Quick Quip- More than just a Fan

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Some churches have a strange agenda. They think it’s a good idea to take in people unchanged by the gospel and then have them a part of the ministry. This is only to increase numbers and to also tell people on the outside that “Hey, we are not like those judgemental church people. We’re the cool ones!” But what they don’t realize is how dangerous that is.

What is the point of the gospel? It is the good news!

It is where the holy spirit after initially saving someone eternally they will then try to learn grow in that life and be changed from the inside out. But some churches like I previously referred to act like they are more of a fan club. They only skim a person’s comfort zone like they are hoping the person will be okay and be on their side.

Doing that is not only halting Christ’s kingdom but is not lasting in the long run. There is a huge difference with having something like a fanclub which can easily end in a month but an eternity is forever no matter where a soul ends up going. Ultimately there are only two locations at the end of life: There is to be in Heaven or hell.

I choose to be more than just a fan. This is for me and the people around us not because I’m “judgemental” as people would accuse but because what God’s word says is in contrast to what we may expect; but it is also beneficial if we want to go to heaven and also on this earth guide people who will disciple others in leading them towards Jesus.

Quick UPDATE-7/29/17

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Just two things.

I wanted everyone to know that first of all I apologize for not making any new blog entries. Life and many things (e. g. My usual insecure feelings about being unsure anything I say would be possibly wrong or not from the holy spirit. You guys know already about that, I covered that in one of my past updates, haha!). I also wanted to say that there will be more entries soon. While I might do the film reviews that I promised (and if not they WILL happen after I get some other things off my chest) I also will do more bible guide-type things as well. I hope you have been looking for stuff like that.

Also there is a warning. I have no actual idea why but someone has been desperately trying to hack into my account. So if I ever “say” anything unusual on here it is probably not me. I couldn’t help but feel it was some attempt on trying to sabotage me or the site but I don’t know. Just letting you know of everything.

God bless you everyone!

~Chris

Quick Quip- Do you love?

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I was just reading a book speaking and defending Christ and the Holy Bible versus a cult group. It is a common cult began around the 19th century and is still common to this day. It has got me wondering, do I love people around me?

I mean as in a person commanded by God, do I really care if I avoid witnessing? Too often is it easy to avoid something if one doesn’t come across teasing, spiritual attack at times, and even serious persecution. But the Lord has commanded us.

I think of so many people even ones I have contact with on a daily basis. Do I really love them if I avoid sharing during at least one moment Christ to them? It’s worth it even with all the name-calling and negative responses I might get.

In my country a lot of Christians avoid talking about God because its too easy but ones should think of this. Do you want all the people you don’t know if they know Jesus to go to hell? I think not!

If we don’t we should all love first… then pray and depend on the Holy Spirit as the Word will help us with the rest. Seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness… it’s all good to the great God who is love.

 

 

Something new to share!-6/28/16

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This is totally unexpected for me which makes it kind of exciting. I put the title as this because I looked back and saw I didn’t call the last time I called this a devotion but did tag it as “holy word” so hopefully it will be linked to this in the suggestions below the article after one clicks it.

My church had one class that just ended and before it did we went over Acts 17 (we went from verse 16 to 27). I might not get to that part here because something came up while getting to read the earlier part. I have not read much of the bible so getting into it for the first time for myself was nice. I hope to go over these parts again and again during my personal devotions in the future as they will be as exciting as these times right now!

When you read the bible you always find something new. As you grow more you will find something else that you hadn’t noticed; it is evident you are growing more in the Lord as God also blesses you when you read His word.

So to get on, I just wanted to read the earlier part of this chapter in case I was unfamiliar with it. Then this devotion came about. SO here we go…!

 

 

Paul went through Amphipolis and Apollonia and ended up at a synagogue in Thessalonica. Then as his custom he spoke to them about the scriptures for three Sabbaths. (verse 3 para.) explaining, Christ had to suffer, die and rose from the dead: “This Jesus whom I speak to you is the Christ.” (verse 4 para.) Some responded and then a huge group of devout Greeks and more than few of the leading women, joined Paul and Silas.

But the Jews who had not responded in a positive way, had taken people from the marketplace, set all the city in an uproar and attacked the house of Jason. They sought to bring the people out from there. But they could not find them so they dragged Jason and some of the brethren to the rulers of the city. They were mad that they had harbored the people who were against what they believed, they spoke of a king named Jesus and that was not their king Caesar. And they troubled the crowd and the rulers of the city when they heard these things spoken. (verse 9) So when they had taken security from Jason and the rest, they let them go.

(finally, verse 10-15 para.) The brethren sent Paul and Silas by night to Berea. There they went to the synagogue at that location and the response there was blessed. They responded greatly, many examining the scriptures to see if what was said about those things were true. They reacted better than the ones who were at Thessalonica. Yet the people from Thessalonica heard this was happening in Berea, so they then went there and stirred up the crowds. So the brethren sent Paul to the sea while Timothy and Silas remained there in the land. So Paul was then conducted by a group to go to Athens. Then after a command Timothy and Silas would soon be headed there also.

 

It’s so sad when people get so stubborn or bent on “attacking” others over belief. Here in America it seems to happen all the time. People pull bibles out of school, take the Ten Commandments out of any governmental building, are outraged when God is mentioned just inside their comfort zones.

To many people it seems belief in God “stirs up” the feelings of people in response of sin. This is unresolved sin. We all have been enemies of God, easily grown by our own way separate from Him.

When all people want to argue on what they feel is the truth people get passionate but they can get the wrong kind of passion. This here seems to be a response by Satan. Every time truth was extolled, there were these people ready to pour in, stir up people to get them angry, and they were making trouble in the land; in this case did so in two places, at first in Thessalonica, then they travelled to continue this kind of anarchy into Berea.

God always helps the ones who want to serve and live for Him. While we see things here that might be discouraging to Paul, Silas, and the others serving for Christ we also see that they get refuge and are protected within all of it as well. It’s such a wonderful image.

If you want to serve Him, delve into a ministry. Surely you won’t like the barrage of the devil’s attacks but greater the wisdom in you as you trust in Christ, by His blood and be guided by His way. There is an amazing journey if you want to live by serving and also seeking for the kingdom of God, let His light shine in your heart and you will see.

Trust in love and He will guide you Amen.

 

 

Quick Quip-To Disciple

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I should not only think this as our church’s Missions Conference is coming up and it is to disciple but that is one commandment of God we sometimes neglect to think about.

We should as a church guide others spiritually to help mature the body but also to make servant disciples of Jesus Christ. It is God’s goal that His word be spread everywhere the one following Jesus will go for their mission so it must be so and intentionally done.

For too long I have felt like ones within the church. I kept letting feelings and insecurities hold me back, thinking that I lost Christ’s calling at least once every year but it is not true (it probably was a tactic from Satan to think that way).

And now I hope you desire if you spend time in His word when you can to do so for people of your church or join one to gain fellowship, guidance, and learning of what the bible tells of through the books of amazing stories. Talk to new people visiting and get to know them. Also share Christ with people that if spirit-led would be situations of opportunities presented by God’s will. He will give you chances, then people will by Christ’s power be saved!

I want to be one of many who want to share with each other as we are united by His blood and now share each others love and gifts within God’s family.

Be like a disciple-maker today!

Jesus said:

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. ~Matthew 28, verse 19

 

 

 

Preview: Whats to Come!

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Hi sorry for the preview instead of a full article. I just wanted to tell you hopes that are going on for this site and you guys deserve to know what’s coming.

Content-wise I have learned to only put on family-oriented film reviews on here or at the least films that a Christian audience would see. No rated R films on here!!! I made the mistake of putting on other reviews (well one anyway) and I couldn’t help but realize it threw off the balance of my blog. Early blog readers, that’s why that review is gone just to let you know!

Anyway I was digressing a little… I told people of this a while ago that I would do a movie series. Well that movie series is the Left Behind movie trilogy! While not every movie is totally great (the first film decided not to share a message. Why? Just because people that didn’t know the Lord would see it?? Did they not understand the reason for the movie?) but it is still better probably than the Nic Cage version. Note: I bought that version at a 7-11 and STILL have not watched it. I just hope it’s worth the 3.99 and not nixing the 3, haha! Just kidding. Was an exaggeration but I don’t remember the price, anyway….!

I will soon post a blog article on blessings. I rarely do drafts before posting online but it started that way for this case (also happened for “Tight and Secure” too!) so hope to finish it.

And there is one more tri-book review. This one under a completely different theme. Well kind of like the ones about the fiction thriller and the true story autobiography of the young woman who ended up knowing Christ, like that!

Hope everyone has a good day!

 

 

 

 

 

Sin Undone-6/5/16

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I have too much of a busy schedule, it feels like to me. I am grateful to work but sometimes I can’t even rest. I’ve got work on the weekends and plus at church I couldn’t even stay because of duties so I had to up and exit the sanctuary. I hope this all doesn’t overwhelm me! Sigh*~

 

Hello. I hope you have had a relaxing Memorial Day of reflection as well as just time off to have fun and enjoy life.

You know sometimes we take it for granted this thing called life. We think we have all the time in the world so we turn to back things that we were rescued from and get ourselves stuck into the “pit” again and again.

What is the “pit” you wonder? It is the trap that we sometimes ensnare for ourselves. At first it is temptation leading to giving in to the sin. But if we are not serious about repentance, the telling to God that we are sorry and we turn away and will go back to Him, we get ourselves led back into falling again.

Falling and getting out. Repeat.

That struggle can be so discouraging. A person I know unfortunately has turned that way and ended up not in this world anymore. It’s sad to see someone that knew the truth be in a situation that they did not want to leave.

But our sin sometimes gets us in a loop.

I’ve been in that “loop” many times. Saying “I’m sorry God, forgive me…” then doing that deed again.

Sometimes we may get deeper, knowing that we shouldn’t but that want to turn from God is just too good, like a piece of your favorite dessert.

Then you partake and realize you are not satisfied. You can never be satisfied.

Yet it is so seemingly enjoyable to get into again… we’ll think maybe this time we will get it right and it will be so “good”!

But it never is. Why is that?

Because we live in a fallen world and we desire something but the thing that was our first want was to sin. After the fall of the world through one man who had the responsibility to say no there was sin that entered the world.

And sin is evil!

It is the world: it is all bad, it is fallen, the reason we have death and so much bad in this place here on earth.

But if you know Christ, should you keep heading down this path? As in getting into tons of stuff you shouldn’t?

Paul has said something about that. Should we keep sinning harshly just because we have a savior to turn to that will have God forgive us?

Yes or no?

What do you think?

I think that we are free to do what we want but if we want to serve God we have to realize we should make more decisions for the Lord.

That means though our sin nature fights it at times, we have to look to God in all circumstances if we want to serve Him.

A servant of Jesus should not be turning to ways of the world as a daily ritual. That makes our hearts unclean when they should be filled by the Holy Spirit.

That makes us less like a lover of Christ and more like a person of solitude because of sins.

Or a person that just wants to neglect all that God’s will has for them and will be provided to them.

That means not looking to other ways for truth and instead keeping your eyes on the mount and our feet firmly on solid ground. The ground of the Rock, the solid place of Jesus Christ.

We can continue on and live with prospering lives if we deny ourselves and seek His will. But God still does want us to make our own choices.

We don’t have to do that because God wants us to follow Him. There is no way but Jesus. God’s word says: Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the father except through me.”

And Jesus made that way, did the penalty for us and our sin. He died on the cross, rose again, and lives in Heaven one day coming to do the final things this earth has yet to see.

Would you want your friends to fall into those days? I don’t think so. We should live as pure hearts of Jesus’ love, sacrifice our time, give our lives so that people would learn of the truth, and just be love to them.

Just showing love is the first step. How do you want to do it?

That is the one step where there is the undoing of sin. If your heart is clean because of forgiveness or because you show His love to others around you, what does that say to your life?

You are a new creation in Christ. Your old self died with Him on the cross. That person is now no longer a part of you… isn’t that exciting???

To have no more sin to account against you and make you dead to the world and to go to hell… because of Christ that is no longer a part of you.

Amen! We should share this news and love and mercy to others because He makes all things possible. And He will undo so much bad stuff in others lives as a result. It is His power. We must know that love can sweep it all away, move and change hearts, and give people a brand new purpose!

How sweet is that news?

Let’s as Christians (or if you are a new Christian or interested, message me on comments) see God undo the chains we sometimes let ourselves get shackled with and serve with lives pleasing to Him…

🙂

 

 

 

Blog Entry-6/3/16

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A close family of mine has just had a terrible tragedy. I have grown up with them almost all my life and a main member died a traumatic way. They need prayers of comfort and love revealed during this time.

Well these two days I feel like have been as long as a year! A time of growth and tragedy, a time to try to move on and mature, just so much going on.

It started on Wednesday. My brothers were planning on going to a bar in Philly and perform for Open Mic. I was getting ready to tell someone I knew from the past about how well I was doing when I was devastated by news.

The death. No one saw it coming. I worried and sent a message then called the family member that made the post. We cried as we talked. Then I told members I was planning to see them as soon as I could the next day… it was horrible to not see them, even panic because they were going through this and I felt like I could only do this stupid show!

I thought I was helpless with this music thing and had to leave it up to God for the moment. Boy, that was so tough.

I hurt for this family… I loved the mother like my own…

 

After knocking some sense into some people about what had happened (haha, just kidding guys, hope you’re not reading this!) they wanted to comfort me. They were worried like crazy about an entertainment show at a place far from here that they had hoped to go to and then found out about the death.

They realized immediately how serious it was.

While I was gathering my bearings I made them some breakfast. Was surprised I fed myself but I had to get some nourishment.

Making coffee then toast with some peanut butter, honey and sunflower seeds. I also gave the two people (one my bro!) a hard-boiled egg each since they hadn’t eaten yet.

After a slow, agonizing few hours we eventually got to do a quick rundown of our songs.

Then we headed out to get to the Septa travelling, just the two bros and I!

Getting there it was so awesome to see in person a guy there leading the Open Mic (and he also was playing songs for the people there with his well-known band). I hope he will be alright and care about him a lot.

We got to perform and again we had sound issues. Oh well… I have got to learn to get right into the mic, almost kiss it when I sing (haha!).

Anyway awesome bands played. Indie music is pretty awesome. I thought one big highlight was FLNG. They played awesome! Also I got to talk to Rob McCall. He was doing some great stuff and after it was all over we walked most of the way toward our Subway destination and chatted with him.

I told him that my one bro and I had this band years ago. We just until recently had never even played a note, hahaha!

Then I told him stuff as to why I wasn’t able to go to all Open Mics and he said, that is great. I was involved in ministry at my church.

He saw us off and we said good bye. Then we headed home. Oh yeah just because I was being silly I thought before we got there to write on my knuckles, a “tattoo” as it were.

People that know me know what the subject was. Rabbits!

I put on the eight fingers “I heart bunny” then an outline of a bunny face. I am weird, if you don’t know that you don’t know me, hahahaha!

Anyway I got home, ate and went to bed.

Then I got to see the family the next day….

 

Well it’s just crazy how drastic life can be at times. None of us can get used to it but we always have to adjust. It’s sometimes hard, very hard but you and I can find the strength to carry on if you have faith. Thank God if you know Him!

 

Freedom that Stands-5/30/16

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This Memorial Day should be a time of remembering sacrifice but I also want to share some extra thoughts as well.

We should be grateful of the ones who fight for our country, the ones who lay down their lives everyday so that we could have freedom.

You know there is a television show that came out some decades ago and one of the stories touched my heart. On the show MASH there was a sequence where Radar and another person were observing women possibly slaves scanning a field for mines.

They didn’t like knowing that someone had ordered people who were human beings to go outside and use sticks to touch possible explosives that were hidden in the high grass.

Suddenly without warning a mine goes off and a woman drops. Radar, thinking and caring for her safety and not thinking of his own charges into the field as the other person shouts for him not to go out there.

He grabs her and carries her to where the other soldier is possibly going to get her medical treatment.

Now just typing that now I got really emotional again. I don’t get that way because I think a tv show is real (it’s just a dern piece of media, hehe!)… what gently moves my heart is that it is representative of the soldier.

They go far to help fellow brothers, or fellow soldiers even if their own safety is at stake. They’d drop onto the mine and let it detonate themselves just so their friends would be safe. They’d make the sacrifice that many of us today either take for granted or think of our own troubles which are small and petty sometimes versus what they still go through to this day.

We, wherever we come from, have a military that is fighting for freedom in your place, your country, your continent that you live in.

“Fighting for freedom in your place” I hadn’t meant to say that. Now that reminds me of something else__:

God made a way by sending his son Jesus Christ to day in your place. Do you think this is just religion? No, sometimes we do things in a religious way but that is doing so in the wrong heart. Religion is false but a relationship with Jesus is true. It starts with our realization that God loves us, He wants us to know that He could save us because of what He had done and what His son had done which was die bodily on the cross and then in three days, rise again, bodily and wholly, and go to Heaven, ensuring us He is one day coming again.

Did you know that God loves you so much? You may be hurting but no matter what you are going through He still loves you. He makes you know that all He wants is for you to know Him. He wants a relationship with you. If you do, you will be blessed in ways this world will not understand but you will know in your heart what He has done.

There is mercy by what was done through the cross. His son took all of your and the world’s sin. He also bled on the cross which is why we needed our sins paid for and forgiven. Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

He was like a lamb to be sacrificed but He was THE lamb, the ultimate and only sacrifice that would cover all sin.

 

God has made His people and they need to be saved because of sin. We all sinned and not one is innocent except Jesus who was and is man and God.

He redeemed the people who are willing to hear, would you want to know of Christ’s sacrifice?

Again drawing attention on Memorial day I have posted a pic on social media that has made me want to cry. I first saw it in high school, it is a painting, a portrait of a man standing at the Vietnam Memorial. His head is bowed and he is crying as he puts his hand on the wall full of the names of the people who died during that war.

In the reflection is a hand touching his. It is his younger self… and he and his fellow fallen troop are staring back at him.

It makes me cry and I know one person who served this country. He doesn’t seem to understand that I am moved by what the soldier has done for this country.

It seems he feels that a person has to serve the country to appreciate it. I myself have never served but I get emotional at their ultimate sacrifice.

I also was moved reading a book about C. S. Lewis. He has served his country and when he struggled with if God existed or not became bitter to the world. He later was changed by Christ and became one of the biggest defender and apologetics in the faith.

He also was used in sad situations, almost like men and women willing to be sacrificed in time as they’d know Jesus.

He was told to give a sermon to a huge team of pilots. As they explained the real reason he was surprised (he probably was going to cry at the thought). They were concerned for these pilots’ souls. They were more than likely about to head to their deaths (it was like a 90% chance of fatality for them) as they would head toward enemy territory, protecting their land at home. They would probably get hit by antagonistic warfare fighting for their side.

C. S. Lewis preached to these people. And God’s Word was not returned void.

So do you want to know of the Ultimate Sacrifice of Christ? He lived in a holy land and because of sin was ordered by the people (no different than us) to die on the cross for blaspheming that He was the King, the I Am. He was the king of the Jews but the Lord can also be lord of our hearts and our lives.

God would not want you to perish from sin and be separated from Him for all eternity. This life may not be our only one but it is critical if you have thoughts that are not right to what God wants for you.

God wants you to know He loves you. He provided the way and He can through His Son and provide the way in your life today.

Accept Christ. It is the best gift you could receive today.

Your sin can only get you one way, but Christ died for it so that you wouldn’t end up in that place called hell.

His death was for your life; his payment gave you the chance to be accepted into His kingdom. Pray and know the Lord today.

If you know the Lord then God says you are one of His people and He is your God. He loves you and I hope you experience His amazing grace, something He gives us that we do not deserve.

How exciting it is that He is your God?? You can stand in true spiritual freedom if it is so.

God bless you and meditate on the Lord this Memorial Day.

“These things I have spoken to you so that in me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33