Blog 10-31-2011

Monday

PRaP 10-31-2011

Today is c2C Ministry 7th year anniversary!  Praise God for His favor and Grace!

 

Observation

 

I was at a park with a friend yesterday and we were watching the children play.  There were 3 brothers playing football and I saw the youngest fall on the sidewalk and scrape his knees and elbow.  The oldest brother came of to see if the younger was ok and the middle brother was angry at the older brother for knocking the younger down.  As they got up the middle brother was trying to get the older brother to take the hurt brother to mom who was around the corner and blurted out an obscenity to the young one.  We were floored to say the least to hear such language coming from such a small mouth.  Later on the parents came along the mom first and then the dad some time later and as they play I suddenly heard this burst of yelling but this time from an adult mouth.  Seem s the older son had said something the dad didn’t like and the dad was loud and almost boastful in the approach to this child and then while he was verbally lambasting the older the middle son began to get angry and had a glass bottle he accidentally dropped.  Thankfully the bottle didn’t break but immediately the dad jumped over to the other child and began hammering him about the bottle and was telling him to go through it in the trash can but his mom told him already it was ok to save it for something else he had wanted to do with it but the dad became more indignant with the child and I heard the child tell his dad that he hated him because of how he treats them.  After witnessing this whole fiasco I understood where the older child had learned his obscenities.  What’s the moral of my story today?  I saw how seeds of anger are sewn and how once that seed is sown how it spreads to the children.  Parents when you discipline your children do it in a way that doesn’t destroy them especially in the public arena.  Life is too short to be so indignant towards your children.  If you tear down a child for something they have done be sure you build them back up quickly or the anger will stay and will be handed down from generation to generation.  Now if you just said that you were disciplined the way your father disciplined them you need to break that chain of abuse.  I bet this family’s day had started at a local church.  We discipline in love not in anger.  Oh and if you just said spare the rod spoil the child.  It isn’t in the Bible look it up and read it again it is Proverbs 13:24

 

Colossians 3:19-21

¹⁹ Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

 ²⁰ Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

 ²¹ Fathers,^[a] do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

 

Peace and Agape Love,

Pastor Steve

PRaP

Hi everyone I want to thank you all for your prayers and support during this time of change in c2C Ministry.  Now that we have completed the 250 Events in the Life of Christ A Harmony of the Gospels I am going to take this week off in order to prepare for what God has next.  Thanks for your support and God bless you all.

Pastor Steve

Blog 10-20-2011

Thursday

 PRaP 10-20-2011  

           

 250 Events In The Life Of Christ/ A Harmony Of The Gospels Part 250

Section 3: Death And Resurrection Of Jesus Christ

“Jesus Ascends Into Heaven”

Mark 16:19-20

Luke 24:50-53

 

Mark:

¹⁹ After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. ²⁰ Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.

 

Luke:

⁵⁰ When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. ⁵¹ While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. ⁵² Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. ⁵³ And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.

 

250 events in the life of Christ.  Completed this day with the ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ to sit by the right hand of God.  What an amazing time on Earth those years of Christ walking physically here amongst the people.  Here’s the beauty of it.  He is still walking among us today.  Most cannot see Him or hear Him because of their sin and disbelief.  For most of those it is because the world has controlled their lives for so long that they have given up trying to hear Him and see Him.  I feel His presence all the time and I can see His face in those who believe.  I want more of Him and less of me.  The Bible is the greatest Love story ever written and it is still as relevant today as it was when it was first published.  It Is still the best selling book in history and is distributed in almost every language in the world ever spoken or written.  How can someone deny these things?  Free will.  Father in the name of Jesus we give You the praise honor and glory for Your Son Jesus Christ.  We give you all the praise honor and glory for Your plan.  We seek Your face.  We seek Your voice.  We seek Your presence with us this very moment in the name above all names in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

 

Peace and Agape Love,

Pastor Steve

STAY TUNED GOD HAS A MESSAGE FOR YOU!!!!

Blog 10-19-2011

Wednesday

 PRaP 10-19-2011  

           

 250 Events In The Life Of Christ/ A Harmony Of The Gospels Part 249

Section 3: Death And Resurrection Of Jesus Christ

“Jesus Appears To The Disciples In Jerusalem”

Luke 24:44-49                

 

⁴⁴ He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”

 ⁴⁵ Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. ⁴⁶ He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, ⁴⁷ and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. ⁴⁸ You are witnesses of these things. ⁴⁹ I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

 

How amazing is this?  This is the kind of thing we would all love to have.  An opening of our mind to understand the scriptures and see what Christ sees and know what Christ knows and have the ability to share it with others without flaw or fear.  Well we too can have that understanding if we are willing vessels of understanding.  For what He has done for those He will do for least of these.  That means that if we ask, seek, and knock, this door too will be opened for us.  It takes faith and a heart willing to be opened for Him.  So many of us say we are willing yet when it comes time for the receiving get scared and run away.  I myself ran on more than one occasion and there are times I let it go because of fear and sin in my life.  But through repentance and knowing the love of God have opened not only my heart but my eyes to allow Him to show me through His eyes what is seen by Him who is Grace.  The responsibility is great and the blessings greater.  I pray you will be so bold as to ask for understanding of the Scripture and see whit His eyes and feel with His heart and to touch with His hand and know that He is God.

 

Peace and Agape Love,

Pastor Steve

Blog 10-13-2011

Thursday

 PRaP 10-13-2011  

           

 250 Events In The Life Of Christ/ A Harmony Of The Gospels Part 248

Section 3: Death And Resurrection Of Jesus Christ

“Jesus Gives The Great Commission”

Matthew 28:16-20

Mark 16:15-18

 

Matthew:

¹⁶ Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. ¹⁷ When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. ¹⁸ Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

 

There you have it go out and make disciples of everyone.  Baptizing believers and teaching the ways of Jesus Christ to all who give an ear.  I have taken this commission to heart and strive to make disciples of all of you.  If you believe with your heart that Jesus rose from the grave and is alive this very day and repent of your sins and depend on Grace you are saved.  You have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit as your guide through this place we call life and listen to the small voice that tells you that you are loved beyond anything this world could offer and block out the loud voice that is telling you that you are not worth anything because Jesus paid the price for your sin and gave you beauty that no man can see and gave you worth that no person of this world can give.  Believe and be set free and when you are free share your freedom with the world…  Remember this one thing if Jesus Christ sets you free, you are free indeed!

 

Peace and Agape Love,

Pastor Steve

 

Blog 10-11-2011

Wednesday

 PRaP 10-12-2011  

           

 250 Events In The Life Of Christ/ A Harmony Of The Gospels Part 247

Section 3: Death And Resurrection Of Jesus Christ

“Jesus Talks With Peter”

John 21:15-25

 

WOOHOO ONE OF MY FAVORITES!!

 

¹⁵ When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”

   “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”

   Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

 ¹⁶ Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

   He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”

   Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

 ¹⁷ The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

   Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”

   Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. ¹⁸ Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” ¹⁹ Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”

 ²⁰ Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) ²¹ When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?”

 ²² Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” ²³ Because of this, the rumor spread among the believers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?”

 ²⁴ This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.

 ²⁵ Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.

 

There are a couple things here that I see personally and one is restoration of a relationship.  If you remember Peter denied Christ to save his own skin after boasting about standing next to Him even unto death.  Seems maybe he was just boasting a bit like men do.  But Peter is forgiven and restored to Christ but there is another lesson here and that is we should all follow Jesus.  I want you to read 15-17 and replace Peter’s name with your own name answer those questions that Jesus is asking of you today.

Peace and Agape Love,

Pastor Steve

Blog 10-11-2011

Tuesday

 PRaP 10-11-2011  

           

 250 Events In The Life Of Christ/ A Harmony Of The Gospels Part 246

Section 3: Death And Resurrection Of Jesus Christ

“Jesus Appears To The Disciples While Fishing”

John 21:1-14

 

¹ Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee.^[a] It happened this way: ² Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus^[b]), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. ³ “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

 ⁴ Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.

 ⁵ He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”

   “No,” they answered.

 ⁶ He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.

 ⁷ Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. ⁸ The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards.^{[c] 9} When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.

 ¹⁰ Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” ¹¹ So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. ¹² Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. ¹³ Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. ¹⁴ This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.

 

LET’S GO FISHIN!!!  This is just the beginning of an awesome event and one of my favorite events in the life of Christ.  What are these guys doing anyway.  Didn’t Jesus send them out into the world to spread the Good News about Jesus resurrection?  That’s OK they are having a meeting on the beach with breakfast and Jesus is the Chef how cool is that?  Wonder if they had coffee?

Peace and Agape Love,

Pastor Steve

Blog 10-10-2011

Monday

 PRaP 10-10-2011  

 250 Events In The Life Of Christ/ A Harmony Of The Gospels Part 245

Section 3: Death And Resurrection Of Jesus Christ

“Jesus Appears To Thomas”

Mark 16:14

John: 20:24-31

Mark:

14 Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.

John:

24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus[a]), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”

   But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

 26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

 28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

 29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

 30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe[b] that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Do you have to see to believe? Are you a doubting Thomas? Why is it in our human nature to doubt what God has said to be true. We have to see signs and wonders to believe that God is here amongst us. Here I give you a sign, a miracle if you will. If you are reading this with your eyes or hearing it with your ears then you are living breathing walking miracle of God. The miracles of Jesus are all around us. Why do you doubt these things they are so magnificant. The birds of the air the fish of the sea. How can you doubt knowing these things? Blessed are those who do not see yet believe.

Peace and Agape Love,

Pastor Steve

Blog 10-06-2011

Thursday

 PRaP 10-06-2011  

           

 250 Events In The Life Of Christ/ A Harmony Of The Gospels Part 244

Section 3: Death And Resurrection Of Jesus Christ

“Jesus Appears To The Disciples Behind Locked Doors”

Luke 24:36-43

John 20:19-23

 

Luke:

³⁶ While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

 ³⁷ They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. ³⁸ He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? ³⁹ Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”

 ⁴⁰ When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. ⁴¹ And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” ⁴² They gave him a piece of broiled fish, ⁴³ and he took it and ate it in their presence.

 

John:

¹⁹ On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” ²⁰ After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

 ²¹ Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” ²² And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. ²³ If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

 

WOW!!!!  How amazing that must have been for them!  He is a living breathing God sitting and eating with the disciples.  How much more evidence do you need?  He too will come and break bread with each and every one of us as He did the disciples.  Your belief in Him and that He is alive is enough for Him to come and sit with you at your table.  He seeks audience with you each and every day yet most ignore the promptings of their hearts.  As I sit here typing this I can feel His presence.  He is standing next to me looking over my shoulder as I share this with you.  He touched my shoulder and I almost fell out of my chair.  If you have never experienced this then you need to ask Him to show Himself to you that you may not only see Him but feel His presence in the room.  Most will say I am crazy or hallucinating but I promise you all I have in my system is a bottle of water and a cup of coffee.  Some will say that’s the problem.  For He will be here when you let Him but will stay away if you are not willing to open this door. “Peace be with you!”

 

Peace and Agape Love,

Pastor Steve

Blog 10-05-2011

Wednesday

 PRaP 10-05-2011  

           

 250 Events In The Life Of Christ/ A Harmony Of The Gospels Part 243

Section 3: Death And Resurrection Of Jesus Christ

“Jesus Appears To Two Believers Travelling On The Road”

Mark 16:12-13                  

Luke 24:13-35

 

Luke:

¹³ Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles^[a] from Jerusalem. ¹⁴ They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. ¹⁵ As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; ¹⁶ but they were kept from recognizing him.

 ¹⁷ He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”

   They stood still, their faces downcast. ¹⁸ One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”

   ¹⁹ “What things?” he asked.

   “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. ²⁰ The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; ²¹ but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. ²² In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning ²³ but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. ²⁴ Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”

 ²⁵ He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! ²⁶ Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” ²⁷ And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

 ²⁸ As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. ²⁹ But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.

 ³⁰ When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. ³¹ Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. ³² They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

 ³³ They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together ³⁴ and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” ³⁵ Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.

 

I need not add a thing

Peace and Agape Love,

Pastor Steve