Wretched

Life is short. I wanna live forever. The only way to do that is by repenting and trusting in Jesus and living for him. I've lived too long without Him.

I've promoted twice at my job, got a nice house and two vehicles, clothes, and food on the table. I'm finally not poor. But I've found that it doesn't make me happy...it's being with my family and living for God. Yes it's sounds corny, and it's actually even hard to tell you that, because I've been such a bad, wretched person all my life. I look at the "ten commandments" and I've broken all of them.  There's no way I could make it to heaven by my good deeds, because I don't really have many. I'm going to heaven only because Jesus took the punishment that I deserve and credited his righteousness to my account. Whew!

Are We Saved Through Our Good Works?

 Can we be saved by our good works? That is impossible, since we would have

to be perfect. The Bible says the opposite.

None of us are good:

As it is written: "There is no one righteous, not even one; (Romans 3:10)

...and there is no way we can be saved by our good works:

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8, 9 ESV)

The way to the Father is through Jesus:

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. (John 14:6)

In Galatians 2:14-21 we read:

When I saw that they were not following the truth of the gospel message, I said to Peter in front of all the others, “Since you, a Jew by birth, have discarded the Jewish laws and are living like a Gentile, why are you now trying to make these Gentiles follow the Jewish traditions? “You and I are Jews by birth, not ‘sinners’ like the Gentiles. Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God because of our faith in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law. For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law.” But suppose we seek to be made right with God through faith in Christ and then we are found guilty because we have abandoned the law. Would that mean Christ has led us into sin? Absolutely not! Rather, I am a sinner if I rebuild the old system of law I already tore down. For when I tried to keep the law, it condemned me. So I died to the law—I stopped trying to meet all its requirements—so that I might live for God. My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die. (NLT)

How To Repent

1. Realize that if you've ever lied, stolen, dishonored your parents, been angry with someone without a good reason, not put God first, you're a sinner, like me and everyone else. 

2. Turn from sin a RUN the other way - towards God. 

3. Believe that we deserve eternal punishment but Jesus paid our fine in full by dying on the cross. Done. 

4. Put faith in Jesus and follow him. 

5. Read the Bible daily. If you have a hard time, promise yourself you'll read at least a verse each day. Soon, you'll have a hard time putting The Book down!

6. Remember that repentance us a daily thing, since Christians still fall into sin. This is not to be confused with "diving" into sin. 

Food For The Soul

The following is by Tim Conway on 2013-07-05. Well said. 

"It is sloppy Christian life if you are not reading your Bible every single day. This is the food for the soul, this is our life, our health, this is where we see Christ. This is the Word of God! This is where God talks to us and shows us Himself. If you are not reading your Bible everyday, that is sloppy and there is no excuse for it; because if you are not reading your Bible everyday, you are doing other things, things that are not near as important!" – Tim Conway

Are Tongues For Today?

Charismatic or Cessationist. Which one are you?

The word "tongue" or "tongues" used in the Bible is translated from the Greek word "γλῶσσα" (glossa) which can mean the tongue, a language, or a nation. 

Some conservative Christian denominations believe that the speaking in tongues that is mentioned in the Book of Acts was for those people for that time, but is no longer in effect today. They concur, based on biblical text, that these "tongues" were actual human languages that were understood by people (unbelievers) who were listening in. It is an interesting fact that there existed pagan religions in Corinth in those days in which people practiced speaking in "ecstatic" language, or gibberish.

Other more charismatic denominations are adamant that speaking in tongues is a heavenly or angelic language that allows our spirit to communicate with God, and that it still occurs today. They add that praying in tongues can help increase one's faith and his or her growth in sanctification. 

We must admit that this is a "non-essential" issue, meaning that speaking in tongues is not essential for salvation.  We are never commanded to speak in tongues. If this is the case, it appears that we can be indifferent about this issue and not be in any danger as a Christian. There are, however, some Pentecostal denominations that preach that speaking in tongues is essential for salvation. This has divided many believers. 

Below are some verses that mention tongues. Are tongues for today? Are they actual human languages or spiritual utterances only known to God or someone with the gift of interpretation?

You be the judge.

Mark 16:17 (ESV) And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues;

Acts 2:3 (ESV) And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them.

Acts 2:4 (ESV) And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Acts 2:11 (ESV) both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians--we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God."

Acts 10:46 (ESV) For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared,

Acts 19:6 (ESV) And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying.

Romans 3:13 (ESV) "Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive." "The venom of asps is under their lips."

1 Corinthians 12:10 (ESV) to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.

1 Corinthians 12:28 (ESV) And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues.

1 Corinthians 12:30 (ESV) Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?

1 Corinthians 13:1 (ESV) If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.

1 Corinthians 13:8 (ESV) Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.

1 Corinthians 14:5 (ESV) Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up.

1 Corinthians 14:6 (ESV) Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching?

1 Corinthians 14:18 (ESV) I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.

1 Corinthians 14:21 (ESV) In the Law it is written, "By people of strange tongues and by the lips of foreigners will I speak to this people, and even then they will not listen to me, says the Lord."

1 Corinthians 14:22 (ESV) Thus tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but for believers.

1 Corinthians 14:23 (ESV) If, therefore, the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of your minds?

1 Corinthians 14:39 (ESV) So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.

Revelation 16:10 (ESV) The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness. People gnawed their tongues in anguish...

Christ Wants You Either Hot or Cold - Tim Conway

If the video isn't showing, click HERE.

What Is Salvation?

If the video isn't showing, click HERE.

Power Against Sin

The more one envelops himself in the Word of God and in communication with Him through His Spirit, the more powerful against sin he becomes.

Many people have a genuine desire to serve God. Part of being a Christian is parting from sin. Too many times we find ourselves trying diligently by our own might to conquer our sin, whatever it may be. But what we need to do us focus on God to accomplish victory. Now, you may ask yourself, "Self, how to I do this?"  Well, we focus on our Savior in reading and studying his Word, praying, fasting, obeying His commandments, witnessing, helping others, loving others... Basically, by doing his will. 

When we turn from sin, we turn and run to God. The closer we get to God, the further we will be from sin! 

Make sense? Hope this helps!

The Loving Church

Hello everyone. I've had the privilege of being assigned the task of building a website for The Loving The Loving Church.
Church, located in Tucson, AZ. You can visit the website at

For The Loving Church, our mission is to be a fellowship of believers in Jesus Christ who focus on helping the homeless and the needy, while ensuring that the gospel is spread as the Lord has commanded. Mark 16:15 says: And he said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation." (ESV)

We believe that it is our duty as Christians to help those that need it, no matter what the cost. Proverbs 19:17 says, "Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his deed. (ESV)

From the site:

IF YOU'D LIKE TO DONATE TO THIS MISSION, CLICK HERE.

We are forever striving to carry out our mission to help those in need. If you can help us continue our mission, any help whatsoever is appreciated and accepeted. No matter how big or how small, it will make a difference in someone's life.
This work does not stop at simply helping someone get a bite to eat and hear the gospel, but continues on as we work diligently with those individuals that accept our help and have decided to plan ahead. We work with the hope and faith in God that those that we reach out to will come to know the Lord as we know him. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the father except through me." (John 14:6 ESV)
We understand that we are all born into sin and cannot enter heaven by our own works. Ephesians 2:8,9 says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." (ESV)
But God is good, and he's kind, and he sent his own son, Jesus, to this earth to take on human form. He lived a perfect, holy life, unlike any other man on earth. Since we cannot enter heaven because we are not perfect, Jesus became the perfect sacrifice for our sins. He paid our payment and offered it to us. If we confess with our mouth that we are sinners, repent, and put our faith and our trust in Jesus Christ for our salvation and live according to his will, we have a place in heaven with Him, and we have a wonderful joy that we cannot find anywhere else. He gives us a new heart with new desires, a desire to serve him, hence our mission...

We Run

 When were you saved? Examine yourself. If you are saved, great! If you suspect that you are not saved, get on your knees and let God save you.

 Remember that we are not going to change over night. It is a process that we go through (sanctification) and it takes time. We repent and the Holy Spirit works in us and guides us, molding us into a model of Jesus. We will sin, yes, but if we do, we will fall into sin as opposed to diving into it like before. We repent daily. If we fail, we get up, dust ourselves off and keep on going. 

Remember, we don't jump into sin anymore when we're saved. We don't plan it, checking to see if anyone's looking, indulging and enjoying it. We run from sin...as fast as we can. 

But where do we run to? We run to God. We run to his Word, the Bible. We run to fellowship with other Christians. We run and fall on our knees in prayer. We run to confess our wrongdoings to God. 

Tornado in Moore, Oklahoma

 Pray for those in Moore, Oklahoma for the devastation that it suffered due to the two-mile wide tornado that hit the city. Spread the word on Facebook. 

Alien Righteousness

What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? (Romans 6:1, 2 ESV)

In order to become a Christian, we must repent of our sins and live for God. We must put our faith in Christ, believing that his dying for us was the perfect sacrifice.

Now, we are covered by his grace. This in no way means that we now have a license to sin. Therefore, we repent daily, because sometimes we stumble. We are in a daily battle with sin. We may fall into sin, but if we are true Christians, we won't dive into it. We don't plan our sin, but rather war against. This is the mark of a true Christian.

The beautiful thing that we have the privilege of experiencing is that we now have what's called an "alien righteousness". In another words, God sees us through Jesus Christ as "perfect", because Jesus has credited his own righteousness to our account. 

Praise God for that!!

Is Jesus God?

I the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:1-5 ESV)

Good morning, God!

Upon having a conversation with my wife, I gained a little insight on her walk with God.

She explained that the first thing that she does in the morning upon waking up is say, "Good morning, God."

In her prayers, she asks God, "What can I do to make you happy?" And she imagines God with a big smile on his face. 

She went on to explain how constant communication with our Lord is so important. She speaks to God when she brushes her teeth, combing her hair, driving to work, in other words, in every thing she does. It's important to stay "connected" with the Holy Spirit, who is always there with us. Remember that the Lord is always there for us no matter what we are going through. 

She reminded me of the story of the rich man and  Lazarus: Luke 16:19-31, which says:

"There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he called out, "Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame." But Abraham said, "Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us." And he said, "Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house— for I have five brothers —so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment." But Abraham said, "They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them." And he said, "No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent." He said to him, "If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead." (Luke 16:19-31 ESV)

Dead to Sin, Alive to God

What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. (Romans 6:1-14 ESV)

Will Baptism Save Me?

Some believe that we are saved by water baptism. This is not the case. Baptism is a symbol of our commitment to God. It is a public proclamation of our salvation. 1 Peter 3:16 says:

Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the pledge of a good conscience toward God) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

We are saved by grace through faith (Eph. 2: 8,9). Yet we are commanded to be baptized in Acts 2:38. We should obey this, but not confuse the process of salvation and sanctification. Ephesians 2: 8,9 tells us:

For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God's gift-not from works, so that no one can boast.

11 Things To Do For God in 2013

1. Witness to at least one person per day in one way or another.
2. Read the Bible every single day. This is food for our spirit, not to mention an increase in knowledge.
3. Write some notes down after reading the Bible. This helps to remember what you've read. Remember that the amount you read per day shouldn't worry you, but I would suggest at least one whole chapter of a book until the book is finished, so that you understand the context.
4. Pray consistently. There is not a set number of times you should pray, but I suggest praying when you wake up, pray for your food, pray when you're bored, pray when your in your car at a stop light, pray before going to bed.
5. Ask God to help you understand your spiritual gift and for the wisdom to use it. If you don't know what your spiritual gift is, pray and crack that Bible open!
6. Be a spiritual leader in your family. Lead by example, but be assertive in explaining why you live the way you do. 
7. At least once a week, choose a subject to study and sit down for 30 minutes, an hour or so, or whatever it takes, to get a good understanding and clarification on what that subject is. Use different versions of the bible, concordances, bible dictionaries, books by writers like John MacArthur, audio like that of Todd Friel, Paul Washer and Ray Comfort (just suggestions).
8. If you are experiencing issues with temptations, regardless of what type, get rid of things that can make it easier to be tempted to "fall" into sin. If we give in to sin, after a while, we no longer fall, but live in a pattern of sin. This would be called "diving" into sin. At this point, we'll need to examine ourselves to make sure we are saved.
9. Speaking of such, examine ourselves daily to ensure we have repented and placed our trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. He saves us. We cannot save ourselves. 
10. Be conscious of your surroundings, temptations, foul talk or dirty jokes, magazine covers at the grocery store line, giving in to peer pressure, and one last thing:
11. Ensure you have no idols in your life. It's easy to make an idol out of things we use and enjoy: technology (computers, smartphones, video games) cars, guns, vehicles, vanity, or our employment. It's okay to like these things and make good use of them for the glory of the Lord, but if we love them too much and give them more time than we give the Lord, we've made them an idol, and now we have issues. Remember the first commandment?

Please consider these thoughts and have a great 2013!

Sam