A Spin on the Lord's Prayer

Hey everbody! I hope you all had an awesome service in church today! I know I did. Todays post is about a thought that came to me as we sang a worship song which had been written based off the Lord's Prayer found in the Gospels according to both St. Matthew and St. Luke. For this post this from Matthew 6:9-!3

9  After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which aet in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

What I want for us to look at specifically is verse 10. The Kingdom come. Thy will be done in Earth, as it is in Heaven. Notice how the Holy Ghost had Apostle Matthew write "Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven,"? What did He (the Holy Ghost) mean by "in" Earth? He did not use the word "on" so as to say "on Earth", nor did He use the word "World", so as to say "in the World". So what did He mean. The truth is I do not know except in the manner it has traditionally been taught; in means on.

Now, let us shift to a familiar parable, the Parable of the Sower. In this parable Jesus likens the soils on which the Sower spreads his seed to our hearts. Correct? Okay, now allow me to ask a question. How many times have you said or heard a statement concerning "Head-knowledge"? Or, in other words, where we know in our minds who Jesus is, what the Bible says, about different doctrines and so on, but you or someone you know admits they do not, or did not, have Christ in their hearts? (I pray the latter is the case and since have come to Christ!)

With that in mind let's go back to Matt 6:10, "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." Replace the word "Earth" with Jesus's soil reference to our hearts, and "Heaven" with my head-knowledge reference. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in our hearts, as it is in our minds. this goes right to what is written in the Epistle of St. James in chapter 1 verse 22, "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only," because of  what the Bible says Jesus told His Disciples "If ye love me, keep my commandments." You see how it points right back to our heart? We love from the heart. It is written in Ez 36:26, "A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away your stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh." There is another earthy reference to our hearts, but this time it's hearts of stone. God also tells us what His will is: to completely remove the stony heart and replace it with a heart of flesh. Also, with Nicodemus, Jesus alludes to him having Head-knowledge in John 3:10 "Jesus answered and said unto him (Nicodemus), art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?" Nicodemus was a "Master", a teacher who may have been the equivalent of a Ph.D or like an Harvard professor, who had all sorts of knowledge and perhaps should've been one of Christ's Disciples. Except he lacked one (major) thing, Heart-knowledge. It was hardened to the Spiritual.

Anyway, I'm going to wrap this up by saying we may be able to look at this prayer example in a different perspective. I do not know if this is an acceptable example to be taught but hey, it's out of the box and, I believe, it kinda works. ("Kinda" is not a Theological term, I'm sure.) I do hope it was, at worst, a fun read; and, at best, the Holy Ghost uses it for His purposes.

In Christ's Peace, Joseph

Kim Walker "Fill Me Up"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWCgyMaWcDs&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Dream Big!

My Pastor while I was at Fire & Water International Church shared this story (Legend?) to get us to dream big because, as the this story shows, kings think on a different level than we non-king personal. But we have The King of kings who happens to be more kingy than even Elvis. On what level can Christ think? And on what level can He provide, seeing how the whole universe is His? I thought my Pedalship Cycling Ministry was a biggy, but He has shown me even more. Saint Philip the Evangelist Outreach is the Full Dealio! He has filled my heart with the desire to make it all happen. Pedalship, "Sanctuary" homes for the Recovering Addict, Disaster Relief and Reconstruction, Midnight Evangelism, and an idea that may be off-the-hook to be as self-sufficient as possible, if not completely, so its not "another church asking for money". I say this from an outsiders perspective. I know Pastors are continually working hard to do all that they desire to do, and accomplish, for the Kingdom with a "product" that is not for sale.

Pastor Gus continually reminds us that if we just do the possible, God will take care of the impossible. Thank you, Pastor Gus. I love ya and I'm grateful God put you in my life!

 So I will shut up now and let you read the story:

Years ago, a famous golfer was invited by the king of Saudi Arabia to play in a golf tournament. He accepted the invitation, and the king flew his private jet over to the United States to pick up the pro. They played golf for several days, and enjoyed a good time. As the golfer was getting on the plane to return to the United States, the king stopped him and said, "I want to give you a gift for coming all this way and making this time so special. Anything you want. What could I get you?"

Ever the gentleman, the golfer replied, "Oh, please; don't get me anything. You've been a gracious host. I've had a wonderful time. I couldn't ask for anything more."

The king was adamant. He said, "No, I insist on giving you something so you will always remember your journey to our country."

When the golfer realized that the king was resolute, he said, "Okay, fine. I collect golf clubs. Why don't you give me a golf club?"

He boarded the plane, and on his flight back home, he couldn't help wondering what kind of golf club the king might give him. He imagined that it might be a solid gold putter with his name engraved on it. Or maybe it would be a sand wedge studded with diamonds and jewels. After all, this would be a gift from the oil-rich king of Saudi Arabia.

When the golfer got home, he watched the mail and the delivery services every day, to see if his golf club had come yet. Finally, several weeks later, he received a certified letter from the king of Saudi Arabia. The U.S. professional thought that rather strange. Where's my golf club? he wondered. He opened the envelope, and to his surprise, inside he discovered a deed to a five-hundred-acre golf course in America. 

Why Are We Not Living Like This?

Howdy Peeps, Joe here. Last night as I was reading the Bible I happened upon this:

Acts Chapter 4 vss. 32-37 NIV

32. All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had.
33. With great power the Apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all.
34. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales
35. and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.
36. Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet.

I only have questions at this point. The first, obviously, is the title of this post, why are we not living like this? Has the Church sold out to Materialism? When did this stop being the example? When did it become ok to ask restaurants and stores to give there leftovers for the poor and hungry, instead of the church buying the food? Is it even Biblical to ask for the donated food? Do not get me wrong on that last one, I am unemployed and am grateful for food boxes, but at what cost is it coming to the churches and it's leaders? When did it become ok for ministers to have multi-million dollar homes and jets? Or even a new Beamer when someone in their congregation walks 3 miles to and from church because the person lost their vehicle do to layoff, injury or something else? It doesn't fit with Scripture, does it? I may be lacking understanding as I am no scholar, but something seems wrong to me.

Something to think about.
Love Joe

You Down With The Cost of Christ?

Anyone have an extra copy of The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer? You'd think it would be the World's shortest book since it can be condensed to one word = Everything! 
Matt 19:21 "Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me."

Peter Waldo and the "Waldensians", when they came to this verse, didn't debate the Theological meaning of what Jesus said, the Hermaneutical interpretations, and/or the Etymology of "all". They said, "Ok." Then did it. Are you ready? Jesus did not say go and make believers of all nations, but rather make mathēteuō of all nations. Matt. 28:19 "Go ye therefore, and teach (or make disciples of) all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:" the word "mathēteuō" is translated to "make disciples, teach." The word "Disciple" is from the Latin "discipulus", which means 'follower", "student", "learner", "pupil"; it doesn't mean believer.

So now, with that understanding, are you ready to be a Disciple, like Jesus wants, or a believer? CONSIDER THE COST OF OBEDIENCE. Read up on Dietrich Bonhoeffer's life, or better yet, Watchman Nee. You down with being made "perfect" as Jesus told that Rich Dude? I am.

Love, Joe.

Midnight Evangelism

While I was out pedaling my ride I kept noticing things lying around (behind fences on private property) that, at one time, I would've come back at night and grabbed to sell, recycle or keep. Of course I do not do that anymore but there are people that do. Then it donned on me, committing felonies as well as homelessness are not 9-5 M-F or only on certain Saturday activities or situations. People are either out on the streets doing illegal things or living on them from 10 pm until dawn. So who's down for some Midnight Evangelism with me in Phoenix's Inner City? Jesus said that when He returns it will be like a Thief in the Night. Well, I say we go pick Satan's pockets for Christ.

Taking Jesus's Words Out Of Context To Get People To Tithe

Good afternoon, everyone! Earlier I posted on Facebook that I would be sharing about a passage that I believe the church has been taking out of context and teaching almost the exact opposite of what Jesus' point was initially.

One thing I wish to say before I get into the Text is that I have yet to find a place in Scripture where, when Jesus was teaching, did He stop His train of though, teach something that completely different, then continue with His original topic. Having said that, let's find out what Jesus said and where the many churches and pastoral leaders are missing the point (And I credit Dr. John MacArthur for pointing this out in one of his Podcasts I was listening to.)

In The Gospel According to Saint Mark Chapter 12:35 - Chapter 13:2 it is written:

^{35 And Jesus answered and said, while he taught in the temple, How say the scribes that Christ is the Son of David?}

^{36 And David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The LORD said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool.}

^{37 David therefore himself calleth him Lord; and whence is he then his son? And the common people heard him gladly.}

^{38 And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces,}

^{39 And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts:}

^{40 Which devour widow' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: theses shall receive greater damnation.}

^{41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.}

^{42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.}

^{43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than they which have cast into the treasury;}

^{44 For all they did cast in of the abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.}

^{Ch. 13:1-2} 

^{1 And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!}

^{2 And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.}

 Ok, so we read that Jesus was in the Temple teaching and, after clearing up who He is, He goes on to warn the folks about the Scribes (the ones who made up Laws for Jews to follow) He told them how they love to wear fancy high dollar suits; love for people to come up to them in the marketplace saying hi and telling them how anointed they are; they love sitting in the front row or up on the stage during church services; eating dinner at Chez Pontius Pilate"s up in the Penthouse Restaurant; making old widows send in their tithes, offerings and "Love Gifts" until she's standing in Faith under a bridge, homeless; and finally filling their prayers with so many Father Gods it takes them 20 minutes to say " Lord, Please heal little Sally's booboo. Amen" After that He sits down and watches people drop their money in the plate and notices thr rich dropping $20, $30, $50 or whatever then hop in their Imported Chariots while checking out Facescroll on their phones. Then He sees that "certain widow", giving her last two pennies to the church. 

Here is where I believe church leaders are making a big mistake by taking what Jesus said out of context to increase their church bank accounts, and sadly their own wallets. They take the event of the old widow giving her last two coins to the church as doing it out of love and faith and she's going to be blessed for it. Jesus never mentions Love or Faith as being the reasons why she gives her last two coins. But what did He say just prior watching her? He warns of the ones who make up the rules. Right? And what is one thing He says they do? Devour widows homes! Notice how the Bible says, when she's approaching the Treasury, along came a "certain widow"? Why not just any old widow? The Holy Ghost is wanting us to know there is Something about this old widow that is unique. What we do not know for sure but maybe it was HER HOUSE that was devoured! So here's my point about the context, the story of the Widow has continuity with what Jesus was saying just prior to her happening on the scene. But not only that!! It has continuity with what is written in Chapter 13, verses 1 and 2! 

^{1 And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!}

^{2 And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.}

If you stop reading Mark 12 tonight then tomorrow night pick up at Ch 13, the first 2 verses seem completely random because in vs 3 is a completely different thing all together! So keep the first 2 verses in context with the end of Ch 12 and what do you get? A misled Disciple (Judas?) trying to justify the Prosperity Preaching of the times: Look at our HUGE MEGA CHURCH! And Jesus quickly reduced his argument to rubble, just as He did that Temple.

Something to think about the next time you're enticed to give beyond your means. I'm all for Tithing. Even giving more out of love and appreciation for Jesus and His Church. But please don't let reverse psychiatry trick you into having your house devoured. And pray for those who are misleading God's People.

Thank you. Love Joe.

The Addiction Cycle Explained In The New Testament

I originally posted this Nov. 10, 2013 on fb. Re-posting it here because I'm learning this whole blog process. Thank you for your understanding.

I wasn't able to get this posted before church this morning due to me excessively running my neck and the false belief I need coffee. However, as promised, here is the Cycle of Addiction (whether it be sex, drugs, alcohol, nose-picking, gambling etc., it was spelt out in clear Greek around 2000 years ago, by the Holy Ghost, in the infallible Word of God
James 1:14-15

14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

You see, when lust, or our desire for instant gratification, does the jiggy-jiggy with the things of the Tempter, lust conceives addiction, and addiction brings death.

Love Joe