All posts tagged: purity

You do not fall into sin you slide into it!

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But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. James 1:14 Have you ever walked upon the skin or outer covering of a banana? It is one of the scariest and most dangerous slip and fall you will ever have. You begin with a slide. It may be a short slide, but at the end of that slide there is a very had fall. I want to use this scenario to describe how one falls into sin. First of all, no one ever wakes up in the morning and tells himself, “you know, today I feel like sinning. I feel like buying myself some crack or cocaine and just getting wasted. Or, you know I’m going to get myself a hot babe tonight and commit adultery.” But I am not sure that is the way people fall into sin. It is a long, gradual, progressive slide. A journey of …

Let the Bishop Speak: Longevity as a Christian and a minister

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My 12 year old daughter has been at youth camp for the past five (5) day at my spiritual Father’s church. Well, yesterday was the last day so I went to the church to pick her up. Before I did, I spend a few minutes with my spiritual father. I call him bishop, but his real name is Forrest. He told me a few awesome things that happened in my daughter’s life during the five days she spent there. How the Lord touched her the night before and watched streams of tears flow down her cheeks. He reminded me of the very same picture of me in 1992, a picture he kept in his mind and will never forget. A picture of me at an all night prayer meeting, just like my little girl, with streams of tears flowing down my cheeks. I thought about for a while and have not been able to shake the thought of the impact he has had on my life and now my daughter’s. Talk about affecting generations! What if …

Code of Ethics for Pastor

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We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. (2 Corinthians 6:3) Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. (Philippians 1:27) All who are called by God to the ministry of the gospel solemnly commit to a life of joyful obedience and selfless service in order to glorify God and enrich his people. Therefore, a minister will: Pursue Integrity I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things I have given willingly and with honest intent. (1 Chronicles 29:17) • in personal character. Exalt Christ, not self. Be honest, not exaggerating or overpromising; peace-loving, not contentious; patient, not volatile; diligent, not slothful. Avoid and, when necessary, report conflicts of interest and seek counsel. • in personal care. Care for the spiritual, mental, emotional and physical dimensions of your person, for “your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:19). • in preaching and teaching. Interpret the Bible accurately and apply it discerningly: …

Dropping the H bomb

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How little people know who think that holiness is dull. When one meets the real thing… It is irresistible. If even ten percent of the population had it, would not the world be converted and happy before a year’s end? C. S. Lewis Several years ago my spiritual father introduced something fresh, fun and honest among a group of  guys he was mentoring. He would shake your hand, than look you straight in the eye and ask you this question “are you living a holy life?” Thinking about it now, I think I will call it,  “The Accountability Hand-shake.” Within time everyone in the group was doing the same thing not only to members of the group, but to friends and love-ones. Eventually, everyone in our church community adopted the hand and look in the eye as a way to keep their friends accountable. Sometimes, our “how are you?” just don’t cut it. You usually get that – “I’m good and you?” response right back. In fact, most of our encounters as believers begin and stay …