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.

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.

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.

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!!    


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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......

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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."
 

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. 

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.

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.

 

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.   

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®

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.
 

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.     

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.

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

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. 
   

The New Year

     We are about to enter the new year.  Are you ready to make this Year truly the year of the Lord?  So many times we have stated that this is the year of God.  We say it as if this unlike any other year, this will be different.  We come up with jingles and ryhmes to give it some uff.  Like 2007 is the year of heaven.  2008 in the Lord we celebrate and etc.  You get my drift.  So now we enter 2010 and we start this year just like any other year, placing on our checks 2009 because we forgot it is 2010.  LOL.  But really just like every year we should come up with and think of ways to improve ourselves especially our walk with Jesus Christ.  How can we draw closer and know Him more.  When you are thinking about that please remember one thing:  It is not a sprint but a Marathon.  2010 is 12 months long.  The best cooked meat is one that has been roasting and or broiling for a long time.  Allow God to make you tender for Him.  God bless you and Happy New Year.


 

Death Of Oral Roberts

Oral Roberts died today at the age of 91.  He was best known as the crying preacher who stated that god was going to kill him if he did not raise millions of dollars by a certain time.  I find it very funny and yet sad that when people think about Oral Roberts this is what they mention.  They don't mention the fact that he began a Bible University or Television Program or that through him God healed many.  All the good people do and the only thing humans remember is the bad and ugly. 
     That is why we are thankful that God in his love and mercy does nto see us like others do.  He sees the good and the love in us.  It is this that God sees and remembers in us.  I can only pray that when we die that all our faults and mishaps are placed aside and that people remember the good that we have done.  May our Legacy be that of blessings and fortune to humanity through Christ.

THIS IS THE SEASON - WATCH

     This season many people are getting sick.  They start getting sick not only physically but spiritually and mentally.  The sales, the emotions, the lonliness, the financial stress and struggles, these all become very difficult and people become very stressed.  Eventually everything going on creates a void and loss of the meaning of the season.  I never was a person who enjoyed all thehustle and busle of the Christmas season due to 2 things.  1)  Physical illness with many & 2)  the commercial aspect of the season. 
      This year I can only pray that people remember 2 things.  1)  Without CHRIST you can not have CHRISTmas.  & 2)  JESUS is the reason for the season.

Have a Merry CHRISTmas.


     

Today I viewed a video located below about Richard Dawkins calling Ray Comfort a serious and radical evangelist an idot because he refutes Darwinism.  At first it made me angry but then I realized that many people feel this way about Christians.  Jesus himself told us that if they called your master the prince of Devils what would they call you.  The scriptures also tell us that we are fools in the eyes of the world because of our faith in Christ.  I bet Moses was considered a fool for taking Israel out to the wilderness, or Abraham going to sacrifice his son, or David going to defeat a Giant, or Gideon Battling thousands with only 300 men.  Yet we know how all this ended.  The Promise, The Faith, The Victory.  So to all you fools and idots out there, GOD BLESS YOU for we know that God always has the last word.  
http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/science/11/25/darwin.dawkins.evolution/?utm_source=bronto&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Image+-+Dawkins&utm_content=harvestchristian%40cox.net&utm_campaign=Dawkins+Resorts+to+Name+Calling+%2F+Someone+Won+the+%2420%2C000

The Holy Spirit

When we think of the most vital part of our Christianity many people will refer to the word FAITH.  I believe thou that the most important part of Christianity is the HOLY SPIRIT.  If a person does not have theHoly Spirit living in them they can not living a Christian life.  Unfortunetly that is what we see in many people.  Their belief is head knowledge and not guided by the Holy Spirit.  If more Christians were filled by teh Holy Spirit we probably would not have the issues within the church or other so called Christians attacking other Christians.  So how do you know if you have the Holy Spirit living in you? The scriptures make it very clear in many parts:

1)  There is FRUIT.  You are actually doing something for God and I do not mean going to church.  You are witnessing.  When was the last time you told someone about Jesus?  I assure you if you have not told someone about Jesus or encouraged them to follow Jesus you do not have the Holy Spirit.  Many people will say that, they are shy.  Even if that is true, when you have the Holy Spirit you have boldness to speak and do the things for Christ.  In all the parables of Jesus when referring to the believers He makes one thing evident.  The TRUE BELIEVER reproduces.  Here is a just a couple of the parables: The Sower, The Talents, The Sheep & Goats, The Wise Steward, The Vine and many others. 

2)  There is CONVICTION.  When people think of what is right and wrong they may feel that they have a grasp of things.  The fact is thou many people may be doing wrong and not know it.  For example, unforgiveness is wrong with God but unforgiveness is permitted in the world.  Hatred is not against the law but with God it is.  So people may say, hey I am not doing anything wrong, meaning "I am not breaking the law" while in reality they are.  The Holy Spirit brings convictions to a person because the Holy Spirit teaches a person of a eternal law.  When you are convicted for doing something that maybe the laws of man don't find offensived but God does it is likely that it is the Holy Spirit.

     In short we see a vital walk and importance to following Jesus and only can be done through the Holy Spirit.



   

Persecution of Christians is a Reality - WAKE UP!

BY CHARLES COLSON...
Allow me to make a very direct statement. I believe it is time for the Church in this country to stand up for religious freedom.

Especially over the course of the last few years, we have seen repeated efforts—in the courts, in state legislatures, in Congress, and on Pennsylvania Avenue—to erode what has been called the first freedom: religious liberty.
It isn’t hard to cite numerous cases where Christian organizations and individuals have been singled out and punished for adhering to their faith.
In New Jersey, a Methodist camp lost its tax exempt status for refusing to hold a same-sex civil union ceremony. In California, Christian doctors were successfully sued for refusing to offer in-vitro fertilization procedures for a lesbian couple. Catholic Charities in Boston had to shut down its adoption services because it was being forced by the state to place children with same-sex couples.
The current health care bill has no protections for religious medical personnel or health care providers who, by reason of conscience, refuse to participate in abortions. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act is gathering momentum in Congress. The bill would require even Christian-owned enterprises with more than 15 employees to hire those who do not share their faith.
The list could go on and on.
So why is religious freedom such a concern to us as Christians? Freedom of religion is called the first freedom for a reason. Our founding fathers recognized that without freedom of conscience, no other freedom can be guaranteed.
Christians, in fact, are the greatest defenders of religious freedom and human liberty—not just for Christians, but for all people. Compare religious freedom in those countries with a Christian heritage to the state of religious freedom in Islamic nations, communist countries, and Buddhist and Hindu nations, and you will see my point.
The reason that Christians place such a high value on human freedom is that freedom itself is part of the creation account in the Bible. God made humans in His image. He gave us a free will to choose to love, follow, and obey Him, or to follow our own way.
That free will, given us before the Fall, is part of human nature itself.
Perhaps more than anything else, it was this understanding of individual freedom that turned me into the kind of patriot who would willingly give his life for his country. It was the words of the Declaration of Independence that inspired me to join the Marines: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
So this question of human freedom goes to the very heart of who we are as Christians and as Americans.
So this Friday at the National Press Club in Washington, a statement signed 125 evangelical, Orthodox, and Catholic leaders will be released—an historic declaration on life, the family, and religious freedom.
And please, today, go to http://www.colsoncenter.org/ to view my Two-Minute Warning video on religious freedom. We will have some great resources for you. Then Friday at noon, we will have for you the declaration itself—probably the most important document I’ve ever signed.
The Church needs to understand the urgency of the hour and do its duty.