Category: Christian Living

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CAN JESUS USE ME FOR HIS WORK?

PASTOR CHRIS,

FROM MY WRITING YOU WILL KNOW THAT I AM NOT EDUCATED. CAN JESUS USE ME FOR HIS WORK? I AM HUNGRY FOR HIM. MY WEAKNESS IS TO READ AND UNDERSTAND. PRAY FOR ME TO BE USED BY GOD. THANK YOU MAY THE LORD CONTINUE TO HOLD AND BLESS YOU.

~ NGOZI

 

ANSWER

Ngozi,

 

Yes. God can use you. Moses did not think that God could use him, but He did (Exodus 3-4). Gideon did not think that God could use him, but He did (Judges 6:14-16). Paul thought of himself as the worst of sinners (1 Timothy 1:16) and yet God used him. Peter and John were unschooled (Acts 4:13) and God used them. Offer yourself to God (Romans 12:1-2), give Him the credit, and watch what He will do!

 

A good study for you would be to examine the life of William Carey. A recent book on his life is written by S. Pearce Carey (William Carey’s great-grandson) and is titled William Carey. It will encourage you.

 

~ Pastor Chris

 

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How do I find a good church home?

Pastor Chris,

 

I am looking for A PLACE WHERE I CAN RESEARCH THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF NON DENOMINATIONAL CHURCHES. ( ASSEMBLY OF GOD. FULL GOSPEL.. WHAT THE DIFFERENCE IS IN ALL OF THESE? AND WHICH ONE OF THEM ARE THE CLOSEST TO RELIGION… WHICH I WANT TO KEEP MYSELF AND FAMILY FAR AWAY FROM.. WHICH ONES ARE GOING TO BE THE CLOSEST TO BEING OPEN TO THE SPIRIT AND IT MEMBERS WORKING AS A BODY AND WITHOUT THE FEELING THAT THEY ARE THE ONLY CHURCH THAT IS RIGHT.. RECOGNIZING IT’S MEMBERS GIFTS AND DEVELOPING THEIR GIFTS IN THE SPIRIT . CHURCHES WHICH DO NOT HINDER THE SPIRIT .. FAR FROM A RELIGIOUS SPIRIT.

~ Cherie

 

ANSWER

Cherie,

 

As I read your email I see that you are already on the right track. Here are some additional thoughts for you to consider when looking for a church home:

Do they accept the Bible as authoritative for all matters of faith and daily living? Joshua 1:8

Do they preach Christ as the only way to God? John 14:6

Do they preach salvation by grace through faith in Christ? Ephesians 2:8-9

Do they seek to share Christ with others both here and around the world? Acts 1:8

Are they a loving fellowship? (love God and love others – Mark 12:30-31)

Do they worship in spirit and truth? John 4:24

Beyond these basics, you can only know a church by actively involving yourself in the life of that congregation. God will give you discernment as you seek His will in this matter. A good book on the subject is Church Membership: How the World Knows Who Represents Jesus by Jonathan Leeman.

 

~ Pastor Chris

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Is In My Life In Order?

Dear Pastor,

My name is Sarah ,please tell me if my life is in order,such as my job,financials and my love life.

~Sarah

 

Dear Sarah,

 

Your life will be in order if you connect with Jesus and stay connected to Him. Submit your will to Him everyday and you will know His peace (Philippians 4:7).

 

~Pastor Chris

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Do you think it's wrong as a Christian to get tattoos?

Do you think it’s wrong as a Christian to get tattoos? Is it okay as long as they don’t shame the Lord?
Thank you so much.
~ Scarlette

Scarlette,

The issue of tattoos is answered in the Bible in Leviticus 19:28 where it says,

“You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the LORD”(NKJV).

As Christians, our bodies belong to the Lord Jesus Christ.  1 Corinthians 6:19-20, NKJV says,“…do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

Christianity often comes into conflict with the culture around us.  We have to decide whether or not we will obey the Lord or go the way of the world.  The way of the world leads to barrenness and death.  The way of Christ leads to eternal life (John 14:6).  Jesus does not want to take the fun out of our lives.  He wants to fellowship with us and give us joy, fulfillment, purpose, and peace.

What if someone has already gotten a tattoo?  Should they feel awful about it forever?  NO!  Jesus stands ready to forgive (1 John 1:9).  Maybe the tattoo was done in ignorance or maybe it was done in an act of rebellion or maybe it was done to gain the approval of others.  It does not matter.  If you genuinely ask Jesus to forgive you, He will.  Then, if someone asks you about tattoos you can tell them how Jesus forgave you and that His forgiveness is available for them, too.

God bless you!
Pastor Chris