Our Possible New Home Church

Northwest Presbyterian Church (NPC) http://www.npc-dublin.org/index.html The Presbyterian Church (USA) is a relatively liberal denomination whose name is often confused with the Presbyterian Church in America, a smaller and more conservative denomination. The only hint in the statement that any difference exists between the two denominations is the passing mention that the PCA is largely comprised of those coming from the "conservative wing of the old Southern Presbyterian Church." While stating that the PCA is "conservative," while the PCUSA is "more diverse," it is quick to add that the PCA and the PCUSA "remain cordial." NPC is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), http://www.pcanet.org/ whose motto is "Faithful to the Scriptures, True to the Reformed Faith and Obedient to the Great Commission of Jesus Christ." The PCA is a separate denomination from the mainline Presbyterian Church USA, and steadfastly holds to Biblical truth. In December, 1973, delegates from 260 congregations that had left the Presbyterian Church in the United States, gathered at Briarwood Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Alabama, and organized the National Presbyterian Church, which became the Presbyterian Church in America in 1974. According to PCA's official website, it "separated from the PCUS in opposition to the long-developing theological liberalism which denied the deity of Jesus Christ and the inerrancy and authority of Scripture. Additionally, the PCA held to the traditional position on the role of women in church offices." In 1982, the Reformed Presbyterian Church, Evangelical Synod, joined the Presbyterian Church in America. The Reformed Presbyterian Church, Evangelical Synod, had been formed in 1965 by a merger of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church and the Reformed Presbyterian Church in North America, General Synod. The PCA has made a firm commitment on the doctrinal standards which had been significant in presbyterianism since 1645, namely the Westminster Confession of Faith, the Westminster Shorter Catechism, and the Westminster Larger Catechism. Among the distinctive doctrines of the Westminster Standards and of Reformed tradition is the unique authority of the Bible as the inspired word of God. The Reformers based all of their claims on sola scriptura, Scripture alone is the highest authority. List of my favorite Christian theologians from Presbyterians and similar denominations who hold to Reformed theology. Reformed theology is a theological system based on Calvinism, which also places a heavy emphasis on biblical inerrancy and substitutionary atonement. (Reformed is also the name of a family of denominations, and can be used to designate specifically Presbyterian theology.) James Montgomery Boice Jerry Bridges D. James Kennedy J. I. Packer John Piper R. C. Sproul John Stott Francis Schaeffer

How to avoid Apathy

1. Don't get "caught up" 2 Timothy 2:3-4 (The Message): When the going gets rough, take it on the chin with the rest of us, the way Jesus did. A soldier on duty doesn't get caught up in making deals at the marketplace. He concentrates on carrying out orders. 2. Have STRONG Roots Matthew 13:21 (The Message) Jesus said: But there is no soil of character, and so when the emotions wear off and some difficulty arrives, there is nothing to show for it. Acts 14:22 (The Message) putting muscle and sinew in the lives of the disciples, urging them to stick with what they had begun to believe and not quit, making it clear to them that it wouldn't be easy: "Anyone signing up for the kingdom of God has to go through plenty of hard times." 2 Timothy 2:12-13 (The Message) If we stick it out with him, we'll rule with him; If we turn our backs on him, he'll turn his back on us. If we give up on him, he does not give up--for there's no way he can be false to himself. 2 Timothy 3:12 (The Message) Anyone who wants to live all out for Christ is in for a lot of trouble; there's no getting around it. Colossians 1:23 (The Message) You don't walk away from a gift like that! You stay grounded and steady in that bond of trust, constantly tuned in to the Message, careful not to be distracted or diverted. There is no other Message--just this one. Every creature under heaven gets this same Message. I, Paul, am a messenger of this Message. 3. Comprehend Ephesians 3:16-29 (The Message) I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit--not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength-- that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you'll be able to take in with all Christians the extravagant dimensions of Christ's love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.

Truth and Apostasy

John 14:6 (The Message) Jesus said, "I am the Road, also the Truth, also the Life. No one gets to the Father apart from me." Apostasy (Those who cannot survive the "Truth") Jesus said in Matthew 13: 18-22 (The Message) "Study this story of the farmer planting seed. When anyone hears news of the kingdom and doesn't take it in, it just remains on the surface, and so the Evil One comes along and plucks it right out of that person's heart. This is the seed the farmer scatters on the road. "The seed cast in the gravel--this is the person who hears and instantly responds with enthusiasm. But there is no soil of character, and so when the emotions wear off and some difficulty arrives, there is nothing to show for it. "The seed cast in the weeds is the person who hears the kingdom news, but weeds of worry and illusions about getting more and wanting everything under the sun strangle what was heard, and nothing comes of it." Luke 8:13, Jesus said: "The seeds in the gravel are those who hear with enthusiasm, but the enthusiasm doesn't go very deep. It's only another fad, and the moment there's trouble it's gone."

Are you one or more of the 7 churches?

I was reading Revelation today... and it occur to me that when I read this book, I look at myself as a "Church" and how do I respond to these 7 Churches that Jesus mentioned. Church is not a building but a body of BELIEVERS everywhere. Do not think "Church" as your church but think Church as YOU in the body of believers. 1. Revelation 2:1-7.... Do you know your first love? Who or What is your first love? 2. Revelation 2:8-11... Is your Faith well rooted and will your Faith pass the tests (trials)? 3. Revelation 2:12-17.... Are you following or teaching false doctrines? 4. Revelation 2:18-29 .... Is your heart pure? 5. Revelation 3:1-6........ Are you watchful spiritually in your life? 6. Revelation 3:7-13....... Are you friendly to believers and sinners equally? 7. Revelation 3:14-22..... Are you lukewarm in your Christian life?

Joni Eareckson Tada & Word/Faith [Word of Faith]

A Personal Experience On December 8, 1999, Joni Eareckson Tada was on the Bible Answer Man, and made the following devastating comments about Word-Faith teachings: Kenneth Copeland or Kenneth Hagin or Benny Hinn - they've never called me and asked me to come on their program. ...I had read some portions of Scripture that seemed to indicate that if God's Word abided in me, and I abided in Him, I could ask whatever I wished and the request would be fulfilled and my joy would be brighter. I took that to mean that God wanted me healed. And my sister packed me into her station wagon and a couple of friends, and we drove down to the Washington DC arena and Kathryn Kuhlman swept on stage and praise choruses and testimonies and songs and all of us in the wheelchair section, we kind of like with baited breath were waiting and wondering, and nothing happened. In fact, the ushers came up to all of us in the wheelchair section, about 35 or 40 of us, and said, "Let's escort you all out early so as not to create a traffic jam, and so there I was, Hank, number 15 in line of 35 people in wheelchairs or on crutches, waiting at the stadium elevator to go up to the parking lot, and we could still hear the distant strains of the organ and piano - Kathryn Kuhlman's meeting was still going on - and I looked up and down this line of solemn-faced individuals and saw so much disappointment, and I thought "Something's wrong with this picture. Either I wasn't reading God right in His Word or God is not coming through on His promises." And I knew that wasn't true, and so Hank, it was that experience that drove me into God's Word so deep I started reading people like R. C. Sproul and J. I. Packer and Jeremiah Burrows and John Owen and Jonathan Edwards and other contemporary authors - Dr. John MacArthur, there's so many. I really dove into God's Word with both sleeves rolled up to understand the Lord's perspective on healing and I can say now that I am so grateful for the wisdom of God. ...John 5 talks about where Jesus once visited the Pool of Bethesda, and among all these disabled people He touched and healed a man paralyzed on a straw mat for over 30 years. I remember I was in the dark at night. After my bible was closed I'd picture myself at that same pool. I would imagine me dressed in maybe a rough burlap coat lying on a straw mat, perhaps even near that man that Jesus healed, and I would plead with God in prayer, "Oh, Lord, do not pass me by." I would even sing to Him that hymn, "Jesus, Jesus, hear my humble cry. While on others thou art calling, do not pass me by." I would pray that, and yet I was never healed. Well, as you know, years later, and I began to get my spiritual act together with the Lord Jesus and I realized He was using my affliction, my paralysis to push me up against a spiritual wall with my back, getting me to seriously consider His lordship in my life - years later - in fact, just last year my husband Ken and I had a chance to visit Jerusalem, and we chose to do the old city on a hot, dry, dusty day, midday, when we knew no tour buses would be around and we'd have the place pretty much to ourselves. And Ken was pushing me in my wheelchair down the cobblestone streets and we arrived at the sheepgate, made a lefthand turn, and there, a couple of hundred yards down the path, it opened up into this grand old ruins of - my goodness, it's the pool of Bethesda. Ken, I said, would you look at this. And although you could not make out the colonnades because the ruins were crumbling and tumbling, and there's no water in the pool yet, the place was empty, and as I leaned against the guardrail with my elbow, Ken hopped the guardrail to jog down to the bottom of the pool to see if there was any water in one of the cisterns. And while he was gone and the wind was warm and dry and the sun was hot, tears began cascading down my cheeks as I looked over this pool of Bethesda and I said, "Oh, Lord Jesus, how good of You to wait 30 years, almost as many years as that man laid on his straw mat, You waited this long to bring me to this place, a place where I imagined myself so many years ago, and I'm so grateful that You did not pass me by, because a 'no' answer to a request for healing has meant purged sin from my life, and it strengthened my commitment to you, Lord Jesus. It has forced me to depend on Your grace. It has bound me with other believers. It has produced discernment. It has disciplined my mind. It has taught me to spend my time wisely. It has given me a hope of heaven. Lord Jesus, You were so good in not healing me." And I know there are many people listening now who wish to be free of their circumstances - they are looking for an escape hatch, or maybe a quick fix for their affliction, and they think they might find it in a divorce or they are pondering maybe with the idea of suicide, such as one caller mentioned earlier. Or they're thinking that they'll find it in pills or medication, or a healing service. But the 32 years that I've been in this wheelchair and being at the Pool of Bethesda last year, has taught me that suffering is that good sheepdog, always snapping at my heals and driving me into the arms of the Shepherd. For that, I am so grateful. I am so grateful.

Still looking for a new home church....

We are currently putting this church as our #1 choice so far. Grace Brethren Church (GBC) of Columbus, Ohio (Anabapist). However, this church is alittle too large, about 3,000. We visited the following churches: 1. a local Alliance church 2 a local Mennonite Church 3. a local Presbyterian Church (USA) 4. another Grace Brethren Church (Powell) 5. a local Presbyterian of America

Seven types of Churches existing today

(1) Ephesus (2:1-7) have left their first love - a sincere love for Christ. (2) Smyrna (2:8-11) have chosen the riches of Christ rather the riches and fame of this world. (3) Pergamos (2:12-17) have compromised with false prophets and teachers. (4) Thyatira (2:18-29) has allowed itself to slip into a “works gospel” mode instead of one that serve the Lord Jesus Christ and stands by faith alone. They now think that they please God through their good deeds. (5) Sardis (3:1-6) is a congregation that is spiritually dead even though they go through the outward motions of being alive. It reality it is simply ritualism. They have a great respectability in society. (6) Philadelpia (3:7-13) The “Philadelphian” church is faithful to the Lord. Out of all the churches they have their priorities in the correct order. They love the Lord and His word, and they work for the furtherance of the Gospel. They take a strong stand against all trends that arise to undermine faith in Christ. This type of church will never be popular in the world or amongst so-called Christians, but it is effective in preaching the truth in a depraved world. (7) Laodicea (3:14-22) is a church that has completely lost its way. It has compromised on every possible level so as to be acceptable to the world and false religion. It has great wealth and claims to be open minded. For some reason they think that by adding God’s name to all they do that it pleases God.

I am learning that my human life is meaningless !!!!

Reading Ecclesiastes, I found key verses that effected my spiritual thoughts of the book (The Message), added with my own words of how I view my OWN life. Nobody is going to remember what happened to me yesterday. Don't count on being remembered. I sucked the marrow of pleasure out of every task--my reward to myself! But when I looked, I saw nothing but smoke. There was nothing to any of it. Everything in my human life is meaningless, my pleasures are meaningless, there is a time for everything, my advancements are meaningless, my riches are meaningless. I have learned that there is common destiny among us, materialistically, we are born with nothing and we will die with nothing. There's an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth. A right time for birth and another for death. A right time to plant and another to reap. A right time to get sick and another to heal. A right time to cry and another to laugh, A right time to lament and another to cheer. A right time to make love and another to abstain. A right time to embrace and another to part, A right time to search and another to count your losses. A right time to hold on and another to let go. A right time to rip out and another to mend. A right time to shut up and another to speak up. A right time to love and another to hate. But in the end, does it really make a difference what anyone does? True, God made everything beautiful in itself and in its time--but he's left me in the dark, so we can never know what God is up to, whether he's coming or going. I've decided that there's nothing better to do than go ahead and have a good time and get the most I can out of life. Remember, the one who loves money is never satisfied with money, nor the one who loves wealth with big profits. More smoke. I arrived naked from the womb of my mother; I will leave in the same condition--with nothing. It is true that I learned more at funerals than at feasts. I have discovered what life is really about. There's a right time and way for everything. It's true that no one knows what's going to happen, or when. I will still never figure out the meaning of what God is doing on this earth. I can search as hard as I want but I am not going to make sense of it. No matter how smart I are, I won't get to the bottom of it. Here's what I understood: The good, the wise, and all that they do are in God's hands--but, day by day, whether it's love or hate we are dealing with, we don't know. Anything's possible. It's one fate for everybody. Life leads to death. Life, lovely while it lasts, is soon over. Life as I know it, precious and beautiful, ends. The body is put back in the same ground it came from. The spirit returns to God, who first breathed it. It's all smoke, nothing but smoke. I understood that I should enjoy myself and the fruits of my labors, that my life is empty when I lived apart from God. God is my life and when I die, I will be with Him. My faith is not the only issue that God is looking for. I have learned legalism can't produce a pure heart. I must follow grace. My heart is where God meets me because that is where I make my decisions. My heart is where my desires and motives are located. My heart (flesh) search for pleasure, pride, passions and selfish motives. Jesus said in Matthew 6:21, "Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be." (NLT) In Proverbs 4:23, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do." (NLT) In Proverbs 21:2, "People may think they are doing what is right, but the Lord examines the heart." (NLT) I am learning that if I am seeking God for my own selfishness (self-interest) other than my personal salvation with Jesus Christ is a form of idolatry. I just have to know what I believe in and know what God expects from me. If I don't believe and obey correctly, then, my actions are worthless. My faith and obedience always pleases God, because my actions comes to grips with my own reality. As a Christian, I understand the reality of my life. Faith in God allows me to go as far as I can while trusting in God's grace to overcome the difficulties I face. My life as a Christian takes work and requires the commitment of my heart, mind and body. I must never forget that God's knowledge of me is very complete. He sees and knows my heart completely. He knows my desires, my goals, and my hopes. God accepts me as I am, with warts and all. I will not and do not worry about that because I trust my Lord. I will not put any hindrances in my paths of faith and hope in God. I know God is directing my paths and right now at 46 years old, I still don't know what God has plans for me However,. I have learned and know that all things work for good in the life of the believer. With Christ inside me, God has granted me the ability to understand the truth and live accordingly (1 John 1:5-6). I just keep on living and keeping God in my life. I must come to terms with my spiritual being inside me. Christ is not outside of me but He is inside me. Since Christ is within me, I must listen to His Word and walk in His steps (2 Corinthians 4:10). I am no longer according to the flesh because Christ is in me therefore, He is my Savior and Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:16). With Christ inside me, God has granted me the ability to understand the truth and live accordingly (1 John 1:5-6). I am God's letter, written in my heart to be known and read by everybody. I am to show that I am a letter from Christ, the result of His ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of my heart (2 Corinthians 3:2-3).

Jim’s Statement of Faith - Suffering

The Lord has placed us in an environment with a certain supply of the gifts of His grace, and we didn't earn any of them. Everything we have, and everything we are able to obtain, comes as a result of the Grace of God; we have deserved nothing. Christians suffer for many reasons, sometimes through no fault of their own. A Christian will experience a normal amount of suffering as part of human existence. But if a believer stays in fellowship with God and grows in Christ consistently. The following is a list of reasons why believers in fellowship suffer undeservedly in order to bring blessing to themselves or others. 1. Suffering for the glory of God: Book of Job; Isa. 48:9-11 2. Suffering to comfort others: 2 Cor. 1:3-6 3. Suffering to demonstrate the power of God, the provisions of grace: 2 Cor. 12:8-10 4. Suffering from spiritual growing pains; the testing that strengthens faith: Deut. 8:1-10;James 1:1-6; 1 Pet. 1:7,8; Rom. 5:3 Faster growth means more frequent testing; there is a refining process: Job. 23:10; Isa. 1:18-27; 1 Pet. 1:7 5. Suffering to keep down pride: 2 Cor. 12:6,7; Matt. 26:31-75 (the scattering of the disciples) 6. Suffering to illustrate doctrine (for advanced believers): Book of Hosea 7. Suffering by association occurs when we have some relationship with someone who is suffering: Rom. 14:7; 1 Cor. 12:26; 1 Chron. 21 8. Suffering to show the fruit of the Spirit and the results of edification: 2 Cor. 4:6-11 9. Suffering to learn the value of doctrine: Psalm 119:65-72 10. Suffering as a witness to Christ: 2 Tim. 2:8-12; John 15:18-21; Acts 5:40-42; 1 Cor. 4:9-16 11. Suffering as a result of exercising a spiritual gift; illustrated by the life of the Apostle Paul 12. Suffering from involvement in spiritual battles, the angelic conflict: Eph. 3:8-13 PROMISES TO BELIEVERS WHO SUFFER Psalm 34:19,20; Isa.43:2; 2 Cor. 4:17 and 12:9; 1 Peter 5:10 God allows us to go through these difficult things because He wants us to be more like Him, and He is with us each step of the way. I Peter 2:20-21 - If you are beaten for doing wrong, there is no reason to praise you for being patient in your punishment. But if you suffer for doing good, and you are patient, then God is pleased. This is what you were called to do, because Christ suffered for you and gave you an example to follow. So you should do as He did. I Peter 3:14 - But even if you suffer for doing right, you are blessed. "Don't be afraid of what they fear; do not dread those things." I Peter 5:10 - And after you suffer for a short time, God, who gives all grace, will make everything right. He will make you strong and support you and keep you from falling. He called you to share in His glory in Christ, a glory that will continue forever. Suffering has five main themes to it: 1. Our God is good. Our pain allows us to identify with our Lord, who suffered for our sin in our place, being without fault and undeserving of the suffering. So, why should we expect better? It draws us closer to and more intimate with Him. God will actually enter into the pain with us. So if there is no healing, He is just working harder in us! 2. God will use our suffering for the greater good that is His purpose. Consider it fertilizer to the garden of life. Giving our burden to God through prayer, as Paul did, will allow us to grow in greater depth spiritually. 3. Remember, God is working even when we do not feel it! The chief purpose of God's Will for us is to grow us closer to Him! It is not about money, or power, or our bodies, or work, or anything else! The focus on Christ and His character will perfect our character to be more Christ like and be in His will. 4. Suffering is not being a martyr; rather, it is valuable for our living as we learn to surrender everything to Him. Never force suffering on yourself for attention, as this does not glorify God, only yourself! 5. When we are filled with joy, even in the mist of suffering, we mirror to the world the character of Christ. The main theme of suffering is not how we answer the ways and whys, but how we live our lives so to still give God the glory! How do we allow Him to use us, and then share our experiences for the benefit of others. We need to take to heart that when life is at its darkest, God is there. He understands, and loves and carries us though it. We need to accept the fact that God is in control, even if we do not understand. It is by faith we can endure it. We can place such faith in Him because of the assurance we have through His Word, even when we do not understand. Our true home and purpose is not here; it is still to come. We are not made for this world, we are just here to learn all we can, and with what Christ has given to us, make the best and most of the situations in which we find ourselves. Then, one day, we will be called to our true home in eternity, in Heaven. So, let us cling to the hope we have, not the things we experience!

Jim’s Statement of Faith - The Christian Life

By holiness does not mean I will be sinless but I can be blameless. My life as a Christian takes work and requires the commitment of my heart, mind and body. During my training for righteousness along with my struggles with sin, I need to have a “Christ-like attitude” (1 Peter 4:1-2). Paul said in 1 Corinthians 11:1 “Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ”. Christ is not outside of me but He is inside me. Since Christ is within me, I must listen to His Word and walk in His steps (2 Corinthians 4:10). I am no longer according to the flesh because Christ is in me therefore, He is my Savior and Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:16). With Christ inside me, God has granted me the ability to understand the truth and live accordingly (1 John 1:5-6). I am God's letter, written in my heart to be known and read by everybody. I am to show that I am a letter from Christ, the result of His ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of my heart (2 Corinthians 3:2-3). I am being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:5). I am encouraged by God that I am to offer my body as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. This is my Spiritual act of Worship. I will not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by renewing of my mind with the Word of God. By understanding the Word of God, I will be able to test and approve what God's will is; His good, pleasing and perfect Will (Romans 12:1-2). A life of righteousness, good works and separation unto God from the evil ways of the world (Rom 12:1- 2), manifested by speaking the truth (James 5:12), maintaining the sanctity of the home (Eph. 5:22-6:4) settling differences between Christians in accordance with the Word of God (I Cor. 6:1-8), not engaging in carnal strife but showing a Christ-like attitude toward all men (Rom. 12:7-21), exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23), and maintaining a life of prayer (Eph. 6:18; Phil. 4:6), including the privilege, when sick, of calling for the elders of the church to pray and to anoint with oil in the name of the Lord (James 5:13-18). Jesus Christ calls us to discipleship, to take up our cross and follow him. Through the gift of God's saving grace, we are empowered to be disciples of Jesus, filled with his Spirit, following his teachings and his path through suffering to new life. As we are faithful to his way, we become conformed to Christ and separated from the evil in the world. A disciple of Jesus is to know life in the Spirit. As the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ take shape in us, we grow in the image of Christ and in our relationship with God. The Holy Spirit is active in individual and in communal worship, leading us deeper into the experience of God. Commit ourselves to tell the truth, to give a simple yes or no, and to avoid the swearing of oaths. Everything belongs to God, who calls the church to live in faithful stewardship of all that God has entrusted to us, and to participate now in the rest and justice which God has promised.

Jim’s Statement of Faith - Christian’s Spiritual Growth and Knowing God

Spiritual growth requires us to understand the Scriptures and get to know our God the Father, our Savior the Son, and our comforter the Holy Spirit. 1. Living in Spiritual Worship: Romans 12 2. Living in Love: 1 Corinthians 13 and 1 John 3 3. Living in Spirit: Galatians 5 and Hebrews 5 - 6 4. Living in Light: Ephesians 5 and 1 John 1 5. Living in the Armor of God: Ephesians 6 6. Living to know Christ: Phillipians 3 and 2 Peter 1 7. Living Spiritually Alert: 1 Thessalonians 5 8. Living in Faith: Hebrews 11 9. Living Close to God: James 4 10. Living in Holiness: 1 Peter 1 11. Living in Truth: 2 John There is only ONE Good News Galatians 1:6-10 Grow in the Knowledge of God 2 Peter 1:1-11 Know the Wisdom of God 1 Corin. 1:18- 2: 16 Live and Worship in Spirit Romans 12:1-21 Put on the Armor of God Ephesians 6:10-20 Stand Firm to your Faith 2 Thess. 2:13-17 Know false and true teachings 1 Timothy 6:1-21 Promote True teachings Titus 2:1-15 Grow from basic Christian towards MATURE Christian Hebrew 6:1-8 Learn to discern false teachings 1 John 4:1-6 “Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” Ephesians 6:17 (NLT) (READ your BIBLE and KNOW the Word of God)

Jim’s Statement of Faith - Citizenship United States of American

Democracy is a form of government which legislative decisions are made by the people themselves or by representatives who act through the consent of the people. Theocracy is a form of government in which a religion and the government are allied. America was created with the influence of Christian people as well as non-christians. I think we should be patriotic in the right way. We ought to look at God's providential care in the life of our nation. Romans 13:1-7 (NIV) Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

Jim’s Statement of Faith - Government & Church

"My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence" (John 18:36) In this explanation Jesus makes it clear that there is a definite separation between His kingdom and the kingdoms of this world. The fact that Jesus had not allowed His disciples to defend Him was evidence enough of this fact. Christ's kingdom is heavenly and seeks the reconciliation of the sinner to God, but civil and world governments are of this earth and seek for power and supremacy. The separation of church and state is also taught in 2 Corinthians 5:20 where the Christian is referred to as an ambassador - "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ." An ambassador is one who represents one country to another. He does not become involved in the government of the other country but seeks the welfare of his own. Likewise, the Christian does not become involved in the affairs of earthly governments but represents the heavenly kingdom to them. He is in this world but is not of this world (John 17:16). His work is spiritual, not political. His responsibility is to help the people of this world to give their allegiance to the heavenly kingdom of Christ. Our form of government offers people the ability to exercise their faith freely and without interference from the government. To be fair to all faiths, our government is set up to not establish a state religion. This includes promoting one religion over another. Faith is something that individuals must accept or reject. People either take the leap and believe or they do not. It is not something that can be forced. We just need to look at the whole picture. God never commanded the governments to "spread the Gospels". God commanded to Christians to spread the Gospels. The Gospel is for "spiritual society" while the Governments are for "human society".

1 Peter 1:7

In my office, I have this cute cartoon that my mother send me years ago. It is showing a cute person wearing the Armor of God and shooting arrows (devil's schemes). A quote under the cartoon states: "Look at it this way...... Without these trials, testing of your faith, working of patience, and fighting a good fight.......LIFE COULD BE BORING." (see 1 Peter 1:7) 1 Peter 1:7 (NIV) These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire- may be proved genuine may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."

Personal Evangelism

Regarding people hearing the Gospel, we want people to hear about the name “Jesus” so that people would be curious to know who is this Man. As long as Jesus Christ’s name is being proclaimed, we should be glad regardless of anyone's motives. Evangelism requires courtesy from a believer and be Christ-like. Many have accepted Christ by watching Christians more than talking. In 1 Corinthians 13:5 says "Love does not act unbecomingly"; which means a Christian should demonstrate godly love and have real credibility. Your credibility is evangelism. Is the modern day church growth movement biblical or unbiblical in its beliefs and practices? Is it helpful or harmful to Christianity? There are people who claim to follow Christ who will avoid "sound doctrine" (See 2 Timothy 4:1-8). There are many who profess to follow Christ seem to be unyielding to God's Word because they prefer to be surrounded by teachers who will tell them exactly what they want to hear. In 2 Timothy 4:3, "For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear." Be zealous for God but at the same time, you have to understand that being zealous without sensitivity can cause an unbeliever not to turn to God. There are Christians who are zealous for the Lord and forget the sensitivity of humanity. Trust God to use us they way He intended to use us. If He wants to heal us, He will. If He does not want to heal us because He wants to use us for His ministry, we will let Him. When we accepted Christ as our Savior, Christ became our LORD and we give ourselves to HIM (see Romans 12:1-8).

All things work together by God

All things work together for my good because of what God teaches me through them. That good is not just temporal but eternal. All the attacks I receive from Satan and all the mistakes I make can never alter the ultimate glory that is mine in Christ. Romans 8:29-30 says, "Whom [God] did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover, whom He did predestinate, them He also called; and whom He called, them He also justified; and whom He justified, them He also glorified." Our salvation is a sure thing! All things work out for the believer's good because God has predetermined that to happen. I was chosen by Him before the foundation of the world will become like Jesus Christ no matter what. God doesn't merely promise that temporal good will come out of difficult situations; He also affirms that all the bad things of this world can't keep us from glorification and heaven. What a great truth!

I asked.....and have learned......

God taught me through my trials and learned to understand about my own spiritual reality. I have learned that faith is not supposed to be competitive or works to be earned. Trials taught me that faith must be with love. In fact, love must come before faith. To God, LOVE is more important than faith. I asked for love.................God gave me trials so I can learn to love Him and others around me. I asked for strength...........God gave me difficulties which gave me strengths to handle my life. I asked for wisdom...........God gave me problems to learn to solve with Godly wisdom. I asked for prosperity.......God gave me a brain and a talent to work so I can be rich. I asked for courage..........God gave me dangers to learn to overcome my situations. I asked for healing............God gave me disabilities so I can help others with love. I asked for guidance........God gave me opportunities to use to direct my paths. I have learned through my sufferings that I was born a sinner and due to sin, my body is and will always vulnerable to illnesses. Because of sin (even though I am saved by Jesus Christ), my body will face illnesses until the day I die. I have learned that my faith in God through my physical sufferings that God taught me patience. As a Christian, I know that I am not totally "immune" to any physical illnesses & diseases. I know I will die physically someday. I have learned through my own physical sufferings of my life, that God has a purpose (will) for my life. His purpose (will) is to manifest my character to be like Christ. I have learned that I will always have faith in God because He has the power and He control my situations. I have learned that my sufferings are a testimony to others, (2 Tim 2:8-10; 2 Cor. 4:12-13; 1 Pet. 3:13-17). When I handle my sufferings in joyful attitude, this becomes a marvelous testimony to others how Christ blesses my life. With God's love, He gave me the character of Christ in the midst of suffering as a testimony to win others to Christ (2 Cor. 4:8-12; 1 Pet. 3:14-17). I suffer to develop our capacity and sympathy in comforting others (2 Cor. 1:3-5).Through my sufferings, I have learned to keep down my pride (2 Cor. 12:7). I suffered because it is a training tool by God. God used and still using my sufferings to develop my personal righteousness, maturity, and my spiritual walk with Him (Heb. 12:5f; 1 Pet. 1:6; Jam. 1:2-4). I have learned that my sufferings (trials) taught me and understood the true meaning of Psalm 62:1-8 ("wait on the Lord only."). Which means that my sufferings are required for spiritual sacrifice (Romans 12:1-2), personal courage, discipline for edification, and faith in God. My sufferings have taught me that God is LOVE. With His love, He has best interests at heart for me in His will regardless of how my trials might appear to me. I know I will be fully healed when I get into heaven.Finally, my sufferings have taught me that there are God's ministries around the world. People have been suffered to create and broaden God's ministries (cf. Philippians 1:12-14 with 4:5-9). In the process of producing Christian character in them and using their testimonies to others that suffering often opens up doors for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I have learned that God used, is using people and will continue to use people who have suffered to reach out to others who are in the same boat.I have learned that God's purpose (will) in redeeming me is not to make my life happy, healthy, and free of trouble. God's purpose is to make me more like Christ. He chose to allow my deafness, multiple sclerosis and other physical trials not only teach me, but also teach others around me, about what it means to become more like Jesus.First Peter 2:21-25 says, "You have been called for this purpose (His will), since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls." Scripture clearly states that Christians will suffer for their faith (Matt. 5:11-12; 10:17; 24:9; Luke 21:12; John 15:20; 16:2; 2 Tim. 3:12). "Suffered" {páscho-} means to suffer (to feel or bear what is painful, disagreeable or distressing, either to the body or mind. We suffer pain of body; we suffer grief of mind). It means to be affected by something from without. It means to undergo an experience, usually difficult, and normally with the implication of physical or psychological suffering.I have learned that my disabilities (sufferings) do not have me. I have the disabilities and I accept them because I know who I am from the inside. Christ is inside me. Everything has its wonders, even silence and pain, and I learn, whatever disabilities and difficulties I may be in, I am happily content. I have hearing loss and multiple sclerosis, and those are the ways of life for me. I take silence and pain as they come and I have learned master them in my life. Life is 10 percent how I master my disabilities, and 90 percent how I am enjoying life regardless my disabilities.

By: A.W Tozer

In the world of men we find nothing approaching the virtues of which Jesus spoke in the opening words of the famous Sermon on the Mount. Instead of poverty of spirit we find the rankest kind of pride; instead of mourners we find pleasure seekers; instead of meekness, arrogance; instead of hunger after righteousness we hear men saying, `I am rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing'; instead of mercy we find cruelty; instead of purity of heart, corrupt imaginings; instead of peacemakers we find men quarrelsome and resentful; instead of rejoicing in mistreatment we find them fighting back with every weapon at their command. Of this kind of moral stuff civilized society is composed.

Circumstances and Truth

My thoughts about "circumstances and truth." They go together for every each Christian believer. Many years ago, I was studying to become a pastor-teacher however circumstances have directed me to different paths. I don’t know what God wants me to do. I do know this: God control my circumstances even though my circumstances can be influenced by my own sins and/or by Satan. I am required to take joy over my circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) and I understood that. I am aware that God's knowledge of me is very complete. He sees and knows my heart completely. He knows my desires, my goals, and my hopes. God accepts me as I am, with warts and all. God is directing my paths and right now at 46 years old, I still don't know what God want me to do. I do know this, His purpose is to make us more like Christ. With Christ inside me, God has granted me the ability to understand the truth and live accordingly (1 John 1:5-6). Romans 8:28-29"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn, with many brothers and sisters. Christian who have faith understand the reality of their lives. Faith in God allows us to go as far as we can while trusting in God's grace to overcome the difficulties we face. God is asking us to stay strong in faith, keep at it, to carry on, to stick with it, as we trust in HIS possibilities. My life as a Christian takes work and requires the commitment of my heart, mind and body. "I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:12-13)

Are my actions worthless?

You just have to know what you believe in. If you don't believe correctly, your actions are worthless.

Regarding people hearing the Gospel

Regarding people hearing the Gospel, we want people to hear about the name “Jesus” so that people would be curious to know who is this Man. As long as Jesus Christ’s name is being proclaimed, we should be glad regardless of the preachers’ motives.“Some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry. But others preach about Christ with pure motives. They preach because they love me, for they know the Lord brought me here to defend the Good News. Those others do not have pure motives as they preach about Christ. They preach with selfish ambition, not sincerely, intending to make my chains more painful to me. But whether or not their motives are pure, the fact remains that the message about Christ is being preached, so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice.” Philippians 1:15-18 (NLT) (The Gospel of Jesus Christ is being preached)“I am warning you ahead of time, dear friends, so that you can watch out and not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people. I don’t want you to lose your secure footing. But grow in the special favor and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:17-18 (Be Aware and Discerning) There is only ONE Good News Galatians 1:6-10 Grow in the Knowledge of God 2 Peter 1:1-11 Know the Wisdom of God 1 Corin. 1:18- 2: 16 Live and Worship in Spirit Romans 12:1-21 Put on the Armor of God Ephesians 6:10-20 Stand Firm to your Faith 2 Thess. 2:13-17 Know false and true teachings 1 Timothy 6:1-21 Promote True teachings Titus 2:1-15 Grow from basic Christian towards MATURE Christian Hebrew 6:1-8 Learn to discern false teachings 1 John 4:1-6 “Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” Ephesians 6:17 (NLT) (READ your BIBLE and KNOW the Word of God)

Men need to Understand about their wives

Men need to understand that biblically that godly woman is a woman of great worth, trustworthy, hardworking, diligent, caring, thoughtful, business wise, disciplined, merciful, creative, lovely and most of all she loves God. Her attitude and actions produce a legacy that is praiseworthy (See Proverbs 31:10-31) and demonstrates a joyful freedom. Men should take anything a woman say into any consideration. The headship-submission relationship is not about inherent superiority and inferiority. Women are frankly wiser, more knowledgeable, more articulate, and more discerning than men. Men are called for understanding, sensitivity, and meeting women's (i.e. mother, wife,daughters) needs.In the New Testament, the apostle Peter strongly exhorts to husbands to honor their wives. (See my favorite verse 1 Peter 3:7). If I do not listen and honor my wife, I have sinned against God and my prayers will not be heard. By using an example from First Peter 3:7, Peter actually suggests that God designed women to be under the protection of a man, benefiting from his strength. And serving women by lending them that strength is one of the main ways we show them a Christlike, sacrificial love.A husband' responsibility is to LEAD spiritually. I still submit to my wife and my wife submits to me. In fact, we mutually agree about everything. The only area my wife allows me to do is make a tough final decision that is best for the family when she cannot decide.

Three Quotes

Man, made in the image of God, has a purpose - to be in relationship to God, who is there. Man forgets his purpose and thus he forgets who he is and what life means. (Francis Schaeffer) We never know when our disappointment will be His appointment. (Charles Swindoll) Deny your weakness, and you will never realize God's strength in you. (Joni Eareckson Tada)

The Cost of Life

"Salvation is free, ... but discipleship will cost you your life." (Dietrich Bonhoeffer)

Quote: A Life God Rewards

"If you are a Christian , you are in the same circumstance as the early followers of Jesus. You have been commissioned to manage an asset for your Master. Your asset is your life-the sum of your talents, strengths, personality and interests. [Live every day to answer the question]. How will I steward what my Master has placed in my care?"Bruce Wilkinson, "A Life God Rewards"

Christian discernment is about ALL aspect of a christian life, not just doctrines.

1 Peter 1: 13 - 16 Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." Scriptures says that we (christians) are accountable for what we believe. (John 3:18) In 1 Corinthians 2:6, “but not the kind of wisdom that belongs to this world....” made me think. Wisdom by definition means quality of being wise; power of judging rightly and following the soundest course of action, based on knowledge, experience and understanding. Discern between right and wrong Hebrews 5:14 (New Living Translation) "Solid food is for those who are mature, who have trained themselves to recognize the difference between right and wrong and then do what is right." Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."--Matt. 26:41.

Be Zealous Wisely

Be zealous for God but at the same time, you have to understand that being zealous without sensitivity can cause an unbeliever not to turn to God. There are Christians who are zealous for the Lord and forget the sensitivity of humanity. Yes, there are sinners out there but understand, we ALL are sinners. We need to understand that there are sinners out there who are WITHOUT Christ. They are lost and we need to be sensitive to their searches for answers. They are looking for spiritual hope and salvation. They may be looking for healing for their physical or emotional health but in God's eyes, they really need to be healed for their spiritual health. I will never tell anyone that God will heal them physically anytime soon because I don't know the answer to that. But I do know this, God will heal them spiritually through Christ's Blood and Resurrection. Trust God to use us they way He intended to use us. If He wants to heal us, He will. If He does not want to heal us because He wants to use us for His ministry, we will let Him. When we accepted Christ as our Savior, Christ became our LORD and we give ourselves to HIM (see Romans 12:1-8).

Pleasure to Hear

There are people who claim to follow Christ who will avoid "sound doctrine" (See 2 Timothy 4:1-8). There are many who profess to follow Christ seem to be unyielding to God's Word because they prefer to be surrounded by teachers who will tell them exactly what they want to hear. In Psalms 119:155 (NIV) says "Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek out Your decrees". In 2 Timothy 4:3, "For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear."

Terms

I must come to terms with my spiritual being inside me. Christ is not outside of me but He is inside me. Since Christ is within me, I must listen to His Word and walk in His steps (2 Corinthians 4:10). I am no longer according to the flesh because Christ is in me therefore, He is my Savior and Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:16). With Christ inside me, God has granted me the ability to understand the truth and live accordingly (1 John 1:5-6). I am God's letter, written in my heart to be known and read by everybody. I am to show that I am a letter from Christ, the result of His ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of my heart (2 Corinthians 3:2-3). With that understanding, I am being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:5). I am encouraged by God that I am to offer my body as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. This is my Spiritual act of Worship. I will not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by renewing of my mind with the Word of God. By understanding the Word of God, I will be able to test and approve what God's will is; His good, pleasing and perfect Will (Romans 12:1-2).

My Financial Struggles

"Time is lost when we have not lived a full human life, time unenriched by experience, creative endeavor, enjoyment, and suffering." Dietrich Bonhoeffer "I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:12-13) My financial struggles: Many times in my life, I have faced series of crisis (emotional, physical and financial), my human mind often see doors closing when another opening that I keep looking at the closed doors and ignoring (or not seeing) the doors opening. For years, patience was not my strong character because I am so anxious to get things out of the way (mostly financial) since it take times to "fix" my mistakes. My wife and I are trying very hard to make wise stewardship changes in our lives. Recently, we have moved to a smaller house to save about $700 a month on rent, utilities and transportation. My wife will be looking for a part-time job to pay the new bills (college and automobile). Financial stress is not very pleasant. 1. My step-daughter decided to go to OSU rather than Denison. Her decision saved more money. She will be living at home since we live about 2 miles north of Ohio State University. Also, My step-daughter is working almost full time at a retail store I used to work until she start school. The money she earned will go toward books, labs and etc. We are trying to find loans for her but due to my bankruptcy (over a year ago) and my wife's ex bad credit... it is very hard for us to find any credit. My wife's ex refused to help in any way (or rather he says, "can't") 2. We had to get rid of our van since we were putting so much money in it for repairs and it needed another $2,000 or more of repairs. That forced us to get another vehicle. We got lucky of getting a loan for this vehicle but with higher interest rate. This is one of some reasons why Carole is looking for a part-time job. Her other reason is our daughter's college education. 3. Our medical bills are going up since my insurance company only pays certain amount prescription costs depending on the "formula". 4. Our ex's are not providing us enough financial support for all the kids and that we are paying most of the kids' expenses. My faith (as well as my wife's faith) Even though I have struggled and still struggling. I have strong faith in ALL my circumstances that God will provide and be there with me. I believe in miracles whenever God wants to perform them. I believe that whenever God wants to do anything in my life. How do I know that He is able to do miracles? God have provided wonderful miracles in my life and they were amazing miracles. I do not and never doubt God's wonderful miracles (blessings). I may not have received the blessings I desired but God provided the blessings that I NEEDED. God has always been there for me. Romans 8:28-29 "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." "Today is mine. Tomorrow is none of my business. If I peer anxiously into the fog of the future, I will strain my spiritual eyes so that I will not see clearly what is required of me now." Elisabeth Elliott I will continue to make my commitments and at the same time, try to enjoy my life without worrying so much.

My History of JOBS

Job at State of Ohio (Total Years: 23 yrs and 10 months) 1. Accounting Machine Operator (5.3 yrs: 11/81 to 02/87 Entry-level Full-Time) Promoted to: 2. Account Clerk (7 months: 02/87 to 09/87 Full-Time) Promoted to: 3. Accountant (1 yr/10 mo: 09/87 to 07/89 Full-Time) Promoted to: 4. Grants Coordinator 2 (Government Accountant) (4 yr /3 mo.: 07/89 to 10/93 Full-Time) Promoted to: 5. Grants Administrator (Government Accountant) (12 years: 10/93 to Present Full-time) Other Jobs Stockboy and other retail jobs (1974-1978) Dorm Front Desk, (1980-1981), College Bookkeeping Clerk (06/80 to 08/80 Paid Internship), Bank. Treasurer (01/85 to 12/87 Volunteer), Deaf Club Treasurer (01/88 to 12/92 Volunteer), Deaf Church Treasurer-Secretary (04/94 to 03/96 Volunteer), Deaf Golf League. Customer Service (3/2000 to 12/2001), Sports Retail Store