INVITING GOD INTO “MY SPACE”

As I am sitting here today writing this article, I am compelled to ask this question, “Are we missing out on a opportunity that we as ministers of the Gospel could use to reach the younger generations of Christianity? MySpace is one of the hottest sites on the Web—hitwise.com rated it No. 1 for November, accounting for nearly 5 percent of all U.S. Web traffic. MySpace has more than 100 million accounts with a demographic that is dominated by teens and 20-somethings. Other social networking sites like Friendster and Facebook also claim millions of young users. "Social networking is what being a teenager is about," said Kenda Creasy Dean, associate professor of youth, church, and culture and director of the Tennent School of Christian Education at Princeton Theological Seminary. "For people my age (in their 30’s), technology is a tool. For kids, technology is the air they breathe. It's social glue."

Many youth ministers and youth workers are now tapping into the mighty source of technology of MYSPACE to reach their youth for Christ. Posting their own sites and posting messages for their youth groups to read. In fact, youth ministers have been able to identify signs of suicide and problems area’s in people lives because of what has been posted on MYSPACE. Currently about 60% of our church have a MYSPACE account. This is a great way to minister to our people in ways that conventional means will not work anymore.

About a year ago the Blasphemy challenge started. This was a group of individuals that used YOUTUBE. They would encourage young people to state while on camera that they deny the very existence of the Holy Spirit, God, Jesus and whatever else they wanted to denounce. By doing so they would receive a T-Shirt. The sad thing is that Thousands have responded. In fact, it might be your son or daughter. I wonder what would happen if we Invited God into MYSPACE? If we used this platform to get the word out, that there is someone who cares and his name is Jesus. Instead of giving out T-Shirts God could give them life. Something to consider!

Let’s face it folks, like it or not, our culture is becoming more reliant on Cell Phones, Text Messaging, Web Based Sites and the biggest MYSPACE .COM. All of these avenues are a way our younger generations can share their hearts without reprisal without worrying about someone saying something directly to them. This generation that I speak about today are searching for Truth. For the most part they do not see it at home, with 50% Marriages ending in divorce and 62% of this generation not living in a stable home. Dealing with issues such as Drugs, Drinking, and Sex and not to mention just wanting to fit in. They walk into our churches and they feel the same way. Out of place, no one cares. No wonder why only 2% of college students after leaving the Church for college ever return in their later life to church. This is where MYSPACE comes into play. They are able to get their feelings out and it can be somewhat anonymous. Let’s invite God into MYSPACE and let’s get more in touch with this generation so that they can carry on the future of Christ’s Church! If we don’t excuse our pride and the know it all mentality and try to learn their world we will never reach this generation as a whole for Christ.

Fellow Ministers: What will you do in 2008 to reach this younger generation? Creating programs and training which I agree is good stuff won’t cut it, we must understand their world in order to truly minister to them. I am reminded when Paul became a tent maker; He learned a trade so that he could minister to them. I believe this is God’s desire for his ministers of the gospel to meet the people where they are at. Most of us live by the philosophy they can come to us… Jesus, who is our example, never lived in this manner. He always meets the people where they were at. We must do the same!

Pastor Eric

Ewj2007

I received some of the statistics and info from www. Christiantoday.com

The Marriage Anniversary “Why is it so important?”

The Marriage Anniversary “Why is it so important?”

With 50% or more Marriages in the country ending in divorce, it would seem that not many get to celebrate an anniversary. Why do we celebrate anniversaries? Is there a biblical explanation as to why we should be reminded each year of the union that some of us share with another? I believe there is! God has intended that we as inhabitants of this earth are not to be alone. In the garden God, after realizing that Adam was lonely made him a help-mate her name was Eve. She was created to join Adam in a relationship that no one could separate. "What God has joined together, let man not separate" (Mark 10:9).

The Bible teaches that Christian marriage is an exclusive union. It is unmixed, pure. Husband and wife are no longer two, but one. “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife; and they shall be one flesh.” (Gen 2:24) Notice the word cleave. This word means to glue or attach with great force. Notice the words, one flesh. God’s intent was that no one else can be part of them the way they are part of each other.

In God's eyes, marriage is absolutely exclusive. Once you are married, your affections belong to your spouse. This leaves no room for sexual looseness, no room for playing games or even flirting with someone else's spouse. Why? Because it destroys everything marriage was meant to be.The Bible also teaches that marriage is a symbolic union, a beautiful metaphor of Christ and the church. Just as a husband and wife are one flesh, so Jesus Christ is one spirit with His church. As the church is to respond to Christ, so a woman is to respond to her husband. As Christ loved the church, so I am to love my wife. This symbolism elevates marriage to its highest dimension.Christian marriage is really a triangle: a man, a woman, and Christ. My Dw committed her life to Christ at the age of eight. I was 20 when I made the same decision. When we joined our lives, we did so in the presence of the Lord. He is the third party to our marriage. He is the one who keeps us together and draws us closer to each other as we seek to draw closer to Him. He will do the same for you.

So why is the marriage anniversary so important? It’s a reminder of all the things a marriage should be. It is a reminder of how God brought you together and how God will keep you together as long as God is the center of your life. It is a reminder of the great love that God has for you when he gave you your spouse. It is also a reminder of things that you can do to make the marriage stronger.

I remember the day that I said “I do” What was I agreeing to? I was making a covenant with God in the presence of witnesses that I will love my wife until the end. I will cherish her, honor her, and take care of her when she is sick. The Anniversary is a gentle reminder of those things and begs the question that we must ask ourselves. Am I doing all of those things that God wants me to do in my marriage?

Today is my wife and I 14th Wedding Anniversary! Wow, what a year! I look forward to the many more that are coming our way!

Ewj
Dec 21st, 2007

Why do I need Church?

As we move into 2008 we are in an age of a spirit of ever increasing independence. More Christians seem to think that they can do what is right in their own eyes, drink of a worldly spirit and the “spirit of this age”—and still be fine with God.Though there is little “loyalty” today to the church. Some believe they can throw over the necessity for the local church in their lives altogether. However, living in the world’s rebellion is not only unbecoming for Christians, but serious error and sin. Jesus ministered, delivered, healed, taught, confronted, comforted, prayed, worshiped, worked miracles. He was raised the son of a carpenter, but only one time did He indicate He would BUILD something — His CHURCH.

…I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:18 KJV

The Church is to be the place that most reflects God’s glory; the place of healing, salvation, deliverance, life, vibrancy, imparting a sense of purpose and the presence of God. The Church is the place of communion and fellowship with believers. The church is the place of His presence—God is “enthroned in our praises” and when we gather in His name, He promises to be in our midst. The church is the “pillar and ground of the truth.” The Lord tells us to “not forsake the assembling of ourselves together.” In fact, we are told to gather even more in the evil day in which we live. In the last days, we need to be fully involved in the life of the Church, building what He is building, and encouraging one another on this journey of life. In the goal of being conformed to the image of His Son we need to strengthen each other. As we reject the lusts of the flesh and the love of this world, we can use all the help from others in the Body of Christ that we can get. This is NOT a time to forsake the gathering of the assembly, nor to be casual or indifferent about it’s importance.

I urge you to adopt the passion and priority of Jesus. As Christians, let us gather together consistently, regularly, with full hearted commitment to the local expression of the Church—in a Bible believing, full-Gospel, alive, teaching, loving congregation. If you are not otherwise committed, you are warmly invited to Canal Baptist Church at 10am on Sunday mornings. You can get directions and check us out on the web at www.canalconnections.org. I look forward to meeting you!

Pastor Eric

5:17 Ministries

5:17 Ministries

Today, I just launched a brand new ministry called 5:17 Ministries. This ministry is based on 2 Corithinas 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" I created this ministry to give others a chance to share their testimonies and to show the world that God indeed is changing lives through experiences each of us face everyday. I have created a website were you can read stories of people who have experienced the greatness of God. I also will be adding real stories as I meet new people while out preaching.In my life I have realized that I am no longer the Old Eric. God has supernaturally changed me and continues to change me each and everyday. He does this by taking me through situations and events in my life that help me grow. Have you ever just jotted down some of the things God has done in your life over the last year? Can you remember what prayers God has answered or what events have happened that have lead you closer to him? Can you think about those turning points in your life that God was able to use to get your attention? Have you shared any of those stories with anyone? Now is your chance. 5:17 Ministries is about Preaching the Gospel of Christ to a world that so desperately needs it. The way we do that is by sharing our testimony. Everyone who is a believer has one, and every ones is important. Your testimony could be the Gospel of Salvation to someone else who doesn't know Jesus. On the right hand side of this page you will see 5:17 Ministries website, click on it and begin reading some of the most amazing stories of how God stepped into people's lives. If you would like to share a story and would like me to post it feel free to e-mail your story to pastorericcbc@yahoo.com. I will post the stories within a few days of receiving them.

God wants you to share what he has done through your life!

Pastor Eric

What is Real Christianity?

This question is always asked but what is the answer? I believe Real Christianity must line up with the Bible, the word of God. It proclaims Jesus Christ to be the son of God and believes that He is the only way to salvation and forgiveness. It will be rejected by the vast majority. This has always been the case throughout history. In Noah's time only 8 people were saved in the whole world. In Lot's time only Lot and his family were saved in two cities. The Bible says that our time will be similar to Noah and Lot's time. Real Christianity will be considered radical by most people. Jesus and the apostles were considered radical. The Bible says that Christians are a peculiar people. Real Christianity will boldly rebuke and hate evil to such a large extent that those who preach the truth will greatly upset those who are evil. Those who preach truth will suffer persecution as a result. "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Matt 5:1

Real Christianity will be about true love, which is sharing and caring for others, where the main focus is to proclaim or aid the proclamation of the Gospel. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' 31The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself. 'There is no commandment greater than these." Matthew 12:30-31

Real Christianity will not be conformed to the world by accepting or desiring materialism, money and commercialism as a good thing or a part of life. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

Real Christianity will not be able to be proved wrong, although people may appear to make it sound untrue by arguing against it by using false statements. Real Christianity will not be deceptive or misleading or cause people to believe a lie. It will be about honesty and absolute truth. Real Christianity is positive about good things and doing God's will, but it hates evil. Real Christianity has the fruits of commitment to doing God's will and it will follow the historical example of those who did God's will such as Jesus did.

Where does this leave the mainstream Church and the millions of people who think they are Christians? Although the mainstream churches have a lot of true Bible teaching, it appears that they probably will not fit into the category of the minority of saved believers. Therefore they may be rejected and considered lukewarm if they don't repent. "Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' Matthew 7:22-23


Do you fit the biblical model of Real Christianity? When people look at you do they see Jesus? If not then my friends it's time to quit playing games. Accept that you are a sinner and in need of a savior. Believe that Jesus is Lord and that he was raised from the dead. Confess your sins to Jesus and ask him to be the Lord of your life. When you do this then you will be indwelled by the Holy Spirit of God who will assist you in becoming a Real Christian!


Pastor Eric
Ewj2007

Being Thankful!

Thankfulness comes out of the heart. Psalm 100:4 states, "Enter into His gates with THANKSGIVING and into His courts with praise; BE YE THANKFUL UNTO HIM, AND BLESS HIS NAME."

Thanksgiving is an attitude of the heart, and when a person is unthankful, their heart is not right. Psalm 50:14 states, "Offer unto God THANKSGIVING; and pay thy vows unto the most High."

When was the last time you bowed your head and thanked God for the freedom you have? What about the luxuries you enjoy? What about the food you have? What about the comfort you enjoy? What about the freedom to get an education and the pursuit of happiness? For Christians, have you thanked God for the fact that you can freely carry a Bible and freely go to Church? These are things and privileges many people in the world do not have and cannot do in the normal course of the day. Things we take for granted are so rare in the world and yet we who are so blessed fail to be thankful to God for His goodness to us.

Why don't you bow your head and thank God for all the good things He brings your way? I thought I would list just a few things that I am thankful for, maybe it will get you thinking.

1. I am thankful for Jesus Christ first and foremost, who gives me hope.
2. I am thankful for my wonderful & beautiful wife, who has made me better than I ever would have been without her.
3. I am thankful for my son who brings joy and light into my life each and every day.
4. I am thankful for my daughter who makes me laugh and brings tears to my eyes every time I stop and stand amazed at the women God is making her.
5. I am thankful for my family who has done whatever it took to give me every chance to succeed.
6. I am thankful for my job (yes, I truly am), it is a privilege to be able to work and I am thankful for it.
7. I am thankful for my church, my very forgiving church.
8. I am thankful for my friends, the relationships that we share.
9. I am thankful for my country that allows me to take time to reflect on all that I have to be thankful for.

I have a lot of things I am thankful for but I will cut this list short. I trust that everyone will have a wonderful Thanksgiving and will be able to spend it with those they are most thankful for – see you in two weeks!

Pastor Eric

What Is A Real Friend?

It has been said that a dog is man's best friend. It doesn't seem to matter what you do to your dog, he just keeps on loving you just the same. If you had a million dollars and a dog, you would have a million so-called friends and a dog. If you lose the million dollars and have nothing left, those million friends would also be gone, but you would still have the dog. He doesn't care about money, titles, position or privilege. All he asks is for the privilege of being near his master. If you speak his name, you make his day. If you pet him on the head, he thinks he is in dog heaven. His love is unselfish and undying. He is as constant in his love as the sun is in its course across the heavens. I suppose it is true that among all the animals in God's vast creation, there is no greater friend to mankind than the dog. Is this a true statement? If it is I am not very happy today because I don’t own a dog nor can I have one. So does this mean that I don’t have friends?

I think that there is another friend out there that has all the characteristics of a Dog but is much more valuable than that… His Name is Jesus. What are some characteristics of this friend named Jesus?

1. He is a friend that sacrifices
12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. John 15:12-15

2. He is a friend that loves
A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Pro. 17:17

3. He is a friend that is steadfast
A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. Prov 18:24

4. He is a friend that offers correction
Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. Pro. 27:6

5. He is a friend that forgives
And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him. Matt 26:50

Pastor Eric

What is Prayer?

Prayer is communication—a dialogue between you and God in a love relationship. It should be like talking to your best friend. Prayer is attitude—more important than what you say is why you are saying it.

Jesus Said in Matthew 6:5-13 and 7:7-12 that;
Our prayers should have sincerity, not be hypocritical (6:5-8).
Our prayers should have submission, acknowledging who God is (6:9-10). Our prayers should have supplication, expressing our needs to God (6:11-13). Our prayers should have strength, firm faith in God, his love and faithfulness (7:7 -8, 11).

When can you pray?
Pray without ceasing. This means having the communication channels open at all times. Communicate with God at any time and anywhere. Jonah prayed in the stomach of a great fish; Jesus prayed in a garden; Paul and Silas prayed in prison. You can even pray in a car, in class, at work, or in church.

Why should you pray?
Prayer gets God involved in your life. Prayer puts God at the center of your attention.
Prayer makes you aware of God’s plans for you, helping you become more sensitive to him. Prayer gives you an attitude of expectancy because prayer does change things such as circumstances, people, etc. Prayer changes you as God works on your attitudes, desires, and motives.

How does God want you to talk to Him?
You must be honest when you talk to God. He knows you, and you can’t fool him. You should be specific in you conversation with God, so you can see God’s specific answers to your prayers. You should pray with confidence, seeking to act in obedience to what God tells you to do. You can pray in any place or position. Don’t restrict yourself to closed eyes, folded hands, or a church building. You can pray with others. Don’t be afraid of letting others see your imperfections. Jesus says that others will know that we are his disciples by the way that we “love one another.” Prayer together will draw us closer together in love. And Jesus has promised that where two or three are gathered together in his name, there he will be among them.

What are some basics to help me have an effective prayer life?
1. Set a specific time to pray with attention focused on God.
2. Begin your prayer time with praise-focusing on who God is.
3. Take time to reflect on your relationship with Christ and others.
4. Confess sin and ask God to forgive you.
5. Thank God for what He has done in and around you.
6. Pray for the needs of others.
7. Talk with God about the things you need in your life.
8. Thank God for answered prayers and keep the conversations open for the rest of the day.

Pastor Eric

The Greatest Tragedy

What is the Greatest Tragedy?

Today as many of you drove around town, you noticed the flags flying at half mast. Now most of us when we see this ask ourselves this question "Who are they Honoring"? Or maybe some of you ask the question "Who important died"? Today marks the 6th year anniversary of the attack that took America by surprise. I remember where I was standing when it all took place. I remember the fear that engulfed my heart as the images on the TV where so real. Many of us hit our knees and prayed and during that time, this great country of America stood still...

What is amazing is that after 6 years life is back to normal. Polls show that most Americans believe that were are now safer. My question is are we? We as a country have taken our eyes of God and put our eyes on self. We have become as a nation like that Laodicean Church found in the Book of Acts. It states that they became lukewarm-neither hot nor cold. God said "I am about to spit you out of my mouth" Rev 3:16. Our lives are back to normal as it may seem, but our spirit as a nation has been standing still. It's if we are waiting for some great miracle to take place where Jesus will come back and rescue us all from the moral decay which is all around us.

My friends, I believe in a Sovereign God, who sits on his thrown and allows things to happen throughout history to get nations of people to turn to him once again. We can read about this and have historical evidence to prove this throughout our history. It is possible that this is what God is doing with America? Today as many families mourn once again over the loss of their loved ones. As the images are displayed on the Internet and news clips reminding us of when America stood still on September 11th, 2001, 6yrs ago. Let us remember the Greatest Tragedy in our history is not when our enemy's attack us. It is when our Nation turns it's back on God. A nation, need I remind you that was founded on Christian Principles. This my friends is the Greatest Tragedy. You see many people gave their lives on September 11th so that others could live free..

What a reminder of the ultimate price and life that was given for you and me "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that who ever believes in him will not parish but have ever lasting life". John 3:16. God gave his Son Jesus, so that we might have life and have it more abundantly.

So when you are driving around and you see a flag flying at half mast., remember the cross and remember that we as a nation can turn and be blessed again. "If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn form their wicked ways then I will hear from heaven and heal their land" 2 Chronicles 7:14

Pastor Eric

What Is Absolute Truth?

What Is Absolute Truth?

1. Can I breathe water?
Absolute truth- Lungs are not designed to breathe water.
2. Can I throw a baseball in the air and expect it not to come down?Absolute truth- the law of gravity
3. Can I use red paint and get a blue wall?Absolute truth- Blue and red are both primary color.
4. Can we have water without oxygen?Absolute truth- It takes hydrogen and oxygen.
5. Can I burn a piece of wood and put it back together?Absolute truth- The laws of thermodynamics
6. Can I grow an oak tree from a corn seed?Absolute truth- The law of biogenesis
7. Does a heart work without electrical impulses?Absolute truth- The body cannot function without electrical impulses.
8. Can a buffalo write a symphony?Absolute truth- Music does not just happen, it is designed.
9. Can I see a bright light in a dark room?Absolute truth- Bright light and darkness cannot exist in the same space.

If there is no absolute truth, I am the source of my own moral code...and every other person is the source of their moral code.

1. Who decides what is right when my moral code conflicts with another person’s moral code?
2. If there is no moral standard, why do we have guilt and shame?
3. If there are no absolute truths, why do we have laws, courts, judges and juries?
4. If there is no absolute truth, can there be any crime?

So who decides where absolute truth comes from?

1. Do I want my friends to decide?
2. Do I want the religious leaders of the world to decide?There are hundreds of different religions.
3. Do I want the governments of the world to decide?Some governments are good...some are bad.

What about God??? "All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."II Timothy 3:16, 1

The absolute truth is: Because Bible writers claim truth, if we can find one place where the Bible is not true, we cannot trust anything the Bible says. Forty writers, over a period of at least 15 centuries wrote 66 books...with no contradictions.

The absolute truth is: The Bible is the only reliable historical record of the actual words of Jesus! Other books talk about Jesus.

The absolute truth is: The Bible is the most influential, well documented book in the history of the world.

The absolute truth is: Jesus is known as a great prophet in every major religion in the world.The Bible says Jesus is not just a prophet; He is the Son of God.

Pastor Eric

Assurance of Salvation: Is It Possible?

Assurance of Salvation: Is it possible?
Assurance of salvation is possible. Consider 1 John 5:11-13: "And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. So whoever has God's Son has life; whoever does not have his Son does not have life. I write this to you who believe in the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life" (NLT). God wants us to know we have eternal life. These verses clearly share that those who have believed in Jesus Christ and accepted Him as their personal savior have eternal life. Eternal life is just that -- eternal Romans 8:38-39 say, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Nothing can separate a child of God from their Father.

Assurance of Salvation: Why do I doubt?Many Christians have questioned assurance of salvation. They may be going through a time of emotional unsteadiness. Perhaps they have allowed doubt to creep in or are being led by their emotions. They may be going through a time of spiritual dryness and they might not experiencing joy in their spiritual walk. Living in sin may also be the culprit and Satan may be trying to deceive them into thinking they aren't good enough to receive God's forgiveness and eternal reward. Be assured that many struggle with one or all of these from time to time. Consider these helpful suggestions:

Ask the Lord to reveal unconfessed sin.
Then follow through by repenting.
Read your Bible daily.
Study specific verses about salvation.
Pray regularly.
Talk to God and ask that He help you.
Trust the Lord.
Remember He loves you greatly.
Rebuke doubt.

Offer praise and thanksgiving to God. Do not let feelings rob you of your joy.

Assurance of Salvation: Understanding the Biblical SupportJesus tells us personally that He gives us eternal life and nothing can take that away: "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one" (John 10: 27-30). Salvation is a gift of grace. Ephesians 2:8 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” Romans 10:13. Let us also be secure in knowing that "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" Having this knowledge gives us hope. We can know Christ will claim us as His for all time. "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord" (1 Thessalonians 4: 16-17).

Pastor Eric

Why Am I Here?

Why am I here?
Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. - Deuteronomy 6:5

Why am I Here? This question is often asked so many times in our lives. We search for the answer in so many things that the world has to offer, but yet we still can’t find that ultimate peace. I am convinced that the peace you are looking for can only be found in loving God. You can put your trust in a lot of things but all of that stuff goes away and it still leaves you with that one question, Why am I here? In order to love God you must accept his son. Without accepting his son, what you are saying is that you don’t love GOD. “For God so loved the world that he sent his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him will not perish but have everlasting life” John 3:16. He gave us his son so that we might have a relationship with him. God does not promise tomorrow. Tonight you could die. Do you know for sure that you will spend eternity with Jesus? Why are we here? To love GOD, through accepting his son as your savior, and living your life for him.

Pastor Eric

The Body of Christ

Body of Christ - The definition the Body of Christ is a common, yet complex term used in the Christian faith. Some may initially think we are talking about the physical body of Christ, as in His human form on earth. But the term "Body of Christ" actually refers to the members of His church, throughout history. Who or what is the body of Christ? The body of Christ is the Church, made up of all those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Each Christian, then, is a part of the body of Christ. The first biblical reference to this body was made by Jesus during the last supper. Mark 14:22 says, "While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, 'Take it; this is my body.'" This symbolic act is the beginning of the communion service which Christians accept as a remembrance that they are a part of the body of Jesus Christ, due to Jesus' death on the cross.

Body of Christ - The unit the Body of Christ, like all bodies, is comprised of many parts. There are limbs, organs, and various members that, when left alone, are useless, but when assembled make up the entire body. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 describe it like this: "The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body - whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free - and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Now the body is not made up of one part but of many." This means each Christian is an equal part of the body of Christ! There is organization to the body of Christ, as described in Ephesians 1:22-23, "And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way." 1 Corinthians 12:27-28 also says, "Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues." Every Christian possesses a gift and is called to use it in service within the body to build up the body of Christ, to strengthen the body and to carry out its purpose within the world. Each member of the body of Christ is also called to serve the church through his or her natural gifts and abilities. This service is offered out of devotion to Christ for the sacrifice He made on the cross, providing them with eternal life in heaven. The diversity of gifts, each supporting the other, makes the body strong!

Body of Christ - Personal application as a part of the church, what can you do to enhance the body of Christ? The body is a holy entity and is to be respected and treated with complete honor and care. The Bible provides several action principles for building up the body of Christ:

You are called to promote truth and unity - Ephesians 4:25 says, "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body."

You are called to service - 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 outlines the importance of using your God-given spiritual gift. Your gift is unique and equally important. It is essential to the body that you use your special gift in service to God.

You are called to share Jesus - Romans 1:16 says, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes…" As part of the body of Christ, you are to share your life-changing story with others!

You are called to worship - "It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night" (Psalm 92:1-2).

You are called to love each another - "1 John 4:11 says, "Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another."

Are you a contributing member of the body of Christ? Are you actively serving God and sharing Him with others? Are you contributing to peace and unity within the body? Do you worship regularly? Take a moment to evaluate your life in light of these principles.

Pastor Eric

Lordship Salvation

There seems to be a lot of questions out there about Lordship Salvation. I have found a great article that I think will help. Enjoy!

Question: "What is Lordship salvation?"

Answer: Lordship Salvation emphasizes that submitting to Christ as Lord over your life goes hand-in-hand with trusting in Christ to be saved. It also focuses on a changed life as the result of salvation. Those who believe in Lordship Salvation would have serious doubts about a person who claims to believe in Christ but does not have good works evident in his life. The Bible does teach that faith in Christ will result in a changed life (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 5:22-23; James 2:14-26).However, depending on the person and his circumstances, spiritual growth sometimes occurs quickly, and other times it takes a long time for changes to become evident, and even then the changes may not be evident to everyone. The Bible clearly teaches that salvation is by faith alone, apart from works (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9). The Bible also declares that a life changes after salvation (Ephesians 2:10). So it is a difficult balance to make. We do know, however, that we are not to judge another as to the state of his/her eternal soul (Matthew 7:1). Only God knows who are His sheep and He will mature each of us according to His perfect time table.So, is Lordship Salvation Biblical? Again, it cannot be denied that faith in Christ produces a change (2 Corinthians 5:17). A person who has been delivered from sin by faith in Christ should not desire to remain in a life of sin (Romans 6:2). At the same time, submitting to the Lordship of Jesus Christ is an issue of spiritual growth, not salvation. The Christian life is a process of submitting to God in increasing measure (2 Peter 1:5-8). A person does not have to submit to God in every area of his or her life in order to be saved. A person simply has to recognize that he or she is a sinner, in need of Jesus Christ for salvation, and place trust in Him (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9). Jesus is Lord (Philippians 2:10). Christians absolutely should submit to Him (James 4:7). A changed life and submission to Christ's lordship are the result of salvation, not a requirement for salvation.

Source: gotquestions.org

Welcome to my Blog!

Hey, I'm glad you made it out to my blog. I am looking forward to the many ways that this blog can minister to you. Check back frequently as I will add new articles written and audio files with my most recent sermons preached at Canal Baptist Church, in Canal Winchester, OH, where I currently serve as Pastor of this wonderful church.