Are You Really A Super Hero

We had our church’s community group tonight and it was great. The kid’s portion of the study was focused on the power and strength we receive as follows of Jesus. The following are a series of questions that were asked. You can imagine the answers and excitement that filled the room

 

1) Super Heroes – What’s your favorite Super Hero?

2) What if Super Man didn’t know he had super strength?

3) How could Super Man get to know about his super strength?

4) Would someone have to tell him?

5) Could he exercise or use his mussels to find out how strong he really was?

6) What are other ways he could find out how much power he has?

7) What if he didn’t believe you?

8) Would he still act like a superhero?

9) How would he defeat the bad guys?

 

In a way, people that trust and follow Jesus are like Super Heroes.

We have God power.

 

1) What do you think it means to have God power?

2) How can we find out more about the power of God that lives in us?

Ways to learn about our strength:

a.) Reading the Bible.

b.) Through other people that have the same power.

c.) Exercise our power with faith and prayer.

d.) We can practice praying and keep our eye open for answered prayers.

e.) Trusting that our invisible God can take care of us.

f.) Trust that he is watching over us.

g.) Trusting and knowing that He loves us and lives in our hearts.

h.) Know that God will give us all the power we need in times of need.

i.) Know that God provides the power we need to love Him, and to love each other.

 

The Prostitute and a Blood Colored Rope

Q1) Can A Prostitute Have Saving Faith And Retain Her Title?

Q2) Can A Lady Of The Night Be Trusted To Keep A Promise?

Q3) Can A Harlot Be Directed By God To Change The Fate Of Nations?

Q4) Most Personally, Can She Be Changed Into A Person Of Great Honor?

 

At times we feel cast-out in a reproachable way by our own people, but the disgrace placed on us can put us in a perfect position to be uses for some greater good. Rahab was a reproach to her people and lived on the outskirts of Jericho; “in the physical wall of the city”. It is interesting how that fortified wall which was built to protect the people, failed miserably at keeping its makers safe.

 

Q&A – Rahab

A1) Rahab’s name carries with it a title of reproach. I know of no one who would name their daughter after such a woman of ill reputation. Still, her name is specifically mentioned in the hall of great faith (Hebrews 11); her faith is considered as important to be named with the likes of Abraham and Moses. Furthermore, she was even made worthy enough to take part in the lineage of Christ our Savior (Matthew 1:5).

Today, I still hear people referring to Bartimaeus in scripture as; “Blind Bartimaeus” even though he was no longer blind. In like manner, Rahab the Prostitute was still so titled after helping the Israelitesites. I’m glad I don’t have to carry a haunting title about my life before turning to Christ.  Names like Born-again Bob or Bob the Jesus freak pale in comparison to Bob the drug-addict, Bob the boozer, Bob the womanizer, or Bob the lascivious.

 

A2) When given the promise of safety, protection, great purpose, and peace, the hope of what awaited her gave Rahab the courage to do what was needed.

 

A3) Hearing about the wonders of God, and believing in her heart that the God of the Israelites had already given the land to them, Rahab yielded her whole being to this cause. This made her actions a key part in the Israelites conquest and Jericho’s demise.

 

A4) Because of Rahab’s actions which were motivated by her faith, after the walls of Jericho had fallen, her single house in the wall was the only thing left standing. Rahab went on to marry Salmon son of Nahshon and she gave birth to Boaz, placing her and her family in the lineage of Jesus (Matthew 1:5).

 

Rahab is mentioned in Joshua 2 & 6:22, 23; Matthew 1:5; Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25.

 

Four Very Informative Documentaries!

Today’s tip is for my friends that like reading books and watching DVDs. There are four documentaries that I like in particular (all available on Netflix). They are:

1) “The Case for a Creator” by Lee Strobel. “A Journalist Investigates Scientific Evidence that Points Toward God.” http://goo.gl/Z4Sh6

2) “The Case for Christ” by Lee Strobel. “A Seasoned Journalist Chases Down the Biggest Story in History. Is there credible evidence that Jesus of Nazareth really is the Son of God? Retracing his own spiritual journey from atheism to faith, Lee Strobel, former legal editor of the Chicago Tribune, cross-examines a dozen experts with doctorates from schools like Cambridge, Princeton, and Brandeis who are recognized authorities in their own fields.” http://goo.gl/TIirJ

3) “Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed” by Ben Stein “Stein asserts that in recent years, anyone who dares to question the idea that adaptation is responsible for the development of Earth’s organisms is held to ridicule…” http://goo.gl/xFSQD

And for those who like to be extra informed on current events, there’s:

4) “Islam” A documentary on the Mohamed movement as commanded by the Koran – http://goo.gl/5OMgu

I found these pieces to be logically tactful and informative. A must have for critics on both sides of each issue. Every view digs deep into the main foundational structure of its topic. They’re definitely worth your while to review!!!

God is doing a mighty work in Cambodia

What an awesome Community Group meeting on Tuesday! I met a couple that gave up nearly everything to move to Cambodia (Greg & Jane). In an outreach of love, to an extremely poor people; God has used them to make an incredible impacted in only three years. They came back to visit; but, they will soon be going back for another three years. I encourage you to check out their webpage.
http://www.drebesincambodia.com

Jane & Greg in Cambodia

This is a link to one of their videos:

Greg & Jane’s ministry

(The video is property of Greg & Jane, and their ministry)

10 Things Jesus Did Not Say!

I am borrowing this topic from Perry Noble’s blog because I think it is important for us to better direct our focus on what Jesus “did” say. We as believers tend to get so caught up in our social “righteousness” that we lose sight of what the real goal is: to LOVE one another; and not just those within the body of Christ. (Matt 5:43-48). Two truths we should never stray from are, “We have been saved by Grace”, and “While WE were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Eph 2:1-10) (Rom 5:6-8).

In John 13:34-35, Jesus said: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Clearly, we see that we MUST love one another (Jesus commanded it), and that everyone around us will know we are Disciples of Christ by this love we show. So now I give you what Jesus did not say in this passage.

#1 – They will know you by: The way you forward really ridiculous emails to one another…and if you refuse to forward them to everyone you have in your contact list then you don’t love me.

#2 – They will know you by: The way you yell at people who don’t know me, for living as if, they don’t know me.

#3 – They will know you by: Your T-shirts and bumper stickers!

#4 – They will know you by: The music you listen to!

#5 – They will know you by: The political party you support.

#6 – They will know you by: The denomination you belong to.

#7 – They will know you by: The way you protest.

#8 – They will know you by: The products and companies you boycott.

#9 – They will know you by: The way you look down on those whom you perceive aren’t as good as you.

#10 – They will know you by: The way you take from one another!

Now, I am not saying that every one of these items is wrong to do, while some are! I would just like to challenge us to get a better grip on our purpose as followers. We need to LOVE, even the unlovable. We need to come out from underneath the bowl we are so comfortably hiding under; and let the True Light of Heaven’s Love shine through us for all to see. (Matt 5:15-16)

Reference:

Noble, P. (2010, April 19). 10 things Jesus did not say! Retrieved from http://www.perrynoble.com/2010/04/19/10-things-jesus-did-not-say/

Christian orphanage workers beheaded

We need to continually pray that the Spirit of power, strengthen our brothers and sisters that are being persecuted around the globe. We should also pray that the testimony of faith that these believers are portraying only goes to build the church in those regains. http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=106597

Wine, “Spirits”, or Beer; do not make for true racial reconciliation

I am writing this in light of the news concerning the “White House Beer Summit” with Henry Gates and James Crowley. http://bit.ly/dLFBR

I have to admit, America has made tremendous progress when it comes to racism. I believe the main factors are: 1) The US being such a Melting Pot of diversity; people have to get along in order to survive. 2) Laws have been made to uphold civil order. And, 3) there are many more institutions teaching the masses how to “live, and let live”. However, all these approaches are aimed at the surface. The real problem lies at the heart of our sin nature. Sin not only separates us from God, it alienates us from each other. If we lack the understanding of how God views us as his crowning, yet fallen creation; how can we see others, as we are seen ourselves?

People are naturally excepting of others who look, talk, and act in a similar fashion. However, differences make us uncomfortable, due to a lack of understanding or commonality. Therefore, if you are like me, you are my brethren; if you are not like me, you are flawed. Hence, my brethren and I are correct and you are not. We do things right, and you are strange to us. And when this is taken to the next level, I must protect my brethren from you and your brethren.

The Bible, however, paints a different picture of reality. There is only one true race; the “Human Race”. “All” are created in the image of God. “All” have commonality. “All” have a purpose. And “All” will die and stand before God.

I am fully convinced that there is only one way to combat the sin of racism, and that is to have our hearts first aligned with God. From there, we can allow ourselves to become holy unto Him, through cleansing by the washing with water through the word. – (Eph 5:26) If we truly know who we are from God’s perspective, and we know how He sees the world, we can better come to understand how we are expected to treat everyone; regardless of any differences we might have.

I leave you with some links & verses so you can test the validity of my views.

Common lineage: Genesis Chapter 2 http://bit.ly/4C3MdV

Common human nature (fallen): Genesis Chapter 3 http://bit.ly/14znco

Separation of mankind from mankind: Genesis 11:1-9 http://bit.ly/2x8Qt

Mankind’s approach to solving racism: Proverbs 14:12 http://bit.ly/Bf0uh

Appearance verses the heart: Luke 11:39 http://bit.ly/1QcLmz Mark 7:20-23

http://bit.ly/1ug8j

All people are considered equal: Galatians 3:26-29 http://bit.ly/cY9Rz Romans 10:11-12 http://bit.ly/1anzC8

Who you are as a follower of Jesus Christ: http://www.ficm.org/whoiam.htm

Steps to Peace with God: http://www.billygraham.org/SH_StepsToPeace.asp

The Romans Road to salvation: http://www.gotquestions.org/Romans-road-salvation.html