The Great Commission

Image by Doug Wildman via Flickr

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teaching them to observe all that I commanded you, and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20)

How often do you share your faith with others? I'm not talking about your actions, having someone observe you in order to see Christ in you. I mean how often do you take your bible, or a bible track and witness to others?

I use to do it every weekend with my church. Notice I said, "use to." Yeah, it's been years for me. Sadly, I hadn't thought about it until I wrote an article tonight and had to use, "Romans Road." I'll share it with you in a moment in case you're unfamiliar with it.

I remember when we would go out and witness, some call it evangelize, on Saturday mornings, man would the church be empty. On Sunday when our Pastor would get up to talk about the previous day events, people would become convicted and often use the excuse, "That's not me ... I can't do that. ..." If I read my bible correctly, I think Jesus is commanding believers to, "Go therefore." He doesn't ask, He tells.

My concordance says, "God gave Jesus authority over heaven and earth. On the basis of that authority, Jesus told His disciples to make more disciples as they preached, baptized, and taught. With this same authority, Jesus still commands us to tell others the Good News and make them disciples for the kingdom.

When someone is dying or leaving us, his or her last words are very important. Jesus left the disciples with these last words of instruction: They were under his authority, they were to make more disciples; they were to baptize and teach these new disciples to obey Christ; Christ would be with them always. Whereas in previous missions Jesus had sent his disciples only to the Jews (10:5-6), their mission from now on would be worldwide. Jesus is Lord of the earth, and He died for the sins of people from all nations.

We are to go—whether it is next door or to another country—and make disciples. It is no an option, but command to all who call Jesus "Lord." We are not all evangelists in the formal sense, but we have all received gifts that we can use to help fulfill the Great Commission. As we obey, we have comfort in the knowledge that Jesus is always with us."

Salvation's Freeway

Everyone has sinned. (Romans 3:23)
The penalty for our sin is death. (Romans 6:23)
Jesus Christ died for sin. (Romans 5:8)
To be forgiven for our sin, we must believe and confess that Jesus is Lord. Salvation comes through Jesus Christ. (Romans 10:8-10)

The birth of Jesus the Christ-part 3

Image via Wikipedia

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, 'Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.'

Bethlehem is a small town five miles south of Jerusalem. It sits on a high ridge over 2,000 feet above sea level. It is mentioned in more detail in the Gospel of Luke. Luke also explains why Joseph and Mary were in Bethlehem when Jesus was born, rather than in Nazareth their hometown.

The land of Israel was divided into four political districts and several lesser territories. Judea was to the south. Samaria in the middle, Galilee to the north and Idumea to the southeast. Bethlehem of Judea (also called Judah, 2:6) had been prophesied as the Messiah's birthplace (Micah 5:2). Jerusalem was also in Judea and was the seat of government for Herod the Great, king over all four political districts. After Herod's death, the districts were divided among three separate rulers (see the note on 2:19-22). Although he was a ruthless evil man who murdered many in his own family. Herod the Great supervised the renovations of the temple, making it much larger and more beautiful. this made him popular with many Jews. Jesus would visit Jerusalem many times because the great Jewish festivals were held there.

Not much is known about these magi (traditionally called "wise men"). We don't know where they came from or how many there were. Tradition says they were men of high position from Parthia, near the site of Ancient Babylon. How did they know that the star represented the Messiah?

1. They could have been Jews who remained in Babylon after the exile and knew the Old Testament predictions of the Messiah's coming.


2. They may have been eastern astrologers who studied ancient manuscripts from around the world. Because of the Jewish exile centuries earlier, they would have had copies of the Old testament in their land.


3. They may have had a special message from God directing them to the Messiah. Some scholars say these magi were each from a different land, representing the entire world bowing before Jesus. These men from faraway lands recognized Jesus as the Messiah when most of God's chosen people in Israel did not. Matthew pictures Jesus as King over the whole world, not just Judea.

Next time, the conclusion of part 2.

story of Jesus taken from The New American Standard Bible and concordance.

Jesus or Santa Claus?

"For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)

What have you told your children about Santa Claus? Below is a video that shares the history of the man who so many think is the reason for this season.

http://www.history.com/video.do?name=christmas&bcpid=3924558001&bctid=5097598001

Infidelity

Image via Wikipedia

With all the hype and gossip stirring around the chaotic mess golf champion Tiger Woods has brought to the doors of his home—marriage, I began submerging my thoughts on the pain and embarrassment such actions bring to the one who committs the act, and their loved ones. Not only, though, do I grieve for Tiger, his bereaved wife, children and his mother, but I also feel a sadness for the women who allowed themselves to fall prey.

I'm not waving my finger in some scolding tone to Mr. Woods, he made a choice and now he's having to deal with the consequences. We're humans and we, yes, even Tiger Woods, fall—make mistakes. Unfortunately it takes some of us longer to learn than others. Also unfortunate in an incident such as this,is everyone, not just the guilty party, has to pay a price. A price—by the way, that is much higher then an exchange in moola can make better. It may mask it, but it won't be able to heal, or fulfill Woods' or his wife's hurting lonely heart.

When I think about these sad turn of events, I'm forced with the reality of: a family has split. Children aren't in the comfort of their beds—tonight, with the security of knowing their Mommy and Daddy are in the other room. No, another American-family has bit-the-dust. Sad.

Today what we are too often witnessing by destructive actions such as these is the outward display of something far more insidious going on in, our, mankind's heart. In the book of Jeremiah the prophet says, "The heart is more deceitful than all else, and is desperately sick; who can understand it?" (Jeremiah 17:9).

Note: When I speak of heart, I'm metaphorically referring to—our—mankind's emotions, mind, and our rational and/or moral being.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, help ALL of us to understand that it's only by your grace and mercy that we don't find ourselves in such a sin as this. Help us Lord understand that the unfaithfulness of a spouse to the marriage vows deeply destroys the trust among in the marriage—among other things.

I pray that You will help this family in ways that only You can. It is heart-breaking for any family to be destroyed (especially with small children), but it's even sadder when the private events are played out so publicly. Give this family what they need, in Jesus' name. Amen

The birth of Jesus the Christ—part 2

Image by A. Davey via Flickr

Now all of this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL, "which translated means, "GOD WITH US."

(Jesus was to be called Immanuel (God with us), as predicted by Isaiah the prophet (Isaiah 7:14). Jesus was God in the flesh; thus God was literally among us, "with us." Through the Holy Spirit, Christ is present today in the life of every believer.)

And Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took Mary as his wife, but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus.

Note: Joseph changed his plans quickly after learning that Mary had not been unfaithful to him (1:19). He obeyed God and proceeded with the marriage plans. although others may have disapproved of his decision, Joseph went ahead with what he knew was right. Sometimes we avoid doing what is right because of what others might think. Like, Joseph, we must choose to obey God rather than seek the approval of others.


All writing was taken from NAS Bible,

Eyewitness:Frank Ball's Blog Tour

Hello everyone! Please help me welcome Frank Ball to He Speaks To Me Blog.

Frank Balls',Eyewitness, The Life of Christ Told in One Story, has been orgainzed in the gospel scenes to create an accurate, chronological story that is easy to read, understand and remember. Using information from both the Old and New Testements, frank Ball creates a compelling, fast-paced book.

Mr. Ball has researched and taught on the life of Christ for more than thirty years. He resigned his postion as Pastor of Biblical Research and Writing at Anchor Church in Keller, Texas, so he could complete a twelve-year project to analyze the gospel stories and place each event on the timeline of Jesus' earthly ministry. Like a lifelong professional student, he has followed a rigid discipline of reading, research, and writing. He is an inspiring speaker who claims not to have all the answers, but to know the One who does. As a part of his passion to help others, he directs annual North Texas Christian Writers Conference and numerous writers' groups. A widower with three married sons and six grand children, he lives in the Dallas-fort Worth area.

1. The gospel stories have existed for some two thousand years. Why put them chronologically together now?

Nine out of ten Americans own a Bible, but the people who most need to hear the message don?t often read the book. They believe Scripture is outdated and too difficult to understand. Would they read the story of Christ if it were presented as a single story that is easy to understand?

Most of them say they would, so Eyewitness answers that need.

2. Why do the Gospels appear to have conflicting stories?

At a crime scene, eyewitnesses always have different testimonies about what happened. Because each gospel writer had his own point of view and spoke to a different audience, the information is actually complementary, not conflicting. The apparent conflicts disappear when we use each viewpoint to compile a complete and compelling story.

3. How was writing and recording events different two thousand years ago?

We now use a computer keyboard to rapidly type and edit text that prints on our laser printers. In the first century, writers had only their parchment scrolls in which every word was hand written, one character at a time. Cut-and-paste editing and simple rearrangement of details into chronological order didn?t exist. Writers naturally put down information as it came to mind, giving us a flow of thought that isn?t always in date sequence.

4. What is the significance of John?s gospel being the last one written?

If John were to introduce his book to us today, he might say, ?Let me tell you the rest of the story.? There wasn?t much need to repeat what had already been written, so he gives us clarification of events that were already being told and retold, as well as eyewitness reports that are found nowhere else. Unlike the other writers, who were not always chronological, John unfolds most of his story in date sequence in relation to the Jewish feasts. This gives us a chronological guide for putting all the biblical information in order.

5. In what way do you think the readers of Eyewitness will have a clearer understanding of the nature of God?

Jesus said, ?Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.? If we can see what Jesus is doing and hear what he is saying, we become eyewitness of God?s nature. Because the words in Eyewitness are more like what we would read in a novel, readers are able to visualize themselves as present at the gospel events. It?s the next best thing to actually being there, walking with the other disciples.

6. How many different Bible translations were necessary to complete this project?

Hundreds of scholars have invested countless hours in the production of good translations. In the development of an easy-to-read wording for Eyewitness, translators? handbooks and more than fifteen popular translations, as well as the Greek and Hebrew texts, were considered.

7. Is the Bible flawed in presenting the life of Christ in four separate books?

No, not at all. Each author?s report has its own perspective and meets a different audience need. Matthew points to the fulfillment of ancient prophecies to prove Jesus was the Son of God. Mark, the shortest of the Gospels, is the quickest to read. Luke, being a physician, gives many important details. And John adds clarity, chronology, and new information. Eyewitness was written for those who don?t read the Bible and for people who are helped by seeing how the story unfolded, chronologically.

8. Why do you think Eyewitness appeals to people who seldom attend church?

Even professed atheists and agnostics have questions about the meaning of life and what happens after we die. Eyewitness isn?t a book of difficult-to-understand rules that threatens punishment if we don?t do everything exactly right. The life of Christ is presented in a way so people can easily understand the value of loving our enemies and helping people in need.

9. Where can we find out more or purchase a copy of Eyewitness?

Please feel free to visit my web site at www.eyewitnesstools.com.

Give thanks in all things

Image by Delirious? via Flickr

Since beginning this blog I've seen my spiritual walk and faith grow in leaps and bounds. Talking to you, my readers, has truly been a blessing to me and has helped me in ways you wouldn't even imagine.

I say often that the Apostle Peter is one of my favorite apostles because of the ups and downs—hot and colds he experienced in his Christian walk (like me). Yet, like him, it is my hope that in spite of my ups and downs, my growing hot and cold, I will leave this earth knowing that I've accomplished everything that God has planned for me to do in my generation. It is a fight...a struggle, it has not been easy, but it is (still) my goal.

I've shared with you about my impatients and about me having tendencies to quit. I fight everyday (it has been getting easier at times) to stay the course; although, it is not nearly as bad for me as it use to be. Now, I strive for the relationship I adore having with the Lord. It's not about the prize in the "after life," for me anymore. It's about having an exceptional loving relationship with Him.

Remember when I shared my experience, a couple of weeks ago, about John MacArthur's radio program? That is still making an impact on me. Before the program I'd started doing my own little "experiment" giving thanks for all things just to see what would happen. I immediately noticed a difference: I was joyful, but it was a deep contentment, and I instantly thought about the poem "Foot Prints In The Sand." I felt God carrying me and I still feel Him carrying me almost three weeks later.

The other thing that I'm so keenly aware of now is His active presences. No I don't feel Him—literally, nor do I see Him literally, but I sense Him and see Him working in my life. I see Him guiding me and it makes me want to SHOUT, but I'm not a shouter remember? I sense Him taking His time with me, but I see him orchestrating my life.

This has made me want to give thanks to Him even more, and to share with others what "Giving thanks," can do. So I started a Ning. The URL is: http://www.givethanksinallthings.ning.com/. I hope I can get a group of serious women to come join me, and we seriously pray and giving thanks to Him, as well as share with other's what He's doing in our lives. I ask you to prayerfully consider. Even if you don't join stop by and see what's going on.

Before I go, I want to share this story with you again. It's been engraved in my heart for years, but I'd forgotten about it until I did the book review, "Sacred Friendships," for Bob Kellemen and Susan Ellis.

Give thanks in everything

"Corrie ten Boom and her sister were prisoners in a concentration camp with wrenched conditions. They had already survived so much, but the conditions of the final barracks were well beyond what they thought they could bare—including a thick infestation of fleas in the straw they were to sleep on. Corrie turned to her sister and cried; 'Betsie, how can we live in such a place!' Immediately Betsie began to pray and soon the answer came to her. They had read it in the Bible just that morning, 'Give thanks in all circumstances. ' "

Corrie recounted the scene as follows:

*********

Betsie said, 'We can start right now to thank God for every single thing about our new barracks!'

I stared at her, then looked around me at the dark, foul aired room, 'Such as?' I said.

'Such as being assigned here together.'

I bit my lip, 'Oh Yes, Lord Jesus!'

'Such as what you're holding in your hands.'

I looked down at the Bible. 'Yes! Thank You, dear Lord, that there was no inspection when we entered here! Thank You for all the women here in this room who will meet You in these pages.'

'Yes,' said Betsie, 'Thank you for the very crowding here. Since we're packed so close, that many more will hear.' She looked at me expectantly, 'Corrie!' She prodded.

'Oh, all right. Thank You for the jammed, crammed, stuffed, packed suffocating crowds.'

'Thank you,' Betsie went on serenely, for the fleas and for—.'

'The FLEAS!! This is too much Betsie, there's no way even God can make me grateful for a flea.'

'Give thanks in ALL circumstances,' she quoted. It doesn't say in pleasant circumstances. Fleas are a part of this place where God has put us, and so we stood between piers of bunks and gave thanks for fleas. But this time I was sure Betsie was wrong.

Because they began from that moment on to give thanks instead of complain, they had positive attitudes and became a very positive influence on their barracks. As their world grew bleaker with evil outside the barracks, their world inside (even with the fleas) became brighter until it became as a literal heaven on earth despite the conditions. What made the difference? They read the Bible, not just to themselves, but to those around them; soon all gathered at the end of everyday to hear the word of God.

Normally these barracks had surprised inspections where their precious Bible that brought so much light and strength would normally have been seized. Miraculously, they never had inspections. Much later they found out it was because of their barracks having a flea infestation that guards didn't want to enter. The fleas allowed them to have God's word for their strength and their hope. Upon learning this, Corrie very humbly knelt and truly thanked God for the fleas!"

"In everything give thanks; for this is the will for you in Christ Jesus," (1 Thessalonians 5:18).