We all have a GAP

Upick was a great series. We really appreciate everyone's honest questions as people seek to know God and follow Him. We always want to welcome questions and in the words of Mark Batterson, "I don't get worried when people are asking questions, I get worried when no one is asking questions." 
You can listen to any of the messages on our website at http://www.wyandottefamily.com/listen.html or you can listen on iTunes at http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/wyandotte-family-church/id478735158?mt=2&ign-mpt=uo%3D4 


Dealing with the question, "Why are Christians so judgmental" was probably the most challenging for me. WHY? Because judging is not a Christian thing it is a people thing. If we are authentic with each other, we all struggle with it to some degree. 


Even the fact that I spoke on homosexuality and temptation this past Sunday reveals that truth. I have had people who don't even know me or have never talked to me call me names and judge me from a distance. 


I also saw people who never listened to the actual message I spoke comment on my sermon. 


So, judging is something we all face. Is it possible for two people to disagree and still love each other and treat each other with respect. I believe so. 
As a follow up to my message this past Sunday, I wanted to expound on the GAP that we all encounter in our relationship with God. There will come a point and time where the Bible (our life source as Christians) and our feelings, thoughts and/or experiences disagree. 
When the gap happens we have a choice to make. Am I going to trust God's heart and believe He knows best or am I going to throw out that part of the Bible and choose the way I feel. 


I came across this quote today and thought it summed up the gap thought pretty well...


‎"We are either in the process of resisting God's truth or in the process of being shaped and molded by his truth." - Charles Stanley


Do I like everything God says...of course not. Are there things He asks me to do in His word that are difficult...YES! However, I choose to trust Him and obey Him because I know He loves me and has my best interest in mind. I believe He is the creator and therefore the designer usually knows best :) 
As you come to a GAP in your own life, may you choose to trust God's word and find yourself walking in greater freedom!!!

Is it all about money?

So far it's been a great month at Wyandotte Family for "Upick." This past Sunday we talked about "Why are Christians so judgmental?". You can listen to the message on our website at http://www.wyandottefamily.com/listen.html or you can listen on iTunes at http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/wyandotte-family-church/id478735158?mt=2&ign-mpt=uo%3D4 


Let’s continue through our "Upick" questions this week as we look at blog question #4 "Why does the church always ask for money?"
That is a great question. Money. Something everyone in the world wishes they had more of. If you and I were authentic in this moment, we probably have thought that more money would = more happiness. Obviously, it really doesn't in the long run. So, what's up with the church asking for money. 


There are several reasons and 3 different angles of the topic I would like to address. Before I do, however, I can't ignore the reality. Have many pastors, priests and churches done wrong and abused the money, yes. In every profession and every field, there are those who give others a bad reputation by their poor choices. There are other pastors and churches that have affected all churches with their poor choices. Unfortunately you have not heard of the thousands of churches that are handling the money given with integrity and excellent stewardship. 
In spite of people’s wrong and evil choices, it still doesn't change the importance and blessing that comes with giving. 


#1--Practical--Money is needed to operate. Every organization, business, non-profit operates on money. They have an overhead of employees, facility, utilities, supplies etc. We are all too aware of businesses closing due to the recent economy. 
The church is in the same boat. However, we are not selling a product. What we are striving to do; share the truth of God's love, get people connected to a family & help people discover the gifts & talents in order to serve others, is all free. We don't have a cover charge to get in church. Therefore, if people do not give, it is pretty simple, that specific church body will no longer have a meeting spot or the programming for children's, teens etc. 


#2-Community--The more people that give the more can be accomplished in a community. Every church as a specific vision and focus. At Wyandotte Family we give 16% of our general fund away. We love to practice the very thing we are asking you to do. We support missionaries in 2 countries and Life Challenge of Detroit, a Christian rehabilitation center and have a missions fund to help support missionaries that are in need. We also give 12% back into the community through Third Friday's, our annual "Week in Wyandotte" (www.weekinwyandotte.org), the Street Fair and our "Blessing Project."

When the people of the church are faithful in their giving, the collective church is able to give back and touch other people's lives.


#3--Spiritual--Money is not the root of all evil...the love of money is. Money is often the #1 contender with God for our heart. It wants to give us the illusion of control and power. Yet, we all know how elusive, unreliable and unsecure it really is. It can be here in one moment and gone the next. 


God has set up practices and principles of giving as a way to keep us from making it our God. If we continually give to Him, then we are saying, God you are my #1 and I'll show you by my obedience and generosity. Here are 6 benefits of giving. 


Six Benefits of Giving


1. Giving makes me more like God
John 3: 16-God so loved the world that He gave His only Son…


2. Giving draws me Closer to God.
Matthew 6:21-Where your treasure is, there your heart is also


3. Giving is the antidote to Materialism.
1 Timothy 6:17-19-Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to be generous and willing to share. In this way they may take hold of the life that is truly Life!


4. Giving Strengthens my Faith
Proverbs 3:5,9-Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Honor the Lord by giving Him the first part of your income, and He will flow your barns to overflowing.


5. Giving is an investment in Eternity
1 Timothy 6:18-19 LB-Give happily to those in need, and always be ready to share whatever God has given you. By doing this, you will be storing up real treasure for yourselves in heaven - it is the only safe investment for eternity.


6. Giving Blesses me in return-Proverbs 22:9A generous man himself will be blessed. Proverbs 11:25A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.


Questions about the spiritual practice of "Tithing"


1. What is tithing? “Tithe” means “a tenth part.”


2. What is the difference between a Tithe and an Offering? A “tithe” is giving the first tenth of my income. An “offering” is anything I give in addition to my tithe.


3. Why should I tithe? 
Because God commands it.—“A tenth of all you produce is the Lord’s.” Leviticus 27:30
Because Jesus commended it.“Yes, you should tithe, and you shouldn’t leave the more important things undone either.” Matthew 23:23


4. Tithing demonstrates that God has first place in my life.
“The purpose of tithing is to teach you to always put God in first place in your life.” Deuteronomy 14:23 LB


5. Tithing reminds me that everything I have was given to me by God!“
Always remember that it is the Lord your God who gives you the ability to produce wealth.” Deuteronomy 8:18


6. Tithing expresses my love to the Lord.“ Each of you should bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you.” Deuteronomy 16:17


7. God says that refusing to tithe is stealing from Him! 
“God says ‘Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing me!’ But you ask, ‘How do we rob you?’ God says ‘In tithes and offerings ... Bring your whole tithe to My house.’” Malachi 3:8-10

I know this was a longer blog but I wanted to address this sticky and hot topic. I pray that you grow in generosity and grow in giving throughout your life. I pray that God blesses you and continues to provide for your needs as your trust in Him!!!

It's the end of the world as we know & I feel fine!

So far it's been a great month at Wyandotte Family for "Upick." This past Sunday we talked about depression. You can listen to the message on our website at http://www.wyandottefamily.com/listen.html or you can listen on iTunes at http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/wyandotte-family-church/id478735158?mt=2&ign-mpt=uo%3D4 

Lets continue through our "Upick" questions this week as we look at question #3 "What does the Bible say about the end of the world?"

With the Mayan Calendar coming to a close, so many people are intrigued with the end of the world. How is it all going to happen? Does anyone know the actual date and time it will happen? What will it look like? Should I even care about it? 

According to Matthew 24 we can know the signs of the end times and know in our hearts it is close.  Some of the signs the Bible say are many people claiming to be the Messiah, the good news of Jesus Christ will be preached to all nations, wars, famine and earthquakes at an increasing pace. 

Even though the Bible gives us signs to look for, no one knows the exact day and time when the end of the world will come. Matthew 24:36 says “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. 

So, if someone comes into the public light in the future proclaiming to be the Savior, you can say, I saw that coming, The Bible predicted it. If someone predicts an exact time and date in the future, you can count on it coming and passing. 

The Bible was never given so we could figure out mathematical equations. It is a divine love story showing us how God sent His Son Jesus into the world to restore right relationship back to Him. It is a story of redemption, grace, forgiveness and mercy. It's an opportunity to put our faith and trust in Jesus Christ not figure out all of the answers. Remember, if we can figure everything out about God, that God wouldn't be that big would he? 

Do we need to be afraid, terrified and worried of the end of the world? Those who have their faith and trust in Jesus Christ can live in peace knowing they are always in His hands!! I leave you with these words from the Bible...

Matthew 24:37-48--

When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. ³⁸ In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. ³⁹ People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes.

⁴⁰ “Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. ⁴¹ Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left.

⁴² “So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. ⁴³ Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into.⁴⁴ You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.

⁴⁵ “A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them. ⁴⁶ If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward. ⁴⁷ I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns. ⁴⁸ But what if the servant is evil and thinks, ‘My master won’t be back for a while,’ ⁴⁹ and he begins beating the other servants, partying, and getting drunk? ⁵⁰ The master will return unannounced and unexpected, ⁵¹ and he will cut the servant to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

How many prophecies did Jesus Christ fulfill?

Today we are going answer another question from the "Upick" voiting. Someone was curious how many prophecies from the Old Testament were fulfilled in Jesus Christ. 

Scholars perspective on what is an Old Testmanet (O.T.) prophecy varies but the range is between 300-360 prophecies of the Messiah. Jesus Christ actually fufilled every single one of them. (if you would like a copy of all of the prophecies & verses from the O.T. just email me at jeremy@wyandottefamily.com There are so many I didn't want to make this blog too long :) 

The odds of over 300 prophecies being fulfilled in one being is so astronomical it is humanly impossible. I am so thankful that the Bible says, "With God all things are possible." The fact that Jesus Christ did fulfill all of the Messianic prophecies, it sure is strong evidence of His divinity. 

Two books that I encourage many seekers & skeptics to read is "The Case for Christ" by Lee Strobell & Josh McDowell's book "The New Evidence that demands a verdict. It is chalk full historical evidence of Jesus Christ and his teachings. I would encourage you to grab one and check it out. 

There have been numerous famous, smart and educated people that have dove into research with the motive and intent of disproving Jesus Christ and Christianity. However, the majority of the time people discover the enmorous and clear evidence that is there and end up becoming followers of Jesus Christ. 

I hope this makes sense and addresses the question. If you need more thoughts or clarification please comment. 

Why so many denominations? Upick Question

Had a great time on Sunday kicking off our NEW series "Upick" with "Does God leave room for doubt?


You can listen to the message on our website http://www.wyandottefamily.com/listen.html or you can listen to the message on iTunes..simply search for Wyandotte Family Church. 


Today I want to make an attempt to address a good question that was asked that we won't address on a Sunday morning. "Why are there so many denominations?" Great question, glad someone asked this! This blog may be a little long but I want to do my best to share my thoughts and church history. I am in no way a church historian but here is an overview since Jesus' death & ressurection. 

WHERE DID IT ALL BEGIN?

1^st reference to the word church (Greek: Ekkelsia) in the Bible is found in Matthew 16:18 which says...And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my "church", and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. Ekkelsia means an assembly of Christians gathered for worship in a religious meeting *People Didn’t understand what that meant…they hadn’t seen it so they couldn’t understand it or picture it. 

YOU DON’T HAVE ANY OTHER MENTION OF IT UNTIL after JESUS’s Death & Ressurection

Jesus appears to his disciples and 500 other people (1 Corinthians 15:6) and tells them to wait for the Holy Spirit. They wait and Acts 2 tells us about the experience of the Holy Spirit, in which we & the Jews celebrate Pentecost)

From there followers of Christ spread out all over Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria & to the ends of the earth telling people Jesus was alive and that He truly is the Son of God. THEY STARTED MEETING TOGETHER TO PRAY, READ THE BIBLE AND TALK ABOUT JESUS. They would meet in public settings like a synagouge and in homes.

AT THIS POINT THERE WERE NO NAMES…it wasn’t until ACTS 11:26, we read those who followed Jesus and put their faith in Him were first called “CHRISTIANS” at a city called ANTIOCH. Over the next couple hundred of years the message of Jesus spread all over the known world, with many giving their lives for the cause of Christ. For example, history records that the famous disciple Peter was crucified upside down on an X shaped cross for his faith in Jesus Christ. 

1^st organized Movement—ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

In part to ensure a greater consistency in their teachings, by the early 2nd century, Christian communities had adopted a more structured hierarchy, with a central 'bishop' having authority over the clergy in his city.^[16] The organization of dioceses was established mirroring the territories and cities of the Roman Empire. Catholic Christianity was legalized in 313 under Constantine's Edict of Milan,^[33] and declared the state religion of the Empire in 380

The Council of Rome in 382 established the first official Biblical canon when it listed the accepted books of the Old and New Testament

The Catholic Church remained the main organized church until the 1500’s when the PROTESTANT CHURCH FORMED (PROTEST) WITH MARTIN LUTHER

2^nd Movement “Protestant Churches”
Martin Luther (10 November 1483 – 18 February 1546) was a German priest and professor of theology who initiated the Protestant Reformation.^[1]  He was the one famous for his writings knows as the 95 thesis. His refusal to retract all of his writings at the demand of Pope Leo X in 1520 and the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V at the Diet of Worms in 1521 resulted in his excommunication by the pope and condemnation as an outlaw by the emperor.


He strongly disputed & differed on the following…
  #1—the claim that freedom from God's punishment of sin could be purchased with money. He confronted indulgence salesman Johann Tetzel.
  #2—Luther taught that salvation is not earned by good deeds but received only as a free gift of God's grace through faith in Jesus as redeemer from sin.
  #3—His theology challenged the authority of the pope of the Roman Catholic Church by teaching that the Bible is the only source of divinely revealed knowledge^[2]
  #4—He  opposed sacerdotalism by considering all baptized Christians to be a holy priesthood.^[3]
  #5—His translation of the Bible into the language of the people (instead of Latin) made it more accessible, causing a tremendous impact on the church and on German culture.

From this Protestant Revolution all other churches & denominations were birthed until what we have today…The majority of Protestant Churches believe that Jesus Christ was the Son of God, He died & rose again and is the only way for salvation. Most believe the Bible is God’s Word and sole authority for doctrine. Most believe in the trinity, the Father, Son & Holy Spirit. 

There were many other influential church leaders like John Calvin, John  & Charles Wesley & William Seymour.  As time went on and there was differences in some theological items and church practices.Therefore groups decided to split off and start their own church with a slightly different set of beliefs and/or practices. 

So today as I write this blog there are estimated 25 main (large) denominations with many other smaller ones. 

Do all of the splits and arguments break the heart of God...most likely!!! Before Jesus died, he prayed in the garden that his followers would be unified (John 17:20-23) Can churches put their differences aside and work together...yes!! 

I'm excited that Wyandotte has a Ministerial Association that works together. It consists of Catholic, Pentecostal, Methodist, and Presbyterian. We all believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and that He is the way of to Salvation. Yes, if you walked into all of our churches they would be different. Yes we have differrences in belifes. However, what we agree on far out weights our differences.