I tried to think about God and His goodness, and thank Him for His blessings and works.  I just did not want to do it with the church. 

            What was wrong with me?  I am the preacher; I should not feel this way.

            I do not like using excuses as a way out.  It does not matter what I think about others, whether my thoughts and assumptions are true or not.  It does not matter how ‘wrong’ I might think things are.  And, it should not matter how much is right.

            If I am there for the Lord, I should be thrilled.  What was blinding me from immersing myself in His goodness?

            I was thinking about others.  I was judging others.  Now, I may not have been doing it at the assembly, but how I thought about others during the week affected how I felt among the church on Sunday.  I lacked grace, mercy, patience, and forgiveness during the week.  I was not aware of the great counsel found in Ecclesiastes where it states, “Do not take to heart all the things that people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you.  Your heart knows that many times you yourself have cursed others (7:21-22).”

            I was thinking and judging the very manner in which I would have been crushed if it were done in return.  I projected on others the very thing I was doing myself.

            Was I right about some of the facts that I thought?  Sadly, yes.  As time goes by, I was closer to correct than I care to admit.  It hurts a lot to even think about it.  However, how I chose to think about those actions, and how I thought about certain people totally messed with the greatest opportunity I have every week – worshipping God with the church.  The church that is full of redeemed, imperfect ragamuffins; people in need of grace, patience, and mercy.  People like me.

            Now, I was not thinking negatively about everyone.  Sadly, it was only a few people’s actions upon which I ruminated.  But, it was enough leaven to sour my soul.  I chose not to reflect on the goodness of my brethren, and God’s mercy on my imperfections and wicked thoughts towards my enemies.  I chose to dwell on the things that will eventually be destroyed, and that bar me from extending grace and mercy to others.  It kept me from loving, and it kept me from expressing my love to God on Sundays.

            I am starting to like Sundays again.  I am starting to really enjoy being among God’s people again. Sure, things still hurt.  Sure, I wish things could have different.  However, I need to dwell on the good truths, too.  I am among people who have experienced the mercy and grace of my Lord.  I am among imperfect people just like me.

            When I think about people’s actions during the week, I start to think about the good, too.  I still hurt, but I can still rejoice.  I can like my brothers and sisters now.  I like Sundays.  And, I like going to church.

            And, yes, I am a preacher.

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Follow This Tweet

Posted in Uncategorized with tags , , , , on November 14, 2009 by James Jones

drew olanoffI

love

insight.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No matter how bad it may hurt, I appreciate it when someone broadcasts their thoughts in way that allows me to walk in their shoes a bit.  One person that does this in a profound way is Drew Olanoff (@drew on Twitter).  If I could recommend one person to follow to help mature one’s thoughts on a man’s crusade for cancer awareness and fundraising, it is him.

I am grateful for his bluntness and honesty.  Do yourself a favor and follow Drew!

Or, go to his website: http://www.drewolanoff.com/

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I’m Simply Excited

Posted in Uncategorized with tags , , on November 10, 2009 by James Jones

Words cannot contain my excitement.  I am thrilled preaching the fundamentals of Christianity as the scriptures reveal them, and not the opinions of men. 

I am excited about ‘manning up’ and not allowing fear and constant slippery slope reasoning to dictate my Bible study and teaching.  Thank you, Lord, for bringing people in my life to show me the way.

I am excited about the Lord and His church.  I am glad I have removed lines drawn by men so I can follow My Lord’s will and not others’. 

This is a month known for thanksgiving.  Right now, those are some of the things for which I am thankful.

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WOW — Beck and Hannity Called Out on FOX!

Posted in Uncategorized on September 30, 2009 by James Jones

http://www.foxnews.com/video/index.html?playerId=videolandingpage&streamingFormat=FLASH&referralObject=10190768&referralPlaylistId=949437d0db05ed5f5b9954dc049d70b0c12f2749

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Glenn Beck and Healthcare…

Posted in Uncategorized with tags , on September 13, 2009 by James Jones

wow. 

 

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The Value of Being Pushed

Posted in Uncategorized with tags , , , , , , on April 14, 2009 by James Jones

 

running

 

           

                   I did not realize how much I missed training for a marathon until I recently started training for another one.  What I have missed the most about the training is seeing how hard I can push myself.  Through time, I found that I gradually increased the intensity of the workouts with ease.  If there was no greater purpose than just to suffer, many would think I was crazy.  But, when the training is viewed in light of the necessity of endurance for the marathon, then the intensity is seen as a good thing.   Suffering, by itself, is never seen as a good thing.  But, when suffering is an aid for something of great value, then the perspective is changed.

 

            Everyone is going to be tested in life.  That is just the way things are in this world of sin and decay.  We are going to suffer as a consequence of inhabiting this side of reality.   However, we do not have to be imprisoned by our heartaches and pain that we encounter.  Some are imprisoned because they constantly want to know ‘why me?”  They believe freedom will be found in the answer to that question.  Some are prisoners of their tests because they live under the false assumption that life in this world of sin will just be a bed of roses.  A dose of reality knocks them out of that cloud, and they just refuse to get up because their perspective of life has been crushed.  No amount of positive thoughts will get you back up if they are not based on reality.

 

            What is reality?  Reality is that the only way to live life to the fullest is a life built on God (Matt. 7:24-27).  We will never know what life is all about, its purpose, or how to really live unless we rely on God and His will.  The big picture is the necessity of always being faithful to the Lord (Matt. 10:32-33; Rev. 2:10).  The only way we can ever be complete is if we are found ‘in Him’ (Col. 2:10).  The best way to remain faithful is endurance.  That’s right – endurance!

 

            James wrote, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.  But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing (Jas. 1:2-4, NKJV).”  Endurance is what will help us grow stronger.  Endurance makes it easier to hang on.  When the trials of life come upon us, we know that whatever we do, quitting is not an option.  Jesus makes it clear that we CAN endure these tests (1 Cor. 10:13).  We either believe we can endure these trials or we do not believe we can.  Our belief is dependent on how much we trust in God and His promises.

 

 

             That goes back to the need of building your house on God as the foundation.  When we build our faith on the Lord and His promises, we know we can make it.  As a matter of fact, James describes the response of Christians to tests the same way athletes view training and endurance – it is a reason to rejoice!!!  Why is it a reason to rejoice?  Because we know that it will only make us stronger!  Our trials allow us to grow in our dependence on the Lord.  It reminds of the FACT that we can succeed; we can do it and persevere as long as we remained true to the Lord!  That is never a bad thing.  As we lean on the Lord, we cannot help but get stronger.  The hurricanes of life will not move us.  That is why endurance is such a big deal for marathon training.  A daily 4-6 mile run does not look like something to celebrate on the surface.  But, knowing that completing it will only make me stronger for the marathon, I see it as a great thing to take it head on day by day.

 

            On the surface, it may seem like someone is nuts to look forward to face the struggles of life as a good thing.  However, when we realize the value of the tests, we develop the mindset of, “Bring it on!”  Do not allow Satan and his work in the world to discourage you.  You have the Rock to lean on.  You can do it, and get stronger everyday by pushing through it.  Count it all joy!

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Do Christians Insist That Hitler Was An Atheist?

Posted in Uncategorized with tags , , on April 13, 2009 by James Jones

adolf-hitler-biography-5

I read the following blog entitled, “Why do Christians insist Hitler was an Atheist?” this morning.  You can the article at this link: http://proudatheists.wordpress.com/2009/04/12/why-do-christians-insist-that-hitler-was-an-atheist/

I have never heard of a Christian claiming Hitler was an Atheist.  It may be because I slept in class from time to time.  It could be because I viewed a fantastic documentary on Dietrich Bonhoeffer that reinforced how much religious beliefs motivated Hitler.

Anyway, have you ever heard someone teach Hitler was an Atheist?  Do you believe he was an Atheist?  If so, why do you hold this belief?

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Jesus is Lord — Do not miss the point!!!

Posted in Uncategorized with tags , , , , , , , , , , on April 13, 2009 by James Jones

anti-gay-protest

Have you ever gotten involved in something to the point that you forgot the reason you started doing it in the first place?  I have on several occasions.  When I began training for my first marathon, I wanted to lose my excess weight as I trained.  However, I focused so much on my running that I did not correct my unhealthy eating habits.  I ran the marathon, but I did not lose the weight I wanted.  I was frustrated because the reason I started running in the first place was to lose weight.

I believe I have done that with my ministry as well.  I want to see as many people as possible delivered from the Kingdom of darkness.  I care about righteousness and the future of the church.  But, my efforts in caring have led me  from focusing on the primary message.

Paul and his companions proclaimed, “Jesus Christ as Lord” (2 Cor. 4:5).

We must confess (genuinely) that Jesus is Lord (Rom. 10:9).

God exalted Jesus so that every knee would bow and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Phil. 2:9-11).

Philippians 2:11 points out that confessing Jesus as Lord brings glory to God.

Bottom line, this must be the thrust of our work before everyone — demonstrating that Jesus is Lord.   The reason I want to study apologetics is not just to ‘prove Atheists wrong’.  I approach it to further my ability to defend the message that Jesus is Lord.  Abortion, the ‘homosexual agenda’ (however you want to interpret that), human trafficking, violence, war, covetousness, laziness, fear, bitterness, etc. are all issues we must address to help people.  However, these issues must NOT take the place of teaching the world that Jesus is Lord!

What?  But, do we not protest, write, and warn others about these sins BECAUSE Jesus is Lord?  Do we not work our butts off trying to stop all the atrocities going on BECAUSE Jesus is Lord?  I believe many of us do.

However, stopping abortions does not mean people have been convinced Jesus is Lord.  They may save their baby, but they will not necessarily glorify God before their children.  There are people that save lives that do not believe Jesus is Lord.  There are people who have stopped living in sensuality due to the harms or pressure that society, friends, or church have placed on them.  They have not necessarily stopped because Jesus is Lord.  Just because people do the ‘approved things’ during the Sunday morning assembly does not mean they do it because Jesus is Lord.  People will do things because that is just the right thing to do in church because of what is predominantly taught — not out of conviction that it is what the Lord wants.  Sadly, their lives will show whether Jesus is Lord over them, not what actions they do ‘correctly’ on Sunday.

When people are convinced Jesus is Lord, they are going to want to save lives.  When people are convinced Jesus is Lord, they are going to control their passions under the guidance of God.  When people are convinced Jesus is Lord, they are going to push themselves to learn more about God’s will and what the Bible says about it.  When people are convinced Jesus is Lord, they are going to want to go out and see others saved as they submit to Jesus as Lord (Matt. 28:18-19). 

When he was before Felix, Paul spoke of faith in Christ Jesus (Acts 24:24).  What did faith in Christ Jesus entail?  It involved ‘righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment’ (24:25).  These things are a result of submitting to Jesus as the Christ.

We can spend our time before the world hammering on all the different sinful issues plaguing our society today.  IF we want our society to change for the better, then they must be converted to Jesus as Lord!  Only when Jesus is Lord will people stop engaging in behavior that leads to STDs, unwanted pregnancies, rape, back-alley abortions, adultery, homosexuality, violence, and the like.  The laws of the land can be changed, but the hearts of men have not been changed to submit to the Lord.  Our mission as God’s people is to get the world to believe that Jesus is Lord (see the great commission).  If people do not operate with Jesus Christ as their foundation, then all we have done is change their mind on an issue.  But, if they change their minds and submit to Jesus as Lord, then they have changed their lives.

In our efforts to sincerely help the world and souls, may we not miss the point of what we are fighting for.  We want people to submit to Jesus as Lord.  The rest will naturally fall into place.

abortion-protest

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