And some of them said, "Could not this Man, who opened the eyes of the blind, also have kept this man from dying?" (John 11:37)
Sitting listening to music on a rainy day. A text message comes through. It announces the accidental death of a young man. I have never met him, but we connect. Jeremy, a member of my church, was ushered into scouting by his now deceased friend. Dead at the age of 22 years, his brother once spoke at our church for Boy Scouts Sunday. He experienced life. Now he has the experience of death.
Earlier this month, my friend died in an automobile accident. Millon Plyler at the age of 65 years was hit while driving his car when someone illegally crossed the opposite median. When it happened, I had no questions. My experience of life had taught me that questions change nothing. I had to accept the hurt and pain of lost, then look for the gain of heaven and reality of his life beyond death.
Jesus Christ, who I believe, is the source of eternal life. I do not know much about Jeremy's friend. I know more about Millon. My knowledge or lack of knowledge would not change the experience of life. It would not keep them from living or dying. There is only one source that changes our experience of life and death. Jesus Christ!
Could not Jesus, who performs miracles, have kept these men from dying? He did, not because of what we know about them beyond the fact of faith. By your faith are you made whole. By faith we worship, and our works through the experience of life expose the reality of our eternity.
When I come to die, give me Jesus, then my experience of life begins in the end.
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, grant life unto the souls of faith. Amen
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Bringing Jesus Christ Beyond The Walls
Now unto Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)
United Methodists of the Metropolitan District in the New York Annual Conference are returning to street evangelism on August 2, 2008. The people call Methodists believe they have riches to offer people of New York City that has forever been available in the city, but too many people remain poor in spiritual matters.
The move from spiritual depravity into spiritual formation is as simple as believing in Jesus Christ, and as challenging as believing in Jesus Christ. Faith is the way of salvation. Only believe. Believing in Jesus Christ, however, is more than word of mouth. Believing in Jesus Christ is living by the Word of God as revealed in the Holy Scripture and daily lived by believers.
People called Methodists are energized and motivated to offer unto all the Word, which can transform the life of anyone with ears to hear. What is the message coming forth to change lives in New York City, and prayerfully bring in over 3000 new converts?
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, bless us beyond the walls in our discipleship. Amen
United Methodists of the Metropolitan District in the New York Annual Conference are returning to street evangelism on August 2, 2008. The people call Methodists believe they have riches to offer people of New York City that has forever been available in the city, but too many people remain poor in spiritual matters.
The move from spiritual depravity into spiritual formation is as simple as believing in Jesus Christ, and as challenging as believing in Jesus Christ. Faith is the way of salvation. Only believe. Believing in Jesus Christ, however, is more than word of mouth. Believing in Jesus Christ is living by the Word of God as revealed in the Holy Scripture and daily lived by believers.
People called Methodists are energized and motivated to offer unto all the Word, which can transform the life of anyone with ears to hear. What is the message coming forth to change lives in New York City, and prayerfully bring in over 3000 new converts?
- Communion with God is the blessing of living in peace with God.
- We stand tall, when we bow unto the will of God.
- Beyond the walls of the church, Jesus may be heard louder than within the walls.
- God has blessed the method of evangelism among Methodists, so that we may bless others.
- We are winners, because we pray.
- Come to Jesus, He has been waiting for you to call on His name, so come. Come as you are!
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, bless us beyond the walls in our discipleship. Amen
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
The Darkness of A Human Heart
They answered Him, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus said to them, "I am He." And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. (John 18:5)
In July of 2008, I preached a series on "Go to Hell Judas!" I know there can only be one Judas, because there is only one Jesus. We do not have another master of the "darkest human heart," in that we need not another Master of our souls to save us. What we have in the world today has to do with the Judas mindsets over against those of us who are by faith to be like Jesus. In my heart, in my mind, in my loving, and my entire being - I want to be like Jesus. What about those who are like minded to Judas?
I could not imagine ever finding a friend, who would turn on me as Judas turned on Jesus. Sorry, I could not. Those of you who encountered such early in life, it had to be horrible living so many years in suspect of other friends doing the same. Really. When at the age of 50 I was betrayed by a friend among friends, in the instant I became suspect of all. Miserable living.
Then, I studied again the story of Jesus. Believing in Jesus humbles me. I am no where near the worth of Christ, yet am worth so much that Christ died even for me. In so dying for me, He died for all believing in Him. I quickly let go of the feelings and suspicious behavior toward all. Not everyone has a Judas mindset. Even so, my prayer is for the poison in the heart of my so-call friend and others in the mindset of Judas to be removed. May our betraying and backstabbing would be friends be transformed within their hearts and come to live in the mind of Jesus Christ.
Judas should never be considered godly. Persons in the likeness of Judas are like dirty and deceased dogs. They are liars. Smiling in your face, while awaiting moments to back stab you. Cunning and tricky. Pray for them. Jesus did. They are not always persons you know to be unchristian. They may be so-called Christians, who are insincere and prying on your turf. Watch them dogs! However, in the end, it is not about you or me. No, no, no, it is never a sin against us. The sin is always against God.
What we are challenged to do each day has to do with looking in the mirror and asking: What kiss do I have for the God today?
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, I kiss you today from within a clean heart. Cleanse me for tomorrow and beyond that I may kiss you over and over with a heart of love. Amen.
In July of 2008, I preached a series on "Go to Hell Judas!" I know there can only be one Judas, because there is only one Jesus. We do not have another master of the "darkest human heart," in that we need not another Master of our souls to save us. What we have in the world today has to do with the Judas mindsets over against those of us who are by faith to be like Jesus. In my heart, in my mind, in my loving, and my entire being - I want to be like Jesus. What about those who are like minded to Judas?
I could not imagine ever finding a friend, who would turn on me as Judas turned on Jesus. Sorry, I could not. Those of you who encountered such early in life, it had to be horrible living so many years in suspect of other friends doing the same. Really. When at the age of 50 I was betrayed by a friend among friends, in the instant I became suspect of all. Miserable living.
Then, I studied again the story of Jesus. Believing in Jesus humbles me. I am no where near the worth of Christ, yet am worth so much that Christ died even for me. In so dying for me, He died for all believing in Him. I quickly let go of the feelings and suspicious behavior toward all. Not everyone has a Judas mindset. Even so, my prayer is for the poison in the heart of my so-call friend and others in the mindset of Judas to be removed. May our betraying and backstabbing would be friends be transformed within their hearts and come to live in the mind of Jesus Christ.
Judas should never be considered godly. Persons in the likeness of Judas are like dirty and deceased dogs. They are liars. Smiling in your face, while awaiting moments to back stab you. Cunning and tricky. Pray for them. Jesus did. They are not always persons you know to be unchristian. They may be so-called Christians, who are insincere and prying on your turf. Watch them dogs! However, in the end, it is not about you or me. No, no, no, it is never a sin against us. The sin is always against God.
What we are challenged to do each day has to do with looking in the mirror and asking: What kiss do I have for the God today?
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, I kiss you today from within a clean heart. Cleanse me for tomorrow and beyond that I may kiss you over and over with a heart of love. Amen.
The Reasons for Prayer
I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; (John 17:20)
Jesus prayed for me. Why? And, if you believe in him through the Word of his disciples, He prayed for you. Why?
The Gospel of John reveals that Jesus prayed for Himself, for His disciples, and for all believers. In the 17th Chapter of the revealing Word, Jesus is praying. I love that Jesus prayed for us. What touches me most is not that the Savior would pray for us, but the reasons for His praying.
Because God loves us, we want to follow the Word of God. We want to be like Jesus and abide in the Word as the Word abides in us. We want to share in the mission of Jesus Christ and soak in the glory of God. We are not ashamed of God. We are not ashamed to live in the Prince of peace or embodiment of the King of kings. We want to be like Jesus.
This, I pray: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, bless us to be as You are that we may live in You as You live in God, so that God lives in us. God, we are drawn into You, be embedded withing us. Amen.
Jesus prayed for me. Why? And, if you believe in him through the Word of his disciples, He prayed for you. Why?
The Gospel of John reveals that Jesus prayed for Himself, for His disciples, and for all believers. In the 17th Chapter of the revealing Word, Jesus is praying. I love that Jesus prayed for us. What touches me most is not that the Savior would pray for us, but the reasons for His praying.
- He prayed for our unity - oneness. That we might come together in spiritual unity with God and our Savior. Believing that God sent Jesus for our salvation. Jesus prayed for us!
- He prayed that we may know the love of God. To be loved by God, and know it. Jesus prayed for us!
- He prayed that we may share in the glory of being children of God. Here and now on earth we are to be in the glory of God. Jesus prayed for us!
Because God loves us, we want to follow the Word of God. We want to be like Jesus and abide in the Word as the Word abides in us. We want to share in the mission of Jesus Christ and soak in the glory of God. We are not ashamed of God. We are not ashamed to live in the Prince of peace or embodiment of the King of kings. We want to be like Jesus.
This, I pray: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, bless us to be as You are that we may live in You as You live in God, so that God lives in us. God, we are drawn into You, be embedded withing us. Amen.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Standing For or Against Jesus
"Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always to the end of the age.'" (Matthew 28:16-20)
Three groups of persons are reflected in Matthew's Gospel as having opportunity to stand for or against Jesus. Jesus disciples, the crowds, and the Jewish leaders. We know that the disciples, with the exception of Judas Iscariot, stood with Jesus, especially post His resurrection. We also know that the Jewish leaders stood against Him, and ultimately turn a once admiring crowd into a people asking for the death of Jesus. Wow! How soon people can change.
Faith seldom views movies. Love, however, led her into the theatre when asked to view Hancock. Hancock, a superhero, while helping the crowd was ripping the City of Angeles apart. The crowd disliked him. An image maker took interest in changing the image of his hero. He convinced Hancock to serve a term in prison for the havoc he had placed on the city, until the people called for him. Surely, when they needed him most he came through outfitted to save good people and punish the bad guys. His image was given new birth, when he rescued the city from criminals. Wow! How soon people can change.
Some people never change soon enough. In fact, some may never change. In a manual on discipleship, "Matthew exalts Jesus as the supreme Lord and teacher of the historical disciples and the post resurrection community." (M.J. Wilkins) If the Gospel of Matthew can be the manual, then Jesus must be the model for discipleship. Jesus called, trained, and commissioned the disciples to carry out the great mandate to "make disciples." If Faith could be influenced to view a movie, most people may respond to the authority given believers to bring individuals to seeing Jesus. Wow! People can quickly change.
Members of Metropolitan Community United Methodist Church in Harlem, NY are being asked to usher 200 new members into the congregation this year. The Metropolitan District of the New York Annual Conference has been issued a call to bring in 3000 new Christians into the United Methodist Church. The plan of evangelism is real simple and plain - give people Jesus. Jesus' calls us to a life of obedience, accountability in discipleship groups, costly allegiance to the ministry, and fellowship with diversity of people. We are to follow Jesus faithfully attached, continuing to count the cost, becoming like Jesus preaching the same message, teaching the same ministry, and showing the same compassion. So that commissioned by Jesus, we make disciples throughout the communities, baptizing in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We are to teach people to be obedient, because know Jesus is with us always and forever.
Now is the time to hear the Savior calling and invite five people weekly to come follow Jesus, and be baptized in the Name. We will teach you, and faith will save you. Yes, we are people, and we can quickly change. Have you brought five people to Christ this year? Change now and bring in five times five: twenty-five church members. Wow! People can change, will you?
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, change us, so that we may be agents of change for you. Amen.
LAR1
Three groups of persons are reflected in Matthew's Gospel as having opportunity to stand for or against Jesus. Jesus disciples, the crowds, and the Jewish leaders. We know that the disciples, with the exception of Judas Iscariot, stood with Jesus, especially post His resurrection. We also know that the Jewish leaders stood against Him, and ultimately turn a once admiring crowd into a people asking for the death of Jesus. Wow! How soon people can change.
Faith seldom views movies. Love, however, led her into the theatre when asked to view Hancock. Hancock, a superhero, while helping the crowd was ripping the City of Angeles apart. The crowd disliked him. An image maker took interest in changing the image of his hero. He convinced Hancock to serve a term in prison for the havoc he had placed on the city, until the people called for him. Surely, when they needed him most he came through outfitted to save good people and punish the bad guys. His image was given new birth, when he rescued the city from criminals. Wow! How soon people can change.
Some people never change soon enough. In fact, some may never change. In a manual on discipleship, "Matthew exalts Jesus as the supreme Lord and teacher of the historical disciples and the post resurrection community." (M.J. Wilkins) If the Gospel of Matthew can be the manual, then Jesus must be the model for discipleship. Jesus called, trained, and commissioned the disciples to carry out the great mandate to "make disciples." If Faith could be influenced to view a movie, most people may respond to the authority given believers to bring individuals to seeing Jesus. Wow! People can quickly change.
Members of Metropolitan Community United Methodist Church in Harlem, NY are being asked to usher 200 new members into the congregation this year. The Metropolitan District of the New York Annual Conference has been issued a call to bring in 3000 new Christians into the United Methodist Church. The plan of evangelism is real simple and plain - give people Jesus. Jesus' calls us to a life of obedience, accountability in discipleship groups, costly allegiance to the ministry, and fellowship with diversity of people. We are to follow Jesus faithfully attached, continuing to count the cost, becoming like Jesus preaching the same message, teaching the same ministry, and showing the same compassion. So that commissioned by Jesus, we make disciples throughout the communities, baptizing in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We are to teach people to be obedient, because know Jesus is with us always and forever.
Now is the time to hear the Savior calling and invite five people weekly to come follow Jesus, and be baptized in the Name. We will teach you, and faith will save you. Yes, we are people, and we can quickly change. Have you brought five people to Christ this year? Change now and bring in five times five: twenty-five church members. Wow! People can change, will you?
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, change us, so that we may be agents of change for you. Amen.
LAR1
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Go To Hell Judas
Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, "What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?" And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver.
Did Judas go to heaven or hell? Some have attempted to answer the question based on logic. Others on the nature of a forgiving God, who foreordained Judas to do as he chose. One thing for sure, Judas had every opportunity to change his mind. God has so designed the world that we have free will. Our free will does not change the ultimate of God's plan. However, it may alter how the plan is carryout.
God created the world for a right relationship with humankind. Human sin altered the means of the relationship, but the act of Jesus Christ as a means of grace brought back the ultimate of the will of God. Through Christ we are brought into right relationship with God. "God so loved the world that He gave His only Begotten Son, so that whoever believes in him should not parish but have everlasting life." John 3:16
James Farmer, Sr. is reflected on in a recent movie as having asked his son: "Junior, what is the greatest weakness of man?" Junior answered: "Doubt. Disbelief." Failure to believe in Jesus as the true Christ/Messiah was the greatest weakness of Judas. Judas had, like every other human, many flaws but none greater than his doubt in Jesus as the Messiah.
His doubt led him to turn Jesus over, not his sinful lust, greed, or even love for money. It was his lack of assurance that Jesus was actually who he claimed to be. So, when he was fed up with the leadership of the one he came to believe was the great pretender, Judas betrayed Jesus. It is not enough to confess Christ and join the church. We need to give Christ our hearts, and give our minds Christ. The love of Jesus Christ will bring us to open our hearts and let faith in Jesus abide. If we let Jesus in, we will come to know He is our Savior, Lord of lords, King of kings, the Son of God. Judas never came to believe.
Jesus announced to God that he had kept all who the Father had given Him, except the one who God knew would be faking good until the day of betrayal. Peter acknowledged that Judas having betrayed Jesus was lost and fell to his death with his internal parts bursting out of his body. Peter also "said to them, 'Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'" Acts 2:38
Judas never came to believe in Jesus as Messiah, and fail to repent once he witnessed the sentencing of an innocent man, who he betrayed. Did Judas go to heaven or hell? You choose. Better yet, another choice is yours: Will you go to heaven or hell? As for me, "go to hell Judas," I believe! If heaven was not promised to believers, I still would choose Jesus. Do you?
Did Judas go to heaven or hell? Some have attempted to answer the question based on logic. Others on the nature of a forgiving God, who foreordained Judas to do as he chose. One thing for sure, Judas had every opportunity to change his mind. God has so designed the world that we have free will. Our free will does not change the ultimate of God's plan. However, it may alter how the plan is carryout.
God created the world for a right relationship with humankind. Human sin altered the means of the relationship, but the act of Jesus Christ as a means of grace brought back the ultimate of the will of God. Through Christ we are brought into right relationship with God. "God so loved the world that He gave His only Begotten Son, so that whoever believes in him should not parish but have everlasting life." John 3:16
James Farmer, Sr. is reflected on in a recent movie as having asked his son: "Junior, what is the greatest weakness of man?" Junior answered: "Doubt. Disbelief." Failure to believe in Jesus as the true Christ/Messiah was the greatest weakness of Judas. Judas had, like every other human, many flaws but none greater than his doubt in Jesus as the Messiah.
His doubt led him to turn Jesus over, not his sinful lust, greed, or even love for money. It was his lack of assurance that Jesus was actually who he claimed to be. So, when he was fed up with the leadership of the one he came to believe was the great pretender, Judas betrayed Jesus. It is not enough to confess Christ and join the church. We need to give Christ our hearts, and give our minds Christ. The love of Jesus Christ will bring us to open our hearts and let faith in Jesus abide. If we let Jesus in, we will come to know He is our Savior, Lord of lords, King of kings, the Son of God. Judas never came to believe.
Jesus announced to God that he had kept all who the Father had given Him, except the one who God knew would be faking good until the day of betrayal. Peter acknowledged that Judas having betrayed Jesus was lost and fell to his death with his internal parts bursting out of his body. Peter also "said to them, 'Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'" Acts 2:38
Judas never came to believe in Jesus as Messiah, and fail to repent once he witnessed the sentencing of an innocent man, who he betrayed. Did Judas go to heaven or hell? You choose. Better yet, another choice is yours: Will you go to heaven or hell? As for me, "go to hell Judas," I believe! If heaven was not promised to believers, I still would choose Jesus. Do you?
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