Wednesday, December 1, 2010

And so it was...

     Well it has been a long time since I have blogged so let me first of all say, Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas to all my family and friends in Christ. 
     I have been extremely busy this past month.  Getting things together as i open up a new chapter in my life.  LOL.  God is good and He is worthy to be praised.  I always am reminded of where I came and the chains that entagled me and how much God has provided for me.
     The scripture that has been in my heart can be found in the book of Daniel.  When Daniel knew that the paper was signed he went into his room as he always did and with the windows open prayed towards Jerusalem.  Even thou he knew the consequences he still chose to pray and do what was in his heart. 
     As many of you know I worship at my home.  I have family and friends come to my home and worship with me.  I am not ashamed of this.  There has been many times when i have tried to beat around the bush or try to make light of it but not anymore.  I have the right by God to worship in my home with whom i want to worship with. 
     I know that there are people who think that should not be so.  That worship and religion should be regulated and called a business or commercial.  I know that there are people who are saying that I am a lawbreaker and criminal.  All I can say is One Day God will turn this all around and all the laws that they are trying to place on Christians and those who worship in the home will be turned around and those laws that made me a criminal will be considered illegal.  Then I wonder if they will be the criminals.  I wonder if they will apologize.  Even if the laws don't change, let it be know that I will continue to worship God as I always did. 
     So people can call it what they may, but Christians just need to be Christians and know that God is greater than anyone or anything in this life. 
     As the 3 men of God said, "God is able to deliver us from the fiery furnance, but if He does not let it be know that we have not worshipped or bowed down to your idol."

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Halloween Is Evil....PERIOD!!!

     Yes, it is about that time again when Christians who have no biblical backing have to be taught the most basic of doctrine.  I do not say this to be condesending but only to show the ignorance and stupidity of churches who celebrate this holiday which is not Christian in nature but rather evil.  I know what many Christians are saying, "Well this is a perfect opportunity to reach the lost by putting tracks in their bags or by giving them an alternative...yadda yadda blah blah blah...."  Folks we do not dress like Elton John to reach homosexuals, so why do we think we have to dress like angels to tell people not to glorify or celebrate such a holiday.  What hypocrisy!!!!  If you think I am being harsh against this demonic holiday in nature I AM!!  I hate this holiday and Christians who try to disguise it by calling it a Harvest Festival or Fall Festival are fooling themselves.  Unless you are trully a farmer.  Folks whether you are pitching or catching you are still playing baseball.  Think about it and think real hard about it.,,

Halloween Glorifies:

Death - Horror - Fear - Darkness - Witchcraft  and NEED I SAY MORE...   EVERYTHING that Christians do not nor should have a part of period. 

On Focus on the family a Witch who was high in the satanic realm after coming to Christ, said this, "If Christian parents really understood what goes on during the Halloween season, they would wash their kids mouth anytime they even mention the holiday."  I agree with him.

Folks, the bible is very specific:

1 Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

Ephesians 5:11-12 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. (12) For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.

2 Corinthians 6:14-16 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? (15) And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? (16) And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.



Need I say more.  Folks I left a church because they decided after discussion and debate to still celebrate the holiday by calling it a harvest festival. 

For those who are still not convinced?  Do you have an alternative to Purim, Passover, Feast of Tabernacles, Pentecost, Feast of Trumpets....These are all Jewish holidays that our Christ celebrated....What is your alternative to that???  I bet your answer is, "were not Jewish."  EXACTLY.....Well were are not the world either.

Monday, October 18, 2010

BECAUSE WE ARE WHO WE ARE

     As some of you know, as a minister of Jesus Christ I have never been ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  When I became a Christian I became a witness for Christ bringing people to the reality of the need of Jesus.  I preached in the streets, handed out tracs and openely and boldly declared my opposition of evil.  With such work comes opposition.  The bible even says,

2 Timothy 3:10-13 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, (11) Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. (12) Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. (13) But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.


The city wants to put me in Jail and stop me from worshipping at my home and we have vigilanty neighbors taking pictures and harassing us because of our worship at home.  With that said, PRAISE GOD!!!  What are we doing that is evil???  We are Christians worshipping Jesus while the devils are out taking pictures and raging in anger because we live in America.  If I wanted to live in a communist country I would go to China.  These people who are so Anti-Christian have no idea that they are not fighting with man but with God.  So we are always encouraged by scriptures to know that, Jesus and all the apostles at one time or another sat in our shoes because wicked people wanted to get rid of them.  Ultimately no matter what the cost or time the Kingdom of God will WIN.  The gates of HELL shall NOT prevail against the KINGDOM of GOD!!!!

     Prison or Not the Gospel of God will not be stopped.  Though I be in Chains you can not chain the Power of God!! 

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Why do the Heathen Rage?

     Today I experienced a very shocking sight.  People actually gathering and rejoicing over a Pastor of the Christian faith sentenced.  Instead of being ashamed people actually gloated over the situation.  Did they think that this was pleasing in the sight of God?  I can assure you that God is never pleased when any of his servants are condemned or persecuted.  The same spirit that was in the people who crucified Christ was in these people's hearts today.  They yelled Crucify Him and so these people cried out for harsh judgment.  This demonic spirit has been in the people of the world since the world began.  Even the Holy Apostles were prosecuted by people who yelled for their demise.  Why did they want Peter and Paul and all the others killed?  Because they preached a Gospel and message contrary to what the heathens believed.  Shame on these people who have come against the people of God.  SHAME ON THEM!!!  The Evangelist Stephen said it best,

Acts 7:51-52  Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.  (52)  Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:
  
     You know what the saddest thing is?  I feel so sorry for their souls.  I know that as God has dealt with Korah and Dathan who opposed Moses so God will deal with each one of these people.  Meanwhile I will rely on God and His saving grace.  While all may fall, we will STILL BE ON TOP!!!  Thank you Jesus for the things you have done in our lives and I thank you that I can even be found worthy to be persecuted for your Name!!

Acts 5:40-42  And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.  (41)  And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.  (42)  And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

And So it shall be in our lives and in our home. 

 
 

Monday, September 13, 2010

Shut The Hell Up and Sit Down!

     I am sure you are caught by this title.  Maybe you should be.  These days so called believers of Jesus Christ have been a stench in the nostrils of Christianity.  I want you to read something:

Acts 2:38-47  Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.  (39)  For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.  (40)  And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.  (41)  Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.  (42)  And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.  (43)  And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.  (44)  And all that believed were together, and had all things common;  (45)  And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.  (46)  And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,  (47)  Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

   
      This is Christianity!  They shared and they enjoyed and they gathered and they worshiped together daily.  They read and they prayed.  Meanwhile many who call themselves Christians have no time to gather or go to church or pray or read the bible and they still want to call themselves Christians!  Folks this type of thinking is from HELL.  They need to SHUT THE HELL UP and THEY NEED TO SIT DOWN!! 
      If you call yourself a Christian and you have other things ahead of God like YOUR JOB, YOUR KIDS SPORTS, YOUR RECREATION, YOUR FISHING and YOUR WHATEVER you need to repent.  You are a damned sinner who needs Jesus to come into your life so that you may know that it is only through JESUS CHRIST can you find salvation and truth.  I know that many may say, "wait a minute I do believe."  SO WHAT!!   Even the DEVILS believe and they fear God.  There are people who believe and live with no fear of God.  That folks is HELLISH THINKING so you need to SHUT THE HELL UP and SIT DOWN with the believers of Jesus Christ and grow in the power of the Holy Spirit. 
     If this message offends you let me know.  I would gladly discuss the options and maybe you or I can learn from each other.  If you know what I am talking about and you agree, let me know.  Let people know that there are real believers who are looking bad because so called Christians are BLASPHEMING the name of Jesus.


     JUST A NOTE TO SOME WHO MAY HAVE DIFFICULTIES:  SHUT THE HELL UP means taking hellish thinking and closing it up.  Removing it from your life.  AND SIT DOWN means get to worship and gathering of believers stop making excuses and putting other things fist. 
 

Saturday, September 4, 2010

A Christian Saved By Grace!!

Now that you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour there are a few things you need to know. Being saved by grace has nothing to do with works. It is all about the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. Whatever you do now means absolutely nothing with Salvation. You're saved by grace and not by works. So here are some simple steps to remain saved:


1) Don't join a local body church. Even thou Jesus formed the Church and he made some to be Pastors and Teachers you are saved by grace and do not need to be under control or accountable to anyone but Jesus. Jesus is your Pastor. Jesus saved you and being part of a church is just like being part of the temple in Jerusalem. Since the temple no longer exists, your needing to be part of a church should no longer exists. Further think about all the benifits you would have when not being part of a Church. You get to go to swapmeets, malls, stores and spend more time with yout family. I know that this is what Jesus would want. Church just takes too much time.



2) If you must join a local body of believers join a group that does not tell you what to do. You don't want to be around people who are legalistic. They say things like, help or you need to pray or read your bible or feed the homeless or something like that. We are saved by grace and not by works. Being a Christian is having the right to do nothing if you don't want to. If you help or support people may see you as self righteous and you don't want that to happen. It is Better to be safe than sorry.



3) If you also feel like you need to join a fellowship, join one that tells you what you want, not what you need. Don't be part of a group that talks about sin, repentances, works and conviction that is all Old testament stuff. We believe in a New Testament Jesus. He says things like love, mercy, faith, hope, and all that good stuff. Especially forgiveness. Remember the thing the Lord said, "Hey, no ones perfect." or something like that. I mean we already going to heaven we should be able to go there feeling good about ourselves.



4) Don't tithe. Titihing doesn't save you. I mean you don't get into heaven by paying your way in. People who tell you to tithe have no idea what it is like not having money. They tithe because they have money. They say the reason they have money is because they tithe, but they don't know what it's like not having money because they tithe. If they stop tithing maybe they would understand how we feel. Anyway, even thou Jesus said, "you will reap what you sow" he is only talking about farming. Tithing is Old Testament stuff.



5) Have worldy friends. Don't get personal with Christians. Born Again Christians are too religious. By the way you don't need people who know what you believe in to judge you for not doing them. It is better to have friends who don't know what you believe in so that when you do what your not supposed to do they don't judge you. I believe it was the apostle Paul who said, "Ignoarance is bliss." or was that Shakespear. I don't know I think it make sense.



6) You don't need to read the bible. The bible is old and it is made for people who lived during the time of Jesus and before. Being saved by grace is means you believe in the Bible but don't have to read it. By the way you can read other things that may help you feel happy and good about yourself. Like a devotional called, "365 day devotional of encouraging words" or "Don't judge me and I won't judge you. There were even." or "Purpose Drivien Life" or "Prayer of jabez" or maybe a small piece of scriptures to meet your wants. You can still say you are a Christian and that you believe in the Bible without reading it.



7) Last but not least, Don't force religion on other people. Living by grace is about acceptance and tolerance. Jesus accepted us just the way we are so that we can accept people just the way they are. When you witness about your faith you become forceful and God does not like people who are forceful. We just need to accept them and tolerate them just the way they are. Let them make their own choice even though they don't know that there is a choice. Parents this also means your children. Let them choose what to believe in or what not to believe in. Grace means you accept your daughter if she decides to do what other people on MTV do, or your son when he dresses up like a Zombie. Jesus loves zombies that is why he rose Lazarus from the dead. Lazarus was a Zombie and Jesus accepted him. Are we better than Jesus? NO! So accept and tolerate and let them decide. Being a witness is being a nad and people don't like nags.



If you follow these steps you will be a Christian who will find that you have fullfilled the golden rule and that you are saved by grace. Treat others like you want them to treat you. You will find yourself happy and joyful. You will find that when you die you will be with the Lord. I think.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Prosecution For Religious Beliefs

     This past week has been to say the least, "interesting week."  As some of you know on Monday, I was found responsible for the violations that existed on the property.  I was responsible for the violations like Demolition of a Pool, Putting electrical circuits in the garage, misusing an extension cord, putting up a Costco tent without proper permits or foundation and too close to a building.  Putting chairs that were used for worship in the storage in the rear.  Folks this is not a joke.  Really if you move in a house and your previous owner did work on the property without a permit and the city finds out 4 years after you moved in that there was no permit you are responsible and violated. 
     Here is the dussy.  I was also prosecuted for conducting Christian worship on the property.  The Judge who I believe is a good judge and fair through out the trial made a comment, she stated, "I hope Mr. Salman understands that he is not being prosecuted for religious worship on the property only that if he wants to have worship on the property he must conform to the requirements and the standards that the city is asking."  This statement sounds very fair.  But is it really the truth?  Am I not being prosecuted for religious worship.  Here is what I mean.
      During the trial the City witnesses stated that if I had birthday parties on the property I do not need these things, If I had used the room to play games I do not need these things.  Yet, because I gather to worship on the property in a building that looks like a religious building with chairs, pulpit, art and stuff I must conform my property to commercial standards.  The fact is I AM BEING PROSECUTED because I worship on the property with my family and friends.  PERIOD.  If I had a big screen T.V. with football posters and art and pool table and bar and stuff they would not violate me for a Sports Bar.  EVERYONE of those who worship with me, know we DO NOT publicly advertise.  We do not have signs, or service times in the front or on a website.  We are private individuals and so forth.
     Nonetheless, I believe the laws that are in place are wrong and discriminatory and I will put my money where my mouth is.  May God give me strength and we battle this injustice.  Please pray as we get through this.  IN JESUS NAME!

Monday, August 30, 2010

Its All Good - Trial

     For those of you know what the theme is for this past month it is "Its all good."  Today we completed a 5 day trial.  During the trial we made our points to the best we can.  We filed our paperwork and did what we needed to do.  There really is not more we could have done.  I believe we did the best anyone can do.  Nonetheless, I was found guilty and a responsible party for the violations that existed on the property.  The reason I was found guilty was not due to the evidence that I was seen doing it, ordered it or anything like that but rather because I live there.  Let me say that I am sure glad no one committed murder because then I would really be in trouble.  Since I live there I would have been responsible.
     On the bright side we were not discouraged.  We believe we are in the hands of God and to be prosecuted for worshipping God is really not that bad.  A blessing if you must.  There has been a lot of stress on our family but nonetheless it is the same thing you go through just because you go through it.  The verdict has catapulted us to the Federal Arena.  The judge stated in her verdict that she was not here to argue the law.  This is true, she can not change the law.  Even thou we were not asking her to, only that this law not be applied to us but rather to public assemblies which we are not.  Oh well what can you do.  This is why it is important to take this to another venue because there are courts that are there to change the law.  This is our goal not only for us but for all Christians who have worship in thier homes and should not fear persecution because neighbors don't want a "CHURCH" there. 
     Please pray earnestly and fervently for us as we make our way through.  God has and is bringing victory to us in the name of Jesus. 

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Wanda Earles - In Memory 8/24/2010

     It was a beautiful afternoon and we were at a Prison Fellowship function.  All the ministers were gathering together and the meeting was on the way.  I stood at the soda area filling a cup of soda when I was approached by Debbie Petty the coordinator of the prison ministers.  She said she wanted me to meet someone.  She called to her and out from the crowd emerged a bright red hair spunky little lady.  "Pastor Michael, this is Wanda." There she stood in front of me, she was a 10 foot 300 pound wrestler in a 5 foot 4 110 lb frame.  Hello, I am Wanda.  I gave her a big hug.  Debbie said, "I want you to take Wanda under your wing Pastor, she is a sweet little lady."  From that day on she never left my side. 
     She was a sweet lady.  She also was also a handful.  Full of opinions and she was never afraid to tell you what she thought about anything.  You can always count on Sister Wanda being there.  She always wanted me to do this and that.  She had some great points and some were just plain silly but of course I listened.  After service you can always count on her telling me that it was the best sermon she had ever heard.  "I love you Pastor Michael, that message was great." She would say as she held my hand. 
     "I love you guys" was always something you heard her say.  The last year was probably the hardest for her and for us.  The Firey red hair began to lose its fire.  Her quick walk in was replaced with a walker.  Of course she was in denial with that walker the first year.  She would just come in with the walker so slow and then after worship she would almost trot to the front to tell me how much she loved me.  This lady just loved God.  She was the sweetest.  Of course I would never forget the stories she told.  Stories that you would find in a movie.  Never a dull moment for sister Wanda. 
     It was not too long ago when things started to effect this strong, stubborn saint of God.  No matter what happened she refused to be hurt and refused to accept she was getting old.  We all knew thou and she also was told by God to prepare.  I know God told her.  The things she began to do was only things people begin to do only if you had a personal relationship with God.
     Even while getting ready she still had that fire.  I saw it the day I walked into service with a beard.  "Hello Sister Wanda" was my normal greeting.  A kiss on the cheek and a hug.  Suddenly it was met with a finger point to the face and a sharp rebuke.  "You go right back into that house and shave that off."  She gave me such a hard time.  "None of my men wear a beard."  Boy she never let it go.  Yet, it never stopped her from telling me she loved me.  Even sometimes with tears in her eyes telling me she loved me, "But you still need to shave that beard off."
     I remember seeing her a week before she left.  I walked into the hospital and there she laid all drugged out with IV's in her arm, really tired and exhausted, she looked up and I gave her a hug and kiss and she said to me, "You still have that beard?"  Every nurse that walked in, she would say, "That is my Pastor, I am so happy he is here, but he needs to shave that beard."  I promised her that as soon as she gets better and comes back to worship I will shave it off just for her, that the only thing she needs to do is just get better.  I put on some Christian Music and we sat for about an hour or so singing as she dozed in and out. 
     This beautiful saint of God, will never be forgotten.  My family adored her and she just loved my kids.  I won't even go into the fact that she would talk to me about how precious my family was and how lucky I was to have 5 girls and how precious they were. 
     I love you Sister Wanda and one thing I am assure of is you were leaning on the everlasting arms.  Rest in Peace you beautiful saint of God.  You will be missed. 

Pastor Michael Salman

Thursday, August 12, 2010

The New Immigration Enforcement

     Grace to you and peace from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.  I thought I would start this blog just because I believe that many people have forgotten what it means to be a Christian.  We are Christians FIRST and Americans SECOND. If you don't believe this then you will not agree with what I have to say and you might as well just move on to the next blog.  If you do believe this then you should believe what I am about to say or at least consider it.

     People say we have an immigration problem.  This is true.  Why is it such a problem?  It is not because we don't have room or we don't have the money, God knows many of us Americans live in more than our necessities and if any of you complain about money spent on our healthcare and food than you might as well complain on the 1 million dollar patriot missle:

 "US Army Budget FY2011". http://asafm.army.mil/Documents/OfficeDocuments/Budget/BudgetMaterials/FY11//pbhl.pdfRetrieved 2010-04-06.

     We have spent 100 Billions of Dollars on Countries that none of us benefit from.  So stop with this money thing.  It is getting really old and for some of us, it only proves your ignorance and your hypocrisies.  Now with that out of the way.

     The fact is the reason why so many are upset, is the crime issue.  Does cracking down on immigration help that??  Some say yes and some say no.  So with that said, lets consider this, if of course your still reading this Christian. 

      How many BORN AGAIN CHRISTIAN families will be effected by this law?  Think about it.   Legal or illegal, they are CHRISTIANS AND THEY ARE OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST.  I mean you can dismiss them as Christians they are illegal and breaking the law???  How many CHURCHES, MINISTRIES, PASTORS and OTHER CHRISITAN organizations will be effected???  Really think about.  You are a Christian right???  HOW MANY FAMILIES THAT ARE CHRISTIAN BORN AGAIN AND LOVE OUR LORD will be effected???  How many will lose their mother or father or even a child because MANY years ago they came here illegally??? HOW MANY???  THINK ABOUT IT. 

     FOR CRYING OUT LOUD WE ARE CHRISTIANS FIRST, AMERICANS SECOND!!  Do you love your LORD and HIS PEOPLE or DO YOU LOVE YOUR COUNTRY MORE?  

     THE fact is any law legal or not, passed or not, voted on or not, if it effects the Christian Community, it is a law from Hell!  If you think I am wrong then you are a hypocrite and I will prove it by the next statement...

     If tomorrow they pass a law saying that Same Sex Marriage is legal andyou as a Christian must accept it.  I assure you that you as a  Christian and we as the CHURCH OF GOD WILL NOT ACCEPT it.  Legal or Not, to us marriage is man and woman.  PERIOD!

Enough Said.

Pastor Michael Salman
Servant of the Most High God 

Friday, August 6, 2010

Why, Yes! I Don't!

     Tonight we had about a 2 hour discussion on the Trinity.  The subject was on Jesus The Begotten.  From there it went into the Trinity.  It was very good to say the least.  Of course it probably was to me and those who love these discussions.
     So at the end someone came and asked me if I believed in the TRINITY?  So here is what I do believe.  I know as does everyone, the Trinity is a man made description of a concept which is seen in the Bible.  Not directly taught just seen.  (EMPHASIS ADDED)  There is no real teaching of it in the Bible other than the interchanging of words of Father, Son, and Spirit.  With that said and that understood here is what I believe is the TRUTH and is TAUGHT and PREACHED and UNDERSTOOD IN THE BIBLE.

1)  I believe there is ONLY 1 God.
2)  This 1 God is the Creator of Heaven and Earth.
3)  This 1 God became Flesh and we saw Him as the Son Of God.
4)  This 1 God in the flesh died and was buried and rose from the dead.
5)  I believe that this God has given us the Name of Jesus, in which all those who believe in Him shall be saved.
6)  This 1 God deals with humanity by living in all those who believed in Him and the Sacrifice on the Cross.

7)  I believe when I go into heaven I will see and only be with this 1 God.

     So this is what I believe and this is what I know is the truth.  Anything more or less is man's definition and grasp of what they are trying to explain.  Every time I meet someone who does not like my aspect of Trinity, which by the way is what the Bible teaches, they always seem to think they have a better answer. 
      It's funny thou because no matter what they say they always end up with the word, it just a mystery and no one can understand.  All that tells me is that their concept of Trinity is not important to humanity and their salvation or else God would have made it clear.  WHICH BY THE WAY, I do not agree.  I believe God has made it very clear and understandable.  It's just those who believe in the Trinity refuse to believe in any other way then to say it is a mystery hard to explain. 
     It's kind of like a rule to a bad game.  I'm thinking of a number from 1 to 1 million and after you have said every number, we are all wrong, and when asked what is the number their answer is, I don't know but it was not any of the ones you said.
    
     God the Father in Creation  -   God the Son in Salvation  -  God Living in Us by and through the Spirit. 


     This is what the Bible Teaches and what the bibles shows.  PERIOD.  Of course maybe some people prefer to guess a number from 1 to 1 million.  LOL

Monday, August 2, 2010

Why People Have Nothing...

     Grace to you and peace from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.  I preached a sermon a long time ago of why people have nothing.  There was a time in my life when I sold my business to a Christian.  He of course could not run the business like I did.  He closed up early and opened late and instead of using the money for re-inventory he used it for his personal stuff.  You can't make money off something you do not have.  Eventually he made 5 payments and then closed the business.  So here I am with 3 children and depending on the income of this business.  My Real Estate endeavor did not work so it was hard to say the least.  So I started a few things.  I began a roadside assistance service where I would help people on the side of the road and ask them to send money or give for the help.  Well that flopped.  LOL.  Then I began painting.  That went very well.  I worked hard and very long hours.  From 6 am to 8 pm painting, sanding and stuff.  God provided.  Then I began driving cab.  I enjoyed it very well.  Then out of nowhere God provided me an opportunity to open an Arizona Office for a National Company.  Praise God from that point on God continued to provide.

One thing I can truly say about this experience is that even thou it was hard my wife and I continued in the promises and word of God.  1)  We never failed to Tithe even thou sometimes it hurt.   AND 2)  I never ever ever ever allowed work to get in between me and my service to God.

      From attending Club Jesus, to being a member of Covenant of Grace to being promoted to Youth Pastor and then Assistant Pastor at First Arabic to Associate Pastor at Four Square Gospel up until Harvest, I have never missed a Sunday and never allowed anything and I mean anything come between me and my God.

     I look at so many Christians and see so many have nothing.  I mean nothing.  I sometimes don't know why???  I mean God gives us promises of prosperity and success.  Yet, as I draw closer in their lives and see what they go through it becomes evident why they have nothing.

     Unless a person asks I will not bring it up but let me share with you reading why some people have nothing.

1)  Disobedience to God.
2)  Not a Whole Heart for God.
3)  Just plain mean and rude and no Christian manners or etiquette.
4)  Excuses about everything and everyone.
5)  Hatred and Unforgiveness

     How do Christians expect God to bless them while living like this?  If my own children had any of these traits I would not give them a thing.  Now with that said, have you ever heard you get what you put in?  Yah?  Well this is with God also.  Salvation is FREE.  But FREEDOM is at a COST.

If you ABIDE IN MY WORD then shall you BE MY DISCIPLE and you SHALL KNOW THE TRUTH and the TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE.

     So you can be saved and Go to heaven but you should not have to live in Hell while you are here.

May the Lord Bless You and May He Open the Doors.

The Lone Ranger

     This past month has been a very interesting month.  I had come across a man who thinks that bashing other Christians and their means of worship and service is what Christianity is all about.  People who like to cut down other Christians and their way of preaching is truly an abomination to the Lord.  I guess this is what happens when you have a theology that is so corrupted by bitterness and anger, than any Christian who does something different than you do is no good.  The thing is, this believer is living a miserable life.  Sad, lonely and broken.  No family or true friends just a superficial religion.  I feel sorry for Christians like that.  I guess you really do come to understand why some people have nothing.  I do not mean third world Christians.
     I can only pray that God will help us all understand that He does have a purpose in our lives.  That just because you are not a foot does not mean you don't need the foot or you are not a hand means you do not need the hand.  Every person in the body of Christ should know that we are all important in the Body and that we all have a function.  If more Christians paid attention on what others preach rather how they preach we would find ourselves obedient.  Did I tell you the time when I was on the corner preaching and handing out tracts?  This guy parked got out of the car and said, "Dude what are you doing, this is not how you are to preach."  I of course asked him, whether he knew Christ and he said, yes he was a deacon at his church.  I said to him then he needs to spend more energy winning people to Christ rather than cutting down Christians.  People like that make God vomit.  For a glimpse I knew why.  

Monday, July 19, 2010

What part of "NO OTHER" do you not understand?

There is no doubt that we live in America.  The U.S. is full of luxuries and conveniences that you can find in no other country.  There is no nation like this nation.  We are so blessed to live in a Country like this.  So you would think that the Christians who live here are just thanking God for such abundance, so think again.  We live in a Country that has the most poorest excuse of Christians in all of Christiandom.  People who are so busy and time consumed with their own selfish desires, hobbies and activities that i know if it make me a creature puke, I know that it makes God puke.  God stated in HIS WORD,

Exo 20:1-3 And God spake all these words, saying, (2) I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. (3) Thou shalt have no other gods before me.


     Look at these words, I brought you out of EGYPT (SIN)  I brought you of the house of BONDAGE (DEATH - HELL).  Because of this you shall have no other gods (House, Work, Hobby, Family, Car, Bed, Woman, Man, Laziness) before me.
 
     I could not tell you how much people put other things before God.  Nathan the prophet approached King David and asked him a question, 
 
2 Samuel 12:9 Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight?.....
 
      So there are Prophets and Pastors and Teachers and Apostles who ask the same questions to those Christians who have not made God number one in their life.  You know who you are....
 
Why have you despised the commandment of the Lord, to do evil in His sight?

What part of "NO OTHER" do you not understand?
 
Yes, putting things before God is evil and a disobedience to God.  If any think otherwise they are decieved and if any think that we are legalistic you have failed to read this:
 
1 Corinithians 10:21-22 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. (22) Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?


or even this:

Jas 4:4-8 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. (5) Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? (6) But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. (7) Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (8) Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

or even this:

Mat 10:37-38 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. (38) And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.


  What part of " NO OTHER " do you not understand?  May the Lord bring revelation to the heart of those who need to serve Him.  May the Lord remember our chains no more and may we remember that God is NUMBER ONE above all.


Thank you Jesus.






 
  

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Don't Look Back

     There is a story of Fernanado Cortez who wanted to capture the most valuable treasure in all the earth.  He spent all he had and bought 11 ships to sail to capture this treasure.  We he came to shore he trained his army and then told them to torch the boats.  BURN THEM DOWN.  He stated that the only way we are going to leave is with their boats victorious. 
     Christians are told the same when it comes to following God.  If we choose Christ we need to burn our boats.  Many people do not realize that Jesus said, PARAPHRASED "If you don't give up everything for me you are not worthy of me."  Paraphrased "A person who puts his hand on the plow can not look back." 
     People need to burn the boats.  Stop going back to a life of sin.  Stop acting and living as an unbeliever.  Start living for God. 
     Ask yourself, what boats are still on my shore?  Why are they still there?  Oh by the way, Cortez did come out victorious but it was only because there was no other way.  So it will be with your walk in God if you burn the boats.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Do we fall in the sin of Hypocrisy?

Mat 23:23-24 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. (24) Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.

     The other day I was listening to a program that was talking about obeying the law and paying our taxes.  They said that obeying the government because is God's way.  I was also listening to Christians who were talking about SB1070 the new immigration law and stating that the law is the law and if we are Christians we should obey the law because that is what God wants. 
     This morning I was listening to a program on the same station that was asking Christians to donate money so that we can send Bibles to China and distribute it to the underground church. There were even testimonies of God helping Christians smuggling bibles into China.
     This is when the wheels began to turn in my head and let me say it was a burn out.  Have we become just like the Pharisees who say that we should obey THEM AND ONLY THEM but when it comes to doing what is right we ignore it.  How can Christians say that illegals are breaking the law and those who support them are wrong, while in the same breath say that smuggling bibles in China is right.  So is it OK to disobey other governments and break their laws and call that good as long as we do not break our laws.  Even calling those who do sinners and wrong.  Jesus would say to those who think like that, "HYPOCRITES." 
     The fact is mercy and grace belong in all governments, whether America or China.  Laws that disobey God should be and must be broken.  Christian Americans, sadly said, are not taking into consideration all the Americans who are here illegally because they were brought here while they were young.  Americans are failing to consider these issues and are throwing the baby with the bath water.  These are people who are neglecting mercy because they want to pay the tithe, cummins and mint.  Now those who hop the boarder and cause mahiem need to be sent back.  China that prohibits bibles and the Chrisitan from worship must also be dealt with properly.  Christians should at all cost,  even meaning death or imprisonment, can not but preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. 
     So folks let us not get caught up with the sin of the Pharisees and become Hypocrites but be right and administer grace and justice to all.

Monday, May 24, 2010

Does God get Angry when we Doubt?????

Have You Read This Story!!

John 11:33-38


(33) When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled,

(34) And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.

(35) Jesus wept.

(36) Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!

(37) And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?

(38) Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.

I was looking up the word Groaning and found it to be fascinating.  The word groaning means:

embrimaomai

em-brim-ah'-om-ahee
To snort with anger; to have indignation on, to blame, to sigh with chagrin, to sternly enjoin.

What was Jesus so angry about?  Lets look....
When the jews were weeping and people were weeping Jesus Groaned.
When people said, "Hey culdn't this man have keep Lazarus Alive." Jesus Groaned.

We come to the conclusion that Jesus groans in reference to doubt and unbelief.  God is not please with doubt.  He is angered with people who have no faith and trust in Him.  People who decide to live with no hope.  Some will even say that God was angry at sin and death.  That death has caused people the grief, pain and doubt.  No matter how you see Jesus was not at all happy to the circumstance that occurred.  Since I believe this was all the plan of Jesus in reference to death the only conclusion we can come to is that Jesus was angry at the people.  Their attitude and behaviour during troubling times. 

Makes me wonder how I should be when I go through trouble and trials.  James through the Spirit says it this way,
James 1:2-3 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; (3) Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

May God forgive us when we doubt Him through times of dispair and challenges.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

TRINITY PART 2 - PLEASE READ PART 1 first!

In order for someone to understand the Trinity we must understand who God is.  God is Spirit.  He is not human or such but Rather Spirit.  God who is Spirit created the earth, the galaxies and so forth.  He is and was ONE always.  There was not 2 nor three but 1 God.  The one God in creating all things became the Father.  We call Him Father God or God the Father.  Now God the Father is still the SPIRIT.  This God who is Spirit dwelt in and around man.  The Prophets spoke by the Holy Spirit.  All that statement means is God who is Spirit is HOLY hence, Holy Spirit.  Not 2 spirits but 1 spirit who is HOLY.  This Holy Spirit is Father in Creation.  Some people will say at this point we have a Binity.  Some people well even go so far to say that Jesus the Son of God existed at this point.  Which I believe is a gross error in doctrine.  They may even resort to saying in Genesis 1 when God says WE is proof of the trinity.  That is wrong.  The Host of Heaven is the angels and they are spirit, so the WE is God talking to the angels and making a declaration rather than a cojoing.  OK we'll move on.  As for the BINITY that is wrong also.  God is still one and He is Spirit, there is not 2 spirits up there but one.  Now we come to the time when this 1 God comes to the world in flesh form.  He is born a babe in a manager and even thou the flesh is humanity the Spirit is in this child.  As the Flesh matures the same Spirit dwells in this man named Jesus.  The difference between Jesus and the Prophets is that Jesus has the Spirit UNHINDERED.  Meaning not a part of God but the Fullness of God.  You see you and I have a part of God in us by the Holy Spirit but Jesus was God, the HOLY SPIRIT in the Flesh.  When the flesh died the Spirit did not.  So when Jesus rose from the Dead, the flesh rose from the dead by the HOLY SPIRIT.  As for the Flesh it was transformed into something else.  So now we believe in God the Father, The Son and the Comforter.  These three are 1 and I will go so far to say 1 HOLY SPIRIT.  The HOLY SPIRIT IN CREATION AS FATHER, THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE FLESH AS SON, and THE HOLY SPIRIT IN MAN AS INTERCESSOR AND COMFORTER.  THE HOLY SPIRIT HAS GIVEN US A NAME and this NAME IS JESUS.  THE NAME ABOVE ALL NAMES.  GOT QUESTIONS?  Let me know.  Got another biblical view let me know.  I pray this help you understand the trinity in pure biblical sense.  THE LORD GOD IS ONE!!    


+

Do you believe in the Trinity? PART 1

     Today I was listening to a commercial by David Jeremiah probably one of my favorite preachers.  In this short message he stated that we need to come to the committee of 3 that we have, Us, the father, The Son and The Holy Spirit.  As much as i love to hear Pastor Jeremiah there are somethings I can accept and there are somethings I can not. 
     The trinity has always been a tricky subject among Christians.  People usually avoid it by saying, "Oh just believe it is too hard to explain."  Then they move on to other things.  Some people has even made teh Trinity a matter of Salvation.  If you don't believe in the trinity you are not a Christian or you are not saved.  I guess these are no different to me than those who believe this about baptism or honoring the sabbath by worshipping on Saturday.  It always makes me wonder why anyone would place the belief of another doctrine to the doctrine of Salvation.  I mean the only reason Mormons, Jehovah Witness and other cults are what we say they are is not because of all the stuff they believe but rather it is what they add to salvation.  Anyone who adds anythign to salvation like their belief of Sabbath, Baptism or Trinity is just as guilty as they are.  Tell me how this sounds, For god so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him, and Baptism and Trinity, and Sabbath, or _________ shall be saved."  Not really good huh?  Yes, there are certain doctrines that are heretical but that is because they take away from the Diety of Jesus.  But not explaining or believing the trinity the way you believe it is not one of them.  Just for the record I believe in the Trinity.  God who is our Father and Jesus Christ who is God in the Flesh, and comforter who is God in the Spirit.  TO BE CONTINUED......

Monday, May 17, 2010

Latest on Feeding The Homeless In Phoenix

Here is the latest update on the Ministry at United Methodist Church feeding the needy on their property.  It is heard that the city is in settlement with the United Methodist Church over feeding the homeless on their property.  The settlement to say the least tells the United Methodist Church to go ahead and feed the homeless and the needy but do it behind close doors.  That's right and get this the United Methodist Church is ready to sign.  The Bishop of the United Methodist Church is ready to sign this big compromise.  What are they thinking?!?!  Is this the habit of the UMC?  Get a little resistance and just roll over and die?  The Bishop of UMC and its advisors will be irresponsible for agreeing on this matter.  In the Bible John and Peter were told not to speak in the Name of Jesus openly.  Instead they refused to listen and said we can not but help preach the truth.  They walked away with lashes because they refused to do what God had told them to do.  They walked away praising God!  Let me say, the apostles are rolling in their grave, at this roll over and die attitude of the Bishop of UMC.  Christians need to know what their rights are and what God has called them to do.  This is a Christian Nation not a secular one.  We have got to stop giving ground to those who want to trample on our Christian Rights.  If the Bishop is listening or if anyone from UMC is listening, I pray to God that you tell the City that we as Christians will not allow you to hide us and push our ministries underground just to satisfy you.  Further this settlement does nothing for the neighborhood.  It only states that you can continue doing what you are doing but do it inside where no one can see you do it.  I know that much of our stuff is made in China but that does not mean we should become the Chinese Government.

PASS THIS AROUND ----

CALL or Email THE BISHOP AND TELL HER "SAY NO!!"

Bishop Minerva G Carcaño

Address 1550 East Meadowbrook Avenue


Phoenix, AZ 85014-4040

Phone: 602 266-6956

Toll Free Phone: 800 229-8622 extension 209

Fax: 602 266-5343 extension 209

Email: bishopmc@desertsw.org

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

IF YOU HAVE YOUTH YOU NEED TO READ THIS...

OK HERE IS THE STUDY:
We have a problem in America


•70-75% of Christian youth leave the church after high school (see survey data at Barna and USA Today).

•Most Christian students are not equipped to resist rabidly anti-Christian college professors who are intent on converting their students to atheism.

•College professors are five times more likely to identify themselves as atheists than the general public.

•More than half of all college professors view evangelical Christian students unfavorably (see article

at Free Republic).

•The “new atheists” — Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens — are writing books and are growing in popularity.
 
     When I read this I do not doubt it.  I remember being a Youth Pastor and remember youth in my classes who were 16-18 years old.  I would do my best to teach the youth the fundamental doctrines of Christianity but I also had 13-16 year olds there also.  So I could not get too deep into the study.  The sermons had to be Dumbed Down.  This is the problem.  Our Youth are not receiving biblical training in youth Groups.  Further the parents who attend only once a week are damaging their children more than they know.  While we hold secular education high we take biblical education as a fall back.  Our children are abondoning the faith and turning away from God.  Their marriages and so forth are not as fruitful and they fail being a Christian.  
 
THE SOLUTION:
 
1)  I believe that once a child reaches 12-13 years old they should join the Adults.  This has always been the factor is was not until modern Christiandumb did we keep our youth in baby classes.  12-13 years old get to know the meat. 
 
2)  Parents need to take Christian Education as  a priority.  Church or classes once a week is not sufficient.  Would you send you children to school once a week? 
 
CONCLUSION,
 
If you want to buck the system, the only way is to follow the system of God.  Serve the Lord with all your heart, strength and mind.  NOT YOUR LEFTOVERS.  Ultimately the only person who pays for neglecting the youth is the parents.
 
Proverbs 17:25


(25) A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to his mother.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Franklin Graham Uninvited????

     If you are involved in the Christian new you would know by now that Franklin Graham was uninvited to attend the Pentagon for the National Day of Prayer.  He was uninvited because he stated that the muslims and Christians do not serve the same God.  The Muslims believe that there God has no son and we do.  So it must be two different God's (PARAPHRASED).  With that statement Franklin Graham was univited.  It makes me wonder if this is what he also believe this of the Jews?  Here is what we have here:

ABOUT JESUS:

SON -                                                   Muslims: NO      Jews: NO
CHRIST -                                             Muslims:  YES    Jews:  NO
PROPHET -                                         Muslims:  YES    Jews:  NO - False Prophet
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION   -     Mulsims:  YES     Jews:  NO
TEACHER OF GOD -                         Muslims:  YES     Jews:  NO

     I agree with Franklin Graham that the God that the Muslims believe in is not the same God as the Christians.  I will even go further than that and say that the God the Jews believe in is definetly not the same God as the Christians.  Between Muslim and Jews outside of Muhammed, the Muslims have the closes view points about Jesus than the Jews.
     It is sad that many who believe what Franklin Graham believes in with the same breath say, the Jews are our brothers and we believe in the same God.  I guess Hypocrisy and integration can run deep.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

You call that Christianity???????

     The other day I was listening to a debate between Deepak and a Pastor and in this debate was another guest who called herself a Christian.  Without getting too much into detail, this girl dressed like a prostitute.  It turns out that she has a ministry for prosititutes and believes that dressing like a prostitute is part of her ministry for Jesus.  She believe that she needs to look beautiful and so forth to win people to Christ.  Looking at the website I could not believe my ears or my eyes.  How can you be called a Christian and look like that and act like that?  This type of filth is cautioned to us in the Bible.  Teaching Jesus without repentance is wrong.  It is a false gospel and fake gospel.   
     This spirit of Jezebel is so prodominate in the Churches and we need to keep our eyes and ears open.  Let me conclude that I personally don't care how much they may preach Jesus their ministry is demonic and only lead people astray to the real truth.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

There is only ONE GOD!!

     In a time of Christian theology we believe that there is only 1 TRUE GOD and that is the Creator of Heaven and Earth, The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  He was the one who came in human Flesh as the Son of God.  Was crucified, buried and rose from the dead.  This is the God we serve.  Many people will say, " Hey I believe that too."  My answer is good. 
     Unfortunetly many Christians even thou believing this, may act and live their life in a different way.  While many believe that there is only 1 God they also believe there is one who is just as equal to our God.  The one that they believe in is "Satan."  It is sad to see people live their lives in such a fear and turmoil.  To believe that there is a God of Good and a God of Evil is pure blasphemy.   
     As many of you know we believe that spirits good or evil, how ever you may interpet them, is only subject to the power and authority of God.  God is God of all in heaven and earth.  I believe the greatest evil is not in demons but in MAN.  Man is Satan.  Man has always been the blocker of God's will.  Of course you can never block His will but I am sure you understand.  You see that is why James says even the demons believe and TREMBLE.  Man is wicked in heart and does not tremble.  That is why God ultimately if not repented will allow man to bring destruction to themselves.
     I guess now we can truly understand what Paul says when he says, "If God be for us who can be against us!!!!"

Praise you Jesus!!!

I'M so scared....

Today I saw the enemies of God become humiliated. God destroyed their home. The woman is now living a life or fornication and their families are broken. As I was pulling away from the area the family had anger in their eyes and they were mad dogging me. I just moved on not worrying about it. I rebuked the look and still gave it to God. It seems to me they still have not learned. Of course God is not through punishing those who rise up against his people.
Our God is so good and all we can really do is worship him and watch him place our foes under our feet.

Thank You Jesus.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Relationship Evangelism

"A Letter To Way Of The Master"

I was with our team at Huntington Beach last Saturday when I noticed some teenagers with signs that said, "FREE HUGS." It turns out that they were a Christian group sharing "God's love" with strangers, by giving them a hug. I asked the leader if the kids shared the gospel with the strangers they hugged. They didn't. It was "relationship evangelism." Yes, they were going to Hell if they died in their sins, but they didn't want to be pushy. I encouraged him to have his team at least give out tracts to those they hugged, but he was in a hurry and had to leave before I could convince him to do so.


In a list of "Ten Ideas for Everyday Outreach," a leading Christian magazine recently suggested praying for people "as you walk by them," tell them you appreciate them, leave notes of encouragement, pick up trash, leave a thank you note for waiters, be friendly, etc.

If that's outreach, what are they reaching out for? Is it so that if sinners die in their sins they will think about how nice Christians were to them, and how they keep the sidewalks free of trash? They will need more than a hug, in Hell.

I couldn't help but think of how bold a person has to be to run around with a sign that says "FREE HUGS." Surely there must be someone in their leadership that has read "How shall they hear without a preacher," and will steer these kids to be true and faithful witnesses. Then again, they may have got their hugs idea from the leading Christian magazine, and therefore think that they are doing the right thing.

REPLY:  PASTOR MICHAEL SALMAN

     Relationship Evangelism is very effective if it is done properly.  With that said, I want to stress the point that relationship evangelism could also be fake and religious.  A person who is nice to other people only because they want to convert them to Christianity seems to be putting on a front.  The fact is Christians should be nice, PERIOD.  We should have the call of God on us and the best relationship evangelism should be that of a real life witness of holiness and purity for God.  Remember Jesus won people not because he was nice but because He told the truth.  As a matter of fact when it came time for sinners Jesus was not really nice at all.  In many of his teachings the sinners and those who reject God are going to Hell, they wither, or burn up.  Remember in Jerusalem He turned tables, and rebuked the Pharisees.  In another time he turned to the people and said, stop being free loaders and follow God because you love Him not because what he can give you. 
     True evangelism means being True not fake. 

Thursday, April 8, 2010

The Woman At The Well...

John Chapter 5 tells us of a woman who meets Jesus at the well.  This woman is struggling in life.  She has been married over 5 times and her current live in mate is not her husband.  She is living in Adultery and on top of that Fornication.  Jesus approaches her and lets her know that He knows everything about her.  The greatest conversation occurs which I encourage everyone to read, but at the end the woman finds herself seeing her faults and repenting of her sins.  She realizes within scripture that her lifestyle has been destroying her due to her lack of the Christ living in her life.

     Can we learn from this woman?  The answer is Yes.  People who live their live without the principles and laws of God will only find themselves destroyed.  It is not until we meet Christ at the Well and realize that without Him we will never be satisfied or quenched, only then shall we find a life worthy of living. 

     I pray that those who see the truth and turn to God will know that He is there to receive them and forgive them of their sins.  Repent and know that there is only One God and Father of All.  Give your heart ot Him and you will find that he will quench your thirst. 

In Christ.

Pastor Michael Salman
"Servant of the Most High God."
 

Monday, March 22, 2010

The Law is the Law...

"Don't forget that everything that Hitler did in germany was legal."  Martin Luther King Jr.

What a statement?  A true and revealing statement of the reality of tyranny.  Was Hitler disobeying the law when he was killing all the Jews?  The fact is he was not.  At least not the laws that he was in control of. 

     The Romans crucified and killed Christians because they were against idolatry and calling the emperior God.  The Romans felt that the Christians were disobeying the law and found them to be law breakers and rebels.  What they also did in Rome was legal? 

     We are now faced with a dilema.  What is legal and what is not?  Who decides what is legal and what is not?  These are questions that we have dealt with since the beginning of time.

I think the question is not whether something is legal or not but rather the most asked question should be is something right or wrong?

Hitler and Rome did what was legal but not what was right.  We are now at a paradox which states that the Law is not always right.  I am not saying that the whole law but that which offends the laws of God and the character of God and humanity.  Homosexuality is legal but not right.  Homosexual mariages are legal but not right.  Fornication is Legal but not right.   

With that said, every leaders must always ask themselves should we do what the law says or what is right?  Should we uphold the law even if we think it is wrong?

I know now we come to another dilema, who says what is right or wrong.  The answer to that is GOD.  God is not changing he is everlasting to everlasting.  I believe if we just obey God than we would not find ourselves is such a dilema. 

Monday, March 15, 2010

The Prayers Of the Righteous are Effective

James 5:16-18  Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.  The prayer of the righteous man is powerful and effective.  Elijah was a man just like us.  He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and 1/2 years.  Again he prayed , and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crop.

The LORD is far from the wicked but He hears the prayer of the righteous.  PROVERBS 15:29


     What a great prelude when it comes to prayer.  Prior to the declaration that the prayer of the righteous are effectial the Word of God tells us how to become righteous.  Confess your sins!!!  Wow!  You see that is the problem between the righteous and the unrighteous.  Confession of sins.  While the wicked continue in their wickedness and their folly against God, their prayers do not even reach their cieling.  That is why their life is falling apart.  Marriages are breaking, family is broken up, loneliness sets in and you are left there alone with no friends or family and no purpose in life.  This wicked person then only becomes more angry and refuses to repent and confess their sins.  So their prayers unfortunetly are never answered. 
     The Word of God says, repent of your sins and you shall be heard.  When you repent and confess, your sins are relieved and you are made righteous and your prayers reach the throne room of God.  The ears of God.

Monday, March 8, 2010

It is easier...

Can a rich man enter the Kingdom of Heaven?  the bible says that it is easier for a camel to enter through an eye of a needle than a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.  I guess the first thing we must define is the Kingdom of Heaven.  The kingdom is not only refered to as the cellestial state but also the terestial state.  The Kingdom of God is not only in the after life but also the present life.  The next word we need to define is rich.  This rich is not only in financial wealth but also spiritual wealth.  Now when we take this all together we read it as: 

It is easier for a camel to enter through an eye of a needle than someone who is wealthy in finances, emotional, spiritual and such.

WHY?

Because in order for someone to come to Christ he must lose himself, humble himself and give up some of the pleasures of life.  A person who is too rich and prideful will not do that.  That is why it is easier for a camel to enter through an eye of a needle.

Madonna, Britanty Spears, Mr. T, Mase, Gary Buisy, and other who have tried to confess Christ have all failed because they have refused to give up themselves for God.

A person who doe snot know how to place God first and worry about what God thinks rather than what others think will never find God.  People are too busy trying to please other people rather than trying to please God and do what is right.

We need to seek the Kigdom of God first and then all the wealth both spiritual and fiancial will follow us.

 

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

The Truth...You can't handle the truth!!

Do you remember that line spoken by Jack Nicholson, "The Truth...You can't handle the truth!!"  A line to be remembered throughout all ages.  The fact is what he said was absolutely right.  People can not handle the truth.  People get upset when the truth is spoken. 
     This past week I was questioned on my worship of God by the prosecutor.  The question he asked me was a question that could be placed in the Left Behind Books.  He asked me whether or not I and my family were going to continue to worship on Sunday on our property with my family and friends even thou the City prohibits us to do so.  I have given my word that I would tell the truth so I had no choice but to tell them the truth.  THE TRUTH is Yes.  As long as I have a neck on this body I will worship the Lord every Sunday with whomever God places in my life.  The city did not like that.  Of course they will say to me that I have the right to worship but it can not be wherever I want and whomever I want.  It must be in their controlled enviroment with their approval.  Sounds funny folks but it is the truth to them.  It is a truth that we can handle despite persecution from them and them breaking the law.  Despite the fact that they are breaking the law by prohibiting me and others to come to our property for worship we have no choice but to allow the lot to fall where it may.  I will die for my faith.  So if I will die for my faith I will begin by living for my faith. 
     In the courtroom I began to think about all the prophets, apostles and even our Lord being in the same place as I am.  Falsely accussed of things that I do not condone and am against.  They said I was an agressor, a troublemaker, a neighbor hater and even called our worship on Sunday as a nusinace to the community and the neighborhood.  As I was listening to all that, I was such at peace because I was counted worthy of persecution for our Lord.  I have been nothing but nice and kind to my neighbors.  I have been considerate and always tried to keep the line of communication open despite our differences.  Even thou there has been disagreements I have never taken it personally.  I mean who are they fighting with anyway.  They are fighting with God.  The only thing me and family have done is go and hide behind our Fathers back and let him fight our battles.  God is not blind and He is the only one we need to follow.  There are times I wish I would have not said things like calling my neighbor JERK for flipping me off but it was already done.  I have learned just to walk away and not even handle this type of insults. 
     As a Pastor and a human it is very hard to hold myself to a higher standard especially when people are accussing you of false things, yet I die daily for God.  I must subject my body and my emotions and bring all things into subjection.  It is so much easier when you have the support of other brothers and sisters in Christ and the power and Guidance of the Holy Spirit. 

Act 5:41-42


(41) And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

(42) And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

 
Thank you Jesus.        

The Progress

The Bible says, "How sweet it is when brethren dwell together, it is like the oil that falls from the beard of Aaron."  I gues know one could understand that unless they really dwell with Brothers and Sisters in Christ.  This past weekend I was reminded of the beauty of brothers and sisters who got your back.  As some of you know the city with the help of some of the neighbors have been trying to stop me and my family and friends from worshipping on my property.  Yes, I live in America.  LOL.  In 2007 we were going to change our name from Harvest Christian Fellowship to Harvest Christian Fellowship Community Church due to our neighbor stealing our name.  Since there was no need to do that because our 501 c 3 still recognized our name as HCF we abondaned HCFCC INC.  Now fast forward 2 1/2 years and you have a complaint drawn by the city against HCFCC INC.  I have never been a person to run away from persecution, so for 2 months we tried our best to convince the city that the activity on the proeprty is not of HCFCC INC but rather my family or even that of HCF INC.  They did not care but rather wanted to pursue HCFCC INC. instead.  Now fast forward 7 months and we have a judgement against HCFCC INC. for over $200,000  Oh I forgot to mention, HCFCC INC.  was dissolved in April of 2009 by Suzanne and me and dissolved by the Arizona Coproration Commission in July 1st, 2009.  In other words it is dead and has been dead.
     This weekend we met with brothers and sisters for prayer and worship and the brothers and sisters in Christ just like it was clock work started to say things that would make any Pastor have joy in his heart.  They all agreed that if the city try's to stop us from worshipping that they were all going to be in this fight.  We were reminded that this was not about me but about 40 other people that have just the same right to worship on my property as I do.  The city was not only comming against me but them also.  Praise God.
     I can only pray that God gives our leaders wisdom and they try to find a better way of spending our tax payer money rather than pursuing Christians and Churches from worshipping.  Meanwhile we will continue to pray for them and their wisdom in leading our city.  God be with us.   

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Go to Church?

     Yesterday I was speaking with a believer and during the conversation I asked what the person did on Sunday. They answered nothing really. I then asked if they went to church and they said No instead they stayed home and watched Joel Osteen and then proceeded to say that all the churches in their area was too liberal. Of course I chuckled because Joel Osteen's middle name is Liberal.
Can a person believe in Christ and not go to church? The church of Christ is called the body. The body is identified as a group of believers lead by Pastors and deacons. To me that sounds like a local fellowship or congregation. So I guess the answer is how can you say that Christ is the head if you are not part of His body? You can not be a true obedient believer in Christ if you are not part of a local body of believers called the church. There may be a lot of good teachers on TV and the radio but they can never replace the actual physical supplements found in a local body. Watching TV to get your spirtual food is like watching the food network and saying you are full.
Let TV and radio create an appettite for the real thing and then act on it by being part of what God wants you to be in.


Pastor Michael Salman

Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

Friday, January 22, 2010

The Rain

     Unless you are couped up in solitary confinement you can see that it is raining and snowing in Arizona.  Many people love the rain and then there are those who hate it.  It is evident after 2-3 days of rain that Arizona is not made for this type of weather.  Floods, traffic and panic is all over our streets and towns. 
     What happens to you when rain comes into your life. 

      Mat 7:24-27

(24) Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
(25) And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
(26) And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
(27) And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

     It is evident that rain does come.  Even in the driest of climates rain comes but we need to be prepared and the only way you can be prepared in life is just as Jesus said, building your life on His word.  When your life is on HIS word no matter what rains come or winds blow you will be ready.  Sure there will be a leak or so but at least your roof will remain.  Thank you Jesus.
 

Thursday, January 21, 2010

The Disaster Factor

     This past month has been very crazy and busy to say the least.  What is in effect is called the disaster factor.  This world is experiencing a disaster like they probably never saw in their life.  Haiti with over 200,000 dead some reporting.  Many are experiencing this first hand.  This week we also received news that a friends mom and other friends of our friends are diagnosed with cancer. 
     The bible says, it rains on the just and the unjust.  When diasaster hits how do we handle it?  What are we to think?  The very first step in wondering whether a tragedy or disaster is a message?  A person should look into their life.  For example, Haiti was devestated by an earthquake.  This country was engulfed in witchcraft and sorcery.  The question would have to be, was this tragedy a message from God to the world?  Indonesia, Lousiana, and Haiti what do they all have in common?  Sorcery, witchcraft and rebellion.  Message from God?  Maybe?  We really do not know, all we can do is preach the message and help them recover and this time founded by faith.  Even during times when God brings destruction upon a nation, state, or people we as Christians need to help.  "If your enemy is thirsty give them something to drink."
     What about other people with Cancer?  Like the word says it rains on the just and the unjust.  I am sure that there were Born Again Christians that also died in Haiti.  I am sure churches were demolished.  It rains on the just and the unjust.  In these cases we just need to seek God and move forward and stand the test of time.  It is just part of life.
     In conclusion, a person must ask themselves when disaster strikes, "Did I do anything wrong?  Is God trying to tell me something?"  In doing this we need to listen and change.  With all this remember this, if something happens to you because someone hurts you or is against you God this is not a disaster factor in these cases God will turn it back to them 100 fold.  So be strong and just always calculate the Disaster Factor when it occurs.
     May god protect and keep those whoa re truly His from times of disaster and may he comfort the loss of those who call on His name.  Thank you Jesus for your Love.     

Thursday, January 14, 2010

State Day Of Prayer

January 17th, 2010 our Governor Jan Brewer by the request of 40 clergymen declared that January 17th be a State Day of Prayer.  She is calling all believers to pray for our budgets and to ask God to help us through these times.  So on January 17th, 2010 please pray for our State and while you are at it please pray for our Nation and especially the city in which you live in.  In Jesus name.

Lord Jesus, you are the Creator of Heaven and Earth.  You the Lord God almighty and there is none like you.  We pray this day for our State that you will lead our leaders to wisdom in handling and dealing with our budget.  Lord we know that you can and will provide for each and everyone of us who call on your name.  Be with our State, our cities and our Nation during this time of struggle.  Let us not compromise our values for the sake of money and let us learn that you are God and that there is blessings in obedience to you.  In Jesus name.

Friday, January 8, 2010

RESULTS ARE IN...

     A New Year can either bring great joy or it can bring great trouble.  People are faced wtih obstacles in every arena.  No matter what we know this:  If you are a Christian even your troubles are turned into victory.  We would never have known David without the Giant.  It took the Giant to bring out the best of David.  Even great generals are known only by the wars they fight.  Ultimately we know that we know that our Lord Jesus Christ is on our side and the sons and daughters of the devil will be placed under HIS feet.  So we move on and look to the Lord for strength and refuge because if GOD is for us NO ONE can be against us.  Thank you Jesus for your grace and mercy and your peace.

Pastor Michael Salman

Friday, January 1, 2010

Happy New Year

     I want to first of all wish everyone a Happy New Year.  This year was an awesome year and God had done so much in our lives.  Even thou there were speed bumps and so forth God has brought us through and is continuing to bless us and the fellowship.  One of the highlights of the year just recently occurred children from the fellowship sacrificed a toy that they received as a present and had decided to give it to a family who does not have.  The others in the Fellowship had donated money and had given it to an Orphanage/Childrens Shelter.  This had been very touching because it brings us to realize how much we have and the blessings God has given to us.  I am so proud of many of our family and friends who have stepped up to the plate to do the work of God.  This year our the fellowship had organized a group to feed the homeless, the poor and needy.  They had donated clothes and other items to the shelters.  They had given to the orphanages and shelters.  They continue to preach and teach in the jails.  They hold up signs and witness on the corners.  The fight with their brothers and sisters in Christ through persecution.  They had given to Voice of the Martyrs and other organizations.  I can only pray that this Year we will do even more.  Happy New year and from all of us here we wish you many blessings in each and everyone of your lives.  In Jesus Name and for HIS glory.