Talk Tuesday-The Question of Faith, The Persistent Widow

In the gospel of Luke Chapter 18 verses 1 to 8, Jesus teaches using the Parable of the Persistent Widow. In this particular illustration He speaks of a widow who is determined to exact justice from a judge who neither fears man nor God. She eventually wears him down.

"For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or care about men, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually wear me out with her coming!' " (vs 4-5)

Jesus begins the parable with the intention of showing His disciples that, "..they should always pray and not give up," (Luke 18 vs 1) and concludes it with a description of the character of the One in whom we put our faith, God our Father.

"And will not God bring about justice for His chosen ones, who cry out to Him day and night? Will He keep putting them off? I tell you, He will see that they get justice, and quickly. " (vs 7-8)

Chapter 11 of the book of Hebrews is dedicated to a discourse on faith. Faith defies logic as it comes from the belief in a God whom the eye cannot see, yet the heart can perceive. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as '..being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.' Later on in that same chapter it details the faith of the patriarchs, some of who died 'in faith',without receiving their promise in this life.

The Bible warns us that we are to be, "..self controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith..."

We live in a world which the Bible describes as being under the control of the Evil One (1 John 5:19). We are instructed that while we are in the world, we are not to be of the world. "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Romans 12:2

There are storms that come to destroy your faith, some seen and some unseen. They come in the form of trials and persecution, some subtle and outright. Often the subtle storms attempt to change your reality and thwart your knowledge of God's truth. One of the most common, enduring storms for Christians is waiting in faith-waiting for your promise. How can we endure these storms and even thrive through them?

Habakkuk 2:4 & Romans 1:17 state that, 'The just shall live by faith.'
What does this mean? What is this thing called faith and why is it so precious?

What causes the widow in the parable to be persistent? Is it her belief in the justice of her cause? Is it her faith in the legal system or is it her tenacity? What propels her unwavering determination? What are the things that come to destroy our faith? Why does Jesus end the parable with these words?

"However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:8)

We look forward to hearing from you! Please share your knowledge, rich experience and thoughts with your brothers and sisters in the Lord or those just searching. Click on the comments link below and simply select an identity. You can choose 'Anonymous' or any name you desire, we want to hear from you!

Movie Monday - Absolute Truth Skit - Red Ballon

Talk Tuesday-The Cult of Entertainment

Does the media play a pivotal role in shaping our culture or does it simply reflect what is already there? What impact does entertainment have on our walk as Christians?

I was once called upon to sing for two Sunday services as a soloist. The song was, 'Worthy Is the Lamb'. It is a very powerful song that brings glory to Jesus Christ, my Savior and the Son of God. I vividly recall that the Friday preceding the solo I was all practised up and bored. I decided to watch T.V. Now, I must confess, I love a good spy movie so when I saw the "Bourne Ultimatum" showing on pay-per-view, I decided to purchase it. As a general rule of thumb we only watch PG-13s and below, so I was safe...or so I thought. I ordered the movie and sat back with baited breath as the beginning scenes unfurled in a fury of breathtaking action. Then, out of nowhere, I heard my Savior's name exclaimed as an expletive! I felt an instant pang in my chest. I was caught between the pain of those words and the addictive intensity of the action on the screen. Then, I felt the Holy Spirit prompt me, "Will you continue to watch this movie and then stand in front of hundreds of people on Sunday and sing 'Worthy Is the Lamb'? Now I would love to tell you that it was a no-brainer for me, but it wasn't. I paused for a few minutes and pondered my dilemma. I switched off the t.v. and walked away from the show, literally aching to watch it to the conclusion. Jesus, how much do I love thee? It was a question that lingered in my heart. I desired to continue watching the movie almost to the point of desperation, yet I was convicted of the hypocrisy of doing so. I walked away, but I must confess, I did it grudgingly.

Sunday's solo was anointed by the Holy Spirit and many were ministered to.

I share this personal anecdote as an opening to the discussion on popular culture and its influence on our Christian walk. The Bible teaches us in 1 Peter 1:15 (NIV),

'But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do'

In popular culture we are exposed to many things that are antithetical to our Christian beliefs. When we watch movies or t.v programs with people engaging in adultery, fornication and lustful behaviour, this not slowly desensitize us to sin? When we allow ourselves various forms of entertainment that reflect violence, selfish ambition and greed, are we not eating spiritual junk food?

It is not easy being a Christ-follower. 1 Peter 4:4 talks of the tension between those who hold onto pop culture's worldview vs. that of the Christian.

'They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you.'

Galatians 6:7, Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap

I admit that I often feel overwhelmed by the darkness around me. It almost feels as though it is easier to conform than stand firm in the faith. When everyone else is doing it, why should we be different? Consider Romans 12:1-2

'Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual^a]">[a] act of worship. 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.'

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, walking in God's good, pleasing and perfect will can only reap the reward of blessing and much fruit in our lives. We live in a culture of immediate gratification amidst the Cult of Entertainment.

How does this affect us? What can we do to 'be in the world, yet not of the world?' Can we secretly live a duality and yet have the peace of Christ reign in our hearts? Please, share your comments and feelings with the BGO community by clicking on the comments link. We REALLY want to hear from you!

Movie Monday - I'm Singing

Testimony Thursday

Thank you for praying for our family for the last few weeks. God has answered our prayers. Thank you.

Prayer Request

If you want prayer, post it by clicking on the comments link.

Web Wednesday - Promise Keepers

For all men, check out promisekeepers.org for an amazing men's ministry. Remember who is looking at your every move.

Talk Tuesday-Father's Day

It is a gift to have a good father. A good father protects, provides, teaches, admonishes and loves his children. Our Heavenly Father does that and so much more. He waits patiently for His children, loving us through our ups and downs. If we open our hearts to Him, He will lead us through our journey of life right into His Kingdom. He loves our obedience and delights in our worship. He also longs to bless us with good gifts. He wants us to seek Him, to humble ourselves and come to Him. He longs for our hearts. He says;

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" Matthew 7:7-11

Even if your experience with your earthly parents may not have been what you have desired, remember that, "Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me." Psalm 27:10 If you do not know the Father today, I encourage you to open your hearts to Him. You can come to the Father freely through Jesus Christ the Son!

Please share your stories with us on the goodness of God the Father and how He has revealed Himself to you in your life. Click on the comments link below to add your stories and/or comments. May God bless you all and Happy Father's Day.

Movie Monday - Im Watching You Dad

We want to start a Bible Study on Saturdays. We are going to change Scripture Saturday to Bible Study Saturday . If you are interested, please post your comments below.

Testimony Thursday

I think you can praise the Lord for something today. Share what God is doing in your life.

Prayer Request

Post your prayer request and we will pray for you.

Web Wednesday - busstopbiblestudies.com

Help spread the word of God one bus stop at a time. You never know what your donation can do in someone's life. Visit http://www.busstopbiblestudies.com/

Talk Tuesday - Being Transformed - Can people change?

Can a leopard loose its spots? Can a thief stop stealing? Can a person really be transformed? In Jesus Name they can!

I am so amazed when I see a person transformed by the power of the Jesus Christ. I have seen a person who loved to curse and say bad things speak words of life and encouragement to another. I have seen people who lived in the clubs turn their lives around and hand out flyers for church events. I have seen people that lived by the bottle, put it to rest and drink from the fountain of living water. I have seen that and much, much more.

You know God is real when you see a person turn their life around in the Name of Jesus. So what's your story? Have you been transformed or do you know someone that has had a radical transformation? Tell us your story...... it could change someone's life.

Movie Monday - Everything - Lifehouse Skit by Elevation

This is the popular Lifehouse Skit done by our very own youth group, Elavation. We missed the live presentation but we got the link up. It is so good to see the youth serving the Lord.

Web Wednesday - Images of U

If you think there isn't any good news on TV check out http://www.imagesofu.tv/You will see Christian news, stories and events on this website. We heard about them at Missionfest 2009. Take a look, there are some really good interviews and stories.

Talk Tuesday-When The Church Is The Church

When the church is the church it is an amazing thing.

I have seen first hand the goodness of God's people. I am blessed to be in a church where the people really care for you. When Tash was in the hospital the pastors would come and pray for her. One pastor came every week. We had many Christian brothers and sisters praying for us. There was one day Tash was not doing very well and some of our church family began to lead us in worship right in the hospital room. Our spirits were really down but they pressed in and pressed in. Finally God broke the despair and Tash was filled with joy and hope again. One of the old church songs says,"...they will know that we are Christians by our love...by our love." Yes, it is good to see the church function like it should.

How have you experienced the church being the church? Was it a good experience or was it bad? What can we do as Christians to be more like Jesus? We would love to hear from you. Please click on the comments link below to add your thoughts.

Movie Monday - Two great movies

Here is a preview of two great movies we looked at this weekend.

Faith Like Potatoes



Not Easily Broken