As we approach the end of the year, I find myself busier then ever. I am trying to finish strong and prepare for the up and coming year. God has given me an awesome vision for 2009 and I am exited about it!
God has really used this current Recovery series to produce fruit in the lives of His people. Saints are already on the Road to Recovery from issues that have had them in bondage for many years. God be praised!
Here is the outline for last Sunday’s sermon:
MAKING CHANGES
The Road to Recovery - Part 5
DeAntwan Fitts
Outline provided by Rick Warren (used with permission)
December 7th, 2008
R.E.C.O.V.E.R.Y
V oluntarily submit to every change God wants to make in my life and humbly ask him to remove my Character Defects.
"Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service and pleasing to him...and let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind." Rom 12:1-2 (GN)
I. WHERE DO MY CHARACTER DEFECTS COME FROM?
a. Ultimatly My Defects are a result of my fallen sinful nature but My Genetics have contributed to my character defects.
Genetics explain predisposition but don't excuse sin!
b. My Circumstances
Character defects are often attempts to fill unmet needs.
c. My Choices
Character defects are often positive qualities being misused.
II. WHY IS IT SO HARD TO CHANGE THEM?
1. Because I've had them so long
2. Because I identify with them
3. Because they have a payoff
4. Because Satan discourages me
III. HOW DO I COOPERATE WITH GOD'S CHANGE PROCESS?
"..Be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Rom 12:2
1. Focus on changing one defect at a time.
An intelligent person aims at wise action, but a fool starts off in many directions." Prov. 17:24
2. Focus on victory one day at a time.
"Give us this day our daily bread" Matt. 6:11
"Don't worry about tomorrow, each day has enough troubles of its own." Matt. 6:34
3. Focus on God's power not willpower.
"Can a leopard take away his spots? Nor can you who are used to doing evil now start being good." Jer. 12:23 (LB)
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil 4:13
4. Focus on what I want, not what I don't want.
"Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure...Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about..." Phil. 4:8 (LB)
5. Focus on doing good, not feeling good.
"If you are guided by the Spirit you will be in no danger of yielding to self-indulgence." Gal. 5:16 (JB)
6. Focus on people who help me, not hinder me.
"As iron sharpens iron, so people can improve each other." Prov. 27:1 (NCV)
7. Focus on progress not perfection.
"God who began the good work within you will keep right on helping you grow in his grace until his task with you is finally finished..." Phil 1:6
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
The Road To Recovery Part 4
COMING CLEAN
The Road to Recovery - Part 4
DeAntwan Fitts
Outline provided by Rick Warren (used with permission)
November 30th 2008
R.E.C.O.V.E.R.Y.
R ealize I'm not God, I admit that I am powerless to control my tendency to do the wrong thing and my life is unmanageable.
E arnestly believe that God exists, that I matter to Him, and that He has the power to help me recover.
C onsciously choose to commit all my life and will to Christ's care and control.
O penly Examine and Confess my faults to myself, to God, and to someone I trust.
"Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit." Psalm 32:1-2 (NIV)
I. THE REASON FOR THIS STEP
1. Guilt destroys my confidence.
2. Guilt damages my relationships.
3. Guilt keeps me stuck in the past.
"He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy." Prov. 28:13 (NIV)
II. HOW TO DO THIS STEP
1. Take a personal inventory.
"Let us examine our ways and test them." Lam 3:40
"Would not God find this out? For He knows the secrets of the heart." Psalm 44:21 (NASB)
2. Accept responsibility
"The lamp of the LORD searches the spirit of a man; it searches out his inmost being." Prov 20:27 (NIV)
"If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us." 1 John. 1:8
3. Ask God for forgiveness
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9 (NIV)
""Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD:though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool." Isa. 1:19 (ESV)
4. Admit my faults to someone we trust
"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective" James 5:16 (NIV)
Who? Someone I trust
What do you say? I want you to hold me accountable
When? ASAP
5. Accept God's forgiveness and forgive myself
"All of us have sinned and fallen short of God's glory. But God treats us much better than we deserve, and because of Christ Jesus, he freely accepts us and sets us free from our sins ." Rom 3:23-24 (CEV)
"There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" Rom. 8:1
The Road to Recovery - Part 4
DeAntwan Fitts
Outline provided by Rick Warren (used with permission)
November 30th 2008
R.E.C.O.V.E.R.Y.
R ealize I'm not God, I admit that I am powerless to control my tendency to do the wrong thing and my life is unmanageable.
E arnestly believe that God exists, that I matter to Him, and that He has the power to help me recover.
C onsciously choose to commit all my life and will to Christ's care and control.
O penly Examine and Confess my faults to myself, to God, and to someone I trust.
"Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit." Psalm 32:1-2 (NIV)
I. THE REASON FOR THIS STEP
1. Guilt destroys my confidence.
2. Guilt damages my relationships.
3. Guilt keeps me stuck in the past.
"He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy." Prov. 28:13 (NIV)
II. HOW TO DO THIS STEP
1. Take a personal inventory.
"Let us examine our ways and test them." Lam 3:40
"Would not God find this out? For He knows the secrets of the heart." Psalm 44:21 (NASB)
2. Accept responsibility
"The lamp of the LORD searches the spirit of a man; it searches out his inmost being." Prov 20:27 (NIV)
"If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us." 1 John. 1:8
3. Ask God for forgiveness
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9 (NIV)
""Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD:though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool." Isa. 1:19 (ESV)
4. Admit my faults to someone we trust
"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective" James 5:16 (NIV)
Who? Someone I trust
What do you say? I want you to hold me accountable
When? ASAP
5. Accept God's forgiveness and forgive myself
"All of us have sinned and fallen short of God's glory. But God treats us much better than we deserve, and because of Christ Jesus, he freely accepts us and sets us free from our sins ." Rom 3:23-24 (CEV)
"There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" Rom. 8:1
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Five Enemies of Team Unity
As we close out 2008, I am looking forward to helping our congregation make a running start into 2009. My focus is more on Building and Strengthening our leadership/ministry teams, placing extra enfaces on Unity. God has designed for His people to live and grow in Community, to work together as a team. It is only when we are working together in Community that we can truly call ourselves The Church of Jesus Christ; The Body of Christ.
There are obvious things that get in the way of us being united and it is important to identify what they are and make sure to avoid or eliminate them. What are the opponents of team Unity; that get in the way of healthy Community? If we don’t find and eliminate these enemies, we will not achieve Team Unity.
Below are Five enemies of Team Unity
1. Poor Communication
When the right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing, strife sets in
2. Gossip
Gossip is when a negative comment is discussed with anyone who can't help solve
the problem
3. Unresolved Disagreements
This happens when a leader doesn't know they exist or avoids confrontation
4. Lack of Shared Purpose
This happens when the leader doesn't restate the goal, the vision, and the mission early and often
5. Sanctioned Incompetence
Keeping an inefficient team leader because we feel sorry for them or because of who they are
There are obvious things that get in the way of us being united and it is important to identify what they are and make sure to avoid or eliminate them. What are the opponents of team Unity; that get in the way of healthy Community? If we don’t find and eliminate these enemies, we will not achieve Team Unity.
Below are Five enemies of Team Unity
1. Poor Communication
When the right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing, strife sets in
2. Gossip
Gossip is when a negative comment is discussed with anyone who can't help solve
the problem
3. Unresolved Disagreements
This happens when a leader doesn't know they exist or avoids confrontation
4. Lack of Shared Purpose
This happens when the leader doesn't restate the goal, the vision, and the mission early and often
5. Sanctioned Incompetence
Keeping an inefficient team leader because we feel sorry for them or because of who they are
Sunday, November 23, 2008
The Road To Recovery Part 3
LETTING GO
The Road to Recovery - Part 3
DeAntwan Fitts
Outline provided by Rick Warren (used with permission)
November 23rd, 2008
R.E.C.O.V.E.R.Y.
R ealize I'm not God; I admit I'm powerless to control my tendency to do the wrong thing and my life is unmanageable.
E arnestly believe that God exists, that I matter to him, and that he has the power to help me recover.
C onciously Choose to commit all my life and will to Christ's Care and Control.
Jesus, "Come to me all you who are weary and overburdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me... For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Mt. 11:28-30 (Ph)
I. WHAT COULD KEEP ME FROM TAKING THIS STEP?
1. Pride; I don't want to admit I need help.
"...Arrogant people are on the way to ruin." Pr. 18:12 (GN)
2. Guilt: I'm ashamed to ask God for help.
"Problems far too big for me to solve are piled higher than my head. Meanwhile my sins, too many to count, have all caught up with me, and I am ashamed to look up."
Ps. 40:12 (LB)
3. Fear: I'm afraid of what I'd have to give up.
"How does a man benefit if he gains the whole world and loses his soul in the process? Is anything worth more than his soul?" Mk 8:36 (LB)
4. Worry: I confuse the decision phase with the problem-solving phase.
"Cast all your anxiety on God because He cares for you." 1 Pet5 :7
"God, who began the good work within you, will keep right on helping you grow in his grace until his love is finally finished." Phil 1:8 (LB)
5. Doubt: My faith seems so small.
"If you have faith as small as a mustard seed... nothing will be impossible for you."
Matt. 17:20
II. HOW DO I TAKE THIS STEP?
The Road to Recovery - Part 3
DeAntwan Fitts
Outline provided by Rick Warren (used with permission)
November 23rd, 2008
R.E.C.O.V.E.R.Y.
R ealize I'm not God; I admit I'm powerless to control my tendency to do the wrong thing and my life is unmanageable.
E arnestly believe that God exists, that I matter to him, and that he has the power to help me recover.
C onciously Choose to commit all my life and will to Christ's Care and Control.
Jesus, "Come to me all you who are weary and overburdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me... For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Mt. 11:28-30 (Ph)
I. WHAT COULD KEEP ME FROM TAKING THIS STEP?
1. Pride; I don't want to admit I need help.
"...Arrogant people are on the way to ruin." Pr. 18:12 (GN)
2. Guilt: I'm ashamed to ask God for help.
"Problems far too big for me to solve are piled higher than my head. Meanwhile my sins, too many to count, have all caught up with me, and I am ashamed to look up."
Ps. 40:12 (LB)
3. Fear: I'm afraid of what I'd have to give up.
"How does a man benefit if he gains the whole world and loses his soul in the process? Is anything worth more than his soul?" Mk 8:36 (LB)
4. Worry: I confuse the decision phase with the problem-solving phase.
"Cast all your anxiety on God because He cares for you." 1 Pet5 :7
"God, who began the good work within you, will keep right on helping you grow in his grace until his love is finally finished." Phil 1:8 (LB)
5. Doubt: My faith seems so small.
"If you have faith as small as a mustard seed... nothing will be impossible for you."
Matt. 17:20
II. HOW DO I TAKE THIS STEP?
1. I accept God’s Son as my Savior.
"Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved." Acts 16:31
2. I accept God’s Word as my Standard.
"All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the faith and correcting error,
for resetting the direction of a man's life, and training him in good living."
II Tim 3:16 (Ph)
3. I accept God’s Will as my Strategy
"I desire to do your will, O my God..." Ps. 40:8
4. I accept God’s Power as my Strength
"I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength
II Tim 3:16 (Ph)
3. I accept God’s Will as my Strategy
"I desire to do your will, O my God..." Ps. 40:8
4. I accept God’s Power as my Strength
"I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength
and power." Ph. 4:13 (LB)
Jesus: "I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and fellowship with him." Rev. 3:20
Jesus: "I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and fellowship with him." Rev. 3:20
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
How Pastors and Leaders Can Work Together to Care for People
One of the greatest challenges for churches, pastors, staffers, and church leaders is the ability to work together. The reasons for an inability to work together appear endless: ego, pride, selfishness, a lack of vision, personality tension, church politics, and a failure to plug into a focused priority of Jesus first with a love for the Lord’s church that sets aside personal agendas. Such reasons may appear difficult to swallow on the surface, but the value of working together begins with a heart for God and His kingdom.
How can pastors and leaders work together?
1. Start with purpose.
Matthew 28:19-20 is a great place to start. Study God’s work in the early churches: Acts 2:41-47, Ephesians 4:12-16, and I Corinthians 16:13-14. A study will uncover five things:
The churches were Christ-centered.
Proclamation of the good news of Jesus and God’s Word were basic.
Discipleship transformed lives and culture.
The church engaged community and culture as worship, mission and specific mission activities like ministry to the poor.
The church enacted people to build God’s kingdom and people.
2. Put prayer at the center of the purpose.
Pastors and leaders, ultimately, pray to “join God in His work,” to borrow a Blackaby and King quote from Experiencing God. Prayer reminds the pastor and leaders of two things: 1. God’s plan in His love for people through salvation transforms lives; 2. Work cannot be done apart from God’s Holy Spirit and people-action-ministry. God’s work should not be done in isolation. It requires God working through people. Prayer engages that purpose.
3. Respect each other.
Max DePree has a book entitled Leading Without Power. Many pastors and leaders seek to dominate and lead with personal power, that is, out of their own independence, insecurity, or authority, rather than God’s power. Depree quotes Peter Drucker as saying that “manners are the lubricant of the organization.” Depree also calls for building community, deciding what is significant and measuring it together, and service to people.
These goals are achieved through respect for others. I find that tension, anger, and conflict arise many times when rudeness, pride, and disrespect prevail. The fruit-of-the-Spirit kindness never hurts. Try good manners.
4. Resolve conflict.
Differences about church, ministry, preaching style, and local church vision, mission, and programs abound. Conflict is inevitable because humanity sticks to all of us like peanut butter to the roof of your mouth. My father grew up in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. He says, “Everybody has an opinion!” Often conflict arises over differences of opinion. Still, I am amazed at pastors, staffers and church leaders who carry unresolved conflict deep in the soul. It causes bitterness and kills the joy of service to Christ. Differences may stay, but conflict must be resolved to work together for Christ.
5. Build a team.
Team building through retreats, a monthly staff luncheon, or even an activity like bowling can open communication and encourage unity and ministry to people. Work toward working together by appreciating the grace-gifts of each individual. Aim for harmony like an orchestra sounding music. Train leaders. Focus on people’s needs.
6. Live in Christ’s Joy and Wonder.
What can you do when conflict is unresolved? Return to number one in this article and start over. Read Philippians to recapture Christ’s joy in service. Joy? Working together requires it. Such Christ-joy supplies purpose, wisdom, restraint and togetherness to glorify God. That’s the goal, isn’t it?
Discover the joy of serving Christ and working together to care for people.
Written by John Duncan
How can pastors and leaders work together?
1. Start with purpose.
Matthew 28:19-20 is a great place to start. Study God’s work in the early churches: Acts 2:41-47, Ephesians 4:12-16, and I Corinthians 16:13-14. A study will uncover five things:
The churches were Christ-centered.
Proclamation of the good news of Jesus and God’s Word were basic.
Discipleship transformed lives and culture.
The church engaged community and culture as worship, mission and specific mission activities like ministry to the poor.
The church enacted people to build God’s kingdom and people.
2. Put prayer at the center of the purpose.
Pastors and leaders, ultimately, pray to “join God in His work,” to borrow a Blackaby and King quote from Experiencing God. Prayer reminds the pastor and leaders of two things: 1. God’s plan in His love for people through salvation transforms lives; 2. Work cannot be done apart from God’s Holy Spirit and people-action-ministry. God’s work should not be done in isolation. It requires God working through people. Prayer engages that purpose.
3. Respect each other.
Max DePree has a book entitled Leading Without Power. Many pastors and leaders seek to dominate and lead with personal power, that is, out of their own independence, insecurity, or authority, rather than God’s power. Depree quotes Peter Drucker as saying that “manners are the lubricant of the organization.” Depree also calls for building community, deciding what is significant and measuring it together, and service to people.
These goals are achieved through respect for others. I find that tension, anger, and conflict arise many times when rudeness, pride, and disrespect prevail. The fruit-of-the-Spirit kindness never hurts. Try good manners.
4. Resolve conflict.
Differences about church, ministry, preaching style, and local church vision, mission, and programs abound. Conflict is inevitable because humanity sticks to all of us like peanut butter to the roof of your mouth. My father grew up in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. He says, “Everybody has an opinion!” Often conflict arises over differences of opinion. Still, I am amazed at pastors, staffers and church leaders who carry unresolved conflict deep in the soul. It causes bitterness and kills the joy of service to Christ. Differences may stay, but conflict must be resolved to work together for Christ.
5. Build a team.
Team building through retreats, a monthly staff luncheon, or even an activity like bowling can open communication and encourage unity and ministry to people. Work toward working together by appreciating the grace-gifts of each individual. Aim for harmony like an orchestra sounding music. Train leaders. Focus on people’s needs.
6. Live in Christ’s Joy and Wonder.
What can you do when conflict is unresolved? Return to number one in this article and start over. Read Philippians to recapture Christ’s joy in service. Joy? Working together requires it. Such Christ-joy supplies purpose, wisdom, restraint and togetherness to glorify God. That’s the goal, isn’t it?
Discover the joy of serving Christ and working together to care for people.
Written by John Duncan
Sunday, November 16, 2008
The Road To Recovery Step 2
WHERE TO GET HELP WHEN YOU HURT
The Road To Recovery - Part 2
DeAntwan Fitts
Outline provided by Rick Warren (used with permission)
November 16th, 2008
R.E.C.O.V.E.R.Y
Realize I'm not God; I must admit that there are certain things that are outside of my realm of control. Apart from Christ my life is un-manageable..
Step 2:
Earnestly believe that God Exist, that I Matter to Him, and that He has the Power to help me recover.
"Anyone who comes to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him."
Heb. 11:6
Three Parts
1. ACKNOWLEDGE GOD'S Existence
"Since the creation of the world, God's invisible qualities -- his eternal power and divine nature -- have been clearly seen."
"The fool says "There is no God!" Ps. 14:1
2. UNDERSTAND GOD'S Character
"Christ is the visible expression of the invisible God." Col 1:15 (Ph)
God knows all about my situation.
"You have seen the crisis in my soul" Ps.31:7 (LB)
"You know how foolish I have been." Ps.69:5
God cares about my situation.
"He is like a father to us, tender and sympathetic...for he knows what we are made of -- dust." Ps. 103:13-14 (LB/GN)
"God says "I have loved you with an everlasting love!" Jer. 31:3
"God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us." Rom. 5:8 (LB)
God can change me and my situation.
"I pray you will begin to understand how incredibly great His power is to help those who believe Him...the same power that raised Christ from the dead." Eph. 1:20 (LB)
"What is impossible for men is possible with God." Luke 18:27 (GN)
3. ACCEPT GOD'S Offer to Help Me
"For God is at work within you giving you the will and the power to achieve His purpose." Phil 2:13 (Ph)
"The Spirit that God gives us ... fills us with power, love and self-control."
2 Tim 1:7 (GN)
How to Plug Into God's Power
Believe and Receive
"When you go through deep waters and great troubles, I will be with you,... you won't drown! When you walk through the fires of oppression, you won't be burned up."
Isa 43:2-3 (LB)
The Road To Recovery - Part 2
DeAntwan Fitts
Outline provided by Rick Warren (used with permission)
November 16th, 2008
R.E.C.O.V.E.R.Y
Realize I'm not God; I must admit that there are certain things that are outside of my realm of control. Apart from Christ my life is un-manageable..
Step 2:
Earnestly believe that God Exist, that I Matter to Him, and that He has the Power to help me recover.
"Anyone who comes to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him."
Heb. 11:6
Three Parts
1. ACKNOWLEDGE GOD'S Existence
"Since the creation of the world, God's invisible qualities -- his eternal power and divine nature -- have been clearly seen."
"The fool says "There is no God!" Ps. 14:1
2. UNDERSTAND GOD'S Character
"Christ is the visible expression of the invisible God." Col 1:15 (Ph)
God knows all about my situation.
"You have seen the crisis in my soul" Ps.31:7 (LB)
"You know how foolish I have been." Ps.69:5
God cares about my situation.
"He is like a father to us, tender and sympathetic...for he knows what we are made of -- dust." Ps. 103:13-14 (LB/GN)
"God says "I have loved you with an everlasting love!" Jer. 31:3
"God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us." Rom. 5:8 (LB)
God can change me and my situation.
"I pray you will begin to understand how incredibly great His power is to help those who believe Him...the same power that raised Christ from the dead." Eph. 1:20 (LB)
"What is impossible for men is possible with God." Luke 18:27 (GN)
3. ACCEPT GOD'S Offer to Help Me
"For God is at work within you giving you the will and the power to achieve His purpose." Phil 2:13 (Ph)
"The Spirit that God gives us ... fills us with power, love and self-control."
2 Tim 1:7 (GN)
How to Plug Into God's Power
Believe and Receive
"When you go through deep waters and great troubles, I will be with you,... you won't drown! When you walk through the fires of oppression, you won't be burned up."
Isa 43:2-3 (LB)
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Update On My Struggle!!!
Here is an update on my struggle with bad eating habits and being overweight after about two months.
Before-----------------------------------------------------------=After
How My Faith is Helping Me Control My Eating
-It's not about will power, it's about surrender.
-I don't trust my flesh, so why should I eat what/when it wants me to eat.
-True saving faith works.
-Inward regeneration produces outward transformation.
-It's not about will power, it's about surrender.
-I don't trust my flesh, so why should I eat what/when it wants me to eat.
-True saving faith works.
-Inward regeneration produces outward transformation.
All praise and gloriy to our Lord Jesus Christ, who sets the believer free from life's hurts, habits and hang-ups!!!
My Eating Plan
Large high protein breakfast,
Medium high protein high high fiber lunch,
Small high protein, low carb (green carb only) low fiber dinner. With protein bars or shakes between each meal.
I have added a multi-vitamin and an antioxidant to my routine.
I now have the energy to start working out.
I now have the energy to start working out.
I will update again soon.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
The Road to Recovery Part 1
THE FIRST STEP TO FREEDOM
The Road to Recovery - Part 1
DeAntwan Fitts
Outline provided by Rick Warren (used with permission)
November 9th, 2008
Isaiah 57:18 (GN) "I have seen how they acted, but I will heal them. I will lead them and help them, and I will comfort those who mourn. I offer peace to all, near and far!"
What are some possible things I need to recover from?
Overworking Overeating Alcohol/Drugs Overspending
Grief Guilt Anger/Rage Fear/Anxiety
Divorce Abuse Sexual addictions Codependency
Insecurity Perfectionism Hypochondria Hurtful Relationships
Gambling Lying Procrastination The need to control
The first step to R.E.C.O.V.E.R.Y:
Realize I'm not God; I must admit that there are certain things that are outside of my realm of control. Apart from Christ my life is un-manageable.
"I don't understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I can't! I do what I don't want to -- what I hate! I know perfectly well what I'm doing is wrong. . . but I can't help myself! It is sin inside me that is stronger than I am that makes me do these evil things."
Romans 7:15-17 (LB)
I. THE CAUSE OF MY PROBLEM: My sin Nature/I want to be God
How we "play" God:
By denying our humanity and by trying to control everything for selfish reasons.
We try to control Our image
We try to control Other people
We try to control Our problems
We try to control Our pain
The Road to Recovery - Part 1
DeAntwan Fitts
Outline provided by Rick Warren (used with permission)
November 9th, 2008
Isaiah 57:18 (GN) "I have seen how they acted, but I will heal them. I will lead them and help them, and I will comfort those who mourn. I offer peace to all, near and far!"
What are some possible things I need to recover from?
Overworking Overeating Alcohol/Drugs Overspending
Grief Guilt Anger/Rage Fear/Anxiety
Divorce Abuse Sexual addictions Codependency
Insecurity Perfectionism Hypochondria Hurtful Relationships
Gambling Lying Procrastination The need to control
The first step to R.E.C.O.V.E.R.Y:
Realize I'm not God; I must admit that there are certain things that are outside of my realm of control. Apart from Christ my life is un-manageable.
"I don't understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I can't! I do what I don't want to -- what I hate! I know perfectly well what I'm doing is wrong. . . but I can't help myself! It is sin inside me that is stronger than I am that makes me do these evil things."
Romans 7:15-17 (LB)
I. THE CAUSE OF MY PROBLEM: My sin Nature/I want to be God
How we "play" God:
By denying our humanity and by trying to control everything for selfish reasons.
We try to control Our image
We try to control Other people
We try to control Our problems
We try to control Our pain
II. THE CONSEQUENCES to trying to play God
1. Fear
(Adam) "I was afraid because I was naked so I hid."
Gen. 3:10
2. Frustration
"It seems to be a fact of life that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong... something else deep within me... is at war with my mind and wins the fight and makes me slave to the sin..."
Rom 7:21, 23 (LB)
"My dishonesty made me miserable and filled my days with frustration."
Ps. 32:3 (LB)
1. Fear
(Adam) "I was afraid because I was naked so I hid."
Gen. 3:10
2. Frustration
"It seems to be a fact of life that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong... something else deep within me... is at war with my mind and wins the fight and makes me slave to the sin..."
Rom 7:21, 23 (LB)
"My dishonesty made me miserable and filled my days with frustration."
Ps. 32:3 (LB)
3. Fatigue
"My strength evaporated like water on a sunny day until I finally admitted all my sins to You and stopped trying to hide them."
Ps. 32:4-5 (LB)
4. Failure
"You will never succeed in life if you try to hide your sins. Confess them and give them up; then God will show mercy to you." Prov. 28:13 (GN)
III. THE CURE: Admit that I’m not God
"My strength evaporated like water on a sunny day until I finally admitted all my sins to You and stopped trying to hide them."
Ps. 32:4-5 (LB)
4. Failure
"You will never succeed in life if you try to hide your sins. Confess them and give them up; then God will show mercy to you." Prov. 28:13 (GN)
III. THE CURE: Admit that I’m not God
Admitting that I'm not God means I know I am:
powerless to change: My Past
powerless to control: Other People
powerless to cope: With My harmful habits, behaviors and actions
"God opposes the proud but gives GRACE to the humble."
James 4:6
GRACE IS: The power to change
powerless to change: My Past
powerless to control: Other People
powerless to cope: With My harmful habits, behaviors and actions
"God opposes the proud but gives GRACE to the humble."
James 4:6
GRACE IS: The power to change
Friday, November 7, 2008
Peace Chapel Just Kicked Off a New Ministry!!!
My fellow blog community and those that follow this blog,
I am exited about a new ministry that we kicked off this past Friday at Peace Chapel called "Celebrate Recovery". I am asking you to pray that God will use this ministry to change countless lives for now and for eternity. I believe in the power of prayer and "pray" is all I am asking you to do.
Celebrate Recovery
The Bible clearly states that "all have sinned." It is our very nature to do so. And because of sin, we've all hurt ourselves, we've all hurt other people, and others have hurt us. This means each of us is in need of repentance and recovery in order to live the way God intended.
Celebrate Recovery is a biblical and balanced program for helping people overcome their hurts, habits and hang-ups, using 8 principles based on the Beatitudes of the New Testament and 12 biblical steps to recovery. Through this program, people have restored and developed stronger relationships with others and with God.
Here are some issues people might need recovery from:
Overworking, Overeating, Alcohol/Drugs, Overspending
Grief, Guilt, Anger/Rage, Fear/Anxiety
Divorce, Abuse, Sexual addictions, Codependency,
Insecurity, Perfectionism, Hypochondria, Hurtful Relationships,
Gambling, Lying, Procrastination, The need to control.
We will start our fellowship at 6pm this evening with Dinner!
Peace Chapel is located at 7622 S. Avalon S. Avalon Blvd in Los Angeles. We are also on the web http://www.peacechapelchurch.org/
I am exited about a new ministry that we kicked off this past Friday at Peace Chapel called "Celebrate Recovery". I am asking you to pray that God will use this ministry to change countless lives for now and for eternity. I believe in the power of prayer and "pray" is all I am asking you to do.
Celebrate Recovery
The Bible clearly states that "all have sinned." It is our very nature to do so. And because of sin, we've all hurt ourselves, we've all hurt other people, and others have hurt us. This means each of us is in need of repentance and recovery in order to live the way God intended.
Celebrate Recovery is a biblical and balanced program for helping people overcome their hurts, habits and hang-ups, using 8 principles based on the Beatitudes of the New Testament and 12 biblical steps to recovery. Through this program, people have restored and developed stronger relationships with others and with God.
Here are some issues people might need recovery from:
Overworking, Overeating, Alcohol/Drugs, Overspending
Grief, Guilt, Anger/Rage, Fear/Anxiety
Divorce, Abuse, Sexual addictions, Codependency,
Insecurity, Perfectionism, Hypochondria, Hurtful Relationships,
Gambling, Lying, Procrastination, The need to control.
We will start our fellowship at 6pm this evening with Dinner!
Peace Chapel is located at 7622 S. Avalon S. Avalon Blvd in Los Angeles. We are also on the web http://www.peacechapelchurch.org/
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Congratulations to our New President-Elect Barack Obama
Congratulations to our new President-Elect Barack Obama! This is an historical moment for the United States of America particularly African Americans and all minorities that reside in this great Nation. We have come a long way in a short period of time. America has proven to be the land of opportunity. This should encourage us as African Americans to reach for the stars. We no longer can use being black as a reason for failure, we now have to take personal responsibility for our shortcomings.
My prayer is that we the Christian Community will be united in supporting our newly elected leader. We are commanded to pray for our leaders. President-Elect Obama, his family and his administration will need all the prayer he/they can get.1
Those of us who did not vote for Senator Obama, lets hope the best for our new President-Elect. The Bible tells us, that God ordains government, so let us accept and embrace the will of God.2
The revival that our Country needs will only come about when we as believers will humble ourselves, pray, seek God's face and turn from our wicked ways.3
God bless you and God bless America!
(1) 1 Tim 2:1-4 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
(2) Rom 13:1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
(3) 2 Chron 7:14 If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
My prayer is that we the Christian Community will be united in supporting our newly elected leader. We are commanded to pray for our leaders. President-Elect Obama, his family and his administration will need all the prayer he/they can get.1
Those of us who did not vote for Senator Obama, lets hope the best for our new President-Elect. The Bible tells us, that God ordains government, so let us accept and embrace the will of God.2
The revival that our Country needs will only come about when we as believers will humble ourselves, pray, seek God's face and turn from our wicked ways.3
God bless you and God bless America!
(1) 1 Tim 2:1-4 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
(2) Rom 13:1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
(3) 2 Chron 7:14 If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Guest Post "Summary of Sunday's Sermon"
Nothing brings joy to a pastor like someone benefiting from the preached word. The following is a guess post from a beloved member of Peace Chapel, Pam Kimbrough.
Pam K (as I call her) is an amazing testimony of the Sovereignty and Providence of God. The Lord has brought her through a severe bout with depression and she is living a life of victory even after having a massive stroke. Although the stroke has left damage to Pam's body, I don't know of a more active Christian on the planet. She keeps me up to date with members who are sick or experiencing grief. She sends letters of encouragement and Bible tracts to those in prison. There are not many who have come in contact with Peace Chapel that has not benefited from her ministry. I thank God for this dear sister, who is not only a blessing to Peace Chapel, but a blessing to the Body of Christ.
Here is her summary of this past Sunday's message:
PC Sunday Summary/Notes11.2.08~Evaluating Wisdom~
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I am so fortunate to have you as my brothers and sisters in Christ. It is such a blessing to know that we will all live, in eternity with our Heavenly Father. Praise the Lord.
We had a blessed day at PC, and I hope your day was the same.
This Sunday, November 02, 2008, Pastor Fitts spoke on wisdom, and the topic was Evaluating Wisdom. The Scripture was taken from James 3:13-18.
James mentions two types of wisdom; worldly wisdom, and Godly wisdom.
James starts with a question regarding wisdom in verse 13, “Who is wise and understanding among you?” then he says, “Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.”
Pastor challenged us to bring our wisdom to the light of God's word for examination.
The way we live denotes whether we have worldly wisdom, or Godly wisdom.
Regarding worldly wisdom, James says, in verses 14 through 16, “…if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”
Let us not boast that we have Godly wisdom, and yet act with worldly wisdom.If we harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in our hearts, or practice evil, this wisdom comes from Satan. Let’s check ourselves. If we have any of these tendencies, we should ask God for true godly wisdom.
In James 4:17-18, he speaks of Godly wisdom. Scripture says, “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”
The last verse, in James 3:18, says, “Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.”
So keep in mind Galatians 6:7, “…A man reaps what he sows.”
So, if you’re wondering whether you have worldly wisdom, or Godly wisdom, ask yourself, “Do I harbor bitter envy, or selfish ambition in my heart, or am I a person who is peace-loving, considerate, and submissive to God’s will?” There is hope for all of God's children.
Pastor gave us three ingredients needed in the recipe for Godly wisdom.
1. Ask God for it (James 1:5)2. Look to Christ (1 cor 1:24 & 30; Col 2:3)3. Obedience God's word (Psalm 119:98-99)
Here are four things I picked up from the message:
1. We should be considerate (Putting others first)
2. We should be submissive
3. We should seek God’s will
4. We should have mercy on others.
This is Godly wisdom.
Check yourself.
Have a God week.
Luv u much,
Pam K
Pam K (as I call her) is an amazing testimony of the Sovereignty and Providence of God. The Lord has brought her through a severe bout with depression and she is living a life of victory even after having a massive stroke. Although the stroke has left damage to Pam's body, I don't know of a more active Christian on the planet. She keeps me up to date with members who are sick or experiencing grief. She sends letters of encouragement and Bible tracts to those in prison. There are not many who have come in contact with Peace Chapel that has not benefited from her ministry. I thank God for this dear sister, who is not only a blessing to Peace Chapel, but a blessing to the Body of Christ.
Here is her summary of this past Sunday's message:
PC Sunday Summary/Notes11.2.08~Evaluating Wisdom~
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I am so fortunate to have you as my brothers and sisters in Christ. It is such a blessing to know that we will all live, in eternity with our Heavenly Father. Praise the Lord.
We had a blessed day at PC, and I hope your day was the same.
This Sunday, November 02, 2008, Pastor Fitts spoke on wisdom, and the topic was Evaluating Wisdom. The Scripture was taken from James 3:13-18.
James mentions two types of wisdom; worldly wisdom, and Godly wisdom.
James starts with a question regarding wisdom in verse 13, “Who is wise and understanding among you?” then he says, “Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.”
Pastor challenged us to bring our wisdom to the light of God's word for examination.
The way we live denotes whether we have worldly wisdom, or Godly wisdom.
Regarding worldly wisdom, James says, in verses 14 through 16, “…if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”
Let us not boast that we have Godly wisdom, and yet act with worldly wisdom.If we harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in our hearts, or practice evil, this wisdom comes from Satan. Let’s check ourselves. If we have any of these tendencies, we should ask God for true godly wisdom.
In James 4:17-18, he speaks of Godly wisdom. Scripture says, “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”
The last verse, in James 3:18, says, “Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.”
So keep in mind Galatians 6:7, “…A man reaps what he sows.”
So, if you’re wondering whether you have worldly wisdom, or Godly wisdom, ask yourself, “Do I harbor bitter envy, or selfish ambition in my heart, or am I a person who is peace-loving, considerate, and submissive to God’s will?” There is hope for all of God's children.
Pastor gave us three ingredients needed in the recipe for Godly wisdom.
1. Ask God for it (James 1:5)2. Look to Christ (1 cor 1:24 & 30; Col 2:3)3. Obedience God's word (Psalm 119:98-99)
Here are four things I picked up from the message:
1. We should be considerate (Putting others first)
2. We should be submissive
3. We should seek God’s will
4. We should have mercy on others.
This is Godly wisdom.
Check yourself.
Have a God week.
Luv u much,
Pam K
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Last Sunday's Outline
"Taming The Tongue is no Small Matter" James 3:1-12 Sunday October 26th
Thesis: The tongue is one of the most underestimated members of the body, yet it is responsible for the most damage.
Taming The Tongue is no Small Matter:
I. We should Never Expect anything less from those in Leadership
verses. 1-2 Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.
a. Leaders are/should be held to a higher level of accountability vs. 1a
b. Leaders are/should be expected to demonstrate maturity vs. 1b
II. We should Never Underestimate the Power of the tongue
verses 3-5a When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts.
a. The tongue has the power to guide and direct the course of one's life
III. We should Never Underestimate the Potential Damage of the tongue
verses 5b-6 Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
a. The tongue has the potential to damage fast vs. 5b-6a
b. The tongue has the potential to damage far (the whole course of life) vs. 6b
IV. We should Never Underestimate what the tongue Reveals about the Heart
verses 7-12 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
a. A untamed tongue reveals a un-surrendered heart
b. A untamed tongue reveals a un-repentant heart
c. A untamed tongue reveals a divided heart
d. A untamed tongue reveals a deceitful heart
What is the solution?
1. Repentance
Ez 18:31 Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit.
2. Ask God for help daily
Ps. 141:3 Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.
3. Think before you speak
James 1:19 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
Thesis: The tongue is one of the most underestimated members of the body, yet it is responsible for the most damage.
Taming The Tongue is no Small Matter:
I. We should Never Expect anything less from those in Leadership
verses. 1-2 Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.
a. Leaders are/should be held to a higher level of accountability vs. 1a
b. Leaders are/should be expected to demonstrate maturity vs. 1b
II. We should Never Underestimate the Power of the tongue
verses 3-5a When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts.
a. The tongue has the power to guide and direct the course of one's life
III. We should Never Underestimate the Potential Damage of the tongue
verses 5b-6 Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
a. The tongue has the potential to damage fast vs. 5b-6a
b. The tongue has the potential to damage far (the whole course of life) vs. 6b
IV. We should Never Underestimate what the tongue Reveals about the Heart
verses 7-12 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
a. A untamed tongue reveals a un-surrendered heart
b. A untamed tongue reveals a un-repentant heart
c. A untamed tongue reveals a divided heart
d. A untamed tongue reveals a deceitful heart
What is the solution?
1. Repentance
Ez 18:31 Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit.
2. Ask God for help daily
Ps. 141:3 Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.
3. Think before you speak
James 1:19 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Round Two "Political Talking Points"
I’m back for round two of my political talking points. A couple weeks ago, I wrote a post entitled “Social Conservatives Trapped in a Liberal Party” that drew some interesting comments. In the post, I asked the question why are people who are social conservatives so loyal to a party that is so opposed to social conservative values? With all of the comments, I still did not get an answer to that question. Doc Spoon did a wonderful job of making a case against the David Duke Democratic party of old, but he did not answer my question.
But for argument sake, lets look at a couple of things he mentioned in his comment.
The GOP is the home of racism.
Quite frankly, I think this argument is old and played out. America has become the home of immigrants. Studies show that immigrants are entering our country at a rate of over 800,000 people per year. Do you think people are so desperate to get over here because America is so racist? I know you said the GOP is the home of racism, but most who make that argument feel that racism is still a problem for African Americans. I am in no way saying that racism does not still exist, but racism cannot find a home in either party. It will not be tolerated. Lets not forget that President Bush appointed more African Americans to his cabinet then the last Democratic President. He named Condoleezza Rice, to be the first female African-American secretary of State in the history of the United States. Under the Bush administration, homeownership among African Americans is higher then ever. We have more African American owned businesses then ever, more African American Millionaires then ever and more African American Billionaires then ever. Case closed!!!
The GOP is the home of classism.
I assume he meant Structural or Institutional Classism, which is a passive form of classism that occurs when institutions or common practices are structured in such a way as to effectively exclude or marginalize people from lower classes. If so, that sounds like Liberalism. It is the Liberals that are contributing to classism with all of their social programs that discourage accountability.
The GOP is the home of sectarianism.
Again sounds more like the Liberals with the Separation of Church and State argument.
The GOP is the home of economic red-lining.
Sounds like what Senator Obama wants to do with his socialist economic plan (redistribute the wealth).
As I stated before, most African Americans are Social Conservatives but quite a few are economic Conservatives (just added), trapped in a Liberal Party.
I am not nearly as concerned about the economic issues as I am about the social issues. We as African Americans can do just as well economically under a Conservative President as we can under a Liberal President, I would argue even better. I am more concerned about issues that stand in direct opposition to the values of the Kingdom of God. We know that life begins at conception, so how can we remain loyal to a party that contradicts that clear biblical principle? We know that homosexuality is wrong, so how can we remain loyal to a party that contradicts that clear biblical principle (the Democratic Party is the home of the homosexual movement)? We have a Proposition 8 on the ballot here in California that says marriage is between one Man and one Woman, guess who’s pouring the big bucks into defeating this proposition… The Teachers Union, Brad Pitt and Ellen DeGeneres (Avid Democrats). Barack Obama has called Prop 8 "divisive and discriminatory." www.democrats.org/page/community/post/mceades/CnR . I know that we are not voting for Jesus Christ, but we can use our vote to glorify Him.
Spoon, Mann, D A, Anonymous or somebody "that is"... Please straighten me out.
But for argument sake, lets look at a couple of things he mentioned in his comment.
The GOP is the home of racism.
Quite frankly, I think this argument is old and played out. America has become the home of immigrants. Studies show that immigrants are entering our country at a rate of over 800,000 people per year. Do you think people are so desperate to get over here because America is so racist? I know you said the GOP is the home of racism, but most who make that argument feel that racism is still a problem for African Americans. I am in no way saying that racism does not still exist, but racism cannot find a home in either party. It will not be tolerated. Lets not forget that President Bush appointed more African Americans to his cabinet then the last Democratic President. He named Condoleezza Rice, to be the first female African-American secretary of State in the history of the United States. Under the Bush administration, homeownership among African Americans is higher then ever. We have more African American owned businesses then ever, more African American Millionaires then ever and more African American Billionaires then ever. Case closed!!!
The GOP is the home of classism.
I assume he meant Structural or Institutional Classism, which is a passive form of classism that occurs when institutions or common practices are structured in such a way as to effectively exclude or marginalize people from lower classes. If so, that sounds like Liberalism. It is the Liberals that are contributing to classism with all of their social programs that discourage accountability.
The GOP is the home of sectarianism.
Again sounds more like the Liberals with the Separation of Church and State argument.
The GOP is the home of economic red-lining.
Sounds like what Senator Obama wants to do with his socialist economic plan (redistribute the wealth).
As I stated before, most African Americans are Social Conservatives but quite a few are economic Conservatives (just added), trapped in a Liberal Party.
I am not nearly as concerned about the economic issues as I am about the social issues. We as African Americans can do just as well economically under a Conservative President as we can under a Liberal President, I would argue even better. I am more concerned about issues that stand in direct opposition to the values of the Kingdom of God. We know that life begins at conception, so how can we remain loyal to a party that contradicts that clear biblical principle? We know that homosexuality is wrong, so how can we remain loyal to a party that contradicts that clear biblical principle (the Democratic Party is the home of the homosexual movement)? We have a Proposition 8 on the ballot here in California that says marriage is between one Man and one Woman, guess who’s pouring the big bucks into defeating this proposition… The Teachers Union, Brad Pitt and Ellen DeGeneres (Avid Democrats). Barack Obama has called Prop 8 "divisive and discriminatory." www.democrats.org/page/community/post/mceades/CnR . I know that we are not voting for Jesus Christ, but we can use our vote to glorify Him.
Spoon, Mann, D A, Anonymous or somebody "that is"... Please straighten me out.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Overwhelmed With Joy
Brothers and sisters, my heart is filled with joy because of a weekend filled with praise, fellowship and proclamation of God's powerful word. It started Saturday night when I attended a banquet in honor of the school I attend The Los Angeles Bible Training School . I am humbled to be associated with an institution that has so effectively served the body of Christ for so long (since 1962). We call LABTS the best kept secret in Los Angeles. It was an honor for me to be a part of such a glorious occasion. Pastor Alex Montoya of The First Fundamental Bible Church in East Los Angeles brought the word. His exposition came from James chapter 1 verses 21-25.
The highlight of my weekend, was this afternoon, at our Annual Men's Day Service. Deacon Billy Bogan, put together a wonderful program. Paul Felix B.A., University of Redlands M.A., Talbot Theological Seminary M.Div., Th.M., The Master's Seminary Th.D., The Master's Seminary (in progress), Assistant Professor, New Testament Language and Literature at The Master's Seminary, President of The Los Angeles Bible Training School and Co Author of "Secret Sex Wars " (yes all of that and some) brought the word, and what a wholesome and healthy word it was.
Our Theme for the occasion was "Men Living on God's Word" with Matthew 4:4 as the foundational text. His exposition came from various passages where he challanged the entire congregation to live by God's Word.
His outline below
Men who live by the word of God are:
I. Convinced about the Nature of the Bible
a. The Bible is the Word of God (2 Tim 3:16-17)
II. Convinced about the Characteristics of the Bible
Hebrews 4:12
a. It's alive
b. It's active (effective)
c. It's sharp
d. It's piercing
e. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart
III. Convinced about the Benefits of the Bible
a. It will bless those who live by it (Psalms 119:1-2)
b. It will keep you clean (Psalms 119:9)
c. It will keep you from sin (Psalms 119:11)
d. It will make you wise (Psalms 119:97-104)
IV. Committed to Practicing the Disciplines of the Bible
Psalms 119:14-15
a. Living by the Word
b. Meditating on the Word
What a privilege and an honor it was to have one of God’s choice servants break bread with us on our Annual Men’s Day Service.
The highlight of my weekend, was this afternoon, at our Annual Men's Day Service. Deacon Billy Bogan, put together a wonderful program. Paul Felix B.A., University of Redlands M.A., Talbot Theological Seminary M.Div., Th.M., The Master's Seminary Th.D., The Master's Seminary (in progress), Assistant Professor, New Testament Language and Literature at The Master's Seminary, President of The Los Angeles Bible Training School and Co Author of "Secret Sex Wars " (yes all of that and some) brought the word, and what a wholesome and healthy word it was.
Our Theme for the occasion was "Men Living on God's Word" with Matthew 4:4 as the foundational text. His exposition came from various passages where he challanged the entire congregation to live by God's Word.
His outline below
Men who live by the word of God are:
I. Convinced about the Nature of the Bible
a. The Bible is the Word of God (2 Tim 3:16-17)
II. Convinced about the Characteristics of the Bible
Hebrews 4:12
a. It's alive
b. It's active (effective)
c. It's sharp
d. It's piercing
e. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart
III. Convinced about the Benefits of the Bible
a. It will bless those who live by it (Psalms 119:1-2)
b. It will keep you clean (Psalms 119:9)
c. It will keep you from sin (Psalms 119:11)
d. It will make you wise (Psalms 119:97-104)
IV. Committed to Practicing the Disciplines of the Bible
Psalms 119:14-15
a. Living by the Word
b. Meditating on the Word
What a privilege and an honor it was to have one of God’s choice servants break bread with us on our Annual Men’s Day Service.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Taking a Break from Sparring
First, to my blog brothers and sisters and all whom I spar with on Tuesday's, today I have decided to take a break from sparring and write about something less controversial. My reason has nothing to do with being beat down by all of my fellow bloggers and friends for last weeks rather provocative post :-). So to all of my stable mates and spectators, expect me to come out swinging and swinging hard next week.
This week, I want to write about the love of my life, who also happens to be the Mother of my children and more recently a cherished and valuable friend. Blog community and friends, I am talking about none other then the preachers wife, my boo... Lori Fitts! I am so thankful to God for my beautiful wife.
Over the past couple of months, my wife and I have become very close. I attribute this to us both surrendering our will and desires to the will of God. I wish we would have done this a lot earlier but I thank God for the now. Since I have surrendered my desires to His will, the Lord has shown me so much about the value that Lori brings to the table. Before, it was all about me and what I was going through but now I see that she has been in the fight all along.
As Pastors wife, she often has to deal with a part of me that no one else has to deal with. The frustrated, discouraged and sometimes burned out step away from pastoring for just a moment DeAntwan Fitts. She has done it and I appreciate her more today then ever before. Lori if you are reading this I want you to know, you mean the world to me.
Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the Church. Protect and provide for her at the cost of your life.
Pastors, cherish your wife as a valuable prize possession set apart for you and only you. Give her the assurance that even though she has to share you with so many others, there is a part of you that belongs to her and her only.
To the Church, I like HB Charles formula; you take care of your Pastors wife, she take care of the Pastor and the Pastor take care of you.
To all of the Pastors wives who read this post, God bless you for what you do for the body of Christ. You are indeed the underrated heroe amogst the community of God's people.
This week, I want to write about the love of my life, who also happens to be the Mother of my children and more recently a cherished and valuable friend. Blog community and friends, I am talking about none other then the preachers wife, my boo... Lori Fitts! I am so thankful to God for my beautiful wife.
Over the past couple of months, my wife and I have become very close. I attribute this to us both surrendering our will and desires to the will of God. I wish we would have done this a lot earlier but I thank God for the now. Since I have surrendered my desires to His will, the Lord has shown me so much about the value that Lori brings to the table. Before, it was all about me and what I was going through but now I see that she has been in the fight all along.
As Pastors wife, she often has to deal with a part of me that no one else has to deal with. The frustrated, discouraged and sometimes burned out step away from pastoring for just a moment DeAntwan Fitts. She has done it and I appreciate her more today then ever before. Lori if you are reading this I want you to know, you mean the world to me.
Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the Church. Protect and provide for her at the cost of your life.
Pastors, cherish your wife as a valuable prize possession set apart for you and only you. Give her the assurance that even though she has to share you with so many others, there is a part of you that belongs to her and her only.
To the Church, I like HB Charles formula; you take care of your Pastors wife, she take care of the Pastor and the Pastor take care of you.
To all of the Pastors wives who read this post, God bless you for what you do for the body of Christ. You are indeed the underrated heroe amogst the community of God's people.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Sunday's Outline
Are you Getting The Most out Of the Preached Word?
James 1:19-25
Illustration: A gray-haired old lady, long a member of her community and church, shook hands with the minister after the service one Sunday morning. "That was a wonderful sermon," she told him, "-- just wonderful. Everything you said applies to someone I know."
I. Proof in Attentiveness
Verse 19a “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen”
a. We pay attention with our ears “quick to listen” not with our mouth “slow to speak“ vs. 19
b. We pay attention to God’s word “listen to the word” vs. 22 & 23
c. We pay attention with our eyes “looks intently” vs. 25
d. We pay attention with our minds “not forgetting” vs. 25
II. Proof in Attitude
Last part of verse 19-21 “slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you”
a. We should not get angry when the Word of God exposes an area of our life that we do not want exposed. “slow to become angry”
1. Because “man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires” vs. 19
b. We need an attitude of surrender “get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent” verse 21a
c. We need to have a teachable and submissive attitude. “humbly accept the word” vs. 21a
1. Because it “can save you” vs. 21b
III. Proof in Action
Verse 22-25 “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does”
a. Put it into practice “Do not merely listen to the word” “do what it says vs. 22
1. Because you only “deceive yourself”
b. Make it your lifestyle “the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it” Verse 25
Benefits:
1. You will be blessed (last part of verse 25)
2. It will give you power over sin “humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you” (last part of verse 21)
It is not what men eat but what they digest that makes them strong; not what we gain but what we save that makes us rich; not what we read but what we remember that makes us learned; not what we preach but what we practice that makes us Christians.
Francis Bacon.
James 1:19-25
Illustration: A gray-haired old lady, long a member of her community and church, shook hands with the minister after the service one Sunday morning. "That was a wonderful sermon," she told him, "-- just wonderful. Everything you said applies to someone I know."
I. Proof in Attentiveness
Verse 19a “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen”
a. We pay attention with our ears “quick to listen” not with our mouth “slow to speak“ vs. 19
b. We pay attention to God’s word “listen to the word” vs. 22 & 23
c. We pay attention with our eyes “looks intently” vs. 25
d. We pay attention with our minds “not forgetting” vs. 25
II. Proof in Attitude
Last part of verse 19-21 “slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you”
a. We should not get angry when the Word of God exposes an area of our life that we do not want exposed. “slow to become angry”
1. Because “man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires” vs. 19
b. We need an attitude of surrender “get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent” verse 21a
c. We need to have a teachable and submissive attitude. “humbly accept the word” vs. 21a
1. Because it “can save you” vs. 21b
III. Proof in Action
Verse 22-25 “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does”
a. Put it into practice “Do not merely listen to the word” “do what it says vs. 22
1. Because you only “deceive yourself”
b. Make it your lifestyle “the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it” Verse 25
Benefits:
1. You will be blessed (last part of verse 25)
2. It will give you power over sin “humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you” (last part of verse 21)
It is not what men eat but what they digest that makes them strong; not what we gain but what we save that makes us rich; not what we read but what we remember that makes us learned; not what we preach but what we practice that makes us Christians.
Francis Bacon.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Social Conservatives Trapped in a Liberal Party
If you were to survey African American Christians, you would discover that most are Social Conservatives. Wiktionary define a social conservative as; “One who favors social policies based on a particular reading of Judeo-Christian values, generally in favor of public prayer and the right to own guns, and opposed to abortion rights, same-sex marriage and the teaching of evolution in public schools”.
My question is why are people who are social conservatives so loyal to a party that is so opposed to social conservative values?
The Democratic Party is the home of the ACLU (a organization that attacks everything Christian). The Democratic Party is the home of Americans United For Separation of Church and State. The Democratic Party is the home of feminism. The Democratic Party is the home of the homosexual movement. The Democratic Party is the home of Planned Parenthood (a organization that uses the murder of babies as a means of birth control). The Democratic Party is the home of the Pornography industry.
With that being said, why would any Christian remain loyal to a party that is defined by what is so opposed to what we value?
Can we, who are representatives of the Kingdom of God, go to the voting booth and in good conscience cast a vote for someone who’s values are so radically different from the values of the Kingdom of God?
Somebody please straighten me out… I just don’t get it.
My question is why are people who are social conservatives so loyal to a party that is so opposed to social conservative values?
The Democratic Party is the home of the ACLU (a organization that attacks everything Christian). The Democratic Party is the home of Americans United For Separation of Church and State. The Democratic Party is the home of feminism. The Democratic Party is the home of the homosexual movement. The Democratic Party is the home of Planned Parenthood (a organization that uses the murder of babies as a means of birth control). The Democratic Party is the home of the Pornography industry.
With that being said, why would any Christian remain loyal to a party that is defined by what is so opposed to what we value?
Can we, who are representatives of the Kingdom of God, go to the voting booth and in good conscience cast a vote for someone who’s values are so radically different from the values of the Kingdom of God?
Somebody please straighten me out… I just don’t get it.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Putting Your Desires In Check
Last week, we looked at James 4:1-4 for the purpose of "Understanding Fights and Quarrels" in the church. Although contexually James seems to be talking about fights and quarrels in the church (among us), a proper understanding will help us in dealing with fights and quarrels in other areas of our lives. This week we looked at verses 7-10 in light of verses 1-4. James makes it clear in verses 1-3 that fighting and quarreling is just the surface issue. The deeper issue is our desires and our motives. The fundamental problem with fighting and quarreling (verse 4) is that it is spritual adultery. It is worldy in its nature.
Here is my outline for the sermon I preached from James 4:7-10:
My thesis statement: If our unhealthy desires are causing problems in our relationships, we must put our desires in check.
How To Put Our Desires In Check
I. Surrender Totally to God's influence
a. By Submitting to God (Line yourself under God's authority)
verse 7a. "Submit yourselves, then, to God"
1. Submit to the Son’s Lordship
2. Submit to the Sprits Leading
3. Submit to God’s Word
b. By Drawing Near to God (Pursue an intimate love relationship with God)
Verse 8a "Come near to God" This command has a promise attached to it. If
we draw near to God, He will come near to us.
c. By Humbling yourself in His presence (Take the low position)
Verse 10a "Humble yourselves before the Lord" This command also comes
with a promise. If we humble ourselves in the presence of God, He will exalt
us.
II. Resist The Devil (Take a stand against)
Verse 7b "Resist the devil"
1. With Scripture Matt 4
2. With the Armor on Eph 6:11-12
This is another command that comes with a promise. If we resist the
devil, eventually, he will leave us alone.
III. We must be broken over our sin
Verses 8b & 9 "Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-
minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your
joy to gloom
a. Internally Broken: "purify your hearts", "Grieve", Change "your joy to gloom"
b. Externally Broken: "Wash your hands", "mourn and wail", "Change your
laughter to mourning"
We can have healthy desires, but we must first put our desires in check.
Here is my outline for the sermon I preached from James 4:7-10:
My thesis statement: If our unhealthy desires are causing problems in our relationships, we must put our desires in check.
How To Put Our Desires In Check
I. Surrender Totally to God's influence
a. By Submitting to God (Line yourself under God's authority)
verse 7a. "Submit yourselves, then, to God"
1. Submit to the Son’s Lordship
2. Submit to the Sprits Leading
3. Submit to God’s Word
b. By Drawing Near to God (Pursue an intimate love relationship with God)
Verse 8a "Come near to God" This command has a promise attached to it. If
we draw near to God, He will come near to us.
c. By Humbling yourself in His presence (Take the low position)
Verse 10a "Humble yourselves before the Lord" This command also comes
with a promise. If we humble ourselves in the presence of God, He will exalt
us.
II. Resist The Devil (Take a stand against)
Verse 7b "Resist the devil"
1. With Scripture Matt 4
2. With the Armor on Eph 6:11-12
This is another command that comes with a promise. If we resist the
devil, eventually, he will leave us alone.
III. We must be broken over our sin
Verses 8b & 9 "Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-
minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your
joy to gloom
a. Internally Broken: "purify your hearts", "Grieve", Change "your joy to gloom"
b. Externally Broken: "Wash your hands", "mourn and wail", "Change your
laughter to mourning"
We can have healthy desires, but we must first put our desires in check.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
It's Time For Change
As we draw closer to selecting the next President of the United States, I find myself more and more reflecting on the conditions of our community. When I say our community, what I mean is the Black and Hispanic community or sometimes called the inner city. As I reflect, I cannot help thinking about how long we have been in these conditions. Irresponsible parenting, undisciplined children, gang violence and the highest crime rate. Drugs use, alcoholism, babies being born out of wedlock, the murder of the unborn, homosexuality are all the product of indiscipline and it is a growing issues in our community. Things are not getting better, they are getting worse. Now the undisciplined children are adults, they have children and the cycle continues.
What has contributed to these constant, long declining conditions in our community? Who’s responsible for the mess? I believe the answer is obvious. The no accountability, blame every body for my issues mentality has been the philosophy in our community for far too long. Things will not change until we stop pointing fingers and start accepting responsibility for the issues in our community. We must stop choosing leaders who promote this philosophy. It will not change until we change. It will not change until we change. Let me say it again “it will not change until we change”.
In sports, if the team continues to lose they fire the coach. In corporate America, if the company continues to decline, they fire the CEO. When our communities continue to fail, we keep selecting the same leaders. How long will we allow the Maxine Waters, the Mark Ridley Thomas’s the Barbara Boxer’s and the Diane Feinstein (Congress and Senate in our community) to lead our failing, declining communities? Their philosophy of no accountability, blame everybody but myself for my issues has not and will not work. It is time for us to start accepting responsibility for our own issues. We need leaders who are going to promote accountability. We need leaders who are really about change. How is it that we have allowed these leaders to go unchecked for so long? The results or lack thereof prove that we need a change. Who’s responsible if our communities continue to decline? We don’t need more social programs. We don’t need more rights. What we need is accountability. We need parents to be responsible for disciplining their children and we need to hold them accountable when they don’t. We need leaders who are going to promote accountability.
Unfortunately, most of the people I talk to in our community are more concerned with the skin color of those who are leading our communities then they are about their philosophies and ideologies. I was speaking on the subject of the next president with my barber and he informed me that he was voting for Barack Obama because he’s black. He told me he was not concerned with his policies but the fact that he is black is enough to earn his vote. I wonder how Mr. Obama would feel to know that people are voting for him solely on the basis of his skin color.
I agree, it is time for change, but who’s responsible for bringing about that change?
I am currently writing about Social Conservatives trapped in a Liberal Party. I will post it next week.
Feel free to straighten me out, I might be looking at this wrong.
What has contributed to these constant, long declining conditions in our community? Who’s responsible for the mess? I believe the answer is obvious. The no accountability, blame every body for my issues mentality has been the philosophy in our community for far too long. Things will not change until we stop pointing fingers and start accepting responsibility for the issues in our community. We must stop choosing leaders who promote this philosophy. It will not change until we change. It will not change until we change. Let me say it again “it will not change until we change”.
In sports, if the team continues to lose they fire the coach. In corporate America, if the company continues to decline, they fire the CEO. When our communities continue to fail, we keep selecting the same leaders. How long will we allow the Maxine Waters, the Mark Ridley Thomas’s the Barbara Boxer’s and the Diane Feinstein (Congress and Senate in our community) to lead our failing, declining communities? Their philosophy of no accountability, blame everybody but myself for my issues has not and will not work. It is time for us to start accepting responsibility for our own issues. We need leaders who are going to promote accountability. We need leaders who are really about change. How is it that we have allowed these leaders to go unchecked for so long? The results or lack thereof prove that we need a change. Who’s responsible if our communities continue to decline? We don’t need more social programs. We don’t need more rights. What we need is accountability. We need parents to be responsible for disciplining their children and we need to hold them accountable when they don’t. We need leaders who are going to promote accountability.
Unfortunately, most of the people I talk to in our community are more concerned with the skin color of those who are leading our communities then they are about their philosophies and ideologies. I was speaking on the subject of the next president with my barber and he informed me that he was voting for Barack Obama because he’s black. He told me he was not concerned with his policies but the fact that he is black is enough to earn his vote. I wonder how Mr. Obama would feel to know that people are voting for him solely on the basis of his skin color.
I agree, it is time for change, but who’s responsible for bringing about that change?
I am currently writing about Social Conservatives trapped in a Liberal Party. I will post it next week.
Feel free to straighten me out, I might be looking at this wrong.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Understanding Conflict
What is the cause of fights that lead to Church splits? What is the cause of fights that lead to divorce? What is the cause of fights that sometimes end in death? As I was studying this passage for my sermon I couldn't help reflecting on my younger days and fights I had with my brother. As I examined those fights under the light of God's word, I concluded that the reason I fought had nothing to do with defending myself nor was it because he hit me first. The reason I fought had everything to do with my fallen sinful nature. The reason I fought was because I wanted things to go my way.
That was the focus of James question to his readers in Chapter 4:1-4. What is the cause of fights and quarrels among you? The tone of James letter is very strong and he is very direct. James is an advocate for personal responsibility and mutual accountability.
If we want to be successful in dealing with the fights and quarrels that we encounter, we must understand some things about fights and quarrels.
Here is my outline for verses 1-4 "Understanding Fights and Quarrels":
I. First thing we need to understand about Fights and Quarrels is that they are just surface issues.
Vs. 1a. What causes fights and quarrels among you?
The word James uses for Fights refer to actual armed conflict, it carries a violent image. The word quarrels refer to battles without material weapons; this includes fighting with words.
Often times our focus is on the fighting itself but James lets us know that there is a deeper issue that we need to give attention to.
II. The Deeper issue is our desires.
Vs 1b-2b. Don't they come from your desires that battle within you?
Desires:
a. Upset because you can't have your way.
Vs 2. You want something but don't get it.
b. You want what you want at any cost.
Vs 2b. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what
you want. You quarrel and fight.
III. The Deeper issue is our Motives.
Vs 2c-3. You do not have, because you do not ask God. 3When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
IV. The Fundamental Problem is Unfaithfulness
Vs. 4. You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
When we fight and quarrel with one another, we are doing what we did in the world. It becomes more about us then about God. Whenever it is not about God, that is unfaithfulness and therein lies the problem.
God will hold us responsible for our actions. Next week, we will look at practical steps for dealing with these issues.
That was the focus of James question to his readers in Chapter 4:1-4. What is the cause of fights and quarrels among you? The tone of James letter is very strong and he is very direct. James is an advocate for personal responsibility and mutual accountability.
If we want to be successful in dealing with the fights and quarrels that we encounter, we must understand some things about fights and quarrels.
Here is my outline for verses 1-4 "Understanding Fights and Quarrels":
I. First thing we need to understand about Fights and Quarrels is that they are just surface issues.
Vs. 1a. What causes fights and quarrels among you?
The word James uses for Fights refer to actual armed conflict, it carries a violent image. The word quarrels refer to battles without material weapons; this includes fighting with words.
Often times our focus is on the fighting itself but James lets us know that there is a deeper issue that we need to give attention to.
II. The Deeper issue is our desires.
Vs 1b-2b. Don't they come from your desires that battle within you?
Desires:
a. Upset because you can't have your way.
Vs 2. You want something but don't get it.
b. You want what you want at any cost.
Vs 2b. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what
you want. You quarrel and fight.
III. The Deeper issue is our Motives.
Vs 2c-3. You do not have, because you do not ask God. 3When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
IV. The Fundamental Problem is Unfaithfulness
Vs. 4. You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
When we fight and quarrel with one another, we are doing what we did in the world. It becomes more about us then about God. Whenever it is not about God, that is unfaithfulness and therein lies the problem.
God will hold us responsible for our actions. Next week, we will look at practical steps for dealing with these issues.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Is The Bible Enough?
Is the Bible all we need when we share our faith with the intellectual Atheist and intellectual Agnostics or do we need to first go outside the Bible to prove the Bible? Can we use the Bible to prove that the Bible is The Word of God?
The following is an exchange that I had with a believer about the above question.
As I've listen, or read, the rhetoric and blind backwash I am move to spew a few thoughts of my own.
The origin of thought/life is a knowledge lost in the turmoil of skewed facts and gross misinterpretation. Every culture has its version and thus we are left with no definitive answer. One persons "Thus sayeth the Lord" is another's "Hum Du'Allah", being so, no one produces anything concrete.
For the Christians, you can not use the Bible to prove the Bible. Especially when approaching someone who has no belief in the Bible in the first place. As Jesus teaches in Matt. 10:16 "See, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. So be as cunning as serpents and as innocent as doves." Jesus knew that the apostle, most of whom had non-scholastic jobs and upbringings, were going into a world where philosophy and intellectualism was the norm. They were in Greece at a time when the Greeks were the "purveyors of truth and wisdom" God has proven himself to men before scriptures. Abraham had no new testament or prophet books or Talmud or Pentateuch/Torah (as these were written after the flood and thus after Abraham) yet he knew God enough to be willing to sacrifice a son God himself promised. The existence of God, who He is and what he's done is proven through creation, without the Bible. These are the tools used to speak with the non-believers.
For the Non-Christians, you must understand that all thought/belief/religion and practices thereof are conveyed though some man, somewhere at sometime. Nothing is original and no argument new. So when attacking the scriptures, be sure that your own rationale falls within the realm of your own logic less you succumb to the very argument you're trying to make and thus you yourself prove that you don't know.
I look forward to this discourse as these are the stones to which our Faith (Christian) are founded as Paul said in Acts 17:10-12 Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. Many of the Jews believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men." (No blind Faith)
My Reponse Below
Well put C,
I guess it depends on how you view the Bible. I view the Bible as the Word of God, living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. A famous preacher once said that the way you defend the Bible is the way you defend a lion, you just let it out of the cage. Power to change the heart does not rest with me or how well I can articulate my position, the power to change the heart rest with the word of God and the God of the word.
Paul dealt with heavy weight Greek philosophers in Corinth and Paul’s approach was this: When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified 1 Corinthians 2:1-2. Further he says in verse 4 "My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power" the reason Paul used this approach is stated in verse 5 "so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power".
Furthermore I can confirm the transforming power of the Bible, being that I was once assassinating its authenticity and authority. My life has now been transformed because of the Bible.
The Bible was written during a period spanning over 1500 years by over 40 different writers and yet has one underlining theme “Jesus is Lord”. No other historical literature has withstood the scrutiny that the bible has. No other ancient historical writings have more verified manuscripts as the Bible. Yet, that is not what’s going to defend the Bible, the Bible will defend the Bible.
The following is an exchange that I had with a believer about the above question.
As I've listen, or read, the rhetoric and blind backwash I am move to spew a few thoughts of my own.
The origin of thought/life is a knowledge lost in the turmoil of skewed facts and gross misinterpretation. Every culture has its version and thus we are left with no definitive answer. One persons "Thus sayeth the Lord" is another's "Hum Du'Allah", being so, no one produces anything concrete.
For the Christians, you can not use the Bible to prove the Bible. Especially when approaching someone who has no belief in the Bible in the first place. As Jesus teaches in Matt. 10:16 "See, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. So be as cunning as serpents and as innocent as doves." Jesus knew that the apostle, most of whom had non-scholastic jobs and upbringings, were going into a world where philosophy and intellectualism was the norm. They were in Greece at a time when the Greeks were the "purveyors of truth and wisdom" God has proven himself to men before scriptures. Abraham had no new testament or prophet books or Talmud or Pentateuch/Torah (as these were written after the flood and thus after Abraham) yet he knew God enough to be willing to sacrifice a son God himself promised. The existence of God, who He is and what he's done is proven through creation, without the Bible. These are the tools used to speak with the non-believers.
For the Non-Christians, you must understand that all thought/belief/religion and practices thereof are conveyed though some man, somewhere at sometime. Nothing is original and no argument new. So when attacking the scriptures, be sure that your own rationale falls within the realm of your own logic less you succumb to the very argument you're trying to make and thus you yourself prove that you don't know.
I look forward to this discourse as these are the stones to which our Faith (Christian) are founded as Paul said in Acts 17:10-12 Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. Many of the Jews believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men." (No blind Faith)
My Reponse Below
Well put C,
I guess it depends on how you view the Bible. I view the Bible as the Word of God, living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. A famous preacher once said that the way you defend the Bible is the way you defend a lion, you just let it out of the cage. Power to change the heart does not rest with me or how well I can articulate my position, the power to change the heart rest with the word of God and the God of the word.
Paul dealt with heavy weight Greek philosophers in Corinth and Paul’s approach was this: When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified 1 Corinthians 2:1-2. Further he says in verse 4 "My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power" the reason Paul used this approach is stated in verse 5 "so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power".
Furthermore I can confirm the transforming power of the Bible, being that I was once assassinating its authenticity and authority. My life has now been transformed because of the Bible.
The Bible was written during a period spanning over 1500 years by over 40 different writers and yet has one underlining theme “Jesus is Lord”. No other historical literature has withstood the scrutiny that the bible has. No other ancient historical writings have more verified manuscripts as the Bible. Yet, that is not what’s going to defend the Bible, the Bible will defend the Bible.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Temptation
This is a guest post from my 14 yr old son DeAntwan Fitts Jr. His blog address is http://www.deantwanfittsjr.blogspot.com/
Have you ever had a message that just was a slap in the face. That's how i felt today at church from the message preached by my own father. Me, as a teen, I go through quite a bit with temptation. Kids making dumb decisions and expecting you to follow right along with them because it is the thing to do. Or being in a time of distress and cheating which also my father touched on in his message. I am guilty of a case of temptation, in which I cheated on my lab, something not worth cheating on, but I did it. Well I dont want to give away too much, because i wanted to show the notes I took for the sermon.
This message is taken from James 1:13-15
I. Temptation doesn't come from God
* My father's definition of temptation- A solictation to do evil
* Temptation shouldn't be blamed on God because God does not like evil and he would not condone it
* God cannot be tempted by evil
* Every trial that comes our way opens the door for Temptation
II. Temptation comes from our own evil desires
* Temptation is the product of our own evil desires; Its as if we our fish going for bait. All we're worrying about is the bait, not knowing the bait is attatched to a hook, that is attatched to a string ready to trap us and drag us away
* Do not play the blame game; When someone does wrong towards you and you retalliate also means you're wrong( You are just as evil as the person who did the wrong first)
* Be responsible for your own actions
* John Piper quotes: " Sin gets its power by persuading me to believe that it will be pleasing to me if I follow it"
* Our evil desires entice us
III. Temptation is Progressively Dangerous when we yield to it
* Certain desires we will never get used to
* Don't let what others do to you drag you away
* Do not blame God for the outcome of a situation when we don't respond the way He has told us to respond
* Temptation seems innocent
and harmless but it isn't
Almost finished.. Just a few more tips to not yield Temptation
1) Never trust the flesh; Galations 5:19-21
2) Memorize scripture; Matthew 4
3) Walk in the spirit; Galations 5:16 (submit to the Spirits control)
Now, its alot but meditate on it because it can help you in life, because it is God's word.
Have you ever had a message that just was a slap in the face. That's how i felt today at church from the message preached by my own father. Me, as a teen, I go through quite a bit with temptation. Kids making dumb decisions and expecting you to follow right along with them because it is the thing to do. Or being in a time of distress and cheating which also my father touched on in his message. I am guilty of a case of temptation, in which I cheated on my lab, something not worth cheating on, but I did it. Well I dont want to give away too much, because i wanted to show the notes I took for the sermon.
This message is taken from James 1:13-15
I. Temptation doesn't come from God
* My father's definition of temptation- A solictation to do evil
* Temptation shouldn't be blamed on God because God does not like evil and he would not condone it
* God cannot be tempted by evil
* Every trial that comes our way opens the door for Temptation
II. Temptation comes from our own evil desires
* Temptation is the product of our own evil desires; Its as if we our fish going for bait. All we're worrying about is the bait, not knowing the bait is attatched to a hook, that is attatched to a string ready to trap us and drag us away
* Do not play the blame game; When someone does wrong towards you and you retalliate also means you're wrong( You are just as evil as the person who did the wrong first)
* Be responsible for your own actions
* John Piper quotes: " Sin gets its power by persuading me to believe that it will be pleasing to me if I follow it"
* Our evil desires entice us
III. Temptation is Progressively Dangerous when we yield to it
* Certain desires we will never get used to
* Don't let what others do to you drag you away
* Do not blame God for the outcome of a situation when we don't respond the way He has told us to respond
* Temptation seems innocent
and harmless but it isn't
Almost finished.. Just a few more tips to not yield Temptation
1) Never trust the flesh; Galations 5:19-21
2) Memorize scripture; Matthew 4
3) Walk in the spirit; Galations 5:16 (submit to the Spirits control)
Now, its alot but meditate on it because it can help you in life, because it is God's word.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
It's Different This Time
It’s Different This Time
In the past I have tried many times to diet but it’s different this time around. In the past, my primary motivations for eating right was to lose weight, or get in shape or so I could look good or feel good. Although those are great motivations and I still hold to them, they are not my primary motivation. What makes dieting different for me this time is that my primary motivation is to glorify God.
I am on a quest to become a healthy well-balanced Christian and in order for me to do that I have to bring balance to the individual categories of my life. I have to look at the areas of my life that do not glorify God. Any area of our life that is not controlled by the Spirit of God, does not glorify God. Food was my master, which meant that the Spirit of God did not control that area of my life. This principle is the same across the board. If our finances are not under the authority of God we are not glorifying God with our finances, which makes that an area of our life that is off balance. It can be applied to our relationships, marriage, parenting and everything else. If we want to be healthy well-balanced Christians we must submit every area of our life to God. The most important question becomes, what does the word of God say? Also, am I doing what the word of God says? If not, we are not controlled by the Spirit of God; something or someone else masters us. That area of our life does not glorify God. If I give my body what it wants, my body controls me but if I give my body what it needs, I control my body. He is the formula: God controls me and I control my body. That’s balance!
Losing weight, getting in shape, wanting to look good and wanting to feel good are great reasons for dieting but our primary reason for doing whatever we do should be to glorify God. That’s why I say it’s different this time.
"Everything is permissible for me"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me"—but I will not be mastered by anything. 1 Cor. 6:12 NIV
In the past I have tried many times to diet but it’s different this time around. In the past, my primary motivations for eating right was to lose weight, or get in shape or so I could look good or feel good. Although those are great motivations and I still hold to them, they are not my primary motivation. What makes dieting different for me this time is that my primary motivation is to glorify God.
I am on a quest to become a healthy well-balanced Christian and in order for me to do that I have to bring balance to the individual categories of my life. I have to look at the areas of my life that do not glorify God. Any area of our life that is not controlled by the Spirit of God, does not glorify God. Food was my master, which meant that the Spirit of God did not control that area of my life. This principle is the same across the board. If our finances are not under the authority of God we are not glorifying God with our finances, which makes that an area of our life that is off balance. It can be applied to our relationships, marriage, parenting and everything else. If we want to be healthy well-balanced Christians we must submit every area of our life to God. The most important question becomes, what does the word of God say? Also, am I doing what the word of God says? If not, we are not controlled by the Spirit of God; something or someone else masters us. That area of our life does not glorify God. If I give my body what it wants, my body controls me but if I give my body what it needs, I control my body. He is the formula: God controls me and I control my body. That’s balance!
Losing weight, getting in shape, wanting to look good and wanting to feel good are great reasons for dieting but our primary reason for doing whatever we do should be to glorify God. That’s why I say it’s different this time.
"Everything is permissible for me"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me"—but I will not be mastered by anything. 1 Cor. 6:12 NIV
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
My Struggle
Falling asleep is not always easy for me. I have a mind that keeps going and going. I'm not much of a writer but I like the idea of a blog because you can just express what's on your mind without being overly concerned with grammer and easy reads.
I'm at a point in my life where my focus is on becoming a healthy well balanced Christian. God, by His Spirit through His word has pointed out several areas of my life that are not healthy. Namely my lack of discipline with my eating habbits. I am determined to bring my eating habbits under the subjection of God's word. For the last three weeks I have been in recovery from these undisciplined eating habbits that have been destroying my life. Prior to my recovery process I was eating my way to a very early death. At age 32, I have high blood presure, high Cholesterol and Diabetes. God has brought it to my attention, that this does not glorify Him. I'm reminded of Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 10:31 "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God". That is my aim, to glorify God in every area of my life. As a pastor, the impact of my ministry is greatly affected because of my lack of discipline. That's exactly what bad eating habbits is, a lack of discipline.
Anyway, for the last three weeks, I have done well in this area. I am now eating 6 controled portion meals per day. Breakfast is generally a high protein meal that includes boiled eggs, lean sliced turkey and low fat cottage cheese (yuk). Two hours later I have a protein bar (Morph Bar 30 grams of protein), which is very good and serves as one of my 6 meals. Two hours later I have lunch (usually a lean cuisine). Two hours later either another protein bar or shake. Two to three hours later I have dinner (a very small portion). Finally another protein bar. I eat fruit all throughout the day and drink plenty of water. This diet has worked very well for me primarily because I don't allow myself to get hungry.
I have seen drastic improvements early. I have not had to take meds for my diabetes and my sugar is still controled. I feel a boost of energy. My attitude has improved. I was having chest pains almost every night but for the last couple of weeks not one. These early improvements are more motivation for me to keep on keeping on.
These last 3 weeks have not been easy but they have been rewarding. The next step for me is exercise. Pray for me. I will keep you updated with my progress. Feel free to comment and advise.
I'm at a point in my life where my focus is on becoming a healthy well balanced Christian. God, by His Spirit through His word has pointed out several areas of my life that are not healthy. Namely my lack of discipline with my eating habbits. I am determined to bring my eating habbits under the subjection of God's word. For the last three weeks I have been in recovery from these undisciplined eating habbits that have been destroying my life. Prior to my recovery process I was eating my way to a very early death. At age 32, I have high blood presure, high Cholesterol and Diabetes. God has brought it to my attention, that this does not glorify Him. I'm reminded of Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 10:31 "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God". That is my aim, to glorify God in every area of my life. As a pastor, the impact of my ministry is greatly affected because of my lack of discipline. That's exactly what bad eating habbits is, a lack of discipline.
Anyway, for the last three weeks, I have done well in this area. I am now eating 6 controled portion meals per day. Breakfast is generally a high protein meal that includes boiled eggs, lean sliced turkey and low fat cottage cheese (yuk). Two hours later I have a protein bar (Morph Bar 30 grams of protein), which is very good and serves as one of my 6 meals. Two hours later I have lunch (usually a lean cuisine). Two hours later either another protein bar or shake. Two to three hours later I have dinner (a very small portion). Finally another protein bar. I eat fruit all throughout the day and drink plenty of water. This diet has worked very well for me primarily because I don't allow myself to get hungry.
I have seen drastic improvements early. I have not had to take meds for my diabetes and my sugar is still controled. I feel a boost of energy. My attitude has improved. I was having chest pains almost every night but for the last couple of weeks not one. These early improvements are more motivation for me to keep on keeping on.
These last 3 weeks have not been easy but they have been rewarding. The next step for me is exercise. Pray for me. I will keep you updated with my progress. Feel free to comment and advise.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
What A Time We Had at Peace Chapel
There was something special about service today. From the time I started my meditations on Saturday, I was in expectaion of something special on Sunday. I guess that's how it should be every Sunday. I have been feeling very heavy lately. It's not like I have never felt this way before, but lately it's been almost overwhelming. I think as a pastor I can feel when certain members of my congregation is hurting and lately I have been feeling that we have members who are hurting. That's what prompted me to start a series I titled "Overcomming Depression".
My studies have been so rewading for me. Normally, I spend a lot of time wrestling with the text, but with this series God has just been so easily allowing me to see the truth's that are found in His word concerning Depression.
Today I preached my second sermon on this topic and I am still contemplating whether to preach another sermon on the topic. My delivery came so easy today. I believe that God is really speaking to hurting people from His word concerning depression. I don't want to spend more time then necessary on this topic.
Here is the outline of my sermon:Overcoming Depression Psalms 32:1-5
Intro: Review Depression; possible cause;
Conversation between God and Cain in Genesis 4
I. Who is the one that overcomes depression? Vs. 1-2
a. The one who is blessed is the one who overcomes depression
aa. Who is the one that is blessed?
David does not say the one who has a lot of money is blessed;
He does not say the one who is free from sickness;
Does not say the one who gets there way
What he says is: Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit.
The word blessed mean: Happy, a deep seeded joy, contentment
Four word’s David use to describe sin: Transgression(rebellion); Sin (failure); Iniquity (perversion) and deceit (falsehood)
Transgression- the violation of a law or a duty or moral principle; the action of going beyond or overstepping some boundary or limit; to step across
Sin- violate a law of God or a moral law; disobedience of the divine command; any violation of God's will, either in purpose or conduct; moral deficiency in the character
Iniquity- absence of moral or spiritual values; morally objectionable behavior; wickedness
Deceit- the quality of being fraudulent; a misleading falsehood; concealing the truth
II. How can I overcome Depression? Vs. 3-5
Stop trying to cover up your dirt (acting like you don’t have issues) vs. 3-4 2 Sam 11:1-17; 25-27
a. Stop trying to cover up your dirt (acting like you don’t have issues) vs. 3-4 2 Sam 11:1-17; 25-27
b. Come clean about your sin vs. 5-6
Before I started on this subject, I was looking at a couple of passages in James. I actually preached one sermon from James the Sunday before I started on depression. Maybe I will get back to that marvelous book that is so filled with wisdom. Not sure. Hopefully the Lord will make it clear for me real soon.
My studies have been so rewading for me. Normally, I spend a lot of time wrestling with the text, but with this series God has just been so easily allowing me to see the truth's that are found in His word concerning Depression.
Today I preached my second sermon on this topic and I am still contemplating whether to preach another sermon on the topic. My delivery came so easy today. I believe that God is really speaking to hurting people from His word concerning depression. I don't want to spend more time then necessary on this topic.
Here is the outline of my sermon:Overcoming Depression Psalms 32:1-5
Intro: Review Depression; possible cause;
Conversation between God and Cain in Genesis 4
I. Who is the one that overcomes depression? Vs. 1-2
a. The one who is blessed is the one who overcomes depression
aa. Who is the one that is blessed?
David does not say the one who has a lot of money is blessed;
He does not say the one who is free from sickness;
Does not say the one who gets there way
What he says is: Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit.
The word blessed mean: Happy, a deep seeded joy, contentment
Four word’s David use to describe sin: Transgression(rebellion); Sin (failure); Iniquity (perversion) and deceit (falsehood)
Transgression- the violation of a law or a duty or moral principle; the action of going beyond or overstepping some boundary or limit; to step across
Sin- violate a law of God or a moral law; disobedience of the divine command; any violation of God's will, either in purpose or conduct; moral deficiency in the character
Iniquity- absence of moral or spiritual values; morally objectionable behavior; wickedness
Deceit- the quality of being fraudulent; a misleading falsehood; concealing the truth
II. How can I overcome Depression? Vs. 3-5
Stop trying to cover up your dirt (acting like you don’t have issues) vs. 3-4 2 Sam 11:1-17; 25-27
a. Stop trying to cover up your dirt (acting like you don’t have issues) vs. 3-4 2 Sam 11:1-17; 25-27
b. Come clean about your sin vs. 5-6
Before I started on this subject, I was looking at a couple of passages in James. I actually preached one sermon from James the Sunday before I started on depression. Maybe I will get back to that marvelous book that is so filled with wisdom. Not sure. Hopefully the Lord will make it clear for me real soon.
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