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