Babel, Pentecost, & Paul

Well, i think that today went good at View Baptist Church. I'm getting to know some of the peoples there pretty well, though in an ironic turn of events there were more college than youth today. This mornings lesson was over the TOWER OF BABEL in Genesis 11 - what i liked most about the lesson was its connection to ACTS 2 and the story of PENTECOST. It is truly a testament that God can work even after the fall, after we sin... these were not superhuman people who spoke in tongues of fire in different languages, they were merely people who chose to be used by God, so God used them in a mighty way.

Tonight we looked at Philippians 1:1-11 after i played some sweet-awesome guitar praise and worship music (if i do say so myself - and since this is my blog i do!). Its quite amazing the depth at which the author Paul used certain words to convey such meaning. I still cant get over the concepts of being a bond-servant for Christ, intercessory prayer, and the fact that Paul would take the time to write these long letters. I mean, Paul sincerely cared about the people, the congregations he sent these letters too. It wasn't just some formal answering back against some injustice or heresy, there were letters in wish Paul poured himself out - and all this while he was in PRISON, most likely being beaten, tortured, and starved because of his faith.

It makes me wonder about those being persecuted in other countries, those we, including myself, often forget about while we sit in our american houses with our american cars, our american view of church while their church is underground because its against the law for them to worship, sometimes even know God. It was in times like this that Paul continued his ministry despite everything that was happening to him.

Now, thats FAITH!

For More info on Christian Persecution go to:
http://www.persecution.com/

- Daniel

What Are You Worth?

Have you ever set down and thought about your worth?
Have you ever asked if you are worth anything? Are you worthy before Christ?

Why do people not ask themselves these questions? Why do people hide from God most of their life? well, i am tired of the mundane and want to show the world the real and true Jesus, not just a tradtional-fashioned-sunday-special that cost 10% of your income. God, Jesus, The Holy Spirit is so very much more than that.

Here is something from this book I've been reading "God.com: Extreme Intimacy with an Interactive God" by: James Alexander Langteaux:

"It's been a while since I've seen that kind of rain [of the Holy Spirit]. It's becoming a memory trace, sepia-toned and fading fast. Things seem pretty dry, and the hearts of man seem to mirror the cracked, parched soil in our sin-drenched land. What has happened to the rain? Mark twain said that everyone talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it. Well, maybe its time we do something about the lack of precipitation in our land. Maybe its time we stop talking - stop our idol chatter - and start doing. I want to do something about the dryness that consumes this spiritually arid desert. I want to see the floodgates of heaven open and pour down heavy drops. Maybe it has nothing to do with the weather and everything to do with our idols - idols that have captured our imagination, passion, and time." (Pg. 142)

A-men
- Daniel