Jesus and the Easter Bunny: How We Include the Gospel of Christ

Tags

christianity, Easter, modernchristianity, religion, resurrection sunday

Courtesy of Ernesto E. Carrasco

Every year on the first Sunday following the full moon or the Paschal (Passover) Moon, Christians around the world celebrate Easter. The way people choose to remember the resurrection of Christ varies. That variation has many factors including culture, denomination, location, etc. In Italy, people light a cart filled with fireworks. Australians have the royal Easter show which is much like a farmer’s market where people display their crops and livestock. In Poland, Christians exchange blessings baskets filled with bread, meats and eggs. In Italy, people make effigies of Judas to burn. Christians in India exchange colorful lanterns and throw street festivals.

As I am a resident in America, I know that we also have some pretty interesting ways to commemorate the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord. We dress our children in pastels, buy them baskets of candy and toys. Some of us go all out and give live bunnies for the occasion. Some churches have special services. Families have special dinners. Again, the way the holy day is remembered, varies. But a trip to Wal-Mart a few days ago made me re-visit my questions about how we celebrate “Easter”. I didn’t dare go down any of the aisles of pastels and candy the store strategically positioned in the front. And I didn’t need to. The writing was literally on the wall.

Over the years, we Christians have incorporated so many practices in the celebration of the Resurrection that a lot of us have forgotten where these practices originated. The word Easter was actually mentioned in the Bible only once in Acts 12:4 in reference to the time of year James was killed by Herod. It was during the time of Easter or Ishtar, which was a celebration of Eostre goddess of spring or fertility.

See Jesus anywhere?

I’m not judging. I did it for years. My parents subjected my siblings and me to “Easter” traditions and rituals. I passed it on for a brief time to my children. The world has incorporated these pagan traditions and rituals into the holiest of holidays.

The truth is bunnies and eggs have nothing to do with the resurrection of Christ and in my opinion should have no part of any commemoration of His death, burial and resurrection.

It was hard for me to explain to children how eggs and candy and Peter Cottontail had anything to do with Jesus. So, I stopped associating these things with the Resurrection of Christ. Like so many others, I started calling this celebration by its name: Resurrection Day.

Now my brothers and sisters, I make no judgement against you for doing these things. Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:

Colossians 2:16

If we can reach more people with the gospel by being more inclusive, I am in full agreement. I do not judge those who choose to hand out Easter baskets, decorate eggs or buy bunnies for the occasion. I choose not to do so. If anything, I would advocate for baptisms on this holy weekend instead.

Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

Romans 6: 3-5

My only prayer is that we all know and believe the gospel of Christ and that this Resurrection Day is a celebration of the great sacrifice that Jesus Christ made so that we will not have to face the second death on the day of judgement.

This and every holiday or observance that may come, let’s remember that while it is good and albeit at times necessary to incorporate other’s comforts for the sake of sharing the gospel, we must also be careful not to conform to this world but share the gospel of Christ to every person in every culture in all of the world.

Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

Romans 15:5-7

The Love Letter (Part 1)

Tags

Afterlife, Bible, church, Encouragement, God, health, King James Bible, Love, peace, relationship advice, salvation, suicide

We’ve all had those ‘why do I even bother’ moments. At some point in our lives, most of us have asked ‘why me?’. A lot of us have considered giving up, throwing in the towel and calling it quits. Many people have considered suicide as a means to end all of their problems. I have attempted suicide a few times. Some of them were half baked attention schemes. Others were genuine attempts to end it all. Poof! All of my troubles are gone like me. That was my thinking. But the truth is, my troubles would have just begun.

I would have died unsaved and surely would have been on my way to hell, never knowing peace or true love. Thank God those real attempts to kill myself were unsuccessful. Thank God for seeing me before I was born and directed my path towards righteousness. And guess what? He’s directing your path too! (Jeremiah 1:5) God wants us all to be saved and come into the knowledge of the truth. Before the Lord returns, all of us would have had an opportunity to hear the gospel. Whether we accept it or reject is up to us. We have free will. But who would choose sorrow and sadness when there is a path to everlasting love and eternal peace?

Romans 8:

29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

 

So, what do we do when it seems the pressures of this life are too much to bare? How do we continue to find peace, joy and love when the god of this world reigns freely, openly, viciously?

The answer is simple. We walk in the Spirit.

Does walking in the Spirit mean we are dead? Literally? No, beloved! Not at all! It means you LIVE!

Romans 8: 13

For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

 

I watch or read the news daily. I am a reporter by trade, so I want to know what’s going on around me. Some people want to be oblivious to their surroundings. That’s fine too. When it’s all said and done, nothing happening on this earth aside from our God given charge to share the gospel, matters. So, why do we allow things like the stock market, or senseless killings and various other sinful acts get to us. Because we do live on this earth ruled by the enemy (2 Cor. 4:4), these things will trouble our spirit. But, we must not loose sight of why we are here. Keep the “big picture” in your mind. You beloved child of God, honored member of the body of Christ, you are an ambassador for him. So, we should not dwell on the things that are in the flesh, but things of the Spirit.

 

Romans 8:9

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

14For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

 

If we are obeying the word of God and allowing the Holy Spirit to guides us and comfort us, will depression have room in our lives? Would we be troubled for long? We would really care for anything?

When the Lord left this earth and gave man kind up to their own sin (Satan began the god of this world), He promised to leave us a Comforter.

John 14:16

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

This Comforter, this Holy Spirit, this peace that dwells within us once we are saved (Eph. 2:8-9), is a reminder that Christ lives in us. We are a part of His body where love, holiness, righteousness conquers all.

 

Bah Humbug! Don’t teach those lies to my children!

Tags

charity, Christmas, education, holidays, public schools, seasons, thanksgiving

A lot of people are singing “it’s the most wonderful time of the year” right now. This so called holiday cheer and seasons to be jolly begins around the beginning of November.

Not for me. I’m pretty much a happy person most of the time. I credit that to knowing who I am in Christ. But I digress…on with the blog.

For some odd reason many people get the urge to suddenly show joy, appreciation and compassion for their fellow man. Never mind the other ten months out of the year was spent raising hell and ignoring the homeless man on the street. Oh but now! We want to take that homeless man out and buy him and new set of clothes and a meal.

Bah! Humbug!

Aren’t we Christians the worst? A lot of us are busy year around making sure we get to Bible study on time, checking our checkbooks twice to make sure we wrote that tithe and offering check. Oh yeah, make sure we donate that 10-year-old coat and hat set we hate to the “charity” garage sell. Then right around the fourth Thursday in November, we look around at our comfy cozy lives and start to feel “thankful”. We make a list of all of the things we’re thankful for. We share those lists with our friends, comparing all of our blessings as if it is a contest. And it is a contest. You know, in the back of your mind, you’re comparing your list to hers envying some things and hoping she feels the same about you.

It’s okay. You don’t have to admit it to anyone. God knows. Right?

I have been one of those people described above. In the past, I really believed that I lived a somewhat devout, dedicated life. All of the special things I did and said during this time of the year was righteous. It made me a good Christian. I’m not one to hold an albatross around anyone’s neck. We all will do what we please…obviously. But I am proud to say that I’m a “holidanomic” in recovery. And I will now take the opportunity to be what some may call a hypocrite and tell you what I am thankful for.

FREEDOM…from lies (about the Bible), conformance, religion, speech, life…

This list could go on forever. And since we don’t have that time, I’ll get to my point.

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Freedom is a word we throw around so voluntarily. The second we are chastised for doing or saying something, we want to scream what we have a right to do. (self included) But where is the line drawn when it comes to allowing others to use this freedom to influence our children?

My children attend a public school. It is a great school. They have wonderful scores and ratings. I adore the teachers and staff. But, for the past couple of years, I have taken issue with the schools’ and the teachers’ handling of this time of year. A week ago, my youngest came home and told me about the first Thanksgiving. Of course, he retold the watered down vanilla version of the tale. Everyone joined hands, sang and dance and had a feast. He’s only in primary school, so I fought the urge to tell him what really happened when the Europeans invaded the native American’s land. Rest assured, I will tell him when he’s ready. So, I swallowed that pill and let it go.

A couple of days ago, the same child came up to me with something I was surprised to hear.

“Mommy, I want to go to the parade and see Santa Clause,” he informed me.

“Now, you know what we believe about Santa Clause, don’t you,” I reminded him. I’ve never taught them to believe in Santa, but we all need refreshers.

“Yes.”

“Is Santa real?”

“Yes.”

I pause, staring at him in disbelief.

“No, he’s not!” I hadn’t realized my voice had raised.

“Yes he is,” he countered, frowning at me.

“NO, HE’S NOT!”

So we have a brief stare down. I compose myself and decide to go over the whole December thing with him again.

“We know that Santa is just a story. You don’t believe that?”

“He’s real, Mommy. My teacher said he’s going to be in the parade.”

Maybe this is partially my fault. His teacher and I have a pretty good relationship. I trust her to educate my child. Although I should have known, it never occurred to me that my son would take her word over mine. I tried to come up with a good way to show him that his teacher was the right person to listen to, except now. I could come up with nothing. So, the whole family had an impromptu Bible lesson right then and there.

We discussed the meaning of Christmas and what it is not. It is not about Jesus’ birth. It is not about decorated houses, trees, doors, reindeer etc. I was pleased to see that they recalled our lessons from the past year about the subject. They understood that Christians adopted this pagan holiday and slapped Jesus’ name and birth date on it. I was pleased to hear the responses to my questions. So, I go back to my young confused son.

“So, if you believe this, why would you say Santa is real?”

“Mommy, he’s got a face and hands and skin like me,” he answered.

Now, I am picturing the guy at the mall sitting on his fake throne. My skin is starting to burn.

“But baby, he’s just wearing a costume. He’s not a Santa. Santa is not real.”

“Yes!” My little boy is laughing now. “It’s a costume like a Halloween costume. But he’s still a real person.”

“So, you’re saying the man is real? Not Santa?”

“He’s only Santa when he’s wearing the suit, Mommy.”

He’s looking at me as if I had lost my mind. And maybe I did step out for a second or two. Maybe I overreacted to his comments about Santa. But this interaction made me realize that I have to work twice as hard to make sure my children don’t swallow the lies this world will feed to them everyday. I’m a working mom with limited means. I don’t have the luxury of sending them to private school (if it were any better) or staying home with them. I can’t expect these schools to respect my beliefs and teachings. After all, these are the same people who made it illegal to pray in school. Yet, they have the right to push their pagan beliefs onto my children. It is not right. But what can I expect from a world that is governed by the enemy.

 2 Corinthians 4:1-6

Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.

6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

My children will get a taste of the real world a little early (as most kids in school do). Their exposure to things outside of the home is inevitable. It is my job to prepare them to combat those evil elements with the word of God.

Is My Vote More Important Than My Faith?

Tags

Bible, christianity, end times, faith, freedom, Heaven, Love, Obama, politics, religion, Romney, White House

We’ve all heard that this country was built upon the basis of religious freedom. At least, that’s the story. We know the story as our elementary school teachers programmed into us. America was formed to escape a corrupt church in England. People migrated to America to experience religious freedom.

The founding fathers struggled with the protection of both church and state without them encroaching on each other. Afterall no one wanted the church to control government or vice versa. But this is an internal war that has been fought since the formation of this country. Laws are still being passed based upon someone’s religious beliefs. In some cases, the same laws are often struck down by the Supreme Court.

So, is there really a way to separate church and state? I’ll tell you why we must try.

The truth is the church does not want religious freedom unless this so called freedom supports their ideas and beliefs. To truly tolerate and embrace religious freedom would mean that the church agrees that it is okay to worship other gods, sacrifice, practice polygamy or any other religious rituals.

The church, the body of Christ does not want religion at all. (Religion vs Faith is a different blog altogether.) Christians are grateful for being involved in politics in some form. Having the church involved politics is both a blessing and a curse. It is profitable because as a Christian, we can clearly see some of our beliefs engraved into our political and economic make up. There are still some governments albeit more local governing bodies, that still pray before meetings. (A lot of them are now in court because of this practice.) Our very own currency still reads “In God We Trust”. (This will soon disappear unfortunately.)

The curse comes when we make the mistake in believing that as Christians, we are the only ones who can make this world right. We forget that we are not here to save the world, but the souls in it. We become too entangled in our own self righteousness and shun the rest of the world for not “doing as we do” or “believing as we believe”. This is true whether we are talking about our faith or politics. But lately, with the election 11 days away, it has been all about politics.

Now, before you get upset, hear me out.

Yes, we are to be ambassadors, missionaries of Christ. It is so our jobs to make sure souls are saved (Ephesians 2:8-9). But how does this happen when we suck politics in with our beliefs? How is witnessing the saving grace of God to others possible when we zealously persecute others for not following our “good Christian principles”?

A few days ago, I stopped logging onto a social networking site because I had become disgusted with the things I saw. I witnessed numerous arguments, disrespectful political smear campaigns, name calling, untruths, hate speech…the list goes on. But, what broke my heart was to see the names attached to these posts. They were Christians, members of the body of Christ and my brothers and sisters. I was sad, ashamed and just angry to see such a thing.

What if Chrissy Doe wanted to go to one of these people to ask about salvation? What if Chrissy Doe saw the bickering from these Christians and changed her mind? What if dear Chrissy decided to pass on Christianity for a “more peaceful faith”?

Just what would we tell our Father in Heaven when he asks about this? Lord, I didn’t want the other guy in office?

Why are we so entangled in the bondage of politics, especially since so many of us have struggled to be finally free from the bondage of religion? Galatians 5:1

So, instead of the hate speech and the disrespect to these people we place in political office or desire to place in office, we should pray for them and their positions.  Stop fighting each other about something that is going to happen anyway. It doesn’t matter who makes it to the White House. Send them information about the grace of God.

1 Timothy 2:

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

² For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

³ For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

⁴ Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

Yes, I believe we all have the right to say what we want. Hey, I’m a blogger! The freedom of speech is my friend! But, I am a Christian first and foremost.

I believe in the right to vote. Many people died for us all to have this right. And yes I vote. But I know that regardless of who is in office, God’s word is true. I know that no matter how many times we change presidents, the word of God is unchanging. God’s promise firm, concrete.

We have to live in this corrupt world while we are about our Father’s business. We must remember that God’s word is our first order of business. Afterall, we are looking for that blessed hope. Amen?

 Philippians 3:

²⁰ For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

²¹ Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Think Like A Man?

Tags

Bible, christianity, lifestyle, men, music, pop culture, relationship, religion, women

Since Jennifer Hudson’s Think Like A Man song was released earlier this year, I have been singing along and dancing to the beat. I like the melody. I adore Ne-Yo’s voice. But I am a bit skeptical about the lyrics. Sure, I am the girl who has mostly male friends. I am the girl who likes guns, action movies, football and “trash talk”. But these are a few of the characteristics that define me. I’m not trying to be a man or act like one. I’m a woman who happens to like these things.

So, here’s my dilemma.

In the song, Jennifer and Ne-Yo are basically having a “where has this relationship gone” conversation. Apparently, they had been “friends with benefits” but decided to test a real relationship. The shift from just friends to boyfriend/girlfriend didn’t work out so well. The song implies that Ne-Yo’s character wanted to keep the relationship as is but agreed to try it the woman’s (Jennifer’s) way. The end result? Because Jennifer could not think like Ne-Yo and leave well enough alone, they both wound up with nothing.

(From Think Like A Man by Jennifer Hudson, featuring Ne-Yo, Rick Ross, Epic/RCA Records)

(Ne-Yo)

Now I’m gonna keep it realer with you now than I ever been
We should of never been, girl we was better friends
You didn’t have to tell me what, where, why or when
Um why I didn’t need it,
Cause you wasn’t my girlfriend, we had a good thing
You were a come by and kick it, ooh give me that good thang
Then after we were finished,
You go your way, I go my way, it was whatever
Tell me what ever happens
Think this wanna gonna be better
And now i’m telling you lies,
All because I hate to see the tears in your eyes
Of course I want my cake, and eat it too, i’m a guy
And of course, you don’t understand,
But you would if you thought like a man in love

In love? Hmmm…

Don’t get it ladies? I know. I know. If he’s in love, how could he…?

The “friends with benefits” conversation is a whole separate blog and I assure you I will address it. In the meantime, let’s stay on task. Shall we?

Is it Biblical for a woman to actually try to think like a man? Are we meant to understand each other? If we were all completely in sync, who would we be, really?

As I stated before, I happen to love some things that are considered to be guy things. I also like to dress up and wear make-up. I cook a lot but you will never hear me say that I love it. All of us have a preference. Yours may be the opposite. But when it comes to my thinking, I have a genetic make-up and the mental capacity to think like a female typically thinks.

We will come to understand some things and from that predict and assume to know what’s on a man’s mind. But let’s be honest with ourselves. Women may try but we can never fully comprehend a man and vice versa. It is the way we are made.

In a perfect Christian world, there is an order to things.
God. Jesus Christ. Man. Woman.

1 Corinthians 11:3
But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.

We are made beautifully different because we fit together like a puzzle, mentally and physically (if you know what I mean).

Can you imagine kind of world we would have if we all thought alike? Ladies, do you really want to have your man’s idea of a clean house? Most of us would say no. What guy wants their woman to think they he thinks? With a few exceptions, most guys I know ask a female for advice about clothes and grooming. Because they want a different perspective.

Are matters of the heart or lack their of, any different? No. You think and feel the way you were made to think and feel. Women are from Mars,men are from Venus. It’s merely a metaphor but has some truth.

Grace does not void nature. It does not cancel God’s plan. The Lord gave us all a body and mind unique to each other but joined perfectly together. We are created to have different roles.

Ephesians 5:21-25

Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

Again, it is all a part of God’s plan, His holy order to things. We all know what happens when we stray from His will. Look around.

Calling All Sunday School Teachers!

This one is for the Sunday school teachers. Your job is more vital than some of you probably realize. I’ll note right here that I can only go from my personal experiences and observations. That being said, here I go!

I was encouraged to write this after a frustrating but enlightening encounter with a young man last night. This conversation kept me up all hours of the night. Finally, here I am, penning my reaction in hopes that someone will read and take it to heart.

A man (no names, sorry) made a vain attempt to ask me out last night. Since I had his full attention, I took the opportunity to share the gospel of the grace of God with him. And yes, I take every opportunity. I asked him to tell me about his faith. He took it as a preliminary questionnaire. His response was,” Oh I love the Lord! I grew up in the church. I was in Sunday school every Sunday. I believe in God.”

“But, do you believe you’re going to heaven?”

“Oh yes ma’am! I know I’m going to heaven! God’s going to open those double doors for me,” he stated, confidently.

“Why?”

He didn’t hesitate to answer. Like a programmed robot, he recited, “Because I believe that God created everything. He is God! You can’t tell me there is no God. I look at the oceans and the trees and I know He lives!”

“What about Jesus?”

“Oh yes, Jesus is the Son of God. He died on the cross for our sins.”

Now, we’re getting somewhere.

“Do you believe that because Jesus died on the cross for your sins that you are saved and that alone gets you to heaven?”

It must have sounded like a trick question because he hesitated. After a few seconds, he came back with, “No. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God, yes. I believe He died on the cross from our sins and without that I wouldn’t be here.”

Then he proceeded to teach me, or so he thought. “You see, there is God, the Father, Jesus is the Son, he’s not God, and then there’s the Holy Ghost. Without that, we wouldn’t be here sweetheart.”

I nodded, thinking that he must have missed a few Sundays. “The Bible says that Jesus Christ died on the cross as a remission for our sins so that we would not have to do anything to gain God’s favor or salvation, just trust that Jesus’ sacrifice bought eternal life for us.” I cited Ephesians 2:4-6, 8-9.

Ephesians 2:4-6

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us. Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

Ephesians 2:8-9

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

“That simply means Jesus has done all that is necessary for you and I to get to heaven one day. All we have to do is trust in that.”

He agreed with his lips but out of his heart spilled the classic Sunday school answers. I know one when I hear it. Like I said, I grew up in the Sunday school class where the teachers (bless their hearts most didn’t know better) made us memorize cute answers to their questions after a Bible story reading. We were programmed to learn these little sayings and to recite them on demand. This man’s answers came as no surprise to me.

“You’re right. You’re absolutely right. I told you I grew up in church. I know the Lord. I know that Jesus died for my sins. I know that because He did that I wouldn’t be here today.”

He was proud of himself. My heart went out to him as he continued to testify.

“I can’t tell you how many times I have called upon the name of Jesus and He came to my rescue. I know the Lord and I love the Lord!”

At the risk of sounding vain, I believe that part of his charismatic speech was in part because I had not given him the answer to his invitation to dinner. (Note: Guys,your effort to impress by agreeing even though you have admitted that you believe differently, does not make you appear to be charming. Instead, it just confirms that you are confused. In short, be honest and open.)

By now, I am imagining that the Sunday school class was much like my own. I wonder how much he really knows and how much he is just mimicking. It was hard to get a read, but then he broke out into song.

“Something about the name Jesus. Something about the name Jesus. It is the sweetest name, I know.”

He had a nice voice and I recognized the song. I allowed him to continue his serenade smiling awkwardly and pondering my next move. I decided that my quest to share the gospel of the grace of God with this person was pretty much dead for the moment. After he finished, I thanked him for the song and offered to send him some pamphlets. Maybe he would sit and read one day when he didn’t have an audience. After all, it is that one on one relationship with the Lord that is important.

I concluded that this man was much like I had been before I was saved. I had memorized scriptures and cliche Sunday school sayings. But I did not know anything. I had no relationship with God. I was only following orders, so to speak. To study the word of God and hide it in my heart. The problem was that the word of God was stuck in my head and had not yet made it to my heart. Only after I received the word of truth did I let go of my traditions, my training in false doctrine and allowed myself to place my faith in Jesus Christ, did God’s word as truth, fall into my heart.

Sunday school teachers, children’s church pastors or anyone who teaches these young people on a daily or weekly basis. Your job is more than training these children to recite phrases because they sound cute. Do you realize that you are taking responsibility for the destination of the child’s soul? The things you teach them just may determine whether or not they are saved or stay lost for eternity. The next time a child comes to your class and you try to think of an adorable song or saying or verse to teach them, remember that their soul is dependent on what you say or better yet, what you don’t.

Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. Titus 1:9

Is it the church or am I the church?

Recently, I was criticized for attending church via the Internet. I was told that it was not real church and that I was just trying “do something to get by”.

 “Ha!” was my response. “I don’t have to do anything to get by. This is what I prefer. I enjoy it.”

Then I was given this quote from the Bible in Hebrews 10:25 “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

 “Hmmm. Let’s see. We all come together on our computers or mobile devices. We chat, share scripture, discuss scripture, share testimonies and even hear singing. Sounds like an assembly to me.”

 “But you need to be in a church?”

 “Oh but I am the church? Aren’t you?”

So many people forget that “church” is not the stack of bricks or the pile of wood where everybody gathers on Sunday. That is just a building. If it fell to the ground today, is the church dead? Of course it isn’t. If you are saved, you are the church. If you are saved, the Holy Spirit dwells in you! Not in some building but inside of you!

 You can assemble yourselves anywhere. Yes, even online. The early Christian churches did not have these expensive and immaculately equipped buildings. They gathered in the woods or at each other’s home.

Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my well-beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ. Romans 16:5

See that? Their house. They didn’t go out and erect this huge building, get a mortgage and then go out to recruit more members so that they can pay said mortgage. They gathered at their house. The gospel is simple: around and around, inside and out. Why can’t we just get back to the basics?

 If I were speaking to the same person who chastised me for not “going to church”, I would probably get this response.

 “God has blessed us with the ability to build these nice buildings and place the best sound equipment, Bibles and musical instruments. Why not use them? Just because we’re Christians, it doesn’t mean we have to be poor.”

 The “poor” part, I will address in another blog.

I apologize to my WWJD people. But this is where I use your beloved slogan against you. What would He do? The better question is what did He do? Yes, Jesus preached in the synagogue. But wasn’t that to a people who didn’t follow Him to the hills and mountains where He did preach to thousands at a time. Jesus led a mega church while He was here on earth but He had no stadium. He did not build a large lavish building and tell the people to come to him. They would have done so. But where was the Lord? He was out there in the trenches with the people. Praise God. And we, the so called “modern” church, acquire a few followers and we want to take precious time to build an ridiculously big building. For what? Just who are serving? Could this be a monument to yourself? Is it a large dose of self indulgent accolades that you need to feed yourself to feel like the church you already are if you are saved?

So, having said that. To those of us who participate in the fastly growing trend of online Bible study, continue to study and to edify each other. You are probably reaching more people online than those local assemblies that gather for a few hours each week.

If you are saved, you trust in the completed work of the Lord Jesus Christ for your salvation. (Ephesians 2:8-9) You are a member of the church, the body of Christ.

“Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.” 1 Corinthians 12:27

 The Holy Spirit lives in you. Therefore, where you go, the church is there also. You can praise God anywhere. You can share the gospel anywhere. You can study God’s word anywhere. Let no one tell you that because you choose to do it differently, that it is wrong.

Profit or Praise: Taking the Name of Jesus out of Worship

 A few nights ago, I spent a couple of hours on YouTube watching videos of “old school” gospel music. I’d be the first to call myself old fashioned and proud of it. I prefer these older melodies to the “new” gospel music that we have today. There is nothing like that sound. The right song will take you back to church and not the new, all inclusive congregations where the music is more like a rock concert. Uh-huh! I’m talking about a hand clapping, foot stomping, tambourine jiggling sound where everybody joined in and it sounded like melodies from heaven. That’s what I call gospel music.

I’m the only person living in this body, so I can only attest to how I feel when I listened to Grace and Mercy by the Mississippi Mass Choir last night. The words spoke to my heart like truth. I shedded grateful tears as I knew and understood the lyrics were spot on. My list of old songs grew with every click of the mouse and I rediscovered Walter Hawkins, the Georgia Mass Choir, the Canton Spirituals and many others. I had an unbelievable experience, praising God all the while listening and screaming theses songs out loud. The songs sounded like true praise and worship. There was no confusion about who they were singing to or who they were talking about. The target was clear.

Now, can I honestly say the same for the “new” gospel? Relax, I’ll be fair.

I’ll admit that some of the new songs have tickled my ear. I have found myself bouncing to the beat or singing the songs. Catchy tunes tend to have that effect on people. I have also found a few songs that moved me like the old school songs did. I repeat, a few.

But, it’s hard to call it worship when I’m rapping about how I can write checks because I’m so blessed and how God is in me. I use to try it too. I blame my confusion on Kirk Franklin for starting this “movement”. When he came out with Stomp, I was a little girl. I thought it was the coolest thing a preacher had ever done. Finally, the music was for us too! I would blast it and dance around and shake my butt, trying to make myself believe that I was praising God. But I wasn’t. I was playing right into the devil’s hand. How could I have possibly believed that my gyrating was worship? It doesn’t make sense. But it is the job of the enemy to confuse us.

Colossians 2:4 And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.

It is his mission to take the truth and spin it into a lie. It is his task to make us believe that we are right when he knows (and so do we if we take the time to examine) that we are so wrong.

 Before you blow a fuse, I’m not saying that I don’t like Kirk Franklin’s music. He does have some songs that I enjoy hearing. Stomp isn’t one of them. But, I do have a few of his “old school” songs on my Ipod.

Let’s move on. Can we discuss lyrics? They should be clear, not vague. It should be evident that the song is a worship song. There is no such thing as a universal appeal. Either you are an ambassador for Christ or you’re not.

 1 Corinthians 2:4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

Read these lyrics from BeBe and CeCe Winan’s Close to You.

(BeBe) sunshine, moonlight, delight just a couple words describing who You are.
lovely, so lovely – want everyone to know why I’m in love with you

(CeCe) patient and strong, always, no matter what I face you’ve been there to bring me through.
just fine (right on) on time, it took a while to see that Your love was true.

Do you believe that this is a “gospel” song? Seriously?

Compare it to this one.

Thank You for saving a sinner like me
To tell the world salvation is free
There were times when I
I just didn’t do right
But you you, you watched over me
Both day and night

See the difference. Neither one mentioned the name of Jesus or even God. But it is clear to me which one is a worship song. The first one could pass for pass for a song on a love story soundtrack. I think that is the intention. If so, do you think God really wants to share praise that is supposed to be devoted to Him with someone else. After all, the Bible does say God is a jealous God.

What is the point in making a “gospel” song if it does not sing praises to God? It isn’t to evangelize or the encourage and to edify. It is simply to gain exposure and the more exposure means more money. And I might add that a lot of “Christian” artists are not Christian at all. This is just the genre they have chosen because it is the most popular at the time. They know they can sell to unsuspecting, trusting and desperate Christians. Wake up my beloved brothers and sisters!

Galatians 1:10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

Alright, let’s get funky! At least that’s what some churches might as well say. Have you ever been to a church and forgot it was church? The music reminded you of rock or rap concert and you just lost yourself in the music. You have no idea what they are on that stage saying but hey, they sound good! Rock on!

Does the phrase subliminal messaging mean anything to you? Oh, he is a sly one, that devil! While you’re screaming “Jesus rocks!”, old Lucifer is planting the idea into your head that it is okay to appeal to the younger ones through song. Let’s not forget Lucifer’s job before he was kicked out of heaven. Music! He was a master at it. He was so talented that he was in charge of the heavenly choir. He knows what he is doing. So, we rock and roll, rap and duet, our new Christian songs while the devil is slowly removing God from our praise and worship.

Don’t believe me? Refer to lyric #1.

Ephesians 5: 19-20 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ

If the song that you are singing along with can also pass for a love song, you may want to put it away. We cannot serve two masters. If it is for God, it is solely for Him. If it is for your lover, it is for your lover.

I am not putting down today’s gospel, Christian, etc. music. Nor am I saying that all new music is satanic. There may be a good spiritual song out there. But, we’ll have to dig. Be aware of what you’re listening to. It may sound good but that doesn’t mean that it is good for you.