Living, Loving, and Legacy
I want to project into the next generation the three L’s of living, loving and legacy. This is because these are the three fundamentals of why God created us and how He designed us to live.
Why Are You Living Outside the Curtain?
When Jesus died on the cross the thick curtain of the temple that separated the Most Holy Place from the outside world was ripped in half from top to bottom. This short, unnoticed event illustrates one of the most important truths in all of Christianity. There was only passing mention of this in Mel Gibson’s movie “The Passion of the Christ”; this event is unknown by most Christians.
Connecting to the Eyes of the Lord
Since the human heart is filled with wickedness and deception it behooves us to spend time with the Lord who alone knows our true situation and needs.
Thorns, Thistles, and Transformation
Ever since Adam and Eve fell into sin, everything in life has been negatively affected. Even when Jesus was about to be crucified the Romans crowned Him with thorns, which is symbolic that all the world could give the Son of God as the Second Adam was thorns and pain, because He was about to bear the sins of Adam and the human race. Paul the Apostle found thorns in everything he put his hand to.
Seven Strategies for Studying a Community
The goal of every minister of the gospel should be to serve as the unofficial chaplain of their entire community. Because of this, studying one’s community is vital to be effective as a minister. Key pastors and apostolic leaders should have as a goal to systematically know their communities better than anyone else. Following are seven strategies to accomplish this:
The Transformation of the Inner Man
(This based on a teaching I have given in a bible study )
Text Philippians 2:12,13
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. [1]
Business does not always mean productivity! I.E. You can practice golf all day and not get better if you never had the right technique to begin with! Business makes people feel important –like there is a purpose to their life, but if they do not work on their inner man of the heart and just fill up their day with activities, then they will not be ready in a time of crisis!
Seven Signs You are Missing Your Calling
One of the biggest challenges in life is to stay focused upon the assignment the Lord has appointed for us. In life there are many adversaries and distractions that can take you off track so that your life misses the mark. This is called “mission drift.” Perhaps most people in this world have drifted from their primary purpose and mission in life.
Ten Views of the Church
Since my connection to Christ in 1978 I have observed many models or views people have regarding how they connect to the body of Christ. The following are some of the popular views I have observed regarding how believers define the church for themselves.
1. The “I am the church” concept
Many people do not have any personal affiliation to any particular local church even though they still attempt to cultivate a relationship with God. They may even read the Bible, pray, and share their faith but they have no organic connection to any community of believers.
Twelve Signs of Abusive Leadership
There has been many articles of leaders in the media lately who take advantage of other people. This is a common pattern of abuse in which leaders use their positions of authority to take advantage of their subordinates or those looking to them for help.
There are many signs of abusive leadership, which can relate to leadership in the family, church, business, politics and/or any organization or voluntary association. Also, often abusers are themselves the victims of abuse.
Applying the Law of God in Culture
Although we can get ideas and extrapolate principles regarding the application of the moral law to culture from the 613 civic laws, it is important we also attempt to see how the Ten Commandments can affect present day public policy. Because the Ten Commandments are not the sole focus of this book, I will just use a few of the Ten Commandments to show that they are still relevant to public policy today.