Slow, Hard Growth? Don't Dismay!

Great message, something I needed to hear. Hope this helps you readers out there!

When The Going Gets Tough, Keep Faith

This sermon goes through the struggle of faith, asking God questions, and how, sometimes, we don't like the answers. This is faith, says David; more importantly, this is faith, says God. God wants us to rely on Him, through faith, on his timing/ trusting that his justice, power, grace will be revealed, and that he will deliver His followers from trials, the evils and bad of this world. We don't always have to understand, but we are called to trust God.

Authority: a Snapshot

authority |əˈθôritē; ôˈθär-| (abbr.:auth.)

noun ( pl. -ties)

1 the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience



This is the first dictionary definition of authority and what it is. There is no claim, however, as to who or what the authority is or where it is derived from. For many of us authority is symbolic, projected in the badge of a police officer, the sign on our professor's or boss' door, the plaques and diplomas, and certifications doctors have in their offices above their heads. This is only the surface. I plan to reveal how GOD is the creator, and thusly, the supreme being from which all authority is derived and how we as Christians use our authority which is derived from Jesus.

In The Beginning: God, Creation, and What it Means

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth (Genesis 1:1). Now, there is some dispute as to where Heaven may be and what it looks like. Ancient civilizations use to regard the stars, the atmosphere, where the birds soar, and distant planets as the heavens. This is all very true, but there is a bit more to it than that. Though this is not a total topic of debate in this post, it is important because we must know where God is in order to understand where authority is totally derived. You will see it is a dissemination of authority of sorts, which always points to God.

In Genesis, when it was dictated, Paul noted that God made the firmament, which meant that the earth and heavens would be separated. There is the earth, on which man lives, and there are three heavens, beginning with the atmosphere of the earth, which is the first; the planets and stars at which we gaze is the second; and the third is where God dwells, beyond the universe, where he observes his vast creation. It is to say that God existed before any earth, universe, stars, sun, or moon. God created the heavens we know and the earth, and he has authority over it.

God's authority is intrinsic authority. Basically, intrinsic authority is authority that belongs naturally, it is innate, and it is the first authority before all else.

Jesus' authority is extrinsic, meaning it is derived. When God was manifest in flesh as man, he had authority to go and spread the Word, as we see in Mathew 28: 18, which says, “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” Now, because the Word is God, Jesus knew the laws of the Father because he himself was God the Father. He knew God's will, and took authority to live accordingly. He was about his Father's work. Now, as for us (men, women, specifically Christians), we also have derived authority. This is what I plan to uncover: how we have authority, what it means for us to use it.

What It Means For Us
I was at church recently and my pastor continued with our discussion on authority, and what it means for us as followers. I submit the question: do we really have authority, and if so, how did we come to get it? I say it's as simple as looking back into the book of Genesis chapter 1, verse 26, when man was first created: “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.”

God goes on to say this again in verse 28, about man having “dominion.” But what does "dominion" mean?

dominion |dəˈminyən| 

noun 

1 sovereignty; control : man's attempt to establish dominion over nature. See note at jurisdiction. 

2 (usu. dominions) the territory of a sovereign or government : the Angevin dominions. 

• ( Dominion) historical each of the self-governing territories of the British Commonwealth. 

3 ( dominions) another term for domination(sense 2). 

ORIGIN Middle English : via Old Frenchfrom medieval Latin dominio(n-), from Latin dominium, from dominus ‘lord, master.’ 

What we have is a word that means “control.” We control the plants and animals of this earth, and use them to our benefit. However, there is a catch. Sure, all men are given this authority, but when a man first chooses sin over God his authority shrinks and soon he becomes a slave of sin rather than a slave of righteousness. In other words: there is God's intrinsic, eternal authority, and there is man's derived authority, but just because we are made in God's image doesn't mean we are automatically as holy as him.

When I said our authority shrinks the more we live according to our free will, I meant that rather face our adversary, the devil, some turn and give him a foothold. Either way you look at it, there is a decision. In Peter 5:8-9 we are told of this: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the word.” While it does not expressly say "choose this or choose that," these verses highlight the two paths we all have when given authority: we choose faith in Christ and use our authority, or we choose sin, and lose eternal life. God, the creator of all things, has dominion over everything of this earth; satan does have authority, though it be not much. Even satan will answer to God on judgement day, and he will lose. So why lose? Why not exercise your great authority derived of Christ for him as a creation? After all, it’s said that “With great power comes great responsibility.” Nothing is further from the truth; if you live without God, it’s safe to say you’re living irresponsibly. This is known as rebellion, and thus, your authority begins to shrink. You’re a slave to sin.

Okay, So I Choose Christ. Now What?

Great! So you're a believer and follower of Christ. What does your authority do, who does is it for, and for what purpose? There are many questions and angles we could approach this topic from, but for time's sake I'll take the easy route. First, you must always do all things for God's glory. Use God's authority (the authority in you) for His glory. Do not look for battles, but rather deal with adversity. Again, like in Peter: “Be sober, be vigilant.”

Know that the disciples, though close to Jesus, wondered the same thing about authority. Here's a fun fact: “a disciple is a personal follower of Jesus during his life, esp. one of the twelve Apostles.” The dictionary also describes a disciple as “a follower or student of a teacher, leader, or philosophy.” Interesting. If you identify with Jesus Christ, claim him as your personal Lord and savior, then you are a disciple. What does this mean? It means we can do what the disciples did. Yes, the spirit of the Lord is here to guide us, to strengthen us in our walk—that means we must use our derived authority for His glory. See Luke 9:1-2: “Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.” How cut and dry do you want the scripture to be? Luke 10:19: “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Beloved, that is immense power and authority. Know that once we realize we have this authority, nothing can stand against us, not even the greatest adversary the devil, the lion that roams about. For Proverbs 56:9 says “When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.” God will never leave nor forsake us, for he gave us the tools for this life.

Lastly, I want to leave you with a great verse from James 4:7, which says, “Submit yourselves therefore to God; resist the devil and he will flee from you.” If we resist the devil, that means we have authority to rebuke him; but note that first you must submit yourself to God, then resist the devil (cast out all demons in Jesus' name, and you will defeat satan.) 

3 Keys of The Kingdom

1.) Righteousness: because of Christ Jesus, if you know your posture/ position in Christ, the enemy can't win. Posture/ Position: as believers we are heirs to the kingdom of God, sanctified through faith in non other than Jesus Christ, the son of man. We should know this, but also be humble, for no servant can be greater than their master.

a.) We are heirs to the kingdom of God, made blameless by the blood of Jesus.

b.) Be humble, for no servant can be greater than their master

c.) Use the authority to cast down devils in the name of Jesus; heal through prayer, fasting; and, above all, give thanks and glory to God, repent daily, and trust in Jesus.

2.) Peace: for Jesus himself is peace. Nothing can take this away. If you walk with Christ in faith you will be at peace, as peace is a fruit of the spirit. The key is to rest and walk in Jesus.

Philippians 4:9, “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”

3.) Joy: Nehemiah 8:10 says, “Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” If you're down, pray for joy and peace.

Democracy Today Is Socialism

The world becomes smaller because we (the United States) find it necessary to spread democracy. Has anyone ever thought that Marx was right? That, in terms of societal evolution, the next step would be global socialism? I think that Marx is right, considering the new goal of democracy is not only liberty but also the dispersion of "equality," "wealth." If the borders of each country are being erased as each erupts into turmoil with the demand for more democracy, freedom and equality, then property of the elites of each country is destroyed, redistributed, and thus, renewed, as a democracy is established. This means that with our assistance democracy can become globalized. Anything global is social, and anything social leans towards a utilitarian regime, which history has proven time and time again to be dictatorial. This, facebook friends, is referred to as a new world order. Prepare yourselves, because we are the generation. time is running out. Choose your side. remember, each nation is sovereign for a purpose, God's. A blending of nations, cultures, religions, currencies, and the like is against God's will. Resist the whore of babylon.

Prophecy

Good video series I've been watching in my spare time. This video reminds the Christian that nobody can be sure the day or time of the Rapture, though there are many prophetic signs and events that can be found in scripture. Remember, if you're a skeptic, I always encourage you to watch with an open mind--these are important times we're living in. I'm sure we can all agree on that.

There are tons of related videos on this topic if you are interested. Simply visit Youtube and search David Jeremiah; click the video that is most interesting.

Why We Can't Wait: Book Report, by Nathan Moon

In this book report I focused on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's faith defined and made possible the civil rights movement. This should echo with you, the reader, in a way that encourages you to stand up for what is right. Jesus Christ is right. Stand up for Him.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Why We Can’t Wait Published by: Beacon Press

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is often times referred to as the “founder” of the civil rights movement. Contrary to this belief is the truth: Martin Luther King Jr. was born into a generation brimming with segregation. However, his education was very privileged, graduating from high school at age fifteen and attending Morehouse College in Atlanta Georgia. Upon studying theology at Crozer Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania for two years and completing his graduate studies at Boston University, King had gained the experience necessary for him to establish the Southern Christian Leadership Conference as a Baptist minister.   

King also wrote several books, chronicling his experience as a civil rights leader: Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story; The Strength to Love; Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community? The Trumpet of Conscience; A Testament of Hope; and more notably, Why We Can’t Wait—including the “Letter from Birmingham Jail.”

The book Why We Can’t Wait illustrates, in elegant prose, the necessity of revolution by means of nonviolent coercion. To King nothing seemed more logical in the summer of 1963 than to combat hate with love; violence, with non-violence; fear with courage. The reason the Blacks couldn’t wait was because justice had been delayed, faith had been delayed. Both nonviolent demonstration and Christian faith carried “Project C” into completion.

Indeed, King knew what lay ahead: “mindful of the difficulties involved, we decided to undertake a process of self-purification.” If anything is to be gained by this book, let it be the notion that King understood the African American’s struggle as a national struggle with no cline in skin color. The leaders in the Black community sought to cleanse the country of all violence. It started with a “[…] constructive, nonviolent tension which is necessary for growth” (88-89).

   During the time of the SCLC’s planning of the crusade, the Commissioner of Public Safety, “Bull” Connor, maintained Birmingham’s race relations.  “Bull” Connor was notorious for racial brutality and using officers to maintain local fear. It is this fear and injustice that King and the SCLC planned to end. To the surprise of many Bull Connor and his men were not violent towards Blacks for most of "Project C."

Yes, nonviolent demonstration prevailed against all opposition—violent or not. But it was by faith that this demanding exercise was possible. Nonetheless, the civil rights leaders soon joined their optimistic followers in the jail cells. And it was during incarceration that Martin Luther King Jr. wrote the famous “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” expressing his reasons for action through faith.

The Negro, as King saw it, required “self-purification” before any nonviolent movement would occur. This self-purification process was a search of one’s soul, requiring a volunteer of the nonviolent movement to adhere to “Ten Commandments” (69):

1.     Meditate daily on the teachings and life of Jesus.

2.     Remember always that the nonviolent movement in Birmingham seeks justice and reconciliation—not victory.

3.     Walk and talk in the manner of love, for God is love.

4.     Pray daily to be used by God in order that all men might be free.

5.      Sacrifice personal wishes in order that all men might be free.

6.     Observe with both friend and foe the ordinary rules of courtesy.

7.     Seek to perform regular service for others and for the world.

8.     Refrain from the violence of fist, tongue, or heart.

9.     Strive to be in good spiritual and bodily health.

10.  Follow the directions of the movement and of the captain on a demonstration.

Many of the commandments observed here are clear Christian values. So before nonviolence could be issued, the power, grace, and mercy of God was needed.

King was a Baptist minister and civil rights leader in a time when White and Black churches stood indifferent to the issue of race. Clearly his faith was a means for the cause.  Therefore, “constructive nonviolence” is established through courtesy towards friend or foe through Christian faith. But why take immediate action?

 If what King called “constructive” tension existed, then there was surely “de-constructive” tension. For King, de-constructive tension stemmed from 350 years of segregation, discrimination, and racism—the Negro could no longer wait. But the goal of the demonstration was deeper than the annals of history, thicker than a history book. The goal of the demonstration was pacification and salvation of both the Whites and Blacks. In what could be considered one of the most profound passages in the book, King explained the goal of “Project C” in the simplest, most genial manner: “[…] it served his need to act on his own for his own liberation. It enabled him to transmute hatred into constructive energy, to seek not only to free himself but to free his oppressor from his sins” (35). This is extremely radical. In these sentences King explains why the Negro couldn’t wait. Because demonstrating love, mercy and kindness, even in the face of persecution and despair, is not about physical freedom, but spiritual freedom. Immediate action came with a spiritual force that essentially shook the people of Alabama awake and demanded repentance, gradual, as it would be.    

King equated White oppressors to the Romans who persecuted Christians: “The religious tradition of the Negro had shown him that the nonviolent resistance of the early Christians had constituted a moral offensive of such overriding power that it shook the Roman Empire” (33). Congruence is illustrated very easily. Birmingham was the Roman Empire, persecuting Blacks despite laws and government mandates. Through an act of morality, righteousness, and nonviolent resistance, we again see how Blacks “shook” the empire in a way not understood by the world.

Taking the baton from the hands of many Blacks before him, King continued to pave the road to freedom in a time when changes had already occurred. But the road to freedom, for many, was still long. King’s Christian tact shined in the face of black indifference, white dominance, and global despair. In the summer of 1963, a Black Baptist minister would finally apply the force of love and non-violence to open the clenched fist of oppression.

Strange Brew

"In 1808, President Thomas Jefferson stated the matter bluntly: "I consider the government of the United States as interdicted by the Constitution from intermeddling with religious institutions, their doctrines, discipline, or exercises."

"Fast forward 204 years and President Barack Obama has reversed that logic, ordering religious institutions to provide insurance coverage for employees that must include contraceptives, including those that may induce an abortion" (Mohler Jr.).

This is a concern for many Christians around the nation, and even for some around the world, particularly the Catholics.Mohler reports: "This last Sunday, Catholics around the nation heard letters from their local bishops with the same message. The bishop of Marquette, for example, put the matter with severe simplicity: "We cannot -- we will not -- comply with this unjust law." He goes on: "In other words, the nation's Roman Catholic bishops have signaled their clear intention to defy the law rather than to violate their conscience. Will evangelical Christians demonstrate the same courage and conviction?"

I think he raises a very important question that we should consider: will evangelical Christians exhibit courage and conviction with fear of the Lord? 

I know I certainly would not like to be an employee under such a plan as this. If given the choice I would much rather face the seeming negative reactions from co-workers and my employer than feel shame and guilt for having gone against God's will. It is, therefore, of utmost importance to stand firm on the rock which is the Lord, Christ Jesus, and proclaim truth over man--God's law is the authority; no man-made law or institution can compare. This is why I call evangelical, non-denominational, and followers of Christ from where-ever, to denounce this bill, to protest it quietly--peacefully, with love and joy--and stand up for Jesus and his kingdom. 

If any a time existed for civil disobedience we find it now in these times, beloved. 

Now, I know some people will read this thinking I am crazy to think that a pill such as Plan-B is actually consider abortion. Well, according to my faith and what I feel, yes, it is. I cannot begin to express why exactly I feel this, but I know it to be true. 

In these days we live, we must always be cautious of what we place into society, through our democratic process, as laws. A nation that fears the Lord, and follows his word will be strengthened, but a nation that chooses false-truths over the Lord's law and righteous truth will not prosper. I think many Americans forget about Sodom and Gomorra. I, for one, haven't. Please, beloved, know the candidates, know the ballot. Know that Christ strengthens us, even though we may have a season of sin and hardship. God loves us. Love him. 


For the whole article, and more information, please follow this link: 


http://srnnews.townhall.com/news/religion/2012/02/06/firstperson_the_president_abortion__religious_liberty_in_peril


God bless.