We Were Never Meant To Fight Alone

Hello everyone!! I am writing this blog post in response to a wonderful night of fellowship and dinner at bible study on Wednesday.  We have been journeying through 1 Corinthians this past few weeks on Sunday and have been focusing in on what God has designed for His church.  And by His church, I do not mean the building, but the people who gather and journey together in their path towards Christ.  This past week we have focused specifically on the topic of church accountability.  In this broken and empty world we live in, following Christ can be a daunting task.  We are surrounded by stress, distractions, and temptations that draw us away from the closeness of God.  A life truly sold out for Him, should be challenging and uncomfortable, and full of difficult decisions

Left to our own devices, we certainly have an impossible task in understanding and carrying out God's will to our fullest.  At times, we need to rely on each other as believers to ensure we make proper decisions and to help each other break out of our broken habits to mature into stronger Christians.  Sometimes all we need is encouragement, or friendly advice.  Other times when we're really struggling, especially with sin, we really need a friend to rebuke us (with love).  I love Christ's example He laid down for his disciples, the first church,  when they began their ministry so long ago.  He sent them out in twos.  He knew that alone they would falter, become afraid, and ultimately fail.  But together they could better accomplish the mission He had given them.  We we never meant to fight alone.  

This week in bible study we divided up the group into men and women.  Us men began by opening up about the areas in our lives that we find it hard to remain close to God.  Then thought of practical ways we can help one another achieve success in it.  We committed to a communication system via texting to check in with one another throughout the week.  I really loved this idea, in that I have others not far away I can rely on life gets hard.  I am blessed to have such a great group of guys that aren't too proud to ask for help or too admit that they need help either.   I pray God surrounds you with others like this as well.   Until next time.   --James

Vessels of Wrath, Vessels of Mercy

Had an interesting talk with a Christian brother of mine at a local pub with some of other of our buddies from our bible study (I was not drinking however).  We had talked on many subjects relating to God and marriage, community, etc.  One discussion that stuck with me was on predestination.  It's one of John Calvin's main tenants and a topic that has been in debate in this Christian world for a long time.  I hadn't really heard of some of the scriptural references of this idea until that night.  My buddy brought up Romans 8-9, specifically in Romans 9.  Calvinists take this passage and postulate that God decides whom is he wants to save and whom is will not be saved, that god predetermines our fate, negating our free will to chose his grace.  I pondered the thought and can see where they might come to this conclusion based on the scripture's face value.  But all scripture must stand up against its context and other parts of God's word as well. 

I decided to ask a former pastor of mine to shed some light on the other side of the debate.  He states the passage referring to 'vessels of wrath' and 'vessels of mercy' refer back to Jeremiah 18:1-10. Paul in Romans is responding to the claim from the Jews that they are the 'chosen people', justified by their obedience  under the law.  But, God is just to blind an already rebellious people (Israel), referring to the potter analogy from Jeremiah, hence 'vessels of wrath'.  He is stating to the Romans that they, too, can be 'vessels of mercy'.  God is sovereign through Christ Jesus all can be made into righteous vessels, Jews and gentiles alike.  Admittedly I am still a little confused about this debate, and would love some feedback.  Let me know (from scripture) what you think. God Bless.

Unity In the Body

Had a great today! Decided to volunteer at Lifesongs Radio for a couple of hours to help out during their fall shareathon, their semiannual fundraiser to raise money to continue their radio ministry.  For those unaware, Lifesongs is New Orleans' Christian radio station.  They broadcast great contemporary Christian music as well as Christian talk radio programs.   

It made me think more about what we have been journeying through as a church recently.  We've been focusing on church unity this week.  By that I don't just mean unity within our individual churches, but on a larger scale, the unity within the whole church of God.  It felt good to come together with different believers who come from different Christian backgrounds to work for a cause that we all can agree on.  God wants this from all of us, Christian and non-Christians alike to work, live, play, and worship as one body, one people.  Love what Christ said about this:

The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.   (John 17:22-24 ESV)

 We are all made as one spiritually and need to unite our purpose under God.  This world strives to divide us and God's purpose for his church.  We must look past our differences and focus on the common truth as one body to be used for his Glorious plan for the world.  Until next time.

                                                                                          Blessings,

                                                                                                   James

Blog is back up and running

Hello my friends!! I got my blog revamped and I'll be blogging more frequently. I enjoy the versatility of the web and connecting with people online.  I am also working on a website that will post up my photos, music playlists, and other cool stuff.  Hope all is well with you guys. Feel free to subscribe, comment, or link up with me twitter, facebook, etc.  Love ya'll.