What's Up Everyone,
Here are the discussion notes from this past Friday's CrossFire! session. When you get a chance read it through and do the homework assignment at the end. Please feel free to post your thoughts and comments... Pass the website along to your friends too!!
We'll continue our discussion this Friday, August 15 at CrossFire! The session starts promptly at 9 pm at 272 Madison Avenue, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861. Here's what's going for the rest of the month at CrossFire!
- Friday, August 15 - "God's Purpose in Marriage" Pt. 2 - Discussion addressing "What is Marriage Covenant?" and "What does God expect of married people?"
- Friday, August 22 - CrossFire! will be at Abundant Life Family Worship Center to hear Tye Tribbett fellowship with Abundant's Singles Ministry.
- Friday, August 29 - Spades Tournament Rematch and Extreme Game NIght - Back by Popular Demand... Nintendo Wii, Taboo, Music, Food, Laughs, X - Box, etc. Will Min. Deen ad Chris ever win back the championship Spades belt back? Come find out!
Your thoughts???
SOLUS CHRISTUS!!!!
What is God's purpose for marriage?
Some may say the purpose for marriage is to raise a family or to have legitimate sex. The majority of young adults who want to be married have never stopped to ponder the answer. Many don’t even care.
One answer can be found in Malachi 2:13-16. It says: "Another thing you do: You flood the LORD's altar with tears. You weep and wail because he no longer pays attention to your offerings or accepts them with pleasure from your hands. You ask, "Why?" It is because the LORD is acting as the witness between you and the wife of your youth, because you have broken faith with her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant. Has not the LORD made them one? In flesh and spirit they are his. And why one? Because he was seeking godly offspring. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith with the wife of your youth. "I hate divorce," says the LORD God of Israel, "and I hate a man's covering himself with violence as well as with his garment," says the LORD Almighty. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith.
So you can see from verse 15 that one reason God has ordained the institution of marriage is to produce godly seed. Some may ask, "Well, what if someone can't have kids due to a medical issue such as infertility or disease. Or what if a couple simply doesn’t want to have children?". It is key to note that when we say one of God's purpose for marriage is to produce godly seed, He likely was not only talking about biological children. There are countless Christian couples who don't necessarily have sons and daughters in the flesh, rather they have children in the spirit. A marriage produces fruit in countless other ways:
Your marriage should be an testimony to the glory of God. People should be able to see a couple’s covenant marriage and identify that union between a Christian man a Christian woman as an archetype or representation of Christ and His bride...the church. Given this, married couples can:
• Birth spiritual sons and daughters in the faith through witnessing and
discipleship.
• Mentor other young couples in building a loving godly covenant marriage
• Bear fruit in countless other ways by being a blessing to others
Scripture states that a second purpose for marriage is companionship. Genesis 2:18-25 gives us an excerpt from the familiar story of Adam and Eve. Verse 18 says, "it's not good for a man to be alone." Yes, it's not good for a man to be alone, but fellas, don't stop reading at verse 18, continue on. It later says, "I will make him a helper fit for him." The Lord made a specific mate for Adam. Actually, he put Adam to sleep and took out a rib of his to make Eve. What is that saying? Adam and Eve were compatible. If you're in a relationship, do you get along with your boyfriend/girlfriend or are you trying to fit a square peg into a round hole –so to speak ? Are you compatible... I mean, do you really like each other as people, or do you just like what they represent or what they can do for you? If it doesn't match, it just doesn't. Don't try to force the issue with people. Incompatibility is usually a red flag.
Another question that was brought up on Friday was, "what do you do when you're with someone and they maybe aren't as mature in the faith as you are? Can't they grow in the Lord?" Remember the scripture when it says, you can't be unequally yoked — 2 Corinthians 6:14? The Bible often uses agricultural analogies to speak to the people of that day who understood farming. A yoke was literally a “Y” shaped wooden bar which allows a farmer to guide or “yoke” two oxen side by side in order to plow a field. The farmer knew full well that in order to plow in straight lines to cultivate the soil, he had to pair 2 oxen of equivalent strength. If he didn’t, the plow would go askew—he couldn’t control the pair... and the ground would not be properly cultivated. That analogy carries over into our scripture. When 2 people are paired together in intimate relationship “yoked”, they need to be of similar spiritual strength in order to accomplish the will of the Master. Breaking up the fallow ground of hardened hearts toward Christ. When one is strong and the other is weak, the weak usually drags down the strong person, and the weak person is often just going through the motions spiritually. This approach does not lead to an effective marriage...
Some side comments that were made on Friday were:
* God tells you from day 1 whether that person is right for you. Are you listening?
* The question was asked if there is one soul mate for you or are there multiple choices out there for you and you need to find the right one?
* "In the absence of a proclamation there is a problem." If you're boyfriend/girlfriend has a problem with being public with your relationship, that's a red flag. Adam declared Eve VERBALLY!! Now, we're not talking about being physical and emotional in public, but if your boyfriend/girlfriend wants to keep your relationship on the "low" that person is suspect.
* You must have/be accountable to someone. Choose 2 or more couples you both respect-- who have a Godly marriage to cover you as you consider relationships. They can identify issues that you might not necessarily see being you're in the clouds with your boo (a.k.a. boo'd up) Accountability partners help and not hurt you.
* Someone once said "The good is the enemy of the great." Don't settle for good, set your eyes on the great thing. (Amen LG?)
* "It (the person) may be good, but it's not great."
* "Chemistry only matters when it's not there." (quote by A. Reid)
* One of the ways you know a person is for you is by who you are when you're around them. Are you your normal self when you're around that person or do you have to put on a show for them? (quote by Min. Dante Poole)
* In your relationships you should sense the peace and favor of God if you are in His will.
HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT FOR NEXT WEEK: (Friday, August 15)
Background: Min. Ros once had a grad school professor at Harvard say “If there were any product which failed 50% of the time, it would be recalled and reinvented. Since 1 out of every 2 new marriages ends in divorce, the concept of marriage is flawed and therefore needs to be revisited. Marriages should consist of renewable 5 or 10 year contracts which either party can end or renew at the end of an agreed upon time frame.
The Assignment:
What would you say to an unbeliever in defense of this idea? (use moral arguments, don’t use scripture)
What would you say to a Christian to talk him or her out of this idea? (use scripture)
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Raisin the Hymn III & IV
Saints it's time for a new addition of "Raisin the Hymn"....
Via the expertise of my wonderful mother, "The SC Hour" welcomes the "Raisin The Hymn" section... Back in the day they used to have a section in the church service called "Raisin The Hymn", so it's only fitting that "The SC Hour" rock a section dedicated to hymns...
Ight, here is the 3rd and 4th installment of the "Raisin The Hymn".
Shout out to Kris for coming through with these classic hymns... We need to get an old school hymnal service poppin off!!!
Enjoy!!! SOLUS CHRISTUS!!!
"Draw Me Nearer"
I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice, And it told Thy love to me; But I long to rise in the arms of faith
And be closer drawn to Thee.
Refrain:
Draw me nearer, nearer blessed Lord,
To the cross where Thou hast died;
Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer blessed Lord,
To Thy precious, bleeding side.
Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord,
By the pow’r of grace divine;
Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope,
And my will be lost in Thine.
Oh, the pure delight of a single hour
That before Thy throne I spend,
When I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God
I commune as friend with friend!
There are depths of love that I cannot know
Till I cross the narrow sea;
There are heights of joy that I may not reach
Till I rest in peace with Thee.
From Kris:
I have another song that I would like to post for the RTH Section.
So many artists have done this song but I have been playing the version from Marvin Sapp all afternoon. It's so simple but the words are so beautiful and powerful.
Ok...the song is the "None Like You Medley" by Marvin Sapp.
I worship You, Almighty God,
there is none like You.
I worship You, oh Prince of Peace,
that is all I long to do.
I give You praise, for You are my righteousness.
I worship You, Almighty God;
there is none like You.
Via the expertise of my wonderful mother, "The SC Hour" welcomes the "Raisin The Hymn" section... Back in the day they used to have a section in the church service called "Raisin The Hymn", so it's only fitting that "The SC Hour" rock a section dedicated to hymns...
Ight, here is the 3rd and 4th installment of the "Raisin The Hymn".
Shout out to Kris for coming through with these classic hymns... We need to get an old school hymnal service poppin off!!!
Enjoy!!! SOLUS CHRISTUS!!!
"Draw Me Nearer"
I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice, And it told Thy love to me; But I long to rise in the arms of faith
And be closer drawn to Thee.
Refrain:
Draw me nearer, nearer blessed Lord,
To the cross where Thou hast died;
Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer blessed Lord,
To Thy precious, bleeding side.
Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord,
By the pow’r of grace divine;
Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope,
And my will be lost in Thine.
Oh, the pure delight of a single hour
That before Thy throne I spend,
When I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God
I commune as friend with friend!
There are depths of love that I cannot know
Till I cross the narrow sea;
There are heights of joy that I may not reach
Till I rest in peace with Thee.
From Kris:
I have another song that I would like to post for the RTH Section.
So many artists have done this song but I have been playing the version from Marvin Sapp all afternoon. It's so simple but the words are so beautiful and powerful.
Ok...the song is the "None Like You Medley" by Marvin Sapp.
I worship You, Almighty God,
there is none like You.
I worship You, oh Prince of Peace,
that is all I long to do.
I give You praise, for You are my righteousness.
I worship You, Almighty God;
there is none like You.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Meditation for week of 8/11
Saints,
Here's a lil bit of encouragement to those who are struggling in their walk with the Lord.
Seek Christ, don't hesitate!!!
"Oh that I were as in months past."-Job 29:2
By C.H. Spurgeon
Numbers of Christians can view the past with pleasure, but regard the present with dissatisfaction; they look back upon the days which they have passed in communing with the Lord as being the sweetest and the best they have ever known, but as to the present, it is clad in a sable garb of gloom and dreariness. Once they lived near to Jesus, but now they feel that they have wandered from Him, and they say, "O that I were as in months past!" They complain that they have lost their evidences, or that they have not present peace of mind, or that they have no enjoyment in the means of grace, or that conscience is not so tender, or that they have not so much zeal for God's glory. The causes of this mournful state of things are manifold. It may arise through a comparative neglect of prayer, for a neglected closet is the beginning of all spiritual decline. Or it may be the result of idolatry. The heart has been occupied with something else, more than with God; the affections have been set on the things of earth, instead of the things of heaven. A jealous God will not be content with a divided heart; He must be loved first and best. He will withdraw the sunshine of His presence from a cold, wandering heart. Or the cause may be found in self-confidence and self-righteousness. Pride is busy in the heart, and self is exalted instead of lying low at the foot of the cross. Christian, if you are not now as you "were in months past," do not rest satisfied with wishing for a return of former happiness, but go at once to seek your Master, and tell Him your sad state. Ask His grace and strength to help you to walk more closely with Him; humble yourself before Him, and He will lift you up, and give you yet again to enjoy the light of His countenance. Do not sit down to sigh and lament; while the beloved Physician lives there is hope, nay there is a certainty of recovery for the worst cases.
Your thoughts??? SOLUS CHRISTUS!!!
Here's a lil bit of encouragement to those who are struggling in their walk with the Lord.
Seek Christ, don't hesitate!!!
"Oh that I were as in months past."-Job 29:2
By C.H. Spurgeon
Numbers of Christians can view the past with pleasure, but regard the present with dissatisfaction; they look back upon the days which they have passed in communing with the Lord as being the sweetest and the best they have ever known, but as to the present, it is clad in a sable garb of gloom and dreariness. Once they lived near to Jesus, but now they feel that they have wandered from Him, and they say, "O that I were as in months past!" They complain that they have lost their evidences, or that they have not present peace of mind, or that they have no enjoyment in the means of grace, or that conscience is not so tender, or that they have not so much zeal for God's glory. The causes of this mournful state of things are manifold. It may arise through a comparative neglect of prayer, for a neglected closet is the beginning of all spiritual decline. Or it may be the result of idolatry. The heart has been occupied with something else, more than with God; the affections have been set on the things of earth, instead of the things of heaven. A jealous God will not be content with a divided heart; He must be loved first and best. He will withdraw the sunshine of His presence from a cold, wandering heart. Or the cause may be found in self-confidence and self-righteousness. Pride is busy in the heart, and self is exalted instead of lying low at the foot of the cross. Christian, if you are not now as you "were in months past," do not rest satisfied with wishing for a return of former happiness, but go at once to seek your Master, and tell Him your sad state. Ask His grace and strength to help you to walk more closely with Him; humble yourself before Him, and He will lift you up, and give you yet again to enjoy the light of His countenance. Do not sit down to sigh and lament; while the beloved Physician lives there is hope, nay there is a certainty of recovery for the worst cases.
Your thoughts??? SOLUS CHRISTUS!!!
Friday, August 8, 2008
The Purpose of Religion by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
What is the purpose of religion? Is it to perpetuate an idea about God? Is it totally dependent upon revelation? What part does psychological experience play? Is religion synonymous with theology?
Harry Emerson Fosdick says that the most hopeful thing about any system of theology is that it will not last. This statement will shock some. But is the purpose of religion the perpetuation of theological ideas? Religion is not validated by ideas, but by experience.
This automatically raised the question of salvation. Is the basis for salvation in creeds and dogmas or in experience? Catholics would have us believe the former. For them, the church, its creeds, its popes and bishops have recited the essence of religion and that is all there is to it. One the other hand we say that each soul must make its own reconciliation to God; that no creed can take the place of the personal experience. This was expressed by Paul Tillich when he said, "There is natural religion which belongs to man by nature. But there is also a revealed religion which man receives from a supernatural reality." Relevant religion therefore, comes through revelation from God, on the one hand, and through repentance and acceptance of salvation on the other hand. Dogma as an agent in salvation has no essential place.
This is the secret of our religion. This is what makes the saints move on in spite of problems and perplexities of life that they must face. This religion of experience by which man is aware of God seeking him and saving him helps him to see the hands of God moving through history.
Religion has to be interpreted for each age; stated in terms that that age can understand. But the essential purpose of religion remains the same. It is not to perpetuate a dogma or theology; but to produce living witnesses and testimonies to the power of God in human experience.
Your thoughts???
SOLUS CHRISTUS
Harry Emerson Fosdick says that the most hopeful thing about any system of theology is that it will not last. This statement will shock some. But is the purpose of religion the perpetuation of theological ideas? Religion is not validated by ideas, but by experience.
This automatically raised the question of salvation. Is the basis for salvation in creeds and dogmas or in experience? Catholics would have us believe the former. For them, the church, its creeds, its popes and bishops have recited the essence of religion and that is all there is to it. One the other hand we say that each soul must make its own reconciliation to God; that no creed can take the place of the personal experience. This was expressed by Paul Tillich when he said, "There is natural religion which belongs to man by nature. But there is also a revealed religion which man receives from a supernatural reality." Relevant religion therefore, comes through revelation from God, on the one hand, and through repentance and acceptance of salvation on the other hand. Dogma as an agent in salvation has no essential place.
This is the secret of our religion. This is what makes the saints move on in spite of problems and perplexities of life that they must face. This religion of experience by which man is aware of God seeking him and saving him helps him to see the hands of God moving through history.
Religion has to be interpreted for each age; stated in terms that that age can understand. But the essential purpose of religion remains the same. It is not to perpetuate a dogma or theology; but to produce living witnesses and testimonies to the power of God in human experience.
Your thoughts???
SOLUS CHRISTUS
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