Should Christians Go To Church?

Inspirational Bible Verses: Psalms 122:1, Romans 8:35-3

I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD. — Psalm 122:1

Yes, Christians should attend the house of God for worship and spiritual support. Throughout our daily lives we come upon instances which erode our belief in Christian values. Whether we are tested with private temptations; lust, anger, pride, etc; or we are under attack for holding to biblical principles, the house of God is our refuge.God"s holy temple is a place for spiritual restoration. By meeting with other Christians we can; express our concerns about secular events, restore our faith, and grown in the Lord, in a supportive and spirit filled environment.

       "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore." — Psalm 133:1-3

But what about church scandals?

There have been several church scandals which have led to Christians leaving houses of worship in large numbers. Many church leaders have been exposed committing the same sins they preach against during Sunday services. For example Bishop Eddie Long pastor of New Birth Church in Lithonia, Georgia recently settled a multi-million dollar lawsuit to five young men for accusations of sexual impropriety. On several occasions Mr. Long spoke vehemently against homosexuality during sermons. Ted Haggard, former pastor of New Life Church in Colorado Springs, was removed from his position when news broke about activities with a male escort and methamphetamine use. There are several other situations of ministers behaving badly which have destroyed many Christian's belief in the purpose of fellowship.

Christians, as well as secular citizens, are discouraged from attending church services out of sheer disgust for the blatant hypocrisy that emanates from pulpits. Although non-Christians have no spiritual recourse; Christians have God's word to support remaining in the pews for service: 

         "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." — Hebrews 10:23

In addition, God will provide Christians with pastors who are willing to follow his word and feed his flock.         "And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. And it shall come to pass, when ye be multiplied and increased in the land, in those days." — Jeremiah 3:15

Moreover, God has no set number as to how many Christians make up a church. "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.(Matthew 18:20KJV)

The next time you are discouraged from attending services-pray and ask God for guidance, patience, and love.

God Bless

NDAA- Why Are Christians Afraid?

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."(KJV, Ephesians 6:12)
Inspirational  Bible Verses: Ephesians 6:10-18
Inspirational Thought: Put on the Whole Armour of God

There has been much debate on some Christian forums about the National Defense Authorization Act(NDAA); and the effects on religious freedom. The areas of most concern are Title X  Subtitle D subsections 1021 & 1022 entitled,"Counter terrorism." In short the counter terrorism section allows our government to detain anyone, even American citizens, suspected of terrorist activities indefinitely and without trial. Furthermore, an amendment which would have prevented American citizens, both naturalized and residential aliens, from being held was removed from the act. Although the act speaks specifically about those engaged in terrorist activities; the ever fluctuating definition of terrorists is of much concern to Christians. In these times, due to standing our moral grounds; we can be considered terrorists.

To most Christians the NDAA is the final bell for religious persecution as stated in biblical end times prophecy. Many recall biblical scriptures which foretell the torment and torture of Christians who would not accept the mark of the beast(Revelations 9:4, 14:9-11,16:2, 19:20) during the tribulation of saints. Many express fear and concern about the upcoming events of persecution; believed to be brought on by NDAA. To those Christians I ask, "Why are you afraid?"

Jesus spoke clearly to those who would follow him about persecution and the blessings Christians will receive:
Matt. 5:10-12 “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Remember this is the path we have chosen. Jesus was persecuted despite all he did for mankind while he walked the earth. Did we, Christians, honestly believe we would escape suffering in his name? God, in all of his love and wisdom, gave Christians his word which foretells these events. His grace is sufficient to help us through the times of tribulation. He is aware of our vulnerabilities and fears. Therefore, he only asks that we stand on his word and with the full amour of God(Ephesians 6:10-18). Remember, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."(2Tim. 1:7)
God Bless

Atlanta 9th Gayest U.S. City in America-God's Spirit of Discernment

"Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever, things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."(Philippians 4:8)
Inspirational Bible Verses- 1Corinthians 13:1-13, Acts 5:1-10

     According to The Advocate Atlanta has the distinction of being the, "9th Gayest City," in America. The article is a "duhh" statement for most of the people I know who live in Atlanta. In fact many may be surprised, or even insulted, at the low ranking of ninth place. Most women I know who live in Atlanta have always complained of the low rate of potential husbands due to open, and closet homosexuals.
     So the question comes to mind, "With so many gay/down low men, how can a Christian woman find a mate?" My answer, "With God's Spirit of Discernment." The Spirit of Discernment speaks softly, and at times loudly, to let us know what is true to God; or what is false and of the devil. His Spirit of Discernment shows us deception before we can be deceived. Just as Anonnias and Sapphira could not fool Peter; God will not allow you to be deceived(Acts 5:1-10). Moreover, it guides us down the path of God's perfect plan for us. The number one reason many women fall into the trap of dating the wrong men is because we don't follow God's Holy Spirit. Too often we succumb to; fear, pride, and lust. Those factors lead us to pick men that are against all of God's standards for a husband. The bible is a simple yet often overlooked guide for finding, and maintaining a husband. Yes, God has standards for husbands and wives(Ephesians 5:25-33, 1Peter 3:7) If we follow the guidelines laid out in our bibles, we won't fall to the many tricks the enemy places before us. Finally my sisters in Christ, LET GOD BE YOUR GUIDE.
God Bless

Fear of Abandonment

"The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit." Psalm 34:18(KJV).

As a former foster child, overcoming fear of abandonment has been a constant struggle. Throughout my entire life the loss of relationships, or even the threat of loss, plagued my soul to no end. For this reason, I held back any and all emotional ties to people. Upon meeting me, people would say, "She's nice, but not friendly." While my face gave the socially appropriate smile, my spirit revealed the uneasiness of intimacy. I spent most of my adult life dodging friendships because I was afraid the person would walk away. The depths of my soul bore an ever present fear; I would say or do something to drive everyone away, and I would be left alone. So I avoided people and social situations; which of course caused an overwhelming sense of  isolation. It became a never ending cycle; fear of abandonment led to little or no social interaction, which caused no friendships, because I had a fear of abandonment. Unfortunately my soul conceded defeat and I remained  spiritually stagnant.
Thank God for Psalm 34:18, "The Lord is near to the broken hearted and saved those who are crushed in spirit."(NASB) This passage reminds me I am never alone, despite my broken heart and crushed spirit. I now know I don't need to mourn the painful events of my childhood; abuse, neglect, and abandonment. Rather, I can raise my head and praise God because he walks with me daily. Therefore, I have no reason to concern myself with  fear of abandonment.  I can never say or do anything to cause God to leave me because His love is unconditional. As 2 Timothy1 :7 states, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear but of power, love, and of sound mind."(KJV).  Fear contradicts God's plan of perfect love for us, "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casteth out fear because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love."(1John 4:18 KJV)

Posted 1 week ago by anita1231

Be A Prayer Warrior; Not a Worrywart

"Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."(Philippians 4:6 KJV)
Inspirational Bible Scriptures: Philippians 4:6-8, John 14:27
     I'll be the first to admit it; I am the world's biggest worrywart. Webster's Dictionary defines worrywart as, "someone who is inclined to worry unduly(excessively)." I worry about the well-being of; myself, family members, friends, and sometimes complete strangers. Are my daughters doing well in the world? Did I teach them all they need to know to be moral and compassionate women? Am I a good friend to my friends? Did I demonstrate love and patience to my fellowman? My worries range from  plausible situations to impossible,"what if..." scenarios. "What if I'm choosing the wrong major for my master's degree?" Or, "What if December 21, 2012 is really the last day of the world?"
     One day I realized throughout all of the worrying I have forgotten one important fact; I AM A CHILD OF GOD. As a child of God I should have peace of mind, not troublesome, "What if.." thoughts. My spirit should be filled with unencumbered thoughts of God's goodness and grace. Now I live my life as a Prayer Warrior. A Prayer Warrior takes an assertive stance against negative thoughts and feelings through prayer. As Philippians 4:8 offers, "Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (Philippians 4:8 KJV).
    When you feel a worry attack in progress; use the word of God. By doing so, you will assume the role of the powerful Prayer Warrior.
God Bless.