Go to God for the Answers

There’s a new movie coming out next week called, “Breakthrough” it is a faith based movie and already I am seeing comments and reviews about the lack of evidence in the power of prayer and how we Christians tell others to take our faith on faith.

But the truth is if someone tells you they prayed for a miracle and the miracle occurred  how else can they prove to you that prayer works?

Atheists and agnostics want answers but in their searching they refuse to even try to go to God.

They won’t believe what others tell them because it hasn’t happened to them but
prayer doesn’t work for atheists or agnostics because they have no faith.

This is not just a secular problem, Christians often times won’t go to God for answers. I see them asking questions from groups, other Christians or Pastors. Don’t get me wrong that is good as well but we have to remember to go to the Bible and God as the final authority.

Matthew 7: 7-8, 7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”

God is willing to talk to you, it’s up to you to listen.

Prayer does work, it takes faith. Abraham waited until he was an old man for God to fulfill his promise, there was plenty of doubt along the way but he trusted. In any solid relationship the foundation is built on what you do for each other not what one has done for you.

Ask God for help but also ask God what you can do for Him.

I spent my whole life praying to God for things when I needed them but never talking to Him when life seemed good. I asked for things, wanted Him to help and when things didn’t go the way I wanted I was too blind to see what He had done for me throughout my life.

Only when I flipped the script and asked God what I could do for Him by His will did things start to change.

I have witnessed God answer my prayers day after day, He has brought healing to my mind, body and soul when I needed it. He has given my wife and I financial blessings when we had difficulties, He has done more for my family and I than I could possibly imagine. God helps daily, I could dedicate a blog to just what God does for me every day. Maybe I should.

I have read countless miracles from every day people both big and small.

God is always there for you.

Some take the, “How dare you question God?” approach which is silly. The Bible is filled with men and women asking God questions in faith or even when their faith is lacking. God often times showed He was willing to changes His plans for His children. The prophets would ask for the Lord to relent, God told them if the people who repent He would stop the judgment. God told Abraham He wouldn’t destroy Sodom and Gomorrah if He found 10 people who were righteous. Moses pleaded with God not to bring judgment on the people His people and God relented. Jesus healed the sick, made the blind see, He even raised the dead.

God will change things for the benefit of His children.

If the answer doesn’t come than remember to trust in God’s will.

The Lord’s Prayer says, “Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.”

Jesus gave another perfect example in how to pray  when he asked the Father in Luke 22: 42“Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me. Yet not My will, but Yours be done.”

Jesus in human form was scared and asked the Father if it was possible to make it so He did not have to go through with the crucifixion but He knew if it was the Father’s will He would accept it. Of course Jesus went through with the crucifixion so the World could be saved because He loves us all.

Jesus gave us the example and that is how we should pray and trust in the Lord.

“Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.”

Have a Blessed Week,
Chris

Always Jesus

There are many debates about what is the “truth” and the “way”. Many ask what is truth? As if truth is subjective. We as Christians believe Jesus to be the truth and the way.

How can we know this?

The answer is simple.

It’s always Jesus.

Jesus is talked about not just by us Christians but also all over the world. He is a hot topic in different religions, political groups and secular groups.

He is talked about everywhere.

We Christians believe in Him as our savior, the King of Kings, Lord of Lords. Just saying His name has brought healing into our minds, bodies and souls. He is our everything, our God.

In Islam they believe Him to just be a prophet, they hold him in high regard but do not believe that He is the son of God, one of Three in the Trinity. This is so important to Muslims that on the Dome of the Rock it points out God is one, implying that He has no son. He is that important to them. I do want to point out Muslims are important to God as well.

One of my favorite types of video to watch is of former Muslims discussing their conversions to Christianity. Many had Jesus appear to them. God wants them saved as much as anyone else. That is why it is important to spread the Word to those of different religions.

Jesus also is important to the Jewish people. Many are still out to prove Jesus to not be their Messiah. Jesus has been a topic that as angered many Jews since He walked the Earth. The good news is there is a Messianic Jewish Movement going on right now, praise God for that. Many are coming to believe in Yeshua/Jesus as their Messiah. One of the common things I hear is Jewish people would be open to other religions as long as it had nothing to do with Jesus. “Anything but Jesus”, was a quote I’ve heard.

Again we see the emphasis on Jesus. It’s always Jesus.

Even Gandhi wrote a letter about Jesus. He called Jesus one of the “greatest teachers in the history of mankind”. Sadly he rejected Christianity but Jesus did appear to make an impact on Gandhi.

Even in secular circles it’s always Jesus. Jesus is mocked, ridiculed and scoffed at in conversation, movies, shows and demonstrations more than any other religious figure.

It’s always Jesus.

Religions, political parties, media outlets, entertainment, both domestic and abroad. Jesus is the hottest topic.

Why?

Because He is.

Revelation 22: 12-13, “12“Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to what he has done. 13I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”

He is the First and the Last.

He is Always.

Have a blessed week,
Chris

Sources:
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-43252705
https://biblehub.com/bsb/revelation/22.htm

The Importance of Knowing the Bible

I watched a video once of a group of Atheists tricking Christians to attempt to “open their eyes” to show how horrible God is. In reality the goal really seemed to just humilate these people and gain viewership in order to make money.

The trick was they told the unsuspecting Christians to read a verse from the Koran but in reality it was a verse from the Bible.

The wanted to show God in a horrible light. Many in the video were shocked by the truth.

I was very angry with the Atheists but then I realized God will take care of them. They’re just being foolish.

Forgive them Father for they don’t know what they’re doing.

Truth is shame on those Christians. They didn’t know the Word.

Shame on me. At the time I was just as ignorant as them if not more. I still have so much to learn.

And shame on me for even watching the video and giving them more views.

We must know the Word and understand it.

They were just taking selected verses out of context to manipulate scripture.

But aren’t us Christians guilty of that too? How often do we take a verse out of the Bible and run with it to fit an argument or belief? How often do you see a person take one verse and speculate on it to justify their own actions or beliefs?

You have to read the entire Bible. The whole Word and pray to understand it.

When someone tells me God is judgmental, cruel and unfair. I point out how he waited hundreds of years to punish nations who were immersed in sin. And all they needed to do was repent and He would have relented.

Try breaking one law and just tell the police that you’re sorry and see what happens. After you’re in jail, the same people that call God judgmental, cruel and unfair would tell you that you got what you deserved.

That’s just one example.

The Word of God is your armor, don’t leave yourself vunerable.

Remember satan quoted scripture to Jesus in the desert. Even the enemy knows the Word of God.

If you need a quick answer I would suggest Bible Study Tools.
https://www.biblestudytools.com

For example, want a scripture on the immigration debate? See what God says by looking it up in the search and you will find out what the Bible says.
https://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/bible-verses-about-immigration/

Easy just like that 30 verses about Immigration.

Are you up to the challenge to live in the Word? It won’t be easy. Many are so focused on changing others but reading the Bible might force you to change your own view points. Your views may differ from God’s.

Get in the Word and see what happens.

If you not only know God’s word but follow it, your life will be so fulfilled.
Have a blessed week,
Chris.

The Christian Obsession with condemning

Last week I wrote about the Christian obsession with Homosexuality. I didn’t plan on writing another “obsession” article but today I am writing about the obsession with condemning others.

I’ve noticed in many comment sections or forums or even in casual conversation that a lot Christians seemed focused on the sins of those around them and pointing out who is on the path to hell or is backsliding. Like it’s their mission to expose others.

Are you really trying to warn them? Think about it. How does it make you feel when you announce to a person they’re going to Hell? Does it make you feel good? Does it make you proud? Is it enjoyable for you?

When we do this it makes me wonder is it done actually to make us feel better about our own sins and mistakes?

We have a society built on proving yourself to be better than your neighbor.

Many Christians have adapted this instead of loving their neighbor as the Bible has told us to do. Do you feel better than others because of their sin? Time to assess yourself first before you judge others.

Truth is reminding people over and over about the risks of hell does more harm then good. So many Atheists who were once Christians describe the process of abandoning their faith to be freeing.

That’s really sad to hear. My faith frees me. God takes away my worry, my shame and makes me feel I have worth.

The Bible talks of redemption, it’s filled with redemption stories.

Paul who was originally Saul murdered and persecuted Christians.  The Lord made him a leader of the new way.

Redemption is God’s goal.

He wants us all in Heaven. He wants his children with Him.

Google Jesus’ mission you will find loads of articles, not one mentions his mission was to condemn.

God’s biggest concern is us looking after each other, being kind and showing love.

Love.

Its the most powerful emotion and most important aspect in the World.

Don’t just be a hearer of the Word be a doer of the Word.

Who do you know that needs love today?

Find them and show them God’s love through you.

Have a blessed week.
-Chris

Dealing with Hostility to God

“There is no evidence for God”

“I don’t believe in imaginary Men in the Sky”

If someone tries to argue with them on the issue they say, “That’s a straw man argument!”

You ever see these comments? Any article that has anything to do with God always has these type of comments. They claim that there is no science to back up the existence of God. The entire universe isn’t enough. Every creature, every plant, every natural thing on this Earth serves a purpose.

We know that everything on Earth comes from something or someone but we are supposed to believe that the Universe comes from nothing and is completely random.

The mathematical possibility of such a thing occurring is laughable. They claim there is no scientific books on God, that is a lie. There are hundreds of books dedicated to the matter. Also look at some of the most famous scientists in history, many were Christians.

Isaac Newton wrote more about God and Christianity then he did Science. Isaac Newton!

BILLIONS believe in God, the second majority are agnostic and the smallest group are outright atheists. They just are the most vocal on the internet, they spend so much of their time ridiculing religious people on the internet in comments sections or videos or in conversation.

They truly believe there is no God and they will have only a short time on Earth, yet they spend that precious time being angry and criticizing people who do believe in God. For a group that claims to be “Rational” and “Logical” that is the opposite of both.

Try not to get upset with these people, they are lost. It’s hard to do when you see someone disrespect God, who we love so much. But instead pray for them, show them love, its a personal relationship with God that will seal the deal. They have their minds made up, we can’t change them, only God can. Pray that their hard hearts will be softened and they will come to God.

God Bless you all.

 

God Always Wins

Often when we hear someone say negative things about God we get angry, which is something I believe we should try to not do. I know it is hard when you love God and hear awful things being said. But we are supposed to be the light of the World.
Matthew 15 says, “14You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a lampstand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.”

We must show the World God’s love, be the light that brings them closer to God.

People love to bash God, usually for personal reasons. It could be because of their own guilt, or bad things have happened to them so they blame God or say he can’t exist because how could he let this happen? Many times experiences with Christians or Church lead them to atheism or outright hatred towards God. That is why it is we must tame the tongue with people who have anger towards God. Don’t give them another bad experience.

We must not push people more away from Christ, the devil wants people to be atheists. Let’s not do the devils work. There is always a chance for a person to accept salvation, remember even the demons believe Jesus is Lord.

Mark 5:

“1On the other side of the sea, they arrived in the region of the Gerasenes.a 2As soon as Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an unclean spirit came from the tombs and met Him. 3He had been living in the tombs and could no longer be restrained, even with chains. 4Though he was often bound with chains and shackles, he had broken the chains and shattered the shackles. Now no one had the strength to subdue him. 5Night and day in the tombs and in the mountains, he kept crying out and cutting himself with stones.

6When the man saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees before Him. 7And he shouted in a loud voice, “What do You want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You before God not to torture me.” 8For Jesus had already declared, “Come out of this man, you unclean spirit!”

9“What is your name?” Jesus asked.

“My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” 10And he begged Jesus repeatedly not to send them out of that region.

11There on the nearby hillside a large herd of pigs was feeding. 12So the demons begged Jesus, “Send us to the pigs, so that we may enter them.”

13He gave them permission, and the unclean spirits came out and went into the pigs, and the herd of about two thousand rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the water.”

Remember God can turn anything into a positive. When Jesus was crucified, God took the ultimate symbol of death and made it into the sign of salvation. The Roman Empire that executed Jesus later was converted. In every situation God always wins.

He can do the same thing in your life, anything negative can become a positive, you’re issue right now could become a testimony later. Trust in him always.
Psalm Chapter 9:18, “For the needy will not always be forgotten, Nor the hope of the afflicted perish forever.”

Have a blessed week.

-Chris

The Journey Part I

I thought I was a believer, that I had strong faith. But what good is faith without works? “Faith without works is dead” That’s what James 2 teaches. I would claim to be a Christian, but I didn’t go to church, I was resentful of the church. How can these people be such hypocrites? How can they continue to do the opposite of what Jesus teaches? Do they really do anything for the poor and needy or do they just care about themselves?

It wasn’t till recently that I realized I needed to ask those questions to myself.

When I was 19, I was still claiming to be Christian but continued sinning without repentance, not following what God teaches us. My only communication with God was, when I fell into brokenness and begged for help, when that didn’t seem to work I would scream at him and yell, wondering where he really was? Having gone to High School in an awful environment, I dropped out. I was severely depressed, I had never had a job, had no car, no license, not even an ID. I felt like I didn’t even exist in the World.

After a while, I dusted myself off and ventured out, I got my GED, got a job, got a car, and had some new friends. I thought everything was going great, not noticing that it was God who was guiding me through all of this. However, I still felt the same emptiness and loneliness.

Then everything changed, I met a young 21 year old woman named Jane. My entire life was different after that. We fell in love right away, spent almost every day together and within three months I asked her to marry me. She said, yes! I was happy beyond belief. Of course we both lived at home, I only worked 12 hours a week for minimum wage at a Taco Stand and she was in college. We obviously couldn’t get married right away. But man was I convinced this was the girl of my dreams.

There was one problem though, she wasn’t a believer. She grew up with an Atheist father, and spent most of her life with the same beliefs before now being an agnostic. I talked to her about my faith, told her about my experiences and others experiences. I felt I needed to save her.

But I was the one who needed saving. I still had the same resentment, bitterness, anger for the World. I had no compassion, no love, no drive to be a better Christian.

After many discussions and a few arguments, I gave up on trying to convert her. I went through an occasional interest in YouTube sermons and a few bible reading days here and there but I was still the same guy. After a while I would settle back in to the same habits.

Jane and I went through some rough patches and had some dark moments. My anger and depression were getting out of hand. At one point the engagement was called off, she left and went to her sister’s house.

I was alone in our home when I began to scream at God, I yelled, I cursed at him. I blamed everything on him, why did he make me this way? Why do I have depression and anxiety? Why can’t he just take it all away? I convinced myself I needed no one but me. Then I did something the bible teaches us not to do, I put God to the test. I told him that he needed to prove himself to me right now.

There was silence, the quietest silence I had ever heard, I could feel it. I truly felt alone, I collapsed and wept. I was more broken than ever. I begged for forgiveness, I told him to lead me, guide me. I immediately felt calm and relaxed, accepting everything that happened.

The next day, Jane came over to grab some things and I asked her to listen to me, I told her everything I needed to change and what I have done wrong. She was very resistant, but I kept praying to God, asking him to guide me in my words. Finally she cried and said it was exactly what she needed to hear. After a long talk we decided to get back together. We still have our rough patches but things have never been as dark as before that.

I started reading the bible more, watching sermons from all over the World but was still convinced I didn’t need church. Meanwhile Jane’s mother had become a Christian, she was an alcoholic and was close to dying. She had hit rock bottom and turned her life around, she kept writing Jane letters telling her about God and bringing God up to her every time they talked. I was unaware of the changes going inside Jane’s mind.

Then one day Jane said, “I want to go to church” I was shocked and excited. But also at the same time I was scared, I didn’t want to go to church, I still believed I could be a Christian on my own.

We searched for a while and finally found a church. We started going but didn’t go as often as we should have and didn’t full commit like we wanted but we still considered the church our home. Then one day a notice was posted on their website, the pastor had decided to quit ministry and the church was up for sale. Jane and I were so upset that we decided not to go through the whole process again.

For almost a year we watched sermons online and had discussions on Christianity. She had started going to a university which required religious studies courses and before long she was teaching me things. Every time I asked her about her beliefs she kept telling me she wasn’t ready to call herself a Christian, she still wasn’t sure. At one point during a time when she was feeling guilty about her mistakes and depressed about what other people had done to her. I told her “Go over and sit down and pray, confess all your sins and offer your heart to Jesus.”

She did this but when she came back she described the experience as “Weird” and that she still wasn’t sure if she was a believer. This went on for months finally I asked her why? She looked down and said “Because I don’t feel I am worthy”

I told her, “None of us are.” She smiled and looked down, I gave her a hug, looked at her, then asked her the question again, she looked up at me and said “I am a Christian” Her smile lit up the room, I hugged her, and felt a new love radiate through my body as I held her. It was one of the happiest moments of my life. When she offered her heart to Jesus, he took it, like he always will to anyone who asks. But we still needed to find a church.