reformed renewed redeemed

Erasing Hell

2011-09-19T21:53:00.000-07:00

Erasing Hell from Dot&Cross on Vimeo.

Thank you and may God cause you to have a deep hunger for the things of righteousness.
Youth Pastor of Riverwalk Fellowship,C.C.Sortini
You can also follow on Twitter or http://vimeo.com/ccsortini

Christianity

2011-09-07T15:41:00.000-07:00

Thank you and may God cause you to have a deep hunger for the things of righteousness.
Youth Pastor of Riverwalk Fellowship,C.C.Sortini You can also follow on Twitter or http://vimeo.com/ccsortini

Matt Chandler on Suffering

2011-04-07T17:32:00.000-07:00

Thank you and may God cause you to have a deep hunger for the things of righteousness.
Youth Pastor of Riverwalk Fellowship,C.C.Sortini
You can also follow on Twitter or http://vimeo.com/ccsortini

Mercy with Fear

2011-02-28T11:14:00.000-08:00

Jude 1:22-23 tell us "... have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh." (ESV).

We should always have mercy on those who doubt. I believe most of us have no problem showing mercy, as Jesus himself is mercy. The letter of Jude says something interesting though. It tells us to show mercy in a certain way. It says to some "we should show mercy with fear". While we all love showing mercy we most likely never thought that mercy could be displayed through fear. When we think of striking fear into some we probably relate it to what terrorists attempt to do but this is certainly not what Jude means here. Remember the context here is saving individuals out of the fire and hating anything stained by the flesh.

We as Christians having saving knowledge are equipped for the ministry of reconciliation. We are all called to be ones crying in the wilderness for all to repent and come trust in Jesus. This is because we know who God is. We know that He is infinite, holy and righteous. He hates sin and wickedness and will judge it accordingly. He is an all consuming fire who mercifully extends love and grace through himself Jesus to all who are humble and see they need an advocate. So when Jude says show mercy though fear he means we must take this knowledge to the world even if we do not feel comfortable, safe or confident. The world needs mercy and we know why but if the world does not know why they have no reason to seek an advocate or Jesus. So showing mercy through fear is a necessary way we tell others of the Gospel. This is obviously in the word because we hate doing it. It is hard for us to go against the grind of the culture. Our cultures motto as we speak right now is tolerance, and political correctness.

Remember the world may reject you for telling them of something they should be fearful of but the Holy Spirit says that you are showing them mercy. If we care about others we will approach the world with a certain vigor and intensity like one who is "snatching them" out of a fire. This is because truthfully that is exactly what we are doing.

Thank you and may God cause you to have a deep hunger for the things of righteousness.

Youth Pastor of Riverwalk Fellowship,C.C.Sortini

You can also follow on Twitter or http://vimeo.com/ccsortini

Luke ch. 5:21-25

2011-01-21T11:30:00.000-08:00

See more videos like this at http://vimeo.com/ccsortini

Luke 5:21-25 from Christopher Sortini on Vimeo.

Thank you and may God cause you to have a deep hunger for the things of righteousness.
Youth Pastor of Riverwalk Fellowship,C.C.Sortini
You can also follow on Twitter or http://vimeo.com/ccsortini

Lecrae Moore and Trip Lee Testimony

2011-01-17T12:55:00.000-08:00

Justin Taylor Interview: Lecrae Moore and Trip Lee from Crossway on Vimeo.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Lecrae Moore and Trip Lee or who would like to know more about these two aritsts visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lecrae_Moore and for Trip Lee http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trip_Lee.

Thank you and may God cause you to have a deep hunger for the things of righteousness.
Youth Pastor of Riverwalk Fellowship, C.C.Sortini
View more postings like this at rthreeblog.blogspot.com

Do you see Jesus in every book like this kid?

2011-01-07T09:04:00.000-08:00

Thank you and may God cause you to have a deep hunger for the things of righteousness.
Youth Pastor of Riverwalk Fellowship, C.C.Sortini
View more postings like this at rthreeblog.blogspot.com

Not the King of the Jungle but Judah

2011-01-05T07:19:00.000-08:00

Isaiah 31:4 Says "... As a lion or a young lion growls over his prey, and when a band of shepherds is called out against him he is not terrified by their shouting or daunted at their noise, so the Lord of hosts will come down to fight on Mount Zion and on its hill. "

When you feel that God is not listening or not paying attention to you, letting the world beat down on you. Or when you feel that he is not quick enough to your defense and leaving you hanging in need. Think on this verse. Remember that God is like a lion who hovers over life with his might and sovereignty. He is not moved or pressured by any man but like a lion when it is time to strike he will "come" and "fight". He will always come to your aid just like Jerusalem but it will be in his time and by his will.

God will bring comfort and strength and he will be there in your time of need. But always remember that its not about our imperfect time frame (when we want it or "need" it) but it is in his perfect time frame. Trust in Him with all your heart and you will never be put to shame.

Thank you and may God cause you to have a deep hunger for the things of righteousness.

Youth Pastor of Riverwalk Fellowship, C.C.Sortini

View more postings like this at rthreeblog.blogspot.com

All 66, 2011

2011-01-03T11:17:00.000-08:00

Get Serious about your Bible! Okay guys the new reading plan for the year is posted and you have plenty of time to catch up. Get Reading!

This new reading plan gives you the ability to read prophet and king at the same time. This will help with grasping the context and give an all around better understanding. Also, this new reading plan is progressive and in chronological order working with both the New Testament and Old. So you will get a better understanding of what order and time frame these historical events came about. I will post more of the reading plan up as we need it. See reading plan bellow.

Here are the first five days. You will be given the reading plan in youth Jan. 5th.

Day                  Old Test.                                                         New Test.
1                       Gen. 1,2                                                          Mark 1:1-22
2                       Gen. 3-5                                                          Mark 1:23-45
3                       Gen. 6-8                                                          Mark 2
4                       Gen. 9-11                                                        Mark 3:1-21
5                       Gen. 12-14                                                      Mark 3:22-35

Thank you and may God cause you to have a deep hunger for the things of righteousness.
Youth Pastor of Riverwalk Fellowship, C.C.Sortini
View more postings like this at rthreeblog.blogspot.com

testimony of a youth member

2010-12-31T15:38:00.000-08:00

It feels like it was just yesterday when I had made an important choice to accept Christ into my life. See I have been going to church ever since I was a little baby, but even then I ahd not accepted Christ into my life. It took me a couple of years to actually get to know who Christ was and what he could do in my life.

I remember it bright as day it happenend to be a Saturday night youth service at my church Riverwalk Fellowship, where my you pastor was talking about what his life was like without having Christ and how when he had accepted him his whole life turned around. The words that he had said that day seny my heart pounding like the beating of war drums. "To live for Christ is to die and gain." those powerful words had struck me but not as mush as the one who inspired me to forget about my past and look to God. Matthew Wests song "The Motions" had played a great role in the way that I had made my choice to put everything aside and lice for Christ because "I dont wanna go through the motions i dont wanna go one more day without your all consuming passion inside of me, what if I had given everything instead of going through the motions." When I had accepted Christ into my life something in me had changed and that change could turn into big things.

Now that I have Christ I am able to witness to to others, and tell them about all the struggles I had made and how God was looking down on me and with every part of the way. By making thins important choice in my life and sharing with others, I hope they will be inspired and get to have the same kind of relationship with Christ as I do. when times are hard and you don't thing you can make that last step look to God because you are in whom he delights.

anonymous

Thank you and may God cause you to have a deep hunger for the things of righteousness.
Youth Pastor of Riverwalk Fellowship, C.C.Sortini
View more postings like this at rthreeblog.blogspot.com

Argument against Athiesm

2010-12-15T09:07:00.000-08:00

Thank you and may God cause you to have a deep hunger for the things of righteousness.
Youth Pastor of Riverwalk Fellowship, C.C.Sortini
View more postings like this at rthreeblog.blogspot.com

Is the God of the Bible and the God of the Q'uran the same God?

2010-09-19T14:41:00.000-07:00

Truth falls on what you think of the person Jesus Christ. As Christians we know it to be true that the only way to know God is to know Jesus. This is the truth that separates us from the fallacy of universalism not just Islam.

In this video Piper hits this crucial point home. That every faith is tragically in error lest it hold and believe that Jesus is the Son of God (God in the flesh) sent for the salvation of all who believe.

Thank you and my God cause you to have a deep hunger for the things of righteousness.
Youth Pastor of Riverwalk Fellowship, C.C.Sortini
View more postings like this at rthreeblog.blogspot.com

You Should Be Discerning about Twilight

2010-09-15T15:47:00.000-07:00

Thank you and my God cause you to have a deep hunger for the things of righteousness.
Youth Pastor of Riverwalk Fellowship, C.C.Sortini
View more postings like this at rthreeblog.blogspot.com

To Face book or not to Face book?

2010-09-08T18:29:00.000-07:00

Boasting somewhere around 300 million active users, a dedication that rivals that of Harry Potter fan clubs with 50% of it users logging on every day. A worldwide sociological foot print that draws in more than 70% of its users from outside the United States.

Needless to say and nothing new; Facebook is an influential entity in our culture. Young people, old people and people from all different nations use Facebook.

Seeing that facebook is such a widely used networking platform and everyone and there dog uses it, could there be anything wrong with it?

Below is 4 things worth considering when using facebook.

1. Although it is convenient to be able to contact your friends by the touch of a button, and super easy to check up on them, does “poking” someone really constitute as saying hello? Maybe sometimes we fool ourselves into thinking we really are concerned with our friends when really we don’t want to spend the time in giving them a phone call or having coffee together.

If we are ever going to have a meaningful conversation or relationship sometimes it takes more than just a “poke”.

2. I wonder if it is healthy to have access to everyone’s pictures of memories or experiences. Can we as “facebookers” abuse this ability? Can we be too concerned or interested in other people’s lives?

3. Even though we are not talking face to face on facebook can we cross the unseen boundary lines of communication with the opposite sex on facebook? Can we be flirting when we shouldn’t be? Can we be talking more than we should be?

4. Some things should be kept private. We have to really consider what we want to communicate to the world. Not every picture, thought or concern should be shared. In John 7:10 we see that Jesus did some thing’s privately without others. So think before you post…

As technology ever advances we as Christians are forced to define what is morally acceptable in ways that we have never done before. Facebook can be a great tool but as Paul said whether we eat or drink let it be to the Glory of God. So in the same way whether we facebook or whether we don’t let it be to the Glory of God.

Thank you and my God cause you to have a deep hunger for the things of righteousness.

Youth Pastor of Riverwalk Fellowship, C.C.Sortini

View more postings like this at rthreeblog.blogspot.com

EXTREMELY URGENT Product Recall

2010-09-06T08:59:00.000-07:00

I thought this was good. Check it out.

Thank you and my God cause you to have a deep hunger for the things of righteousness.

Youth Pastor of Riverwalk Fellowship, C.C.Sortini

View more postings like this at rthreeblog.blogspot.com

2010-08-28T10:31:00.000-07:00

Description: An in-depth look at the doctrine of divine election, with an attempt to clarify precisely what is at stake and correct misrepresentations of both points of view.

Divine election is certainly one of the more profound—and controversial—doctrines in the Bible. Does God elect people because they believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, or does God elect people in order that they will believe in Christ? Much of the disagreement and controversy concerning this doctrine proceeds from a fundamental misunderstanding of what it means.

This is why Storms begins his analysis of divine election with an attempt to clarify precisely what is at stake and, at the same time, correct misrepresentations of it. He takes a thorough look at the doctrine as it is presented in Romans 9 as well as the rest of the New Testament. He also explores freedom of will and the order of salvation. Appendixes address “Three Problem Passages” and “Who Can and Cannot Pray for God to Save the Lost?”

Thank you and my God cause you to have a deep hunger for the things of righteousness.
Youth Pastor of Riverwalk Fellowship, C.C.Sortini
View more postings like this at rthreeblog.blogspot.com

What is the Bible About ?

2010-08-27T13:44:00.000-07:00

Thank you and my God cause you to have a deep hunger for the things of righteousness.
Youth Pastor of Riverwalk Fellowship, C.C.Sortini
View more postings like this at rthreeblog.blogspot.com

Esterlyn "Call Out"

2010-08-25T21:56:00.000-07:00

Esterlyn is a great band I found a while back. I have played their album in the youth room before and when I do I always get good feed back on them.

They just recently released a new album and from what I have heard it is great! It is more of a worship album (which I love). The great thing is they were not trying to copy anyone but stayed true to their melodic style, and it Worked!

If you want to read more about the album click the link bellow bellow. It is a review done by Jesusfreakhideout.com. jesusfreakhideout.com

Thank you and my God cause you to have a deep hunger for the things of righteousness.

Youth Pastor of Riverwalk Fellowship, C.C.Sortini

View more postings like this at rthreeblog.blogspot.com

R.C. Sproul- Does God Really Want All People To Be Saved?

2010-08-18T15:28:00.000-07:00

Is there another way to heaven besides Jesus ?

2010-08-13T13:01:00.000-07:00

Faith is No-thing

2010-08-08T13:29:00.000-07:00

On Faith, denouncing the anthropological view of faith, as constructed by man for his own glory and reviving the biblical model of faith that relies on God and gives Him the glory.

What is faith? Faith is a philosophical construct representing the work of God in our lives. It is the term used to represent the all-encompassing work of God in our lives. If we think of it in terms of logic we would say that it is the unsubstance or idea we hold that represents all that God worked in us, therefore it necessarily flows from God, is under His control (in reference to when and how and how much faith we have) and is purposed for His purposes (which Scripture says is His glory) and is therefore outside the control of man.

We say that faith is the “unsubstance” or “idea” we are describing it in terms of human logic. Let us say that a bottle of water sits on the table in front of us. This bottle is a substance to be perceived. It has mass and is composed of collected, formed matter. It has essential attributes and defining properties. Now let us remove the bottle of water. After it is gone we are able, if necessary, to recall the image of the water bottle. This recollection in our mind is the idea of the bottle, an idea which has no substance. It is wholly without mass or matter, so we refer to it as an unsubstance, yet it still has essential attributes and properties, which can be referred to in our mind, within, or concerning, the idea.

So I propose that faith is not a “thing” to be had or held or claimed. It is a representation. It is an idea we hold that refers to the work of God in our lives. “But faith is belief,” you might say. What is belief? Is it not a philosophical construct in and of itself? Belief is the idea we use to represent the position we take due to some impacting outside force or concept. It is “confidence in the truth or existence of something not immediately susceptible to rigorous proof”. It is vague. It is a term we have interchanged with faith because the “confidence” exhibited by belief is what is at the heart of faith.

Faith in its simplest form is the recognition of the work of God on our behalf (a recognition that can only be had due to the work of God, through the Holy Spirit, in our lives. This recognition cannot be had in and of ourselves, apart from God). This recognition is enabling. The past work of God in our lives enables the future work of God in our lives, this is how He ordained it. When scripture says, “have faith,” it is saying, “rely on the past work of God in your life, recognize what He did in the past and know that He will do more” (a knowledge that flows from His past work, and therefore from Him, still not of ourselves).

What have we done to the idea of faith to bring it to its present state? We have turned faith into an object to be acquired, an item that is quantifiable and able to be hoarded. We use terms like “have” more faith, or “grow” your faith, when in all reality all we have the power to do is reside in the grace of the Father in His previous work in our life, which in and of itself enables His further work, which is what most people refer to as having more faith. But this is where the concept of faith falters, for this act of recognition enabling the future work of God comes from God and resides in God, not in us. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9, therefore we cannot “have” more faith or “grow” faith, we simply receive faith, and use it.

What of the amount of faith that we have? Scripture teaches us that the amount of faith is not the key issue, but simply the having of it at all. In Matthew 17:20, “²⁰ So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief;^[^a^] for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” What is a mustard seed in this illustration if not the smallest item of relevance that He could use to speak of the power of faith? We as people speak in terms of how much faith it must take; all the while Christ speaks in terms of simply having faith. The mustard seed in this illustration is Christ’s way of saying that you don’t need much at all, He is saying that little is necessary. It is not the amount of faith that is important, because as I have already said, faith is not a substance and is therefore not quantifiable (some may object here and refer to Hebrews 11:1, "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" and argue that it is "substance". This passage uses the term "substance" philosophically to define the "foundation" of hope, I refer to the term "substance" materially in its use regarding the "physical properties pertaining to matter" and as such the two ideas are not in conflict), it is merely an idea, which you have or have not received. That is not to say that the idea does not drive you to greater and greater works to the glory of God, or to say that you cannot rely more and more fully each day on the idea, on the past works of God in your life, it is merely to say that we cannot quantify the idea or it’s presence in our life. All we can say is that it is present and we are relying on it. The statement “have more faith” merely means to rely more fully on faith, to walk in a more complete reliance to it. What about Matthew 8:26 where Christ asks the disciples, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Doesn’t this mean that we must have more faith? According to the hermeneutic principle the “analogy of faith”, we interpret scripture with faith that all of scripture is in agreement and never contradicts itself. That said, Christ says in Mt 8:36, “you of little faith” in regards to their fear, yet in Mt. 17:20 Christ says, “if you have faith of a mustard seed…and nothing will be impossible.” In one verse Christ says that with even the smallest amount of faith you can do anything, but in the next he reprimands the disciples having “little” faith. If we take the meaning of Christ’s words to refer to the amount of faith you “have” then these verses contradict each other, which goes against the analogy of faith I described earlier. What we must do is find an interpretation of these verses that keeps them in agreement with each other and in agreement with the whole of scripture. I propose that Christ is not talking about the amount of faith you have but the amount in which you exercise faith. In Mt. 17:20 Christ is saying that you need only have faith, period. In Mt. 8:26 Christ is reprimanding the disciples for not exercising their faith, not because they have to little. If we adopt this interpretation then we will maintain the unity of these verses and their agreement with the rest of scripture. To back up my interpretation further I will look at Mt. 14:31, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” Here Christ connects the two concepts for us. In Christ’s words, “you of little faith” He makes clear that faith was present in Peter. At the same time, by His words, “Why did you doubt?” He makes clear that it was not an issue of too little faith but an issue regarding the lack of exercising said faith. From this we can surmise that faith is not something you have more or less of, it is something you have or have not, and then if you have, it is something you exercise or do not.

Why have we done this to the concept of faith? Two main reasons stand out to me for the creation of this false concept of faith. First, we did this to offer God a scapegoat. As the world cries out for a loving God and as we cry out for a loving God to relieve us from our suffering and shame, when He doesn’t, we can blame it on a lack of faith. Instead of wrestling with the soul shaking concepts of the sovereignty of God and His purposes in receiving glory, we simply blame it on a lack of faith in the person, thereby letting God off of the hook. The second reason we have done this is to retain control. With the false concept of faith it is up to us to “have” and “grow” our faith. We are in control of our spiritual walk. We decide without needing to rely helplessly on the “gift” of God. We did this because deep down, when God didn’t heal and didn’t relieve the suffering and we wrote it off as a lack of faith, we began to question God, having a basic knowledge of His sovereignty, and we asked ourselves, “is He really a loving God”, and we became afraid to let go of the control, just in case He is not. We fail to trust Him fully. We fail to look away from our desires and focus on His, once again showing our inability to “have” faith as the modern world has defined it. We cannot let go of our desire for our own glory, a glory we receive by the successful "having" or "growing" of faith.

Where does faith come from? “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God”, Romans 10:17. Why must faith come by hearing? Because there must be some thing, some prior work on which to rely, or if God has moved in our lives there must be some means by which we connect the work in our lives to the God in heaven. Why must hearing come from the “word of God”? In order for faith to be true, in order for our concept of God’s work to be reliable it must be premised from truth, which is defined by and dependant on the word of God. What we recognize to be the work of God and how we relate that to Him all flows from the teaching of scripture. God defines the unsubstance of faith in His word. Therefore we can premise that faith comes from God, indirectly because it is defined by Him and without Him it would have no definition, and directly because He has given it to us, or from Him we receive it.

What are the implications of this concept of faith? This concept of faith reassures the believer of the work of God in their life. It is a sweet relief whereby we say, “thank you for this God, for I am not able”. We let go of the responsibility (one we were never able to bear in the first place) and allow God to have control. We recognize His work (which is faith) and His sovereignty, letting that become the framework, from which all else in our life flows, which in turn magnifies His glory (which scripture says is the purpose of faith). It forces us to reconcile our understanding of God with His sovereignty as Scripture explains it, because it removes the scapegoat. This causes us to formulate a new understanding of a “loving God” that is in complete agreement with a God who doesn’t always heal, which is the actual God of scripture.

This concept of faith as an “unsubstance” or perceived idea of all God has done in our lives requires complete and total dependence on Him, a dying to the flesh and living to the Lord.

20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22 But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6:20-23

24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Galatians 5:24, 25

BY: N.W. Rozier

Thank you and my God cause you to have a deep hunger for the things of righteousness.
Youth Pastor of Riverwalk Fellowship, C.C.Sortini
View more postings like this at rthreeblog.blogspot.com

10 Commandments & the Law

2010-08-08T11:58:00.000-07:00

As all who attend our church know we have spent some time focusing on the 10 Commandments and how they are relevant to our lives. So it follows that this video is extremely appropriate for our church right now. I love the conclusion Pastor Piper draws from what relevance the 10 Commandments has for men and woman who are now under grace instead of the law. Enjoy.

Thank you and my God cause you to have a deep hunger for the things of righteousness.
Youth Pastor of Riverwalk Fellowship, C.C. Sortini
View more postings like this at rthreeblog.blogspot.com

From the Heart of Spurgeon. A Daily Devotional.

2010-07-26T11:45:00.000-07:00

"Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect?" Romans 8:33

Most blessed challenge! How unanswerable it is! Every sin of the elect was laid upon the great Champion of our salvation, and by the atonement carried away. There is no sin in God's book against His people: He seeth no sin in Jacob, neither iniquity in Israel; they are justified in Christ for ever!

When the guilt of sin was taken away, the punishment of sin was removed. For the Christian there is no stroke from God's angry hand--nay, not so much as a single frown of punitive justice. The believer may be chastised by his Father, but God the Judge has nothing to say to the Christian, except "I have absolved thee: thou art acquitted." For the Christian there is no penal death in this world, much less any second death. He is completely freed from all the punishment as well as the guilt of sin, and the power of sin is removed too. It may stand in our way, and agitate us with perpetual warfare; but sin is a conquered foe to every soul in union with Jesus. There is no sin which a Christian cannot overcome if he will only rely upon his God to do it. They who wear the white robe in heaven overcame through the blood of the Lamb, and we may do the same. No lust is too mighty, no besetting sin too strongly entrenched; we can overcome through the power of Christ. Do believe it, Christian, that thy sin is a condemned thing. It may kick and struggle, but it is doomed to die. God has written condemnation across its brow. Christ has crucified it, "nailing it to His cross." Go now and mortify it, and the Lord help you to live to His praise, for sin with all its guilt, shame, and fear, is gone.

Thank you and my God cause you to have a deep hunger for the things of righteousness.
Youth Pastor of Riverwalk Fellowship, Chris Sortini

View more postings like this at rthreeblog.blogspot.com

THE GOSPEL OF RADIOHEAD

2010-07-23T20:22:00.000-07:00

This is some great insight (bellow) by a worship leader of a church pertaining to secular music. Give it a read and ask yourself about the music you listen to. It is important to know what kind of band you are supporting with your money and your mind. Really pay attention to the lyrics and see what they are all about.

Rock’s False Gospel

Sometimes false gospel messages in music are easy to spot. For hip-hop, it’s blatant self-promotion and indulgence. For R&B and pop, your boyfriend or girlfriend relationships will save you. But with a lot of rock music, the message is more abstract. If prompted, what would you say is the false gospel of a band like Coldplay, or better yet, Radiohead?

Radio Who?

Radiohead is an especially unique band. Ever since they redefined Brit-pop in the mid-90s, countless bands have been influenced by their music, and they've drawn a cult-like fan base, many of whom are culture-makers. Radiohead embodies postmodern music.

Culture Teaches—Whether You Notice It or Not

In Luke 6:40 Jesus says, “A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.” In your life, where have you given way to the lies that the world teaches? Lies are usually subversive. Before you know it, lies can become so much a part of your worldview that they disciple you to an imbalanced view of the gospel.

This is what happened to me. As a Radiohead mega-fan, I passively bought into their ideology: hopelessness, cynicism, apathy, and generally a “down with the Man” attitude. My gospel understanding was only half true—my total depravity and Christ’s crucifixion, without the new identity and Christ’s resurrection.

Pay Attention

Whatever you do, don’t focus so much on contextualizing as a missiologist to the point that you lose sight of how the gospel contextualizes to you. Understanding the message behind the music that we love is not just important for how we see the culture that we minister to, but also how we see culture teaching us. We need to remember that every moment is a gospel opportunity, and leisurely listening to music shouldn’t be an exception to the rule.

By: Joel Brown leads the Mars Hill band Red Letter.

Get Red Letter's album for whatever you want to pay from Re:Sound.

Thank you and my God cause you to have a deep hunger for the things of righteousness.
C.C. Sortini

Have it your way or Have it His Way

2010-07-22T13:59:00.000-07:00

Isaiah 4:20-21 (NKJV)

"Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness. Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!"

Today, anyone almost at anytime, can pull up to a fast food joint and get whatever they want. They could either have chicken or beef, cheese no cheese, fries or fruit, super sized, regular size or a kids size. The options truly are endless, and when it comes down to it we can basically have it our way. We call the shots.

Truth be told, the ability to have it your way does not stop at fast food joints, but it reaches into almost every other service based industry. Now in the service industry this is a great thing. We as consumers really have the ability to get a product, that best fits our needs. It helps a business to be more productive and efficient, it aids students in school to become greater learners; it even helps the short man, tall man or big man get the perfect dress coat. But what happens when this, "tailored fit, get it your way" society begins to customize their system of beliefs and what they feel is right or good?

This is exactly what we have today in our culture. When pushing most young men and young women to define their world view and belief construct, pluralism is prevalent. In Isaiah 5 verses 20-21 the prophet Isaiah by way of the Holy Spirit warns the nations and the people of the nations, that whosoever calls evil good and good evil has become wise in their own sight.

So this warning is for those who would take what they know to be true such as what is good and what is bad and customize it into what they want or like. Isaiah goes on to say in verse 24 that the root of the one who redefines what is good in their own life "will be as rottenness" and "the blossom will ascend like dust". So the root of your life will rot and will not last and the fruit or "blossom" that comes forth from the fruit will simply wither away to dust and be blown away.

Today, even in the church there are some who look to their own righteousness, their own counsel and elect what is good for themselves. They, in futility have attempted to be God. We as creatures in no way could define what is good. God alone sets the standard and He is it. When we do so we despise the word of the Holy ONE of Israel and count Him equal with ourselves.

I pray we as the body of Christ, being a mirror reflection of Him on this earth take a look at our inner being (introspectively). We need to take an inventory of everything we do, everything we like, and everything we believe. Then weigh it against not what we think is good, what we would like to be good, what feels good but the inspired word where God has instructed us on what IS good. If there is something in your own life, young man, young girl, mature man, mature woman and it does not hold up to Gods Holy call on your life to be a burning sacrifice to God...kick it out of your life now! Do not wait a moment longer. Jesus extends His merciful hand towards you, but how long can you tempt and test Him. Repent, cry out and put yourself in subjection to His word.

Thank you and my God cause you to have a deep hunger for the things of righteousness.

By: C.C. Sortini

From the Heart of Spurgeon. A Daily Devotional.

2010-07-16T15:46:00.000-07:00

"Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time is come. For Thy servants rake pleasure in her stones, and favour the dust thereof."
Psalm 102:13, 14
A selfish man in trouble is exceedingly hard to comfort, because the springs of his comfort entirely within himself, and when he is sad all his springs are dry. But a large-hearted man full of Christian philanthropy, has other springs from which to supply himself with comfort beside those which lie within. He can go to his God first of all, and there find abundant help; and he can discover arguments for consolation in things relating to the world at large, to his country, and, above all, to the church. David in this Psalm was exceedingly sorrowful; he wrote, "I am like an owl of the desert, I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top." The only way in which he could comfort himself, was in the reflection that God would arise, and have mercy upon Zion: though he was sad, yet Zion should prosper; however low his own estate, yet Zion should arise. Christian man! learn to comfort thyself in God's gracious dealing towards the church. That which is so dear to thy Master, should it not be dear above all else to thee? What though thy way be dark, canst thou not gladden thine heart with the triumphs of His cross and the spread of His truth? Our own personal troubles are forgotten while we look, not only upon what God has done, and is doing for Zion, but on the glorious things He will yet do for His church. Try this receipt, O believer, whenever thou art sad of heart and in heaviness of spirit: forget thyself and thy little concerns, and seek the welfare and prosperity of Zion. When thou bendest thy knee in prayer to God, limit not thy petition to the narrow circle of thine own life, tried though it be, but send out thy longing prayers for the church's prosperity, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem," and thine own soul shall be refreshed.

Thank you and my God cause you to have a deep hunger for the things of righteousness.

Grace and Works

2010-07-13T13:57:00.001-07:00

There Is No Argument Here

Some people stumble at the book of James because they were falsely taught that James was teaching salvation by works, unlike Paul who taught salvation, by grace, through faith.

The issue in James Chapter 2 verses 14-26 is the heart of a man, how can someone have a God filled heart and turn away from a brother in need, I.E. true sign of conversion is that a man being full of God is always available to help his brother or sister in need, not because it puts him or her in better favor in Gods economy. Out of an abundance of love towards God good works will follow. Someone could work forever with the thought it would make God love them more or the reverse saying the opposite but the proof of salvation and a God centered life is enjoying and delighting in God and “loving thy neighbor as thy self.” The rest will fall in line.

Paul taught the vehicle in which we are saved and James is providing the evidence of a true believer. James and Paul are both in unison with the Holy Spirit, falling in line with what Christ said in Mathew Chapter 7 verse 15-23, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” So there is no argument here. Let us always be a tree that brings forth good fruit in season and out and always working out our salvation with fear and trembling giving glory to God. towards God, good works follow. Someone could work forever with the thought it would make God love them better or the reverse saying the opposite but the proof of salvation and a God centered life is enjoying and delighting in God and "Loving thy neighbor as thy self" the rest will fall in line.

By: Anonymous

Thank you and my God cause you to have a deep hunger for the things of righteousness.
C.Sortini

From the Heart of Spurgeon. A Devotional.

2010-07-12T14:55:00.000-07:00

"When I cry unto Thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me."
                                                               Psalm 56:9

     It is impossible for any human speech to express the full meaning of this delightful phrase, "God is for me." He was "for us" before the worlds were made; He was "for us," or He would not have given His well-beloved son; He was "for us" when He smote the Only-begotten, and laid the full weight of His wrath upon Him--He was "for us," though He was against Him; He was "for us," when we were ruined in the fall--He loved us notwithstanding all; He was "for us," when we were rebels against Him, and with a high hand were bidding Him defiance; He was "for us," or He would not have brought us humbly to seek His face. He has been "for us" in many struggles; we have been summoned to encounter hosts of dangers; we have been assailed by temptations from without and within--how could we have remained unharmed to this hour if He had not been "for us"? He is "for us," with all the infinity of His being; with all the omnipotence of His love; with all the infallibility of His wisdom; arrayed in all His divine attributes, He is "for us,"--eternally and immutably "for us"; "for us" when yon blue skies shall be rolled up like a worn out vesture; "for us" throughout eternity. And because He is "for us," the voice of prayer will always ensure His help. "When I cry unto Thee, then shall mine enemies be turned back." This is no uncertain hope, but a well grounded assurance--"this I know." I will direct my prayer unto Thee, and will look up for the answer, assured that it will come, and that mine enemies shall be defeated, "for God is for me." O believer, how happy art thou with the King of kings on thy side! How safe with such a Protector! How sure thy cause pleaded by such an Advocate! If God be for thee, who can be against thee?

By: C.H. Spurgeon

Thank you and my God cause you to have a deep hunger for the things of righteousness.

C.Sortini

Twilight

2010-07-09T12:20:00.000-07:00

Everyone is crazy about the new Twilight. I think if we took a poll of the youth group almost 100% probably went to go see the movie and I bet if we asked some of their parents they would confirm they went to. Who could blame them it is such an epic love story, with giant man puppies and sweet cuddly vampires.

Although the movie does have such an epic love story and super fictional beings, it does address some real, everyday, life issues as well. Over the next few days I want to ask you what you think about a couple real life issues in the movie, and how the characters handled it.

So keep an eye out and Comment Back on the Facebook page!

Thank you and my God cause you to have a deep hunger for the things of righteousness.

Youth Pastor, Chris Sortini

Proverbs 3

2010-06-25T11:17:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 3:7-8 (ESV)
" Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones."

One thing that is easy in this life, is to not trust anybody and to only trust yourself. Although sometimes you might be justified to not trust a particular person because of some past event, have you ever asked yourself why you so confidently trust your own self?

In Proverbs, King Solomon by way of the Holy Spirit warns us that we should not be wise in our own eyes and instead fear the Lord. You see we tend to, when faced with opportunity or trial, lean on our own understanding and comprehension of the situation. We ask ourselves what would be the best decision to make. Now I understand how easy it is to do this. I mean if anybody is going to make a decision for me, that would be best for me and my life, it would be me! But is this right? It is true that God gave us a mind of our own and the ability to think on our own but was it to be self reliant and independent. I think if we were honest with ourselves we would say that most of the decisions we made on our own did not really work out in the greatest way possible. God wants us, like it says in Proverbs, to not be wise in our own eyes or self but Fear the Lord. To unpack that verse, God is saying we should be knowledgeable of who we serve and worship or who He is and who we are. He is the almighty Counselor and creator of the universe. He holds our lives in His hand. Knowing who He is should in return create a "Fear" or awe in your soul (that is if you truly believe it in your heart). That awe is what Proverbs says is the beginning of all wisdom. Knowing who He is and who we are don't you think it is much wiser to lean on his understanding, his aid and support ?
The world teaches that we should all be self confident in the decisions we make and who we are and that self confidence is king. But when we see the fruits of this model of life all we see is, people in debt a country in debt, fatherless/motherless children and leaderless families. If we want to continue to have these results in our lives than all you have to do is continue in the direction of the world. If you are one who fills called to a higher standard then do what God says. "Be not wise in your eyes" trust in God, being entirely confident in who He is and not who you are. As Proverbs goes on to say this will remove you far from death and evil and will "bring refreshment to your bones." If you like Jesus trust in the Father instead of your self you will be truly refreshed at rest and renewed. This is the beginning of Knowledge and the end of sin. Get your eyes removed from the idol of self and towards the Heavens.

Thank you and my God cause you to have a deep hunger for the things of righteousness.

Pastor Chris
Youth Pastor of RiverWalk Fellowship

R Thing

2010-06-07T13:38:00.000-07:00

Hey guys,

Don’t forget June 25^th we have our “R thing” event. For those of you who did not know “R thing” is a special service that we have been doing routinely once a month. This special service is held in the main sanctuary. This service is simply from an overflow of the youth’s heart and a cry for more of God. It is a service geared towards the youth and for the youth of R3. We will be approaching relevant challenges to the young people of this generation through the lenses of scripture. This service is simply from an overflow of the youth’s heart and a cry for more of God.

So do not forget, it is June 25^th at 7:00 PM, everyone is invited, young and old. Please make it out and bring a friend. Continue to keep the youth of RiverWalk Fellowship in your prayers. We wish that God would use us in a mighty way.

Thank you and my God cause you to have a deep hunger for the things of righteousness.

Film and Theology

2010-05-13T09:13:00.000-07:00

Recently I have been following this ministry called "Cinemagogue". Cinemagogue is a Biblical critique or review of cinematic movies through the lenses of biblical theology. I definitely think it is worth sharing. Bellow is one of his most recent critiques on Iron Man 2 check it out.

If you would like to see anymore of movie reviews you can check it out at http://cinemagogue.com/

Thank you and my God cause you to have a deep hunger for the things of righteousness.

Morning Devotional

2010-05-12T14:07:00.000-07:00

We have been discussing off and on for several months good ways to start our day as Christians. So I thought that I may share with you a morning devotional that I will be be doing. I pray it is a great aid in giving your day a foundation to serve Christ.

Daily Devotional, A calling to be in submission to His will

Father I pray that:

• My will be in submission to your will.
• My body be brought into subjection to Your will so that I may stand daily and not be overtaken by sin.(a)
• That I may not run in uncertainty but in confidence in your Son and in compliance with your will.(b)
• Father teach me to do this by living an exemplary life according to the 6 principles found in 1Tim.(c)
• Father teach me to do this by focusing on the 16 qualifications of a Leader found in 1 Tim. 3:1-7.(d)
• Father God cause me to take heed to these principles and doctrines, giving myself over to them entirely.(d)

Father this I pray, that my life brings glory to the name of Jesus, so that I am not disqualified but rather qualified to be a leader and child of God.

1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (NKJV)
(a)V.12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.V.13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, with the temptation will also make the way of escape that you may be able to bear it.

1 Corinthians 9:26-27 (NKJV)
(b)V.26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. V.27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

1 Timothy 4:12-16 (NKJV)
(c)V.12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. V.13 Till I come; give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. V.14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. V. 15 Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. V. 16 Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

Lead by example in:
1. Word
2. Conduct
3. Love
4. Spirit
5. In Faith
6. In Purity

16 Qualifications for a Leader to have.

(d) 1 Timothy 3:1-7 (NKJV)
1. Be Blameless
2. Be Temperate
3. Be Sober-minded
4. Be Hospitable
5. Be Gentle
6. Be of Good Behavior
7. Not given to wine
8. Not violent
9. Not greedy for money
10. Not Quarrelsome
11. Not covetous
12. Not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride
13. Able to teach
14. One who rules his house well
15. The husband of one wife
16. Have a good Testimony

Our Father who is in heaven holy is your name. I pray Lord Your will be done in this world and in my life. I pray Father that I am not filled with pride but I realize every breath taken is a gift from You. I thank You Father that You have not left me to face these trials and temptations on my own but that You have provided the strength to bare them and the escape from them. Lord forgive me of my sins and wash me clean of my inequities. Bring my stubborn heart into submission and into the subjection of Your will, so I am not disqualified from Your reward and inheritance. Finally God I pray You cause in me fruits of a leader as mentioned in Your holy word. In Your sons precious name I pray. Amen

Thank you and my God cause you to have a deep hunger for the things of righteousness.

Check this video out ... Its great !

2010-04-12T08:59:00.000-07:00

We know (at least in our youth group), what we think and believe matters...
See 1 Timothy 4:6-7
If you put these things before the brothers,you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed.
1Ti 4:7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness;

DugDownDeep_Carnahan.mov from Covenant Life Church on Vimeo.

Thank you and my God cause you to have a deep hunger for the things of righteousness.

ALL 66 Reading Schedule

2009-12-26T23:23:00.000-08:00

Reading Schedule 2010

January 1. Gen. 1; Matt. 1; Ezra 1; Acts 1

January 2.Gen. 2; Matt. 2; Ezra 2; Acts 2

January 3. Gen. 3; Matt. 3; Ezra 3; Acts 3

January 4. Gen. 4; Matt. 4; Ezra 4; Acts 4

January 5. Gen. 5; Matt. 5; Ezra 5; Acts 5

January 6. Gen. 6; Matt. 6; Ezra 6; Acts 6

January 7. Gen. 7; Matt. 7; Ezra 7; Acts 7

January 8. Gen. 8; Matt. 8; Ezra 8; Acts 8

January 9. Gen. 9,10; Matt. 9; Ezra 9; Acts 9

January 10. Gen. 11; Matt. 10; Ezra 10; Acts 10

January 11. Gen. 12; Matt. 11; Neh. 1; Acts 11

January 12. Gen. 13; Matt. 12; Neh. 2; Acts 12

January 13. Gen. 14; Matt. 13; Neh. 3; Acts 13

January 14. Gen. 15; Matt. 14; Neh. 4; Acts 14

January 15. Gen. 16; Matt. 15; Neh. 5; Acts 15

January 16. Gen. 17; Matt. 16; Neh. 6; Acts 16

January 17. Gen. 18; Matt. 17; Neh. 7; Acts 17

January 18. Gen. 19; Matt. 18; Neh. 8; Acts 18

January 19. Gen. 20; Matt. 19; Neh. 9; Acts 19

January 20. Gen. 21; Matt. 20; Neh. 10; Acts 20

January 21. Gen. 22; Matt. 21; Neh. 11; Acts 21

January 22. Gen. 23; Matt. 22; Neh. 12; Acts 22

January 23. Gen. 24; Matt. 23; Neh. 13; Acts 23

January 24. Gen. 25; Matt. 24; Esther 1; Acts 24

January 25. Gen. 26; Matt. 25; Esther 2; Acts 25

January 26. Gen. 27; Matt. 26; Esther 3; Acts 26

January 27. Gen. 28; Matt. 27; Esther 4; Acts 27

January 28. Gen. 29; Matt. 28; Esther 5; Acts 28

January 29. Gen. 30; Mark 1; Esther 6; Rom. 1

January 30. Gen. 31; Mark 2; Esther 7; Rom. 2

January 31. Gen. 32; Mark 3; Esther 8; Rom. 3

February 1. Gen. 33; Mark 4; Esther 9,10; Rom. 4

February 2. Gen. 34; Mark 5; Job 1; Rom. 5

February3. Gen. 35,36; Mark 6; Job 2; Rom. 6

February 4. Gen. 37; Mark 7; Job 3; Rom. 7

February 5. Gen. 38; Mark 8; Job 4; Rom. 8

February 6. Gen. 39; Mark 9; Job 5; Rom. 9

February 7. Gen. 40; Mark 10; Job 6; Rom. 10

February 8. Gen. 41; Mark 11; Job 7; Rom. 11

February 9. Gen. 42; Mark 12; Job 8; Rom. 12

February 10. Gen. 43; Mark 13; Job 9; Rom. 13

February 11. Gen. 44; Mark 14; Job 10; Rom. 14

February 12. Gen. 45; Mark 15; Job 11; Rom. 15

February 13. Gen. 46; Mark 16; Job 12; Rom. 16

February 14. Gen. 47; Lk. 1:1-38; Job 13; I Cor. 1

February 15. Gen. 48; Lk. 1:39-80; Job 14; I Cor. 2

February 16. Gen. 49; Luke 2; Job 15; I Cor. 3

February 17. Gen. 50; Luke 3; Job 16,17; I Cor. 4

February 18. Ex. 1; Luke 4; Job 18; I Cor. 5

February 19. Ex. 2; Luke 5; Job 19; I Cor. 6

February 20. Ex. 3; Luke 6; Job 20; I Cor. 7

February 21. Ex. 4; Luke 7; Job 21; I Cor. 8

February 22. Ex. 5; Luke 8; Job 22; I Cor. 9

February 23. Ex. 6; Luke 9; Job 23; I Cor. 10

February 24. Ex. 7; Luke 10; Job 24; I Cor. 11

February 25. Ex. 8; Luke 11; Job 25,26; I Cor. 12

February 26. Ex. 9; Luke 12; Job 27; I Cor. 13

February 27. Ex.10; Luke 13; Job 28; I Cor. 14

February 28. Ex.11,12:21; Luke 14; Job 29; I Cor. 15

March 1. Ex.12:22-51; Luke 15; Job 30; I Cor. 16

March 2. Ex. 13; Luke 16; Job 31; 2 Cor. 1

March 3. Ex. 14; Luke 17; Job 32; 2 Cor. 2

March 4. Ex. 15; Luke 18; Job 33; 2 Cor. 3

March 5. Ex. 16; Luke 19; Job 34; 2 Cor. 4

March 6. Ex. 17; Luke 20; Job 35; 2 Cor. 5

March 7. Ex. 18; Luke 21; Job 36; 2 Cor. 6

March 8. Ex. 19; Luke 22; Job 37; 2 Cor. 7

March 9. Ex. 20; Luke 23; Job 38; 2 Cor. 8

March 10. Ex. 21; Luke 24; Job 39; 2 Cor. 9

March 11. Ex. 22; John 1; Job 40; 2 Cor. 10

March 12. Ex. 23; John 2; Job 41; 2 Cor. 11

March 13. Ex. 24; John 3; Job 42; 2 Cor. 12

March 14. Ex. 25; John 4; Prov. 1; 2 Cor. 13

March 15. Ex. 26; John 5; Prov. 2; Gal. 1

March 16. Ex. 27; John 6; Prov. 3; Gal. 2

March 17. Ex. 28; John 7; Prov. 4; Gal. 3

March 18. Ex. 29; John 8; Prov. 5; Gal. 4

March 19. Ex. 30; John 9; Prov. 6; Gal. 5

March 20. Ex. 31; John 10; Prov. 7; Gal. 6

March 21. Ex. 32; John 11; Prov. 8; Eph. 1

March 22. Ex. 33; John 12; Prov. 9; Eph. 2

March 23. Ex. 34; John 13; Prov. 10; Eph. 3

March 24. Ex. 35; John 14; Prov. 11; Eph. 4

March 25. Ex. 36; John 15; Prov. 12; Eph. 5

March 26. Ex. 37; John 16; Prov. 13; Eph. 6

March 27. Ex. 38; John 17; Prov. 14; Phil. 1

March 28. Ex. 39; John 18; Prov. 15; Phil. 2

March 29. Ex. 40; John 19; Prov. 16; Phil. 3

March 30. Lev. 1; John 20; Prov. 17; Phil. 4

March 31. Lev. 2,3; John 21; Prov. 18; Col. 1

April 1. Lev. 4; Ps. 1,2; Prov. 19; Col. 2

April 2. Lev. 5; Ps. 3,4; Prov. 20; Col. 3

April 3. Lev. 6; Ps. 5,6; Prov. 21; Col. 4

April 4. Lev. 7; Ps. 7,8; Prov. 22; 1 Thess.1

April 5. Lev. 8; Ps. 9; Prov. 23; 1 Thess.2

April 6. Lev. 9; Ps. 10; Prov. 24; 1 Thess.3

April 7. Lev. 10; Ps. 11,12; Prov. 25; 1 Thess.4

April 8. Lev. 11,12; Ps. 13,14; Prov. 26; 1 Thess.5

April 9. Lev. 13; Ps. 15,16; Prov. 27; 2 Thess.1

April 10. Lev. 14; Ps. 17; Prov. 28; 2 Thess.2

April 11. Lev. 15; Ps. 18; Prov. 29; 2 Thess.3

April 12. Lev. 16; Ps. 19; Prov. 30; 1 Tim. 1

April 13. Lev. 17; Ps. 20,21; Prov. 31; 1 Tim. 2

April 14. Lev. 18; Ps. 22; Eccles. 1; 1 Tim. 3

April 15. Lev. 19; Ps. 23,24; Eccles. 2; 1 Tim. 4

April 16. Lev. 20; Ps. 25; Eccles. 3; 1 Tim. 5

April 17. Lev. 21; Ps. 26,27; Eccles. 4; 1 Tim. 6

April 18. Lev. 22; Ps. 28,29; Eccles. 5; 2 Tim. 1

April 19. Lev. 23; Ps. 30; Eccles. 6; 2 Tim. 2

April 20. Lev. 24; Ps. 31; Eccles. 7; 2 Tim. 3

April 21. Lev. 25; Ps. 32; Eccles. 8; 2 Tim. 4

April 22. Lev. 26; Ps. 33; Eccles. 9; Titus 1

April 23. Lev. 27; Ps. 34; Eccles. 10; Titus 2

April 24. Num. 1; Ps. 35; Eccles. 11; Titus 3

April 25. Num. 2; Ps. 36; Eccles. 12; Philemon 1

April 26. Num. 3; Ps. 37; Song 1; Heb. 1

April 27. Num. 4; Ps. 38; Song 2; Heb. 2

April 28. Num. 5; Ps. 39; Song 3; Heb. 3

April 29. Num. 6; Ps. 40,41; Song 4; Heb. 4

April 30. Num. 7; Ps. 42,43; Song 5; Heb. 5

May 1. Num. 8; Ps. 44; Song 6; Heb. 6

May 2. Num. 9; Ps. 45; Song 7; Heb. 7

May 3. Num.10; Ps. 46,47; Song 8; Heb. 8

May 4. Num.11; Ps. 48; Isa. 1; Heb. 9

May 5. Num.12,13; Ps. 49; Isa. 2; Heb. 10

May 6. Num.14; Ps. 50; Isa. 3,4; Heb. 11

May 7. Num.15; Ps. 51; Isa. 5; Heb. 12

May 8. Num.16; Ps. 52-54; Isa. 6; Heb. 13

May 9. Num.17,18; Ps. 55; Isa. 7; James 1

May 10. Num. 19; Ps. 56,57; Isa. 8-9:7; James 2

May 11. Num. 20; Ps. 58,59; Isa.9:8-10:4; James 3

May 12. Num. 21; Ps. 60,61; Isa.10:5-34; James 4

May 13. Num. 22; Ps. 62,63; Isa. 11,12; James 5

May 14. Num. 23; Ps. 64,65; Isa. 13; 1 Pet. 1

May 15. Num. 24; Ps. 66,67; Isa. 14; 1 Pet. 2

May 16. Num. 25; Ps. 68; Isa. 15; 1 Pet. 3

May 17. Num. 26; Ps. 69; Isa. 16; 1 Pet. 4

May 18. Num. 27; Ps. 70,71; Isa. 17,18; 1 Pet. 5

May 19. Num. 28; Ps. 72; Isa. 19,20; 2 Pet. 1

May 20. Num. 29; Ps. 73; Isa. 21; 2 Pet. 2

May 21. Num. 30; Ps. 74; Isa. 22; 2 Pet. 3

May 22. Num. 31; Ps. 75,76; Isa. 23; 1 John 1

May 23. Num. 32; Ps. 77; Isa. 24; 1 John 2

May 24. Num. 33; Ps.78:1-37; Isa. 25; 1 John 3

May 25. Num. 34; Ps.78:38-72; Isa. 26; 1 John 4

May 26. Num. 35; Ps. 79; Isa. 27; 1 John 5

May 27. Num. 36; Ps. 80; Isa. 28; 2 John 1

May 28. Deut. 1; Ps. 81,82; Isa. 29; 3 John 1

May 29. Deut. 2; Ps. 83,84; Isa. 30; Jude 1

May 30. Deut. 3; Ps. 85; Isa. 31; Rev. 1

May 31. Deut. 4; Ps. 86,87; Isa. 32; Rev. 2

June1. Deut. 5; Ps.88; Isa. 33; Rev. 3

June 2. Deut. 6; Ps.89; Isa. 34; Rev. 4

June 3. Deut. 7; Ps.90; Isa. 35; Rev. 5

June 4. Deut. 8; Ps.91; Isa. 36; Rev. 6

June 5. Deut. 9; Ps.92,93; Isa. 37; Rev. 7

June 6. Deut. 10; Ps.94; Isa. 38; Rev. 8

June 7. Deut. 11; Ps.95,96; Isa. 39; Rev. 9

June 8. Deut. 12; Ps.97,98; Isa. 40; Rev. 10

June 9. Deut. 13,14; Ps.99-101; Isa. 41; Rev. 11

June 10. Deut. 15; Ps.102; Isa. 42; Rev. 12

June 11. Deut. 16; Ps.103; Isa. 43; Rev. 13

June 12. Deut. 17; Ps.104; Isa. 44; Rev. 14

June 13. Deut. 18; Ps.105; Isa. 45; Rev. 15

June 14. Deut. 19; Ps.106; Isa. 46; Rev. 16

June 15. Deut. 20; Ps.107; Isa. 47; Rev. 17

June 16. Deut. 21; Ps.108,109; Isa. 48; Rev. 18

June 17. Deut. 22; Ps.110,111; Isa. 49; Rev. 19

June 18. Deut. 23; Ps.112,113; Isa. 50; Rev. 20

June 19. Deut. 24; Ps.114,115; Isa. 51; Rev. 21

June 20. Deut. 25; Ps.116; Isa. 52; Rev. 22

June 21. Deut. 26; Ps.117,118; Isa. 53; Matt. 1

June 22. Deut.27-28:19; Ps.119:1-24; Isa. 54; Matt. 2

June 23. Deut.28:20-68; Ps.119:25-48; Isa. 55; Matt. 3

June 24. Deut. 29; Ps.119:49-72; Isa. 56; Matt. 4

June 25. Deut. 30; Ps.119:73-96; Isa. 57; Matt. 5

June 26. Deut. 31; Ps.119:97-120; Isa. 58; Matt. 6

June 27. Deut. 32; Ps.119:121-144; Isa. 59; Matt. 7

June 28. Deut. 33,34; Ps.119:145-176; Isa. 60; Matt. 8

June 29. Josh. 1; Ps.120-122; Isa. 61; Matt. 9

June 30. Josh. 2; Ps.123-125; Isa. 62; Matt.10

July 1. Josh. 3; Ps.126-128; Isa. 63; Matt. 11

July 2 Josh. 4; Ps.129-131; Isa. 64; Matt. 12

July 3. Josh. 5-6:5; Ps.132-134; Isa. 65; Matt. 13

July 4. Josh. 6:6-27; Ps.135-136; Isa. 66; Matt. 14

July 5. Josh. 7; Ps.137,138; Jer. 1; Matt. 15

July 6. Josh. 8; Ps.139; Jer. 2; Matt. 16

July 7. Josh. 9; Ps.140,141; Jer. 3; Matt. 17

July 8. Josh. 10; Ps.142,143; Jer. 4; Matt. 18

July 9. Josh. 11; Ps.144; Jer. 5; Matt. 19

July 10. Josh. 12,13; Ps.145; Jer. 6; Matt. 20

July 11. Josh. 14,15; Ps.146,147; Jer. 7; Matt. 21

July 12. Josh. 16,17; Ps.148; Jer. 8; Matt. 22

July 13. Josh. 18,19; Ps.149,150; Jer. 9; Matt. 23

July 14. Josh. 20,21; Acts 1; Jer. 10; Matt. 24

July 15. Josh. 22; Acts 2; Jer. 11; Matt. 25

July 16. Josh. 23; Acts 3; Jer. 12; Matt. 26

July 17. Josh. 24; Acts 4; Jer. 13; Matt. 27

July 18. Judg. 1; Acts 5; Jer. 14; Matt. 28

July 19. Judg. 2; Acts 6; Jer. 15; Mark 1

July 20. Judg. 3; Acts 7; Jer. 16; Mark 2

July 21. Judg. 4; Acts 8; Jer. 17; Mark 3

July 22. Judg. 5; Acts 9; Jer. 18; Mark 4

July 23. Judg. 6; Acts 10; Jer. 19; Mark 5

July 24. Judg. 7; Acts 11; Jer. 20; Mark 6

July 25. Judg. 8; Acts 12; Jer. 21; Mark 7

July 26. Judg. 9; Acts 13; Jer. 22; Mark 8

July 27. Judg.10-11:11; Acts 14; Jer. 23; Mark 9

July 28. Judg.11:12-40; Acts 15; Jer. 24; Mark 10

July 29. Judg.12; Acts 16; Jer. 25; Mark 11

July 30. Judg.13; Acts 17; Jer. 26; Mark 12

July 31. Judg.14; Acts 18; Jer. 27; Mark 13

August 1. Judg. 15; Acts 19; Jer. 28; Mark 14

August 2. Judg. 16; Acts 20; Jer. 29; Mark 15

August 3. Judg. 17; Acts 21; Jer. 30,31; Mark 16

August 4. Judg. 18; Acts 22; Jer. 32; Ps. 1,2

August 5. Judg. 19; Acts 23; Jer. 33; Ps. 3,4

August 6. Judg. 20; Acts 24; Jer. 34; Ps. 5,6

August 7. Judg. 21; Acts 25; Jer. 35; Ps. 7,8

August 8. Ruth 1; Acts 26; Jer. 36,45; Ps. 9

August 9. Ruth 2; Acts 27; Jer. 37; Ps. 10

August 10. Ruth 3,4; Acts 28; Jer. 38; Ps. 11,12

August 11. 1 Sam. 1; Rom. 1; Jer. 39; Ps. 13,14

August 12. 1 Sam. 2; Rom. 2; Jer. 40; Ps. 15,16

August 13. 1 Sam. 3; Rom. 3; Jer. 41; Ps. 17

August 14. 1 Sam. 4; Rom. 4; Jer. 42; Ps. 18

August 15. 1 Sam. 5,6; Rom. 5; Jer. 43; Ps. 19

August 16. 1 Sam. 7,8; Rom. 6; Jer. 44; Ps. 20,21

August 17. 1 Sam. 9; Rom. 7; Jer. 46; Ps. 22

August 18. 1 Sam. 10; Rom. 8; Jer. 47; Ps. 23,24

August 19. 1 Sam. 11; Rom. 9; Jer. 48; Ps. 25

August 20. 1 Sam. 12; Rom. 10; Jer. 49; Ps. 26,27

August 21. 1 Sam. 13; Rom. 11; Jer. 50; Ps. 28,29

August 22. 1 Sam. 14; Rom. 12; Jer. 51; Ps. 30

August 23. 1 Sam. 15; Rom. 13; Jer. 52; Ps. 31

August 24. 1 Sam. 16; Rom. 14; Lam. 1; Ps. 32

August 25. 1 Sam. 17; Rom. 15; Lam. 2; Ps. 33

August 26. 1 Sam. 18; Rom. 16; Lam. 3; Ps. 34

August 27. 1 Sam. 19; 1 Cor. 1; Lam. 4; Ps. 35

August 28. 1 Sam. 20; 1 Cor. 2; Lam. 5; Ps. 36

August 29. 1 Sam. 21,22; 1 Cor. 3; Ezek. 1; Ps. 37

August 30. 1 Sam. 23; 1 Cor. 4; Ezek. 2; Ps. 38

August 31. 1 Sam. 24; 1 Cor. 5; Ezek. 3; Ps. 39

September 1. 1 Sam. 25; 1 Cor. 6; Ezek. 4; Ps.40,41

September 2. 1 Sam. 26; 1 Cor. 7; Ezek. 5; Ps.42,43

September 3. 1 Sam. 27; 1 Cor. 8; Ezek. 6; Ps.44

September 4. 1 Sam. 28; 1 Cor. 9; Ezek. 7; Ps.45

September 5. 1 Sam.29,30; 1 Cor.10; Ezek. 8; Ps.46,47

September 6. 1 Sam. 31; 1 Cor.11; Ezek. 9; Ps.48

September 7. 2 Sam. 1; 1 Cor.12; Ezek.10; Ps.49

September 8. 2 Sam. 2; 1 Cor.13; Ezek.11; Ps.50

September 9. 2 Sam. 3; 1 Cor.14; Ezek.12; Ps.51

September 10. 2 Sam.4,5; 1 Cor.15; Ezek.13; Ps.52-54

September 11. 2 Sam. 6; 1 Cor.16; Ezek.14; Ps.55

September 12. 2 Sam. 7; 2 Cor. 1; Ezek.15; Ps.56,57

September 13. 2 Sam.8,9; 2 Cor. 2; Ezek.16; Ps.58,59

September 14. 2 Sam. 10; 2 Cor. 3; Ezek.17; Ps.60,61

September 15. 2 Sam. 11; 2 Cor. 4; Ezek.18; Ps.62,63

September 16. 2 Sam. 12; 2 Cor. 5; Ezek.19; Ps.64,65

September 17. 2 Sam. 13; 2 Cor. 6; Ezek.20; Ps.66,67

September 18. 2 Sam. 14; 2 Cor. 7; Ezek.21; Ps.68

September 19. 2 Sam. 15; 2 Cor. 8; Ezek.22; Ps.69

September 20. 2 Sam. 16; 2 Cor. 9; Ezek.23; Ps.70,71

September 21. 2 Sam. 17; 2 Cor.10; Ezek.24; Ps.72

September 22. 2 Sam. 18; 2 Cor.11; Ezek.25; Ps.73

September 23. 2 Sam. 19; 2 Cor.12; Ezek.26; Ps.74

September 24. 2 Sam. 20; 2 Cor.13; Ezek.27; Ps.75,76

September 25. 2 Sam. 21; Gal. 1; Ezek.28; Ps.77

September 26. 2 Sam. 22; Gal. 2; Ezek.29; Ps.78:1-37

September 27. 2 Sam. 23; Gal. 3; Ezek.30; Ps.78:38-72

September 28. 2 Sam. 24; Gal. 4; Ezek.31; Ps.79

September 29. 1 Kings 1; Gal. 5; Ezek.32; Ps.80

September 30. 1 Kings 2; Gal. 6; Ezek.33; Ps.81,82

October 1. 1Kings 3; Eph. 1; Ezek.34; Ps.83,84

October 2. 1Kings 4,5; Eph. 2; Ezek.35; Ps.85

October 3. 1Kings 6; Eph. 3; Ezek.36; Ps.86

October 4. 1Kings 7; Eph. 4; Ezek.37; Ps.87,88

October 5. 1Kings 8; Eph. 5; Ezek.38; Ps.89

October 6. 1Kings 9; Eph. 6; Ezek.39; Ps.90

October 7. 1Kings 10; Phil. 1; Ezek.40; Ps.91

October 8. 1Kings 11; Phil. 2; Ezek.41; Ps.92,93

October 9. 1Kings 12; Phil. 3; Ezek.42; Ps.94

October 10. 1Kings 13; Phil. 4; Ezek.43; Ps.95,96

October 11. 1Kings 14; Col. 1; Ezek.44; Ps.97,98

October 12. 1Kings 15; Col. 2; Ezek.45; Ps.99-101

October 13. 1Kings 16; Col. 3; Ezek.46; Ps.102

October 14. 1Kings 17; Col. 4; Ezek.47; Ps.103

October 15. 1Kings 18; 1Thess.1; Ezek.48; Ps.104

October 16. 1Kings 19; 1Thess.2; Dan. 1; Ps.105

October 17. 1Kings 20; 1Thess.3; Dan. 2; Ps.106

October 18. 1Kings 21; 1Thess.4; Dan. 3; Ps.107

October 19. 1Kings 22; 1Thess.5; Dan. 4; Ps.108,109

October 20. 2Kings 1; 2Thess.1; Dan. 5; Ps.110,111

October 21. 2Kings 2; 2Thess.2; Dan. 6; Ps.112,113

October 22. 2Kings 3; 2Thess.3; Dan. 7; Ps.114-115

October 23. 2Kings 4; 1Tim. 1; Dan. 8; Ps.116

October 24. 2Kings 5; 1Tim. 2; Dan. 9; Ps.117,118

October 25. 2Kings 6; 1Tim. 3; Dan. 10; Ps.119:1-24

October 26. 2Kings 7; 1Tim. 4; Dan. 11; Ps.119:25-48

October 27. 2Kings 8; 1Tim. 5; Dan. 12; Ps.119:49-72

October 28. 2Kings 9; 1Tim. 6; Hos. 1; Ps.119:73-96

October 29. 2Kings 10,11; 2Tim. 1; Hos. 2; Ps.119:97-120

October 30. 2Kings 12; 2Tim. 2; Hos. 3,4; Ps.119:121-144

October 31. 2Kings 13; 2Tim. 3; Hos. 5,6; Ps.119:145-176

November 1. 2Kings 14; 2 Tim. 4; Hos. 7; Ps.120-122

November 2. 2Kings 15; Titus 1; Hos. 8; Ps.123-125

November 3. 2Kings 16; Titus 2; Hos. 9; Ps.126-128

November 4. 2Kings 17; Titus 3; Hos. 10; Ps.129-131

November 5. 2Kings 18; Philem.; Hos. 11; Ps.132-134

November 6. 2Kings 19; Heb. 1; Hos. 12; Ps.135-136

November 7. 2Kings 20; Heb. 2; Hos. 13; Ps.137,138

November 8. 2Kings 21; Heb. 3; Hos. 14; Ps.139

November 9. 2Kings 22; Heb. 4; Joel 1; Ps.140,141

November 10. 2Kings 23; Heb. 5; Joel 2; Ps.142

November 11. 2Kings 24; Heb. 6; Joel 3; Ps.143

November 12. 2Kings 25; Heb. 7; Amos 1; Ps.144

November 13. 1Chron.1,2; Heb. 8; Amos 2; Ps.145

November 14. 1Chron.3,4; Heb. 9; Amos 3; Ps.146,147

November 15. 1Chron.5,6; Heb. 10; Amos 4; Ps.148-150

November 16. 1Chron.7,8; Heb. 11; Amos 5; Lk.1:1-38

November 17. 1Chron.9,10; Heb. 12; Amos 6; Lk.1:39-80

November 18. 1Chron.11,12; Heb. 13; Amos 7; Luke 2

November 19. 1Chron.13,14; James 1; Amos 8; Luke 3

November 20. 1Chron.15; James 2; Amos 9; Luke 4

November 21. 1Chron.16; James 3; Obad. 1; Luke 5

November 22. 1Chron.17; James 4; Jonah 1; Luke 6

November 23. 1Chron.18; James 5; Jonah 2; Luke 7

November 24. 1Chron.19,20; 1Pet. 1; Jonah 3; Luke 8

November 25. 1Chron.21; 1Pet. 2; Jonah 4; Luke 9

November 26. 1Chron.22; 1Pet. 3; Micah 1; Luke 10

November 27. 1Chron.23; 1Pet. 4; Micah 2; Luke 11

November 28. 1Chron.24,25; 1Pet. 5; Micah 3; Luke 12

November 29. 1Chron.26,27; 2Pet. 1; Micah 4; Luke 13

November 30. 1Chron.28; 2Pet. 2; Micah 5; Luke 14

December 1. 1Chron.29; 2Pet. 3; Micah 6; Luke 15

December 2. 2Chron.1; 1John 1; Micah 7; Luke 16

December 3. 2Chron.2; 1John 2; Nahum 1; Luke 17

December 4. 2Chron.3,4; 1John 3; Nahum 2; Luke 18

December 5. 2Chron.5-6:11; 1John 4; Nahum 3; Luke 19

December 6. 2Chron.6:12-42; 1John 5; Hab. 1; Luke 20

December 7. 2Chron.7; 2John 1; Hab. 2; Luke 21

December 8. 2Chron.8; 3John 1; Hab. 3; Luke 22

December 9. 2Chron.9; Jude 1; Zeph. 1; Luke 23

December10. 2Chron.10; Rev. 1; Zeph. 2; Luke 24

December 11. 2Chron.11,12; Rev. 2; Zeph. 3; John 1

December 12. 2Chron.13; Rev. 3; Haggai 1; John 2

December 13. 2Chron.14,15; Rev. 4; Haggai 2; John 3

December 14. 2Chron.16; Rev. 5; Zech. 1; John 4

December 15. 2Chron.17; Rev. 6; Zech. 2; John 5

December 16. 2Chron.18; Rev. 7; Zech. 3; John 6

December 17. 2Chron.19,20; Rev. 8; Zech. 4; John 7

December 18. 2Chron.21; Rev. 9; Zech. 5; John 8

December 19. 2Chron.22,23; Rev. 10; Zech. 6; John 9

December 20. 2Chron.24; Rev. 11; Zech. 7; John 10

December 21. 2Chron.25; Rev. 12; Zech. 8; John 11

December 22. 2Chron.26; Rev. 13; Zech. 9; John 12

December 23. 2Chron.27,28; Rev. 14; Zech. 10; John 13

December 24. 2Chron.29; Rev. 15; Zech. 11; John 14

December 25. 2Chron.30; Rev. 16; Zech.12-13:1; John 15

December 26. 2Chron.31; Rev. 17; Zech.13:2-9; John 16

December 27. 2Chron.32; Rev. 18; Zech.14; John 17

December 28. 2Chron.33; Rev. 19; Malachi 1; John 18

December 29. 2Chron.34; Rev. 20; Malachi 2; John 19

December 30. 2Chron.35; Rev. 21; Malachi 3; John 20

December 31. 2Chron.36; Rev. 22; Malachi 4; John 21

Thank you and my God cause you to have a deep hunger for the things of righteousness.

ALL 66

2009-12-26T23:13:00.001-08:00

The stage is set, the bible is your sword and time is your enemy. Can you endure that challenge of “All 66”? It will cost you, it won’t be easy and at it times it will just be out right hard but the reward is immeasurable and well worth it. “All 66” will require 365 days of dedication and 365 days of discipline. Many have attempted this challenge before but never made it through, will your fate be the same?

Starting January 1^st “All 66” will begin. “All 66” is a challenge for Christian women and men to either accept or decline. It asks Christians to begin on a journey starting January 1^st in Genesis 1 that entails reading through all 66 books of the Bible taking you to the end of the year and the end of the Bible. To see the exact reading schedule and break down of the chapters see “All 66 Reading Schedule”.

“All 66” Reading schedule is based off of a Daily Reading Regimen as opposed to weekly or monthly goals. I believe a daily reading regimen will encourage the Christian who has accepted the challenge to truly take time out every day and Dedicate it to Jesus. In result this will create Devotional Time and encouraging prayer and meditation on the word. “All 66” daily reading regimen will also promote Discipline and Endurance in a Christians day to day Life Style. By keeping to the calendar one can easily adjust readings and just in case a day of reading is skipped one can start up and keep track effortlessly. We will make the calendar Bible size so that you can keep it in your Bible or maybe even tape it to the inside cover. We will also do monthly reading reviews with discussion and questions.

I pray this challenge creates a hunger in you to dedicate time to Christ at least once a day in 2010. I hope it bares fruit of discipline and endurance in your life so that you can run the race with all your heart. I pray that you are divinely inspired by reading in the word and by the end of it have a strong foundation in who you are and what you believe as a Disciple of Jesus Christ. I pray that God rewards you with great Joy in knowing Him More. The scriptures are the Living Word of God and are the Authority and Standard to which we are all under. The scriptures are a Gift straight from Heaven and should not be taken lightly. So I pray you take the challenge and try your best through the year.

Thank you and my God cause you to have a deep hunger for the things of righteousness.

When was Jesus Born ?

2009-12-25T16:33:00.000-08:00

I thought this was interesting. It was a blog posting a pastor made in regards to the date of Jesus birth. I thought it gave a clear response to the speculation made of the actual date. I am posting this to compliment my previous posting. I feel that it may help express the main theme which is that the actual day of Jesus birth is not of true importance. This is simply because scripture does not tell us, although it does give us real FANTASTIC historical clues. What is important is the actual event and what it meant to all of creation. The celebration of December 25th has obviously lost its true drive to marketing and commercialism and the actual celebration is merely a tradition. So we must always remember what is at the center of it all and that is Jesus. Merry Christmas to all and have a great New Year . . .

Have a look.

There is simply no clarity regarding the timing of Jesus’ birth.

The Scriptures do not speak directly to the issue, but the presence of flocks in the field has caused many to question the traditional December date of Christmas. This is because grazing in the field seemingly indicates a milder climate than that of winter, although there are reports of occasional breaks, for upwards of a few weeks, in the rainy winter season.

Commentator William Hendriksen raises an interesting point as well: “At this season of the year many roads in that region are impassable. No government would have forced people to travel then to the places where they must be registered" (New Testament Commentary: Luke, vol. 11, 150).

On the other hand, New Testament scholar Darrell Bock shows that while “some Jewish traditions argue for grazing in the period from April to November,” others note “that these restrictions are limited to sheep ‘in the wilderness’” (Luke 1:1-9:50, 226-227). Furthermore, a section of Talmudic literature (M. Šeqal. 7.4) “implies year-round grazing, because the Passover lambs graze in February, which has the harshest weather of the year. Thus, this reason for rejecting the tradition is not definitive" (Ibid., 227).

The traditional December 25 date of Jesus’ birth originated during the reign of the Roman emperor Constantine (A.D. 306–337). As Bock describes, the December 25 date

coincided with a pagan feast of Saturnalia, or the rising of the sun from darkness. . . . But the tradition for the date may go back even further, since it may be mentioned by Hippolytus (A.D. 165–235) in his Commentary on Daniel 4.23.3. . . . However, Hippolytus’s meaning is disputed, as it is unclear whether he is referring to the date of the birth or the date of the conception. If it is the latter, then a December date is presented, but the reference is unclear. Alongside the possible third-century testimony for a December date stands Clement of Alexandria’s testimony (ca. A.D. 200) for an April/May date (Ibid., 227).

Without a clear date for Jesus’ birth, it seems the early church simply seized the opportunity that the pagan feast of Saturnalia provided. The feast celebrated the return of the sun after weeks of ever-increasing darkness, which parallels the biblical metaphor of Jesus illuminating our dark world. Furthermore, Saturnalia included the sharing of gifts, which corresponds to the gifts given to Jesus by the Magi and the gift of salvation Jesus gives.

In the West, the date of December 25 was established by the time of Augustine. Unlike the Western Church, the Eastern Church observes Christmas on January 6, as the day that both Jesus was born and the Magi visited him.

Additionally, determining the year of Jesus’ birth with exact precision is incredibly complex. The two gospels that speak in greatest detail about Jesus’ birth (Matthew and Luke) are unclear on this point. Therefore, it seems most wise to say that it was 5 or 4 B.C., as those are the years nearly every evangelical scholar accepts after looking at all of the evidence.

In the end, the year and date of Jesus’ birth are apparently not a significant issue because God did not find them valued enough to clarify in Scripture, which simply says it happened “in the fullness of time.”

By, Mark Driscoll
Preaching Pastor at Mars Hill Church

Thank you and my God cause you to have a deep hunger for the things of righteousness.

Christmas, a day celebrated for an eternity!

2009-12-17T21:23:00.000-08:00

The Trees are lit, light bulbs hang from roofs and snow men smile in retail stores in plenty, it must be that time of year. People are running around buying the latest toys and greatest gadgets and working hard to complete the wish lists of all their loved ones. It seems at times the whole world is up in flames of celebration. Some are celebrating family, some friends, some health, there are those celebrating prosperity and a good year. Some people are celebrating a cultures perseverance, some it is a tradition and I am sure there are a few that are celebrating just to celebrate. All of these things are great reasons to celebrate and do have their significance I am sure, but I must say there is a celebration that supersedes all of these reasons in meaning and purpose.

All though the year uncertain and cannot be known for sure,(prob. around 200 A.D.) December 25^th was established as the day that all mankind would recognize Gods visitation to humanity in the form of a baby. Hence the celebration of Christmas. It was a day set to celebrate it every year and to always remember what God did for mankind and how he revealed Himself.

The day God ordained for this to come to pass (the actual birth of the Christ) as the scriptures tell us was in the days of Herod the King of Judea about 2000 years ago. This was the day that God gave mankind true joy and true victory, love, purpose and yes something to CELEBRATE! This day supersedes anything that has ever taken place in all of history and this marks creations most memorable moment. To know what He did and how He impacted everyone in His path you would have to read books called Luke, Matthew, Mark and John. After reading them only then you can see who God truly is and what this day is truly about.

You see it is more than a Tradition for traditions can be forgotten and replaced and this day is more than a culture for cultures can change and die out. This day is a thing written not on calendars but on men and woman’s hearts. This is not a day or an event that can be merely expressed through giving of gifts and decorating with lights. It cannot be celebrated in one day in one year or in one life. This day is not about a day but about a man and His name was and is Jesus. He will be celebrated not in a day but in all eternity.

With Jesus you find something to celebrate. Without him it is just gifts, malls and Tradition. I pray you find the reason for all seasons, AMEN.

" And the angel answered her , "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will over shadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called Holy the Son of God.

Luke 1:35

Thank you and my God cause you to have a deep hunger for the things of righteousness.

Who is the one true living God ?

2009-11-21T15:39:00.000-08:00

Okay, it is time for you to show off a little of what you know about God.

For example...

Who is He ?
Who has He revealed Himself to be in the word of God ?
What are some of His names and attributes ?

You tell me what you know about God through the scriptures. Have fun with it !

All you have to do is post a comment bellow. Please leave your name under Comment/URL and just fill out the Name portion then click post comment.

WHO IS GOD ? TEACHING STARTS DECEMBER 2ND !!!!

Thank you and my God cause you to have a deep hunger for the things of righteousness.

The fork in the road...

2009-10-14T12:53:00.000-07:00

Today while completing my school application for Southwestern I was asked a series of interview questions pertaining to the field and study that I wanted to go into. One of the questions I was asked is what I will be discussing bellow. The question is as follows...

-Explain your decision to follow Jesus Christ as Lord.

Now, you are probably wondering what is the big deal with this question, I mean why is Chris writing the very first R3 post on this question right? Well to be honest I have no real reason for making this the first post other than the mere fact that I decided to. So you probably should not read too much into it...

But, I will say this...

I thought this question was a complete misrepresentation of what Jesus has so supernaturally done in my life. You see when the recruiters of the seminary asked me about my decision to follow Jesus I could only assume that they meant, why did I decide or choose to trust in Jesus? Now before I go off on a tangent... I would like to note that their might be a slight possibility that the school was referring to after my salvation. But if this was the case they really should have clarified (now back the point). I feel that this was a complete misrepresentation to what Christ has done in my life and it belittles God himself. You see, I guess I could have answered the question by stating that every day I wake up and do my Christian work out starting out with a hardy bowl of Fruits of the spirit loops followed by a set of righteous push up's, a nice couple of laps around the neighborhood and a firm sturdy decision to follow Jesus because its the right thing to do here in America but this just is not the case. I could say that everyday when I come to that Fork in the road were one has to make the decision to do the right thing or the wrong thing, to sin or to serve God that I muster up enough strength to do the right thing. But once again this just is not the case. This "decision" to follow Jesus really is not a decision at all and to say it is just takes away from, steals even, from the most wonderful event that has happened to me in my life. To be honest with you when I come to that fork in the road of life and need to make a decision to be a sinner or a servant, to choose God or Satan I unrelentingly would always default to sinner instead of servant if it were not for the irresistible glory of God. If this magnum decision of choosing Jesus or the world was truly up to me I would never do what was right. You might say then that I am just too weak willed and I honestly would have to agree with you, I am. If it was not for the Holy Spirit in me ever drawing me closer to the finish line I would never make it to the finish line. It is because of Him inside me; it is because He turned my heart of stone into a heart of flesh that I am able to see Him. You could say that it was a true act of God.

I also desire to make it clear that when you claim that your salvation is a decision made on your own account you have belittled God's most amazing display of love which was Christ's sacrifice on the cross. If Jesus’ act of sacrifice to reconcile man was made for just those who made the right decision, how trivial would it have been? Would if no one chose to, or would if one day I did and the next day I did not. Would we just have to hope that the day I die I chose God...? And these are simple surface level questions...

To answer their question directly I would have to say that the reason I decided to follow Jesus was because I had and still have a deep burning conviction to do so. It is because my heart has been captivated by the most compelling Truth of all existence.

Thank you and may God cause you to have a deep hunger for the things of righteousness

C.Sortini

If you would like to read my actual response to the application question I have added it bellow.

1. I feel that to properly answer or to explain my decision of following Jesus Christ one would have to look into the recesses of my heart and soul and from there you will be able to really understand this decision. You see my decision to follow Jesus was and is in my opinion less of a decision and more of a supernatural event. I found that before I served Jesus I had a desire for the things of the world. I was concerned with money popularity, my future and how I would make all these things come to pass in the way I wanted and saw fit. I was materialistic consumed with how I presented myself, how I looked and what people thought of me. If I would have been honest with myself I would have seen that life was about me and what I wanted. Although I knew Jesus and did proclaim Him as my savior serving Him was not my priority. Presenting my body as an instrument of righteousness was not always my first concern. I put other things first before God they were Idols and in a place of preeminence. But God had His way in my life.

Even at a young age I had always felt and heard God’s call on my life to be in the ministry, to be a servant of God and specifically a preacher. Although I ignored this call and pursued my own dreams and aspirations there was nothing I could do to escape the providential hand of the Almighty God. In the midst of my sin and arrogance he captured my heart squeezing me dry of all the things that did not glorify Him. With love, faith, hope and the testimony of His son I was left wanting nothing else but Him and more of Him. Stuck in this paradox of hunger and satisfaction I desired and desire still nothing else other than Jesus and Him glorified. So ironically my decision to follow Jesus was not really a decision at all I was pulled out of the fiery pits of hell by the mere mercy of God. Every day I wake up compelled with a conquering irresistible conviction to serve God and although I am a sinner still I cannot and will not ever serve another. So to answer the question directly I would say that my decision to follow Jesus Christ is due to the fact that I can serve no other and do nothing else but serve Him.