Deliver Detroit

Strip Club, Or Church, You Decide!

Written by Faithful Servant on Monday, August 18, 2008

(Ecc 7:25-26) I directed my mind to know, to investigate and to seek wisdom and an explanation, and to know the evil of folly and the foolishness of madness. And I discovered more bitter than death the woman whose heart is snares and nets, whose hands are chains. One who is pleasing to God will escape from her, but the sinner will be captured by her.

Should you avoid going to the public swimming pool, beaches, or strip clubs for that matter, for the sake of guarding and covenanting with your eyes, to prevent yourself from sin (Jas 4:7-8)? If these places are obvious stumbling blocks to an individual (man) it may be safe to say that you should avoid them as if they were the stench of death themselves (Rom 6:23). To maintain an accordance and attempt of walking in the righteousness of the Spirit and pursuing the holiness given of Christ Jesus would suggest so wouldn't it (Rom 12:2)?

So if the church is resembling the above description, is it the church? If it is, is it not due rebuke and correction? Lastly, should you treat it as you would the aforementioned stumbling blocks, would not it be the same sin, leading to the same outcome, and tarnish the same name professed by your mouth and the mouths of the very ones who violate His holy word?

You tell me. Because I'm either completely disgusted, disillusioned, and angry, or I am completely confused and totally misunderstanding the scriptures.

You and Your Daughter are Prostitutes...Of The Flesh (Pt.2)

Written by Faithful Servant on Friday, August 15, 2008

continuing from yesterday's post...

Undoubtedly there could be a lack of understanding and a need for discipleship in the truth and exemplary duty of modesty in a culture where modesty has been dismissed as a cultural stage we have progressed out of. But also, there is an innate evil in the heart of sinners and the unregenerate that seeks to sow seeds in amongst the wheat that spring forth tares choking out life and killing anything it comes near. John 3:11, the message we heard from the beginning is that we love one another. This love is in accordance with our Lord's will, not to knock each other down by flaunting the flesh that causes temptation and sin. Romans 5:5, The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts, this will relfect in our actions toward others. I ask this, is showing off an acreage of cleavage showing love toward a brother who struggles with lust? Are you so self-conscious that you have to find gratification in luring all the wrong attention you can toward yourself?

It's simply stated for believers in 1 Thessalonians 4:7-9, we shouldn't have to be informed or written to that we are to love one another. Loving one another not only means that we are not to cause a brother to stumble, it is better to go without a pleasure or behavior than to cause a brother to stumble, especially in lieu of liberty and purity (1 Co 8:13). Peter (2 Peter 1:4-7) admonishes us to show evidence of our fruit through self-control, persevearance, godliness, kindness, and love! But if you are lacking in this (2 Peter 1:9) you are blind, shortsighted, in violation of the covenant promises of God through Christ Jesus.

So to end this post now, as It's taken much time to get to this point, it will take much time to undo it, or seek to make it better. As the letter of 1 Peter 3:5, I Timothy 2:9, and the admonition from all of scripture to have a testimony embodied in your very being and the light of Christ being reflected in your life clearly, unmistakingly, undoubtedly, and powerfully (Mat 5:15, Luk 8:16, Luk 11:33).

I guess my point is the lack of those whom are repulsed enough of the enemies attack on the culture is truly showing. I pray that if you have been redeemed of God that you get up, get up NOW and begin participating in the Great Commission given us of Christ Jesus. Go, tell others that they may hear, that they may be saved, and that some may come to know him...

Galatians 6:1-5 teaches a very important lesson for the teachers, elders, evangelists, and men in the body of believers. This lesson is a calling out to those who care about sin in the face of a righteous God. It's an admonition and rebuke to the leaders in the body to remember the covenant made with the Father in redemption and rebuke, correct, and teach those who sin openly, and amongst us. It is also an encouragement to help them learn the truth of the word that will show them a more righteous way in Christ who gives us life, and power over sin through the Holy Spirit. In Galatians 6:10 Paul goes on to teach us that we must first do good to all people (love), and especially to those who are of the household of faith (emphasis mine). Would not doing good to the brethren include teaching them a better way while also eradicating through discipline the problem of sin in the body of believers?

...Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity.
(Eph 4:17-19)

You and Your Daughter are Prostitutes...Of The Flesh (Pt.1)

Written by Faithful Servant on Wednesday, August 13, 2008

It is an ever growing trend that many are well aware of. This trend not only is openly accepted and widely encouraged, but it is also fiercely lethal and increasingly growing out of control. What we do not know is that this poison that is deadly in all it's capacities also has the ability to masquerade and disguise itself. What could something so inherently fatal disguise itself as? I'll tell you what it's facade is. It's facade is known as a social norm.

Social norms are rules that are socially enforced. This enforcement usually occurs when society's general consensus and opinion determine that something is socially acceptable and passes as a "norm". These norms often result in a higher and more lethal strain of this poison when it develops itself into what is known as a more (morr-ay). A more derives from a socially practiced custom instead of a culture's laws or "commandments".

Now that you know what it is that I am discussing here let me answer your question of what it is being labeled. While it would be interesting to go into an exhaustive dissertation on the many things that conflict with my worldview in this area of discussion, I won't. I believe I just might save that for a school assignment. Nonetheless, the main point of concern I would like to address is the young female population (and their parents).

I will save you the runaround tail-chasing blame game that we tend to place on the media and other popular paparazzi influences (I'm not saying they are exempt) and go directly to my personal experience. In Romans 7:13, Paul the Apostle noted in that knowledge of sin made sin exceedingly sinful. This by knowledge of the commandments would cause one much guilt for committing such deeds. While the war wages on and the light of Christ reflects in the soul of the redeemed, the enemy shores up his strongholds with the deterioration of self-respect and value. The nation's tolerance and consumption of smut, vulgarity, pornography, and half-naked celebutants is setting a bad example. If you happen to be a member of the male sex you can't help but notice that we may as well equip ourselves with blinders and a cane, hoping someone will help us cross the street.

The "norm" has been whatever makes you happy is what you should do. This is exhibited in the youth of our nation doing exactly that and becoming enslaved by their ignorance, inexperience, outside influence, and out of control lustful desires. In doing so they are shedding more clothing and donning more erotic, revealing, and filthy rags. These young women who are partaking in this norm mostly unaware are not being warned or instructed by their parents, as their parents are endorsing and encouraging the behavior with their own. So now this "norm" is mutating into an out of control monster known as a "more". This more is now acceptable regardless of the opinion of the law, church, or other sensible forms known as morals. Now that the "more" is setting itself in for a long winter's hibernation we as a society and those who are Christians (especially) are having less influence as time goes on. This in part is also greatly compounded by the role being played by the church, and that a large portion of the demographic we have just discussed attends every Sunday and Wednesday.

When will we say something to them? Since when is it Ok for a half-naked teenage girl to hug and hang on her grand-daddy youth leader? Why is it tolerable for church youth to give each other full-frontal hugs and bear hugs that allow the young man to be completely aware of the younger lady's body? Why does it feel wrong that you may be the only person who finds it unacceptable in a place supposedly devoted to worshiping a Just and Holy Creator? Why do female mothers, professed believers, and sisters who stand by silently, think it is acceptable for women to wear shirts that reveal as much cleavage as a porn mag brazenly left out for us to see in our local gas stations in the fellowship of saints? Worse yet why allow their pre-teen daughters to wear skirts that are shorter than most, and I say MOST prostitutes walking the stroll on West Jefferson? They show skin for heroin and crack, why is your daughter (or you) showing hers?

Part 2 will post 12:00 AM Midnight, ET.

Hit The Road Jack

Written by Faithful Servant on Friday, August 08, 2008

Three and 1/2 years. Honestly, is the longest I've ever held one single job in one single place. There was a time when I was in the Union and moved from company to company, but was with the Union for a considerable amount of time. Other than that, it's safe to say that my career has been one of many trades and I've become a handy man with enough experience in everything to seriously mess things up, or luck out and do an incredible job.

But, lately I've been dabbling as a Manager at a McDonald's Restaurant in the Metro-Detroit area. This job is far harder than many think it may be, and customers don't give simple humane respect to any of it's employees, this just seems to be the normative manner accepted by our culture. Then again, I would say McDonald's is guilty of creating this perspective for individuals by harnessing the fast food service industry and maxing it to it's fullest potential. Seriously, McDonald's has got it down to a science, and they get better and better every day. If you are curious about how it feels to work behind the counter of McD's, check out this Dilbert cartoon on YouTube. While it has been a great experience learning how to micro manage many different personalities, the payoff just doesn't seem like it's worth it. Then again, for a convicted felon coming out of Jail and in need of a job, I was fortunate they even gave me a shot, let alone that I still hold the record for most write-ups in the store's history and made it to Management. That's irony. But, I'm glad for the resume reference it provides, the life experience it's provided, and the perceptional paradigm shift that is experienced when you are humbled by a "Big Breakfast" being hurled at you because it's not the right order. Seriously, people forget that statistically speaking, one out of the thousands of orders in a single shift served are going to probably be an error and need correction. But it's my fault anyway, so smile, and have a nice day!

Now, moving on to the intent of this post. At the time of this posting, it is officially my last day of employment with McDonald's restaurant. I am moving on down the road. I've actually taken a slight pay cut in the hopes of receiving training that will prove more valuable down the road. How this fit's in with my Social Work education and ministry I am not sure yet, but this opportunity is much more promising than McDonald's. It also will provide me with a place to excercise the gifts and talents I enjoy using while in an atmosphere that is not as insane as Airport Restaurant traffic and $1500.00 hour rushes that make you want to fall over and die. Did I also mention the relief that I may have some sense of dignity when I'm in the company of co-workers that MIGHT respect you as a human being? Enticing to say the least.

I am grateful, McDonald's has provided many witnessing opportunities, great relationships with me fellow managers, and bonds that were developed through team work that showed it's strengths when the rubber hit the road. Unfortunately, McDonald's as an organization is making some corporate moves that are respite with immoral endorsements of the homosexual agenda and not something I would willfully affiliate with If I were to have a choice in the matter. And forntualtely enough, the Lord has provided an unsolicited chance for me to move on quietly and comfortably. Check out this video that just shows the tip of the iceberg. It is fresh from the island of Dr. Moreau (California). And they said they were culturally neutral, not anymore! Guilt by association anyone?

Oh well. Life is life, please pray for my new job, and give praise to the name of Jesus for His provision in all things, blessing or not. Amen!

Yes, I Once Used A Rotary Phone!

Written by Faithful Servant on Monday, August 04, 2008

Believe it or not, I don't think I talk much about myself here. This is purposeful and definitely deliberate, I like to keep the focus on Christ. However, because I came across this picture in a trunk down in the basement some time ago. As I rummaged through childhood photos I thought ever so quickly at how blessed I was to be given a Mother who gave all she could for me to have a good life, even when it involved her having less. She is still like that to this day. Please, pray for her (Jean) and that she comes to know the Lord and his magnificent mercy and grace, what a great Saint she would make!

A Disciple's Taste for Neckbones and Gizzards (Pietas II)

Written by Faithful Servant on Tuesday, July 22, 2008

If I were to claim expertise on the topic of which I have chosen to examine (Pietas/Piety) I would be a bold faced liar. But, I have not claimed expertise nor do I wish to. The purpose in writing on this topic is one of many sorts, but quintessentially is narrowed down to one factor. It has occupied a great majority of my thoughts, meditations, and prayers as of late. I blog here to share these thoughts in hopes of encouraging, edifying, and admonishing members of the Body of Christ. If it stands as rebuke, that was not it's intent. It's purpose is to examine just what distinguishes "piety" from "Pharsaical religion." These two components are clearly distinguishable in the New Testament and a few passages are quite famous in their documentation between Jesus and the leaders of Jerusalem on the very topic. I do not intend this to be a discourse. I'd be comfortable labeling this has a "primer."

Ahem, please let me clarify that gizzards gross me out, and I think that they are something that should be inedible. Matter of fact, if there were legislation to ban gizzard consumption, I would check that box to help the cause. But, there isn't one and I cannot stop people from eating gizzards. Nor will I hold any contempt or prejudiced against them (or you) if they do.

Matthew 15:18-20 provides the text for today's entry. In reading this passage we could do well to take note of the whole context in which Jesus' words were prompted. Upon rebuking the Pharisees for their hypocrisies, Jesus and the disciples converse among themselves (Mk 7:17 cf. in a home) and they request clarification from the Lord of the parable as they had done on previous occasions (Mt 13:36, Mt 15:15-16, Mk 4:34, Mk 7:17, Jn 16:29). Ultimately, we receive a very clear explanation of what Jesus meant as well. We get to thank the confusion of the disciples for that one!

Now Jesus clarifies the importance of this dialog through simple meaning and reference to the prophecy of Isaiah (Mt 15:7, Is 29:13) and likens it to the current generation of Jews. Be it as it may, these words may have had a previous audience when spoken by the prophet, but the oracles of God saw fit for them to apply aptly through the authority of Jesus to speak them again in this setting. The question to be answered here is not were the Pharisees and their practices hypocritical, Scripture clarifies this many times (Mt 7:5, Mt 23:23-29), but what is the point I'm trying to make by telling you all this?

My point is this. The superficiality of Pharisaical religion is found in the understanding of our own personal sins. Where there has been victory won through sanctification, perseverance, and hard won battles of the flesh it is dangerous for NT believers to hold these victories as standards for others to hold to. Worse yet, that they become disqualified in their salvation because we determine them ineligible based upon our own personal piety. Woe to us who yoke our brethren with a yoke that Christ has removed in His sacrifice upon the cross. The other dilemma posed by this situation is far more terrible than the former. This situation occurs not out of the possession of maturity and inner piety, but through the dismissal of our Lord's teachings and how clear they really are.

In an article by Dr. Tom Ascol called "The Heart of the Problem" he writes,

"Failure to accept our Lord's teaching at this point inevitably leads us to locate sin outside of ourselves. This makes it very easy to create an extrabiblical list of activities and objects that we designate "sinful" and rail against them in the name of holiness. Such lists are limited only by the imaginations of their creators and have, in some conservative Christian circles, included everything from sports and movies, to wine and masculine facial hair.

"But Jesus teaches us that sin does not originate "out there." It's haven is the human heart. Martin Luther came to see this and it caused him to say, "I am more afraid of my own heart than of the pope and all his cardinals."

It would seem that firing up the bullhorn and engaging every single Christian listener, Sheeple People, or Joe Schmoe on the street would be a perfect remedy to informing them of every single thing they are doing wrong that keeps them at enmity with Christ, but I would contest it doesn't. They are already at enmity and will stay there until He draws them unto Himself. Fortunately, He has provided a means by which we can participate in that process. It's called preaching the Gospel, and that includes Christ crucified. The sole transformation of deliverance from these things Christian or unbeliever, is the transforming power of the Gospel. As some of us so often forget, the Gospel is for everyday, not just THAT day you were saved.

"By piety I mean that union of reverence and love to God which the knowledge of his benefits inspires. For, until men feel that they owe everything to God, that they are cherished by his paternal care, and that he is the author of all their blessings, so that nought is to be looked for away from him, they will never submit to him in voluntary obedience; nay, unless they place their entire happiness in him, they will never yield up their whole selves to him in truth and sincerity."

-Calvins Institutes book 1 ch. 2, Knowledge of God.

Advent of Christ in a Sinner (Pietas I)

Written by Faithful Servant on Thursday, July 17, 2008

Essentially midway through the two week period that marks the anniversary of my sequential arrest, heroin detox, and salvation in the Wayne County Jail (Detroit), I have been in much thought. These thoughts have not only been occurring as of late, but ongoing for the past month or so. It is just now, during this time of gratitude, memorial, and reflection that it starts making more sense than it did four years ago.

Since it was merely a two week period spent awaiting the Lord (as I did not know that's what I was doing), there was little time to do any other thing than think of the pain caused to others by me, the magnitude and seriousness of my crimes, the future implications of the life I had previously led, the HIV and blood test results that had yet to arrive, and total fear of release back into the world again. During some points, there were thoughts that led to a preference of remaining incarcerated, at least by this I knew what to expect each day in and day out.

Let it be understood that I could meditate and elaborate for hours and on many things concerning my feelings regarding this period of my life. But to this day let it be known that this period is one I hold in high esteem and regard it highly unto the Lord. It marks His advent (coming) into my life and redeeming me from what was a horrible existence physically, but most importantly; what was becoming a horrible life eternally. In my sin, He showed me grace.

Following this salvation, this act of mercy, this great work of God wrought in the life of a sinner who had once thought himself unworthy of forgiveness, what was to come? What is to come in any believer following their conversion? Just what is required of them now that they have professed Christ? What kinds of circumstances follow conversion that encourage or hinder the believer in sanctification?

I ask all these questions with personal reference as well as reference to all who name Christ as Lord. Is there a set standard that determines the rate of development believers are to endure? Is there a pace that is set and held to in order to determine the legitimacy of one's confession? Who's side of the yoke is heavier ours or Christ's? In bearing the burden and enduring the walk of a Christian, I would contend that Christ's yoke being easy, and His burden light, He is bearing and has already bore a majority of the load and has essentially made it easier for us to bear through His finished work.

Christ stated that His yoke would be easy and burden light; directly referencing the yoke the Pharisees and Scribes were laying upon people through the law of Moses and their unbearable burden greatly magnified by the ceremonial and traditional burden that was added, Christ makes it clear that this is not what He requires. Matthew 11:28-30 show just what the Lord meant by this, and picturing two oxen yoked together shows us how a load is bore. Although the load is taken upon two yoked together, this does not necessarily equate the two as being of equal stature or capability, it merely means they are yoked together.

Think about it, I'll be back with more in the following days. I have been deep in thought and consulting the Scriptures daily as I examine these things and the Lord has shown me through His Word many wonderful things.

Lucky Number Thirteen (13th)

Written by Faithful Servant on Sunday, July 13, 2008

In July of 2004 a new chapter of my life was opened. I might even venture as far as saying that in that year it wasn't a new chapter in and of itself, but quite possibly the only chapter that ever mattered.

Today marks the four year anniversary of the first day I spent free of heroin. This is a day I am eternally grateful for. While it's not like a birthday that is celebrated with cake and ice cream surrounded by friends who are all happy for you, it is a day I give gratitude to the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

A short summary of that day might go like the following. I awoke in a precinct holding cell in Lincoln Park, MI., sick as a dog. I grew annoyed by the relentless questioning of the case detective and angry at his sarcastic banter that was making fun of my withdrawal symptoms. The bones of my body began to ache from the inside out and nausea was quickly setting in. The fear of withdrawing from heroin that kept me using for so long was finally a reality I was going to have to face.

My future was quickly on my mind and I was not too thrilled about becoming a convicted felon and spending time in Detroit's Wayne County Jail, but it was going to be so. And so it became. That day I was transferred to the County Jail and I began a week of withdraws that I remember to this day. In such vivid remembrance I keep in my mind a portrait of what I never want to be again. A junkie I was, and a junkie I'll never return to being. With the worries of what my life will become darkly overshadowed by the sickness setting in, I accepted my new realty, and in some sick way, was happy that I was finally going to 'kick' the dope.

Spending time in a quarantine cell that held twenty inmates and was maxed out with thirty was not very pleasant. Mingling and living with drug dealers, killers, rapists, and child support evaders was not something this suburban white boy would ever think he'd end up doing, but it too was sobering. However, it was a safer environment than the one I had been arrested in. One week in that unit was what I spent and was eventually transferred to general population. I could actually walk better and was getting over the puking that is typical with DT's (withdrawal from alcohol/heroin).

Another week passed by and I finally felt human again. I could smell, taste, touch, talk, and see (thanks to the glasses my mother brought to the jail for me) again. I was starting to know what it was like to be alive. I spent six months in the streets masquerading as the living dead. Never, no never, did I think about being saved by the Lord Jesus. Nor did I ever ponder the thought of living a life of righteousness and holiness that can only be had through His Holy Spirit. That week, He revealed to me in salvation that it could be a reality. That week, He chose to save me from my sin and deliver me unto Him.

Praise God for His infinite mercies. The previous description barely scratches the surface of the things I endured and experienced up to that day. The journey following was not a bed of roses either, but all of it pales in comparison to the climax of light and perfection of the Lord's pardoning and sufficient sacrifice for me.

Four years is a long time for a heroin addict to not do heroin. In comparison to ten years of heavy drug and alcohol abuse, four years is finite. I've lost many friends to heroin and drugs over the years. I've also seen a great many more people fall victim to it and suffer physical consequences in their latter years.

While I held my three month old niece today I thought of new life. I thought of being born again and a clean slate. I thought of how my family would not trust me with a dollar let alone this precious little child. I think of forgiveness and the gift of eternal life that instills gratitude that runs so deep a tear wells in my eye as I type this. I think of my family who tells me how great I've done and how quickly I get to tell them It isn't me, but Christ that lives within me (Gal 2:20).

In closing thought I share with you this. One night I sat in a dank and dark basement with a cocaine dealer, and we were carrying on about religion. In justification he shared with me a reason why he thought we were doing what we were doing. He shared Romans 7:19 with me and upon reading it, I burst into tears. Occurring several years before my conversion, I knew this was not a justification of my sinful lifestyle, but now understand it to be a revelation of what His Sovereign Hand was doing. I now know that He was going to call me unto Himself, and now know Him as Lord and Savior. That verse was the only one I knew after my arrest. It was the only one I could remember in my head until I had a Bible given to me. I now also see how the Roman epistle served to convert a great many a men and now count myself as one of them.

Praise His Holy Name!

The Difference Between Priority and Privilege

Written by Faithful Servant on Wednesday, July 09, 2008

Me: How are you?

Them: I have no food, we ate out last can of tuna last night.

Me: (Glancing at the foggy door glass from the central-air running) Is everything else okay?
Them: I hope so, maybe in the long run we will be.

Me: Maybe a rearranging of priorities is in order? (cell-phone, central air, cable-TV, cigarettes, electricity, water, food?) Sometimes we take our luxuries for granted don't we? Maybe you should get rid of some of your unnecessary expenses?

Them: Those aren't luxuries, this is America, it's our way of life.

I'm hungry, but I need to buy cigarettes first. Why is it I should help you again?

Oh For Shame...

Written by Faithful Servant on Saturday, July 05, 2008

Even in the knowledge of the presence of Christ (believers), I do find it to be war when fighting temptation. Yet, sometimes there's that brazen sin that is as if you are scoffing the God who has given you life.

I am unworthy of His grace. Pray for me.

E-Sword On The Go!

Written by Faithful Servant on Thursday, July 03, 2008

Ever been in school, at work, or out and about and wished that you had access your E-Sword? Maybe you just wished you could install the worlds best free bible study software on every computer you come into contact with? Well, no worries! E-Sword is now available live! Anytime or anywhere you need to access one of the best free resources on the net you can. Go to E-Sword Live Now!

Ten Reasons Not To Be A Pharisee/Sadducee

Written by Faithful Servant on Monday, June 30, 2008

While contemplating things that are currently occurring in my life, I thought of some that make me grateful for God's grace. Whether it is looking onward toward what the future may bring, or reflecting on the past in what the Lord has brought me through, It's all been one huge learning experience. Each day brings about deeper teachings from the Scriptures; the Word of our Lord, and the refining work that it does in each and every believer. In this perspective the main thought that had been recurring most can be summed up in the following ten reasons I've decided not to be a Pharisee.

1. They were known as a brood of vipers. (Matthew 3:7)
2. They set a standard of unobtainable righteousness through men. (Matthew 5:20)
3. Fellowship with sinners was not an option for them. (Matthew 9:11-13)
4. There piety was based upon their strict keeping of tradition. (Matthew 12:2-8)
5. Being called an evil and adulterous generation by the Lord is not good. (Matthew 12:38-39)
6. They were blind guides leading others to a pit, of which the Lord instructed the disciples to let them be. (Matthew 15:13-14)
7. They produced leaven that was dangerous and puffed up with error and falsehoods. (Matthew 16:11-12)
8. They plotted and attempted to ensnare the Lord by questioning His words. (Matthew 22:15-46)
9. There problem was very clear to the Lord, but not to them. (Matthew 23)
10. They preferred the death of the Lord over that of a murderer. (Matthew 27:26-31)

It might be a good idea (according to the Gospel of Matthew) not to choose the Pharisaical sect of the Jews, or the Sadducee's as a career choice. If you have already embarked on this journey, allow me to suggest you turn back now.

Shoring Up the Roof to Cover the Foundation

Written by Faithful Servant on Wednesday, June 25, 2008

In writing this post I am doing so to inform you of great news. Approximately one year ago a friend and I began witnessing to a Muslim man at a local gas station. We would drop off tracts, sit and talk with him, and pay him visits when we could. Last Easter, he attended a service after being compelled to go. He commented that he did not think about becoming a Christian that day, nor was he thinking about the Bible. But, he said that he walked out of service that day feeling as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders. The past week has brought many changes and even baptism! Being baptized into the Christian faith for a Muslim is a serious crime according to the Qu'ran, and is punishable by death. This man has lost his job, family, friends, and is now facing the loss of his home.

I am also writing to request your assistance. This is not something I often do, nor do I often ask for the help of others when It is within my means to do it myself. But this one is a need beyond my own resources. Facing foreclosure on a mortgage and barely being able to support a family are serious threats to many people today. Rarely do we get opportunities to shore up the faith and foundation given by Christ to a former Muslim with the Agape love that can be shown through helping him. He is in need of discipleship, education on the bible, and learning about who the New Testament says Jesus is. All of these things are crucial right here and right now. If you are in a position to financially assist me in helping this man, please do. If you are not please pray. If you are from the area and know someone who can employ him, or would like to learn more about the situation, click here, or contact me at the contact tab up top.

There is also the mention of answered prayer that is necessary. In praying for a means and way to learn Arabic to continue working with the Muslims in my area, the Lord has re-established contact with this recent convert! Amen! The Lord's sovereignty is simply amazing, and never short of inspiring complete awe. With the opportunity to work and disciple with this man, there is also the opportunity to benefit from his fluency in Arabic. He has offered his service in gratitude for the help given him already. How much more does the Lord show that He is the Lord of the harvest and that He waters the seeds planted? Amen!

If I did not witness for myself the genuine conversion that has taken place and the presence of the Spirit working truth and righteousness into this man's life I would not post this. Thank you for your prayers and considerations.

A Sense of Grace

Written by Faithful Servant on Monday, June 23, 2008

This past week has brought some interesting turns of events. Gearing up for the Arabic Street Festival in Dearborn has proved to be more exhausting than I had imagined. There were many ministries in town for the occasion, several different conferences going on, and a few hundred Arab-Americans (many Muslim) all concentrated in one central area. At first glance, I would say I feel that I spent more time being confused than actually laboring this weekend. However, seeds were planted, some were sown, and some were harvested. We'll see how that all pans out in light of eternity hopefully.

With the different conferences going on, it's always interesting to see how few of those who come out to "train" for Muslim evangelism ever actually evangelise a Muslim. That said in the sense that many people spend hundreds of dollars on planes, hotels, and food while visiting a city they'll never return too until it's conference time again. Now, this is not an empirical statement. There are many laborers among us who do this faithfully alongside of ministering the Gospel of Jesus Christ to Muslims at the same time, everywhere they go. Amen!

I will take a moment hear to rejoice in seeing old faces from last year's outreach. I will also rejoice at seeing and talking with friends from out of state that I never thought I would see again. One of which I have had the pleasure of ministering in three different states with. Taking it to the streets and learning from each other has proven to be beneficial in many ways.

I wish I could emphasize to you the many DVD's, different tracts, and 1-2-1 conversations that occurred and how wonderful the large number of these would make it sound, but I can't. It would be futile. What's important is that it was done, there were people to do it, and the parallel was illustrated once again. The American Church in Metro-Detroit has shown her face once again, and it wasn't in the streets of Dearborn. Christ's church showed up though, and His followers laborered long hours, underwent verbal persecutions, and even faced physcial threat in a variety of ways. All this for the sake of His words.

I personally didn't get many chances to dialogue with Muslims, but was able to piggy back on a freinds conversation in a barber shop. Pray for my friend as I hope a relationship and dialogue is established that we can continue to talk about Jesus the Messiah and the hope He can give to a Muslim who is lost without any assurance of forgiveness in Islam.

Now that I have said all that, I'm going to make my point. The sense of grace in all of this is knowing the firm foundation of the Rock of Christ. Seeing His mercy in so many other believers and the Grace given them providing the motivation to go and stake everything on a single opportunity to preach Christ crucified. A sense of grace that has also laid a burden on my heart to continue learning about Muslim/Arab culture and reaching out to them in whatever fashion I can. I've also inherited an urgency to complete my very insufficient Arabic speaking skills through vocabulary training that will advance it. This will however be no easy task with the many things I already have before me. The tools needed are not cheap and the cost of training is within reach, but not something I can easily afford. Please pray for the Father's will in this manner and I will be working dilligently to accomplish the tasks necessary to pay the price of the program needed to learn Arabic.

In closing the blessing of the whole experience and the sense of grace felt were the strongest when we said goodbyes. The love for brethren we less often see is greatest when we are departing from each other's presence. The grace felt in the heart felts hugs were overwhelming and renewed in me a joy that reminded me that I soon will see these brothers and sisters again someday. If not here, at home in heaven. What a blessing to have fellowship sweet with those who are separated by large distances.

Amen.

Social Chameleon...

Written by Faithful Servant on Thursday, June 19, 2008

Acts 2:42 (Esv) And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

If I could for a moment, impose a different perspective on your line of sight? Imagine being a heroin addict. Then, place yourself in a homeless living situation without money, food, or a will to live. Also, any money you have is used to buy more heroin and needles to use it. Sound despairing yet?

Now, slap on about ten more years of hard drug addictions to liquor, crack-cocaine, cocaine, methamphetamine, prescription pills, and whatever other substance that would elude to temporal oblivion.

There yet? No? That's alright, for some it's unimaginable. Trust me here, we aren't even skimming the surface. Nevertheless, all of these blatant failures at fixing an unrepairable internal condition resulted in adaptation. I had to become what everyone wanted me to be. I also had to paint an image of myself that would convince me I was alright when I looked into the mirror. Ultimately I was an expert at "social chameleonism."

Now imagine once again. Christ saves you. Christ teaches you. Christ places you into fellowship with other believers and you desire to devote yourself to the teaching of the word and the breaking of bread and prayer. Do you suppose there would be some sense of anxiety with the paradigm shift? Crackhouse to meeting house? Street corner beggar to redeemed saint? Do you see the dilemma caused?

Finally, at what point do I explode from the utter gratitude for His mercy and grace? Then where do you learn to make adjustments that help you change your perspective from people being targets to people being friends? I wonder if fellowship of the saints was a remedy to the natural inclination our human nature has to surround ourselves with those who reflect what we are on the inside?

edit: To clarify the last line, this tendency to surround ourselves with the unregenerate when we are unregenerate. The principle then applies once we become saved and seek fellowship with believers. Hence the church discipline the Lord taught as well as Paul of putting out unrepentant brethren from the fellowship. In this we would see that fellowship with the redeemed is something to be desired!

What do you say?

One God One Gospel...

Written by Faithful Servant on Wednesday, June 18, 2008

I have a brother and sister in the faith who have put some serious effort into compiling a site that offers resources to the saved and unsaved. There are PDF's compiled for easy download and print, links to useful sermons and videos, and studies straight from scripture that guide the reader in learning about Jesus proper. I am happy to know I have friends who not only live locally, but also aspire to glorify God with their web presence. There is only one God, so there can only be One Gospel. They can be found here at...

One God one Gospel - Home Page
Free Printed Material - Print materials regarding God, Jesus, Salvation, The Bible and Christian Basics.

Concrete Thistles Choking Out Life...

Written by Faithful Servant on Tuesday, June 17, 2008

I was going to make an attempt to come up with a clever comparison for what I want to illustrate here. But, I've decided not too, I would rather go read my Bible. So, In light of that I just wanted to say a few things.

Living in the suburbs for many Americans has choked out any perception of agricultural life, creation's revelation of the Creator, or any understanding of the beauty of new life and death that brings forth new life, I believe it serves a sobering reminder. This reminder is penned in the pages of Scripture by the Holy Spirit, and spoken by the mouth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

When Jesus taught He often used illustrations that clarified the Kingdom of God to His hearers. Not having any idea of what it would be like the listeners conceptualizing it may have been pretty difficult. So Jesus spoke of things they knew. He drew comparisons using the leavening of bread, farmer's fields, and fisherman's nets. These are all things they would've been very familiar with (check out Starr Meade's article in Modern Reformation: May/June). But in our concrete jungle we lose sight of these things don't we?

Many of us don't bake, farm, or fish much. At least for sustenance and provision. A weekend camping trip or vacation provides time to do these things, but during the daily grind they are put away. Since I've been cutting down weeds that have turned into 20 foot trees, old overgrowth that's gone wild for 20 years, and turning over the soil to plant a garden some things have jumped out at me. Two trailers full of thorn bushes, dead branches, and useless weeds hauled to the burn pile in my father's backyard struck a vision of one of our Lord's teachings. How realistic it became to see the uselessness of the things that produce nothing of use for sustenance. These things are burned because they serve no purpose. Useless!

In light of the time I've spent actually doing something that might resemble relying on the land to produce some food for me I've had a chance to see how the walls of work, the siding on houses, the concrete precast on buildings, and the monuments men build to decorate sidewalks all serve as distractions from the creation. In that distraction not having any contact with "real" things would blur words like Matthew 7:16 "You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they?" Might not really hit the mark quite like it was intended would it? Study of the word could most certainly instill guards for making this error. But all the plant life hauled off to the burn pile and to the curb were put there because they would not bear fruit. Nor would they ever. Just more thorns and thistles.

Open Air Preaching in the Grill

Written by Faithful Servant on Monday, June 16, 2008

Work often provides plenty of opportunities to preach Christ crucified. It also provides plenty of chances to admonish, encourage, or sometimes rebuke others in and out of the faith. This past Friday was very fruitful in many ways. I count it a blessing to have seen, spoke, and hear some of the things that occurred.

First, there was the phone call from an old friend. He mistakenly dialed the wrong number. This mistake wound up lasting over an hour and we talked about the Word, Christ's sacrifice, the power over sin He had, the sufficiency of the Holy Spirit in the believers life, and just how important it is to walk in holiness before others as a living, breathing, testimony of Christ. He counted it a blessing to have had this conversation and felt extremely happy that his "mistake" worked for the good.

Secondly, the funny question that never comes up, came up. I was asked "why I was so happy" and if it were a result of sinful behavior. I then replied that I refrain from fornication and strive to follow my Lord's commandments. This conversation was during a quiet time in the restaurant and I made sure that it was heard by any in the vicinity. Once again I was able to share with someone else the importance of God's Word, our duty to walk in His counsel, and the power of the Holy Spirit to assist us in doing so. He didn't have much to say outside of ripping scripture verses way out of context and using them to justify his personal sins. I can only pray that those listening become convicted and the seed is planted for someone else to water and the Lord to harvest.

Thirdly, while opportunities to share Christ abound my friend Ben introduced me to a new friend in faith. While sharing my testimony with him, the Lord's providence revealed there is much to be done and that there may be an open door to reach someone with similar struggles to that of my past. All in God's grace I've overcome these things, what a greater blessing to share with others that He can do it for them as well. Repentance and faith bring forth healing and regeneration of the dead man that is quickened by the power of God.

Lastly, I went to a 12-step meeting and was able to see some old friends, minister to a new friend, and establish a relationship with a complete stranger. I pray the Lord is softening his heart for the Gospel to be sown into fertile ground.

A cannot comment further on how much the Lord has shown me these past few days. If I were to do so, It may go on for quite a few pages, but the previous occurred in 12 short hours. Amazing grace no? Please pray for all these things, and continue to pray for the Muslim Outreach this week. Pray for all the saints flying in from around the country, the teachers, evangelists, and all those who are providing for those willing to go into the heart of Dearborn and face possible persecution to minister our Lord's Eternal Message.

Second Glances Bring Forth Death...

Written by Faithful Servant on Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Quick thought while driving...

If we spent more time meditating on the Glory of God, we'd have less time to spend on second glances, covetousness, and idols in our minds!

That's All...

How do I live today?

Written by Faithful Servant on Sunday, June 08, 2008

Quick thought that I had this morning while mulling over how to live my life as a witness for Christ.

I wish to live my daily life TODAY in preparation of how I can best glorify God in it NOW and tomorrow.

That's all...