Posts Tagged ‘Jesus’

Is it ok for poor to shoplift?

Friday, December 25th, 2009
A priest said during a preach that it’s ok for poor people to shoplift as the less of greater evils. It has attracted a lot of attention.

I would salute the priest for his understanding and compassionate heart. As Christians we’re called to stand on the side of poor people. And that desperate situations can drive people to do things they normally would not do, we all can understand.

However I do not agree with the priest’s message. I believe God both understands and, if repented, are quick to forgive shoplifting. But it is still wrong.

I might be naive. However I believe in the life of the Spirit and integrity. I believe that if we chose to live in the Spirit and live by integrity, God will always provide a way for us to stand tall. It will not be easy. We will face many difficult choices. But there will always be a way of righteousness and integrity.

Moreover Jesus gave clear promises to those that chose to give all for the Kingdom of God. He promised that God will provide for those that seek Him first. Those that set their sole Hope to the King, will not perish.

The priest did good by showing compassion. And we should also not be quick to judge people that in their desperate situations find it necessary to shoplift. However as priests we should always point to the Hope of Jesus and His promises to us.

I know He provides, because I experience it every day.

Article: Priest in Britain Advises Congregation to Shoplift (Fox news)

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Lukewarm and loving it!

Sunday, December 20th, 2009
Francis Chan was a self centered pastor for a self centered mega church in Simi Valley, CA. But all that changed.

One evening in 2006 Francis Chan reached a turning point. After a trip to Africa he realised that his church was heading in the wrong direction. From being a self centered congregation, that did not preach the provoking parts of being a true Jesus follower, he wanted to change things.

Francis was afraid that his people was not up for the challenge of change. But he was wrong. His church started to grew even more. And from earlier spending 4% of the church budget on mission in 2006, they increased to 55% in 2008.

Because of the increase of attendance they needed a bigger church. However they didn’t go the standard megachurch route of build a xx million dollar building. Instead they built an outdoor arena, that could be used by the local community during the week.

Here is the preach Francis Chan spoke after several months off to seek God for the purpose of his church.

You can follow Cornerstone Church on Twitter as @CornerstoneSimi, and visit their homepage here.

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Distractions keeps us away from Jesus (video)

Thursday, November 12th, 2009
@heyyALiSON at Twitter sent me a video of a great play, that shows how distractions can keep us away from Jesus. It made me cry.

@heyyALiSON is the girl in the play. Good acting! Thanks for the link.

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Freedom is the reward

Wednesday, November 4th, 2009
Learning has an aim in the Kingdom. Learning will learn us the truth, and set us free.

In John 8:31-32 we can read what Jesus said about our identity and reward for fullfilling our identity.

31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:31-32

This verse comes right after the Jews was challening on who Jesus really was: The living son of God. And his way of working: Doing what His Father showed Him, nothing more and nothing less.

Our identity

We are disciples of Jesus. Disciples are students and followers of the way. Jesus asks us to submit to a life long learning.

To be a student is to actively seek knowledge, truth and never tire of growing in the realm and reality of of Heaven. If we do this, Jesus promise us that we will find the truth. And not only will we find the truth, but it will also set us free.

But how do we submit to class? The key is the Spirit:

13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.
John 16:13

We must get a relationship with the Spirit, so He can guide us. We can’t be guided by someone we do not know and have no relationship with. So is there one thing Christians must learn, except for the gospel of mercy, it is to hook ourselves on the Spirit and not let go.

Freedom is the ultimate reward. Freedom is getting free from the chains of hell and satan’s purpose for us: Fear and death.

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We’re all high priests for God

Wednesday, October 14th, 2009
Jesus released us all into priesthood. What was earlier reserved for the few, is now available to everyone.

Jesus told us that it was better for us if He returned to heaven, so He could send us the Holy Spirit. Even 2000 years later I don’t think we’ve seen the full fruit of his action.

Why was it better that Jesus left the earth, and left us with the Spirit? Wouldn’t it be great if Jesus still was among us, doing great work of Heaven?

No, because Jesus wanted you to have part of the action. Jesus wanted you to see what it is like to be a high priest of God. Jesus didn’t need any more training. So for Him to hang around and practise more at being the son of God, was meaningless.

You and me, on the other hand, that’s a different story. I need all the practise I can get, to fill my new identity as beloved child of God, my Daddy. So Jesus left us with all his tools, the authority and commandment: “By my name and the power of the Holy Spirit: Go out into the whole world, love people, love God, make disciples and do greater deeds than I”.

Wow, what a powerful message! And with the new social media, to go out into the whole world just got a whole lot easier. With a few touches on my keyboard I can build new relationships, share and spread His love and power with people everywhere. If I love my bed too much to move, I don’t even have to leave it to glorify my Lord and King.

Go out and spread some Heavenly joy for the King! Take on your high priest robe and take back what the enemy has taken from us.

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It just takes a small match to start a fire

Wednesday, October 14th, 2009
Our trouble can seem bottomless. Our world can seem endless dark. And we can feel that the way out is just one step too far to walk. But help is not far away.

Then it is important to remember that it takes just one small match bring light to a room. And with that small light you can find the fireplace. Throw that small match into the fireplace and suddenly the whole room is filled with light and warmth from the fire.

fire

Likewise, in a hopeless situation, it takes just a tiny little thought to turn things around. Just a flash of inspiration from above, to start a small fire. And that small fire is enough to ignite the fireplace in your heart.

So do not dispair, but seek Him who is the orgin of all inspired thoughts: Jesus. A single inspired thought is enough.

God bless you on this glorious day!

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