Philippians 1:21 ,"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." These were the words of Rollie the gent I met today at the old people's home. He said these words with all seriousness and passion. A guy in his late 90's and still as hardcore as the day he came to a personal faith in Jesus Christ. His assurance and ... Continue Reading
God
The Lord’s Prayer: Is God your prayer piñata
Monday Bible Study: The Lord’s Prayer (13/01/14) The Lord’s Prayer is probably one of the most well-known portions of Scripture. We see it in Luke Chapter 11:1–4 and also in Matthew Chapter 6:9–13. Its also perhaps one of the first passages that most of us learnt or were encouraged to memorise as children or when we first gave our life to ... Continue Reading
5 ways to kill repentance
The previous post was on repentance, well I thought it was only right we go through some things it is not (because I have done some myself). 1. Confessional repentance As mentioned in the previous post, repentance is a 180 degree turn away from sin. Confession acknowledges it but does nothing about it, without a repentance of the sin ... Continue Reading
Forget New Years resolutions, start New Life resolutions
God’s kindness and mercy should lead us to repentance, it should not be something we take for granted or abuse. Romans 2:4 says; "Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?" Repentance brings change, maturity, productivity and rightfully turns ... Continue Reading
Good leaders and Bible teachers should do 5 things
Just a short one today as I've been reflecting on my own leadership and what I should continuously display for Gods glory! Good leaders and Bible teachers should do 5 things (there may be more, but these are 5 points I see); 1 They have CHARACTER; this means they are God fearing, they love people and have integrity and fortitude of ... Continue Reading
Can the real “Church” please stand up?
Can the real "Church" please stand up? Over history layers of centuries have gotten in the way of a direct experience of being God's people, we have lost our identity and purpose. As the Church we need to regularly cut back to the original. Being reminded regularly of who we are and what our purpose is brings us back to the mission of God ... Continue Reading
Our Country is in desperate need of Heroes who embody integrity.
Our Country is in desperate need of Heroes who embody integrity. All around us leaders in different jobs, cultures and families are dropping like flies. Examples such as sexual sin of some degree or greed over power or money or an abuse of power. Integrity is lacking. WHAT IS INTEGRITY? The biblical understanding of integrity points to a ... Continue Reading
How An Economic Understanding of the Church Has Undermined Discipleship
THIS BLOG IS WRITTEN BY PASTOR DERWIN L. GRAY, NOT GERALD WHITE How An Economic Understanding of the Church Has Undermined Discipleship I was marinating on Darrell L. Gruder’s book, “Missional Church: A Vision for the Sending of the American Church,” I came across this fascinating insight that corresponds with one of the reasons why I ... Continue Reading
Live a life that reflects Christ
When we read in Romans 1:16 and see that Paul says he is "not ashamed of the Gospel", do we automatically agree that we too are not ashamed or embarrassed? I must confess that my heart says "I am not ashamed" but my actions sometimes don't reflect that. Last week I was preparing a sermon on Romans 1:14-16. During the day I was reminded of this ... Continue Reading
Pay your way out of Hell
INDULGENCES Saw this and was appalled http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jul/16/vatican-indulgences-pope-francis-tweets?CMP=twt_gu These are a way by which punishment for sin is reduced through a person's own sufferings. An indulgence removes the time needed to be spent in purgatory. It has become a loose doctrine to some Roman catholics ... Continue Reading