Concerning Christians

Hey Mus, I am doing very well my faith continues to grow blessing me regardless the circumstances. How are you doing at school and in life in general? I want you to feel free to email me at kap0320@ecu.edu so we can have a less public conversation, if you so desire if not I would still love for you to let me know your thoughts on my blog.

This has been the most difficult comment to respond to because; although it’s true it’s not right. It is an accurate statement that we all fall short of His glory and do not represent Him justly; however some are calling on His name without believing in Him in their hearts. I cannot make that determination only God can know someone’s heart, but when someone’s tongue and actions don’t coincide it is only by God’s power that any good comes from that person. If a person talks of God but acts of this earth, not only is that persons walk unhealthy it may be nonexistent. Also their false witness leads people away from the Lord. The doctrine they claim to have faith in is very clear what happens to people who live a double life or who find their faith unimportant. [So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.] Revelation 3:16 It is better to be cold in the faith then lukewarm for at least when you are cold you are not slandering the name of the Lord with your actions.

I do not write this message on a high throne; I myself have lead people away from the light with my actions. I confessed faith in my Savior many years before I believed in my heart of His divinity. It was during this time when I was the less useful to the one who is the Almighty Amen. It may be my firsthand experiences that let me know how detrimental a sinful lifestyle from a claimed Christian can be to His kingdom. I now pray I live a life that will show people His love and not lead a single soul, which He loves and values so very much, an inch farther from His path. Instead I pray I have the faith and strength to bring glory to His name with each and every one of my actions.

I want to commend you for distinguishing that the way these prejudices people you talk of live, is not the way Christ called us to live. It is for that reason I ask you not to look towards a flawed middle man to judge the truth in Christianity. And note a religious “Church goer” my not be a follow of Christ. When Jesus physical walked this earth many of the people who prosecuted Him, were the proud Pharisees. These very religious leaders nailed the Truth on the cross and tried to kill Him. Tried being the key word the truth can be covered and suppressed by the human flesh but never destroyed.

Serving

You may be the only Bible somebody reads. Do you portray the truth as accurately as humanly possible? Or do you hide your “play world” magazine inside your bible. In other words do you have the religion of Christianity without having the salvation from Christ?

If you do have the salvation only secured by the Messiah, then you are then called to follow the Master the Lord of all. [I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.] -John 13:15- If you are not saved, you first must understandable that God’s sacrifice was incomprehensible and at bare minimal deservers our all, in order to serve Him well. So I urge the nonbelievers and weak believers to first strengthen their relationship with Him before taking this next step of servitude to the creator of all. While keeping in mind that there is no such thing as a stagnate Christian we are either moving towards or away from Christ.

Jesus did not just tell us how to live He showed us, just as we are not called to know how to live but to live as we know we how to. [You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave…] -Philippians 2:5-7a-. This is a hard truth to swallow; we like to think that we are good enough, that we deserve to live a life that is better than that of a slave. Which is true but not because of our works, Jesus was perfect and even He washed the feet of those around Him. We are not worthy to even be His slave but, because of His grace we may serve Him as is the example He left us. [You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.]- John 15:14-15-.

For Jesus our Creator, Savior, and debt payer to call us friend means more than I even know, more than I can begin to describe. He is all these things for us and only asks that we follow what He was willing to do Himself. His command is love, so love we will. We who follow Christ will love all His children not just the ones who might benefit us, and we who felt His grace shall serve and worship Him and Him alone, not false idols such as money, fame, or flesh. I pray the receivers of grace and the followers of the Great one may submit there lives to Him so they may receive their blessings.

Nourish your Temple

I feel the need to reemphasize the fact that being a Christian is to be a follower of Christ that you no longer have to be a slave to things of this earth. That does include "good" things. Especially if the actions are not done for Godly reasons.

"Satan does not care if you try to keep the ten commandments, provided that you take the credit for keeping them. In fact, he will assist your moral resolve if you will do it that way. Satan does not mind if you come to church, or teach Sunday School, or preach, or work for the freeze or lobby for a human life bill, or seek prayer in the schools -- he's all in favor of whatever your moral agenda is, provided you rely on yourself instead of the Spirit of Christ and take credit for it yourself instead of humbly giving all glory to God. So do not be unprepared. Our adversary has a clever scheme by which he aims to ruin us and the church."
- John Piper-

That was a quote I heard in a Cru meeting Last Thursday. I found the quote and reread it a few times, not because I thought it was flawed, but because it spiritually body checked me to the ground. I have been trying to bring glory to His Awe mighty name, but this quote nailed one question in my mind. If you don’t bring glory by your works, by the fruit you bear than how do you praise Jesus Christ the Lord and Savior of all?

Using the knowledge bestowed upon me and talking to people I view as strong spiritual figures, I successfully vindicated my original hypotheses. Which is, good works do not lead to salvation but a good salvation leads to great works. So it is possible that someone seems to be bearing holy fruit on the surface but when you bite into the hypothetical fruit the inside is rotten. Be careful of these kinds of people for if you digest what they are saying it will ill your spiritual body.

The inside of a fruit and the core of a human are what really matters. It is possible to eat around a physical blemish on the surface of a fruit but if the fruit is not yet ripe there is no eating around it, even if the outside looks good and ready to eat. In the same way make sure your works are fully ripe not deceivingly presented. This does not mean if your core is ripe that you have His blessing to let the exterior of your fruit (your works) be bruised. For who would pick an extremely bruised piece of fruit to bring nourishment to their holy temple? And as Christian we are we not called to spread the good news bringing joy and nourishment to the ones we encounter? So grow and ripen your fruit on God's tree and keep your works as clean as possible so you may plant even more seeds for Christ. ‘And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.’ -Titus 2:7- NLT

‘Examine and test and evaluate your own selves to see whether you are holding to your faith and showing the proper fruits of it. Test and prove yourselves [not Christ]. Do you not yourselves realize and know [thoroughly by an ever-increasing experience] that Jesus Christ is in you--unless you are [counterfeits] disapproved on trial and rejected?’
-2 Corinthians 13:5- AMP

P.S.
Thanks again Janice for the Amplified Bible!

Hey, do you know I am a Christian?

Watch this video http://www.skitguys.com/store/detail/188/ I didn’t write this post with this video in mind in fact it was pretty much done when I saw this video but I just think you should watch it.

“Temptations are chances to tell God we love Him”, that’s in insert of a spontaneous conversation struck up around two am while going to brush my teeth in the bathroom with my friend Zach. This was after an extremely blessed day. It was blessed in the most amazing way. No, I didn’t get a bunch of good grades back or, win a prize and the cafeteria wasn’t serving my favorite food. It was blessed because God was working thru me, and I was letting Him shine with minimal fleshly interference. To compare this high to any earthly thing would be, to compare the budget of a Hollywood movie to the budget of a public elementary school production.

I came in to college equipped with God's armor ready for college to put a huge strain on my faith. On the contrary it is enabling my faith to grow immensely. Wipe that confused look off your face it is true that my faith was tested, tested well and often but it’s because its tested I have so many opportunities to glorify Him, and in return be blessed with His glory. James 1:1-4. Time and time again God proves His words as truth. The time I took strengthening my faith before I left was not wasted, time devoted to the glory of His kingdom never goes in vain. It is very possible without that extra commitment to Him, I might have fallen to many of the temptations that He helped me overcome. Extra may be a grammatical mess up for there is no sufficient amount of commitment that we, as humans, are even capable of obtaining, because He deserves it all. Extra relative to what I was giving Him is another story; I can always give Him more, growing my faith and happiness.

How I prepared to stay a strong Christian in an environment I thought would be strenuous, was simply by going faith out. What I mean is let it be known you are a Christian you will get either encouragement or opposition both of which strengthens your faith. So I ask what is there to be scared of, earthly rejections which is as good as garbage compared to the Lord. I started at orientation and haven’t looked back. God even wants the little things to glorify Him. Praying for my lunch in the cafeteria with people I just met might have been out of my comfort zone but it wasn’t out of His, nothing is out of His comfort zone. It was some of these “small” things I would usually forget at home like praising God for a Lunch or breakfast, out in public that have keep my focus on Him. And I have been reading more at night, instead of usually reading two or three chapters; I am usually reading four or five. One or two in the chapter I am in, right now that’s 2 Samuel, then some Psalm and/or Proverbs, for encouragement and wisdom. My prays have also been getting longer, because I have more things to pray, praise, give thanks, and repent to Him about.

All this has to do with trusting in Him completely, which I have been trying to do since I was saved. I started with the bigger things and just worked my way to trusting the smaller things to Him as well, but just like anything else when you concentrate on one thing it is harder to maintain your faith in another. That is way I am getting involved in big things too like BCM (Baptist Campus Ministry) and IV (Inner Varsity). There are a few more ministries I am dabbling in, but these two plus my Church when I find the perfect fit is going to be a handful. I want to be able to dive in and get involved and really fellowship with my ministry groups not just participate in them. God uses other to answer you prays and vice versa. God made us to have a relationship with Him above all things but also we are made to be in relationship with each other. Adam was lonely without Eve, and that was before sin existed. But also make sure you listen to God first and do not eat the fruit that God has forbidden. So what I try to do is ask people I trust to help me with a problem than pray to see what God is putting on my heart, it might be something that you wouldn’t be able to understand at that time without the support of a friend. Be bold with your faith and your faith will stay strong

Starting the Faith-ics (My testimony Continued)

This is the second part of my testimony to see the prequel go to “Developing the Faith-ics (My testimony)” posted 5-2-09

Thru crafty advertising on Brandon’s part and reviling knowledge by God’s grace, this next part of my saga begins inside the trusting doors of Gate City Baptist Church. The sun was closer to setting than rising; it was not a Sunday morning service, but a jaunty youth service. I remember taking surveillance, staying close to Brandon and Mike, a mutual best Friend of ours. I remember how uneasiness settled in corners of my mind where confidence usually roomed, feeling young and vulnerable. I was young and very vulnerable; every step I took towards Him was a feeble wobble at this stage, I could have easily fallen back by a breeze caused by someone whispering the devils bidding. God guarded me in this stage of weakness by surrounding me by Soulders in His arms. Gate city was not the church up the road, In-fact I had to drive past several churches to reach this particular church nestled on the outskirts of my home city of Greensboro. To a bystander the near twenty minute drive, to a church in which I only know the person who brought me, would not seem like the right church for me. On paper I would agree with this bystander but there was something alive in that room something that just felt right. Like that void in me was being filled.

The first few times I was there I kinda kept to myself, I wasn’t quiet by any means I don’t know if I know how to be quiet but I was not as out going around “them” as I usually am. I felt like I hypocrite like I was not worthy to clam to be as holy as my fellow beings in that youth room. I sort of felt like a wretch among some of God’s people. That I believe is one of the ways God humbled me into admitting that for the first 18 years of my life I did not have life. Which was hard to do considering 99% of my youth got saved by the age of like 7 (SF). I latter found out the only reason it was hard was because I was tiring to find the strength to become a Christian on my own. All I had to do was trust in the Lord and give my life to Him.

I don't remember all that was said that faithful day I said the pray of salvation, I couldn't tell you what I was wearing or even if it was a Sunday or a Wednesday night, but I do remember how alive the Holy Spirit felt inside me. I also remember Jay, my youth minster, talking about the time we have left on this earth. He was talking how we are not even guaranteed to arrive home when we left church that night [He said, “I came naked from my mother’s womb, and I will be naked when I leave. The LORD gave me what I had, and the LORD has taken it away. Praise the name of the LORD!”] Job 1:21. He talked about how some people think they will “live life up” and form a relationship later in life, but there might not be a later. Why wait you can have the saving joy of the Lord right now! This was not a scar-tactic, you can’t scare someone into a personal relationship with Christ it was simply a true observational fact.

After service that day I came up to Jay with the encouragement of Brandon and the three of us went to a side room held hands and I repeated the pray of salvation Jay had me recite. I remember at the time I was so worried I would mess up and not be saved. Good thing accepting Christ is not like getting accepted to college no one is turned down and you don’t have to fill out an application all that is required is you follow Him. [If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.] Romans 10:9, and there is no wrong way to do that as long as your heart is true.

That is not the end of my testimony it’s nearly the first notable water marker, one’s testimony is never ending, for once your saved you are a walking breathing testimony in all you do.

Things, Small N’ Large

College is defiantly not what I thought it was going to be, mostly because I didn’t think much about it. I am the kinda guy who takes stuff as it comes what will happen, will happen. [You can make many plans, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail.] –Proverbs 19:21-. I wish God was the sole reason that I just live in there here and now but it’s not, I just do (SF). With that said I still don’t think anyone every pegs exactly how college will feel, how they will adjust, or how it will be. There are so many little things that people just don’t think about and other indescribable things you just have to experience for yourself and even than what you experience will be different than what I or anyone else did. Not too different from the way God works in your life unique to each person. I am hoping my posts might give you a heads up about college but more importantly exemplify the fact that your faith is a HUGE part of your life and you should let it be known.

Small things I probably wouldn’t understand before I personally experienced them myself, even if I had this same exact post to read before hand, and this is in my own words. Things like the added hassle involved in taking a shower, and getting ready in general. No longer can I just pop out of bed go downstairs eat food that resupplies itself (it’s really my mommy) then brush my teeth and go straight to the shower. Now it’s a pop tart and a chewy bar with water, and when I go back home I gatta bring a lot of food back (SF). Then it’s to the dreaded shower shoes a necessary evil, to brush my teeth, only to walk back to my room to get my shower supplies. Before I continue note that the showers are set up two in a row, so although I have been fortunate enough not to walk through some ones shower yet the possibility is great considering there is only two sets of showers. At this point in the morning I walk in the shower with a rather hard spraying shower that the head does not detach, a luxury I grow accustomed to. I am not saying all this to deter you form higher education I absolutely Love College, I simply want to point out the small things that may be over looked. Speaking of over looked in the first two weeks I accumulated a decent sized list of things I “needed” to bring back when I went home for labor day. I think I left the list at home but it included, a three plug outlet, batteries a scientific calculator (I had a graphing one), DVDs, gum, trimmer, trash can, fabric softener microwavable bowls and a lot of breakfast food (I don’t want to wake up early enough to make it to a dining hall before class), and church shoes. I brought back more than that like Pac-man, and Sega retro rocks.

I am really hoping that the church shoes will come in handy this Sunday, I haven’t been to a Sunday service in Greenville yet. I moved in on a Saturday and couldn’t find one by Sunday, the next week I was at Ncsu for my best friend, Mike’s birthday and this last weekend I was back home. Which btb was so great I really missed my church home at Gate City. We didn’t have youth though (UF). Still even though I am going to BCM and YL and stuff nothing replaces a good church home, and although I am going to Church this Sunday it won’t be a home not yet, but I will find the right home for me if I just let the holy spirit lead me to it. I will say that was the hardest change I didn’t think about before hand, I was praying to find a good church home in Greenville since I got the acceptance letter, but I didn’t think about how much I will/am miss/ing my family at GCBC it will take a while to make a bound comparable to the one I have at GCBC, and even then it won’t be the same but, if I keep Him my focus I and my walk will be blessed in and out of Church. [For you bless the godly, O LORD; you surround them with your shield of love] -Psalm 5:12-

I didn’t cover everything I wanted to but, the post is getting kinda lengthy and I don’t want to post something too large or rush my other points, they will be covered eventually. Two things I do want to mention real quick though is the ordeal it is to go to the bathroom, be sure to bring you own toilet paper you don’t want to have to use the schools one ply card board and secondly Dinning Halls are sweet it’s a all you can eat verity buffet every day, you can even get chick-fla and other restaurants with your meal plan (it's a little extra and not unlimited but it’s a nice change). I mention more things I missed than enjoyed that’s not a fair representation of how my experience is going I just had a outline in my head that didn’t take me so long to explain what I missed but as I say “they(the points) will be covered eventually.”

Faith in College

It’s only my second day at ECU and my first day of classes does not start till’ tomorrow, but already I find my faith playing a huge roll in my college experience. Of course the roll it is, is a great one, blessing me in many ways. Blessings do not always come easy, but we should rejoice even in the struggle for it leads us to the joy of His grace. I have been very fortunate that it has been about a ten to one ratio blessing to struggles and I pray if that ratio favors struggles that I will still have the strength and faith to rejoice. My Faith is playing that roll in my experience because I want people to know I have been saved, that I don’t simply wear the cross I try to bear it in every decision I make. I am not going to lie, the cross is a very heavy symbol to bear righteously, but God can help us for His strength is infinite.

I know it’s only my second day so how many tests could I really been put through, well not all to many, but my faith is as strong as ever and I am heading over to a group thing and possible a new church home latter today. So with the support of a good Christian community and the boundless power of the Lord I am above confident that not only will my fire stay lit but it will burn bright. We all have those low points still, where our fire will dwindle some, that’s when it is most important to remember all the times you have been touched by God. There are times in my life when my body can’t even contain the Holy Spirit within me, I am so joyful, yet there are other times I turn my back to the Lord who blesses us all. I am reading 1st Samuel right now and, I was wondering how Saul could could disobey God after all the blessings he received, but then I realized so do I, we let the temporary pleasure temporarily take the focus off the eternal happiness with God. The closer your walk is with Christ determines just how temporarily you are distracted. I don’t know about you but I am also guilty of this next flaw of Saul I am about to point out. [“But I did obey the Lord” Saul insisted. “I…] 1 Samuel 15:20 He thought he was doing God’s plan improving on it even. God’s plan is perfect and there is no improving it. Sometimes He will but it on our heart to do something we can’t see or understand how it would be glorifying Him, but God has a better plan, the best thing you can do is let God flow thru with as little flesh getting in the way of His awe striking power as possible. Be careful, we must make sure it is of Him and not of false teaching masquerading as the Truth. [The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations and thwarts all their schemes. But the LORD’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken. ] Psalm 33:10-11 Pray for guidance, and trust He will provide it, which He will, He is the Great Provider never missing one cry for help answering them all in the perfect way. May God bless us in our journey towards Him!

This was written yesterday, but my internet wasn’t working well so it took awhile to put up. I went to BCM already it was good and plan to keep coming back and I also plan check out this other thing forgot the name this second but I just got a invite to a young life thing so I am ganna go to that so I will tell you how that goes in my next post.

Sermon: Organize your Priorities, What really Matters

This is my last Wednesday night bible study for awhile, I will still try to make it to church once or twice a month, but I am going to be attending ECU. If I have left you with only one thing I hope it will be this, the band name to official be The Son Day’s…pause for laughter… But really I want you to know God loves you, and that love will change your life when you accept it, no matter who you learned that from I want you to remember it. I do however hope I leave behind within you good memories and encouragement. This is not good bye it’s a new chapter we need to entitle I am saved by God’s grace. I love you all and I wouldn’t be as strong in my faith without your support and for that I thank you, and if any of you need to talk to someone feel free to call me I will do as much as humanly possible to help, but also pray about it because unlike me God Has no limits. [Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. ] Philippians 4:6 *Had someone read out that verse*

Most of the rest of my sermon is a post from my blog called "Priorities" on that you can read to see the progress in my walk with God, and as it continues in College.
*see “Priorities” in my February posts*

I picked this post for a few reasons, one of them being that I was getting pretty busy getting ready for college and I just needed a reminder of things He already told me. I also really wanted to incorporate Mark 8:34-36 they are such great verses. Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? This was also the post that struck up an interesting debate between Nick and Andrew, and myself two curious Atheists that comment on this post and several after this one. Most importantly sometimes you just need to humbly yourself before God and have faith that you are close enough to hear His call and enough strength to answer it.

This was just my outline, I added to every couple of sentence just stuff I felt I needed to say, and did not read it verbatim. I humbled myself before God, and did my best to have the Holy Spirit move thru me. Even with the story additions and group participation I still finish with time to spear, which if I would have been acting on my own accord that would have been a bad thing, but God had better plans with that “extra” time and I shared an over view of my testimony so far, even, little things I usually over look but that might help someone else. See my post “Developing the faith-ics (My testimony)” to get some of my testimony and when ever God is willing I will continue the testimony with starting my Faith-ics (My testimony continued). This is only my second sermon I lead and although I started off nervous I felt like I started to get the hang of it. I am not saying I will become a sermon leader (I pray if He calls me to that I will have the strength and willingness to listen) but I already am a Minister, all His saved children are meant to share the Joy that comes with the good news. Your actions not only effect your own walk but also the walks of those around you, If God put it on your heart to share the good news to someone and you don’t how much longer does that person have to wait before he or she is saved? God uses the people around us to answer the prays we have and vice versa.

Concerning knowledge

Glad you are doing well it's always good to hear of good things. I am doing extremely well, my walk is growing and my fire is burning so life is great, thanks for asking. Before I give my views on anything more let me remind you, that they are just that my views. There are only a few things I know for certain, God is real and He loves us. Most everything else is just my thought on an issue, and when dealing with the unfathomable knowledge of spiritual matter there is bound to be different views. My intentions of our communication is to bring you knowledge of the Almighty God, to the best of my ability, so that a seed may be planted. Now I know I cannot save you or even talk you in to being saved, that's a job only God can do. All I can do and am trying to do is to show you His glory and pray that the seed of wisdom grows. [ Wisdom is more valuable than gold and crystal. It cannot be purchased with jewels mounted in fine gold] job 28:17 I don't think you will argue that even if you argue the source (SF).

You can't test love, it's a unconditional bond of affection. So test is not the word I would use, it's more of a period of time you have to build a relationship with you own personal Father and Savior.

I had trouble grasping the ideal of such a saving transformation when I was first growing closer to Him, in truth I still don't truly grasp it completely. His Grace and forgiveness is out of this world, Christ forgave the ones torturing Him, as it was happening. I don't know about you but I find it hard to forgive someone as they are wronging me, even a small wrong, like yelling at me or something stupid like that. Now I do try to follow The Model and forgive them and love the Christ in them, the smaller the wrong the less time it takes me to forgive (I am working forgiving faster and faster). [But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!] Matthew 5:44 But God is perfect and needs no time to forgive, so as we are spitting in His face He loves us. He loves all of us the same no matter what we do He loves us as much yesterday as He will tomorrow. He loves a killer as much as a protector, He loves you as much as He loves His own son who He sent to die for you, even if you were the only one ever to walk this earth Jesus would have died for your sins. See He wants all of His blessed children to go to heaven that's why He keeps pulling us towards Him.

To clarify my answer when that wretch of a man does humbly Himself before the Son, and truly let God change His life, than He will be welcome in to Heaven. To full heartily accept Jesus as your savior, you are making a covenant with God Himself that not only will you repent of your sins, but you are going under new management, the management of God rather than earthly things. And that transformation is a powerful and holy one, a truly undesirable life changing experience, and no one can judge someone's heart but Him. I do know however that you are never too far away from God for Him to be able to save you. A person is never without hope of salvation, take Saul for example a persecutor and killer of Christian became Paul the apostle. I think that testifies beautifully How much God can change someone. (For more on Saul/Paul change check your local bible or go to www.Biblegateway.com than search For Acts chapter 9.

It's a concerning post!

For those who are unaware posts with titles including the word concern are responses to nonbelievers. I find it is important to understand what you do not believe because the unknown can be a breeding ground for doubt deception and darkness, moreover [Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.] James 1:2-3. So whether you believe in the saving grace of God or not, do not think of someone who opposes your view as your enemy without any insight to gain. In truth, for us who are saved, we should try to lead the lost to salvation with love and patients, not closed ears and stubborn tongues. [Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.] James 1:19 [Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.] Galatians 6:1.

"Mus" funny you should ask that I was actually thinking about that sentence today, even mentioned it to Lane. I was thinking about changing the sentence around, because I didn't know if I liked the wording, but now I am glad I did not. You have a point the way it's worded is misleading, the main reason for that is it's a difficult statement. Why did the perfect God make imperfect subjects? If it wasn't the God, who has power over all things, than how did imperfectness start, more importantly how is it now unavoidable for His creations to sin? Two very difficult questions if I do say so myself, before I put my two cents on that consider these things: only He is perfect not even angles are perfect so if we were perfect than we would be God or Godlike. Also if life was perfect than we would not go through struggles, which are important to grow in Christ, also we would have no need for heaven for earth would be like heaven, perfect. Now, [God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them] Genesis1:27 The main word to look at in this scripture is image, He did not created us to be His duplicate but to be made in His image or likeness. The image descried is not physical it's our innermost working, how we know right from wrong, He implanted His moral and values, so we may know how to live. He also gave us free will, which Adam and Eve decided to use to bring sin in to the world, and to ask why didn't God make them not to sin is to Get in to a question as circular as, can God make a Mountain so big that even He couldn't move it. My thought, God could control us but if He did than we wouldn't have a relationship with Him He would have ownership of us, and we would just be items.

In short to answer your question, God didn't make us imperfect, but He did give us the free will to be imperfect, resulting in imperfectness being our nature. It is because of that nature that He came to earth in human form to die for our sins. So now to enter the perfect gates of heaven all we have to do is believe that Christ died for us and then rose three days later. He was the perfect sacrifice for even when He bounded Himself in human skin He did not sin for He choose to be perfect no matter what the temptation. That is why Jesus Christ is the model and the truth and the way to salvation. I hope I shined some light on your question. By the way I am glad to hear from you again it has been awhile, and I hope you are doing well as well (SF).

Works thru Me

I think it would be good to let my readers in on a little secret, many of my posts I started with a different agenda, but as I dove into the word I felt inclined to change minor details and sometimes the post entirely. I say this because without God I would not be blessed with any talents and, talents are the brightest when glorifying Him. There are also several other reasons I write this, the main of which is to clarify that my fire is still burning bright for God. The dwindling post numbers are because I have already recorded a lot of reminders for myself and experiences I wanted to share, leaving me to write how the holy spirit works thru me.

The Lord does bless me every day so I could write hundreds of post every day on His grace and understanding and still not even scratch the surface of His Love. However I feel that is not what I am meant to do, plus my post would be all so similar because He is so indescribable I would be at a loss of words every post. I could write about the earthly things I do in His name, which never end useless when He is truly the reason I do something, but I am not trying to make a post of my works because it might not be all about Him, if i do that I want it to be a moving testimony not a brag-I-mony. This post is actually out of my comfort zone, because it is a very BOLD and powerful statement to say you are doing God's will. By saying that you give yourself very little wiggle room to explain yourself to the lost who hear this statement, any human fault could be there "reason" to be skeptical about the changing perfection of God. So for me to say many of my post was God's work thru His servant is a statement full of audacity. However I think that if I myself don't have faith to say God is working thru me how than can I ask others to believe that we are blessed enough that the Almighty God Himself is using us as vessel to show His love that goes beyond words.

As always we all are human vessel flawed by nature, not by Creator, that is why I am not capable to bring a perfect representation of God. The most perfect utopian are feeble minds can construct, probably won't even be good enough to be a nightmare in heaven. A few things can be confidently stated at this time. I am doing God's will , my works do not even come close to giving Him the honor he deserve, I am not perfect He is, so I will make mistakes, and He won't. Most of all if you let God in your life truly give Him everything even that smallest piece of sinful pleasure you want to hang on to, you will find you greatest pleasures are garbage compared to the pure joy He brings.

Hello Turtles

Sunday Morning July 19, 2009 sometime between 11am-12pm the sermon being taught, reminded me of the turtles I learned about a “long” time ago, the teacher television, that’s higher edumacation right dere. I didn’t have much time to reflect on the little guys right at that moment because I didn’t want to miss the Pastors next point. Church really helps me grow in my walk. Anyways, I decided to figure out the mystery of what parallel turtles have to Church and God. Prior to starting I was very aware this mystery could be unsolvable, just another wild goose chase my random mind likes to concoct at the slightest pause of stimulating activity, such as a the time of transition from standing to sitting or vice versa.

This was no goose chase, it was a turtle chase, and I am fast enough to catch a turtle. I am no turtle expert by any means however, so the scientific facts on the turtles maybe lacking but the main idea stays the same. With corny jokes and liability issues out of the way I will now share my concluding thoughts about the correlation between turtles, perhaps the slowest of God’s reptiles(?), and the Creator Himself. The turtles, the stars of this particular documentation, live in the ocean, but they are born miles away from the salt life, their natural habitat. As we can only truly live in God but must work toward living a flavorful salt life our intended habitat.[ “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.] Matthew 5:13. I also remembered the turtles were lead by the sun and had to follow the sun to have a chance to find the ocean and live. We also are lead by the Son, and we must follow the Son to have a chance to find God and live.

New establishments confused some of the turtles and lead them away with bright signs, and flashing objects, such as the local Wal-Mart, thinking that was the light they should follow. Again one of God’s slowest creatures unknowingly provides insight to life’s most important question: How should we live? The turtles that followed the “now open sign” rather than following the sun ultimately followed the way to their deaths. As we follow the way to our deaths when we follow the glow of sin rather than the Son our Savior. [Seek the LORD while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near] Isaiah 55:6

We still need God

I like to reflect on my “old” pre-saved mind set to see how much less I rely on this world, and how much more I am comforted and blessed in Him. Old is quoted for I still revert back to the “pleasure” of this world even knowing it’s incomparable to the joy I find in Him. It’s hard to keep you mind clear and pure, when the devil has so many advocates and tools at his disposal, but with the strength of Christ it is more than possible. The world and the minds of men have been corrupted by the workings of evil. When you do not do the will of God you are doing the bidding of Satan. So when you do not trust in the Lord when you doubt Him you bring the evil one joy. Doubting as a mention in my post "Note" is natural and will happen, but let us not prolong the Devil's joy by not asking for God's help, in ridding the doubt.

What I think might bring the Devil even more joy is when you do not trust in the Lord our savior. Similar to doubting only your thoughts are followed with actions or lack thereof. E.g. You don't trust Him and so you sin or a topic of spiritual matters comes up and instead of confessing your savior, trusting His word [So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.] 1 Corinthians 15:58 you tell yourself that your words will come up useless, so you keep the saving knowledge of salvation to yourself. By not trusting in the Lord and by not giving them the message of salvation they might not join you in Heaven forever and ever. I ask you what would bring the Devil more joy than keeping a lost soul lost? Once you are saved you will still need Him and you are foolish if you think you can be holy without His strength and help.

[How foolish can you be? After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort?] Galatians 3:3

Letter to a Soldier

This is a letter I wrote to a soldier inside an Operation Worship Bible to send out to the men and women fighting for our freedom overseas, let us not forget of these men and women, who die so we my freely love the living God.


Dear Solder,

Sorry for the lack of specialization but I simply do not know who I am writing to. Regardless who you are I know two things for sure, one you are a brave soul who deserves honor and respect and secondly Jesus Christ is the best thing that has or ever will happen in your life. Before I go on I would like to give you information about myself so that we may become “pen pals” or something to that effect if that’s something that interests you: My name is Kevin Palcsak and my E-mail address is ____________

Before you read on ask yourself are if you are saved, not are you a Christian or do you have the bible memorized, but do you have a personal relationship with our Savior Jesus Christ. If so that is great and I hope this will help you grow in your walk with Him, and carry out His will to spread the good news of Him. I also hope you will take some time to read some of this book with an open heart, if you do I am confident the Lord will bless your reading providing nourishment to your spiritual body. If you are not saved I pray that this book the word of God and the doctrine of truth may lead you to the path of Salvation. I know God used it to help me greatly, I started my reading in John as my youth leader instructed, if you are looking for Him John is a good way to find Him. I have only been saved for a year now and I myself have not read the whole Bible. However I have read a good bit of it, it has helped me in numerous ways, and I am positive it will help you as well. I do hope this helps and I hear from you soon. You are a hero and I pray you know of your personal hero, God, and become more than a soldier by becoming a soul-dier.

Twitter

With this fast past world where you can let everyone know you're listening to your favorite song before it even ends, it makes you wonder why it takes us so long to tell people what we believe in.


I recently got a twitter or "blog shots", and if you don't know about them they are 140 characters or less that you can email to your account via your cell phone. My URL is http://twitter.com/comkevin Insignificant post seem to fill the site, I contribute to some its lack of consequentialness, it's fun. However I also twit about the only truly important thing, God. I wonder how many people on Twitter believe in the true God but I don't know it, yet I know how many times they brush their teeth a day. It makes you think what do you tell people by the websites you visit the comments your post, the shirts you were etc...

The Good News was Spread all over Eurasia without so much as one printing press during Jesus' time. [The news about Jesus spread quickly throughout the entire region of Galilee]Mark 1:28 [And the news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding countryside.] Luke 7:17 [So the Lord’s message spread throughout that region] Acts 13:49.Countless scriptures talk of the sharing of the Joy He brings. Sadly, it now seems like we can't even bring that joy across the street. How can more people more technology, and more freedom equal less results? We don't have to fear getting thrown in to jail, or worse killed, we don't have to walk 500 miles to the next town or wait for weeks for a response to a letter. Why don't we scream the Lord's name on high hill tops, and to every person we met tell them of His love towards everyone. Why than is The name of God whispered as if we should be sorry if a non believer over hears us discussing Him or praying to Him. All we have done is gave that person another chance to find God, what right would that person have to get mad at what we believe. In the same way remember what right do we have to get mad at a nonbeliever for being lost. [Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.] James 1:19

So it's true we should be proud of our faith and not shy away from it in any conversation or situation. Go out of your way to bring glory to God and to spread His word, but if someone doesn't hear you for their ears are shut do not try to pry them open, opening completely shut ears is a job only for God. However He might use you to plant a seed so be watching for your chance to plant as many seeds as possible in the name of the Lord. [Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop] 2 Corinthians 9:6

Unbelieved Confessions

Humans are a very judgmental specie, even though we should not be because we have no right to judge. It is human nature to pre-judge but that doesn't mean we should be prejudice. Pre-judging is making a decision about someone when you first met, or even just after seeing or hearing about this person. These decisions are based on how a person carries him or herself. A pre-judged opinion can be changed after getting to know a person. Prejudice is when you judge a person based on the group of people (s)he is associated with due to shared interested or characteristics. Most prejudice start because some individuals in the group of people will do some undesirable actions staining the image of that person's group. For instance many different denominations of Christianity have bad stigmas because of the acts of ungodly individuals. He welcomes all to His kingdom, and I urge all to come, but do not tarnish the name of the Lord, by confessing the name of the Lord without first truly believing in the Lord and knowing Him as Savior. Words that leave the tongue without first visiting your heart are like birds who try to fly without first being taught.

I was once a bird who could not fly, I confessed my place in His Kingdom before knowing Him, the King and the door keeper. That my friends, does more harm to His kingdom than blasphemy. With blasphemy His servants know to arm themselves with His armor, but when you infiltrate His servants trust by portraying yourself as His servant than you are most useful for the dark enemy, for you can make many stumble in there walks. By confessing your salvation you are confessing your devotion to follow the model of Jesus, to get closer to Him, so He may lead you to His father. How, I ask, can you follow a model you've never seen? You see by saying you have been cleansed white as snow by the grace of Jesus Christ when you have not, makes others hesitate to find God, when they see the filth that is still on you, for you were never cleansed.

I am not saying not to confess the Lord as King in truth that is all you need to accomplish in this world, but believe first than confess second. You can only take the joy He gives you in to heaven so why concentrate too much on anything else. Also immediately after you're saved your prime objection in life is to lead others to the most vital choose of existence, the choose to Christ. Basically what this whole post is saying is don't talk the talk if you're not going to walk the walk.

Book of Majesty

Tie my hands down with Your love, like an anchor to a boat

Keep me safe at Your shore through every storm, help me keep afloat

Have me travel not in the ocean of sin but the rivier of Salvation.

And if I drown today, I pray my name is written among the greats

I don't care if my name doesn't make it in books of history

I don't desire to see my face in the pages of magazines

I only need my name in the book of majesty

Understand the pain You felt on that hill called Calvary

So that my life maybe worthy to reach the holy pages

Printed for eternity there for me to see the proof

That on this earth I was able to stay close to You.

-Kevin Palcsak-

Turn the Talk of the Town to Good News

Don't die selfish, I am not saying make sure you die saving another, but you have a lot of people that care about you, besides the most important one God of course. And they shouldn't have to wonder if you are saved, make it a point to make sure your loved ones know you're saved and tell people you just met that you're saved. Another benefit of this is it keeps you more accountable for what you do. If you are truly saved then you would want to glorify Him with all you do. By confessing your salvation you're telling the ones around you this is how God is working in my life. I have found I am more careful with my actions when I around ones who know I am saved, it's a little reminder. [Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.] 1 Timothy 4:16

Also ask your loved ones and strangers if they are saved. Your loves one to give you comfort and peace of mind if there life is cut short, and strangers to spread the good news. I not only present you with this challenge but also myself. I have now been saved for nearly a year and got in a cycle that Christian folks are saved and that goes without saying. Most of the Christian folks are going to be saved, but it still should not go without saying. Is salvation not the greatest gift we have ever received, and do we not talk more about the money we got last Christmas or birthday, than we do salvation? Money the root of all evil is on our tongues more than salvation. In this hard economic time I would be willing to bet any earthly thing that talk of money has went up, and the talk of God, and salvation went down. Let's change that, have your personnel headlines read I AM SAVED BY THE GRACE OF GOD extra, extra read all about it! [Riches won’t help on the day of judgment, but right living can save you from death.] Proverbs 11:4

For those who are not saved time is not a blessing you can waste. Only He who has the grace to save has the knowledge of when you will die. Don't die to death rise to life with God.

He’s so FRESH!, I’m so FLESH!

The "flesh" I am referring to is anything that is not of God, or valued more than God. In this fresh to death world, it's easy to be flesh leading to a damned death. However God gave us the power to be so fresh and so clean, clean, that power is found within us thru Jesus Christ. I don't want to sound condemning to the people who are not saved or are not in a close walk with Christ, but I don't want to null "you" in to a false sense of security, downplaying the necessity of Christ. Flesh of this world is everywhere; it covers every inch of your body, trying to find a way to your heart.

Letting go of fleshly things is hard, especially the flesh that takes the shape of a shield to seem like protection. The "shield" around your heart, whatever earthly thing you hold dearest, is always the hardest to give to God. Bear deep in your mind though if flesh is guarding your heart then the Devil’s darts can penetrate the flesh and reach your soul. So trust in the Lord and guard your heart with righteousness. [Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,] Ephesians 6:14

As the title says, I myself am made up of flesh, but I have giving up much flesh since I started my part of the walk, and working on ridding myself of the remaining flesh. It is an impossible task without Christ’s help. Only by surrendering fully to the Lord will one have the strength to live fleshless, plus being more blessed then I even know. Surrendering fully to Him means giving your whole body and every desire to Him. Put on your breastplate of righteousness and belt of truth but also cover the rest of your naked body, with the protection of Christ. [above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;] Ephesians 6:16-17. Surrendering to Him includes your extremities, don’t burn the feet you walk on, don’t let them touch the burning fire of the Devil’s dart, or the sin soaked ground of this world. [For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.] Ephesians 6:15

The Grass is Greener…

“The grass is always greener on the other side.” That statement is only true if the other side has Christ and the side you are on is rejecting the Savior of souls. A damned soul could have all the riches in the world, and I would still rather have the One richness that matters, Christ. Living “good” for 80-90some years is rotten brown in hue compared to living holy for those years then basking in a perfect utopia for the rest of eternity. Pure white is the new green for me. I pray that the green-eyed monster never rears its sinful head at me, and if so I hope it is the mistake of yearning for someone’s relationship with Him. Noticing someone’s walk and wanting your walk to be closer as a result is good thing, and that someone is bringing glory to Him in a godly way. Why than did I say it was a mistake to be envies of another walk? No human’s walk is complete, they will fall in to temptation, and their fire will dwindle and rekindle. The only envy should be directed towards Jesus and His relation with Him, follow His example and love Him as he loves the Father. By being envies of another you most likely want to be like him or her taking your focus off being like Him, the one who won’t let you down unlike all others.

You Sir, have a undeserving Smirk

Everyone knows "that guy" "the smug guy" that screams I am better for no reason, in his tilted smile. O' that guy is a prick among stuck up sticks. I myself have been that guy from time to time, the guy who is "filled" with self-righteousness, as if I have the authority to deem anything righteous. If a freshly graduated high school student tried to self-appoint him or herself into the supreme court system as Judge, the plea would not even be entertained. In the same way we as mere humans should not entertain the manmade belief of "self-righteousness" . We must first have righteousness to judge righteousness.

This is what the Lord says:

“Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom,

or the powerful boast in their power,

or the rich boast in their riches.

But those who wish to boast

should boast in this alone:

that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord

who demonstrates unfailing love

and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth,

and that I delight in these things.

I, the Lord, have spoken!
Jeremiah 9:23-24

So as it is made clear when we do not do God's will, than we have no righteousness, and when we do His will all glory goes to God who gave us the needed strength. So we can obtain righteousness but only because it is a graceful gift from the Lord, that is why self-righteousness is self-evidently contradictory.

As the Scriptures says

Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls -1 peter 2:11-

Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
-Ephesians 4:29-

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me -Philippians 4:13-

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. - 1 John 3:16-

Well then, if we emphasize faith, does this mean that we can forget about the law? Of course not! In fact, only when we have faith do we truly fulfill the law. -Romans 3:31-

Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ -Philippians 3:8-

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. - Philippians 4:6-

For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. - John 3:16-

These are some of my favorite verses, they give me peace of mine knowing it is from the inspired word of God. No good advice I have or ever can give is original; God gave us an answer to all our woes way before we even needed the answer. Sometimes you think your prays may go unanswered but maybe you just didn’t like the answer, or you were not close enough to understand the answer. No, is an answer too, and if God says no then it is the perfect answer. The closer you get to Him the better your life will be. Verses can be enlightening, but also misinterpreted, make sure you try your best to do His will. God is perfect no earthly thing is, listen to Him above all others, for He is above all.

Worry not

As you may or may not have been able to tell by the title this is not part 2 of my "testimony" it is still a witnessing blog as all my post are in manner that it is how God works thru my surroundings to give me knowledge, courage, and strength to do His will.

Each and every day everyone wakes up to a plate full of "haves to do", some of them you even worry about. Is it not funny how something that worries you so much on Monday can be forgotten by Sunday? I am pretty sure that most of your troubles of last week have been replaced with a whole new lineup of earthly worries. As for the worries still bothering you form last week, I bet they will not matter five years from now, but your relationship with God still will. Just remember phill 4:6, and think how many things that were so pressing on your mind last week have already been replaced and forgotten. [Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord] Philippians 3:8. I liked that verse and tried to keep it in my mind when times got "hard" like I broke my pencil or forgot my lunch, but it was not until God give me the same message in a different view point, that I got the moving message not just some good advice. This new perspective came about when having a casual conversation with the Lord in mind, you will be surprised how well and often God will guide you when you are looking for Him. All earthly things no matter how prevalent they are at one time eventually become unimportant, a worry only last as long as we are stubborn enough to let it worry us, worrying solves nothing it has no benefit, but trusting in the Lord, truly trusting, gives you peace of mind. The trust probably will not fix the problem, but it will give you the strength you need to deal with it, alongside the knowledge of what to do about it.

My views on things may have no hold on you, and that's ok, God works in different ways with different people, but He will make His message clear in the perfect way, don't be stubborn and let pride stop you from living blessed.

Developing the Faith-ics (My Testimony)

This is my first attempt to chronicle my rebirth bare with me as I work out the kinks ………… Before I was found I didn’t even know I was lost(I even thought I was saved), I didn’t even know of the joy one could have in this life. My part of the journey started about a year ago after a break up with a girl, God works, and has always been working in me, and everyone else, He can work above any circumstance, as He did with this one making this action one that ultimately contributed to my salvation. She knows who she is and if you are reading this thank you, I hope we stay in touch. I walked in the shade before basking in the sun filling me up with warmth. After the break up I went to fill the void, which I did but I found a bigger void along the way. I was stuck in a cycle of trying to fill this void I started to notice in my life. I tried a verity of earthly joys to fill this void, to no avail. My walk was the farthest from Him right before He started working the most in me. On today's lax standards I was nowhere close to every being a BA, I didn't do anything like shoot up or find multiple sex partners, but looking back I now know I did a lot of things that pained God immensely, I still pain Him because I still sin but I am working on it now. All those things I did to fill the void left it larger. Giving me short lasting unfulfilled joy. If any of you are not saved and are currently "enjoying" the sin life you don't want to give up because its "fun", I grantee Jesus will bless you more than any product, service, (wo)man or substance could every even come close to.

It was when I was about to fall I started listening to God letting Him pull me up. I didn't know it yet but God had plans to rebirth me (as he does with everyone this is the time I started listening). Like any conceiving process there is a developing stage(always develop with God you can't do it yourself, don't wait to get right with Him let Him make you right). This is the time I stopped trying to fill that void with earthly things. I was amazed to find when I stop trying to fill the void with my strength alone the hole I made larger with this activity and that one shrink back to the huge God shaped hole it once was. This is where my story hits a major cross road the void stoped shrinking, fortunately God had a plan using those around me to Lead me to Him. This is when the Faith-ics start, and the invitation to Brandon’s youth group picks up. This never ending testimony doesn't stop there, it is the time I began "Starting the Faith-ics" which I will go into with more detail than I had before on my next testimonial blog (my Faith-ics blogs).

Double Distortion of Image

Even worse than having a bad image is putting on a double standard, having the Christian image on Sunday, and Satan’s on Saturday [And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.] Titus 2:7 “…Everything you do…” that is a full time commitment. When you don't walk toward God you are leading others away from Him. If you want to or not you "lead by example", which just further proves my point that image is important. Every time you make a Godless decision you are leading everyone that hears, sees, reads, virtually everyone that finds out about the said decision, away from God. Now on the reverse every time you make a Godly decision you are also leading. Understand just because someone is leading you, does not mean you have to follow. God is always leading and guiding you down the perfect path and we all know we don't always walk down it. In fact God sent Jesus as a perfect model for everyone, only use Him as a model everyone else will make mistakes and should only be used for help, not an unquestioned guide.

The reason living a double standard is even more harmful for, not only your walk but also those around, is because if you pick and choose to follow Christ only when it works for you, you aren’t choosing to be a follower of Christ. Making your testimony and your witnessing far less impactful. If someone was doing some “hardcore” sins Saturday then preaching about not doing some of those same sins he did the night before, are you likely to take that message to heart. If the Saturday in question was years ago, or even weeks ago and you can see the power of Christ working within them your credibility can be restored thru Christ. There for if you are currently in a life of sin do not think you can’t have a strong testimony with powerful witness messages, you’re never too far for God’s strength to pull you close to Him. Once you trust in Him then you can start your new life with the powerful testimony of how God took a full slight of sins from a sinner and gave him or her new life. You don’t have to wait to go towards the lord in truth you cannot become worthy of Him without coming to Him and then it is only because of his grace that you are "worthy". Spreading the gospel is more effective however after you let God into your life and you are born again.

Take a look at it this way if someone threatens to beat you up for your milk money, yet you know all his actions are docile are you going to quiver at his threat? It is the same with living Godly if someone tells you that they are a Christian, and how great it is, yet all their actions are sinful are you going to yearn for the transformation of the saving grace? No instead you would probably loss faith in the two timing Christian, just as you loss fear in the docile bully.

UNchaining letter

Dear, Human Race

If you want to be rich than send this to 72 and a half people within the next 4 min... Aren’t chain letters the worse, you hear the nice ring of the computer announcer "You've got mail" only to find its, impersonal and useless press forward pick a few people from you address list, mail. Well this is an unchaining letter of the grace of God. This message is not meant to just be forwarded to just anyone but conveyed to everyone with the fire and desire it deserve. Take the message and use linguistics that will be appealing to your audience, be careful not to change or misinterpret the most important message of the unchaining power of God. By His grace thru Christ we no longer are bound to hell by sin, although this is an inexpressible joy we need to try to share this joy with all who are willing to be set free. This is a short and simply message the power of Christ is not bondable, you have His power within you, just accept and trust in the Lord and you will be able to do all things in His will.

God bless you,
Kevin Palcsak

Warning

The Supreme General has issued a warning, this product contains mature content not suitable for new or weak believers.

What I deal the most with, and have for awhile is something I have no start to a solution, except faith, which is hard to do blind. I have no personal revelations no matter how many people I talk this out to or for how long, I always end with "He knows and we aren't suppose to know." Which makes me happy puts me in a ignorant bliss, but I don't want anything about my faith to be ignorant, unknown fine but not ignorant. Where does trust end and test began, when does living for Him meet being "a good little Christian boy"? The bible is the only absolute truth doctrine in this world but it has a lot of absolutely vague instructions. Are my morals and values changing in to another's who just interpret the bible a different way, or am I seeing the world more as He does and transversely have more of an urge not to sin?

We must trust in God this I know, but when does trusting turn in to testing which I know we should not do? I trust God to give me the knowledge I need to do His will, is it testing Him if I don't do my research, diving in the word with a open heart? Many Christians have different views on many things of God, who is speaking Godly and who is following false truths? Some believers say drinking is fine even good in moderation, other believers think, not one ounce should touch your lips. In my reading I have found verses to support drinking, but I still choose not to for I don't want to see how close I get to Satan before he grabs me. That fear is irrational for God's strength over towers the devils strength by countless stories. As long as I trust in God, His former employee present subordinate, cannot lay a finger on me. Still all I can do is be honest with myself and ask God for the knowledge to make the right choose to live godly. I used that word trust again I know the devil can't hurt me but would it be testing God if I drank? There is something I feel/know inside me that I shouldn't drink so for me it would be testing, be honest with yourself don't use others experiences to make your decision, only use their experiences as a precedent to help make yours. God gives you the perfect answer for each unique situation you are in, so what was perfect for Jim may not be God's will for Tim. By the by in the middle of writing this I got a phone call, in which I trusted in God enough to voice my fears only to find out she was dealing with a similar fear. If you don't voice your fear how will you hear the people God sent to help you. Still you must make the finial choose with the sole reason behind it being Him. You have to build your relationship with Him and pray for guidance, He will give it to you, it's just a matter if you are ready to accept it.

That brings me to two other things I struggle with, I over analyze many things, so how do I know a sign is one of God, not just a happening not meant to help guide me. Sometimes there is no doubt I go in to the right choose feeling God's right hand on my shoulder and leave the situation fulfilled with the holy spirit. It is the times were two or more answers make justifiable sense usually several different chooses have been selected by the people I lean on for spiritual help. All I can say on this issue is as my relationship strengthen so did my confidents in many decisions, I only pray as I get even closer my knowhow on situations also continues to improve. The second issue that arose "figuring out" my initial question is how much doubt to bestow on others. It is good to discuss with others, but the theme of the day persists, when does helpful discussion turn to hindering worries your pawning on another? I hope I provoked helpful discussions not hindering uncertainties. All these extremes have an extremely narrow path of righteousness that only the Master Shepherd can guide us through, but He may use others as tools for His will.

I didn't write this blog to give advice, although God does work in mysteries ways maybe it will help some people, it already helped me. During the course of creating this blog I felt some burdens being lifted. I don't wonder where they went I know they went in the loving hands of God, the problem didn't leave but I am ok with that, because I know God knows so it will be dealt with perfectly. He might use some of you reading this to help me so please have the courage and strength God gave you to help your fellow brother. Everyone has many avenues of doing God's will one of mine is blogging, others are discussion, reading my bible, Church, youth, music... there our an outrageous amount, but I know they are God avenues because of the reward I get.

Distortion of Image

In my unprofessional humbly opinion nearly no one lives without a mask. Meaning no one reflects their inner self without building up their gifts and downplaying their faults. Some go to the extent of playing make believe, setting up an alternate reality for the world to admire, underneath the makeup contra thoughts boil.

Image is very important? No the question mark was not a mistake, what kind of image is important and in what way? I can just imagine some of the answers; Sunday school answer- only Gods image is important, selfish answer- personal appearance is everything. I think you have to reflect God’s image in your appearance to maintain a healthy Christian walk. Images are important if you claim to be a Christian are you letting those around have a fair representation of what it means to be a follower of Christ. Or do you soil on the Good name of Christ for simplicity sake or to fit in this world knowing you should make sure you let God mold you to fit in your place in haven? I realize and struggle with many things, I could only imagine everyone deals with, yearning to be accepted having earthly peers to share your burden and joys with. [Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.] Galatians 6:1-2. It is in God’s will for us to not live alone but live with others for Him. There is a different from living for Him with others and living for others. So it is perfectly fine in my opinion to try to fit in, I'll go as far to say it's downright unnatural not to. However when you start compromising yourself, and/or your beliefs morels, values ect... the problem occurs. You shouldn't try to change who you are to make friends you should find friends that compliments who you are, and will not hinder your walk.

Another point of image: In this world where bad news is top news and good news usually doesn't make it pass the drawing board, it is harder to live wholesome, only for the reason sin is becoming more sociably accepted giving the Devil more tools to cloak our eyes from the Light. Don't let the "glamorous" life of sin entice you, Jesus paid the highest price to pave a road to salvation, don't walk down the road paved by Satan with sin leading to hell. The road to salvation was not paved with good intentions, but with pure ones, it does not have flashy signs with happy ending logos, for it has a humble creator that needs no logo for He isn't trying to sell you anything, but open your eyes to absolute truth. The road of sin on the other hand is trying to sell you something, unfulfilled happiness and meaningless possessions, and if you act know they will even throw in guilt absolutely free with plenty of hidden fees. "All this can be yours for the low low price of your soul, it's broken anyways you don't need or want it." Don't let the marketing mind of the Devil or his aids foul you your soul is worth way more than any earthly good or service could provide. Even before we reach the real payoff of walking down the salvation road we are well rewarded. Think of the cost of walking down sin road, to even take the first step on to this road you must compromise the very meaning of your existence. I have more on this subject but, the individual must see for them self not hear from another.

The obvious that has to be stated for the ones looking for any and all loop holes and "those people". More important than our image we have is the life we live, and the intentions we have.

The "lost" Sermon

Living Godly the Immeasurable Scale

This scale is Immeasurable for two reasons

1. We as humans don't and cannot think just as God does, for he knows all

-1 Corinthians 8:2- 2

2.Because, we don't have His knowledge we are left interpreting with human interaction involved. We only know what is clearly stated in the bible, and even those laws we fall short of,

3. If all sin is equal why try to live Godly at all if we will fail?
God gave His one and only son for wretches like us, can't we put in effect some will power, that he gave us to avoid illing Him?
To be a follower of Christ is to love Christ so you will do all that is humanly possible to please him
-1 Corinthians 13:4-7; 13 15:58-

What can you do that is Godly?
Putting God before ALL you do not trying to fit Him into your life live to glorify Him.
To be a Christian is not like to be a Heels or a Duke fan. Christianity is not spectator sport; it's an activity that needs to be active in your mind with all your actions. It is one thing to say "we won" when your favorite team pulls out a tough win, but it doesn't work like that with Christianity... "We're saved" when members of you conjugation gets saved. It is a time for great rejoicing however God has won another player(s) for His team, remember He did win them over even if you were the tool He worked thorough
-1 Corinthians 4:7-

When are you Living Godly?
Alcoholics can't use certain mouth washes,

Don't test God
-----1 Corinthians 10:9-----------

This was just an outline of the sermon, I didn’t write down things that would have been said to make the message clearer. Unfortunately I did not get to use this outline so I don’t know if I am going to have a second sermon blog, explaining this message more and/or explaining how the actually sermon went.

The prequel to the "Lost" Sermon

As most of you know I was blessed enough to have the scary and nerve racking experience to spread the good news with the rest of the youth in my congregation plus a few of my friends that came to support me, thank you Brit, Syd, and James. As you may have foreshadowed by the title all did not go well. I typed up the outline following this prequel for my sermon, but it would not print my printer wasn’t working (when I got home it was working again) so I e-mailed it to myself so I could just print it off at church but the church internet was down. My hands were tied I reverted to using my rough draft. My rough draft was in no particular order and it reflected in my sermon. It was just a collection of thoughts that would appear to me at different times.

I don’t know if my audience was just being nice or if they genuinely enjoyed it but I knew I could have done better. If I would have been walking stronger with God, and He closed this outline to my use I would know I should not force my way though a God closed door, just as you should walk though a God open door. However when I should have been thriving the most for Him I took shortcuts relying on my “own” talents of winging it on the spot. I am very gifted in that area if I do say so myself, God blessed me immensely. Was it His way to remind me that all earthly things can and will fail you, even yourself and only His strength can hold up the heaviest builder of burden with ease? That was one good thing about me not being able to use my outline it exemplified the message that only He never fails. Try to always look at what good came out of any situation, even if we don’t do His will He can make good out of failure.

Tip of the tongue

I have so many thoughts I want to convey, they are developing as they have been for days. Never seeming to reach the maturity it takes to leave the safety and comfort of my tongue to emerge in to expressible ideas. It is bothersome to have so much to say with no means in which to say it in.

I still have a plethora of ideas having a party on the cape of my tongue. Fortunately, I have verbalized a worth wild collection of sounds turning to words making sentences, that is ultimately an ideal I can get behind. This time it does not come in the form of a blog but on pen and paper, I am leading my youth sermon this Sunday so I am not going to post it, for the reason I do not want to ruin the surprise. If you can make it please support me by being at Gate City Baptist Church at 6:30 pm this Sunday, April 5th, if you need directions or more information feel free to call me.

This is an excerpt form my tongue’s thoughts: The Pen is mightier than the sword but actions speak louder than words. [What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone?] James 2:14

Fire Cycle

If you are a Christian think about the first moments when you were saved, and to the feeling of the Holy Spirit flowing through your body. The fire for Him could not be detained, burning wild with passion. Now, think about the “worse” sin you committed, how the joy of the fire burned low, how the guilt consumed the fire smothering it to near distinction. God made us to always have a passionate fire of love for Him, but he did not make us perfect so we will fall and rise in this cycle.

This cycle has been playfully explained to me as the fire cycle, similar to the water cycle. The fire has never and will never die out, unless you die without salvation. This cycle is unavoidable, but we can influence it in the fact how fired we are, and when our fire does dwindle how fast we rekindle the passion. We control are own light we determine how bright it shines. Like a real fire the bigger the fire the harder it is to maintain, but the more light and warmth it produces. That might be were the similarities end, with your fire it can never grow too big, the bigger it is the safer you are, the better it is for you. All the out side influences in earth and hell can not put out your fire. Outside influences can only deceive your hand to smother your own fire, but with Christ’s help your fire can thrive even in the depths of the ocean, in the midst of a Hurricane caused flood, in any circumstance the devil my sling your way.

The workings of evil will be on there toes when your illuminating great light, for evil is crippled in the light of God. So although it might sometimes feel like you are a bull’s eye for the Devil’s darts form hell (from Trevor’s blog you should read it) you are also calling on allies of Christ, and if you are so blessed, recruiting new Salvation SOULders, by doing your life’s mission of living a God filled life. Be not afraid to spread the joy and love of God. [He called you to salvation when we told you the Good News; now you can share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.] 2 Thessalonians 2:14

I can Justify

How often do you justify your actions because of circumstances? I know I am guilty, just this weekend it was my birthday weekend, so although I should eat healthy for lacrosse I justified having maybe one real meal all weekend and just survived on junk food with the fact that 19 years ago I was born. That is a more light-hearted example, but when you need make a case using circumstances to justify our own actions, do you really think God will find them just. The same God who urges us to live above the circumstances of this world, knowing this world is only a stepping stone for the next life. [Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.] 1 Corinthians 13:7. True love does not compromise, nor does it need to be justified, God has a true love towards us never changing His plans due to circumstances, we should have that same philosophy. If you love God, you should try not to sin as much as humanly possible regardless the circumstances.

It's easy to make something sound justifiable say it with confident and use intelligent sentence structure, and almost anything can sound just. But hearing is the most easily tricked of all senses. As the old saying goes "(insert name) hears what (pronoun) wants, not what is said". That can also be true in what we want to be justified, you make it sound justifiable, trying to ignore the feeling of guilt, remorse, shame ect... Heck in 10th grade I along with half the class had to justified the actions of PG&E while the other half of the class supported Erin Brockovich. Anyone who even heard of this knows that Erin should win the law suit. Erin's side mad the point that we didn't follow health codes and shredded evidence. My side (I was assigned I do not support PG&E actions) mad the points that the government and the construction company we used should have dealt with health codes and what is wrong with recycling. There were other points but you get the idea. At the end of our class debate over 2/3 of the class agreed that PG&E SOUNDED more just, but we all knew they really were not just at all. It all comes down to POV, who's point of view do you want, manipulating circumstances or the perfect view of God? [This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength.] 1 Corinthians 1:25

out of season

I am "hunting" deer out of season, before you call WWF read on. I know it's no longer Christmas time, so everyone is out of the Christmas spirit, but I must take down Rudolph. He is the poster child, or should I say deer, for the commercialism that is overthrowing the true meaning of CHRISTmas. He along with some other focus stealers has diverted the attention off Christ and on to the "joy" of the season. It is for these same reasons, that three short months after Christmas, virtually no one cares about the Christmas spirit anymore. The spirit of Christmas is a holy one that does not come but once a year, like good old Saint Nick, but that is always present. Ask yourself were you looking forward to glorying Christ three months ago, or on the presents you got to open? Don't beat you self up if you just came to the realization that you wanted to know what you got, instead of praising what you already had, the king, the messiah, the one and only God in human flesh, who died on the cross for you, to free you from your slavery to sin. That has to be one of Satan's greatest accomplishments turning the Lords’ birth, to a day of self, selfish desires.

Before we get back to my focus of this monstrosity Rudolph, a freak with a red nose that no other deer likes, with only one redeeming quality, which is he overcame adversity. Which is a good lesson, but could have been taught with truth rather than lies. I am not a raving lunatic who hates what Christmas has become, I enjoy getting presents on Christmas, I am not going to lie, I simply hate how CHRISTmas is turning, and has turned too many of us, to x-mas. Where is meaning for the season, nah the reason for every season, Christmas to Easter to Thanksgiving?

Now the monstrosity, St. Nick is a follower of Christ, who would have accept Rudolph even without needing his help, the first reason I know Rudolph is fake taking attention off the true hero of Christmas, Jesus. Also really a glowing red nose, imagine trying to birth a 20 watt light bulb, not very pleasurable. The main reason I have an unchristian distaste for this four legged ad from the devil however is I blame him for my devotion shying form the lord in the past, but instead my devotion was on materialist things. Passing the buck of blame, an ironically true expression is not the answer, but taking my very real message adding my theatrical, but true dislike for Rudolph equals a more interesting read.

The facts are there are a lot of reasons Christ is being taken out of Christmas, toy companies, Hollywood, T.V. greed ect… Prime example how many “Christmas” movies have you seen when the moral of the story is Christmas is not about presents, it’s about being nice or kind or something to that effect? Good message right? Loaded question its good in the aspect that we should be kind to our fellow man but wrong in the aspect that Christmas is about anything of this world, it’s about the Almighty one Himself. Regardless of how the majority views Christmas, or any other Godly thing, you have the strength to contradict the actions of mainstream society, no matter what your going against, for you have the unbeatable power of Christ on your side. With that in mind, what is the meaning of Easter, eggs or God? Don’t twist my words, quoting me to have said hiding eggs, and getting presents is unchristian, because it’s not, just remember to glorify Him, make sure He is on the top of your wish list, and give someone the only gift that truly matters, the gift of salvation.

Back to the Faith-ics

I keep alluding/referencing to this summer, when I started my walk. During my last blog, on apologetics, not meaning sorry, but one defending my faith, (all my “concerning” blog along with Dear Mus, are apologetics), I described Some of my experience, for the ones who didn’t read that extremely long post here it is: When I use to go to Church because, I had to I did not like going, that is true. I stop being forced to go around the time I was seven, and I didn't start going back to Sunday morning church till October 19th, 2008, the day I was baptized (excluding a very small amount of time with friends or something). I got saved earlier that year late summer time, when I went to youth group with my friend, Brandon. God will always put people in your life to help you grow with Him, Brandon one of those people for me. I always considered myself a Christian, but I didn't know Him, I just knew of Him. It wasn't in till this summer when I truly craved that relationship, was I saved. I doubted that I was truly saved at first, because I didn't have that moment when I dropped on my knees in near tears, that I found Him, like many people told me was there saving experience. I was save never the less, God made that abundantly clear. I have matured greatly since I was seven, I now get so amped, completely hyped to get closer with Him anyway I can, youth group, spreading the gospel, just living for Him, and yes Church.


I can’t stress enough everyone’s walk is different, I can’t tell you how to walk only that you know if you are walking towards Him, why speak what you know to be false. Find the way that works for you. It was discouraging; at first I didn’t have the “typical” saved experience. Looking back on it now I find this to be for two main reasons. One all people are unique so if I were to fall to my knees, I personally would be doing it for society, letting others influence my reactions, try to keep you actions and reactions Godly. He is in your heart so follow your hearts of heart.

Secondly hitting closer to home for me, I was trying to trick myself, that I didn’t go eighteen years of my life not knowing the Lord yet, claiming to be Christian, a follower of Christ. How can you truly follow someone without having a relationship with Him, without truly trusting or believing in Him? I remember I was almost embraced to tell people, because it’s off putting to realize you have been a hypocrite. I would were the Jesus T’s, and rep. that cross, but I didn’t even know what the cross meant. Yes I know it was what Jesus was crucified on, but who doesn’t; I didn’t know what it truly meant to thrive for His presents. Ask yourself if you know what the cross means; what it means to be a follower of Christ, do you try to live a holy life style? I am not talking about going to church on Sunday or trying to maintain the image of Christianity, I mean do you put Him before ALL you do? I am not one to judge no mortal is,[ How can you think of saying, ‘Friend, let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.] Luke 6:42, I am saying examine closely the speck in your own eye, how much of your vision does it possess? After a true look at ones own faults, while trying to improve your vision you my help you fellow (wo)man. This does not mean you can now judge the person, just condemn the sin. My views on this are explained in more detail in my first blog “Worthy to serve Him”. The very basics of Christianity are you saved, not have you recited a salvation verse, or memorized the bible, but do you put your faith in Jesus Christ? Are you knowingly living a double standard by tricking others, or perhaps tricking yourself but know, no one can trick the all knowing God.

Concerning Our Time

I am sorry to hear that you had a rough day, we all have one of those days. Walk as close to God as you can, and when times are hardest He will carry you, a little thing I like to remember when I have had a bad day, you should not let circumstances get you down. I realize because of your religious view point it won't be as much as a comfort as it is for me, still look at this as encouraging words as it was meant, not any other meaning.

Well, if you read my blog as you have the option to then you would know more, I also have a picture up so you know what I look like but the most vital information you have is my last name so if you so desired, you could find me on facbook, Google me, or something and learn a heap more. I am not going to start investigating all the Andrew on the web to see if it's you (SF). Some people are not as open as me and that's ok I won't pry anymore.

My ignorance, really? Let us not forget why this side debate came up " See, you're applying logic to religion, which is inherently illogical." You, blanket yourself around a title (some may argue a religious title, for instance the supreme court) against religion, so because I believe in God, my points become illogical without farther reasoning. Now I must ask, isn't that a bias stance?

I hate losing stuff, I hope your credit card is found soon, and safely returned. As for you comparing The Almighty Himself to elves, I am not going to touch that for as I said I am winding down this conversation before it turns to a quibbling fight. Again this does not mean stop reading or responding, just that I will not beat the hypothetical horse if he is dead.

That indeed is true God is all knowing and will know if you are just going throw the motions, " Tricking people is easy but, tricking The Lord is impossible" (from my first blog). That is also the reason I waited "this long", give you facts to see if you would entertain the idea of Christianity. If so you could start working from the outside in, (my views on this point are explained in Right vs. Wrong Reasons for your situation you might adjust a few of the words). What hoops must you jump through to believe in God? Full houses are not unbeatable, as you know.

I did not assume you're an idiot, on the contrary you seem to be fairly endowed with knowledge excluding the most import of which the Lord and Savior. I nearly assumed that you have not heard of every Christian author, so chances are you haven't heard of Hank. I agree with you with assuming, hence my disclaimer "I hate assuming things..." I am glad you agree, because you assume God doesn't exist. Your part of the argument something like you assume He does. Do you see the monotony in this argument? Btb Hank was a fortune teller, a bad one at that.

"Don't assume that I don't know just as much about your faith as you do" Ok I won't, tell me about the prophets in the bible, how what they predicted came true, about the Messiah look up Psalm 16:10; Psalm 22:16, Psalm 22:17, Psalm 41:9, Psalm 68:18, Isaiah 53:9, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Daniel 9:25-26, Micah 5:2(there are more) but also about historical, things like the fall of Neo-Babylonia, to the rise/division of Rome, this time I won't give you the verses (Hint:Daniel:2;7;8), there are also more non religious prophecies that came true, that's just one example.

Are you trying to school me on my faith, I know man wrote the bible, that is why it isn't as clear as Gods knowledge, but nothing is. Even IF(you assumed again) I didn't know a word I wouldn't wiki it, wiki can get you in trouble my teacher posted some false information on that site to disprove its reliability, almost got an F on the assigned project, you might want to stop relying on it, at all.

"It's even stupider to accept one without proof. You've proven our point." I gave you proof and will give your more before my blogging is done. Ignorance, lack of knowledge, I know the answer God, so what point do u proof?

I was just talking about Nick, and his naive views on Christianity, not him as a person, if your views on Christianity match his, your views on my Faith are equally naive. Clarification so an argument doesn't break out, by views on Christianity I mean how Christians view God, and God things. I quote " my future known ","It(The Bible) was written by people AFTER jesus supposedly lived." We chose are path paving are future, He simply guides us. The bible was not just written after Jesus's life, there are not many who will argue that, the facts are stacked up too high against them, one day all points of Christianity will be that way (nearly undisputable). Don't worry you don't have to tell me your skeptical to say the least, you think that day will never come.

"There is a large body of evidence supporting the big bang" verbatim from your response to Dear, Mus. Do you now go back on this statement?

There are a lot of assumptions on that question, yes I know according to some Christians using genealogies they found the earth is about 6k, and I also know according to radiometric dating the earth is about 4.5 billion years old, but those are not the only two assumption on this old as dirt question, according to The Earth's magnetic field it has to be less than 22,000 years or life would be impossible. Short Period Comets suggest the earth is less than 10,000 years old, according to sediments in the ocean it's a few thousand years old, and according to growth rate it would take about 5k to get the current population from two people. All date processes must assume things, some less than other as I am far from an expert on the area I will not back any of these assumption so you don't have to disprove any. I will however tell you regardless what the age of the earth is, it holds no effect on my faith. The days mentioned in Genesis might hold a different amount of time then days we know now, throwing off the whole genealogy.

The bible tells us stuff that we don't even understand yet, once we get that information the bible will just have more evidence to support it.

I was talking to Nick, for he is the one that picked it out of the whole bible, but the message still applies to you. With you having "that kind of day" I doubt you read it with an open heart. If you give me some page in... anything, I would give it the time of day, and my undivided attention, as for the snake thing sense of humor is a sign of intelligent, and I got a laugh out of that. So reread it find the symbolism I find to be parallel to your situation.

Again the bible tells us stuff we don't even understand yet, once we get that information the bible will just have more evidence supporting it.

I have thought a lot on religion, and I would like to thank you both again for helping me grow in my faith. You addressed me as a curious reader looking for enlightenment, then it turns out you wanted to debate whatever I say. Which, after the initial shock I enjoyed, I like to hear the opposing sides, and what their view points are. Still I was optimistic you would at least hear what I had to say, before disputing it. If you bring up conflicting views I would research them before constructing my opinion on them.

The definition of faith-belief in, devotion to, or trust in somebody or something, due to you finding yourself faithless simply replace faith with belief/believe. I am not asserting you have faith just a very similar concept of belief. With that settled, Christians must have faith that Jesus rose, or Christianity would be based on a man not the God, but atheist must believe he did not rise, cause no man rises from the died, and walk among the living, only God is above death. Christianity grow in great numbers, after Christ death. Even those who oppose Jesus did not question his miracles, they couldn't there was proof, the act of Him doing the miracles, they opposed His claim to be the Son of God, but once He rose, there was proof again. So rather Christianity die out it grow after Jesus death. Christianity grow so much around 200 years after His death,(not enough time for such a great "Legend" to spread with the technology available) Emperor Decius declared Christianity enemy of Rome. This is because they didn't sacrifice to Roman deity but had a relationship, with the one true God. Still there were other realigns that did not sacrifice to roman deity, Christianity was targeted during Rome's hard time because no other religion was rising with such great numbers, then after Christ rose.

Nick using a cliché, to insult me I expect more from you, that was just piss poor insulting because you contradicted yourself, you did have a battle with me therefore using the transitive theory I have wits, and that's according to you, I already knew I had wits. When I use to go to Church because, I had to I did not like going, that is true. I stop being forced to go around the time I was seven, and I didn't start going back to Sunday morning church till October 19th, 2008, the day I was baptized (excluding a very small amount of time with friends or something) . I got saved earlier that year late summer time, when I went to youth group with my friend, Brandon. God will always put people in your life to help you grow with Him, Brandon one of those people for me. I always considered myself a Christian, but I didn't know Him, I just knew of Him. It wasn't in till this summer when I truly craved that relationship, was I saved. I doubted that I was truly saved at first, because I didn't have that moment when I dropped on my knees in near tears, that I found Him, like many people told me was there saving experience. I was save never the less, God made that abundantly clear. I have matured greatly since I was seven, I now get so amped, completely hyped to get closer with Him anyway I can, youth group, spreading the gospel, just living for Him, and yes Church.