Christian News Briefs

Do Your research Before You Commit To A Cell Based (Small Groups) Church

2010-08-11T09:50:00.000-07:00

Clayton proposal to cut every employee's pay brings protests | ajc.com

2010-06-24T08:21:00.000-07:00

Clayton proposal to cut every employee's pay brings protests ajc.com

Free Classifieds - Metro Atlanta Handyman Service - Atlanta, Georgia - Join Ads

2010-05-13T21:02:00.000-07:00

Free Classifieds - Metro Atlanta Handyman Service - Atlanta, Georgia - Join Ads

The Dishonest Steward: Luke 16:1-15

2010-05-05T14:52:00.000-07:00

Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free
John 8:32

This parable is said to be one of the hardest to teach or explain. On the surface it is about a dishonest steward who is found out. He then manipulates the accounts in his favor in order to appease his master. The Bible says we are slaves to whatever controls us. This dishonest steward was enslaved to his passions to amass wealth for himself by using his office of steward to conceal his "iniquity". The only skills the steward had was being a steward but because he did not respect his master he was eventually brought to account for his failure as a steward. The Bible says this steward "couldn't dig and was ashamed to beg". He couldn't do manual labor and he was full of pride, so asking, begging for help was out of the question.

This parable is about trust and accountability. It's about judgement. The master trusts that the steward will have his best interests at heart. Until it is brought to his attention (by some or they) the master has no reason to doubt his steward. Some or they, depending on which translation is being referred to, means the same. Co-stewards. These fellow stewards went to the master. The Bible tells us to worry about nothing and pray about everything. Philippians 4:6. So, we don't confront pastors or preachers outright when we observe something that does not line up to The Word but instead we make our requests known to God on our knees. Did you know that in some cultures preacher and pastor are different offices with different functions. For example in the Chinese church a preacher must prove that he is capable of leading the church before he is considered a pastor and a preacher is restricted in that he cannot administer sacrament, holy communion or baptism. You have to prove that you are trustworthy. The European (Greek, Roman) church confused the offices in that they understand all offices to be the same with different functions. A bishop and elder are not equal but their function is considered the same. In the natural the parts of the body are different with different functions. Hands and feet are different and serve a different purpose. Promotion in the modern church too often is based on how well you meet the criteria set by the title holders in the church. 1 Timothy 4:14 is an overview of the standards of biblical promotion. Modern stewards (pastors) many times are groomed to inherit churches, congregations and lands as an inheritance package. In Acts 16 Paul meets Timothy for the first time, begins to groom him, sets himself up as Timothy's "spiritual father" against the admonition of Jesus Christ himself who said in Matthew 23:9 - And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. He then ordains and makes Timothy Bishop of Ephesus. Were the other Apostles consulted? When Judas was replaced the apostles acted only under the unction of the Holy Spirit after conferring among themselves. The practice of church appointments is Pauline in its origin and can be traced back to the church of Acts and its first bishop Timothy.

The modern church has taught inheritance totally out of Biblical context. A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children, but a sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous. Proverbs 13:22. 1 Peter 1:4 says our inheritance is kept in heaven. Inheritance and wealth are two different things according to Proverbs 13:22. Biblical inheritance is heavenly, spiritual and eternal. Wealth is earthly and temporal. We (believers) are admonished to use the wealth that sinners trust in. We don't chase wealth like the unGodly. If we are living in the perfect Will of God, God will cause wealth to find us.

Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered a rich man claiming to want salvation. Jesus replied; "No one is good-except God alone. You know the commandments: 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.'" Mark 10:17-22. "Teacher," he declared, "all these I have kept since I was a boy."

Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.

One commentator has observed this: being an elite, the dishonest steward had never really wanted for anything, therefore he was at a disadvantage for committing to true service as an honest steward. Why? It's easy to keep the commandments if you have never been tempted materially to break them. That's why Jesus presented him with a challenge that he had never encountered before. Give up the stuff that makes you comfortable and happy. And, if you pastors and preachers, really want to learn to be the kind of stewards that the master approves of you have to give up amassing earthly wealth as an inheritance. The Kingdom of God is not a Mom-and-Pop shop or family business. You expect your congregation to give out of their poverty while you live like a pastor. You can't continue to live above your congregation . As the sheperds you have to find a way either to live in the pasture with your sheep or bring them up to where you are. God has promised He will change the sheperds for some that are willing to lead His sheep according to His Word. Jeremiah 23. As always seek ya first The Kingdom Of God and don't worry about the rest...

Modern Stoicism,Epicureanism and The Religion Of Oprah

2009-09-28T13:20:00.000-07:00

What has been will be again,

what has been done will be done again;

there is nothing new under the sun

Ecclesiastes 1:9

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.

Colossians 2:8

Epicureanism is a system of philosophy based upon the teachings of Epicurus (c. 341–c. 270 BC), founded around 307 BC. Epicurus was an atomic materialist, following in the steps of Democritus. His materialism led him to a general attack on superstition and divine intervention. Following Aristippus—about whom very little is known—Epicurus believed that the greatest good was to seek modest pleasures in order to attain a state of tranquility and freedom from fear (ataraxia) as well as absence of bodily pain (aponia) through knowledge of the workings of the world and the limits of our desires. The combination of these two states is supposed to constitute happiness in its highest form. Although Epicureanism is a form of hedonism, insofar as it declares pleasure as the sole intrinsic good, its conception of absence of pain as the greatest pleasure and its advocacy of a simple life make it different from "hedonism" as it is commonly understood.

http://wikipedia.org/

Basic "hedonism" (lust) does not lead to "happiness in its highest form". Lust leads to physical, emotional and spiritual degeneration. Hedonism is the opposite of suffering, something a cross-bearing Christian is supposed to welcome. The philosophy of hedonism is the belief that "pleasure" is the most important thing in life. Hence, the belief that everything is acceptable bewteen consenting adults. In a http://youtube/ presentation Oprah not only proudly denounces Jesus Christ but claims she is a "christian". A Christian is a follower of Jesus Christ not someone who denies Him. She is a follower of Eckhart Tolle, a high school drop out New Age author and modern wizard. He has taken every modern "religion", dropped them in his philosophical pot and convinced far too many that he is enlightened. The Bible teaches us that the "spirit of antichrist" is among us. The Bible also teaches us to - Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. II Timothy 2:15 . Too many Christians misunderstand the scriptures and therefore rely on the safety of The Word to protect them from the "wiles of the devil". How does one rightly divide the word of truth. By practicing a relationship with Jesus Christ Amen through The Holy Spirit.

With all the influence Oprah has she lacks the ability to study for herself. It seems that she instead finds people with whom she agrees and then promotes them. If Oprah knew anything about philosophy she would have known that Eckhart Tolle was bringing nothing new to the table but instead was presenting old philosophies (Stoicism and Epicureanism) to a modern philosophy challenged audience. It's unfortunate that The Bible, the greatest book ever written , is not taken more seriously by modern so-called educated people. When The Bible states that there is nothing new under the sun or to stay away from "deceptive philosophy" it is clear that God in His infinite Wisdom is in complete control of His Creation and all the Eckhart Tolles or Oprahs have no clue...

History Of The Trinity - Zionism - Zimbio

2009-09-19T14:15:00.000-07:00

History Of The Trinity - Zionism - Zimbio

Stoned-Campbell Disciple: Philip Jenkins, The Lost History of Christianity: A Review

2009-03-17T16:13:00.000-07:00

Stoned-Campbell Disciple: Philip Jenkins, The Lost History of Christianity: A Review

2009-02-07T13:25:00.000-08:00

Whenever I hear "first lady" in recognition of a pastors' wife, I cringe. Not only is this not Biblical but in many respects I believe it is separatist, elitest and a hinderance to Church growth. Who was the first to find it necessary to use such a title? And, why is it a "black church" practice? The title also implies rank and order when The Bible specifically teach that God is no respecter of "persons".
Acts 10:34-35.

One of the major problems of modern Church is that we have a tendency to add to The Word of God wherever it best suits our purpose. We forget Revelation 22:18 which forbids anyone adding to The Words of The Book. We are all, who confess Jesus The Christ Amen to be our Lord and Saviour, servants. Nothing more nor nothing less. God does not see us as Reverend, Dr. Pastor so-and-so and first lady. He sees us as servants. How this looks in The Spirit is quite ludicrious. Say, several different congregations all "honor" first ladies. Who is the first lady of the first ladies and who determines this order and by what criteria? Is it maybe judged by who has the largest congregation, or maybe who receives the most tithe? You see where this goes.

Then the problem of approachability arises. Is there certain circumstances when a first lady should not be approached? Hebrews 5:4 teaches that no man shall take honor unto himself but honor unto man is bestowed by God. Religion causes so called Christians to pervert The Word of God to satisfy personal lusts and desires. Seeking a true relationship with The Father on the other hand purges us and requires self judgement.

2008-11-25T17:57:00.000-08:00

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Practicing Discernment

2008-08-16T12:34:00.000-07:00

For The time has come for judgement to begin at the House of God. 1 Peter 4:17

It seems that Gods' Church is scattered with new church pastors, ministers, bishops, prophets, prophetesses ( this last one definitely doesn't sound right) teachers, evangelists, apostles and many neo-titles forming as quickly as new congregations. Sometimes troops need rallying in the heat of battle. It's called "raising the standard".

" When the enemy shall come in like a flood,
the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard
against him." Isaiah 59:19

True practicing disciples of Jesus must practice discernment ( Ezra 4:1-3). We must work at living the Christian Life. It's not something one gets second-hand. We must "try the spirits"
( 1 John 4:1). We can only learn discernment by studying The Bible and meditation on The Word of God. True discernment can only come from The Spirit of God and cannot be understood with mere intellect. (1 Corinth. 2:14).

The Hypocracy Of Peter and Paul: Checking Our Own Eyes for Beams and Camels

2008-08-07T15:30:00.000-07:00

God has bound all men over to disobedience so that He may have Mercy on them all Romans 11:32

In Acts 16:3 we see Paul as he meets Timothy for the first time. A product of a mixed marriage, a Jewish mother and a Greek father Paul sees great potential in this uncircumcised (Hellenized) Jew. Timothy became Pauls' "son in the faith" and later as Timothy's "spiritual father" Paul ordained and established him as Bishop of Ephesus in the year 65. However, a careful study of the relationship between Paul and Timothy reveals much by The Power of The Holy Spirit. Listen as Paul speaks in 2 Timothy 3:14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All that Timothy knew of the Scriptures he no doubt learned from his mother and grandmother. But there is more. Paul either performed or arranged for Timothy to be circumcised. The idea that a Jewish boy could be urshered into manhood by a recent acquaintance ( Paul) is reprehensible. It was a fathers' duty either to perform or arrange for a son to be circumcised not some recently arrived in town stranger. 2 Timothy 3:14 strongly implies that not only wasTimothy taught the scriptures by two very domineering women; his mother and grandmother, but, in so doing they were knowingly grooming him to be prominent in the young growing Church. Paul had Timothy circumcised so that he would not bring "reproach" to the Jews. But, wouldn't the local Jews know Timothys' home situation. And why would this matter since Paul was "preaching" The Gospel of Grace outside The Law?

Later on Paul confronts the hypocracy of Peter (Galatians 2:11) . Paul accuses Peter of compromising his position for refusing to eat with Gentiles to the reproach of Jews. So, is Paul less a hypocrite than Peter? Is Pauls' compromising position less compromising than Peters'? Not at all. What this study illustrates is that both are human because "everyone is an hypocrite and an evildoer, and every mouth speaketh folly" (Isaiah 9:17) . I now understand 1 Timothy 2:12-14 and why he admonishes women to remain silent and submissive . Bible teaches that all have fallen short of the Glory of God, even Peter, Paul and Timothyl. Stay Blessed in Jesus name Amen...

The Courageous Church

2008-08-05T14:04:00.000-07:00

Though we haven't met yet I love this brother already. His name is Pastor Shaun King. It's his Jesus Bold in your face work. I stumbled upon his blog a few weeks ago and was intrigued that embodies he so many that I ascribe to. Joshua, because he is taking territory. Then there is Nehemiah because he is restoring the breach in the sphere that God has given him. In Hebrew ( Nekh- em-yaw) Nehemiah comes from the root word (nacham) meaning "consolation of Jah" or to repent or comfort. This brother is like like, Gods' newest secret weapon, a young super-prophet, an inner city strongholds giant killing word slinging ... Ok! but just check him out for yourself. He exudes Joy Of The Lord. It's contagious. Pastor Shaun makes you want to start working at your house. Get that food pantry started, opening that old house up for homeless outreach. I Love you Jesus and I thank you for warriors like Shaun. Just look over to the right of this post and click on the link with Superman in the text or go straight there www.shauninthe city.com/blog/. I pray that you continue to bless him, his family and all the work you have assigned him in Jesus name Amen...

Divine Order From The Bottom Up: Titles In The Church

2008-08-01T20:05:00.000-07:00

Jesus taught us many things about His Church. Notice I said His Church. There is a fundamental difference between His Church and the church. A Fresh Wind is blowing and those who are not firmly planted on The Rock Will Be Blown Away ( Psalm 1:4) . This Wind is blowing in with Divine Order From The Bottom Up . Matthew 5, The Beatudes describes those who are chosen to inherit the Promises of I Am Amen and His Kingdom. They are "the poor in spirit", "those who mourn", those who need to be "comforted", "the meek", "those who hunger and thirst for righteousness", "the merciful", "the pure in heart", "the peace makers", "those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake", who are "reviled" are spoken "evil" of and "falsely" accused because of Jesus. But, todays' title holders in the Church, the "pastor", the "reverend", those who blindly seek after spiritual fathers condemn themselves because The Word says: "Do not call anyone on earth your father", for as one translation says; " you travel land and sea to win one proselyte and when he is won, you make him twice the son of hell as yourselves" Matthew 23.

He Who Is Alfa and Omega says this to you by His servant: you pastors, shabluwl (shab-lool) in the Hebrew, snail, as if floating in its own slime, will continue to be a shobel (Hebrew for, a ladies train) trailing after your first ladies until you openly repent. Where did the tradition of first lady start? It is divisive as it sets the pastors' wife above other sisters in Christ? Go back to Matthew 23:8 and see what The Word Of The Lord says concerning titles: Do not allow yourselves to be called Teachers because we are all brothers". In other Word since Our Lord is no respecter of men ( Acts10:34, Romans 2:11) abandon the titles and replace them with a servants attribute; servant or minister, with a little m. As for reverend, it is an Holy Attribute of Jesus Christ and is even more critical than the other titles (Psalm111:9) not to be used. Reverend is used as a title of respect by modern "clergy" . Although all un-Biblical titles are prideful " Reverend" is blasphemous as it is impious against God. Reverend literally means " to be afraid, stand in awe". The word implies preeminence , beyond and above . The word Reverend is an Old English term expressed in degrees, for example Right, Very, Most Reverend. Stay Blessed Stay in The Word...

Spiritual Warfare In The Modern Church

2008-07-29T16:36:00.000-07:00

Joseph and Potiphar's wife Gen. 39:14, Samson and Delilah Judges 16:4-21 and Jezebel and Ahab 1 Kings 16:30. What do these three Old Testament love stories have in common? Each presents The Church with a powerful familiar spirit, a demon, working in the lives of women against the order established by Almighty God. The spirit of Potiphar's wife is the scorned spirit, the rejected lying adulterous spirit, that utterly destroys innocent lives and moves on as if nothing has happened. We all know the story. A wife so taken by the handsome young house-boy that she will have him in her husband's bed. When he rejects her advances she lies and says he tried to rape her. Her husband has him put in prison where he is all but forgotten until God intervenes.
Then there is Samson and Delilah. Delilah in Hebrew means weak. Yet she causes the destruction of the most powerful man who had ever lived. Delilah's is a seducing, nagging, you don't love me because you don't respect me enough to tell me your innermost secrets spirit. After Samson's secret of the honey is revealed he tells the Philistines that they would never have guessed the correct answer if they had not known his "heifer" intimately. Then there is Ahab a weak King of Israel that marries Jezebel, the daughter of a high priest of Baal, for political reasons. She is inhabited by the most vicious spirit of all. A dominating, controlling, murdering spirit that hates Gods' order and those who serve God. These spirits are called "ruler spirits".

Ruler spirits are those that appear as strong women. Notice I say appear. Because truly strong women in Christ don't have a problem with men taking the lead in their families. The characteristics of ruler spirits are basically the same. Whether in the home,The Church or the work place. Does something as impersonal as a t.v. program easily escalate into a disagreement that's not an argument but with obvious tension to get a point across a flash point? Do you have days or weeks where you rarely have a civil conversation but the phone rings and the conversation is light. You reprimand the kids and she (it) "reprimands" you in front of them. What about your "church"? Are women controlling your church? Most Modern Churches are men deficient and for good reasons. In the coming weeks we will explore, research and eventually offer real solutions to destroy all "ruler spirits". By the Power of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ we declare victory in Jesus name Amen...

Community Outreach: BikesforBirthdays

2008-07-16T14:04:00.000-07:00

BikesforBirthdays has been active in the Atlanta Georgia Metro area for a few years. We give bikes to kids (with parental permission)whose parents cannot afford to buy one.Last year we were contacted by DFACS (Department of Family and Children Services)to take part in their annual Christmas program. We were able to bless two kids with bikes. We have also given bikes to a local organization of grandparents that are raising their grandchildren. Individuals are welcome. We just need a month in advance on orders. Visit us at http://squidoo.com/BikesforBirthdays or leave a donation. Thanks and God Bless...

The Cost To Follow Christ

2008-07-12T15:52:00.000-07:00

Sacrifice, obedience, committment. Luke 9:14. Becoming a slave to righteousness. Romans 6:18 I say or write nothing here based own what I think or my opinion. I have not posted because I have been studying to show myself approved. In the coming weeks, months, however The Holy Spirit directs I will list some points of interest serious disciples can latch onto to clarify focus, and motivate new and different directions. A study of Matthew 18:15-16 is witness to what Jesus expects from His Church. We are to pray for and allow Holy Spirit to focus our attention away from ourself. Even our best can sometimes end up as prideful religious exercises. Like that homeless person you just brought home for a bath and a meal, then took him/her to the bus or train station enroute to a better life, that you so unselfishly paid for. But, you told others what you had done so that they might see your lead and jumpstart their own ministry quests. But were your motives pure. This scenario recently played out in my life. After about a week and out of more than $150 the drug addict turned up once again to test my Christian heart. You don't learn to walk on water from inside the boat. And whenever we take our eyes off Jesus we begin to sink, but Jesus will not allow us to perish but learn. We do serve an Awesome God A mighty Savour. Email or drop a comment. Your input is necessary for the Church Body. Check out Disciples' Corner as well as all the connections in the sidebar. Continued Blessings in in the Mighty and Awesome name Jesus Amen...

The Golden Compass

2007-11-16T04:15:00.000-08:00

In a reprise of John Milton's http://paradiselost.org/ Philip Pullman's http://goldencompassmovie.com has hatched an epic atheist attack on the minds of Christian children . The movie is scheduled to hit the world on December 7 this year. According to Pullman, "original sin is a lie, and God is an ancient fallen angel who has perpetrated a creationist con on the human race, wickedly exploited by a viciously inquisitional church". The assult gets much worse and the symbolism is diabolic. Pullman evokes daemons, more than 300,000 according to the movie's web site.