Warning: The video below (at the end) is Graphic in nature, not intended for children.
After what I’ve seen and read over the last couple of days. I felt that we needed a spiritual cleansing (enema). Ladies and gentlemen do we not see how we are affecting the lives of others. How hypocritical and uneducated (stupid) we look to the world. Not to mention how we are affecting our children.
Have you ever wondered how we’ve come to the place we are today. A culture of misfit, misplaced, maladjusted and downright angry people. Have you thought about it? Do you or I accept any responsibility for the direction of our culture? Funny how we want to blame the youth and the youth want to blame the elders. Who’s right, if anyone?
My friends, I am burdened with the desire to seek and minister to those we call lost. Are they really lost? They certainly know where they live and work, but none the same they are lost spiritually.
So here’s my dilemma and quite possibly you can help. I feel that before we can actively seek the broken lost souls of the world, the Church needs some mending. The Church needs to come to terms with its diversity. The Church needs to realize that the toe looks and acts nothing like the eye. That, in our diversity we can celebrate. That, in our diversity we will be victorious in our quest to live out a life with meaning and purpose for Christ Jesus.
After reading the comments this evening in my article “Rolling the Dice” I was disheartened. People are seeking answers. People are seeking truth. But before they will accept the truth they need to find those that they can trust. How are they going to trust us and the truth that we know if we look, act and sound like the world. What about us is different? Can the world see it, feel it and sense it.
Yes Rodney King asked that we all get along. Even greater the request was by Jesus Christ. He said take up your cross and follow me! Jesus lead a life of a servant that lead to His death. In Larry words, As you were standing in the street Jesus ran up and pushed you out of the way of a speeding city transit bus. By pushing you out of the way of that bus, He saved your life while giving up His own. Not because he had too, but because he love you and wanted you to live another day. Bringing glory to His Father.
Why is this so hard for us? Why?
Look with me at Phillippians 1:15-18 and see that just as in the early days of the Church, we too are at odds with mans insatiable appetite to win and control.
15 It’s true that some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry. But others preach about Christ with pure motives. 16 They preach because they love me, for they know I have been appointed to defend the Good News. 17 Those others do not have pure motives as they preach about Christ. They preach with selfish ambition, not sincerely, intending to make my chains more painful to me. 18 But that doesn’t matter. Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way, so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice.
Look again at verse 17, “Those others do not have pure motives as they preach about Christ. They preach with selfish ambition, not sincerely, intending to make my chains more painful to me.” This happens often within the Church body. Look around at the segregation. Do you see a consorted effort to heal the Church or seek the lost? No. You do see efforts in humanitarian relief. We even proclaim our humanitarian efforts in the name of God, yet the Church stands broken.
Please, I encourage humanitarian relief, but not as a substitute for Christ. I can build a house, fix a car or feed the poor in the name of Christ. Where is your personal testimony? Is your life conducive to the traits of Christ? Do you fight and quarrel amongst yourselves? What does the lost world see? As my Grandpa Jim would say, “100 great things are quickly forgotten because of the one bad thing you did.” Saying that you’ve done something in the name of Christ is just words if your life does not demonstrate Christ’s motivation and love.
So why all the fighting? Is it out of selfish ambition, jealously or greed that you try to make me look stupid. Guys you don’t need to try, I can do that all on my own, boastfully!
So you started and raised 8 churches from the dust of the earth and you supported 8 missionaries in Brazil. You graduated with honors from Bible college. So what! How are you living your life, right here, right now? The world is looking at you and I NOW! It doesn’t care what we’ve accomplished or our reasoning.
The exciting thing is this, look back at verse 18, “But that doesn’t matter. Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way, so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice.” God can even use the wrong motives for His glory.
The video below (and I warn you it is not for children to see) portrays how our children mimic our every move. I wonder how this applies to the Church today?
When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 1 Corinthians 13:11
I warned you. It illustrates well how children learn behavior. I recommend this in all it’s violence to every couple considering to start a family.
Monday, 31. March 2008
I’ll step up and take my lashing now.
After reading the comments of Steve in “Rolling the Dice” and after long reflection, I realize that my comments are not as supportive to the ministry of Christ as should be. I do not want to be the reason (whether I agree with Larry or not) someone refuses to become a Christian. I have learned a great deal over the last couple of days from reviewing many of the pages of this blog.
Let’s just say, I’m not a Larry fan nor a hater for that mater, he does make some very good points and Steve has opened my eyes to my own fallible self. Thank you so much Steve for your openness. Steve, you may not like it or understand but God has used you to help me and others (even if they are to proud to admit) see more clearly the true mission. Thanks.
As for the rest of you bitter folks, get the clue. God is patient and slow to anger. How slow is slow you ask? Don’t test Him!
Side thought:
In one of Ricky’s comment in “Rolling the Dice” he states, “Is it that his mouth has been shut by the power of the Lord?” he is speaking of Larry’s slow response to his comment. From my point of view, everyone’s mouth has been shut since this article.
Father forgive me and may all the glory once again be yours.
NEXT!
Calling number 2, number 2
Monday, 31. March 2008
Hi everyone, I just wanted to let everyone know that I was a practicing witch for years and over the past year have come to realize that it is wrong. I’m not saying I am a Christian, but I am searching for truth. Last year I came to this blog because of the anti halloween stance Larry has. Like others I protested his position. Yet over the year, and I don’t know why, I kept coming back to this site. Not much here for witches, yet I was intrigued by Larry’s openness.
He’s been called names and I think even threatened a couple of times yet he continues to talk lovingly. He didn’t attack but shared God’s word and how it applied. You know what, as he did it made since. All I can say is that he is very patient and does love his Lord. It is people like this that have help me see that there is much more to life. I started thinking, I want what he has. I’m not there but I know I’m close because I am writing this to all of you.
It was people like Ricky and Henrietta that drove me to witchcraft. My sisters loved me and accepted me. And I have found that Christ and true Christianity does also. Get a clue people, I did. Thanks T Turner for stepping up. Larry for sharing your love.
Next, calling number 3
Monday, 31. March 2008
What a blessing you guys are to me. Larry, this post is true, who are we portaying to the world. I too have been quick to be angery with others that attack, but that’s not the way. If someone wants to smack our cheek, turn to your other cheek and that them have at it (only showing love that comes from the Lord our God). Let me apologize to any that I may have affended or have helped stumble in their walk. I ‘m not perfect, but I too felt the need to confess my selfish ways.
HimerusStar, T Turner and Steve, your testimonies are a breathe of fresh air. Just like you said T, do we want to be the ones pushing the Steve’s of this world away from our Father? Or do we want to engourage them and love them, just as Christ would?
May God bless you, just as you have blessed me.
Thanks again
Monday, 31. March 2008
I posted this on Rolling the Dice because i read that one first but i think it applies here too! WE the true believers and followers need to be aware that Steve may not be the only one reading this blog either out of curiosity or truly looking for answers. And what are we showing them? Obviously not something pure of heart or something to learn from. I used to feel the same way about “Christians” because i lumped everyone that wasnt a Baptist,Mormon,Catholic etc. in to the “Christian” category. HOW WRONG I WAS!!!!!!!!! Thats why i dont use the word to describe myself. Thank You Steve for being brave enough to admit your stance on this blog and,hopefully opening some eyes in the process. I hope you will continue to meet with us. I agree this video should be a learning tool in Parenting 101: What NOT to do!
Monday, 31. March 2008
HimerusStar,
You have blessed me today and have truly touched my heart (well the holy spirit probably has through you). You’ve actually made me shed a tear. I’m so thankful for you, for your openness and willingness to see past some of the comments on this blog and to seek the true message and Lord Larry speaks of. He is Jesus Christ, He loves you and all of us more than we could ever fatham, even when we are undeserving. Prayer really works too (talking to God), I’ve been praying for you. You can pray too. Even if you don’t know what to say, He already knows how you feel. Find a quiet place and just talk. This is my challenge for you this week. Thanks for being such a blessing to me.
Lord thank you. You move me. You always amaze me.
Monday, 31. March 2008
I knew there was a reason I really liked this site. It is so refreshing to see such dynamic conversations. Man, from one extreme to the other. Each day I awake and try to seek God’s will. Unfortunately, I spend more time crashing and burning than succeeding. Over time I have discovered that this is how we were all wired. It’s trial and error. The stove is hot so we touch it!
It is great to be a part of such an openly Christ-centered group.
Thanks for the open testimony, you just don’t see it on over the internet like this.
Remember, it’s not unusual to be loved by anyone.
Monday, 31. March 2008
It looks like a good day for a Colon cleaning!
This is so weird, I figure if Jimmy Mac can do it, so can I. I know I’ve been a real ba$$ on this site over the last couple of years. Yep, I sure have. But I’ve had an axe to grind for a very long time against the church I grew up around. The leadership was rude and judgmental. Teaching through example that no-tolerance and hatred and judgment was the way to live.
I’m a long way from where I need to be, yet I am trying to be less aggressive toward others. And this place and others have help me see that every church is not the same. Once I discovered that truth I found great relief and liberty.
Not that I am going to agree, but will choose to refrain from senseless battles. After reading the Irish fighting story titled Who’s the real hater, I realized that that was me.
Have a better day than most.
Who is going next?
Monday, 31. March 2008
So I think me and Deliverer would be great friends.I totally thought the same thing about the Irish guy in the pub. I have had a LOT of anger problems in my life. Between my up bringing and history with violence I never learned to control my temper. Especially with the church or “church people”. As I’m sure you have all seen through my postings. But that’s why I love it here I am not perfect and I stumble constantly yet I am welcome here with open arms. Anyways thanks for being here for me all of you. You have each taught me a great lesson at one time or another.
Tuesday, 1. April 2008
Wow all I can seem to come up with is HOW AMAZING IS HE!!!!!!!!! We have all seen some real miracles working through this site. I am so honored to have witnessed them.
Thank you My Lord and Savior for the continuous blessing you give. We are so unworthy and still you keep loving us.
Tuesday, 1. April 2008
Tonight I was thinking of a song I use to love: Nirvana; Smells like Teen Spirit. A perfect example of the world over powering a lost soul.
“And I forget just why I taste
Oh yeah, I guess it makes me smile
I found it hard, it was hard to find
Oh well, whatever, nevermind
Hello, hello, hello, how low?”
Why do people get this low? He was obviously searching for something more. So, who do we want to portray to those hurting, more of the world or the love of Christ our Savior.
“How low?” How low will they go, how low will we help them go?
May we always show those lost in the world that there is something else out there (the love of Christ our Savior). May they see it in those that have authentic faith, they may not be able to place it, but they know that they could be missing something (before they give up).
Now that I reflect on this video and read the lyrics, I feel as though I never saw the true meaning. A man that was lost and searching, but no one to help him on his path. Am I the only one who feels this way?
We’ll miss you Kurt.
God bless
Wednesday, 2. April 2008
Jimmy Mac the fact that you DO see it now is a testimony to your own growth in your walk with Christ. Now your eyes and your heart will be more aware of what despair looks like and you will be more prepared to help the stronger you become in your walk. Its so reassuring to see true compassion these days. I will keep you in my prayers.
Monday, 14. April 2008
That video is so powerful. I cried as I thought about how I’ve also done this also to my own children. Not to the degree, but still I’ve done it. You are right this should be a mandatory video for all young couples.
Thursday, 1. May 2008
The contents of that video are so TRUE and it is not just the actions of the parents but the attitudes and motivations as well. The little ones intuitively pick-up on that also. Breaks my heart but we all know where our deliverance comes from! I so love the transparency of those commenting-you are the best and your children will learn wonderfully from that trait! I have been on both sides of this video -not setting the best example and receiving the worst example and guess which hurts more? But Christ delivers!!!! Maybe the local stations could show this video for 30 minutes with other parenting skills like they showed the 30 min. “Crystal Meth” show. BYE!!
Thursday, 17. July 2008
This nuts, I can hardly speak for two reason, 1st the content of this video and the second that a pastor would air it.
It’s about time that people get given the hard truth of life not candy coated. As I have begun to brows this blog, I am amazed at this guys eagerness. It’s kind a cool and refreshing to see someone in ministry concerned with the things of the world and not of the things of the church.
Friday, 18. July 2008
Are you kidding me. This kind of stuff has no place in the church! It is appalling to see a man of God subscribing to such disgusting things. As true as the message may be there is no reason to use such offensive illustration to prove your point.