Category: Bible

Categories
Bible Christian God Ministry Scripture

Sunday Scripture

So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

If you are a thief – quit stealing. Instead – use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember – he has identified you as his own – guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead – be kind to each other – tenderhearted – forgiving one another – just as God through Christ has forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:25-32 NLT)

That’s good advice right there – even if you’re a non-believer and non-follower of our Lord God Almighty. What a difference this world would be if we all followed the great wisdom above.

For the believers and followers of Jesus Christ (post-salvation) our speech must reflect what God has placed in our heart. It must reflect the Holy Spirit. It must reflect the fruits of the Holy Spirit. You know – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23). If you’re spouting off at the mouth – like an erupting volcano – then are you reflecting any of those fruits at all ?

See when we carry anger in our heart. When we slander others with our words – we are sinning against God The Holy Spirit.

It is the Holy Spirit that gives us the power that we need to live the way God wants us to live – and to say the things God wants us to say. If we listen to the Holy Spirit, and if we allow the Holy Spirit to lead us – then we will want to obey God. We will seek God’s Glory – above our own.

Categories
1990s Bible Christian God Ministry Music Radio Scripture

The Major’s Top 5 Hits RETRO – 1998

Every Friday night I post the Top 5 of one of my classic hit music charts based on personal preference from either 10, 20, or 30 years ago (rotating each week). Here it is – for the week ending Sunday June 07TH 1998:

  1. It’s Like That – Run-D.M.C. Vs. Jason Nevins
  2. Brimful Of Asha – Cornershop
  3. So In Love With You – Duke
  4. The Way – Fastball
  5. I Want You Back – ‘N Sync

“It’s Like That” was my jam to dance to 20 years ago this week.

You know back in the day I used to dance in the clubs – by land and by sea. I was immersed into the trance, techno, and house scene. Now that I’m in my early-50s I’m more fragile than ever before. I fear of throwing out my lower back, spraining a muscle, or having a heart attack.

I no longer hang out at clubs – for the most part. I recently danced like a youngster for 2 out of 4 nights in the Fathoms nightclub of the Disney Magic cruise ship. I discovered their “Silent DJ Party” where you wear wireless headphones and select 1 of 3 music channels to listen to. If you walk in to the nightclub you hear nothing, and you see people with headphones dancing to completely different beats. It’s amusing and fun simultaneously. I’ve also been known to dance at LIVE concerts, as well as church worship nights.

 

You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy – that I might sing praises to You and not be silent. O LORD my God. I will give You thanks forever !  (Psalm 30:11-12 NLT)

Categories
Bible Christian God Ministry Scripture

Sunday Scripture

Today I led my church family in Communion with the following Scripture:

From then on Jesus began to tell His disciples plainly that He had to go to Jerusalem, and He told them what would happen to Him there. He would suffer many terrible things at the hands of the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but on the third day He would be raised from the dead. But Peter took Him aside and began to reprimand Him for saying such things. Peter said, “Heaven forbid, Lord. This will never happen to you !” Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get away from me, Satan ! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, and not from God’s.” Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If any of you wants to be My follower – you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow Me. If you try to keep your life for yourself – you will lose it. But if you give up your life for Me – you will save it. (Matthew 16:21-25 NLT)

When we take up our cross – when we deny ourselves – we do so to put God’s will – God’s plan – God’s purpose – above our own personal agenda. We discover the life that God intended us to live. It is written.

Categories
Bible Christian God Ministry Scripture

Sunday Scripture

Last night I officially completed my next sermon titled “Faith & Works”. It’s a continuation of my message series (started in February) based on the Book Of James. In this sermon I cover the 2ND half of James Chapter 2. I compare Paul and James, and how they viewed faith and works from different angles. I also include Scripture from Chapter 5 of Paul’s letter to the Galatians. The Book Of James and The Epistle To The Galatians were probably the first 2 books written chronologically in the New Testament – right around 50 A.D.

Paul describes meeting James for the first time in his letter to the Galatians. Paul called James – and Peter – and John – as “pillars of the church”. They collectively accepted Paul – the new guy – as a co-worker. They suggested that Paul should continue helping the poor while preaching the Gospel to the Gentiles.

I also introduced John The Baptist, or John The Baptizer in my sermon. He was a Preacher, a Prophet, and even a Saint. He preached all about the importance of baptisms. He baptized thousands along both sides of the Jordan River – including Jesus Christ Himself. That started Christ’s ministry. Matthew 3:13-17 describes that critical event.

John The Baptist preached, “Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God.” (Luke 3:8 NLT)

My sermon leads-in perfectly to my Communion based on the first 10 verses of Chapter 2 of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians (“Made Alive With Christ”).

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:10 NLT)

I’m looking forward to sharing this soon with my church family !

Go forth and share God’s Good News to all who will listen. Go forth and live your fantastic journey for all to see. Go forth and love God and all His children.