What you are about to read is what some would define as a testimony. I hope those who might read this will come away with hope, renewed faith, new faith, or even an opening of the heart and mind to seek more.
Since May 2007, when Kim & I got married, I graduated college and we headed to our new residence in Northeast Tennessee, a lot has happened. In these three and a half years, I worked full-time as a temp employee for only eight of the forty-three months we resided here. The rest of the time I worked part-time, mostly at a local fitness facility. It was during this time that God was doing most of the work. It was in my day-to-day struggles of seeking full-time employment here, there and everywhere, that Christ was teaching me, molding me, and refining me into a better, more mature person. There were a few instances where things got quite tight financially. But it was in these times, God showed up to remind us Who was in charge and that where Scripture states that if He provides for the birds of the air and the fish of the sea, that He will surely meet the needs of those whom He has entrusted and created to rule over these animals. He came through every time in all sorts of different ways. It was in these instances that increased our trust and faith in Christ.
Also, needless to say, I had some free time on my hands. And in no way am I boasting or patting myself on the back, but I was able to develop a daily time with my Savior. And it has been in this time of Scripture reading, prayer, devotions and being quiet to meditate upon Him and His Word that I am most thankful. For had I worked full-time, perhaps I would not have been able to build a stronger, more secure foundation. And had I not been blessed and fortunate to have the opportunity to develop this time, who knows how I would have behaved and acted when times did seem a bit harder. But it was by His plan and love that the Holy Spirit within stirred me and motivated me to want to spend this time with Him. And it was in this time that His greatest work took place. He has taught me so much. He has revealed even more to me. And He has refined me, thus allowing me to see things about myself that I didn't know existed. Sinful things about myself that are selfish. I now realize things about me that I was unaware of prior to this and though it has been difficult to realize that these thoughts and actions come from myself, I am grateful that Christ has let them be known to me. For it is in this process, that God is bringing such darkness to the surface, scraping these things slowly away, and allowing His light to shine forth. It is here that He is increasing my knowledge, my strength, my Christian maturity, and my faith. And to me, this is the best thing that could have ever taken place.
Only God knows why He needed 3.5 years to work upon me in this manner. But I know one thing, I am thankful, I am blessed and I am excited to see how He wishes to use me. In this time, I have also seen my wife grow and begin her own journey. It is from God's work upon my heart that He has used my personal spiritual growth to be put on display for her to see. And it is here she has come to desire more of Him. And for that I can only sing His praises. It excites me to see how He will use us as a Christian couple.
We hear it so often and witness it everyday, but we live in a country that is selfish, greedy, covetous, and lustful. We live at a time where more and more people are impatient and want things at the next split second. And if they do not get it, they handle it poorly and place blame on anyone and anything except at themselves.
My prayer is that you slow down. To examine your life. To question things. To seek. To not live for yourself but for others. And to look a little closer at Jesus Christ and who He was while He lived here on earth and who He is today. And may you come away from reading a little about my life these past few years to realize that hard times, discouraging times come to us all. It is how we handle them that matters. It is who you rely upon and trust that will help you out. Not to make things easier at the snap of a finger. But to rely and trust Someone beyond yourself and your own human energy, mind, and strength. We live in a sinful world. Therefore, bad things are going to happen and they will happen to everyone: good and bad, Christian & nonbeliever. It is how we handle them that matter. This earth we live on is temporary. This life we currently have is short. It is what is to come that truly matters.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Why is it so hard for people to believe in God? Why is it even harder to believe in Jesus?
One can sit back and look at a clear night sky. One can drive across the country and see the various landscapes that make up our own country. One can think of things in their life, big and small, and understand that something outside of their own power was the real reason those things occurred. These things are because of God.
But how do you know? Where's the real proof?
Those questions are what seem to keep people from believing. People want proof. We think that this world, the happenings, and our lives should work just like one big mathematical problem where X+Y=XY.
It all boils down to faith. Faith in a being and happenings unknown to us and unseen. Humans seem to struggle with this. Is it out of arrogance that we think we deserve to know and have to know the meaning and an answer to everything that goes on?
Of course if you have trouble with the any of the above, you will definitely have trouble with your motives and approach to reading Scripture out of the Bible.
One false teachings we hear from such pastors as Joel Osteen is a message called the Prosperity Gospel. This is the teaching that if you do a good thing and give so much of your finances to the church then God will reward you with more material things and wealth. Sorry to burst your bubble but it doesn't work that way. You serve others out of love for them and out of reverence and love of Christ. You do not do it in hoping that you will be rewarded with more stuff and more money. This thought is basically the same as the whole concept of karma. God doesn't work that way.
Faith and our motive is the key. Is your motive in giving money to a homeless man selfish? Meaning, for example, are you giving to this person in need only because if you help them it makes you feel better about yourself, that you did a good deed and that your good deed will equal to an earthly reward in some way? If that is your thinking then your motive for doing it is wrong. We humble ourselves to help others to show them Christ's love. It isn't about us at all. It's about God and about others.
Jesus is God in human form. He humbled himself to be born to poor people in a setting that none of us would really want to endure. He did this so that we couldn't ever say, "Well, God doesn't know, He doesn't understand because He has never faced this situation." God does understand. God can relate because of Jesus. Jesus was physically beaten. He was gossiped about. His name was slandered. He was shunned and ignored. He was cussed at. He was made fun of. He was looked upon as an outcast. He struggled at times in regards to food supply. He was tempted. So if the Son of God lived in this manner, why do we think that by becoming a Christian everything is going to be "hunky dory" and everything is going to be perfect. Are we better than Jesus. No way! We are going to face trials. We are going to have to endure difficult times and situations in our lives. And the only way to get through this is by trusting God. Putting our trust and faith in Him. Believing that in whatever circumstances we face, in the end, it will all work out. And you know when we might see how things did work out for the good? It might not be until next week, next month, next year, or later. Heck, we might not see the result in such until we die and are in eternity. We are so selfish and impatient. We want what we want and overlook what we only need. We want things to happen right this second and if they don't we get all bent out of shape.
For example, I'm learning that when I get cut off or someone pulls out in front of me while i'm driving to not get all upset at that person but instead to thank the Lord above for protecting me and keeping me safe. Nothing happened to me.
My prayer for those who have no faith or weak faith is to first off realize that your life isn't about you. Things aren't always going to go your way. Bad things are going to happen. Yet also know that good things will too. Everything isn't always going to be perfect. Also, this world is too big to know everything. This solar system is too big to know everything. Our minds are too small to understand and know everything. Therefore, why are we so arrogant, selfish and prideful to think that we will and should know everything. That there has to be an explanation. That's dumb to think that. Understand that there are things you will not know, you will not understand and things that cannot be explained. And it is in this that you will begin to begin the process of wrapping your mind around what it means to have faith. And it is here you will begin to understand God. And it is here you will be able to hear the Gospel message, read the Bible in a different light.
One can sit back and look at a clear night sky. One can drive across the country and see the various landscapes that make up our own country. One can think of things in their life, big and small, and understand that something outside of their own power was the real reason those things occurred. These things are because of God.
But how do you know? Where's the real proof?
Those questions are what seem to keep people from believing. People want proof. We think that this world, the happenings, and our lives should work just like one big mathematical problem where X+Y=XY.
It all boils down to faith. Faith in a being and happenings unknown to us and unseen. Humans seem to struggle with this. Is it out of arrogance that we think we deserve to know and have to know the meaning and an answer to everything that goes on?
Of course if you have trouble with the any of the above, you will definitely have trouble with your motives and approach to reading Scripture out of the Bible.
One false teachings we hear from such pastors as Joel Osteen is a message called the Prosperity Gospel. This is the teaching that if you do a good thing and give so much of your finances to the church then God will reward you with more material things and wealth. Sorry to burst your bubble but it doesn't work that way. You serve others out of love for them and out of reverence and love of Christ. You do not do it in hoping that you will be rewarded with more stuff and more money. This thought is basically the same as the whole concept of karma. God doesn't work that way.
Faith and our motive is the key. Is your motive in giving money to a homeless man selfish? Meaning, for example, are you giving to this person in need only because if you help them it makes you feel better about yourself, that you did a good deed and that your good deed will equal to an earthly reward in some way? If that is your thinking then your motive for doing it is wrong. We humble ourselves to help others to show them Christ's love. It isn't about us at all. It's about God and about others.
Jesus is God in human form. He humbled himself to be born to poor people in a setting that none of us would really want to endure. He did this so that we couldn't ever say, "Well, God doesn't know, He doesn't understand because He has never faced this situation." God does understand. God can relate because of Jesus. Jesus was physically beaten. He was gossiped about. His name was slandered. He was shunned and ignored. He was cussed at. He was made fun of. He was looked upon as an outcast. He struggled at times in regards to food supply. He was tempted. So if the Son of God lived in this manner, why do we think that by becoming a Christian everything is going to be "hunky dory" and everything is going to be perfect. Are we better than Jesus. No way! We are going to face trials. We are going to have to endure difficult times and situations in our lives. And the only way to get through this is by trusting God. Putting our trust and faith in Him. Believing that in whatever circumstances we face, in the end, it will all work out. And you know when we might see how things did work out for the good? It might not be until next week, next month, next year, or later. Heck, we might not see the result in such until we die and are in eternity. We are so selfish and impatient. We want what we want and overlook what we only need. We want things to happen right this second and if they don't we get all bent out of shape.
For example, I'm learning that when I get cut off or someone pulls out in front of me while i'm driving to not get all upset at that person but instead to thank the Lord above for protecting me and keeping me safe. Nothing happened to me.
My prayer for those who have no faith or weak faith is to first off realize that your life isn't about you. Things aren't always going to go your way. Bad things are going to happen. Yet also know that good things will too. Everything isn't always going to be perfect. Also, this world is too big to know everything. This solar system is too big to know everything. Our minds are too small to understand and know everything. Therefore, why are we so arrogant, selfish and prideful to think that we will and should know everything. That there has to be an explanation. That's dumb to think that. Understand that there are things you will not know, you will not understand and things that cannot be explained. And it is in this that you will begin to begin the process of wrapping your mind around what it means to have faith. And it is here you will begin to understand God. And it is here you will be able to hear the Gospel message, read the Bible in a different light.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
No more waiting...
Well, after 2.5 years of seeking, searching, refining, learning, growing, applying, being rejected and waiting I soon will have a job. I have accepted a contingent offer to work with the Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati as an entry level Plant Operator 1.
My wife and I are a bit nervous about the whole transition and new road that we are about to embark upon. But we are excited nonetheless.
We will be looking forward to what lies ahead for us up there and how He will use us.
Getting to be closer to family and friends will be very nice.
My wife and I are a bit nervous about the whole transition and new road that we are about to embark upon. But we are excited nonetheless.
We will be looking forward to what lies ahead for us up there and how He will use us.
Getting to be closer to family and friends will be very nice.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
At a Stand-Still
I am thankful to be a believer and follower of Christ. I'm am thankful that the morals He desires have been instilled in me and continue to expand. I wonder what my life would look like if none of this existed. What path would I be going down if I didn't have my faith and trust, nor if I didn't have morals that stem from Christ and God's Word?
In my current state, I can understand where those who are not blessed to have this type of mindset and strong faith can lose it. I think I understand how people lose hope and resort to stealing and dealing drugs or doing whatever to make money, especially when attempting to make money the right way continues to not work out and have door after door close in your face. It's easy to become selfish and focus on yourself and the current situation. If one has a weak faith or no faith at all, taking this wrong direction is, more than likely, just a matter of time. But through daily prayer and daily time with God and His Word, on top of surrounding yourself with strong Christians, you find the needed hope, comfort and strength.
I have been job hunting since July 2008. I've worked some part-time jobs here and there. I currently work 12 hours a week and am grateful to be bringing in some type of income. For a little is better than none at all. However, it still gets discouraging to get told that you are not qualified for something (especially when that something is a job that requires no prior work experience) or you are unable to even get on as a volunteer at a local homeless shelter (you have to fill out an application and submit to work as a volunteer). Some days are harder than others. I focus more on the negatives and I start to feel sorry for myself. But in the end, I come back to the realization that God is in control. I am reminded that He tells us that we are just a little lower than angels, that we are more important than the animals of the earth, that He cares for them and meets their needs, therefore, He will surely take care of us and meet our needs. I also am reminded that we are on His time table and not ours. I think this is the hardest. Especially with the type of society we live in where patience is practically non-existent and our wants get in the way of what we really need. On top of that, we are easily consumed by selfish desires and feel the need to seek out self-pleasure for right now, without thinking of the long-term effects.
I do not know how much longer this refining, faith-building road I am on is going to last. I pray that it is not much longer because I am ready to be trusted to use my talents, gifts, and abilities to not only impact others but to finally get to be the husband that I desire.
I can only keep seeking Him everyday, trusting Him and His Word and keep trying in my looking of jobs and applying. I know something is going to work out. And when it does, I know it will be awesome and better than I could ever imagine.
In my current state, I can understand where those who are not blessed to have this type of mindset and strong faith can lose it. I think I understand how people lose hope and resort to stealing and dealing drugs or doing whatever to make money, especially when attempting to make money the right way continues to not work out and have door after door close in your face. It's easy to become selfish and focus on yourself and the current situation. If one has a weak faith or no faith at all, taking this wrong direction is, more than likely, just a matter of time. But through daily prayer and daily time with God and His Word, on top of surrounding yourself with strong Christians, you find the needed hope, comfort and strength.
I have been job hunting since July 2008. I've worked some part-time jobs here and there. I currently work 12 hours a week and am grateful to be bringing in some type of income. For a little is better than none at all. However, it still gets discouraging to get told that you are not qualified for something (especially when that something is a job that requires no prior work experience) or you are unable to even get on as a volunteer at a local homeless shelter (you have to fill out an application and submit to work as a volunteer). Some days are harder than others. I focus more on the negatives and I start to feel sorry for myself. But in the end, I come back to the realization that God is in control. I am reminded that He tells us that we are just a little lower than angels, that we are more important than the animals of the earth, that He cares for them and meets their needs, therefore, He will surely take care of us and meet our needs. I also am reminded that we are on His time table and not ours. I think this is the hardest. Especially with the type of society we live in where patience is practically non-existent and our wants get in the way of what we really need. On top of that, we are easily consumed by selfish desires and feel the need to seek out self-pleasure for right now, without thinking of the long-term effects.
I do not know how much longer this refining, faith-building road I am on is going to last. I pray that it is not much longer because I am ready to be trusted to use my talents, gifts, and abilities to not only impact others but to finally get to be the husband that I desire.
I can only keep seeking Him everyday, trusting Him and His Word and keep trying in my looking of jobs and applying. I know something is going to work out. And when it does, I know it will be awesome and better than I could ever imagine.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Johnny On The Spot
Well, it's been long enough. I have got away from this site for awhile. I am trying to figure out how I can post video blogs on here at times. I'm not even sure if you can. Anyway...
Lately, it seems that God has been revealing to me what He intended the local church body to truly be. Churches today, at least in the U.S., seem to go for comfort, looks, and pleasing anyone who walks through the door. Oh the luxuries of the American Dream grasping a hold of God's churches. They want the comfort of knowing every detail about what is going on, where it is taking place and how long. They seem to have conjured up the idea that spending millions of dollars on a building really matters to God and that if believers do not congregate, worship and fellowship inside this "Base for Christ" then church doesn't truly happen. They seem to think that everyone has to walk away feeling good about what they encountered all within a certain timeframe. Organization and structure are needed to an extent but not to the extent that it seems that fear overrides faith and when such a design hinders getting things accomplished and it holds back open and honest, real and true worship of the One we are claiming to come together for. We seem to have got off course with what the church is intended for. It's not about any of these, nor is it about committees, associations, and denominations. It's not about creating the best programs. It's not doing things on our own time, strength or from our own human ideas.
Here's what church is about:
It's about honest, real prayer. It's about coming together as one body (all ages and races/ethnicities) to worship Christ together out of reverence and love. Where that takes place, doesn't matter. At a home, at a school gymnasium or bank that you are borrowing to meet in, at a local theater, wherever. For when two Christian people come together with pure motives to worship and honor God, Christ is present and therefore you have church. For is our own body not God's Temple? It's about relationships.
Some form of structure is needed but it should not be one of the major focuses. A set format should not interfere with the way the Lord wants to conduct His service or who should contribute for His honor and glory. A leader should be present to keep the focus on Him and for things to run smoothly. After that, though, how worship happens, and for how long should not be planned out. Let God speak. Let God move. I can only imagine what would actually happen if we did not tell God when He had the floor to "do His thing." The God I serve and worship deserves more than what we give on Sunday mornings.
Lately, it seems that God has been revealing to me what He intended the local church body to truly be. Churches today, at least in the U.S., seem to go for comfort, looks, and pleasing anyone who walks through the door. Oh the luxuries of the American Dream grasping a hold of God's churches. They want the comfort of knowing every detail about what is going on, where it is taking place and how long. They seem to have conjured up the idea that spending millions of dollars on a building really matters to God and that if believers do not congregate, worship and fellowship inside this "Base for Christ" then church doesn't truly happen. They seem to think that everyone has to walk away feeling good about what they encountered all within a certain timeframe. Organization and structure are needed to an extent but not to the extent that it seems that fear overrides faith and when such a design hinders getting things accomplished and it holds back open and honest, real and true worship of the One we are claiming to come together for. We seem to have got off course with what the church is intended for. It's not about any of these, nor is it about committees, associations, and denominations. It's not about creating the best programs. It's not doing things on our own time, strength or from our own human ideas.
Here's what church is about:
It's about honest, real prayer. It's about coming together as one body (all ages and races/ethnicities) to worship Christ together out of reverence and love. Where that takes place, doesn't matter. At a home, at a school gymnasium or bank that you are borrowing to meet in, at a local theater, wherever. For when two Christian people come together with pure motives to worship and honor God, Christ is present and therefore you have church. For is our own body not God's Temple? It's about relationships.
Some form of structure is needed but it should not be one of the major focuses. A set format should not interfere with the way the Lord wants to conduct His service or who should contribute for His honor and glory. A leader should be present to keep the focus on Him and for things to run smoothly. After that, though, how worship happens, and for how long should not be planned out. Let God speak. Let God move. I can only imagine what would actually happen if we did not tell God when He had the floor to "do His thing." The God I serve and worship deserves more than what we give on Sunday mornings.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
A Time of Prayer
Prayer. How much faith do you as a Christian put in it? What are your motives behind it when you do pray? Is it important in your life?
If we can read in Scripture about Jesus taking time out to spend with His Father in prayer, shouldn't it be of great importance to us to do the same?
Look at how open and honest Jesus was to God in His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemene? He was open and honest with Him too. Did Jesus not ask God to take the upcoming path of being beaten and scorned and crucified away and ask Him if there was a better way to fulfill God's plan of salvation? But what was God's answer to His own Son? It was "no". God told Jesus no. So why do we imperfect humans get aggravated when our prayers are answered the same? When we do not get the response we want, let alone in the timely manner we think we deserve, why do we get angry and throw insults and doubt at God the Father?
God wants us to come to Him regardless of our situation. If things are going great for you, go to God in prayer. If things are not so good and you think your are barely holding on, go to God in prayer. But go in knowing that God hears you. Go not because you want something in return but because you just want to talk to Him and listen to Him. Go because you are excited just to bask in His presence and build upon your all's relationship. Go because you love Him, respect Him, revere Him, follow Him and you want to obey & serve Him. Go to Him in prayer knowing that He hears you and has already prepared the way for you regarding what you knock, seek, and ask. Go to Him knowing that as much as you have rationalized the idea or how much you'd like something to work out a certain way, go to Him with the trust and faith knowing that however the situation works out or whenever things turn the corner, you know the outcomes of the prayers lifted up by Moses and Abraham and Hannah and David. You remember His faithfulness to them and you can rest in knowing that those same things are promised to us.
It is not what we want but what He wants that should be our desire with all things. It is His will that we should seek for it is in relation to this that we will find true peace and joy. It is here we will be fully blessed.
So pray in all things. Pray in honesty. Pray in truth.
If we can read in Scripture about Jesus taking time out to spend with His Father in prayer, shouldn't it be of great importance to us to do the same?
Look at how open and honest Jesus was to God in His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemene? He was open and honest with Him too. Did Jesus not ask God to take the upcoming path of being beaten and scorned and crucified away and ask Him if there was a better way to fulfill God's plan of salvation? But what was God's answer to His own Son? It was "no". God told Jesus no. So why do we imperfect humans get aggravated when our prayers are answered the same? When we do not get the response we want, let alone in the timely manner we think we deserve, why do we get angry and throw insults and doubt at God the Father?
God wants us to come to Him regardless of our situation. If things are going great for you, go to God in prayer. If things are not so good and you think your are barely holding on, go to God in prayer. But go in knowing that God hears you. Go not because you want something in return but because you just want to talk to Him and listen to Him. Go because you are excited just to bask in His presence and build upon your all's relationship. Go because you love Him, respect Him, revere Him, follow Him and you want to obey & serve Him. Go to Him in prayer knowing that He hears you and has already prepared the way for you regarding what you knock, seek, and ask. Go to Him knowing that as much as you have rationalized the idea or how much you'd like something to work out a certain way, go to Him with the trust and faith knowing that however the situation works out or whenever things turn the corner, you know the outcomes of the prayers lifted up by Moses and Abraham and Hannah and David. You remember His faithfulness to them and you can rest in knowing that those same things are promised to us.
It is not what we want but what He wants that should be our desire with all things. It is His will that we should seek for it is in relation to this that we will find true peace and joy. It is here we will be fully blessed.
So pray in all things. Pray in honesty. Pray in truth.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Waiting
Why is it so hard to do? Waiting to see someone, waiting to go somewhere, waiting to hear back about something, waiting to see if she checked yes/no/maybe...we are all waiting for something today. In waiting, we find out how patient or impatient we can be. Now, if you are like me, some days display better patience than others. What drives us to want RIGHT THIS MINUTE? Why do we get like this? Maybe there is an iPhone application that can help me with this or do this waiting for me? I doubt it. And I'm glad. For it is in waiting that we can choose the broad way or the narrow way. It is in waiting that we can discover. We can discover God's timing. We can can discover endurance and faith in a new way. We can discover growth in our trust of God. We can discover more of God. And it is in this discovery that we can be content and not only discover God but His love. For if God is love and love is patient, God is patient. And it is in this patience that we must trust. It is in this patience that we must be faithful waiting.
For what we are waiting for is "Not mine but thy will be done."
It is this waiting that will give us "new bodies, a new heaven and new earth, rest and rewards, our eternal family and home, the absence of sin and suffering, and being face to face with Jesus! Rather than acting like impatient children as we wait for God's will to unfold, we need to have confidence in God's perfect timing and wisdom."
So I wait. I wait for a job to be offered to me so I can help provide for my wife. I wait for one of my many applications to fall into the right hand, at the right place/company, at the right time. I wait for Him to open up the door He has for me in the here and now, so the talents He has blessed me with can be used more abundantly. But for now, that's all I can do is wait. But waiting does not mean to idle. In this waiting, I trust Him. And in this trust, I go do the part-time job that I do have. And I lift each day up to Him and hope that I am hidden and He is seen. I wait, yet I continue to grow. I am able to grow because I trust. I trust because I know what He promises. And it is in all of this, that I can wait and work on my patience.
May we continue to seek Christ in prayer and in His Word daily. Trust and obey for there's no other way.
For what we are waiting for is "Not mine but thy will be done."
It is this waiting that will give us "new bodies, a new heaven and new earth, rest and rewards, our eternal family and home, the absence of sin and suffering, and being face to face with Jesus! Rather than acting like impatient children as we wait for God's will to unfold, we need to have confidence in God's perfect timing and wisdom."
So I wait. I wait for a job to be offered to me so I can help provide for my wife. I wait for one of my many applications to fall into the right hand, at the right place/company, at the right time. I wait for Him to open up the door He has for me in the here and now, so the talents He has blessed me with can be used more abundantly. But for now, that's all I can do is wait. But waiting does not mean to idle. In this waiting, I trust Him. And in this trust, I go do the part-time job that I do have. And I lift each day up to Him and hope that I am hidden and He is seen. I wait, yet I continue to grow. I am able to grow because I trust. I trust because I know what He promises. And it is in all of this, that I can wait and work on my patience.
May we continue to seek Christ in prayer and in His Word daily. Trust and obey for there's no other way.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Church
I've been thinking a lot lately about our churches. In various books I've read, one of the few reoccurring themes is that of racism/segregation of our churches. Granted that some areas of this country have less diversity than others, it is still embarrassing. To those on the outside, whether it be because they believe different or do not believe at all, they see the segregation that exists in our church. Go into most any Protestant church and what do you see, mostly all whites. Now go down the road, the street, down a couple of blocks and here you will find the "all-black" church(es). In some areas you can find the Korean, Vietnamese, Spanish, etc. churches. If we cannot put aside our differences and come together to fellowship, worship and praise Christ, what do we think is going to happen when we get to heaven? Heaven won't be broken up into sections where the whites hang out, the blacks hang out, the asians hang out, etc. We will all be bunched up together, finally as one, just like He desires and wants. I've read too many quotes from non-Christians and heard too many people outside the church who wonder how a group of people can claim to be followers of Christ, talk about His love and wanting to show it to others yet wonder why we can't even gather together with people who are of a different culture and skin color. And if we can't do this, how on earth can we ever truly be the Church we talk about being and truly show Christ's love? I wonder this. I think the first step to take is in doing away with denominations. But this will never happen here on earth because there are too many of us forgiven sinners who still push for our own ideas for church and push God's ideas aside all due to our comfort zone. I'd love to meet with Christians in a setting where it is a vast mixture of races and ethnicities, coming together with all their culture and differences to worship and praise God in our time together.
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