I heard a speaker say this once. "We ask God, Why are their poor people in the world? Why are their starving people dying every night? God, Why aren't you doing anything? Well, God is asking us the same question"

We are the hands and feet of God. So if God's hands aren't healing, who's to blame?

The faith of the church

Acts 12: 1-16 (The message)

King Herod got it into his head to go after some of the church members. He murdered James, John's brother. When he saw how much it raised his popularity ratings with the Jews, he arrested Peter—all this during Passover Week, mind you—and had him thrown in jail, putting four squads of four soldiers each to guard him. He was planning a public lynching after Passover.

All the time that Peter was under heavy guard in the jailhouse, the church prayed for him most strenuously.

Then the time came for Herod to bring him out for the kill. That night, even though shackled to two soldiers, one on either side, Peter slept like a baby. And there were guards at the door keeping their eyes on the place. Herod was taking no chances!

Suddenly there was an angel at his side and light flooding the room. The angel shook Peter and got him up: "Hurry!" The handcuffs fell off his wrists. The angel said, "Get dressed. Put on your shoes." Peter did it. Then, "Grab your coat and let's get out of here." Peter followed him, but didn't believe it was really an angel—he thought he was dreaming.

Past the first guard and then the second, they came to the iron gate that led into the city. It swung open before them on its own, and they were out on the street, free as the breeze. At the first intersection the angel left him, going his own way. That's when Peter realized it was no dream. "I can't believe it—this really happened! The Master sent his angel and rescued me from Herod's vicious little production and the spectacle the Jewish mob was looking forward to."

Still shaking his head, amazed, he went to Mary's house, the Mary who was John Mark's mother. The house was packed with praying friends. When he knocked on the door to the courtyard, a young woman named Rhoda came to see who it was. But when she recognized his voice—Peter's voice!—she was so excited and eager to tell everyone Peter was there that she forgot to open the door and left him standing in the street.

But they wouldn't believe her, dismissing her, dismissing her report. "You're crazy," they said. She stuck by her story, insisting. They still wouldn't believe her and said, "It must be his angel." All this time poor Peter was standing out in the street, knocking away.

I find this story very confusing. Peter gets arrested, and the church decides to be praying for him constantly. There's nothing wrong with that, right? I mean, that's the way teh church should be, praying for each other in faith. But what's been revealved to me in this story is that the church didn't have any faith at all that God would rescue Peter. And this is what confuses me.
They were praying for Peter to be rescued, and when he was, they refused to believe it. something is missing here. The story says that When Mary ran to the house, it was packed with praying friends, people who were on their knees begging for Peter to be rescued by some miracle. While they were praying, A woman comes yelling "Peter is Alive! Your prayers have been answered!" And the people who are praying scoff her, and say that she's crazy. They had the attitude "There's no way that could ever happen".

Hold on a second. They were praying for Peter to be rescued, and when they hear Peter has been set Free, they are in disbelief.

Jesus said in Matthew 21:21-22 (NLT) “I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart.” I think people in North America aren't living raw enough. I think we're so domesticated and civilzed, that we don't live wirh a raw faith in God. If we lived with more faith, things would be happening.

Jesus is King

"At that time lived Jesus, a wise man, if he may be called a man; for he performed many wonderful works. He was a teacher of such men as received the truth with pleasure. . . .And when Pilate, at the instigation of the chief men among us, had condemned him to the cross, they who before had conceived an affection for him did not cease to adhere to him. For on the third day he appeared to them alive again, the divine prophets having foretold these and many other wonderful things concerning him. And the sect of the Christians, so called from him, subsists at this time"
writes Jewish historian Flavius Josephus(Antiquities, Book 18, Chapter 3, Section 1).

Consequently, to get rid of the report, Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace. Christus, from whom the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the
hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilatus, and a most mischievous superstition, thus checked for the moment, again broke out not only in Jud�a, the first source of the evil, but even in Rome, where all things hideous and shameful from every part of the world find their centre and become popular.
Writes Tactitus, Gentile Historian. Annals 15 -44

There's no denying that Jesus was born, breathed, and walked the earth. Even the veryt enemies of Christians, the Jewish people can't deny that Jesus was a real person. This only leads three conclusions, as CS lewis wrote:

Either He was a liar, a maniac, or he was telling the truth.

Jesus was a wise man. He taught of love, and hope. He preformed miraculous miracles before people's eyes. The only conclusion that the pharisees had was that he was demon posessed, because he casted out demons. But Jesus said that A kingdom divided against eachother would not stand. Was Jesus just plain crazy? well, judging by his teachings, i don't think so. if he was mental, he wouldn't be able to answer so many of the pharisees questions. Time after time the Jewish leaders tried to prove Jesus to be a phony, but Jesus outsmarted them every time. Now keep in mind that these leaders weren't just average joes. They pretty much spent every day knee deep in scripture all through childhood, and had most of it memorized. It would take someone with a decent head on his shoulders to outsmart these people.
So maybe Jesus was a liar. I think this is the biggest argument with people who don't follow his teachings. Well, I don't know about you, but if i were Jesus, and I were lying, i would have given it up. They had given Jesus chances to just give up, John 18:5-8, Luke 22:70, John 18:23, John 18:37) but he didn't go. He could have just said "You know what guys? I've been making this all up, I'm not the Messiah" but he didn't. He took it to death. I don't think i woudl take a lie to the grave. And all of the disciples who died terrible deaths because they refused to deny Jesus. They wouldn't give it up, because there was something to die for.

The account for Peter's death is in the 1911 Catholic encyclopedia. The romans threatened to crucify him, and this is what he said. "I don't deserve to die a death like my saviour. Crucify me upside down."

There's something real about Jesus. I'm here to tell you He is alive. And people think that being a Christian is all about rules, and donating money. Christianity is not a religion. Being a Christian is saying "Jesus, i don't know where you're taking me, but I will follow you." There's nothing religious about following Jesus. He promised the when you follow him, the Holy spirit will guide you through life, and give you the wisdom you need. This is what being a Christian is about. We are called to love each other, not condemn each other. Jesus threw his life on the table for us. This is how we are supposed to live for one another.

FREE!

Jesus came back, "God bless you, Simon, son of Jonah! You didn't get that answer out of books or from teachers. My Father in heaven, God himself, let you in on this secret of who I really am. And now I'm going to tell you who you are, really are. You are Peter, a rock. This is the rock on which I will put together my church, a church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out.
Matthew 16:17-18

This is an interesting passage. Jesus renamed the disciple Simon, "Peter", which means a rock. I have a few thoughts about these verses. Jesus said to this before the first church was born. How could Jesus call peter something that didn't exist? This tells me that what north america sees as the church isn't reality. This tells me that The church isn't an institution, or a gathering. The church is inside of us. The church is the body of Christ doing what God intends for this earth. The church isn't singing songs on sunday morning, or listening to a speaker. That stuff is great, but that's not it.
I look at this passage and i say to myself "So, where is this church?" Because to be honest, it's kind of hard to see. Isn't it interesting how Jesus used to word "Energy"? I mean, of all the words Jesus could describe the church as, compassionate, loving, wise, obedient. He chose energy. If we are so filled wtih energy, not even the gates of hell will be able to withstand us. did you catch that?

Energy will break down the gates of hell.

The first "Church" was born in the book of acts, and this is when the church was labeled as a Sunday morning gathering. I personally think we're missing it! The church is in the gathering, but it's not the gathering itself! The church is the body of Christ taking a stand and saying "Jesus is my life! And i will worship him, no matter who sees"

here's something to think about.. People in china are risking their lives, just to go underground and worship God together. Christians in china are being shot day by day, because they refuse to deny that Jesus is real. There's something going on. why would all these people risking their lives for a God they've never seen the face of? Because there's something real about Him. There's something real about Jesus. We live in a spiritually dry country. I look in church and i see people standing there; people who love God. REJOICE! I know it's a step, but raise your hands! You're Free? Is this not something to make a scene about? Why is it that it's so hard for everyone to make a stand? JESUS HAS COME FREE US ALL! WE'RE FREE!! AND NOTHING ELSE MATTERS!

We need to get over ourselves, and we need to remember that in the end, we will be on our knees infront of Jesus, and he will say "What did you do with the time I gave you?" Here's my question..

How do you want that conversation to go?

Ephesians 6: 10-20

10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we[c] are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.[d] 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.[e] 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.[f]

19 And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike.[g] 20 I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.

Meaningless: love, love, love

As i sit in Starbucks, with my Venti tea, i "can't help but overhear" the conversation of 2 middle-aged women. Alright, fine. I was listening. But I was given perspective on people of the world. They were talking about what consumes them. Which is Sex. Going out and drinking with the guys. Trying to be someone who they don't even want to be. These women are searching for acceptance so much, that they will completely conform into who they have to be to be accepted, and loved. And the funny thing is. They haven't found anything! How is it that after being under the sheets with anywhere from 3 or 4 to a hundred guys, at the age of 45 they haven't found what they are looking for?

I'm coming to the conclusion that they will never find love, or acceptance, because they're looking in the same place over and over again.

Eclesiastes 2: 1-8, 11

1 -3 I said to myself, "Let's go for it—experiment with pleasure, have a good time!" But there was nothing to it, nothing but smoke.

What do I think of the fun-filled life? Insane! Inane!
My verdict on the pursuit of happiness? Who needs it?
With the help of a bottle of wine
and all the wisdom I could muster,
I tried my level best
to penetrate the absurdity of life.
I wanted to get a handle on anything useful we mortals might do
during the years we spend on this earth.

4 -8 Oh, I did great things: built houses,
planted vineyards,
designed gardens and parks
and planted a variety of fruit trees in them,
made pools of water
to irrigate the groves of trees.
I bought slaves, male and female,
who had children, giving me even more slaves;
then I acquired large herds and flocks,
larger than any before me in Jerusalem.
I piled up silver and gold,
loot from kings and kingdoms.
I gathered a chorus of singers to entertain me with song,
and—most exquisite of all pleasures—
voluptuous maidens for my bed.

11 Then I took a good look at everything I'd done, looked at all the sweat and hard work. But when I looked, I saw nothing but smoke. Smoke and spitting into the wind. There was nothing to any of it. Nothing.

The king of Jerusalem of approximately 967 BC has as much wine, vast variety of food, slaves, sex, everything that a man could ever need right? And somewhere along his life journey, he writes about how meaningless life is. in the middle, where he could have just sat back in his comfort. But there's nothing extraordinary about this guy. I mean, somewhere in there, isn't this how we're all feeling? When we have everything, we're still not satisfied. So wouldn't anyone conclude that everything is meaningless? You want something, you don't care how high the brand is, you just want one that functions. A car, a hair straightener, a guitar, a computer, and then when you get one, it's not good enough. And it keeps going. No matter how greats our stuff is, we can find at least one thing wrong with it. This tells me that there's more than just the superficial. There's more than just stuff.
We're all looking for the same thing.. Love. And without unconditional love, everything is meaningless. Because our only pleasure will be in Love. If we're not loved, we don't have a reason to live. We die inside.

See, you can fill your life with as much stuff as you want, but in the end, there's only one thing that really maters. Why what's worth the risk?

We need to be accepted no matter what. I think a lot of people don't believe in Jesus, because of the love he talks about. People don't think they could ever be loved unconditionally, because they never have been. People have never experienced the feeling of being accepted no matter what, so they refuse to believe it. You know what? I've never seen a thousand dollars, but i know it's real. I've never seen the titanic underwater, so should i conclude that it's not real. Maybe.. Instead of not believing in God.. We should believe in Him until we're proved wrong. Because, i mean, is it worth the chance?

Take the risk. If you choose to follow Jesus, you will be filled with a joy, a hope, and a strength that will get you through anything. You will be able to accomplish things you never thought possible. You will be satisfied with nothing, and be so wealthy in love. People will look at you and say "I want what they have, Because they're real!" Life without God is meaningless. Life without love is meaningless.

God is love.

Community is important

So.. where is the community? I find it interesting, how complex our minds are. In your own mind, there is endless space. The mind has no limits, there is no end. What's amazing is that it's the same for all of us. In every one of us there is an endless world that the mind can travel in.

I walk around the mall, and see people not even acknowledging each other. No one holds the door open for each other anymore. We are so absorbed in these worlds that our minds are in, that we canèt step out of these worlds, and step into other peoples worlds. It seems that we are so focused on ourselves, that we're forgetting the importance of community.

Our thoughts will be the death of us. If we only have ourselves, and no one else, then our hearts will die. If there was no one to be there for us, no one to show us love, then we wouldn't be alive. We would be bitter and rotted. And i think a lot of our hearts are rotting away. It sounds terrible, but we are all living so absorbed in ourselves, that no one will want to be there for us. If you live a selfless life, then you will have people surrounding you when you go through pain. When you life a selfish life.. then you're not going to have anyone.

Let's stop investing in ourselves, and start investing in each other.