I was thinking one day why more people don't come to Christ? There is a drawing in their heart that longs for Him, but yet they are lost still. They are just blinded by the light.
How can someone who is blind know what color is?! Color is an idea that only someone with sight can understand or know. For the person who is blind, there is shape and texture, but color? Never color. So how can one describe the beauty of a sunset or the beauty of a star lit sky while the norther lights dance across the sky! You really cannot full grasp the concept till you see it for yourself. So how can someone who has never seen God understand Him. He is unseen and unlike anything we have seen. The closest thing that God resembles is a Christian, but that is the crappiest shadow that you could ever think of to relate to God! So how can you describe something so infinite to something so finite?
There is a story called "Flatland" it is the story of two dimensional objects who meet a three dimensional shape. They come up to a sphere and see a circle, even though he is a sphere, they can only see in two dimensions. So now the sphere has to explain three dimensions to a group that can't seen it.
Theses are the examples of the problem that we as Christians have! We have to explain the unexplainable to the lost! We are called to share Christ with the lost of this world, but it is so hard to share something that you almost can't comprehend when you have not seen it. That is why Jesus said in John 20:29, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." I mean seriously, how can you believe that God sent His Son, His Son! To die for the rapists, murderers, adulterers, and all the sinners of the Earth! That is ludicrous to the lost.
Thank you God that it is not our job to make them believe, that it is our job only to preach You. I thank you that it is you that moves in their hearts, that you might bring all men to repentance and into a relationship with you!
Monday, January 19, 2009
Glimps of God
As I have walked through my college life, I have felt like I have poured out myself to my brothers and sisters in Christ with little to no return. Over time I got more tired and weaker and discouraged. My life was getting depressing to where I didn't want to give anything any more, cause I felt that if I gave anymore of myself I would no longer be able to stand by myself. The revelation that came after that, oh it was beauty...
Could what I feel be a glimpse of God? After I give of myself I am left alone, no one comes to me and fills me up. I give out and give out, but I don't receive anything edification in return to build me up so that I might over flow again into more people. Wait, could this be what God sees every day? The amount that he pours out daily onto his people who need this and need that, but never stop to spend time with Him nor do they even thank Him for the blessings that He has poured out unto them. Could this be what God sees in us, what i see in my brothers?
I am just an ant seeing the shadow of the Mountain, picking up the manna that falls from the sky, but never thanking the Mountain for His shade or the manna that He drops for me. God you are so good and I am warn and weak, but still will I serve You!
Could what I feel be a glimpse of God? After I give of myself I am left alone, no one comes to me and fills me up. I give out and give out, but I don't receive anything edification in return to build me up so that I might over flow again into more people. Wait, could this be what God sees every day? The amount that he pours out daily onto his people who need this and need that, but never stop to spend time with Him nor do they even thank Him for the blessings that He has poured out unto them. Could this be what God sees in us, what i see in my brothers?
I am just an ant seeing the shadow of the Mountain, picking up the manna that falls from the sky, but never thanking the Mountain for His shade or the manna that He drops for me. God you are so good and I am warn and weak, but still will I serve You!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
The Word of God
John 1:1 says, "In the beginning was the word, the word was with God, the word was God." Continuing on in John 1:14 it states, "the word became flesh and dwelt among men." so we know that Jesus is the word of God. Then in Hebrews 4:12 the writer says it is, "living and active, sharper then any two edged sword." 2 Timothy 3:16 then states that, "all scripture is given by inspiration of God." Jesus agreed with that when he said that he only does what the father tells him and also proclaiming, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Saying that there is only one way to God that being through Jesus Christ. The word of God is perfect and to say that it is not would be questioning God himself. For if the bible has errors then Jesus was a liar, and if Jesus was a liar then he has no power to save. We are all then condemned to hell. Thus scriptures are living and forever, full of truth and without flaw.
2 Timothy 3:16-18
16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Peter 1:20-21
20Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. 21For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
Hebrews 4:12
12For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Isaiah 55:10-11
10 As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
John 5:39
39You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me,
1 Peter 1:23
23For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.
Psalm 33:9
9 For he spoke, and it came to be;
he commanded, and it stood firm.
Proverbs 30:5
5 "Every word of God is flawless;
he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
Psalm 119:89
89 Your word, O LORD, is eternal;
it stands firm in the heavens.
2 Corinthians 1:20
20For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God.
1 Peter 1:24-25
24For, "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;
the grass withers and the flowers fall, 25but the word of the Lord stands forever."[a] And this is the word that was preached to you.
Mark 13:31
31Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
John 1:1-2
1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning.
John 1:14
14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only,[d] who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
2 Timothy 3:16-18
16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Peter 1:20-21
20Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. 21For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
Hebrews 4:12
12For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Isaiah 55:10-11
10 As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
John 5:39
39You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me,
1 Peter 1:23
23For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.
Psalm 33:9
9 For he spoke, and it came to be;
he commanded, and it stood firm.
Proverbs 30:5
5 "Every word of God is flawless;
he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
Psalm 119:89
89 Your word, O LORD, is eternal;
it stands firm in the heavens.
2 Corinthians 1:20
20For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God.
1 Peter 1:24-25
24For, "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;
the grass withers and the flowers fall, 25but the word of the Lord stands forever."[a] And this is the word that was preached to you.
Mark 13:31
31Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
John 1:1-2
1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning.
John 1:14
14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only,[d] who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Who is God?
God is the God of Justice, Love and Mercy. I put them in that order because God works in that order. God demands justice for every wrong doing (sin). All sin, no matter how small must be pain for in full. That payment is simple, death. Now death is not what the person would first think of when they think death. When the body ceases to pump blood, the brain fails to fire, and the lungs quit breathing. No, this death is something much more horrific. It is an eternal separation from God. Now God demands justice for all wrong doings and all wrong doings must be paid for in full. Thus unless you are a perfect man, you will never get into heaven… But because God is the God of love, he desires none to perish, but wants all to come to know him. It is not his will that anyone should parish in the eternal flames of hell… but being a just God…. He still has to make you pay for what you have done. So you still go to hell. Fortunately, God is a God of mercy. Now to define Mercy, “compassionate or kindly forbearance shown toward an offender” Now understand this, mercy is not your right. Justice is your right and that is what you will always get from God! You will pay for every sin you have ever done, that is justice, but mercy is God saying, “I am going to let you off the hook” There is no rule that says he has to do this! That is why it is mercy, but still God needs that sin to be paid for…so if not you, then who? That is why God sent his son to take your place. Jesus took your place and paid for your sins once and for all. You are no longer condemned to die for the sins of your life. You are free to go, but you have to go… The gift Jesus offers is just that… a gift. You have to receive the gift for it to be a gift. So people who say that they don’t need Jesus? Well Jesus died for their sins, but sense they didn’t accept the gift, they don’t receive the benefits from that gift and thus have to pay for their sins. An eternity in Hell. So God is loving, but he is just first.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
The Still Small Voice Speaks in My Dark...
Part 3 of Revelation through a Friend)
As soon as I was done writing this post (Fish Out of Water)... I started watching this serman that David Peirce was giving somewhere... and he was talking about his surrendering. It is not about me, it is about Jesus. If God gives belonging to my friends or my brother, Jesus just looks at me and goes, "What's it to you! It is not about their calling... it is about your calling. Are you willing to take up your cross and follow me? It ain't no cake walk."
God, you are sooo good to me. That in my dark and depressing times you look at me and give me that gentle calming word of truth. That I have a calling unlike my brother, unlike my friends, unlike anyone. I have a calling as unique as me. All the things that happen in my life are only conditioning or teaching that I might have a better ministry to Your lost sheep. I was never my own, but I am Your's and it is not my life, but Your life. And because it is Your life, You can do anything that You want with it.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. -2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
-1 Peter 5:6-7
As soon as I was done writing this post (Fish Out of Water)... I started watching this serman that David Peirce was giving somewhere... and he was talking about his surrendering. It is not about me, it is about Jesus. If God gives belonging to my friends or my brother, Jesus just looks at me and goes, "What's it to you! It is not about their calling... it is about your calling. Are you willing to take up your cross and follow me? It ain't no cake walk."
God, you are sooo good to me. That in my dark and depressing times you look at me and give me that gentle calming word of truth. That I have a calling unlike my brother, unlike my friends, unlike anyone. I have a calling as unique as me. All the things that happen in my life are only conditioning or teaching that I might have a better ministry to Your lost sheep. I was never my own, but I am Your's and it is not my life, but Your life. And because it is Your life, You can do anything that You want with it.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. -2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
-1 Peter 5:6-7
Fish out of Water?
(Part 2 of Revelation through a Friend)
"All dressed up and no where to go. I think I'm taking this trip alone" -NFG
I wish that I could have two songs playing while you read this as they are playing now when I write it. The songs would be "Place In This World" by Michael W. Smith and then the song from Disney's Hercules "Go the Distance" They truly capture how I feel tonight. Alone, down, lost, longing, blind... I feel alone in the crowded room, one that I might add, is full of people who would think that I am their friend. I no doubt that they love me, but still I feel alone when I am round them. There is this feeling like I am on this emotional roller coaster, going from one high to a low. When I stop and look at it, like I am now, I see that the "high" is nothing more then being caught up in something. It is not like I am having a bad time, but it is still that I am caught up in the feeling of doing something... and so when I am alone or the fun is done... I am left alone and unable to relate to anyone. I really don't know how to act or be around more then one other person. I work in the personal, deeper relationships and so when I can't be personal... I don't know what to do and I have to just back off, cause I don't know what else to do. I don't know why I am like this but all I know is that I am.
The lyrics in those two songs really bring out what my friend said and how I feel... I am in this place when I am not suppose to be, I am lost looking for some place that I might belong. I have always longed to have a belonging but always I feel alone. People have failed me, or maybe just failed me in my eyes... Or maybe it is even the media's fault... (In the end it really doesn't matter whose fault it is cause it happened and I can't change the past.) I look all through my life at the desire I have had for a group of friends that I could call my friends... Like my brother and his close knit group of friends from college; the shows I watch... Recess, TMNT, Boy Meets World; everywhere I go..... There is always groups of people that always are enjoying each other's company and having a great time... but not me, I am always sitting there on the corner wanting to be a part of that, but yet I don't know how I can be. I am lost with out any ability to change it.
I know they are so depressing, but yet at the same time I can relate to them! (Simple Plan "I'm Just a Kid" New Found Glory "Tell All My Friends I'm Dead") How much I just want to tell all my friends that I am dead and walk away from the people here and never see anyone again... I am not sure if I would care or not. I know that who I am is because all the people that have been here in my life, but still I am alone. They have shaped me into who I am, but I still feel alone and I wonder even if they could help me. Or if I would even want their help? I hate the idea of self pity and I hate the idea of people having pity on me. I just want someone to really show care and love to me, but in the past they have said what they needed to say to get through that conversation and after that... they ain't there? What?! Isn't friendship helping someone out the whole way through? Not stopping half way?
"I have often dreamed of a far off place, where a hero's welcome would be waiting for me. Where the crowds will cheer when they see my face and a voice keeps saying, 'This is where I'm meant to be" I may not care bout the crowds cheering for me, although it would be nice, I just want to hear that voice from God sayin, "This is where you belong my son"
God I just want to have your peace. I don't care about anyone around me, I just want to know that you still hear me. "If there are millions down on their knees, among the many, can you still hear me? Hear me asking, "Where do I belong? Is there a vision that I can call my own? Show me." I don't know what I want or what I need, I just know that you are God. You know me and you know what I need. You have always supplied my needs. Can you bless me this one time?
"All dressed up and no where to go. I think I'm taking this trip alone" -NFG
I wish that I could have two songs playing while you read this as they are playing now when I write it. The songs would be "Place In This World" by Michael W. Smith and then the song from Disney's Hercules "Go the Distance" They truly capture how I feel tonight. Alone, down, lost, longing, blind... I feel alone in the crowded room, one that I might add, is full of people who would think that I am their friend. I no doubt that they love me, but still I feel alone when I am round them. There is this feeling like I am on this emotional roller coaster, going from one high to a low. When I stop and look at it, like I am now, I see that the "high" is nothing more then being caught up in something. It is not like I am having a bad time, but it is still that I am caught up in the feeling of doing something... and so when I am alone or the fun is done... I am left alone and unable to relate to anyone. I really don't know how to act or be around more then one other person. I work in the personal, deeper relationships and so when I can't be personal... I don't know what to do and I have to just back off, cause I don't know what else to do. I don't know why I am like this but all I know is that I am.
The lyrics in those two songs really bring out what my friend said and how I feel... I am in this place when I am not suppose to be, I am lost looking for some place that I might belong. I have always longed to have a belonging but always I feel alone. People have failed me, or maybe just failed me in my eyes... Or maybe it is even the media's fault... (In the end it really doesn't matter whose fault it is cause it happened and I can't change the past.) I look all through my life at the desire I have had for a group of friends that I could call my friends... Like my brother and his close knit group of friends from college; the shows I watch... Recess, TMNT, Boy Meets World; everywhere I go..... There is always groups of people that always are enjoying each other's company and having a great time... but not me, I am always sitting there on the corner wanting to be a part of that, but yet I don't know how I can be. I am lost with out any ability to change it.
I know they are so depressing, but yet at the same time I can relate to them! (Simple Plan "I'm Just a Kid" New Found Glory "Tell All My Friends I'm Dead") How much I just want to tell all my friends that I am dead and walk away from the people here and never see anyone again... I am not sure if I would care or not. I know that who I am is because all the people that have been here in my life, but still I am alone. They have shaped me into who I am, but I still feel alone and I wonder even if they could help me. Or if I would even want their help? I hate the idea of self pity and I hate the idea of people having pity on me. I just want someone to really show care and love to me, but in the past they have said what they needed to say to get through that conversation and after that... they ain't there? What?! Isn't friendship helping someone out the whole way through? Not stopping half way?
"I have often dreamed of a far off place, where a hero's welcome would be waiting for me. Where the crowds will cheer when they see my face and a voice keeps saying, 'This is where I'm meant to be" I may not care bout the crowds cheering for me, although it would be nice, I just want to hear that voice from God sayin, "This is where you belong my son"
God I just want to have your peace. I don't care about anyone around me, I just want to know that you still hear me. "If there are millions down on their knees, among the many, can you still hear me? Hear me asking, "Where do I belong? Is there a vision that I can call my own? Show me." I don't know what I want or what I need, I just know that you are God. You know me and you know what I need. You have always supplied my needs. Can you bless me this one time?
Hypocrite, narrow-minded, my standards are too high?
"Whenever people say, 'Christians are hypocrites,' I say, 'duh, every time we come together we are confessing that we are hypocrites, weaklings in need of God and each other'" - Rick Mullens
We are who we are. Not one Christian among us is perfect and that is not going to change.
I have been called a hypocrite, narrow-minded, and that my standards are too high. Now ask me if I care? No, I don’t care. I am not here to try and please you, but my whole life is here to serve and love my LORD. The statements about me maybe true, but why are they?
First there is the statement that I am a hypocrite, and that is probably true. But then again who in this world is not a hypocrite in one way or another? I live my life in service to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, but I have failed him many times. Even Jesus’ most trusted disciples have failed him, they have been hypocrites. Let’s first look at Peter. Peter loved Jesus with everything he had and was, saying that he would die for Jesus. He defended Jesus when they arrested him, cutting off the ear of one of the men. Not even fearing death, Peter followed Jesus to the trial, but when it mattered most Peter denied Jesus three times! What worse thing could man do to our LORD? But still Jesus came to Peter after his resurrection to reinstate him to his calling of being the Rock that the Church would be built on. (Luke 22, John 18, John 21) Second there is Paul who said this himself, “For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” And then he goes on to say, “And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.” We are men, far from the perfection that is Christ. Even Isaiah says that our best work is like filthy rags to the LORD. You live the life that I am trying to live and not be a hypocrite from time to time.
Why am I narrow-minded? For I know that I must "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14). The Bible calls us to walk the narrow path, not one that is wide allowing for any wayward thinking. For wide is the way that leads to destruction. The views of this world are not of God, “You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” (James 4:4-5) Then also in James 1 he talks about wisdom, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.” If we want wisdom it should come from God, for God will give us the wisdom that we ask for. “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.” (1 Cor. 3:19) So why would I want to change my mind for a mere man’s beliefs. I will look to the Lord for my wisdom and truth. I will sit and wait for the Lords council and not change my mind for any new idea that is passed before me. Liberal view points of this day are going to lead to destruction of the country. They say that what is true for you doesn’t have to be true for me, that it maybe ok for you but it doesn’t mean the same for me. Truth is what you make it and so on…. The Bible speaks of these people in Romans 1, “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen,” and then again in verse 32. “Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.” But the truth is this, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) That is the truth that we can trust in, there is no truth, but that which comes from Jesus. So Jesus is not here on earth anymore, so how can we know what truth is? But He is, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1) and “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14). So Jesus is here, with us and in us. “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?” (1 Corinthians 6:19). And also, “If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God.” (1 John 4:15)
I have chosen to live my life in a way that is pleasing to God my Father in Heaven. (I have not put try, for the same reason that I listed Romans 7. It is not me who sins, but the sin living in me, that is the flesh) “For it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’" (1 Peter 1:16) So I chose to walk as Jesus walked (1 John 2:6). For when he saved me and called me to a holy lifestyle, but it is nothing that I have done, that he has called me to do it, for it was of his own grace and purpose that He has called me (2 Timothy 1:9). So I have a purpose or calling on my life for in John 17:17 it says, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” Sanctify in Greek means, “set apart for sacred use” and when you need something for sacred use, it has to be clean and holy. 2 Corinthians 7:1 reiterates this, “Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” And then in 1 Corinthians 6:19, “do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.” That is why in 2 Corinthians 6:17 it says, “Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you." We are the temple of the Holy Spirit and are called by God to a holy lifestyle for he intends to use us, but can’t not if we are not holy. “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps” (1 Peter 2:21). It is the desire of God that we become, “blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe” (Philippians 2:15). Also, God calls us to hold a higher standard, “Therefore do not be partners with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)” The standards of this world are not those of God! They are “crooked and depraved” for it says in 2 Timothy4:3-4, “For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine, in stead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears will want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” They have given up truth and holiness to do what they want and no longer follow God. I have chosen to not be one of those people, but who has answered the call of Holiness and purity for God.
references:
Isaiah 35:8-9; 1 john 2:6; 2 Timothy 1:9; John 17:17; 1 Peter 2:21; 2 Corinthians 6:17; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Philippians 2:15; 1 John 3:3; Ephesians 5:7-9;
We are who we are. Not one Christian among us is perfect and that is not going to change.
I have been called a hypocrite, narrow-minded, and that my standards are too high. Now ask me if I care? No, I don’t care. I am not here to try and please you, but my whole life is here to serve and love my LORD. The statements about me maybe true, but why are they?
First there is the statement that I am a hypocrite, and that is probably true. But then again who in this world is not a hypocrite in one way or another? I live my life in service to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, but I have failed him many times. Even Jesus’ most trusted disciples have failed him, they have been hypocrites. Let’s first look at Peter. Peter loved Jesus with everything he had and was, saying that he would die for Jesus. He defended Jesus when they arrested him, cutting off the ear of one of the men. Not even fearing death, Peter followed Jesus to the trial, but when it mattered most Peter denied Jesus three times! What worse thing could man do to our LORD? But still Jesus came to Peter after his resurrection to reinstate him to his calling of being the Rock that the Church would be built on. (Luke 22, John 18, John 21) Second there is Paul who said this himself, “For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” And then he goes on to say, “And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.” We are men, far from the perfection that is Christ. Even Isaiah says that our best work is like filthy rags to the LORD. You live the life that I am trying to live and not be a hypocrite from time to time.
Why am I narrow-minded? For I know that I must "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14). The Bible calls us to walk the narrow path, not one that is wide allowing for any wayward thinking. For wide is the way that leads to destruction. The views of this world are not of God, “You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” (James 4:4-5) Then also in James 1 he talks about wisdom, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.” If we want wisdom it should come from God, for God will give us the wisdom that we ask for. “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.” (1 Cor. 3:19) So why would I want to change my mind for a mere man’s beliefs. I will look to the Lord for my wisdom and truth. I will sit and wait for the Lords council and not change my mind for any new idea that is passed before me. Liberal view points of this day are going to lead to destruction of the country. They say that what is true for you doesn’t have to be true for me, that it maybe ok for you but it doesn’t mean the same for me. Truth is what you make it and so on…. The Bible speaks of these people in Romans 1, “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen,” and then again in verse 32. “Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.” But the truth is this, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) That is the truth that we can trust in, there is no truth, but that which comes from Jesus. So Jesus is not here on earth anymore, so how can we know what truth is? But He is, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1) and “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14). So Jesus is here, with us and in us. “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?” (1 Corinthians 6:19). And also, “If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God.” (1 John 4:15)
I have chosen to live my life in a way that is pleasing to God my Father in Heaven. (I have not put try, for the same reason that I listed Romans 7. It is not me who sins, but the sin living in me, that is the flesh) “For it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’" (1 Peter 1:16) So I chose to walk as Jesus walked (1 John 2:6). For when he saved me and called me to a holy lifestyle, but it is nothing that I have done, that he has called me to do it, for it was of his own grace and purpose that He has called me (2 Timothy 1:9). So I have a purpose or calling on my life for in John 17:17 it says, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” Sanctify in Greek means, “set apart for sacred use” and when you need something for sacred use, it has to be clean and holy. 2 Corinthians 7:1 reiterates this, “Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” And then in 1 Corinthians 6:19, “do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.” That is why in 2 Corinthians 6:17 it says, “Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you." We are the temple of the Holy Spirit and are called by God to a holy lifestyle for he intends to use us, but can’t not if we are not holy. “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps” (1 Peter 2:21). It is the desire of God that we become, “blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe” (Philippians 2:15). Also, God calls us to hold a higher standard, “Therefore do not be partners with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)” The standards of this world are not those of God! They are “crooked and depraved” for it says in 2 Timothy4:3-4, “For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine, in stead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears will want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” They have given up truth and holiness to do what they want and no longer follow God. I have chosen to not be one of those people, but who has answered the call of Holiness and purity for God.
references:
Isaiah 35:8-9; 1 john 2:6; 2 Timothy 1:9; John 17:17; 1 Peter 2:21; 2 Corinthians 6:17; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Philippians 2:15; 1 John 3:3; Ephesians 5:7-9;
Revelation Through a Friend
Tonight I was talking with a friend and I asked her what she thought of me... what she saw in me. She told me that I was like a fish out of water... Like a piece waiting to be fit into the puzzle... I smiled when she said that. It is true that I don't feel right here... I feel like I am not fitting in with anyone, like I am apart of this huge puzzle, but that I am in the middle of it all... That all the people around me are the edges of the puzzle and they are fitting together with their friends and with the whole picture and there I am... waiting... sitting... feeling out of place and desiring to fit somewhere. I try to fit in here or there, but never do I quite fit. It is such a discouraging thing to me. I desire to belong and ti fit in... somewhere, but yet here I am... A waiting puzzle piece, but I know that God has a plan for me... someday and I only ask for the strength to wait for it...
The Clean Room
Luke 11:24-26
When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, 'I will return to the house I left.' When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first.
So as I read this when I was younger, I never really thought much of it. It was something that was little more then just another story to me. But then when I was reading another book I cam across this passage and I felt like I needed to go back and read it, and when I did God revealed something to me that I could have never seen on my own.
It could go one of two ways, but I believe that it really doesn't matter. Whether Jesus meant it to be a literal spirit or just a metaphorical idea, I don't believe that it matters. The idea here is where are hearts and minds need to be, because of this.
So the issues comes down to this. There is a sin in our lives (or a spirit) that we finally get deliverance from. It leaves our body, not finding rest, so it comes back to see the place he used to dwell. When he gets there he finds the house cleaned up, yet still empty. So he finds 7 more spirits that are worse then him and brings him to this place. Now instead of being clean and free from the spirit you are now stuck with more and harsher spirits. Here is what was reveled to me, those spirits are the strong sins in our life that we continually deal with. They are that one sin that we can not beat or get over, but needed deliverance from it. So now we are finally delivered from the evil, but the problem is this... We are only clean now, but still we have not filled that house with the goodness of God. Then when the spirit comes back, he can move back in. Now are problem is back and worse then ever! Deliverance is only the first step to our freedom in Christ. The second and just as important is that we fill ourselves with the goodness that comes from Christ. That the Spirit of the Most High God comes in and fills our lives in every space and corner so there is no room for the spirit to comes back. "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you" (Psalms 119:11) That is why it is so important to open our hearts to the word of God and be filled with it daily... hourly.... every minute.... Peter said, "pray without ceasing" (1 Thes 5:17) We are to be with God all the time, because when we are not with God his glory fades from our face (like it did on Moses face after coming down from the mountain)and when it fades... it allows the darkness to creep back into our lives.
Flee from evil and seek God and you will find Him.
When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, 'I will return to the house I left.' When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first.
So as I read this when I was younger, I never really thought much of it. It was something that was little more then just another story to me. But then when I was reading another book I cam across this passage and I felt like I needed to go back and read it, and when I did God revealed something to me that I could have never seen on my own.
It could go one of two ways, but I believe that it really doesn't matter. Whether Jesus meant it to be a literal spirit or just a metaphorical idea, I don't believe that it matters. The idea here is where are hearts and minds need to be, because of this.
So the issues comes down to this. There is a sin in our lives (or a spirit) that we finally get deliverance from. It leaves our body, not finding rest, so it comes back to see the place he used to dwell. When he gets there he finds the house cleaned up, yet still empty. So he finds 7 more spirits that are worse then him and brings him to this place. Now instead of being clean and free from the spirit you are now stuck with more and harsher spirits. Here is what was reveled to me, those spirits are the strong sins in our life that we continually deal with. They are that one sin that we can not beat or get over, but needed deliverance from it. So now we are finally delivered from the evil, but the problem is this... We are only clean now, but still we have not filled that house with the goodness of God. Then when the spirit comes back, he can move back in. Now are problem is back and worse then ever! Deliverance is only the first step to our freedom in Christ. The second and just as important is that we fill ourselves with the goodness that comes from Christ. That the Spirit of the Most High God comes in and fills our lives in every space and corner so there is no room for the spirit to comes back. "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you" (Psalms 119:11) That is why it is so important to open our hearts to the word of God and be filled with it daily... hourly.... every minute.... Peter said, "pray without ceasing" (1 Thes 5:17) We are to be with God all the time, because when we are not with God his glory fades from our face (like it did on Moses face after coming down from the mountain)and when it fades... it allows the darkness to creep back into our lives.
Flee from evil and seek God and you will find Him.
Friday, January 16, 2009
To obey is better then sacrific
Before the Ten Commandments there were no laws, beside that you should not eat of the tree of good and evil. But it was still sin for Cain to kill Able. God knew it, Cain knew it and God told him, “Then the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? 7 If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it." Even though there is no law before the fall there was still a right and wrong and people knew it. So why do you who know the law and have the Word of God at your finger tips not follow it?
You may say the law no longer applies because you are under the new covenant so you don’t have to follow it (Romans 6:14), but when you read on to the next verse Paul shoots that theory down! He says, “What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? … You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.” (Romans 6:15-16,18) Paul is very clear that we are no longer under the law so that we won’t be condemned by the law, but we are called to obedience to God from whom the law came. The thing that he is trying to get through to the reader is that we are saved by grace and don’t have to worry about our walk with Him being perfect, but that we live by faith. For earlier Paul says this, “For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law” and then “And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.” (Romans 3:28;11:6) So it is not that we don’t have to follow the law, but that we cannot be saved by the law. “We then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.” (Romans 3:28,31)
Paul is not the only one that feels this way either; Peter, James and John all have the same message. Peter says it like this, “Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Peter1:16 [yeah he quoted it, but he did repeat the scriptures thought]) James puts is this way, “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (James 2:17) Then finally John, “Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.” (1 John 2:6)
Also Jesus is very clear in the matter. In John 6:29 Jesus answered the people, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” So there is no going to heaven through works, but just to believe in the one whom God sent, Jesus. Then Jesus in John 14:15 says, “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” So what more can be said?
I guess just a conclusion. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) God has made the way to heaven free and not something you can earn, but that doesn’t mean that we can forsake the laws laid out for us. It is through the obedience of the laws that we show that we believe what we say we do. (James 2:17) Finally in 1 Samuel 15:22 it says, “But Samuel replied: "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD ? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.”
You may say the law no longer applies because you are under the new covenant so you don’t have to follow it (Romans 6:14), but when you read on to the next verse Paul shoots that theory down! He says, “What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? … You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.” (Romans 6:15-16,18) Paul is very clear that we are no longer under the law so that we won’t be condemned by the law, but we are called to obedience to God from whom the law came. The thing that he is trying to get through to the reader is that we are saved by grace and don’t have to worry about our walk with Him being perfect, but that we live by faith. For earlier Paul says this, “For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law” and then “And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.” (Romans 3:28;11:6) So it is not that we don’t have to follow the law, but that we cannot be saved by the law. “We then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.” (Romans 3:28,31)
Paul is not the only one that feels this way either; Peter, James and John all have the same message. Peter says it like this, “Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Peter1:16 [yeah he quoted it, but he did repeat the scriptures thought]) James puts is this way, “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (James 2:17) Then finally John, “Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.” (1 John 2:6)
Also Jesus is very clear in the matter. In John 6:29 Jesus answered the people, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” So there is no going to heaven through works, but just to believe in the one whom God sent, Jesus. Then Jesus in John 14:15 says, “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” So what more can be said?
I guess just a conclusion. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) God has made the way to heaven free and not something you can earn, but that doesn’t mean that we can forsake the laws laid out for us. It is through the obedience of the laws that we show that we believe what we say we do. (James 2:17) Finally in 1 Samuel 15:22 it says, “But Samuel replied: "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD ? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.”
Why are we complaining?
Philippians 2:1-18 (Please read this passage first)
So the time that I have spent here at Crown I have heard, many times over, people have complained over and over… about all sorts of stuff; the food sucks, they require too many chapels, it costs too much, Crown sucks (my favorite). Why are we as Christians doing this?! I mean seriously! We, as American Christians, are blessed more then most people dream bout! We are going to school, we have three hot meals per day, and we have houses that hold heat and don’t leak! There are plenty of people even here in the cities that would like to have those things! So why do we complain bout it!? There is a calling for us Christians to be “like-minded” to Christ! Are we?! “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (3-4) We are called take care of our interests and the interests of other’s. It doesn’t say anything bout taking care of our Desires! That is God’s job. (Psalms 37:4) So what should we do? “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life” (14-16a) We are called not to complain, so why are we?!
All I ask is that you consider what I said. Meditate on the scripture, because though I maybe full of faults, the scripture is not.
Ps. So, there maybe just causes behind the complaints that you have, but here is my question for you! What are you doing to make a difference? If you’re not doing something, then shut up!!!
So the time that I have spent here at Crown I have heard, many times over, people have complained over and over… about all sorts of stuff; the food sucks, they require too many chapels, it costs too much, Crown sucks (my favorite). Why are we as Christians doing this?! I mean seriously! We, as American Christians, are blessed more then most people dream bout! We are going to school, we have three hot meals per day, and we have houses that hold heat and don’t leak! There are plenty of people even here in the cities that would like to have those things! So why do we complain bout it!? There is a calling for us Christians to be “like-minded” to Christ! Are we?! “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (3-4) We are called take care of our interests and the interests of other’s. It doesn’t say anything bout taking care of our Desires! That is God’s job. (Psalms 37:4) So what should we do? “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life” (14-16a) We are called not to complain, so why are we?!
All I ask is that you consider what I said. Meditate on the scripture, because though I maybe full of faults, the scripture is not.
Ps. So, there maybe just causes behind the complaints that you have, but here is my question for you! What are you doing to make a difference? If you’re not doing something, then shut up!!!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
The dudy of a Christian
"Whenever people say, 'Christians are hypocrites,' I say, 'duh, every time we come together we are confessing that we are hypocrites, weaklings in need of God and each other'" - Rick Mullens
There is no way on earth that anyone can ever become perfect. It is a failing battle that we will never reach if we try. That is why we need Christ. He was send down by God to become that perfect sacrifice to wash away our imperfections and leave us white as snow, so that we can one day be perfect as we stand before Christ. So what does it mean to be a Christian? The word Christian means to “follow Christ,” but what does it mean to follow Christ?
After Jesus fed the five thousand in John 6, they followed Him across the lake and asked him, “Then they asked him, ‘What must we do to do the works God requires?’
Jesus answered, ‘The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.’ (vs. 28-29)
So all that God asks of us is to just believe in the one whom he has sent! All we have to do is believe in Jesus. And then in Matthew 22, Jesus was asked what is the greatest commandment and his reply was this: ”'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (vs 37-40) So what is the commandment? Love! Love God and love your neighbor. So what does that mean? How does that play out? In John 14:15 Jesus says this, “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” But when I first read this I was so scared for my salvation. I was like to prove that I love Jesus I have to do everything right and be a perfect Christian. I can’t fail or I will lose it! But no, Jesus is not saying that. He is saying, if you love me, you will want to do what I say. He is saying that if you love him, everything else will come. If we love our actions will follow that love. Galatians 5:6 says, “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”
This all reminds me of that song that we sing in chapel, “they will know we are Christians by our love.”
There is no way on earth that anyone can ever become perfect. It is a failing battle that we will never reach if we try. That is why we need Christ. He was send down by God to become that perfect sacrifice to wash away our imperfections and leave us white as snow, so that we can one day be perfect as we stand before Christ. So what does it mean to be a Christian? The word Christian means to “follow Christ,” but what does it mean to follow Christ?
After Jesus fed the five thousand in John 6, they followed Him across the lake and asked him, “Then they asked him, ‘What must we do to do the works God requires?’
Jesus answered, ‘The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.’ (vs. 28-29)
So all that God asks of us is to just believe in the one whom he has sent! All we have to do is believe in Jesus. And then in Matthew 22, Jesus was asked what is the greatest commandment and his reply was this: ”'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (vs 37-40) So what is the commandment? Love! Love God and love your neighbor. So what does that mean? How does that play out? In John 14:15 Jesus says this, “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” But when I first read this I was so scared for my salvation. I was like to prove that I love Jesus I have to do everything right and be a perfect Christian. I can’t fail or I will lose it! But no, Jesus is not saying that. He is saying, if you love me, you will want to do what I say. He is saying that if you love him, everything else will come. If we love our actions will follow that love. Galatians 5:6 says, “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”
This all reminds me of that song that we sing in chapel, “they will know we are Christians by our love.”
Sex vs. Tobacco
So this week and last I have been wearing a hat that advertises Tobacco products. I have heard more then a few comments about it, but now it is my turn to say something about it. What I am wearing says what I support. So by me wearing this hat I am saying that I support this product, right? Can anyone disagree with this? So why should what I wear matter and what you wear be acceptable? I don’t think it should, or you’re just being a hypocrite. (don’t get me wrong, we all are one in one way or another. Peter is the biggest one, but Jesus choose him to build the church!) So let us look at some of the big name brands that we, as Christians, are wearing.
Abercrombie and Fitch. Their website says, “The highest quality, casual, All-American lifestyle clothing for aspirational men and women.” When I went to the site, well the first thing that I see is a man laying down with what looks like as no clothes on? What is this promoting? I don’t think it is promoting their “All-American lifestyle clothing” because I sure don’t see any clothing being advertised. So then I went to the Photo Gallery and what do I see… another guy half naked and what looks like… he is taking off his pants. So what is it they are selling? I don’t feel like they are selling me this “All-American lifestyle clothing,” do you?
Second they have had to pay over $40 million in a lawsuit for discrimination against, “Latino, African American, Asian American and female” So obviously they are not fair to the people that they have working for them.
Third , “The founder, David Abercrombie was a former trapper. First dedicated to camping, fishing and hunting gear ! His clientele consisted of hunter and explorers” and now “Their image has changed from a store for outdoorsman to the naked teenagers.” Then there is their catalog and this is what Kevin McCullough had this to say, “Forty-five specific portrayals of sexual imagery in the first 120 pages, advice to the readers ... this is how the new Abercrombie & Fitch Quarterly titled "The Christmas Field Guide" begins its new quarterly magazine that is targeted to your 10- to 13-year-olds. The 45 images include overt portrayals of group sex, lots of teen and young adult nudity, men kissing, and teens /young adults frolicking in a river engaging in sexual activity in multiple group settings. Did I mention that the actual clothing doesn't begin being advertised until page 120?”
So when I look at this company I see them marketing sex not clothes. So what is this telling people about you when you wear these things…. I mean a hat with tobacco advertised on it, I might say that this product is good. It may cause cancer, but why is that any different then the cancer that A & F cause to the minds of the minds of today’s youth? They are telling these kids that sex with anyone and everyone is good and that the more people the better!
How many other companies out there have been using child labor to make their clothes. Just take a minute and look at all the cases when you Google it!
Tell me this, would you support playboy? So why would you support this company when they are doing the same thing? So tell me why as Christians are we sitting back and buying products that come from these despicable companies? Shouldn’t we be doing everything for the glory of Christ ?
Abercrombie and Fitch. Their website says, “The highest quality, casual, All-American lifestyle clothing for aspirational men and women.” When I went to the site, well the first thing that I see is a man laying down with what looks like as no clothes on? What is this promoting? I don’t think it is promoting their “All-American lifestyle clothing” because I sure don’t see any clothing being advertised. So then I went to the Photo Gallery and what do I see… another guy half naked and what looks like… he is taking off his pants. So what is it they are selling? I don’t feel like they are selling me this “All-American lifestyle clothing,” do you?
Second they have had to pay over $40 million in a lawsuit for discrimination against, “Latino, African American, Asian American and female” So obviously they are not fair to the people that they have working for them.
Third , “The founder, David Abercrombie was a former trapper. First dedicated to camping, fishing and hunting gear ! His clientele consisted of hunter and explorers” and now “Their image has changed from a store for outdoorsman to the naked teenagers.” Then there is their catalog and this is what Kevin McCullough had this to say, “Forty-five specific portrayals of sexual imagery in the first 120 pages, advice to the readers ... this is how the new Abercrombie & Fitch Quarterly titled "The Christmas Field Guide" begins its new quarterly magazine that is targeted to your 10- to 13-year-olds. The 45 images include overt portrayals of group sex, lots of teen and young adult nudity, men kissing, and teens /young adults frolicking in a river engaging in sexual activity in multiple group settings. Did I mention that the actual clothing doesn't begin being advertised until page 120?”
So when I look at this company I see them marketing sex not clothes. So what is this telling people about you when you wear these things…. I mean a hat with tobacco advertised on it, I might say that this product is good. It may cause cancer, but why is that any different then the cancer that A & F cause to the minds of the minds of today’s youth? They are telling these kids that sex with anyone and everyone is good and that the more people the better!
How many other companies out there have been using child labor to make their clothes. Just take a minute and look at all the cases when you Google it!
Tell me this, would you support playboy? So why would you support this company when they are doing the same thing? So tell me why as Christians are we sitting back and buying products that come from these despicable companies? Shouldn’t we be doing everything for the glory of Christ ?
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