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Monthly Archives: October 2015
Handling Denominational Prejudice From Other Christians
There was an event that occurred recently that was related to an opportunity that we were cancelled out of at the last minute. In the revealing of more information it was clear that we were cancelled due to a difference of doctrinal beliefs. At first I was very surprised that such an occurrence could happen in today’s church; however the more I began to ponder and realize I now understand that this was not an isolated event. This behavior of isolationism has become more prevalent in established sanctuaries that possess a “if your beliefs are unlike mine then I can’t accept you” mentality.
First of all, I am going to address those who adopt “my way or the highway”. What I’m about to tell you is going to be straight and to the point: if we cannot learn to work together as Christians for the greater good of people receiving Christ then we are no better than the rest of others that people so proudly turn their nose to. Let me ask it this way: if you knew that when your loved one would be saved that they would shout and dance (and possibly embarrass you) when they worship would that be enough for you to hinder their path to Christ? If you had a spouse that had been lost 30 years and upon being saved began to speak in other tongues would you shun them and consider what they received “crazy” or not of God? What about yourself?! If you knew you could be totally delivered from depression but you grew to minister the gospel to your peers…would you completely surrender?
Secondly, if your doctrines were enough to save the world then why have the not worked? If your own ideals and beliefs were the answer to your problems then how can we explain when God uses others to bless us? If religion and the checklists that the “do and don’t” folks hold so tight to would work then why do I see so many that are in the same place they were when religion found them? Let me say this last thing to you: it is people that think I am crazy that remind me every day that religion and doctrine do not save people; Jesus Christ is the only way, the truth and the life to this lost and dying world. My prayer for you is that you continue to spend your efforts on me and others that genuinely care about making a difference. At least then you would not hinder another person from accepting salvation for fear of prejudice and attack from its own.
Finally, I have a scripture and word for some of you who are dealing with some form of this from people. I want to remind you assuredly that people perish for their lack of knowledge. And when people get so ingrained in the ideals of a doctrine they lose sight on the entire word of God. Remember that denomination does not define you. The blood of Christ in your life is what makes you who you are! Let us take a look at the example of Stephen:
Acts 7:54-60
54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.
55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,
58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul.
59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Whether people stood by or took part in throwing the stones they were equally guilty in this moment. Even in the midst of all the good things Stephen had done there were still people that wished to see him fall. And even in the midst of something so undeserving you hear “lay not this sin to their charge”. What a powerful showing of how the enemy has no hold on God’s children! Be reminded this day that even if people try to bring you down that you can be at peace enough to even forgive them and enter into peace and rest!
To this day I never had the chance to stand in the church that I was brought up in for 20 years due to the differences that left me shunned as a minister. That has not stopped me, however, from going back numerous times in my life to still fellowship with people. We go to many churches of various denominations and love each and every chance we get to show the love of God by sharing our gifts that God has given us with others. Our own family all goes to different churches of different denomination yet we serve our ministry to whosoever will. Your willingness to be open and worship with others is what makes what is precious in you shine. With this mentality people won’t see you as one denomination or another but a child of God. I choose to be of no denomination because I feel it limits people so much to whom they truly can be in God. I choose to be a child of God and to be defined by the word of God and what it’s promises entail for me! And now when I go through situations where I am shunned or made to feel like nothing I am reminded that I simply ask for their forgiveness and be at peace.
So today, I forgive you and pray that the willingness to be open and serve with Christians of all beliefs will enter into your heart. Because at the end of the day when we are called to be with Christ there will be no parties by denomination. We will be one body, separated no longer by ideals, opinions and doctrines. Open your eyes to see that we all need each other in the last days!
Video: “Wherever You Go, God Will Go”
Let us be reminded that as we go about our lives that God is with us and never leave us!
10/25/15 – Community Baptist – Singing
Video: Singing “Jesus Rescues Me” Live @ The Bridge Ministries
Singing “Jesus Rescues Me” Live @ The Bridge Ministries
Going through so many changes
What’s the news for today?
Somebody’s hurt, somebody’s aching
Somebody’s trying to find a way
A heavy heart can break your will
A troubled soul leaves time standing still
If you’re hurting please don’t hide
Lift up your head I’m on your side
When every mountain seems too high
And every river looks too wide
When my dreams are lost at sea
Jesus rescues me
My faith is strong and carries me
Though sometimes weak I still believe
My life is built on this desire
Through the flood and through the fire
Jesus rescues me
I know you’re looking for an answer
Searching for some hope to hold
Empty hands leave you waiting
Praying for a miracle
Jesus hears every cry
He sees the walls that we can’t climb
And He will heal your hurting soul
And lead you safely to his Home
Video: Singing “Who Am I” Live @ The Bridge Ministries
Singing “Who Am I” Live @ The Bridge Ministries – Thanks to all our friends for the help with the music!
Lyrics:
Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth
Would care to know my name,
Would care to feel my hurt?
Who am I, that the Bright and Morning Star
Would choose to light the way
For my ever wandering heart?
Not because of who I am
But because of what You’ve done.
Not because of what I’ve done
But because of who You are.
I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow.
A wave tossed in the ocean.
A vapor in the wind.
Still You hear me when I’m calling.
Lord, You catch me when I’m falling.
And You’ve told me who I am.
I am Yours, I am Yours.
Who am I, that the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love and watch me rise again?
Who am I, that the voice that calmed the sea
Would call out through the rain
And calm the storm in me?
Not because of who I am
But because of what You’ve done.
Not because of what I’ve done
But because of who You are.
I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow.
A wave tossed in the ocean.
A vapor in the wind.
Still You hear me when I’m calling.
Lord, You catch me when I’m falling.
And You’ve told me who I am.
I am Yours.
Not because of who I am
But because of what You’ve done.
Not because of what I’ve done
But because of who You are.
I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow.
A wave tossed in the ocean.
A vapor in the wind.
Still You hear me when I’m calling.
Lord, You catch me when I’m falling.
And You’ve told me who I am.
I am Yours, I am Yours, I am Yours.
Whom shall I fear?
Whom shall I fear?
‘Cause I am Yours, I am Yours.
Video: Singing “I Need You” Live @ The Bridge Ministries
Singing “I Need You” Live @ The Bridge Ministries – Thanks to all our friends for the help with the music!
Lyrics:
Lord, I come, I confess
Bowing here I find my rest
Without You I fall apart
You’re the One that guides my heart
Lord, I need You, oh, I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You
Where sin runs deep Your grace is more
Where grace is found is where You are
And where You are, Lord, I am free
Holiness is Christ in me
Lord, I need You, oh, I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You
Teach my song to rise to You
When temptation comes my way
And when I cannot stand I’ll fall on You
Jesus, You’re my hope and stay
Lord, I need You, oh, I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You
You’re my one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You
Video: Singing “Almighty God” Live @ The Bridge Ministries
Singing “Almighty God” Live @ The Bridge Ministries – Thanks to all our friends for the help with the music!
Lyrics:
Almighty God, Almighty God
Won’t you hold me in the palm of your hand
Almighty God, Almighty God
Won’t you hold me in the palm of your hand
The storm is raging all around me
Lord won’t you hold me in the palm of Your hand
The storm is raging all around me
Lord won’t you hold me in the palm of Your hand
Almighty God, Almighty God
Won’t you hold me in the palm of your hand
Almighty God, Almighty God
Won’t you hold me in the palm of your hand
He’ll fight this battle if I’ll stand still
Won’t you hold me in the palm of your hand
He’ll fight my battle if I stand still
Won’t you hold me in the palm of your hand
Video: Singing “I Will Rejoice” Live @ The Bridge Ministries
Singing “I Will Rejoice” Live @ The Bridge Ministries – Thanks to all our friends for the help with the music!
Lyrics:
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of our God.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of our God.
So I will rejoice,I will rejoice, and be glad.
My depressed days are over, I will, I made up my mind, I will, I’m gonna be glad.
There is a fountain full of grace that flows from Emmanuel’s veins.
There is a fountain so full of grace that flows from my Savior’s veins.
It came and it healed me
It came and refreshed me
It came and washed my sins away!
So I will rejoice, I will rejoice,and be glad.
I will rejoice, I will rejoice, and be glad.
There is a fountain full of grace that flows from Emmanuel’s veins.
Has anybody been cleansed in the fountain, that flows from Emmanuel’s veins.
See I know for myself cause it came, and it healed me, it came and refreshed my soul, it came and washed my sins away
Video: Singing “If It Had Not Been The Lord” Live @ The Bridge Ministries
Singing “If It Had Not Been The Lord” Live @ The Bridge Ministries – Thanks to all our friends for the help with the music!
Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Who was your shelter through the wind and the rain
Who kept you safe at the enemy’s gate
Who was your shield on the firing line
Who gave you victory – who turned the tide
(Chorus)
If it had not been the Lord
Who was on your side
When the world rose against you
When the tide rose high
When the battle was lost
And we drowned in the dark
We would be in despair
If it had not been the Lord
(Verse 2)
Who was your help when all your friends had gone
Who stood by your side – never left you alone
Who healed your body – who spoke to your storm
Who made a way out of a dead end road
(Repeat Chorus)
(Bridge)
If it had not been for mercy
If it had not been for grace
If it had not been for the One who took your place
If it had not been for power
If it had not been for love
If it had not been for Jesus and His precious blood
(Repeat Chorus)