What does the Bible say about that?

“Bring Your Pillows to the Altar”

2011-03-11T10:41:00.000-08:00

I’ll bet when you read the title, “Bring your pillows to the altar” you thought I was inviting you to sleep in church, didn’t you? I know, “we wrestle not” and so forth. Well, here is a story about someone who did just that. Jacob had just deceived his father and stole his brother’s birth right and he was running for his life.

And he lighted (came) upon a certain place, and tarried (stayed) there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep, Gen. 28:11, (King James Version)

Using stones for pillows? Are you kidding? You really have to be hard headed to lay your head on a rock and fall asleep, that was Jacob. When Jacob set his mind to get something he simply would not be denied. He used manipulation and deception to get his brothers birth right and blessing. He endured harsh working conditions under under his father in law for 20 years, 14 years for his wives and 6 years for his flock. He wrestled with God and absolutely refused to give up until God blessed him. Nobody could change Jacob’s hard headed direction and get him off his mission. This is the same persistent unstoppable character displayed by Jesus as he was determined to go to the cross.

Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will not be put to shame, Isa 50:7 (New Living Translation).

Now when the time was almost come for Jesus to be received up [to heaven], He steadfastly and determinedly set His face to go to Jerusalem, Luke 9:51 (Amplified Bible).

God gave Ezekiel the same mental fortitude and resolve when he challenged rebellious Israel to repent;

But it won't work that way with the family of Israel. They won't listen to you because they won't listen to me. They are, as I said, a hard case, hardened in their sin. But I'll make you as hard in your way as they are in theirs. I'll make your face as hard as rock, harder than granite. Don't let them intimidate you. Don't be afraid of them, even though they're a bunch of rebels, Ezek. 3:7-9, (The Message).

Of course when we think of pillows we tend to think of softness and comfort, we don’t think of rocks. However when everything is so hard and difficult that even our pillows seem like rocks it brings us to a very special place.

Jacob woke up from his sleep. He said, GOD is in this place—truly. And I didn't even know it!" He was terrified. He whispered in awe, "Incredible. Wonderful. Holy. This is God's House. This is the Gate of Heaven, Gen 28:16, 17, (The Message).

Jacob was going through a very stressful anxiety filled time, he lost his family, his life was in danger and it brought him to the house of God. It is during the hardest, most difficult, most unbearable times of our lives that we find God.

The High and Lofty One lives forever, and his name is holy. This is what he says: I live in a high and holy place. But I am with those who are crushed and humble. I will renew the spirit of those who are humble and the courage of those who are crushed, Isa 57:15 (God’s Word Translation).

The LORD is near to those whose hearts are humble. He saves those whose spirits are crushed, Ps 34:18 (God’s Word Translation).

So what happened when Jacob woke up? He was a changed man;
Jacob was up first thing in the morning. He took the stone he had used for his pillow and stood it up as a memorial pillar and poured oil over it. He christened the place Bethel (God's House). The name of the town had been Luz until then.

Jacob vowed a vow:

If God stands by me and protects me on this journey on which I'm setting out, keeps me in food and clothing, and brings me back in one piece to my father's house, this GOD will be my God. This stone that I have set up as a memorial pillar will mark this as a place where God lives. And everything you give me, I'll return a tenth to you, Gen. 28:18-22 (The Message)

When we go through a difficult time and encounter God, it requires a response. When Jacob woke up he did 3 things:

1). Jacob took his “pillow” and made it into a “pillar”:

Jacob’s pillow was hard enough to stack rocks with mortar and build a memorial tower. By comparison our pillows are soft and comfortable. Paul said . . .

SO YOU, my son, be strong (strengthened inwardly) in the grace (spiritual blessing) that is [to be found only] in Christ Jesus. {So, my son, throw yourself into this work for Christ, The Message} And the [instructions] which you have heard from me along with many witnesses, transmit and entrust [as a deposit] to reliable and faithful men who will be competent and qualified to teach others also.

Take [with me] your share of the hardships and suffering [which you are called to endure] as a good (first-class) soldier of Christ Jesus.

No soldier when in service gets entangled in the enterprises of [civilian] life; his aim is to satisfy and please the one who enlisted him, 2 Tim. 2:1-4 (Amplified Bible)

Wouldn’t it be nice to have an altar call in the church for pillows? What would happen if all the sleeping saints would wake up and give up their soft cushy religion and go to war for souls? What is your pillow? What is your religious comfort zone that puts you into a spiritual slumber? Let’s give up our pillows, and start building pillars to God.

2). Jacob poured oil on the pillar:
There is a fresh new anointing for those who wake up. The long night of separation from God and inactivity is over. Now it is time to rekindle the gifts and become even more active than ever! You will become a pillar in the church, your words and actions will be a source of salvation, strength, and truth.

If I am detained, you may know how people ought to conduct themselves in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and stay (the prop and support) of the Truth, 1Tim 3:15 (Amplified Bible)

3). Jacob also vowed to pay tithes:
When Jacob woke up he realized he had not given anything back to God. Unwillingness to give puts us into a spiritual slumber and is robbing God. Jesus expects us to go beyond tithes, and be willing to give everything, Matt.5:20, Lk.14:33

We need to give our time, money, strength and talents to God. Let's not waste our energy in frivolous church pillow fights; where overinflated egos argue over all the outward trappings and status of their religious surroundings, while ignoring a lost world...

Jesus did not die on a sleep number Sealy Posturepedic cross! It’s time to take our heads off our religious pillows and jump into the battle as good soldiers of Christ. Jesus was always about his father’s business, he didn't even own a pillow!

But Jesus replied, Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head, Matt. 8:20 (New Living Translation)

When we give up our pillows and dedicate our lives to God, he makes this promise to us:
I'll make each conqueror a pillar in the sanctuary of my God, a permanent position of honor. Then I'll write names on you, the pillars: the Name of my God, the Name of God's City—the New Jerusalem coming down out of Heaven—and my new Name. Rev. 3:12 (The Message)

If we give up some of our meaningless distractions and idle time, and convert it into effort for the cause of Christ, we can become permanent, immovable pillars in the presence of God, forever!

... Next week, we will talk about sleeping in Delilah's lap!

: )

New Years goals? How’s that working for you?

2011-02-19T15:21:00.000-08:00

It’s February and statistically most people have already failed in keeping their new years resolutions, my question is this . . . what resolutions of biblical proportions should have the highest priority in our lives?

Here is one example of misplaced goals;
And he (Jesus) spake a parable unto them, saying, the ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? Luke 12:16-18

These were his goals;
And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. Luke 12:19

The problem here is not making business goals, it is making godless goals. Paul addressed this when he said,” If the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for tomorrow we die”, 1 Cor.15:32.

There are only 9 places in the New Testament where the word fool is used, and Jesus said this man was a fool.

But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. Lu 12:20 – 21

The last part of this verse gives clarification; “and is not rich toward God”. He wasn’t a fool for strategizing for success; he was a fool for leaving God out of the picture. So how do we set goals that will make us, “rich toward God?” The best advice comes from the Apostle Paul and here are some of His goals:

1. A PURE CONSCIENCE BEFORE GOD & MAN
And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men, Acts 24:16.

Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned, 1Ti 1:5

2. A DISCIPLINED CONTROLLED MIND
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled, 2Co 10:3 – 6.

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things”, Phillipians 4:8.

It’s important to put the inward spiritual goals first, because change starts and continues with the mind.
But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 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” 2 Cor. 4:3-4.

“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”. Romans 12:1-2.

“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God”, Romans 8:5-8

3. TO HAVE A GROWING RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST, AND TO KNOW HIM BETTER AT ANY COST.
But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:7 -10, 13-14.

No matter whether our goals are reached or forgotten, the most important thing in the end is whether we hear God say “thou fool” or “well done good and faithful servant”. Maybe would should include God in our goal setting, and pray we accomplish what he has called us to do.

The First Government Bail-Out

2008-11-20T17:51:00.000-08:00

**Keep in mind, this was written while George Bush was President**
Government bail-outs are not new and not without a high cost. What is the cost? Everything you own, your, your freedom, and your future earnings. Believe it or not the first bail-out came during the times of the Pharaohs in Egypt, and was administered by one of the patriarchs of the Bible, Joseph. According to Biblical accounts Joseph was second only to Pharaoh in ruling over Egypt, so in this case he represents the government. Joseph came to power by interpreting Pharaoh’s dreams about famine (shortages) and he built silos and warehoused the food supply (grain –the main staple of the region). When the food shortages became severe, Joseph (the government) sold the food but gained control over all the money (financial markets).

Gen. 47:14, 15 And Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt and in the land of Canaan, for the grain which they bought; and Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh's house. So when the money failed in the land of Egypt and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came to Joseph and said, "Give us bread, for why should we die in your presence? For the money has failed."

Once the government controlled all the money, next they went for the livestock. It was not just cows and camels to them, but it was their only means of travel, transporting goods, plowing fields, grinding grain, etc… kind of like our automotive industry, it was like their car, their tractor, their truck, the difference between loading a mule and carrying loads on their backs, riding a camel and walking long distances, etc… you get the idea, it was the difference between an already hard life and an unbearably exhausting miserable existence. Our government already owns your driving privileges. First you are taxed on the purchase of a car and you must renew plates each year, maintain insurance perpetually, and must operate within numerous perimeters or you will be walking. The government has always regulated the manufacture of vehicles, but now they are taking over the ownership, literally.

Gen 47:16-20 Then Joseph said, "Give your livestock, and I will give you bread for your livestock, if the money is gone." So they brought their livestock to Joseph, and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for the horses, the flocks, the cattle of the herds, and for the donkeys. Thus he fed them with bread in exchange for all their livestock that year. When that year had ended, they came to him the next year and said to him, "We will not hide from my lord that our money is gone; my lord also has our herds of livestock. There is nothing left in the sight of my lord but our bodies and our lands. " . . . Then Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh; for every man of the Egyptians sold his field, because the famine was severe upon them. So the land became Pharaoh's.

Now the government owned all the money (financial markets), all the cattle (automotive industry), all the land (taxes, zoning - endangered species habitat, public domain), and their bodies (present and future income and the health care system). It doesn't stop there, Pharaoh wants your children (public school monopoly controlled by godless liberals), your mind (political correctness), and even your soul (evolution, humanistic psychology and new age thought). All industry and commerce has to be government owned or “nationalized.” You can say it was a dictatorship, or a communist state, or a socialist society, they are all the same it's just a matter of semantics. But even Pharaoh was more lenient than the IRS and the U.S. government with regard to taxation.

Gen 47:23, 24 Then Joseph said to the people, "Indeed I have bought you and your land this day for Pharaoh. Look, here is seed for you, and you shall sow the land. "And it shall come to pass in the harvest that you shall give one-fifth (20%) to Pharaoh. Four-fifths shall be your own, as seed for the field and for your food, for those of your households and as food for your little ones."

The Egyptians got off easy, ONLY 20% taxes! Think about it, federal tax rates are 15-35% (at least for now, but they are no doubt about to go way up, they have been as high as 90% in the U.S.). That does not count State taxes, County taxes, Local taxes, Property taxes, taxes on gasoline, on cell phone use, taxes on food, and on and on and on. From the time you wake up till the time you go to bed; everything you touch, eat, drink, wear, heat, cool, drive, has been or is being taxed. The government owns ALL the land and property, we are just renters. If you don’t think so, just stop paying your taxes (rent). Did I mention that if they can get higher tax revenues (rent) from your home they can evict you by public domain. Yeah, they own it all. They own the fruits of your labors; in fact you work from January to June to pay them. Most households require two incomes, one income to pay government taxes and one income for you to live on. They even take money from you after you die by the death tax (taxing inheritances). If Tony Soprano did that it would be called extortion, but when the IRS does it, it's a tax. Every company, corporation, business, individual, any salary earned, product purchased, has to give Uncle Sam Soprano his portion or else. Without lifting a finger they take more profits from oil than the oil companies who dig it, refine it, transport it, market it and sell it, yet big oil is evil. In fact they take more profit from tobacco than big tobacco, and yet they require big tobacco to pay additional hundreds of millions to them in legal settlements, and then make them run advertising against their own tobacco products. If tobacco kills why not outlaw it? These modern Pharaohs would rather have you die than to kill their cash cow (the golden calf).

Speaking of death, if some girl wants to kill her baby they will make you to pay for it with tax money. Yes, they will use tax money to give your kids condoms, sexual indoctrination and evolution in the schools, but the kids can't read, write, or do math. They have determined that a girl can cross state lines to kill her baby without the parents knowledge, because it takes a village (the government) to raise kids, parents are too ignorant and uninformed. That's right, they own your kids! They used to put Mafia types in prison for bootlegging alcohol (can anyone say Joe Kennedy, the father of JFK, RFK, and Chappaquiddick Ted), also running numbers and gambling in the 1920s. Now the government is the Mafia and they run the State Lotteries (numbers games) and take huge profits big alcohol and gambling Casinos, to the destruction and ruin of the people they govern. Apparently, it is only evil when the Mafia does it without government involvement. And so forth, it's unending.

So now the money is failing (like in Egypt), so it's time for extreme measures. NOW it's time for the politicians to spread YOUR wealth around, (as if they weren't spreading it before). Oh yes, you take a huge risk by putting your money, blood, sweat, tears, and innumerable hours into starting a business and making it successful, and guess what? You are a selfish evil rich person who obviously won life's lottery, and now it is your “Patriotic Duty” to give at least 35% of your hard earned money to somebody who does not work at all, in order to buy votes. It's your patriotic duty to surrender your money to the government because they need it for their lifestyle and to give contracts to their drinking buddies, interns, prostitutes and attorney fees. It's your patriotic duty to take money from your family budget and give it to bail out (take government control of) failed corporations, because these poor corporate CEO's need a golden parachute more than your kids need diapers and milk. After all it would be such a crying shame for a CEO to fly on a commercial flight (with the little peasant people) on their way to beg for hundreds of billions of dollars. WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE FREE MARKET! The government does not have solutions, because they are the problem. The market would readjust and fix itself if the government would just get out the way, and stop trying to micro-manage every aspect human existence.

I could go on and on, but I think you get the point. I just hope that the nation doesn't have to endure 400 years (or one more campaign cycle) and 10 plagues for us to be delivered from these modern Pharaohs. I pray God would raise up deliverers and leaders with integrity who love freedom and fear God (like to Moses) who will lead us up out of the grasp of these godless, immoral, greedy, socialist Pharaohs.

Who Are These People?

2008-09-28T16:53:00.000-07:00

In the book of Revelation Jesus gives a message to the 7 churches. To each church he repeats the same pattern; (1) a revelation of the risen Christ, (2) an acknowledgement of their good behavior, (3) a rebuke of their bad behavior, (4) a promise of reckoning if they don’t repent, (5) and promise of reward if they repent and overcome.

Rev. 2:7,11, 17, 26 & 3:5,12,21 To him that overcometh . . .

Ok, who are these overcomers? First, we know they are a segment of people within the church who gain victory over some spiritual force. This begs several more questions, like who are the non-overcoming group, are they hypocrites, pretenders or the lost? Or, are they like the virgins without oil in their lamps? Also, nobody is saved through their personal efforts to overcome, this refers to victories in spiritual battles that come after salvation. So does God differentiate between Christians who yield to sin walking in the flesh, and those who rise above temptation to walk in the Spirit?

Mt 5:19

Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the LEAST in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called GREAT in the kingdom of heaven.

Mt 18:4

Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is GREATEST in the kingdom of heaven.

In these verses we see the Least, Great, and the Greatest in the kingdom; it appears that there are levels of rewards. Once again, does God differentiate between Christians?

Mt 11:11

Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is LEAST in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

Here, John the Baptist was described as the greatest of the Old Testament saints (those born up to that time), yet he that is least in the kingdom is greater than him. Who are these people in the Kingdom? What is the kingdom, who’s in it, who’s not, and if they are saved and not in the kingdom where are they? Who are these people? Does God differentiate between saints?

Mt 16:27

For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

(To read the vision that insired this song, click here)

Asleep In The Light -- Keith Green

Is there more?

2008-09-27T09:30:00.000-07:00

You’ve just accepted Jesus, now you have arrived and posses all the fullness of God, right?

Ok, that is a ridicules statement, right? It is true that from the moment you repent and believe in Jesus, your sins are forgiven and you have received the gift of His righteousness is imputed to you. But is that it? Do you just coast into eternity with a big "mission accomplished" banner from that point?

The aged apostle Paul, after many years of life threatening spiritual warfare and sacrifice for the cause of Christ, was sitting in prison writing to the church (which he started) in Philippi and said;

Philippians 3:12-14, “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect (mature): but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (KJV)

If PAUL had not attained, where does that leave us? If Paul focused his efforts into “this one thing” how does that speak to our priorities and goals? And what are “those things which are before” that he referred to? And what is the “mark” and the “prize” that he was pushing himself toward?

Paul was also under a great burden that his converts should have the same vision; otherwise all his efforts would have been in vain.

Philippians 2:15,16: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. (KJV)

If PAUL was afraid that he may have run or labored in vain, what about us? What is the “ONE THING” that I do? What am I pressing toward? How do I use my time, talents, and influence? Am I running and laboring in vain? Is there more to living for God, and why does it matter how I live? (see "Who are these people?)

My Biography

2008-09-20T17:57:00.000-07:00

I became a Christian after a dramatic conversion experience in 1978, after which I had an unquenchable thirst for the word of God and evangelism. My new found zeal drove me to unending activity in street preaching, prison ministry, and every aspect of church helps and ministries. The natural result was full time work in a Christian School, and then ordination into the full time ministry in 1980.

Belonging to a non-denominational affiliation of churches and ministers, our belief system and worship were Pentecostal similar to that of the Assemblies of God. Our main goal was to train and equip ministers, and then send them out as church planters. Each new minister was required to go through hands on training with a tight regiment of prayer, Bible study, visitations, evangelism, and other responsibilities.

When I was first ordained we had 4 churches, over the next 7 years we experienced phenomenal growth and planted 27 new churches across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Trinidad, Sierra Leon, and Papua New Guinea. In addition, we had fellowship with churches in England, France, India, and Indonesia.

The greatest advantage that I experienced by belonging to a group of geographically diverse churches, is that I was exposed to a wide variety of diverse people and cultures. This broadened my vision, experience, and taught me diplomacy in a wide array of circumstances. I ministered abroad in; Canada, Mexico, England, France, Puerto Rico, Guatemala. Domestically I ministered in a number of U.S. cities including; Washington D.C., New York, Orange New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pittsburg, Miami, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Chicago, Houston, Dallas, etc.

1980 Washington DC;
I was an Associate Pastor with various duties which included; public speaking, managing the transportation ministry, youth minister to the inner city teen boys, worship leader, heading up evangelism outreaches, hospital visitation, home visitations, prison visitations, setting up equipment and chairs, landscaping and lawn care, and anything else that needed to be done.

1981 Toronto Canada;
I was the Assistant Pastor with all the previously mentioned responsibilities. We also conducted various outreach ministries in Montreal and other Canadian cities.

1982 Cincinnati OH;
I went to Cincinnati to build a church from the ground up. We started with a few people in a living room. Basically, I did everything; set up the chairs, pick up the people, play the guitar and lead singing, give the message, drive the people home, counsel them, and whatever else needed to be done. Before I left, we were in a regular meeting hall and had over 30 people. I then I handed the baton over to someone else.

1983 Houston TX;
I was the Assistant Pastor in Houston, with all the previously mentioned “normal” responsibilities. This church was, and still is, an English/Spanish bilingual church. I started to learn Spanish, and in a short time I found myself on the way to Mexico.

1984 Reynosa Mexico;
I went to Mexico to Pastor a brand new start-up church. I was able to function through the help of a few interpreters. When I arrived, they we were meeting under a tin roof on a dirt floor. There was dismal poverty, because the land was obtained by what they called an “invasion”, or what we call squatters. The area had been a garbage dump, and therefore was severely infested with scorpions, black tarantulas and white tarantulas (called niños). We killed over 30 scorpions in or around the house in one month. The squatters cleared the rubbish and set up dirt roads (which were sometimes rivers) with tiny houses. As a result of their illegal occupancy of the land, the government did not allow basic services. Most families had no running water (it was brought in by donkey carts in 55 gallon drums), and no electricity (they used kerosene lanterns for light). The homes were built with salvaged scraps of whatever they could find, and most only had one or two rooms (for large families), with outhouses in the back. Many of the children had tape worm, ring worm or other illnesses due to bad water. One gentleman had a wooden leg; he would walk several miles to church over very rugged terrain in unbearable heat, and would do so with great joy. Despite what we would consider difficult conditions, they were probably the happiest people I’ve ever seen. My time there was too short.

1986 Chicago IL;
I went to Chicago to be the Assistant Pastor, but in reality I was sent there to bolster the church. The Pastor had recently accepted his position there, but the church attendance was declining. My job was to encourage and revive the church while upholding the pastor, the church received my ministry with enthusiasm! I was also requested for a number of revivals around the country, and traveled for 6 months of my first year there.

1987 Paris, France;
I was sent to Paris as an Associate Pastor, but it was a similar role as the one I had just left in Chicago. The Senior Pastor had taken terminally ill; he was a very godly and precious saint. Since the Pastor had became ill, the church had lost a large number of members. My job, again, was to prop up the existing ministers while encouraging the church. Before I left the church was overflowing, not only on Sunday mornings but in all the meetings. I was very popular with the French congregation, and the church was revived! Unfortunately, I had to leave France to return to the States, because my mother was terminally ill.

1987- 1997 Chicago IL;
I originally went back to Chicago as an Assistant Pastor, because it was the closest church to where my mother lived (St. Louis, MO). Unfortunately, my mother passed away during this time. Through a number of circumstances the Chicago church decided to become independent, and appointed me their Pastor. As an inner city church we evangelized and worked in gang infested areas, while implementing discipleship programs. I remained the pastor there for 10 years.

1997 – Present;
I, along with my talented and beautiful wife Cyndi, am currently active in teaching, preaching, singing and sharing in various churches, as the Lord leads. We are ready and willing to go whenever, and wherever the Lord sends us.

Although this may seem like a long story to you ... its merely a glimpse of my 31 years of Service to the Lord. But really, I could write a book ... enough said!

Mark England

Are YOU in the process?

2008-09-18T13:09:00.000-07:00

Since this is my first blog and the title of the blog site is “What does the Bible says about that”, let me start by saying that I make no claim to being some kind of expert doctor of theology. Someone once said a theologian is somebody who answers questions that nobody is asking, for me that kind of religion just brings death. I’m more like the apostle Peter, ignorant and uneducated. I really just enjoy digging into the word of God. So I’ll start by using the Apostle John’s opening remarks in his epistle:

1 John 1:1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;

Everything begins with the word of God; God spoke the worlds into existence by the Word, and we are born again by the Word.

John 1:1, 14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God . . . And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.

Jesus is the Word made flesh, and our attitude towards the word of God directly reflects our attitude toward Jesus himself. If we neglect the Word, we are neglecting our relationship with Jesus. This neglect will also cause us to miss the process of transforming power that the word of God could have in our lives. This is where the rubber meets the road, “the transformation process”. This is the bottom line of all teaching and Bible study, that the word becomes flesh IN OUR LIVES. John the Baptist said, “I must decrease and He must increase”, Paul said, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me”. There is a point where the implanted Word begins to grow and spreads roots to control every aspect of our lives. Jesus said I am the vine and you are the branches, then He talked about the pruning process. The vines had to be pruned (trimmed by cutting off), and pruning happens regularly. There is a process.

We are in a process! The process is conformity to the character of Christ as revealed in the scriptures. Paul made his personal goal to “bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ”.

When you obtain this level of commitment and obedience to the Word of God, your character will be transformed. You will think, act, react, and exemplify the character of Christ, just as Paul did.

Phil 4:8-9 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.