DOGMATISM
When we say we are dogmatic about fundamentals it means we are absolutely sure, convinced, unlikely to change as we have studied it well. However, a true dogmatic is impossible to deal with and we run into them in every walk of life.You may not agree with me on the term Dogmatic, call it as you desire but all of us have run into this terrible attitude. Consider:
I am absolute in my love for truth and Proclaiming the gospel but I am not dogmatic about anything
and here is why:
Definition of Dogmatic: 1. Relating to, characteristic of, or resulting from dogma.
2. Characterized by an authoritative, arrogant assertion of "unproved" or unprovable principles.
See Synonyms for dictatorial....Technically Dogmatic means that I believe something without the
benefit of being able to express it with logic and facts. In other words to be dogmatic means I
refuse all logic and refuse to "use my God given mind to understand. " I am acting
irrationally because I don't think I need to explain to someone else the reasons why I believe something.
Am I dogmatic about the gospel? No. Because that would mean I accept it without any evidence as to it's
authenticity. It's like saying to a lost person who challenges the gospel that I don't need to explain my position to you.
IT'S RIGHT JUST BECAUSE I SAID SO. TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT. If the gospel I preach can't stand
up under the scrutiny of of a critic then it must be irrational. Of course the gospel "is" rational and there is
Biblical evidence of doctrines that make it logical. It is a substitutionary atonement which makes sense.
It fulfills God's Justice which makes sense etc. Grant it there are many things about it we may not understand
but what God wants men to understand about it we are able to understand and required to believe it.
We can't punch holes in false doctrines with dogmatic tools. We must debate scripturally, rationally, logically
and doctrinally. Without the God given laws of logic doctrinal agreement is impossible. Communication is impossible Take notice of
our discussions with others. We are constantly using logic based on a scriptural system under the guiding of the Holy Spirit. Faith and rational thinking are not mutually exclusive as some would have us believe. Some one once said to me "I'm spiritual not logical"---that's really wrong thinking. We should be able to scripturally and logically defend what we believe in a logical, scriptural and doctrinal way by sound hermeneutics.
A truly dogmatic person by definition ignores God's gift of rationality because they stick to something and proclaim it arrogantly without explanation, facts or logical discourse.
When confronted the dogmatic operates in a circular argument that goes something like this like this:
Lost man-- Why is the gospel true?
Dogmatic--"Because I said so."
Lost man--Prove to me why you believe what you believe.
Dogmatic---I don't have to explain it to you. It's the truth.
Lost man---How do you know it's the truth?
Dogmatic---Because I said so.
Lost man--Don't you need a reason why you believe it?
Dogmatic---No it's true don't challenge what I believe.
Lost man--How do you know what you believe is true
Dogmatic--I don't need to hear your arguments as to why it is not true. Your arguments are wrong.
Lost man---How do you know my arguments are wrong?
Dogmatic--Because I am right and you are wrong.
Lost man--How do you know my arguments are wrong?
Dogmatic---Because I am right.
Lost man---Won't you even consider what I have to say?
Dogmatic---No because I know I am right.
Lost man---How do you know?
Dogmatic---Because it is what I believe therefore it is right and you are wrong.
Lost man--Won't you even Listen to what I have to say and consider why you think I am wrong?
Dogmatic--No, my mind is closed.
Lost man--Why is your mind closed.
Dogmatic----Because I am right, I know it and I don't need to explain why I am right.
So take or leave it.
A man who believes something should be able to listen to others and weigh their thoughts because he
might be wrong. I don't mind the Gospel being challenged because if the Gospel is true it will stand all tests
thrown at it. Pure Dogmatism stops a man from growing and learning. He says,"Don't bother me with the facts, my mind is made up" Usually because he is proud and insecure and doesn't like people challenging him.
So he thinks in an a twisted stubborn way.----Pastor Rodney
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Monday, November 17, 2014
JESUS WAS CRUCIFIED ON WEDNESDAY
JESUS WAS CRUCIFIED ON WEDNESDAY. This is evident in the scripture. The confusion is due to the fact that there are Sabbaths on the Jewish calendar other than the weekly Sabbath or Saturday. Keep in mind that the Jewish day begins at sundown and ends at sundown the next day.
The scripture says in Mark 15 and Luke 23 that the crucifixion took place before the Sabbath. Folks mistakenly think this was Friday. There are two kinds of Sabbaths. There is the seventh day Sabbath and the High Day Sabbaths.
In Leviticus 23, we have seven Sabbaths listed besides the weekly Sabbath. Leviticus Chapter 23--The Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a Sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation This was a yearly Sabbath. Leviticus 23:32. "And it shall be unto you a Sabbath of rest, and ye shall afflict your souls: in the ninth day of the month at even, from even unto even shall ye celebrate your Sabbath." This is the Sabbath of the Atonement. Leviticus Chapter 23:39 When ye have gathered in the fruit of the land, ye shall keep a feast unto the Lord seven days: on the first day shall be a Sabbath, and on the eighth day shall be a Sabbath. In Leviticus 23 there are seven sabaaths. There is the Passover Sabbath in the first month, fourteenth day followed by the Unleavened Bread Sabbath fifteenth day. There is the First Fruits Sabbath on the first month, and the seventeenth day. There is a Pentecost Sabbath fifty days later. There is a Sabbath of the Trumpets in the seventh month, the Sabbath of Atonement in the seventh month, and also the Sabbath of the Feast of Tabernacles. The Sabbaths listed here are not the weekly Sabbaths.These seven are called high Sabbaths.
Jesus Died before sundown the time in which the PASSOVER SABBATH commenced. Remember the Jewish day begins at sundown. We know it was passover. Jesus ate the Passover before the crucifixtion with his disciples. John 19:14-- "The Jews, therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the Sabbath day for that Sabbath day was an high day." ( A HIGH DAY SABBATH WAS NOT THE WEEKLY OR SATURDAY SABBATH). Jesus was crucified before sundown just before the PASSOVER SABBATH NOT THE WEEKLY SABBATH. Passover sabbath was the 14th day of the month. ALWAYS the day following the the Passover Sabbath was the Sabbath of unleavened bread the 15th day of the month. This lasted from sundown Thursday until sundown Friday.
So Jesus was crucifed on Wednesday before the passover Sabbath which lasted from Wendesday Sundown until Thursday sundown. Thursday Sundown began the Sabbath of unleavened bread; from Sundown Thursday until sundown Friday. The weekly Sabbath went from sundown Friday until Sundown Saturday. Jesus arose Early Sunday AM.
Matthew 28:1 ---In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. Sunday AM He arose. He was in the grave three FULL Jewish days an nights. Just as he said he would be----Pastor Rodney Houston
The scripture says in Mark 15 and Luke 23 that the crucifixion took place before the Sabbath. Folks mistakenly think this was Friday. There are two kinds of Sabbaths. There is the seventh day Sabbath and the High Day Sabbaths.
In Leviticus 23, we have seven Sabbaths listed besides the weekly Sabbath. Leviticus Chapter 23--The Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a Sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation This was a yearly Sabbath. Leviticus 23:32. "And it shall be unto you a Sabbath of rest, and ye shall afflict your souls: in the ninth day of the month at even, from even unto even shall ye celebrate your Sabbath." This is the Sabbath of the Atonement. Leviticus Chapter 23:39 When ye have gathered in the fruit of the land, ye shall keep a feast unto the Lord seven days: on the first day shall be a Sabbath, and on the eighth day shall be a Sabbath. In Leviticus 23 there are seven sabaaths. There is the Passover Sabbath in the first month, fourteenth day followed by the Unleavened Bread Sabbath fifteenth day. There is the First Fruits Sabbath on the first month, and the seventeenth day. There is a Pentecost Sabbath fifty days later. There is a Sabbath of the Trumpets in the seventh month, the Sabbath of Atonement in the seventh month, and also the Sabbath of the Feast of Tabernacles. The Sabbaths listed here are not the weekly Sabbaths.These seven are called high Sabbaths.
Jesus Died before sundown the time in which the PASSOVER SABBATH commenced. Remember the Jewish day begins at sundown. We know it was passover. Jesus ate the Passover before the crucifixtion with his disciples. John 19:14-- "The Jews, therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the Sabbath day for that Sabbath day was an high day." ( A HIGH DAY SABBATH WAS NOT THE WEEKLY OR SATURDAY SABBATH). Jesus was crucified before sundown just before the PASSOVER SABBATH NOT THE WEEKLY SABBATH. Passover sabbath was the 14th day of the month. ALWAYS the day following the the Passover Sabbath was the Sabbath of unleavened bread the 15th day of the month. This lasted from sundown Thursday until sundown Friday.
So Jesus was crucifed on Wednesday before the passover Sabbath which lasted from Wendesday Sundown until Thursday sundown. Thursday Sundown began the Sabbath of unleavened bread; from Sundown Thursday until sundown Friday. The weekly Sabbath went from sundown Friday until Sundown Saturday. Jesus arose Early Sunday AM.
Matthew 28:1 ---In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. Sunday AM He arose. He was in the grave three FULL Jewish days an nights. Just as he said he would be----Pastor Rodney Houston
Saturday, June 7, 2014
CAN WE KNOW ANOTHER'S HEART?
I
HAVE BEEN MUSING over something. Now before you all get upset with me.
Think for a moment "with me" before you begin TO DISDAIN ME.
We all know God knows our every thought. We do not know another's every thought. We often quote, including myself from Samuel 16:7
"But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."
This verse is used very often to say you can't possibly know about me or have a clue about my heart. However let us look closer at the context of this verse:
Samuel17:7 But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.
8 Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath the Lord chosen this.
9 Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath the Lord chosen this.
10 Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The Lord hath not chosen these.
11 And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither.
12 And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the Lord said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.
Here is the scenario: Samuel is to anoint a king for Israel. God sends him to Jesse. Samuel has never met his sons. They come one by one. Samuel has had no dealings with these men. He has not heard them speak but he does notice:
16:6 And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the Lord's anointed is before him.
7 But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him:
Samuel is thinking as men. Here is a man, Eliab. He is tall and physically stout. King Saul whom Samuel loved was of such stature. Saul made a terrible king though and lost that honor.
Little David passes before him and God says this is the one to anoint king.
CONSIDER: Samuel was a prophet with considerable discernment. Had he been able to spend a lot of time with each of these brothers the heart of David would have been manifested to Samuel "BY HIS SPEECH AND ACTIONS" as it later was!
What does the scripture say? Can we discern another's heart. To a great degree yes, if we spend time with them.
Matthew 15:Matthew 15:18-20
18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. 19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: 20 These are the things which defile a man:
2 Samuel 14:1
Now Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king's heart was toward Absalom.
Solomon knew his fathers heart: 1 Kings 3:6
And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee;
We know a wise heart receives commandments of the Lord and a Fools does not: Proverbs 10:7 The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot. The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall. He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.
Proverbs 12:23
A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness. Proverbs 15:7
The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.
When you see a man seeking Godly Knowledge and teaching it you know something about his heart.---Proverbs 15:14
The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge:
Proverbs 16:23
The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.
We know that the heart of fools is in the house of partying:
Ecclesiastes 7:4
The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.
We know a man's heart by knowing what he treasures: Matthew 6:21
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
As a man speaks his heart is revealed: Matthew 12:34
O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
A mans actions reveal his heart to all:Matthew 12:35
A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
A man shows all a good heart by his fruits:Luke 8:15
But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
Peter knew Simon's heart by his request: Acts 8:20-22
20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: FOR THY HEART is not right in the sight of God.
22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of THINE HEART may be forgiven thee.
An evil heart curses children and has eyes full of adultry, covets, and beguiles unstable souls. 2 Peter 2:14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children.
We cannot know all of another's heart but these and other verses show we do have a level of discernment on a man's heart by his ongoing words and actions. On any given day one with a good heart can do an evil deed. But watch and listen "over time"and a pattern appears. A man's heart is manifested by his words, his treasure and his deeds.
1 John 3:7
Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
-------Pastor Rodney Houston
We all know God knows our every thought. We do not know another's every thought. We often quote, including myself from Samuel 16:7
"But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."
This verse is used very often to say you can't possibly know about me or have a clue about my heart. However let us look closer at the context of this verse:
Samuel17:7 But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.
8 Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath the Lord chosen this.
9 Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath the Lord chosen this.
10 Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The Lord hath not chosen these.
11 And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither.
12 And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the Lord said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.
Here is the scenario: Samuel is to anoint a king for Israel. God sends him to Jesse. Samuel has never met his sons. They come one by one. Samuel has had no dealings with these men. He has not heard them speak but he does notice:
16:6 And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the Lord's anointed is before him.
7 But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him:
Samuel is thinking as men. Here is a man, Eliab. He is tall and physically stout. King Saul whom Samuel loved was of such stature. Saul made a terrible king though and lost that honor.
Little David passes before him and God says this is the one to anoint king.
CONSIDER: Samuel was a prophet with considerable discernment. Had he been able to spend a lot of time with each of these brothers the heart of David would have been manifested to Samuel "BY HIS SPEECH AND ACTIONS" as it later was!
What does the scripture say? Can we discern another's heart. To a great degree yes, if we spend time with them.
Matthew 15:Matthew 15:18-20
18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. 19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: 20 These are the things which defile a man:
2 Samuel 14:1
Now Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king's heart was toward Absalom.
Solomon knew his fathers heart: 1 Kings 3:6
And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee;
We know a wise heart receives commandments of the Lord and a Fools does not: Proverbs 10:7 The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot. The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall. He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.
Proverbs 12:23
A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness. Proverbs 15:7
The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.
When you see a man seeking Godly Knowledge and teaching it you know something about his heart.---Proverbs 15:14
The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge:
Proverbs 16:23
The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.
We know that the heart of fools is in the house of partying:
Ecclesiastes 7:4
The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.
We know a man's heart by knowing what he treasures: Matthew 6:21
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
As a man speaks his heart is revealed: Matthew 12:34
O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
A mans actions reveal his heart to all:Matthew 12:35
A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
A man shows all a good heart by his fruits:Luke 8:15
But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
Peter knew Simon's heart by his request: Acts 8:20-22
20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: FOR THY HEART is not right in the sight of God.
22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of THINE HEART may be forgiven thee.
An evil heart curses children and has eyes full of adultry, covets, and beguiles unstable souls. 2 Peter 2:14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children.
We cannot know all of another's heart but these and other verses show we do have a level of discernment on a man's heart by his ongoing words and actions. On any given day one with a good heart can do an evil deed. But watch and listen "over time"and a pattern appears. A man's heart is manifested by his words, his treasure and his deeds.
1 John 3:7
Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
-------Pastor Rodney Houston
Monday, May 26, 2014
HAS THE END TIME FALSE PROPHET ARRIVED?
Pope Francis began his homily by commenting, “We are not far from where the Holy Spirit descended with power on Jesus of Nazareth after his baptism by John in the River Jordan, and today I will go there”. He continued, “Today’s Gospel and this place to which, by God’s grace, I have come as a pilgrim, invite us to meditate on the Holy Spirit and on all that he has brought about in Christ and in us. In a word, we can say that the Holy Spirit carries out three actions – he prepares, he anoints and he sends”.
He explained, “At the baptism, the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus to prepare him for his mission of salvation. … Yet the Holy Spirit, present from the beginning of salvation history, had already been at work in Jesus from the moment of his conception in the virginal womb of Mary of Nazareth … and acted in Simeon and Anna on the day of the presentation of Jesus in the Temple. … They gave prophetic expression to the joy of encountering the Redeemer and, in a certain sense, served as a preparation for the encounter between the Messiah and the people. These various works of the Holy Spirit are part of a harmonious action, a sole divine plan of love. The mission of the Holy Spirit, in fact, is to beget harmony – he is himself harmony – and to create peace in different situations and between different people. Diversity of ideas and persons should not trigger rejection or prove an obstacle, for variety always enriches. So today, with fervent hearts, we invoke the Holy Spirit and ask him to prepare the path to peace and unity”.
Secondly, “the Holy Spirit also anoints. He anointed Jesus inwardly and he anoints his disciples, so that they can have the mind of Christ and thus be disposed to live lives of peace and communion. Through the anointing of the Spirit, our human nature is sealed with the holiness of Jesus Christ and we are enabled to love our brothers and sisters with the same love which God has for us. We ought, therefore, to show concrete signs of humility, fraternity, forgiveness and reconciliation. These signs are the prerequisite of a true, stable and lasting peace. Let us ask the Father to anoint us so that we may fully become his children, ever more conformed to Christ, and may learn to see one another as brothers and sisters. Thus, by putting aside our grievances and divisions, we can show fraternal love for one another”.
Finally, the Holy Spirit sends. “Jesus is the one who is sent forth, filled with the Spirit of the Father. Anointed by the same Spirit, we also are sent as messengers and witnesses of peace. The world has much need of us as messengers of peace, witnesses of peace! The world needs this. The world asks us to bring peace and to be a sign of peace! Peace is not something which can be bought or sold; it is a gift to be sought patiently and to be ‘crafted’ through the actions, great and small, of our everyday lives. The way of peace is strengthened if we realise that we all of the same stock and members of the one human family; if we never forget that we have the same heavenly Father and are all his children, made in his image and likeness”.
“It is in this spirit that I embrace all of you: the Patriarch, my brother bishops and priests, the consecrated men and women, the lay faithful, and the many children who today make their First Holy Communion, together with their families. I also embrace with affection the many Christian refugees; let us all earnestly turn our attention to them, to the many Christian refugees from Palestine, Syria and Iraq; please bring my greeting to your families and communities, and assure them of my closeness”.
“The Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus in the Jordan and thus inaugurated his work of redemption to free the world from sin and death”. The Holy Father concluded. “Let us ask the Spirit to prepare our hearts to encounter our brothers and sisters, so that we may overcome our differences rooted in political thinking, language, culture and religion. Let us ask him to anoint our whole being with the oil of his mercy, which heals the injuries caused by mistakes, misunderstandings and disputes. And let us ask him for the grace to send us forth, in humility and meekness, along the demanding but enriching path of seeking peace”.
Bethlehem is first referred to in the Bible in relation to the death of Rachel and is identified with the Euphrates (the fruitful). In the sacred books it is called “Bethlehem of Judea”, the tribe to which it belonged. David was born and consecrated a king by the prophet Samuel there, and with the birth of Jesus, the smallest of Israel’s cities gained worldwide importance and grew due to the influx of pilgrims. In the year 135, the emperor Adrian introduced the cult of Adonis but Christianity was restored in 330 by Constantine. Following the Islamic conquest in 638, the Caliph Omar initiated a policy of religious tolerance, but with the arrival of the crusading army in 1099, the Muslims devastated the city. In 1100 the crusader king of Jerusalem, Baldwin I, was consecrated. The Arab reconquest in 1187 and the subsequent Ottoman occupation marked the decline of the citadel which by 1600 had been reduced to a small village. At the beginning of the nineteenth century the city, the majority of whose inhabitants were Christians, began a revival. In 1831, the Pasha of Egypt, Mohamed Ali, conquered the city, and the Muslims, allies of the Ottomans, were driven out and their quarters burned. Ten years later, the city fell under Ottoman control once again. Under British rule from 1918, it became part of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in 1946. In 1967, following the so-called Six Days War, it was occupied by the Israeli army, along with east Jerusalem and most of the West Bank. Since 1995 it has been part of the Autonomous Palestinian Territories following the Oslo Accords (now the State of Palestine). The then-president of the Palestinian Authority, Yasser Arafat, ordered the construction of the presidential Palace which today receives the Pope’s visit.
The Holy Father, accompanied by President Abbas, was greeted by various representatives of the Palestinian Christian communities from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, who delivered various messages, and then transferred to the Great Hall where he was awaited by the Palestinian authorities and members of the Diplomatic Corps, whom he addressed.
“For decades the Middle East has known the tragic consequences of a protracted conflict which has inflicted many wounds so difficult to heal”, he began. “Even in the absence of violence, the climate of instability and a lack of mutual understanding have produced insecurity, the violation of rights, isolation and the flight of entire communities, conflicts, shortages and sufferings of every sort. In expressing my closeness to those who suffer most from this conflict, I wish to state my heartfelt conviction that the time has come to put an end to this situation which has become increasingly unacceptable. For the good of all, there is a need to intensify efforts and initiatives aimed at creating the conditions for a stable peace based on justice, on the recognition of the rights of every individual, and on mutual security. The time has come for everyone to find the courage to be generous and creative in the service of the common good, the courage to forge a peace which rests on the acknowledgement by all of the right of two States to exist and to live in peace and security within internationally recognized borders”.
“To this end, I can only express my profound hope that all will refrain from initiatives and actions which contradict the stated desire to reach a true agreement, and that peace will be pursued with tireless determination and tenacity. Peace will bring countless benefits for the peoples of this region and for the world as a whole. And so it must resolutely be pursued, even if each side has to make certain sacrifices”, he emphasised. “I pray that the Palestinian and Israeli peoples and their respective leaders will undertake this promising journey of peace with the same courage and steadfastness needed for every journey. Peace in security and mutual trust will become the stable frame of reference for confronting and resolving every other problem, and thus provide an opportunity for a balanced development, one which can serve as a model for other crisis areas”.
He then referred with affection to the active Christian community, “which contributes significantly to the common good of society, sharing in the joys and sufferings of the whole people. Christians desire to continue in this role as full citizens, along with their fellow citizens, whom they regard as their brothers and sisters. Mr President, our recent meeting in the Vatican and my presence today in Palestine attest to the good relations existing between the Holy See and the State of Palestine. I trust that these relations can further develop for the good of all. In this regard, I express my appreciation for the efforts being made to draft an agreement between the parties regarding various aspects of the life of the Catholic community in this country, with particular attention to religious freedom. Respect for this fundamental human right is, in fact, one of the essential conditions for peace, fraternity and harmony. It tells the world that it is possible and necessary to build harmony and understanding between different cultures and religions. It also testifies to the fact that, since the important things we share are so many, it is possible to find a means of serene, ordered and peaceful coexistence, accepting our differences and rejoicing that, as children of the one God, we are all brothers and sisters”.
“Mr President, dear brothers gathered here in Bethlehem: may Almighty God bless you, protect you and grant you the wisdom and strength needed to continue courageously along the path to peace, so that swords will be turned into ploughshares and this land will once more flourish more in prosperity and concord. Salaam!”
MASS IN AMMAN: MAY THE HOLY SPIRIT PREPARE US FOR ENCOUNTER DESPITE DIFFERENT IDEAS, LANGUAGES, CULTURES OR RELIGIONS
Vatican City, 24 May 2014 (VIS) – Following his meeting with the
Jordanian authorities, the Pope transferred by car to the International
Stadium in Amman, which forms part of the “Al Husseini” sports complex,
the construction of which was initiated by King Hussein. The stadium, in
which Benedict XVI celebrated mass in 2009 during his apostolic trip to
the Holy Land, holds more than 25,000 people and several thousand were
able to follow the event broadcast on maxi-screens installed outside.
Numerous Christian refugees in Jordan, originally from Palestine, Syria
and Iraq, participated in the Eucharist presided by Pope Francis, during
which 1,400 children received their first Communion.Pope Francis began his homily by commenting, “We are not far from where the Holy Spirit descended with power on Jesus of Nazareth after his baptism by John in the River Jordan, and today I will go there”. He continued, “Today’s Gospel and this place to which, by God’s grace, I have come as a pilgrim, invite us to meditate on the Holy Spirit and on all that he has brought about in Christ and in us. In a word, we can say that the Holy Spirit carries out three actions – he prepares, he anoints and he sends”.
He explained, “At the baptism, the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus to prepare him for his mission of salvation. … Yet the Holy Spirit, present from the beginning of salvation history, had already been at work in Jesus from the moment of his conception in the virginal womb of Mary of Nazareth … and acted in Simeon and Anna on the day of the presentation of Jesus in the Temple. … They gave prophetic expression to the joy of encountering the Redeemer and, in a certain sense, served as a preparation for the encounter between the Messiah and the people. These various works of the Holy Spirit are part of a harmonious action, a sole divine plan of love. The mission of the Holy Spirit, in fact, is to beget harmony – he is himself harmony – and to create peace in different situations and between different people. Diversity of ideas and persons should not trigger rejection or prove an obstacle, for variety always enriches. So today, with fervent hearts, we invoke the Holy Spirit and ask him to prepare the path to peace and unity”.
Secondly, “the Holy Spirit also anoints. He anointed Jesus inwardly and he anoints his disciples, so that they can have the mind of Christ and thus be disposed to live lives of peace and communion. Through the anointing of the Spirit, our human nature is sealed with the holiness of Jesus Christ and we are enabled to love our brothers and sisters with the same love which God has for us. We ought, therefore, to show concrete signs of humility, fraternity, forgiveness and reconciliation. These signs are the prerequisite of a true, stable and lasting peace. Let us ask the Father to anoint us so that we may fully become his children, ever more conformed to Christ, and may learn to see one another as brothers and sisters. Thus, by putting aside our grievances and divisions, we can show fraternal love for one another”.
Finally, the Holy Spirit sends. “Jesus is the one who is sent forth, filled with the Spirit of the Father. Anointed by the same Spirit, we also are sent as messengers and witnesses of peace. The world has much need of us as messengers of peace, witnesses of peace! The world needs this. The world asks us to bring peace and to be a sign of peace! Peace is not something which can be bought or sold; it is a gift to be sought patiently and to be ‘crafted’ through the actions, great and small, of our everyday lives. The way of peace is strengthened if we realise that we all of the same stock and members of the one human family; if we never forget that we have the same heavenly Father and are all his children, made in his image and likeness”.
“It is in this spirit that I embrace all of you: the Patriarch, my brother bishops and priests, the consecrated men and women, the lay faithful, and the many children who today make their First Holy Communion, together with their families. I also embrace with affection the many Christian refugees; let us all earnestly turn our attention to them, to the many Christian refugees from Palestine, Syria and Iraq; please bring my greeting to your families and communities, and assure them of my closeness”.
“The Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus in the Jordan and thus inaugurated his work of redemption to free the world from sin and death”. The Holy Father concluded. “Let us ask the Spirit to prepare our hearts to encounter our brothers and sisters, so that we may overcome our differences rooted in political thinking, language, culture and religion. Let us ask him to anoint our whole being with the oil of his mercy, which heals the injuries caused by mistakes, misunderstandings and disputes. And let us ask him for the grace to send us forth, in humility and meekness, along the demanding but enriching path of seeking peace”.
TO THE PALESTINIAN AUTHORITIES: PEACE WILL BRING IMMEASURABLE BENEFITS TO THE PEOPLE OF THIS REGION AND THE WORLD
Vatican City, 25 May 2014 (VIS) – At 7.30 this morning the Pope
transferred from the apostolic nunciature of Amman to Bethlehem by
helicopter, where he arrived at 9.20 a.m. local time (8.20 a.m. Rome
time); he then undertook by car the journey of two and a half kilometres
from the heliport to the presidential palace of Bethlehem, where he was
received by the president of the Palestinian State, Mahmoud Abbas.Bethlehem is first referred to in the Bible in relation to the death of Rachel and is identified with the Euphrates (the fruitful). In the sacred books it is called “Bethlehem of Judea”, the tribe to which it belonged. David was born and consecrated a king by the prophet Samuel there, and with the birth of Jesus, the smallest of Israel’s cities gained worldwide importance and grew due to the influx of pilgrims. In the year 135, the emperor Adrian introduced the cult of Adonis but Christianity was restored in 330 by Constantine. Following the Islamic conquest in 638, the Caliph Omar initiated a policy of religious tolerance, but with the arrival of the crusading army in 1099, the Muslims devastated the city. In 1100 the crusader king of Jerusalem, Baldwin I, was consecrated. The Arab reconquest in 1187 and the subsequent Ottoman occupation marked the decline of the citadel which by 1600 had been reduced to a small village. At the beginning of the nineteenth century the city, the majority of whose inhabitants were Christians, began a revival. In 1831, the Pasha of Egypt, Mohamed Ali, conquered the city, and the Muslims, allies of the Ottomans, were driven out and their quarters burned. Ten years later, the city fell under Ottoman control once again. Under British rule from 1918, it became part of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in 1946. In 1967, following the so-called Six Days War, it was occupied by the Israeli army, along with east Jerusalem and most of the West Bank. Since 1995 it has been part of the Autonomous Palestinian Territories following the Oslo Accords (now the State of Palestine). The then-president of the Palestinian Authority, Yasser Arafat, ordered the construction of the presidential Palace which today receives the Pope’s visit.
The Holy Father, accompanied by President Abbas, was greeted by various representatives of the Palestinian Christian communities from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, who delivered various messages, and then transferred to the Great Hall where he was awaited by the Palestinian authorities and members of the Diplomatic Corps, whom he addressed.
“For decades the Middle East has known the tragic consequences of a protracted conflict which has inflicted many wounds so difficult to heal”, he began. “Even in the absence of violence, the climate of instability and a lack of mutual understanding have produced insecurity, the violation of rights, isolation and the flight of entire communities, conflicts, shortages and sufferings of every sort. In expressing my closeness to those who suffer most from this conflict, I wish to state my heartfelt conviction that the time has come to put an end to this situation which has become increasingly unacceptable. For the good of all, there is a need to intensify efforts and initiatives aimed at creating the conditions for a stable peace based on justice, on the recognition of the rights of every individual, and on mutual security. The time has come for everyone to find the courage to be generous and creative in the service of the common good, the courage to forge a peace which rests on the acknowledgement by all of the right of two States to exist and to live in peace and security within internationally recognized borders”.
“To this end, I can only express my profound hope that all will refrain from initiatives and actions which contradict the stated desire to reach a true agreement, and that peace will be pursued with tireless determination and tenacity. Peace will bring countless benefits for the peoples of this region and for the world as a whole. And so it must resolutely be pursued, even if each side has to make certain sacrifices”, he emphasised. “I pray that the Palestinian and Israeli peoples and their respective leaders will undertake this promising journey of peace with the same courage and steadfastness needed for every journey. Peace in security and mutual trust will become the stable frame of reference for confronting and resolving every other problem, and thus provide an opportunity for a balanced development, one which can serve as a model for other crisis areas”.
He then referred with affection to the active Christian community, “which contributes significantly to the common good of society, sharing in the joys and sufferings of the whole people. Christians desire to continue in this role as full citizens, along with their fellow citizens, whom they regard as their brothers and sisters. Mr President, our recent meeting in the Vatican and my presence today in Palestine attest to the good relations existing between the Holy See and the State of Palestine. I trust that these relations can further develop for the good of all. In this regard, I express my appreciation for the efforts being made to draft an agreement between the parties regarding various aspects of the life of the Catholic community in this country, with particular attention to religious freedom. Respect for this fundamental human right is, in fact, one of the essential conditions for peace, fraternity and harmony. It tells the world that it is possible and necessary to build harmony and understanding between different cultures and religions. It also testifies to the fact that, since the important things we share are so many, it is possible to find a means of serene, ordered and peaceful coexistence, accepting our differences and rejoicing that, as children of the one God, we are all brothers and sisters”.
“Mr President, dear brothers gathered here in Bethlehem: may Almighty God bless you, protect you and grant you the wisdom and strength needed to continue courageously along the path to peace, so that swords will be turned into ploughshares and this land will once more flourish more in prosperity and concord. Salaam!”
Thursday, February 27, 2014
THE FORGOTTEN HALF OF THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT
"Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
This is the first and great commandment.
And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."---Matthew 22:37-40
This was Jesus' answer to a Phari...see who was also a lawyer. He had asked the question what is the greatest commandment. The Pharisees were self deceived religious bigots, monks, religious lone rangers. They thought they were serving God by attempting in their pride to separate themselves from people entirely to be worshippers of God. They were religious legalists untainted by the people that surrounded them. They truly thought they loved God more than most and would not dare defile themselves with the crowds of common humanity. In their minds they had arrived at the pinnacle of spirituality that placed them far above the filthy masses below them. They were cold and uncaring toward others. They kept to themselves in their intellectual spiritual Monastery.
If Jesus had only quoted the first half of the greatest commandment without the second they would have remained comfortable in their self deceived religious smugness. It was the second half of the greatest commandment that cut them to the core. "Love thy neighbor as thyself".
When I was in Bible college with three children in elementary school. My wife took a day time job working at a fast food restaurant while our children were in school. Those were difficult times financially. The kind of days where you search behind the car seats and couch cushions to buy milk and bread.
One evening my wife told me how rude and hateful she had been treated by one of my Bible professors. I had this professor for one of my classes. He was very intelligent well educated with two doctorate degrees one in theology. I was surprised to hear of his actions. On campus he was always nice and helpful to us students but apparently a lowly food server did not measure up to being one of the "neighbors to love as thyself". Little did he know he was speaking unkindly to one of his students' wife.
We cannot love God and treat our fellow man made in the image of God with disdain and unkindness.
"James 3:9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God." [?]
James' question is a good one. Even in man's fallen state God demands we recognize that he was made in God's image and deserves respect as such.
We have two kinds of neighbors, saved and lost. God makes his rain to fall on the just and the unjust. Our brothers and sisters should be loved very deeply.
"If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also."---1 John 4:20-21
Let us let this verse sink deep into our soul. Jesus Christ lives in our spiritual brothers and sisters and every unsaved man has the possibility of becoming a brother or sister. Yes all we need is Jesus Christ but let us never forget that He can be found not only in our own spirit but in the spirit of every believer.
Jesus rubbed elbows with the masses on a daily basis. He loved them. He saw them as sheep without a Shepard. He ate with them. Cooked fish for the disciples and dined with sinners so often he held the honor of being a "friend to publicans and sinners." He fed people when they were hungry and healed the sick whether they believed on him or not.
"This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief."---1 Timothy 1:15
We are not just spiritual beings. We are, for now, also earthly, beings. Until God calls us home we have a mission. "As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world."---John 17:18
Some "super spiritual saints' " feet never need washing. We are not of the World but we are certainly sent into the world. Let us never forget this fact! The depth of our love for God can always be determined by how we treat our fellow man. "God so loved the world..." and so shall we if we love Him. "Love thy neighbor as thyself." -----Pastor Rodney Houston
This is the first and great commandment.
And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."---Matthew 22:37-40
This was Jesus' answer to a Phari...see who was also a lawyer. He had asked the question what is the greatest commandment. The Pharisees were self deceived religious bigots, monks, religious lone rangers. They thought they were serving God by attempting in their pride to separate themselves from people entirely to be worshippers of God. They were religious legalists untainted by the people that surrounded them. They truly thought they loved God more than most and would not dare defile themselves with the crowds of common humanity. In their minds they had arrived at the pinnacle of spirituality that placed them far above the filthy masses below them. They were cold and uncaring toward others. They kept to themselves in their intellectual spiritual Monastery.
If Jesus had only quoted the first half of the greatest commandment without the second they would have remained comfortable in their self deceived religious smugness. It was the second half of the greatest commandment that cut them to the core. "Love thy neighbor as thyself".
When I was in Bible college with three children in elementary school. My wife took a day time job working at a fast food restaurant while our children were in school. Those were difficult times financially. The kind of days where you search behind the car seats and couch cushions to buy milk and bread.
One evening my wife told me how rude and hateful she had been treated by one of my Bible professors. I had this professor for one of my classes. He was very intelligent well educated with two doctorate degrees one in theology. I was surprised to hear of his actions. On campus he was always nice and helpful to us students but apparently a lowly food server did not measure up to being one of the "neighbors to love as thyself". Little did he know he was speaking unkindly to one of his students' wife.
We cannot love God and treat our fellow man made in the image of God with disdain and unkindness.
"James 3:9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God." [?]
James' question is a good one. Even in man's fallen state God demands we recognize that he was made in God's image and deserves respect as such.
We have two kinds of neighbors, saved and lost. God makes his rain to fall on the just and the unjust. Our brothers and sisters should be loved very deeply.
"If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also."---1 John 4:20-21
Let us let this verse sink deep into our soul. Jesus Christ lives in our spiritual brothers and sisters and every unsaved man has the possibility of becoming a brother or sister. Yes all we need is Jesus Christ but let us never forget that He can be found not only in our own spirit but in the spirit of every believer.
Jesus rubbed elbows with the masses on a daily basis. He loved them. He saw them as sheep without a Shepard. He ate with them. Cooked fish for the disciples and dined with sinners so often he held the honor of being a "friend to publicans and sinners." He fed people when they were hungry and healed the sick whether they believed on him or not.
"This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief."---1 Timothy 1:15
We are not just spiritual beings. We are, for now, also earthly, beings. Until God calls us home we have a mission. "As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world."---John 17:18
Some "super spiritual saints' " feet never need washing. We are not of the World but we are certainly sent into the world. Let us never forget this fact! The depth of our love for God can always be determined by how we treat our fellow man. "God so loved the world..." and so shall we if we love Him. "Love thy neighbor as thyself." -----Pastor Rodney Houston
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
CHRISTIAN ARE YOU EMOTIONALY MATURE IN CHRIST?
There is a doctrine woven all through the New Testament called "Perfection". For my esteemed theologians the word "sanctification" is often used with it interchangeably. While they intersect in many ways it is my conviction there are some slight differences in the two; but that is discussion for another time.
Perfection, as mentioned in New Testament theology, for the Christian does no mean "sinless". Though it does mean "sinning less". A new Christian is a baby and should be accepted as such. Now new babies are wonderful and sweet. New babies also cannot feed, dress, walk or go to the bathroom. This is expected. However if in 18 years the baby still cannot feed, dress, walk or go to the bathroom it is no longer a pretty picture. It means something is very wrong. We have many such dysfunctional Christians. This is very sad.
"For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat."---Hebrews 5:12
Now the Lord expects us to mature.
"When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things."---1 Corinthians 13:11
There are certain things that help us grow. Prayer, Bible study, and regular participation in a Bible believing church are among the main ones. Older mature Christians also have an obligation to care for the babies.
A man is made up of many facets. All of these need to grow together, but sometimes sin causes one facet of a man to grow while another area remains stagnate. Let us consider just two such areas. The mind and the emotions. There are some Christians who grow very strong in mind or what may loosely be called intellect and remain Babes emotionally. The Christian intellectual often wants to play down the emotional side. But our feelings and affections are to grow to maturity as well.
Often someone who has been emotionally hurt, rather than seeking Christ for help and healing they attempt to make Christianity a purely intellectual growth. They believe that emotions are a weakness and attempt to do away with them. However emotions are a gift from God and part of a man's make sways his will. A man's will is no small matter as it directs his life.
Colossians 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
Now our mind is to keep emotions in Check, not the other way around but an emotionally mature Christian has a deep passion for God. Jesus demonstrates this emotion when he wept seeing the Jews weeping at Lazarus death. He had zeal when he drove the money changers out of the temple. He was a man of sorrow acquainted with grief. He never sought to eliminate his emotions but to bring them to the obedience of His Father just as his mind was. We are to minister to others in doctrine and emotions. "Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep". I have met some very knowledgeable Christians whose demeanor was cold as ice. They were mature in the mind but babes emotionally. Other immature Christians are out of control in their emotions allowing their emotions to rule their mind. This is often the case in Neo-charismatic churches. Some in an effort to down play immature emotions have sought to eliminate them. This is a mistake. Both of the above extremes demonstrate spiritual babes emotionally.
We live for Jesus not only mentally but with zeal, compassion, sorrow and even righteous indignation. It is our emotions that allow us to care very deeply for others and to share one another burdens. It is our emotions that gift us to praise in Spirit and in truth with passion and zeal. We are commanded to be "Zealous and repent". "Godly sorrow leadeth to repentance". This makes sorrow very important emotion.
Don't squash your emotions bring them under obedience to Christ as we should all the facets of our make up. As the psalmist says we are fearfully and wonderfully made.----Pastor Rodney Houston
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
PASTOR, A TARNISHED TITLE?
Hebrews 13:4,17
"Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you."
As the Bible commands this Pastor calls out false prophets that stand in pulpits. However I will not stand for someone using a broad brush on all Pastors tarnishing this God given office. I admit without apology a personal conviction and mission to restore confidence in the Biblical office of Pastor. I taught respect for Pastors even when I was not a Pastor.
No Holy Spirit led Christian would deny that we have a serious moral problem in our nation and I agree that false prophets are a big part of the problem. However, there is bigger problem. Tele-evangelist, which is where many wrongfully learn to define the office of Pastor, are largely Heretics and false Prophets; not all but most. I know, like you, because I have watched them and know what they teach. These tele-heretics are visible to all and most are not Pastors but false prophets.
The media will readily publish stories about money making tele-heritics, false prophets and snake handlers. These are not Biblical Church Pastors. They are false prophets. The many, many good Pastors in this country that you never hear about don't care for the general media and the general media care nothing for them. Therefore most will not know of the heavenly labor Pastor's do.
So... What is very disconcerting is the name Pastor is being tarnished and drug through the mud. Sadly much of the disdain is coming from church members themselves! They are killing their own local church when they disrespect the office of Pastor. This is why I am so adamant about calling a man of God a Pastor and calling heretics false prophets. Don't call false prophets Pastors. The very word pastor means Shepard. One who "cares" for the sheep. A false prophet is a hireling according to Jesus Christ.
Now it may seem I that I am splitting hairs over a word here but the respect for the office and "Biblical title" Pastor needs restoration. It is evident more and more people disdain the very office of Pastor. I, for one, shall continue to defend God's word concerning respect for the office of Pastor.
Think of it this way. Suppose you are a carpenter and the media began showing shoddy work of houses. What if people began calling and redefining all carpenters as wood butchers. What if people began putting them down and disrespecting all of them to the point that the name "carpenter" became tarnished. Someone asks, "What do you do for a living?" and you say, "I'm a carpenter" and hang your head because you know what has been done to the title. Lawyers have suffered the same fate as Pastors in this respect. We all know the jokes about lawyers but I happen to know a fine Christian Lawyer. The word Pastor is an important Biblical title that needs renewed respect because it is a crucial office and part of God's plan for Churches and society as a whole.
Pastor's have ministered more morality to this Nation than any other single group of people. I love Pastors. They have shaped my life for good and are my dearest of friends. Pastors have a tough time teaching on this subject (respect for the office of Pastor) because people think they are being self serving. We really need a grass roots movement from the pew to rise up and defend this wonderful God given office, call and gift to the Church... "Pastors". -----Pastor Rodney Houston
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