Christian Living

 The subject of instruments and clapping in worship is an interesting one. I know this a controversial topic. I’m well aware that as a “Christian” group we do not all agree on the same opinion in the matter. I would like to bring you today not an opinion but fact on this topic. I pray that with an open heart you will read, search the scriptures for yourself and discover what God commands.  Mosaic Covenant When we examine the Mosaic covenant, we see that the music conducted was both in song and with instruments. Special assignments were given by God. This was done by God through His prophets and overseen by King David ( 1 Chron. 25:1-7; 2 Chron. 29:25-30 ).  We must keep in mind that the singers from the tribe of Levi and instruments of music were not merely authorized but that they were commanded. Even in Nehemiah we see the use of instruments. This was done according to the commandment we see in the ordinance for the restored temple services. Nehemiah says ...

          That has been a problem in many of our lives and in the body. It is like a stormy day in our Christian walk.  We wake up one day with a cold, dreadful, dark and dreary faith. Sure, on the outside it seems cheerful but its true nature is far from a warm spring day.  When we come around we always ask “What happened?” to which there is only one answer. I stopped growing. How? And we may think, “I don’t miss church.” “I read great books by strong religious authors.” “I pray regularly.” “I try not to sin, well not in big ways anyway. I should be fine. How did I get here?" We will stop growing when we quit. “Wait a minute, I’m no quitter!” I understand sometimes we let other things rule our life instead of God. We simply relinquish things in our faith that should not be given up. That’s what I mean by the statement “we quit.” We quit being strong and courageous (Joshua 1:6-9). We quit seeking God first (Haggai 1:1-10). There are...

“All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin not leading to death.” 1 John 5:17 Beware: this will challenge what you believe and make you think. I have no issue talking about the outlandish institutions and scriptural errors that have been allotted in the name of Christianity. However, I want it to be understood that as Christians we must study the word and know what it says ( Col. 3:16 ). God is black and white leaving nothing to our own interpretation.   He is not a God of confusion ( 1 Cor. 14:33 ).  Man, however, is known for confusion and corruption. As we look at our topic let us reason in the word ( Acts 17:1-4 ). Let us be fair minded in order to understand what God desires of us ( Acts 17:11 ). I want to make one point today. In order to do that I want to make a solid foundation. The Word & Righteousness This is the love of God that we obey His commands ( 1 John 5:3 ). Having the title Christian means we do just that ( Luke 9:23; Acts 1...

“Just wondering what scripture you would present that would clearly establish that rock concert worship settings and coffee shop sales are “outlandish”? I am guessing that by “outlandish” you mean a violation of the intent of the apostles of Christ…………right?” Good question. I pray that all is well with you.    In Acts 2:42 they devoted themselves to the apostle’s teachings as Christ had commanded ( Matt. 28:20 ). John 20:30-31 lets us know the Gospels are written so that we may believe in Christ and be saved by immersion into Him. We also see that not everything is in the gospels ( John 21:25 ). But they are written so that we may know for certain what we have been taught ( Luke 1:1-4 ). Everything we need that pertains to life and godliness is in His word ( 2 Pet. 1:2-4 ). All scripture is God breathed ( 2 Tim. 3:16-17 ). When it comes to what is acceptable and unacceptable in worship to God we must search the scriptures. So does that type of setting, the...

“Then He said, “To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what parable shall we picture it? It is like a mustard seed which, when it is sown on the ground, is smaller than all the seeds on earth; but when it is sown, it grows up and becomes greater than all herbs, and shoots out large branches, so that the birds of the air may nest under its shade.”” Mark 4:30-32 Why did the Jerusalem body grow like a wildfire?  Can we do that today?         Here you will find a list of ten things that early church encompassed that drove their growth as individuals and as a body. They grew within the guidelines of God’s word and captivated thousands. We need to seek to do the same thing. I don’t know about you but all the growth I have seen lately has been very superficial. The rules keep changing to keep up with society. Most people don’t even know the bible, yet they call themselves Christians. I don’t want that kind of faith or to be a part of that...

      What are Christ’s expectations when it comes to growth?    In my last post I pointed out the 5 things that don’t fit. Those are 5 things that man places importance on when it comes to the growth of the church.  So How Do We Grow? Simply put, there are three things that Christ expects. Isn’t that amazing that there are only 3 things that Christ expects from us for the church to grow. For us we emphasize 5 things. Almost as if more is better.  Wait though, that is how we think. The human mind set  thinks that bigger, quicker, faster, more and multiplying is the best way to go. That is not always the answer. Possibly for man-made things it is. The church is not man-made. The Mustard Seed Christ expects the church to be as a mustard seed ( Matt. 13:31-32; Mk. 4:30-32; Lk. 13:18-19 ). He expects it to start out small. He doesn’t expect it to stay that way. Although the mustard seed is the smallest seed it becomes one of ...

In today’s ideology about Christianity some outlandish things are being emphasized. From rock concert worship settings to coffee shop sales, the 21st Century Christians are trying everything to accomplish what 12 men did in Jerusalem on Pentecost ( Acts 2 ). Well come on, right? We don’t have the powers of the Holy Spirit so we can’t be as attractive as they were.  So really we need to step it up a notch.  I mean that’s why the Israelites wanted Saul. He fit the cultural definition of the day for a King. He did a horrible job, but they would not have taken David. With that being said, is our way ever successful? Grant you, it may look like it in the eyes of the world. According to God the only growth worth counting is the growth that comes by His way. Joshua 1:6-9 God lets us know to do everything exactly the way He has commanded. Then you will be successful and prosper. He will always be with you. We must be strong and courageous enough to do it His way. Here are 5 thi...

“And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.” Matt. 6:5      Prayer is a vital and constant condition of the truly spiritual life. Christ lets us know three major points of contention when it comes to prayer.   Those three are the choice of an improper place to pray, the use of vain repetition and using long wordy monologue in prayer.            What would the wrong place? A street corner ( Matt. 6:5 ). Now how many times do we pray on street corners, really? The point of this statement is praying in a location where you will be seen or heard by a multitude.   Yes public prayers are ok, unless they are for vain reasons. Prayer can be offered anywhere. A public prayer is not wrong in certain settings. Praying with a group, congregation, etc. is acce...