Tag Archives: church

Christian, Entertainment, Music, news

And Now…?

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http://appadvice.com/appnn/2015/12/the-iphone-7-and-refreshed-macbook-pro-should-highlight-apples-2016

I start 2016 with a rant. I tried writing an organized blog and erased it. START OVER. The man of today chases utopia. They want the best of the best on earth right now. They will go through great lengths to achieve that utopia. Some of these efforts are beautiful. They seek peace and harmony, love and acceptance. Happiness for ALL. It is in our Pledge of Allegience after all. Right?

“One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all”

Hold up. Wait a minute. That’s a beautiful picture. Awesome! This pleads for unity and equality and FREEDOM. The very things that exist in a utopian environment. Here’s the thing. What about under God?

Ohhhh! There you go. See even as Americans we desire and have fought for the very things that define utopia. But again, these are wonderful things that make for a wonderful life here. And to be quite honest, I don’t see too many people as a nation under God. Perhaps even as people have fought tooth and nail to remove those words from the Pledge, though the words are still there, the feeling isn’t.

If we were a nation under God then that suggests we are under God! This acknowledges He is there and therefore the Referee. We acknowledge His control and acknowledge all that come along with the 100% belief in a God. Then we now think beyond this physical world and beyond this quest for utopia and beyond the struggle for the best life here…only.

The world in which we live in is enamoured with utopia. I know and love folks that are chasing this utopia. We want everything to be as perfect as possible. But leave that God stuff out of it because that’s only going to get in the way of our perfect harmonious life HERE. But see THAT’S THE PROBLEM.

If we indeed are perfectly confident and comfortable with the fact that there is no God and thus only one life then this is a beautiful effort! One that only a hateful fool would interfere with.

But….under God. When these words are taken into consideration…it changes everything! You open up the afterlife, you open up a whole spiritual realm where there is more than right and wrong, there is obedience and sin. There is a God that gives blessings and does miraculous things like make our hearts beat. There is a peace that transcends the physical pains and causes even the most troubling situation on the surface fail to shake joy on the inside. And you don’t search for and fight for just the best life HERE. You seek the best life AFTER.

What you don’t understand is that in seeking the best life after here you end up creating the best life here.

So utpoia under God is not so glamorous if that utopia will be burned up in fervent heat and done away with forever. It will be a waste of time and much heralded effort. Utopia without God isn’t all that great either because that world just dies and fades into nonexistence along with everyone else. However it does make more sense and would be seen as a beautiful and gallant effort.

The quest chosen depends on the belief chosen. The world right now reflects the result of an all out attempt at utopia and the best life…here.

My aetheist friend wisely pointed out how wonderful the world would be if they all followed the teachings of Jesus.

Jesus gave, taught, lived and died not for utopia and the best life…here.

Here is an appropriate song from one of my favorite hip-hop artists Flame.

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The Big Deal About Church

God designated the first day of the week for believers to gather and give Him the glory by encouraging each other, fellowshipping with each other, speaking to one another in psalms hymns and spiritual songs and studying His word. They also gather funds to put towards the work of the church. They also remember Jesus and His sacrifice by taking unleavened bread and fruit of the vine which to the believer is the blood of the covenant and Jesus’s body. The goal of this overall experience is to be strengthened having been with others who share that same faith and goal and to give God the glory and praise realizing that He is worthy. We are prepared and reenergized!

Not all people do this. Sundays will be days set for sleeping in or taking care of odds and ends like laundry other errands. The value of going to assemble with believers is either non-existent or barely there when it is a question of belief. If one isn’t a believer then there is no deisre to gather with other believers much less give praise to that which you don’t believe in.

But if you sorta believe or do believe, and the daily challenges of life are not what’s holding you back, what’s going on? Some people have gone with the view that “organized religion” is not the way. They find fault in that and decide to just do away with it. But let’s take the stance that Jesus established the church. Yes, it is NOT the building. It is the people. However if you are NOT assembling with the people, the other believers, how do you feel we can grow and be effective? How can you yourself be effective and how is that showing godly love? Furthermore collective worship is value you your faith and also shows that you care to give God the praise and worship He deserves. Bare in mind that once the Ethiopian eunich was baptized by Phillip his immediate desire would logically be to gather with those who share the same faith to work and worship. Strength in numbers. Consider any successful secular program or team sport. Basketball teams, Mary Kay meetings, Weight Watchers or any group with similar views values or goals GET TOGETHER. Because it’s necessary. Because no man is an island. Because God knew what He was doing.

If your concern is where to go, treat it same way a restaurateur does. You do the research, you check Yelp and the restaurant guides. Because a bad meal experience is a horrible thing! Well how much more important is deciding where to focus on worshipping God and learning how to get to heaven? Your YELP is God’s word. God’s word is not as cryptic as one may say. See if the local church assembly you consider is FOLLOWING GOD’S WORD. Consider the church of the new testament. Consider the early church in Acts. Consider the doctrine and compare and contrast. Read your bible. That will cause inconsistencies and red flags that can keep you in a lost relationship to stand out. Do your due diligence because this matters to you.

To the nonbeliever, I say you need not be convinced by me that there is an amazing and loving God. Look around. Heck, look in the mirror. Your intricate inner and outer workings— you are wonderfully made. Establish that spritual curiosity the same way you established your many wordly curiosities and go with it. Pick up a Bible and read it. It can’t hurt. It can only help. Because God has a name. I come to prcoclaim to you the unknown God. His name is His name. His Son came to save us…to save you. It’s so cliche but first you must understand that you need Him. You DO need Him. But you need to know why. He is the only one that can beat sin and death which is in the world right now. Sin is the God’s definition of wrong, all the bad things. God defines them clearer in His word. Death is the end of life here. But it’s not the end. Jesus died and came back. Death and sin are 2 major reasons you need Jesus because He is THE ONLY answer to both.

That’s a start… Yes chuch is the people who believe. The people who understood a need for Jesus. The people who obeyed the commands to accept Jesus as their Lord and removed chains of sin and death through spiritual burial in water baptisim and rose up out the water in fresh newness of life. Sin and death are all the devil really has and Jesus beat them both. Finally those believers get together to celebrate freedom, praise the One who broke the chains, teach each other to stay free and how to help others break thier chains.

So church on Sunday morning and any other time addionally that believers gather should be a moment of joy. To be with God and with fellow God-fearing brethren.

Truly a breath of fresh air.

Get yours…

Can’t forget the music. Here is one of my fave bangers by Blanca featuring Lecrae called Get Up

https://youtu.be/r0hyL0ZEuao

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Christian, Entertainment, Music, news

Church Girl Rockin! Angie Rose – “NYC Cypha” Official Music Video (@iamangierose @jahrockn)

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I’m always on a search for a dope female emcee. Lauryn Hill spoiled me and set the bar high. She’s far removed from her epic debut and only studio solo album, but her influence is creating some legitimate talent. Introducing Angie Rose! I found this posted on instagram and I’m very interested in what else she has to say. How about you?

I’m hoping to do a blog feature on Lyrical Church Girls soon. Stay tuned for that. Because every church boy needs a church girl. 😀

In the meantime, check this out below and get churched!!!

Angie Rose – “NYC Cypha”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xtbdUYcv6Q&sns=em

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The Truth and Excuse of Hypocrisy

http://bible.com/1/rom.3.3-4.kjv For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.
Bible.com/app

I’m sure everybody has in some way spoke on this topic. The topic of hypocrisy. Hypocrisy is when one professes one thing and does another. By virtue of this very situation, you’ve heard someone say how they’ve either denounced Christianity or denounced God altogether because they experienced something that completely contradicted what this religious person or group stood for. Just watch the news for various examples. Or perhaps you are that person affected by hypocrisy. Many times these experiences are quite traumatic and the results are spiritually tragic.

I want to look at two points on this discussion.

I understand that whatever you went through was horrible. Furthermore the very fact that this was done by people who claim to be godly compounds the hurt even more. It shouldn’t happen because they are believers in God! How could they?! The nerve!

But let’s not throw out the baby with the bathwater. Hypocrisy can be an excuse when we forget that humans are in this world. God is perfect. God’s law is perfect. As pointed out in the above scripture, does a few humans that fail to uphold God’s law and fail to serve Him correctly diminish His power? Does it remove His existence? Does it absolve you of any responsibility to serve Him? I would say no.

Therefore the question I would ask is do you truly think that a few evil acting Christians mean all Christians are evil? Secondly, does one evil Christian make God evil? Do you honestly believe that?

Of course not!

If you saw somebody fail to follow the Weight Watchers system and stay overweight, would you simply write off the system as a successful way to lose weight? If an employee breaks a rule in the office, does this make you less obligated to follow the rules? Would you be justified by your boss? Probably not. We use this logic in racial stereotypes and is this any less illogical?

So then when does hypocrisy become simply an excuse rather than a logical and valid reason to reject the Lord?

The second point I’d like to make is that those who have named the name of Jesus are charged with the task of maintaining the reputation of the church through their actions. Realizing the effect of living hypocritically, we must strive to trust and obey. God will judge you for helping to mislead one away from the Lord.

Consider…
Romans 2:21-24 ASV

thou therefore that teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou rob temples? thou who gloriest in the law, through thy transgression of the law dishonorest thou God? For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you, even as it is written.

You kinda make God look bad when your actions contradict your professed faith. It’s no wonder people come to develop the views they have about church, organized religion and Christianity.

In summary, don’t let the hypocritical behavior of a few Christians be the reason you reject the promises, peace and saving grace of the gospel. God will deal with them, but He will also deal with you. God’s Word doesn’t change no matter what the world does. And don’t be the hypocritical Christian that leads someone astray or keeps them from coming to Jesus. You will be rewarded according to your deeds and Jesus will deny you.

Blessings in your Christian walk and your journey to find God.

For your listening pleasure check out Blanca and this joint from her solo debut called Different Drum.

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Lord, Lord: The Part We Never Discuss

Matthew 7:21-23 KJV

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.    Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?    And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Luke 6:46-49 KJV

And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?    Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:    He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.    But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great. 

This is one of the hardest teachings Jesus ever shared. The reason is that this does not hit the atheists and the “evil” people of the world; however this hits the believers in God. This very teaching highlights the fact that you can believe and act on behalf of God and still be separated from God. This is the part that nobody talks about.

Jesus was speaking to all, but was really calling out the Pharisees. These were the religious giants of the day. They knew their law. They did things of God and in God’s name…yet God was not pleased with them. He even said that they would die in their sins.

Now grant it, they refused to believe that Jesus was the Christ which possesses one lesson on its own. Jesus was very clear that He is THE WAY AND THE TRUTH. He is the door. This too is a hard teaching because there are plenty of spiritual and God fearing people… But will God be pleased with them in the end?

But Jesus was also referring to anyone who does things in God’s name. Anyone who says “Lord Lord”.

So who are we talking about? And what are they doing wrong?

Jesus said that the ones who will enter heaven are the ones who do His Father’s will. This conversely means that those that do not do His will cannot enter in. He further refers to them as workers of iniquity. In the other passage, Jesus clarifies by saying they do not do the things that He says. Disobedience. They hear the commands but do not do them. Yet they call out “Lord Lord”. He goes on to liken them to a house on a shaky foundation.

These are people that are claiming to be godly. These are people that DO godly things. Yet there is something that God has commanded that they have yet to obey. Perhaps they never obeyed the gospel the way He commanded it. Perhaps they don’t worship the way God commands. Perhaps they are hypocrites. Perhaps they preach in error. James writes he that stumbles in one area is guilty in the whole law. Wow.

The remedy is to examine God’s law against the life we lead, the doctrine we follow, the place we worship, the things we practice…etc.

The other remedy is to truly produce fruit for the kingdom. As Jesus says, you will know them by their fruit.

The one thing we do not want to hear is “I never knew you”. This suggests you were never His. Consider a runner jumping into an ongoing race from the audience, passing up everybody and crossing the finish line first. However, he gets nothing because he never officially entered the race.

Enter the race by God’s regulations. Peter gave those instructions in Acts 2 at Pentecost. Stay in the race so as to not be disqualified.

Let us believers have this conversation. Let’s discuss the fact that belief alone does not save. For even the demons believe and tremble. Let us exhort and admonish…because we, like God, are not willing that any should perish.

Blessings in your Christian walk.

Check out this soul hop track from Stephen the Levite

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AV7h2aIV8Cg&sns=em

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This Jesus Whom You Crucified…

Acts 2:36 KJV
Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

These powerful words spoken at Pentecost seemed to hit many of the listeners present that day in such a way that they realized that something had to be done on their part. A sense of urgency had been created and they helplessly lamented, “what shall we do?”

What was it that Peter and the apostles said? Let’s break it down.

Therefore let all the house of Israel…

The audience consisted largely of people who were under the law of Moses and surely knew the promises and prophecies of the coming messiah. Peter and the apostles knew who they were speaking to. These were knowledgeable individuals with regard to the law.

God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

The stone the builders rejected became the cornerstone. Jesus spent His time during His ministry explaining to the lost sheep of Israel that He was the Messiah to come. He was the answer to their salvation needs. He was the one to reconcile God’s people back to God. He used the scriptures, signs, wonders and miracles to prove He was from God. He was rejected and crucified. That crucifixion would be the thing that led to His resurrecting and being raised to fulfill God’s wonderful plan. This became the ultimate proof of His origins and who Jesus truly was. His resurrection proved that resurrection was possible for all who would obey Him. He came to save the world from God’s wrath upon them who’s sins have separated themselves from God– and they killed Him.

Imagine that feeling!! It’s like a final reveal on the show Undercover Boss. It’s like the kid you picked on having the ability to give you a job or saving you from falling to your death. It’s the rejected girl in gradeschool who becomes a model— multiplied by a billion.

I could save your SOUL! And you killed me.

Cue the music. Cue the “ooooh, you in trouble”

Men and brethren what shall we do?

So let’s make it about us now.

Today it isn’t just the house of Israel. It’s a world filed with people who are righteous in their own eyes, who know too much too remain ignorant, yet they reject Jesus. We have all the evidence right in front of us, from creation to the infallible scriptures to eye witness accounts, yet have rejected the only One capable of saving us from our sins and the wrath of God. We’re the audience.

We even have hindsight. We know that God raised this this Jesus from the dead and made Him Lord. He is the savior, yet he died for you. You crucified him? Let’s look at it this way. When the apostles were speaking to the Jews at Pentecost, all of them didn’t physically jam the nails into His flesh and place Him on the cross. No. But they were in approval of His rejection. They stood and watched Him die.

Are you in approval of Jesus Christ’s rejection? Do you reject Him yourself? Do you view his crucifixion as just the crucifixion of a “man impersonating a savior”?

If so..

God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

He can save you. And you currently stand in approval of His death. You let Him die. It should create that same awful feeling. It’s time for you to realize that and ask the question: Men and brethren, what shall we do?

Acts 2:38 KJV

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Blessings,

Christian Music Pusher

Enjoy this uplifting joint from Tye Tribett

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The Case for Assembling with the Saints

Hebrews 10:23-25 KJV

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)  And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:  Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Going to church is a phrase commonly used to describe assembling with those who share the same faith to worship God in various biblically approved ways, study His Word together and engage in healthy fellowship with each other.

We can view examples of this action in the book of Acts as well as in Hebrews where Paul tells them not to forsake the assembly.

But let’s be real. Do we really need to dig that deep for an explanation why one ought to attend worship services? Should it not simply make sense?

Let’s look at it from a secular standpoint. From Mary Kay to Weight Watchers it is found to be beneficial to meet. What do they do when they meet? They cheer each other on. They tell of their success with the program. They learn more valuable information. They motivate each other to work harder. Successful people within these programs know the importance of meeting and absolutely cannot wait til the next one!

If one values meeting for the monetary success or weight loss, then how much more shall we value meeting with the saints for the sake of our spiritual success?? Should be a no-brainer right?

But some say they don’t like organized religion. God, who is not an author of confusion, seems to have a thing for organized religion and structure. He definitely showed that in the old testament as well highlighting the structure within the new testament church with regards to elders and deacons. Furthermore, I’ll bet you’d have a problem if other things in your life were not organized. Your workplace, your favorite sports team — you’d like some level of organization rather than chaos. Would you like to eat at an unorganized restaurant or go to an unorganized concert, or even attend an unorganized college?

In what sense are you okay with chaos?

If chaos does not suit your fancy in these trivial facets of life, how then does it suit you in things that are of spiritual and eternal value?

Let’s truly examine why one would decide to forsake the assembly. Is it not typically for worldly or selfish reasons? I know there are exceptions. And by no means attend just any church gathering for the sake of going.

But desire to worship our Lord and to learn of Him. Desire to join others who share this same wonderful desire.

In the end, it truly is to your benefit to engage in this service to a wonderful God, who really deserves more than a few hours on Sunday.

Blessings in your Christian walk.

Enjoy this gem from Isaac Carree

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Addressing “Christian” Division

1 Corinthians 1:10-13 KJV

Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.  For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.  Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.  Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

It was never God’s design, but Christianity is divided. The Word constantly reminds us to be of the same mind. Paul implored the churches to do this back then to combat factions and divisions. People claimed to be of Paul or Apollos. Today people claim to be of Luther and Calvin. Just saying. Christians who were formerly Jews wanted Christian doctrine to contain elements of Judaism.

So seeing this took place years ago, it’s no surprise that this exists today.

Don’t consider this a viable excuse to avoid Jesus altogether as this is a foolish school of thought. Jesus is not divided even though man is divided on how to serve Him. Jesus still has expectations of you. The failings of man doesn’t negate the perfection of God or His law.

But the separation is dangerous!

Why? Because it gives off the misguided notion that religion divides and causes conflict which could not be further from the truth. People cause conflict. But one looks at the bickering within christianity and are immediately turned off.

It confuses the seeker. Why so many religions? Which is right? Denominational, non denominational… Ahhh!!!

It’s also produces a false sense of unity. The secular world clumps all “those Christians” into one major group without any careful respect to individual doctrinal differences. People who call themselves Christians clump themselves with others who call themselves Christians and feel we are all on the same page as long as we believe in Jesus. And the general unity is necessary and beautiful but…

Why so many different Christians? Churches?

Did not Jesus say to Peter, on this rock I will build my church? Were they not first called Christians at Antioch?? Did Paul not urge us to be of one mind? Church. Not churches. Christians and not Lutherans, catholics, baptists, etc. One mind.

If the Bible highlights unity, the multitude of groups within this one supposed unified faith is not what God intended!

(If I’m wrong, scripture me right)

No. This not an attack on any one denomination by any means!! But what I want to convey is there is a separation and this is a true spiritual issue. Furthermore it begs the question, why?

It’s more obvious than you think.

There are significant differences in the proper application of scripture.

We, if truly Christians, all agree that the Bible is the infallible word of God. The infallible truth. Right? So from there we now have to rightly divide the truth (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV). This is why we are charged to study the word. If one person does not do this and joins himself with others who has erroneously applied the word, you now have a group who has erred in unison.

Many false doctrines have been born out of failure to accurately apply scripture or totally fail to really read it altogether. God’s word is really more clear cut than it is cryptic. Through God’s word we learn what God expects of us, how to serve Him, how to be saved and how to get to heaven. But conflicting views have created this plethora of denominations.

The point of this blog is not to discuss specific doctrines, but to address the individual sitting in a pew or deciding which pew to sit in. The purpose of this blog is to also cause church groups to really look at this issue, look at their doctrine, look at God’s word and ask themselves if both agree.

The root of the confusion is people are not reading their Bible correctly. The confusion is fed because people are not reading their Bible at all. To you I say read your Bible. Rightly divide the word of God. Join yourself with others who have correctly determined what God requires of His church.

Because although there may be many local congregations, we all should be saying one thing.

Ephesians 4:4-6 KJV

There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;  One Lord, one faith, one baptism,  One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Blessings in your Christian walk.

Let’s get to this humble beast, Braille!

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Heaven. Who’s in…Who’s out…Simply Scripture Series

Galatians 5:16-25 KJV

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.  For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.  But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.  Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,  Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,  Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.  And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.  If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Revelation 22:11-15 KJV

He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.    And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.    I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.  Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

Check out this classic by Mary Mary below…Get Churched!

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