Personal Evangelism

I do NOT announce to people that I am a Christian, I don't even have a bumper sticker or a fish sign on the car or whatever "advertising" tools that connects to Christianity or denomination. People who KNOWS me personally is my biggest evangelism with my own creditbility. Creditbility is behaving like Christ when you have the title: "Christian". The cross is a symbol of the selfless, others-centered life of Christ. Love alone can make our conduct acceptable to God. Our Christian testimonies (action, words and motives) are important to God because it is motive that gives to every holy act that glorifies God. The Best Evangelist is the Holy Spirit. We are to spread the Gospel and the Holy Spirit will do the rest. Christ is more than a system, tradition, or belief. A Christian who witness to others must have a good reputation, especially to the outsiders who are watching. 1 Timothy 3:7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap. Evangelism requires courtesy from a believer and be Christ-like. Many have accepted Christ by watching Christians more than talking.

Emergent Church Issues

As for "Emergent Church" topic, like any other denominations and movements, false teaching often come from WITHIN of each local church. The way the Emergent Church is set up, some leaders are more than likely to depart from biblical standards and creating their own agendas. Emergents advocate public activism in social causes such as environmentalism, international human rights, and reduction of Third World debt. For YEARS, Christians have been focusing on the social, economic, political and military crises which have confronted our lives. We have commited actively for public policies that reduce militarism, war, and political and economic inequities for years. This will not changed since government systems around the world have been evolving to many different levels and some are really bad. Government is not the problem. Its PEOPLE. Christians, non-Christians, Extremists, Liberals, Conversatives and the list is so long. Politically eveyone is so divided. We ALL are Christians first and everything else after that is secondary including political party. We must careful not to identify the gospel with any political parties because Jesus Christ have HIS OWN Party which is HIS KINGDOM. Christ stands alone, above and outside of every ideology of any political parties. Jesus does not and will not join any of our parties. I am having a major problem with people today using God for their own interests into man-made political issues. Jesus said "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). Christ have not given us a political agenda, but a spiritual mandate to proclaim the Gospel and disciple the nations (Matthew 28:19-20). As Christians, we should hold our political views be guided by the Bible and Holy Spirit. When we voice our political views, our views are ours individually based on our understanding the Bible and how we view the world. I noticed that we all disagree one way or another politically therefore, you and I can view differently on the "details" matter. Christians should use their Bible and their relationship with God by adopting a biblical perspectives which are God's views in all aspects of life through the help from the Holy Spirit. Politics and ideology have come in the form of the separation in our minds of "sacred vs. secular". I am what some of my relatives and friends called "Liberal Republican" or you can say "Conservative Democrat". I am the type of person who steers away from Christians' views are so far right (extremists) and those Christians who are in the far left (liberalism) who are also blinded and not seeing the bigger picture. Many of the views are so narrow and very dividing. What do you think would bridge the gap between the rights and the lefts? What would be the solutions between believers and unbelievers? As a Christian, we don't need intelligence to decide because we have the Holy Spirit that convicts us to listen rather than focusing on our own pride of political reasonings. The Bible reminds us Proverbs 3:5 (NIV) Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Jeremiah 17:5 (NIV) This is what the LORD says: "Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the LORD." We ought to look at God's providential care in the life of our nation. God controls everything regardless what we do. God governs (controls) the world (Isa. 40:22-24), the nations (Isa. 40:15-17), and us (Proverbs 16:9) that WE have nothing to fear. We want to be zealous for Jesus Christ, but not too being zealous politically. There has to be a balance politically. These kinds of programs within a local church often taking away the REAL ministry of a local church. I often stay way from any churches and denominations that are too political or to involved in the political process. This is where Church leaders are moving away from biblical practices of being a Christian as 2 Corinthians 5:20 states where the Christian is referred to as an ambassador for Christ (rather than politically) - "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ." One of the issues that I have learned about Moral Laws and Civil Laws when I was studying God's perspective in "governing" is abortion. An illustration I used earlier if a man hit a pregnant woman and she gives birth prematurely but there is no serious injury. According to the Old Testament law (Exodus 21:22-23), the offender must be fined whatever the woman's husband demands and the court allows. If there is serious injury, you are to take life for life (capital punishment) I don't agree with some of today's government laws because in relation to abortion, is part of Exodus 21:22-23 law, our authorities (United States) have made it legal to abort babies. Regarding to "Homosexuality" and "Abortion" are the major issues morality is based on a human view rather than God's view. lf law is, in fact, some form of legislated morality. The question is whose morality will dominate. Corruption effects every aspect of a person's being. Corruption (sin) have a beginning which root is located. To me, root means a beginning source which is a starting point. Corruption's root is in my heart which also commonly known as the core of our being. The corrupted person do not have the moral ability to understand God's holiness. Without Salvation, a person cannot and will never understand God's holiness. The question becomes when a person say: "I am a believer in Christ" and practice what God calls it sin is where God will meet this person in the core, in the heart. This also means a person's opinion who disagree with God about certain sin (i.e. homosexuality). There are bigger issues than Homosexuality and Abortion. Christ gave us THE GREAT COMMISSION which is SALVATION. Politics are not even connected to the commission. Christ have not given us a political agenda, but a spiritual mandate to proclaim the Gospel and disciple the nations (Matthew 28:19-20). The Government's role is to "govern" while the Church's role is to do the GREAT COMMISSION. If God was in your local church meeting today to discuss solutions to human reasoning? How would you react? What would you say to God when you are using this reasoning? Many Christian liberal thinkers have differed regarding this from their own perspective rather than God's perspective simply because of man's doctrines rather than truth. Ecclesiastes 8:17 I saw all that God has done. No one can comprehend what goes on under the sun. Despite all his efforts to search it out, man cannot discover its meaning. Even if a wise man claims he knows, he cannot really comprehend it. When you look for solutions through church such as Emergent Church is doing, this is not new and this have been approached many times over the years under different category if we study Christian History. We CAN'T comprehend and solve solutions but we CAN have faith in His decisions in all situations and solutions. Rather than finding solutions to the world's problems, b grace God brings us into the spiritual family of God and starts the process of transforming us into the image of Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:28,29). The Biblical process of solving problems begins with God's Word revealing our hearts (James 1:21-25, Heb. 4:12). At that point we can then go to the real Christ for grace, mercy and help (Heb. 4:13-16). Then as the real Holy Spirit ministers in our lives through the Word of God, we will grow in abundant life and godliness (II Pet. 1:3) and become adequate for every good work (II Tim. 3:16,17). Read Romans Chapters 12, 13, 14 and 15 and Book of Galatians because they teach believers to have a real relationship with God. Emergent Church cannot solve Christianity problems but separating and moving onto political and social solutions through human means rather than Christ. A.W Tozer's quote made it very clear to me, "The Lord will not save those he cannot command." By surrendering our wills to Jesus will not solve our problems but rather to sancify us.

Happiness and Depression

Happiness from the flesh point of view or from the spiritual point of view. I have studied this issue for years. I went through depression and similar situations. Its not easy but once you put yourself to where God wants you to be, you will be fine. Even though I was saved at the time, I still need to keep repenting. God wants you to understand that He is there for you and He will help you through His GRACE. As a Christian, this is a CONTINUIOUS sanctification process of repenting throughout our Christian life. Depression comes in when we read in Romans 7:18 I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. Galatians 5:17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. We are sanctified by faith and God is always sanctifying us every minute. 1 Thessalonians 4:3 It is God's will that you should be sanctified (spiritual). God does not desire to destroy our wills, but to sanctify them. The primary work of Christ in redemption is to justify and sanctify believers. During the sanctification process, Christians need spiritual training which is forming spiritual fruits that we need to arm themselves spiritually to wrestle against the world, the devil and the flesh. One of the biggest problems in the Christian life in their sanctification process is lack of motivation to enjoy real intimate communion with a holy God in an eternal sense rather than temporal sense. Temporal time does not change us but God does when He changes us from within as we walk in Spirit. Our glory lies in withdrawal from all that builds on dust (temporal). If God had wanted us completely out of the temporal world He could have taken us home at the time of our spiritual birth (salvation). Christ's definition of Beatitudes (Matthew 5) contradicts Flesh's definition of happiness. True happiness begins in our hearts, mourning over sin which leads to meekness. From the attitude of meekness, we hunger and thirst for righteousness. Through Jesus Christ, we can receive God's mercy and righteousness that our hearts will be pure. When we accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, the Holy Spirit came into our hearts and cleansed our sins and purified our hearts. Only God can provide happiness when we have Jesus Christ in our hearts and only Jesus Christ can give us true happiness. "A selfish desire for happiness is as sinful as any other selfish desire. Its root is in the flesh which can never have any standing before God." A.W. Tozer (The Price of Neglect) Page 36 I got this a long time ago and I love it. This might help.

Recall Notice (This is like a parable to those who understand computer. I thought this is interesting) The maker of all human beings is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to the serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart. This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units. This defect has been technically termed, 'Subsequential Internal Non Morality,' or more commonly known as S-I-N, as it is primarily symptomized by loss of moral judgment. Some other symptoms: (a) Loss of direction (b) Foul vocal emissions (c) Amnesia of origin (d) Lack of peace and joy (e) Selfish, or violent, behavior (f) Depression or confusion in the mental component (g) Fearful (h) Idolatry The manufacturer, who is neither liable or at fault for this defect, providing factory authorized repair and service, free charge to correct this SIN defect. The number to call for the recall station in your area is: P-R-A-Y-E-R. Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN by Pressing R-E-P-E-N-T-A-N-C-E. Next, download J-E-S-U-S into the heart. No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, JESUS repair will replace it with: (a) Love (b) Joy (c) Peace (d) Longsuffering (e) Gentleness (f) Goodness (g) Faith (h) Meekness (i) Temperance Please see operating manual, HOLY BIBLE, for further details on the use of these fixes. WARNING: Continuing to operate the human unit without correction, voids the manufacturer's warranty, exposing owner to dangers and problems too numerous to list and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded. For free emergency service, call on J-E-S-U-S. DANGER: The human units not receiving this recall action will have to be scraped in the furnace. The SIN defect must not enter heaven or else heaven will be infected. Authorized by: The Creator.

The "normal" life of a disciple can never become a life of sadness and pessimism because we are relying on the Holy Spirit who keeps us from giving up with His Sufficient Grace. Its not about whether I am happy or sad (in the flesh) but rather, its about whether I am spiritually happy by being faithful to God regardless my situation. We all to apply our faith through the Holy Spirit in our own life in order to live in a Christian life.

More about Church Stewardship

Church is not a business but when "money" is involved, we do business transactions therefore the Church falls under "non-profit" business catagory. Size of the church should not be the issue but rather the "love of money" and "godly stewardship" should be focused. How the money is being brought in and how the money is being spent. Do they fall under the Bible's criteria rather than human's criteria? People are confused when setting up a budget and how to steward funds when they don't know what God is expecting them to do it. The elders are to work with those with accountants and attorneys who have biblical knowledge of what God wanted rather than what they learned in schools to obtain their career. The main job for the elders is the "stewardship" of the local church especially under the "gift of administration". Everything belongs to God, the elders are to live in faithful stewardship of all that God has entrusted to them. In regarding to elders "considering" members' requests, they must consider whether the recommendations would benefit the church or not. They would have to consider the manpower, the costs and many other factors before they make their decisions. Elders are our spiritual stewardship who are looking for members spiritual needs and to look at their lives spiritually in from God's perspective. Christians, especially the elders, are to submit 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). Pastor/Elder qualifications: Titus 1:6-9 ".....must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Since an overseer is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless-not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. Financial responsibility is very important. Churches are to set up good financial ethics and have their financial records audited. The bible clearly teaches that every church are to be healthy in every aspect of their activities such as their spiritual health, financial health, ministry health, and other church-related ministries health. The over-all package. In 2 Corinthians 7:2 says that we "make room for others in our hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one." This is where "accountability" comes in. In 1 Timothy 3:1-3: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. Colossians 4:5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 1 Thessalonians 4:12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders. Churches, Elders and Pastors (teachers) are to "set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12). One example is excessive longing for wealth and gaining money to live in luxury. We are not to covet with Faith. Jesus gave us wonderful examples and one of His great example is "By THEIR FRUITS you shall know them" Christians are too look at the WHOLE package of a Church being. Do not have a tunnel vision" based on specific area of stewardship but rather ALL aspects of stewardship. You need to look at their whole being. By THEIR fruits, you shall know them. In concept of Stewardship along with the mission of the Gospel and having a local Church, there must be deacons and elders to manage them while the pastors are to spread the gospel. At the same time, pastors are also stewards of the church as husbands are stewards for the home. In Greek: Strong's Number: 3623 Original Word: oijkonovmoß Transliterated Word: Oikonomos Means: the manager of household or of household affairs 1. esp. a steward, manager, superintendent (whether free-born or as was usually the case, a freed-man or a slave) to whom the head of the house or proprietor has intrusted the management of his affairs, the care of receipts and expenditures, and the duty of dealing out the proper portion to every servant and even to the children not yet of age 2. the manager of a farm or landed estate, an overseer 3. the superintendent of the city's finances, the treasurer of a city (or of treasurers or quaestors of kings) 4. the apostles and other Christian teachers and bishops and overseers 1 Corinthians 9:17 For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship. Titus 1:7 For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money 1 Peter 4:10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. The main issue when I was involved in a Church administration is this: People are different and people have different needs. Leaders should break down to different cultures in each of those services. Nation from the greek word "Ethnos". Strongs defines Ethnos as a multitude (whether of men or of beasts) associated or living together as a company, troop, swarm. A multitude of individuals of the same nature or genus the human family a tribe, nation, people group (Culture). Christian's accountability involves "one anothers" that every members are encouraged to be actively serving and ministering their gifts. The Scriptures teach every believers to be committed to a local church where he or she is loved and cared for, instructed in the things Christ commanded, encouraged to grow spiritually, and serving Christ effectively. Every believer who attends a Church of faith, commitment, and fruitfulness. The primary reason to become a participating member is not to gain a personal advantage, but to identify with the characteristics of biblical maturity and commitment to the mission and future of a local church.