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Abiding Life News Archives: 2009
PUSHING BACK THE BUSINESS MEETING BY ONE WEEK!(12/31/09)
Our meeting to discuss the business, leadership, organization, and official launching of Faith Christian Fellowship of Northern Virginia has been re-scheduled for Saturday, January 9th, at Mason District Government Center, in Annandale, at 7:30PM. The target date that we had agreed on (4/4/10) is only three months from now. We need to think and plan seriously about whether April 4th is a practical date or not. We need to discuss what other events are ahead of us in 2010 also. If you want to be considered part of the Leadership Team or the Launch Team, you should be at this meeting. If you want to be a part of our Leadership Team or the Launch Team but it is impossible for you to make it, let me know. Please contact me at ken@3john2.org or 703.867.3615 for additional information.
SHOULD CHRISTIANS MAKE NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS? (12/30/09)
I've read that the practice of making New Year's resolutions goes back over 3000 years to the ancient Babylonians. There is just something about the start of a New Year that gives us the feeling of hope for a fresh start and a new beginning. In reality, there is no difference between December 31st and January 1st. Nothing special or mystical occurs at midnight on December 31st. The Bible does not speak for or against the concept of New Year's resolutions. However, if a Christian determines to make a New Year's resolution, what kind of resolution should he or she make?
Some common resolutions that many of us have made are to quit smoking, to stop drinking, to manage money better, and spend more time with family. By far the most common New Year's resolution is to lose weight, along with exercising more and eating healthier. These are all good goals to set. However, the Bible instructs us to keep exercise in perspective: "For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come" (I Tm.4:8). The vast majority of New Year's resolutions, even among Christians, are in relation to physical things, which is fine. But as Christians, we should also have some spiritual goals.
Many Christians make New Year's resolutions to pray more, to read the Bible every day, and to attend church more regularly. These are great goals, but even these New Year's resolutions fail just as often as the non-spiritual resolutions. Resolving to start or stop doing a certain activity has no value unless you have the proper motivation for stopping or starting that activity. For example, why do you want to read the Bible every day? Is it to honor God and grow spiritually, or is it because you have just heard that it is a good thing to do? Why do you want to lose weight? Is it to honor God with your body, or is it for vanity, to honor yourself?
Scripture tells us, "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength"(Phil.4:13). Jesus declares, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing" (Jn.15:5). Make God the center of your New Year's resolution. If it is God's will for something to be fulfilled, He will enable you to accomplish it. If a resolution is not honoring to God and/or is not in agreement in His Word, we will not receive His help in the resolution.
FINE-TUNING OUR FOCUS! (12/27/09)
We need to fine-tune our focus. As we close out 2009 and prepare to embark on 2010, I cannot help but focus on the vision God has given me for Faith Christian Fellowship of Northern Virginia and Life Christian University of Fairfax County. I am reminded of the many promises of God in Scripture about the power and authority the church is to be operating in here on Earth. Though we've pushed our church start date back a few times, I am convinced that this year the FCFnv vision will come to fruition. We continue to march forward in our mission with the vision of impacting Northern Virginia and the Greater Washington DC area with the fullness of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and the proclamation of the Word of Faith and Hope. Please continue to pray for the completion of His will and plans in His perfect timing. Pray that He'll send us leaders and laborers committed to His purpose.
BUSINESS AND ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING SCHEDULED!(12/20/09)
The "inside the beltway" area of Northern Virginia is in desparate need of a strong Word of Faith Church that'll provide a venue for solid proclamation of God's uncompromised Word and teach people how to live victorious in every aspect of their lives based upon God's Truths. A meeting to discuss the business, leadership, organization, and official launching of Faith Christian Fellowship of Northern Virginia is scheduled for Saturday, January 2nd, at Mason District Government Center, in Annandale, at 7:30PM. The target date that we had agreed on (4/4/10) is only three and half months from now. We need to begin to think seriously about whether April 4th is a practical date, or if it too soon. We need to discuss what other events lie ahead of us in 2010 also. If you want to be considered part of the Leadership Team or the Launch Team, you should be at this meeting. If you want to be a part of our Leadership Team or the Launch Team but it is impossible for you to make it, let me know. It is not too late to move the meeting back one week to the 9th. But if we are to do that, I need to do it soon. Please contact me at ken@3john2.org or 703.867.3615 for additional information.
JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON! (12/13)
Take advantage of the holiday season to re-focus people on the Christ of Christmas. Americans as well as many people around the world celebrate Christmas, but so many of them fail to focus their attention on Jesus as being the reason for the season. It has often bothered me that even many Christians focus too much of their time and attention on trivial and commercial aspects of this holiday. I noticed once at a Catholic High School that I used to work at that they displayed more pictures and figurines of Santa than of Jesus, by a very large margin. Even Christian radio stations are playing songs about Santa, Frosty, and Rudolph. If the purpose of this holiday is to celebrate Jesus, then let's celebrate Jesus. He is the reason for the season, so let's keep Christ in Christmas.
TWAS THE MONTH BEFORE CHRISTMAS! (12/6/09)
Twas the Month before Christmas, when all through our land,
Not a Christian was praying, nor taking a stand;
See the PC Police had taken away,
the reason for Christmas - no one could say;
About Shepherds, and wise men, and angles, and things,
Children were told by their schools not to sing;
It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say;
December 25th is just a holiday;
Yet shoppers were ready with cash, checks, and credit;
Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!
CDs from Madonna, an X-Box, and I-pod;
Something was changing, something quite odd!
Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa;
In Hopes to seel books by Franken and Fonday;
Some retailers were hanging their trees upside down;
At others the word Christmas was no where to be found;
At K-Mart and Stapes and Penny's and Sears;
You wouldn't hear the word Christmas, it wouldn't touch your ears;
Inclusion, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty,
Are words that were used to intimidate me;
Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wold Blitzen,
On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry and Clinton.
At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter,
to eliminate Jesus in all public matter;
And we spoke not a word as they took away our faith,
Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace,
The true gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded;
The reason for the season stopped before it started;
So as you celebrate "winter break" under your "dream tree"
Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me;
Choose your words carefully, choose what you say:
Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday!
Keep Christ in Christmas - Jesus is the reason for the Season!
MERRY CHRISTMAS
DECEMBER MEETING CANCELATIONS! (12/5/09)
We will not be gathering for our monthly Leadership/Launch Team Meeting tonight. We will cancel it, mainly due to the snow in the area. Also, we will not meet next Thursday for our monthly Bible Study/Fellowship Meeting. This is mainly due to a conflict in my personal schedule that has come up. But let's get together for an Evangelism Outreach this month on the third Saturday, which will be the 19th. If you are planning on joining me for evangelism, please contact me so we can make arrangements on when and where to meet.
LOOKING FOR SOME ACTIVITY SUGGESTIONS! (11/29/09)
We have open to us what could be an exciting opportunity with almost unlimited potential. But I want to fish for some ideas that some of you might have in mind. The Annandale Neighborhood Center wants us to use their facility for more than just our once per month Bible Study. They are trying to find people or organizations in the community that'll sponsor youth or neighborhood activities of one kind or another. Whatever the activity(ies), they have to be offered for free. Music lessons, Art lessons, ESL classes, Foreign language classes, and computer-training are a few ideas that I've heard have been done there in the past. Other possibilities could be things like puppet plays or sign-language lessons.
The building consists of three fairly large rooms. Each room has a television set with DVD player, so we could do something as simple as playing movies of one kind or another. The facility is equipped with sofas, tables, chairs, and many other features. So the questions is, if you had access to a building like this, what would you do with it? What kind of activity would you recommend? They don't want our activities to be specifically "religious" in nature, nor do they want us to use them for "proselytizing" purposes. But we could certainly use these opportunities to make our presence known in the community. It has been said that people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care. This could be our opportunity to let them know that "we care". We could also see it as "friendship-evangelism".
NO EVANGELISM OUTREACH THIS MONTH! (11/15/09)
We will not be gathering for our monthly Evangelism Outreach this month because I will be on my way to Texas on that day. I will be spending Thanksgiving Week with my daughter at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas. I will be leaving next Friday (11/20)and plan on returning on the Sunday (11/29) after Thanksgiving. This trip will also include a brief stop in Illinois.
A FEW BIBLE VERSES ABOUT THANKSGIVING! (11/14/09)
- I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.(Psalm 9:1)
- The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!(Psalm 50:23)
- Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous, And give thanks to his holy name!(Psalm 97:12)
- Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!(Psalm 100:4)
- Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!(Psalm 105:1-2)
- Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.(Phil.4:6)
THINGS TO BE THANKFUL FOR! (11/13/09)
Be sincerely Thankful all year round, not just on Thanksgiving Day. Here are some examples of what you can be thankful for:
- Simply walking or having any sense (smell, sight...).
- Friends, relatives, a spouse, a child, someone that appreciates your company, even a pet.
- Possessions: clothes, a car, a house, a computer, a watch, a TV, etc.
- Your job! If you like it, then wonderful; if you do not like it, realize that it still gives you money that allows you to build your life.
- Your health. You may have more or less problems with your body, but you are here, you are breathing, you are alive.
- Food. Do you starve daily? Do you have problems to obtain food? Many people do.
Tuesday, November 3rd is Election Day (11/2/09)
For politically minded people like me, one thing that is great about Virginia is that every year is election year. If it isn't national elections, it's local or state elections. It has always been my conviction that Christians should vote. God has blessed us by placing us in a democratic republic which gives us the opportunity to express our opinions and asks for our imput. If we Christians don't cast our vote and make our voices known, we are leaving it us to the godless citizens to make all the decisions. If we don't take the time this Tuesday to express our views through casting a ballot, the non-Christians will be the only ones choosing the direction this state will be going in for the next four years. This year we have an opportunity to elect some great God-fearing leaders. Please go to the polls on Tuesday 11/3.
Nov. 7th is our next Leadership Meeting (11/1/09)
Once again, those who agreed to be part of the Leadership Team or the Launch Team need to get together this Saturday to discuss details of our plans to launch FCFnv. Many who have expressed an interest in being a part of one team or the other haven't gathered with us for a few months. If you are still interested but cannot make it this coming Saturday, please call me or e-mail me to let me know. If we are going to maintain the target date that we agreed on, we have a lot of work to do over the next few months. If you have any questions about this meeting, it's purpose, it's goal, it's location (Mason Government Center), who may attend, it's format, or any other questions, please contact me.
October 31st is Reformation Day (10/31/09)
Instead of celebrating demons, fear, ghosts, and witches, Christians should celebrate something positive that took place nearly 500 years ago on October 31st. The most significant event of Christianity since the Canonization of Scripture occured on this date. The preservation of the gospel of Christ is always worth celebrating, now as in any era. In 1517, one very notable event was carried out by Martin Luther as he strove to return the church to purity of faith in the midst of growing corruption. His challenge to draw the church from the interference of merely human influences and back to a life founded upon the Word of God was issued in the form of ninety-five theses. A world-wide movement which became known as the Protestant Reformation began and radical changes occurred in Christianity. In honor of the 31st of October's Reformation Day (a day meant to celebrate the preservation of the glorious gospel of our salvation), we celebrate God's abundant goodness toward us
WORD OF FAITH TEACHINGS ARE BIBLICAL! (10/11/09)
I believe some people have mis-characterized "Word of Faith" teachings. A friend of mine recently told me that Word of Faith teachers believe in "instant prosperity" and other false doctrines. Though, it is perhaps true that many Word of Faith teachers take things to an extreme, I've never heard any of them claim to promise "instant prosperity" for anyone. I am a Word of Faith teacher and have been in the Word of Faith movement for 30 years now. One of the main principles that we teach is that it is through "faith and patience" we inherit the promises. We teach that all the promises are "yes and amen", but there is a time element involved. We teach that in Mark 16, Jesus didn't promise instant healing, but that they "shall recover". True Word of Faith teaching is 100% biblically sound. True Word of Faith teaching also emphasizes the importance of Obedience and godly Christian character as an important factor in order to walk in the covenant promises.
GREAT END-TIME RESPONSIBILITIES AND OBLIGATIONS! (9/27/09)
Though we may disagree with the details of how future events are prophesied to come to pass, nearly all Christians agree that we are in the last days. We are in a time that our Heavenly Father has longed for and we, His children, have waited patiently for. It's a time when we anticipate seeing Him face to face. This time has been spoken about and prophesied about for the last two thousand years, and longer. And we now are in that time! But with that time, comes great responsibility. Our one and only obligation is to fulfill the Great Commission:
1. Go into the whole world - beginning in our Jerusalem; (Acts 1:4-9)
2. Make disciples - not just getting them saved, but teaching & training them to become mature sons & daughters of God; (Mt.28:18-20)
3. Healing the sick, signs, & wonders; (Mk.16:16-18)
CLUNKER TRADE IN! (9/3/09)
I found this statement on the LCU facebook page. I thought it was worth repeating: "Clunker-Trade-In! Has your faith been 'clunking' along, barely getting you by? Does it stall out when you need it the most? Trade in your clunker faith for Overcoming, More Than Conqueror faith by becoming a student at LCU" (details at http://www.3john4.org/)
FCFnv IS NOW A SPONSOR OF BUDDY WALK! (8/30/09)
Faith Crhistian Fellowship of Northern Virginia is now partnering with the Down Syndrom Association of Northern Virginia as a sponsor of the Northern Virginia Buddy Walk. The 2009 Northern Virginia Buddy Walk will take place, rain or shine, on Saturday, October 17 at the Bull Run Regional Park. The Buddy Walk, expected to draw over 2000 participants, will be a short walk followed by a large festival celebrating people who have Down syndrome along with their families and friends. By participating in the Buddy Walk, we help make a difference in the lives of individuals with Down syndrome. Each step we take and each dollar we raise will help the Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia provide important services that enhance the quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
The Buddy Walk festivities will feature live entertainment including Rachel Coleman from Signing Time, Chasing Arrows, rock climbing wall, bungee bouncer, mini golf, moon bounce inflatables, pony rides, cartoon characters, a petting zoo, face painters, an exhibitor tent, food vendors, police cars, fire trucks and much more. Kenny's team is called "Kenny's Krew".
We encourage you to take part in this great cause, either by donating, or walking with Kenny's Krew, or both. Log on to http://www.dsanv.org/, then click on the right side of the screen on the Buddy Walk logo. When the Buddy Walk page appears, click on "Register Here", then click on "I agree", then click on "Join a Team", then click on "Kenny's Krew", then just continue to follow the instructions that will be provided. ABIDING LIFE BIBLE STUDY GATHERING LOCATION CHANGE!(8/29/09)
It looks like Abiding Life has been approved to start having our gatherings in Annandale at the Annandale Neighborhood Center, 4700 Medofrd Drive, behind the Annandale High School. So we will have our next Bible Study on September 10th at 7:30. Feel free to contact me for additional information or directions.
KENNY JOINS THE BUDDY WALK AGAIN! (8/14/09)
Again this year, for the 5th year in a row, Kenny will be taking part in the Northern Virginia Buddy Walk, sponsored by the Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia. The 2009 Northern Virginia Buddy Walk will take place, rain or shine, on Saturday, October 17 at the Bull Run Regional Park. The Buddy Walk, expected to draw over 2000 participants, will be a short walk followed by a large festival celebrating people who have Down syndrome along with their families and friends.
By participating in the Buddy Walk, we help make a difference in the lives of individuals with Down syndrome. Each step we take and each dollar we raise will help the Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia provide important services that enhance the quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. More importantly, we help promote understanding and acceptance of all individuals with Down syndrome.
Kenny's team is called "Kenny's Krew". We encourage you to take part in this great cause, either by donating, or walking with Kenny's Krew, or both. Log on to http://www.dsanv.org/, then click on the right side of the screen on the Buddy Walk logo. When the Buddy Walk page appears, click on "Register Here", then click on "I agree", then click on "Join a Team", then click on "Kenny's Krew", then just continue to follow the instructions that will be provided.
TONIGHT'S MEETING CANCELLED! (8/13/2009)
We decided to cancel this evening's Bible Study as well as the evangelism outreach on Saturday, August 22nd. This month is shaping up to be much more busy and hectic than expected. We will plan on meeting three times per month beginning in September. Please attempt to make it to one or more of the following gatherings in September.
- First Saturday, Leadership & Launch Team Meeting (Saturday 9/5) at Mason District Government Center, 7:30PM.
- Second Thursday, Bible Study Gathering (Thur.9/10). Location to be announced later.
- Third Saturday, Evangelistic Outreach at Falls Church Festival (Sat.9/19) Details provided later.
ENCOURAGEMENT! (8/9/09)
All of us have our crisis days when everything seems to fall apart, days when it looks as if we have come to the end of the road & that God has turned against us! David had returned from battle to discover that the enemy had attacked his camp. They had taken all their goods and kidnapped their women and children. So serious was the situation that his own men talked about stoning David. How did David face this crisis? He encouraged himself in the Lord his God! A crisis does not make a man, it reveals what the man is made of! What we really are is revealed for everyone to see when a crisis comes our way. It's interesting to see how David's men reacted when they discovered their terrible loss. Some sat and wept until they had no more tears to shed (I Sam.30:4);
Others complained & blamed David & some even suggested that they stone their leader (I Sam.30:6); You wonder how that would've solved the problem, yet people do the same thing today! How easy it is in a crisis to blame somebody else or to look for a scapegoat! (I'm not suggesting that any of you are doing that); But what did David do? Well, he shed tears like the rest of the soldiers because he loved them too! But after that, he stopped feeling sorry for himself & turned to the Lord for help! "But David encouraged himself in the Lord his God." Certainly the Lord is able to carry us through; nothing is impossible with God! There is no problem of life too difficult for Him to solve! God knows the end from the beginning & He knew long ago that you would need His help today!
So when a crisis comes, the 1st thing we should do is surrender to the will of the Lord! God has a purpose to fulfill & if we surrender to Him, it'll work out for our good & His glory (Rm.8:28)! David encouraged himself in the Lord his God by surrendering to God's will. After surrendering his will, he asked God for strength! He needed strength to do what needed to be done! David & his men were tired from the battle, & the emotional strain of the crisis had weakened them (I Sam.30:10), but in obedience to the Lord, they mounted & rode off in pursuit of the enemy! They took authority over their circumstances just as we must take authority over our circumstances also.
Isa.40:31 "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount ......."
Phil. 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
YOUR LABOR WILL BE REWARDED! (8/8/09)
Many times when we are diligently working for the Kingdom of God, it is easy to get frustrated when we don't see the flourishing results that we expected. But don't be discouraged. Know that God will reward you for your work and labors for Him. You should take every opportunity to sow the Word of God into people's lives, even when you don't see much fruit being produced. Help others by using the talents God has blessed you with. Remember to serve God by serving others. God is not unfair. He will not forget how hard you have worked for Him and how you have shown your love to Him by caring for other Christians.
TITLES! (8/1/09)
I am not into ministry titles. I've noticed that the apostles and prophets of the Bible don't use titles as a badge of pride or to set themselves above other people, only as a point of clarification. For example Paul doesn't call himself Apostle Paul, he calls himself, Paul, the apostle. In other words, since they didn't have last names, he had to clarify which Paul he was. He was Paul, the apostle, as opposed to Paul, the carpenter, or some other Paul. All the people in the Bible seem to refer to each other by their names far more often then by title. I believe we don't have to broadcast our titles because our ministry will speak for itself. Terms like pastor, Rev., minister, evangelist, or missionary are commonly accepted in the church-world, so I don't mind using them. They won't offend anyone. But I've seen a lot of negative reaction from most Christians when leaders start using titles like apostle, prophet, and even bishop. These words can be stumbling blocks. But I see no reason for pastors and other ministers to expect people to refer to their title when they speak to them. We are all brothers and sisters. Let's be on a first name basis with each other, as they appear to have been in the Bible.
THREE MEETINGS PER MONTH FOR NOW! (7/11/09)
Our target date for our first official Sunday Worship service is next Easter: 4/4/10. In the meantime, between now and April, we're planning to be meeting about three times each month:
1. One Leadership Meeting (1st Saturday each mo.), at the Mason District Government Center;
2. One Bible Study (2nd Thursday each mo.), at my home in the Mt. Vernon area; and
3. One Evangelistic Outreach (3rd or 4th weekend), time and place will vary.
NEW TARGET START DATE! (7/10/09)
The FCFnv Leaders have prayerfully determined to start Sunday Services on Easter Sunday, April 4th, 2010. We are now prayerfully looking for God's choice for a meeting location in the Arlington, Annandale, Alexandria area. Anyone who is interested in being a part of a strong WOrd of Faith congregation in the inside the Capital Beltway area of Northern Virginia is encouraged to contact us, attend our Abiding Life Gatherings, and become part of our Launch Team.
TWO NEW WEBSITE PAGES! (7/7/09)
We now have a page in the Life Christian University section of the website full of 2009 Graduation Pictures. You can now view those photos at www.abidinglife.net/2009_graduation. We also have a new Abiding Archives page. You can view many of our past events, news, and numerous posts at www.abidinglife.net/abiding_archives.
RESTART OF ABIDING LIFE GATHERINGS! (7/6/09)
On August 13th, we will restart our Bible Studies, which we've been calling Abiding Life Gatherings. Friday evenings have not worked too well for us, so we will now meet on the second Thursday evening of each month for the purpose of Worship and Bible Study. Additionally, we'll meet at least one additional time later in the month for the purpose of Evangelism and Outreach. More about this will be in available after our next Leadership Meeting on Thursday.
LEADERSHIP MEETING CHANGE! (7/5/09)
We are canceling the Leadership Meeting that was scheduled for next Saturday, 7/11/09, at the Mason District Government Center. Actually, we're not canceling it altogether, we're changing the date, time, and location of the meeting though. The FCFnv Leadership Team will be meeting in the Seven Corners areas on Thursday at 5:30pm, to view various possible church/meeting locations. Then we'll discuss some unfinished "church business".
INDEPENDENCE DAY! (7/4/2009)
Today in the United States we celebrate "Independence Day"! It has been 233 years since a group of mostly Christian men gathered in a room in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to sign the Declaration of Independence. They carried out this act to express their dedication and commitment to live independently of England and their king's rulership. This act of independence resulted in the 13 colonies becoming The United States of America.
There was another Independence Day: Although independence, freedom, and liberty is important for a nation from a political and governmental standpoint. Freedom and liberty is even more important from a spiritual standpoint. On the cross Jesus died as our perfect substitute; Jesus Christ, in His work of redemption on the cross provides true liberty and freedom to all who'll receive it. Christians, whether they are Americans or not, all celebrate what was accomplished on the cross. Our dependence upon the Lord results in our freedom:
"Trust in the LORD with all thin heart; and lean not unto thin own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths"(Prov. 3:5-6);
"Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thin heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass"(Ps. 37:3-5);
"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing"(John 15:5);
"For in him we live, and move, and have our being"(Acts 17:28);
"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage"(Gal. 5:1);
"Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty"(II Cor.3:17);
"And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed" (Jn.8:32,36);
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CANDY! (7/3/2009)
Candy Evelyn Miller celebrates her 20th birthday today. She is serving in the USAF and is currently stationed in Texas.
NEW POLL QUESTION! (7/2/2009)
I've notice that many of the modern independent Spirit-filled churches that have very similar (if not identical) beliefs, choose to identify themselves with a different label. I've listed various labels that I've used in the past. Each of them give a partial picture of who I am, what I believe, and how I view Scripture. But I've also noticed that these different terms mean different things to different people. Please take a moment and go to www.abidinglife.net/polling_booth and let us know which word you think you most identify with.
NEW ABIDING ARCHIVES PAGE! (7/1/2009)
Now you can read some of my old postings from earlier this year, or in the past few years by going to our Abiding Archives page, www.abidinglife.net/abiding_archives. This page will enable you to view the old Abiding Life News.
TONI'S TRIP TO EL SALVADOR! (6/29/09)
In addition to the prayer regular ministry prayer requests, please keep Toni in your prayers. She is in El Salvador, due to a family emergency. Pray for God to use her to minister to her family members through His infinite wisdom and strength. We desire for our Lord to minister to them through her with His healing power, both physically and emotionally. She intends to return home on July 15th. Thank God for His faithfulness.
GRADUATION!(6/28/09)
Our Abiding Life's Life Christian University just completed our 7th year in Fairfax County. Yesterday morning we had 12 graduates receiving certificates. Our Graduation ceremony was held at Church at Northern Virginia in Oakton. Dr. Wade Taylor was our main Commencement Speaker. He gave an encouraging message to the graduates about fulfilling the calling on their lives. Our LCU Seminary will begin classes again in August.
JULY MEETINGS! (6/26/09)
We are not having any traditional Abiding Life Gatherings in July, due to the other events this month. But in August, our Abiding Life Gatherings will begin to have more of an outreach emphasis. This will be a topic of discussion at our Leadership Meetings on July 1st and 11th. If you want to be involved in reaching Alexandria, Annandale, and Arlington for Jesus you are welcome to attend these meetings.
On July 1st, I am meeting with the three individuals who I have asked to join me FCFnv Elders. In addition to them, I have invited three other men who have extensive experience in local evangelism and outreach. Only one of these three men have confirmed attendance so far. Topics of discussion will be: Target start date for FCFnv Sunday Morning services, Leadership Team expectations and Benefits, and Local Outreach and Evangelism. This meeting will be at my home at 7:30PM.
On July 11th, we will have our regular monthly Leadership and Launch Team meeting at Mason District Government Center in Annandale. This meeting is normally the first Saturday evening of each month. But due to the Independence Day Celebrations on July 4th, we are meeting one week later. At this meeting we will continue any unfinished business from the previous meeting. But I also would like us to focus on the times, location, and nature of future meetings and gatherings. Additionally, we need to discuss many details concerning the first FCFnv Sunday Worship Service.
HAPPY FATHERS DAY!(6/21/09)
Today is a day to remember all the good qualities about your father. Also don't forget to spend some time with the greatest father of them all, your Heavenly Father. Below is a poem that I found that is appropriate for this day concerning the qualities of a dad.
What Makes a Dad?
God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so,
He called it ... Dad
~~Author Unknown.~~
PHOTOGRAPHER NEEDED! (6/20/09)
We are in need of a good/semi-professional photographer to take pictures of our LCU Graduation exercises next Saturday (6/27). We had someone who had agreed to do this, but he now tells us that he will be unable to do it. We do have access to a quality professional camera, but we just need someone to use it to take the pictures. If you, or someone you know, is able to do this for us, please let us know immediately. Thanks for your help.
THOUGH THE VISION TARRY...(6/7/09)
"For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry." (Habakkuk 2:3)
Has anyone else besides me ever questioned why this verse seems to contradict itself. First it says the vision will tarry, then it says it will not tarry. Well there is no contradiction at all. Two different Hebrew words are used here. The first word for "tarry" is "Mahahh" (ma-HAH') which means to be delayed. The second word for "tarry" is "Achar" (aw-KHAR') which means a continual delay, to be late, or to remain behind. The second word seems to imply a long or perhaps even a permanent delay. The idea here is that it won't be behind God's perfect timing. Though things seem to be delayed from our perspective, we must have confidence that the vision will be fulfilled in God's perfect timing.
So we could read, "For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it is delayed, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not be continually delayed, it will not be late."
The Amplified Bible puts it this way, "For the vision is yet for an appointed time and it hastens to the end [fulfillment]; it will not deceive or disappoint. Though it tarry, wait [earnestly] for it, because it will surely come; it will not be behindhand on its appointed day."
THE FUTURE OF ABIDING LIFE GATHERINGS! (6/2/09)
At our Leadership meeting, one thing that I want us to discuss is the future of our Abiding Life Gatherings. When we start up the gatherings again, as I said, I don't think Friday evening is the best time to meet. We need to discuss that, but we also need to discuss the focus of our gatherings. Although I think at least once per month I'd still like for us to continue the teaching and discussion of the Book of Acts, I'd also like to set aside at least one period of time each month to find a way to reach out into our target-area communities. Once per month, let's get together to serve our community or evangelize in one way or another. I need your help to come up with some great ideas on how to do this. Some ideas that I have are car-washes, having booths at community fairs and festivals, volunteering at various community events, and perhaps even hospital and nursing home visits.
FIRST OFFICIAL CHURCH SERVICE (6/01/09)
We need to discuss at our Leadership Meeting this Saturday a target date for our First Official Church Service. Obviously this is still at least a few months away. My goal is to have at least 75 people at our first official Church service. Before we even start the Sunday Church services, we can grow our numbers by meeting people, becoming a key part of our community, and by serving the people of our community in many different ways. As people are exposed to us as individuals and as a group, and as people are invited by current group members, our prayer is that they would feel and sense a deep dynamic of love, unity, maturity, and passion to reach people for Christ and train them in His Word. This can be done if we each take it seriously and we each make it a personal goal. Please let me know your thoughts.
TODAY IS THE DAY OF PENTECOST! (5/31/09)
Let the Wind blow and the Fire fall again!
ABIDING LIFE GATHERINGS!(5/30/09)
First let me recap the history of our Abiding Life Gatherings. We've been having our Abiding Life Gatherings for about three years and a half years now. We began them on Saturday mornings in January of 2006. A few months later we switched them to Wednesday evenings. Then this year switched them to Friday evenings. This wasn't our best idea. Friday traffic has been unbearable for many who have attempted to come to our gatherings, so I'd again would like to switch to a better day for us to meet.
Also, I think we need to re-discuss the focus of our gatherings. We are going to suspend the gatherings for the month of June, and maybe even for the month of July, because there are simply too many other things going during these months. However, when we start up again, if you have ever attended or considered attending our Abiding Life Gatherings, I'd like you to again confirm to me the best day and time for attending an Abiding Life Gathering.
THREE VERY IMPORTANT MEETINGS IN JUNE! (5/24/09)
Saturday, June 6th, 7:30PM = FCFnv Leadership and Launch Team Meeting:
Mason District Government Center, on Columbia Pike in Annandale,
If anyone needs directions, feel free to contact me.
Sunday, June 14th, 10:30AM = Pastor Pitts Evans has asked me to deliver the Sunday morning sermon at Church at Northern Virginia on Vale Road in Oakton. Keep this meeting and the message in your prayers
Saturday, June 27th, 10:30AM = LCU Graduation Ceremony and reception at Church at Northern Virginia on Vale Road, Oakton. God is good! This is exciting! We have several graduates receiving diploma and degrees this year.
Pentecostal Power! (5/4/09)
Pentecostal power comes when we recognize:
1. The Christian life is not about keeping rules, but about knowing Christ - it's all about Jesus!
2. The Christian life is not just about escaping Hell, but about total transformation through sozo-salvation here and now!
3. You overcome apathy with zeal inspired by the Holy Ghost!
The National Day of Prayer! (5/3/09)
The National Day of Prayer is coming this coming Thursday. We need to pray for the president and our other leaders. They need God's wisdom. Pray for revival in our land. ALso pray for the Abiding Life and FCFnv vision to come to full fruition.
HOW TO GET THE WORD OF GOD TO WORK FOR YOU! (5/1/09)
"In order for the Word of God to work for you, it has to be in your mouth and in your heart. Now if it's just in your mouth and not in your heart, it won't work... You can make all kinds of confessions, but if you don't believe in your heart what you are saying, it won't work. On the other hand, you can believe the Word in your heart, but if you don't say it with your mouth, it won't work either." (Kenneth E.Hagin)
STOP SPEAKING THE PROBLEM AND START SPEAKING THE ANSWER!(4/30/09)
Lately I've been hearing an increasing amount of "negative confessions" coming from "Word of Faith" believers and even ministers who teach and preach "Word of Faith" doctrine. But I am convinced that no matter what the enemy does to you or to your family, you must continue to be "faith-focused" and speak what God says about your situation. Remember that "thou art snared by the words of your mouth" and "death and life are in the power of the tongue" (Pr.6 & 18). You can create your own reality through what you allow to come out of your mouth. You can create your own spiritual environment by the words you speak. There really is power in the tongue, so stop speaking the sickness and speak health (I Pe.2:24; Mt.8:16-17). Stop speaking lack, start tithing, and claim by faith that He provides abundantly above all you could ask or think (Eph.3:20; Ph.4:19). Stop speaking doubt, fear, unbelief, and doublemindedness and start speaking faith in all His many abundant promises, because He is faithful (Ps.91; II Cor.1:20). Stop speaking the problem and start speaking the solution!
CONFUSED CHRISTIANS! (4/20/09)
Many Christians are very confused as to what they should believe on many biblical subjects. One preacher says you are obligated to pay your tithes to the church while another preacher says under the dispensation of grace there is no such requirement. Some teach that you can never lose your Salvation, others say that it is possible to do so. Some teach that all that we receive from God is "by grace through faith", yet others teach there are some rituals or practices that you must do in order to receive blessings from God. Some teach that God wants us to be rich, others say those riches are "spiritual" riches. Some preach it is always God's will to heal, others say that "sometimes He does heal and sometimes He doesn't". Concerning the Lord's return, there are almost as many theories as there are churches: they can't all be right! And there are many other subjects where the Body of Christ seems to be confused. There is only one conclusion that we can come up with: all the answers are in the Holy Bible, which is the Word of God! What ever conclusions we come up with on the above subjects, or any other controversial topic, it must be based on God's Word, not man's theories. Search the Scriptures to see if these things are so. The world is demanding a reason of the hope that is within us!
TODAY IS GOOD FRIDAY! (4/10/09)
Today is Good Friday, the day most Christians remember and celebrate the accomplishments of the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ. Just what did He accomplish? He died to provide for you complete SOZO Salvation. He died to provide redemption for your spirit, soul, and body. Through His death, He paid the ultimate price for you to receive all of the promises of God, and He took upon Himself the full punishment for your sins and mine, as well as the sins of the whole world. There are many promises throughout Scripture that are yours simply because Jesus paid the full price for you to possess them. I urge this Holiday weekend to serch the Scriptures and know what is legally yours becuase of what was accomplished when Jesus went to the Cross, then resurrected three days later.
GRACE AND FAITH ARE MISUNDERSTOOD BY MOST CHRISTIANS! (4/9/09)
Most Churches tend to be legalistic in one way or another, which is contradictory to the messages of faith and grace promoted in the New Covenant. The messages of faith and grace are part of what makes authentic Christianity unique from other religions. But the Christian community over uses the words "grace" and "faith" without even knowing what they mean. I am convinced that 99% of all Christians are clueless when it comes to really understanding what those two words really imply. When churches depart from the purest forms of these messages, Christianity becomes more of a religion than a relationship with a living Lord.
For example, I have no problem with teaching the biblical principle of tithing. But when a church mandates it as a condition for membership or tell their congregations that they are "obligated", these churches are imposing a law that is not seen in the New Covenant. We certainly should teach tithing as a principle and we even should expect it, especially from the leaders of the church. But when we place ourselves under law and bondage, we are quenching the Holy Spirit. We need to allow the Spirit the freedom to move as He sees fit. Our job as pastors is to help the sheep to fall in love with the Great Shepherd and to do the right thing out of a heart flow of love, not out of legalistic obligation.
Simply put, everything that we receive in this life is based upon what Jesus did, not based upon what we do. We cannot do anything to receive the blessings of God, except simply put our faith in what He accomplished and receive His blessings by grace through faith. The giving of tithes and offerings are the means of releasing our faith to receive from His grace. Frankly, it bothers me when people claim that they are blessed because of their tithing. That takes the focus off of what Jesus did and onto what they are doing. It is all about Jesus and what He accomplished. I am to receive from Him by grace through faith, and as a response to Him, I tithe. I don't give to get. He gave first, and therefore I give.
NO ABIDING LIFE GATHERINGS IN APRIL (4/8/09)
We had already canceled our gathering for 4/24, due to the FCF East Coast Regional Convention taking place that week. We have attended the FCF East Regional Convention for the past four year and we intend on being there this year also. But we have also decided to cancel the Abiding Life Gathering scheduled for 4/10. This is partly due to the fact that it is Good Friday, but more because a couple of people have already expressed their inability to attend. We hope to see you on May 8th.
THOUGHTS ABOUT GOOD FRIDAY! (4/4/09)
Good Friday, a day celebrated by Christians around the world as the day of our Lord's crucifixion, is less than a week away. But have we been celebrating the right day? Jesus didn't just say that He'd be in the grave for three days, He said that He's be in the grave for three days and three nights. That means that if His resurrection was at 6:00am, at the very latest, His crucifixion and burial must have been completed by Thursday morning at 6:00am, at the very latest. Though most Christians believe that Jesus was crucified on the Friday before Passover, many of us contend that it must have occurred on Thursday or even Wednesday. I am more persuaded to believe He was crucified before sunset on the Wednesday before Passover. Then He rose from the dead sometime after Sunset Saturday evening. This is the only theory possible that allows for a complete 72 hours between burial and resurrection, and stay consistent with all the of Scripture. Obviously, this is not a major doctrinal issue and shouldn't be a focus of contention or division. Which ever theory you hold to, we can rejoice together in the fact that He accomplished all He promised to accomplish through the crucifixion and resurrection.
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GOD PROMISES TO HEAL YOU! (3/9/09)
God's Word speaks a lot about healing. It is seen throughout Scripture, from cover to cover. The prophets of the Old Testament ministered healing to God's people. The Psalms and Proverbs speak of it. Jesus made healing a central theme of His earthly ministry. It is clearly included in the redemptive work of the cross. It is also included in the Great Commission that Christ delegated to all believers. The first century believers demonstrated God's healing power, as seen in the Book of Acts as well as in other historical documents. The writers of the epistles also discussed it. Healing belongs to you. It is included in the covenant that He has made with you. There may be many reasons why we can believe the message of healing, but among them are these three: because God said it; because it was a central theme in the ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ; and because it is seen as included in the redemptive work of the cross;
CANCELLED LCU CLASSES TONIGHT (3/2/09)
Due to the snowy weather, we have canceled tonights classes at CNV. Our Monday classes will all be pushed back one week. I have updated the LCU calendar on this website.
Acts 1:8 = Dunimus Power (3/1/09):
Last Friday, we had our Abiding Life Gathering at my home. We continued our study in the first chapter of Acts. We got up to verse 16. Probably the most well none verse in the first chapter of Acts is the 8th verse. That verse tells you that you will receive Dunimus Power after the Holy Ghost is come upon you. This is referring to the dynamic explosive power of the Spirit. This is a reference to the supernatural power of God including healing, miracles, prophecy, and all the gifts of the Spirit. What a promise! God is not a man that He should lie! Let God be true and every man a liar. God keeps His promises! The power of the Holy Ghost is mentioned as the power to be a witness. Notice that witnessing isn't presented as something you do, but something you are! With the power of the Holy SPirit, you are to be a witness unto the Lord Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit's job is to so empower and transform your life that it will radiate and demonstrate the dunamus power of God continually. Where are we to be a witness unto Him?
Jerusalem = Your local community, town, city, or county. (for us... Alexandria, Annandale, and Arlington);
All Judea = A larger circle, perhaps we could equate this to the Commonwealth of VA;
Samaria = A neighboring jurisdiction, perhaps we could equate this to the state of Maryland &/or West Virginia;
Unto the uttermost part of the Earth = We need to have a world vision. We may not be able to personally go into all the world, but we can financially support others who can go.
FEELING INADEQUATE? (2/22/09)
Have you ever felt inadequate, unworthy, or unqualified for the task that God has called you to do? You are not alone. Nearly every Christian minister has felt that way at one time or another. Not only Christians, but even many of the Old Testament Patriarchs and Prophets felt inadequate, unworthy, and unqualified when they were first called to their ministry. But all of us have many ups and downs as we journey through life. Each of us have slipped and fallen on occasions. Every one of us has made our share of mistakes. Each of us has good reason to feel inadequate. But our inadequacy is more than compensated by His adequacy. (read more of this new article at www.abidinglife.net/inadequate)
PRESIDENT'S DAY! (2/15/09)
Tomorrow is President's Day. It is certainly a time to celebrate past US Presidents. But let's also see it as a reminder to pray for our current President and other political leaders. Paul told Timothy that the first thing we should do is to pray for the national leader and all who are in authority (I Tim.2:1-4). The Bible also tells us that there will be major perilous times in these last days. It is during times like these that we especially need to become people of prayer. The call to prayer for our leaders and for our nation is clear from the pages of God's Word. Prayer should be the first impulse rather than the last resort of Christ's people. The Scripture even gives some direction for our prayers. Pray "...that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty" (vs.2) and that these earthly and political leaders would soon "...be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth." (vs.4)
WORDS TO LIVE BY! (2/9/09)
Christianity is very word centered. From the very beginning, God spoke the world and all there is into existence. The Voice of God walked with Adam in the Garden. We have our sacred words of Scripture and Jesus Himself is the Word of God made flesh. The Bible repeatedly places great value and emphasis on the importance of the words that come out of our mouths. We're told in Scripture that death and life are in the power of our tongue and that our words can help determine our destiny (Pr.18; Jas.3). Scripture harshly condemns lying and false accusations, even telling us that God hates lies. The Apostle Paul states that it's through the foolishness of "preaching" that people are led to salvation. Christianity is very word-centered. Even Jesus said that it's from the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks, seeming to imply that our words reveal what is on the inside of us. Yet, I'm continually shocked at the lack of control that many people have on their tongue. It is far too common to find conversations filled with vulgarities and casual use of God's name in vain. The implication seems to be that they are only words and should not be taken too seriously. However, words are very serious. Words can be loving or hurtful. They can be uplifting or destructive. Give your words the power of the Gospel: the power to heal, forgive, and express love. Words have changed lives and transformed worlds. Use your tongue for positive purposes to create life-giving words to live by.
ARE YOU LISTENING TO THE VOICE OF TRUTH? (2/8/09)
Scripture tells us that we hear many voices. We could say that it's referring to many influences. We hear many different opinions and we hear reasoning to persuade us about what is right and true. But Jesus said that all of those who are His would know His voice. What voice are you listening to. Virtually all of the voices that are not of Divine origin will lead you in a wrong direction. Like those who tell you to give up on what ever task God has called you to do, or tell you you'll never win. "But the Voice of Truth tells me a different story. The Voice of Truth says do not be afraid....I will choose to believe the Voice of Truth" (Casting Crowns). In the song "Voice of Truth," Casting Crowns sings about those many voices that call out to them. But they make a commitment to listen only to the Voice of Truth. I like the lyrics that declare, "I will listen." this tells me that I must make a choice. The Word of God is to be our final authority on every issue. It is the Voice of Truth. "There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death" (Pr. 14:12; 16:25). Are you listening to what sounds right in your mind or are you listening to the Voice of Truth?
LEADERSHIP AND LAUNCH TEAM MEETINGS! (2/7/09)
Beginning on March 7th, we will have a monthly meeting for the FCFnv Leadership Team and Launch Team. We now have a room reserved for the first Saturday of every month at the Mason District Government Center in Annandale. If you would like to be considered as part of the Leadership Team or Launch Team, please try to make it to these monthly meeting, espcially the first one on March 7th. The Mason District Governmental Center is at 6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003.
THE GLORY OF GRACE! (1/22/09)
Why do Christians tend to fall from the freedom and glory of grace? Having begun in liberty and grace they tend to always inevitably conclude that they must do more. Nearly every church I know and many of the pastors I know attempt to control their congregation through imposing laws or rules on them. Paul was very upset with the Church of Galatia for their sliding back to works of the flesh and legalistic living as an attempt please God or to please others. Doing good works is a good thing only if it is done from a pure love for the Lord and for His people, not just to win favor. You simply cannot win God's favor. It is impossible! Jesus won it for you and He has imputed His righteousness into you, if you are a true born-again believer. You now have favor with God through the Blood of Jesus Christ. Stop trying to work your way into His favor and simply enjoy the glory of His Grace!
JUDGING THE JUDGMENT OF JUDGING! (1/13/09)
How many times have you heard people say that it is wrong for Christians to judge others? You've all heard the critical tone in their voice when they say, "you're judging", as if that is a bad thing. We also are fully aware of the two primary Scripture texts that are used to promote this idea. Jesus said, "Judge not, that ye be not judged"(Mt.7:1). The Living Bible Paraphrase got it right here where it says, "criticize not". The Message Bible says, "Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults.". The other verse used by those who tell us that it is wrong to judge is where Jesus says that those who are without sin are to cast the first stone (Jn.8:7). But let me say that most people take these verses out of their context to make their point. Obviously we are not to be judgmental in a condemning or critical way. But there are plenty of verses that specifically instruct Christians to make wise biblically based judgments of people and situations. Paul tells the Corinthians that they are specifically to judge those who are within the church (I Cor.5:12) and that we Christians will judge the world and the angels (I Cor.6:2-3). We are even told to judge the prophets (I Cor.14:29). Paul even makes the point that the least within the church should be wise enough to make such judgments (I Cor.6:4). We make judgments every day. There is nothing wrong with that. Where judging becomes a wrong thing is when we do so in a critical, condemning attitude. Frankly, that description seems to fit those who are always telling us "you're judging". Perhaps the next time someone tells you "you're judging" you should tell him or her to stop "judging" you. But judging in itself is not a bad thing if it is done out of sincere Christian love and a heart to uplift and encourage.
A LIVING EPISTLE! (1/12/09)
How you live your life on a daily basis will either be a powerful witness to your unsaved family, friend, and neighbors, or it will be an excuse not to believe the Word of God. As Christians, our lives should be a living epistle for all to observe. For that reason, it's vital you live what you claim to believe, because they'll be watching you very closely. It is important that you're faithful to share the Word of God with them when the Holy Spirit prompts you. But it is even more important that your life reflects the truths of Scripture. Not just for family and friends, but don't ignore the other minor relationships in your life like waitresses in your favorite restaurant, the bank teller in your bank, gas-station attendants, and others. Though you aren't close to any of these people, you do have somewhat of a relationship with them. In fact, anyone you do business with or encounter on a regular basis is a candidate for building a relationship in which to share Jesus with him or her. Every day we should live our lives with the knowledge that we are somebody's divine appointment, to introduce him or her to Jesus. We must be obedient to take advantage of the opportunities that come our way to share the love of God!
SOMEBODY'S DIVINE APPOINTMENT! (1/11/09)
So often we "Word of Faith" believers tend to develop the mindset that God is moving people in and out of our lives to minister to our needs and desires. But we must not overlook that God is also moving us in and out of other people's lives to minister to their concerns. Every day we should live our lives with the knowledge that we are somebody's divine appointment, to introduce him or her to Jesus, His Word, and His promises. We must be obedient to take advantage of the opportunities that come our way to share the love of God. I can think of several occasions when I was upset with myself for missed opportunities to share the Gospel of Christ. After the individual left my presence, God reminded me of something they said that was a perfect opening for me to share either a Bible verse, a personal testimony, or something that might've prompted them to consider the ways of God. I just want to encourage all of us to stay aware of those whose paths cross ours. You might be a Divine appointment today. You might have something important to add to someone's understanding of God, His grace, and His love.
AWESOME GRACE! (1/10/09)
God's grace towards us is truly amazing, beyond comprehension. Grace is perhaps one of those words that everyone has heard, and nearly everyone thinks they have a basic understanding of what it means, but in reality very few actually comprehend it. In the Christian community we are surrounded by the word. We even have schools and churches with the word "Grace" as part of their name, yet most of those within those walls couldn't properly define it to you. Additionally, we all have sung songs such as Amazing Grace. We are constantly surrounded by this word, but do we truly understand the magnitude of grace? Yet, I'd say that "Grace" is an incredibly critical and important doctrine of Christianity. Most denominations and traditional churches tend to impose some form of legalism on their members. Even the non-denominational and Charismatic groups have the tendency to unknowingly slip in that direction. Even after being set free from the bondages of legalism, most Christians tend to slip back into a degree of legalism, without even knowing that they are doing so.
LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE IN 2009! (1/2/2009)
Psalm 37:6 = He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, And your justice as the noonday.
Matthew 5:14-16 = You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
I want to challenge each of you to let your light shine, as never before, in the year 2009. Too many Chirstians have allowed their light to go out. Instead of shining brightly in the darkness, they have allowed the darkness of the world to consume them, and put out their light. As Christians we need to have Christ first place in our lives. We should not just blend in with the crowd. We are to be a peculiar people (I Pe.2:9). That means there should be something distinctively different about us, as followers of Christ. Too many Christians are lowering their standards, compromising their integrity, and following the ways of the world. Jesus tells us that there is a broad way that many will follow that leads to destruction. The narrow way, which few will follow, is the path that leads us to fellowship with Him for eternity (Mt.7:13-14). The only way to make your light shine is to draw closer to the True Light Himself and allow His light to reflect through you (John 1:9; II Cor.3:18; II John 8).
WE'RE STILL SEEKING PRAYER PARTNERS! (1/1/2009)
A couple of months ago, we set out to find 120 people who would agree to become prayer partners with this ministry. A Prayer Partner is someone who would agree to pray for this ministry and its vision on a regular basis, as the Lord brings us to your mind, preferably at least once per week. At this time, we only have 16 people who have agreed to be Prayer Partners, so we have a ways to go to reach that goal of 120. If you have not done so yet, please consider being a Prayer Partner by going to the Prayer Partner page of our website, www.abidinglife.net/prayer_partner. As a Prayer Partner, you are not committing to attend any meetings or to donate any money. The only thing you are committing to is to pray. But prayer, when mixed with the God-kind-of-faith, is the most powerful force on Earth. Thanks for your support. | |
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