A Forgotten Instruction to the Church

During my daily Study of the Word, I stumbled across two verses that I, at first glance, could not grasp the meaning of it. So I began to search deeper and truly see what Paul was trying to teach.

The verses are Philippians 2:12-13.

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, ¹³for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

As I read this passage, I began to wonder what "working out your salvation" means. The first thought that came to mind was salvation by works. I know what you're thinking "This guy is crazy". It was my first thought, but I knew it was not correct... That is why I further investigated. I believe Paul was telling the believers, that we must obey in front of our pastors, church members, etc. and away from our pastors, church members, etc. I viewed it as, studying God's word, growing in Christ during your alone time. Many Christians, especially in America, grow on Sunday's and Wednesdays and thats it. They believe church is the place where I do God. But it is quite the contrary. He is saying to prove yourselves you are no longer baby Christians. Prove it, by growing outside of church. Have diligence in your salvation. Being your own self-motivator!

Working out our salvation simply means we need to have God's grace work in every area of our lives. We must take what we have received and apply it. For example, it is not what we eat, but what we digest that makes us strong. We have received salvation, not we must let it do its work in us. And it takes diligence to do so. We can read all day, but its what we remember that counts. Its applying it! Thats working out salvation.

Now I also got caught up on "fear and trembling". Does it mean I am supposed to be so scared I am shivering? No, it is a reverent fear. Many commentaries point that it is the reverent fear showing that you know how important this salvation is. You treat it as a sacred gift, not something you can use and not use whenever you want. We ought to be aware at all times that we are living a life that is called to be imitators of Christ. We need to be consistent in the Word, and daily strive to not be those "Christians" who read it once a week. We ought to daily recognize that the Devil has come to tempt us and take us out of our game. Preparing ourselves is key, which comes from trembling and fear. And always be aware of every decision we make, will affect ourselves and others for bad or for good.

Remember, v 13 says it is God who works through us. We are called to be aware, but not to do it on our own. Giving it to God, and letting Him be the power is how we as Christians can be successful in our daily walk.

This is just what God has spoken to me about today, theologians are more depth in this passage than I am, but I felt compelled because we often overlook this passage!!! America needs to hear this scripture being preached throughout the churches of America and throughout the world today!

Chaucer Project

In English we were assigned to write a Chaucer styled poem about ourselves in form of an allegory. So I chose to be the messenger.

The Messenger

He is a messenger for the king of all

The one which every knee will bow down and fall

To Worship Him as name above all names

And tell people how to run from the flames

His mission is to make him known

To inform people how to not be alone

The true Gospel is what he delivers

Not to conform to the ones who are givers

Standing for Him when nobody else will

Is his hearts vision that he will fulfill

He will keep speaking about Christ's cruel death

Even to the moment of his last breath

For him to live is Christ to die is gain

Any thing less and his life is in vain

He prays at night with a heart broken cry

Knowing they need Jesus before they die

Proclaiming to all they must soon repent

Or be in Hell for eternal torment

His voice is loud with utter urgency

Yelling so they realize its an emergency

Begging to declare Him Savior and Lord

To always abide by God's Word the sword

He lives to hear God say, well done servant

Always showing his love for God is fervent

Association Meeting

Thank you for everyone who has prayed for me for my sermon that I delivered last night. Not only did I preach, but I had to lead worship (which I was even more nervous about), but God delivered! Worship was a great experience, and I feel like God spoke through me. I have received this gift from God, to tell people what God is showing me through Scripture, and I love doing it. I had a man come up to me during invitation, and his prayer really impacted my life. I probably will never forget it.. Of course he was a guy from Set Free Ministries!!! Anyways, I won't go into detail of what he said, but it has really motivated me to keep doing what I am doing.

I without a doubt feel the most comfortable and accomplished when I am up there at the pulpit! I crave for every opportunity! I love it, because it is not even me who talks. I am just one of the humans God uses to get his message across.

With all this said, I am asking you to pray. Pray for the direction I am going with my ministry. I feel God is telling me to open up a Sunday night service that is aimed toward the younger crowd. Where our worship is loud and full of songs from Hillsong, Crowder, etc. And where I deliver the word of God to this young generation.. It is my passion, but unfortunately it costs a lot to rent out the PAC for Sunday night... Which is why we discontinued it for our church. But I ask you to pray for wisdom for me, and for a financial opportunity to achieve this service.. I feel like if we don't tell them around the Queen Creek community, nobody will!

My Call

Ok, So I have not been on here for awhile because it has been busy these last few weeks... But its been a great busy! Kaleo was an experience that has really changed the way I think about some things. Not in a huge dramatic way, but I learned about the "call" from Jeff Iorg. In his sermon, and book, he explains that there are 3 calls that can be experienced. A universal call - (A call every Christian receives the second they are saved. A call to tell everyone the Gospel). A General Call ( When you are called to the ministry, just not a specific role.. Such as God telling you, you need to preach. But not at a certain place yet.) And lastly, a Specific Call. (God calls you to preach, to teach, to serve at a specific location such as a church.)

It was great to learn about because it gave me encouragement. I have without a doubt received the first two calls, but have not yet received the last one. And I have felt that I have been a "loser" for not having a specific place yet. I felt useless that I am called to preach, but never really get the chance other than twice a month at best. But in his book, he explains that especially when you're young, its ok to not have a position yet. I am in the "getting ready" stage. It makes sense, how all my desire is to study God's word and to watch the way my mentors do things.

Paul spent a long time away from people studying the Word before he was sent out. Many others throughout the Bible go through this moment of just getting prepared. So I feel like I am doing what God wants, and because of that I am satisfied. But cannot wait for the third call!!!

Unthink Church

This last weekend I was traveling to KALEO. An event for young people who have answered the call to ministry. Stacey, Nic, Tyler and I drove up there on thursday for the conference. During the drive up, we saw ate at KFC, and they had a sign that says "Unthink what you thought about KFC". I immediately kicked in my "pastor" brainstorm and realized that I can use this as a sermon illustration.

We as a church have seemed to go off track in my eyes. Every time I approach a friend, I always have to battle there presuppositions about "church". Unfortunately, christians have marred the image of the Church. It is no longer a place of freedom, but legalism. It is no longer compassionate, but condemning. When I look at these peoples views, I can't but agree with them. We seem to not know what church should be... We need to start "UNthinking Church!"

Let's not think about how a church from 50 years ago did it. But from 2000 years ago. We need to get back to the New Testament church! It is so imperative! People were so welcoming back then, but at the same time stood for the Word more than any of us have in these days.

Devil, you can't win

On October 18th, I get to speak to the crowd that relates to me the most... Its all the preachers of our association, and its combined with being a youth rally! The audience is exactly what I am, so I am excited to relate to them.

God has really spoken to me about this message I am going to deliver. I have been broken down to tears because of what I have been studying to speak about. God has revealed so much to me, and I am so excited to be an instrument for his Kingdom. Salvation is for His glory, not mine! I can't hold it in and I want to speak this message to everyone I come across with. It will, I believe, change the way we think. At least that is my prayer.

Knowing this, the Devil has really been attacking me. I feel overwhelmed with all of the guns he is shooting at me. But I am persisting in staying pure, but please keep me in your prayers. It is depressing, but so exciting at the same time. Because the Devil knows something great is going to happen. And I believe we need to get used to this. God is going to bring revival to our communities if we get serious with God. Which I pray that we do. And revival means persecution. I am so excited to suffer for Christ, more than I am suffering now. What has puzzled me, is that Chrisitians today do not welcome persecution like the early church did. They knew it grew the kingdom, I pray that we develop that mindset!

WE NEED REVIVAL! Let's let God do it through us.