Welcome To The Christian Journeyman!

Welcome To The Christian Journeyman!
A CHRISTIAN TEACHING AND RESOURCE MINISTRY!

Thursday, April 27, 2017

I Give You Jesus Christ

"Then Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give to you: 
In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." (Acts 3:6) 

As Christians, are we prepared when those opportunities come, to make a difference in someone's life?

The early church had just been established, and Peter and John went together to pray at the temple. Even though their lives had changed,
and they were practicing new principles, and preaching a new message,
they held on to some of the old traditional practices. Praying at the temple, was one of them.

 They had no idea that an opportunity to be involved in ministry was right around the corner. When they saw the lame man asking for alms, they focused their attention on him, and instead of giving him what he asked for, they gave him something better. They gave him a miracle through Jesus Christ. It was the will of God that this man be healed,
for a certain purpose. That purpose I believe was to give Peter another opportunity to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

When we minister to the needs of people, it opens a door for us to share the "good news" concerning Jesus Christ. People all around us, need a saving relationship with our Lord. Their eternal security depends on it.

The best thing that we can give people is Jesus Christ. And through our love and concern, and ministry to others, we can open the door for others to receive Him into their lives! GP

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Wednesday, April 26, 2017

The Sign Gift (1 Corinthians 14:22)

"...And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance." (Acts 2:4) 

As I write this post, I am asking that we agree to disagree. I don't want you (my readers) to discontinue reading The Christian Journeyman because we may not agree on this controversial subject of "speaking in tongues."

I believe that the apostles on the day of Pentecost (when the early church was established) was given the ability to speak in various languages of the people who were there to observe the festival of Pentecost.  It was necessary for the people to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ, in their own language. And so they did, and the result was, that three thousand souls came to accept Jesus Christ that day.

To me, speaking in tongues in the new church era, was a sign gift of the Holy Spirit. As in the conversion of Cornelius and his household
(Acts 10:44-48) It was a sign that the Gentiles were given opportunity to receive Jesus Christ as Savior as well as the Jews.

Speaking in tongues was apart of the worship service, as the Apostle Paul writes to the church at Corinth (1 Corinthians 14) and in that passage he calls the gift of speaking in tongues, a sign gift.
Not for those who believe, but for those don't believe. (v.22).

Here is where we may disagree. Is speaking in tongues necessary today? I feel that because we have access to the written Word of God, (which is what Paul is referring to when he writes in (1 Cor. 13:10) "when the perfect comes.") we do not need this gift now. Since the written Word of God has been translated in many languages, and is widely available today. Our goal as Christians is to share it with as many as we have opportunity to.

I am not saying that the gift of speaking in tongues does not exist.
As long as the Holy Spirit exists, so does this gift. And if God wanted to use it for a sign, as He did in the past, so be it. But over all, it has ceased.
I may be wrong, but this is my belief. As Christians, we are to respect each others beliefs. We cannot cease to exhibit the greatest gift of all, and that is Love! (1 Corinthians 13:13) GP

Photo: Free Bible Photos.

Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Facing Our Giants

 "You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted." (1 Samuel 17:45) 

The giants we face today, come in various forms. Sickness, financial problems, relationships, sorrow, depression, etc.
To think that we will never have to face a giant in our lifetime is a delusion. At one time, or many times, they will come, ready to take us down.

In the valley of Elah, the armies of Israel gathered to face their enemy, the Philistines. And right at the start, a giant of the Philistines stepped out, and started to challenge the ranks of Israel. In 1 Samuel 17:4-7 we find his size, and his armor. No one would step out and take that Giant down. No one, but a little shepherd boy. With five smooth stones, David headed for battle. And with one of those stones, he took that giant down. Without a doubt, it was the Lord that caused that stone to hit it's mark, and bring that giant down.

Whatever we have, God will use to bring our giants down. But the most important possession, is our faith. Faith in the Lord, will help us to overcome. And even if death takes us, in this life, we will still have our victory in Jesus Christ our Lord. Whatever you are facing today, don't go at it alone. Place your confidence in the greatest power of the universe. God is with us, and because of that, we never have to be afraid! GP

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Monday, April 24, 2017

Heart Soil

Where I live, the farmers are having to wait to get the crops planted. Because of the wetness, it is causing a delay in planting. It is true that the soil must be ready to receive the seed, or there will not be good results.

It is the same way with our hearts (which is the soil for spiritual life) If our hearts are not receptive to the Word of God, there is no way there will be spiritual growth and progress.

In Mathew 13, Jesus shares a parable about a farmer who planted seed, in three types of soil. Shallow soil, stony soil, and good and productive soil. Three types of the soil that illustrate three different responses to God's Word.

Many will ask: Why is this so important, that we hear, and study God's Word? God's Word is our guidebook for life. God has not abandoned us without any word to live by. If we want to have the right insight to live by. If we want to have the best advice in making right decisions, than we need to be in God's Word.

The shallow soil of unconcern, and indifference will cause the seed of God's Word to be snatched up by the enemy. The stony ground of the cares and preoccupation of the world, will choke out the seed of God's Word. But the good soil, the soil that represents the open heart, will produce a great amount of spiritual maturity.

How is the soil of your heart today? I hope that you will open your heart to God's Word today, and truly be blessed! GP

Photo: Not listed at this time!

Friday, April 21, 2017

The Christian Journeyman Weekly Report (4/21/2017)

A few weeks ago we began a new segment of TCJ entitled: "A Light Unto My Path." Some may call them sermon outlines, which is OK. We have called them Bible lessons. Right now we have posted a few of them. They are sermons that I prepare for our worship service at the church where I pastor. (So I guess they are sermon outlines) We hope that they will be an encouragement to you. The address is: www.cjour17.blogspot.com

 I need to get back to TCJ - Journal. It has been neglected because of other projects. We will get back to that as soon as we can.


 We are still looking for financial sponsors. If your church, or business, would like to purchase advertising on our blog-site, you can email us at garypat53@gmail.com.

Lord willing, we hope that one day, we would be able to be involved in the work of The Christian Journeyman full time. That is our goal, and our prayer.

Have a great week-end! Be sure to log on to TCJ next week! GP

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

The Upward Way

"I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:14) 

"The basis of how the (Hot Air) balloon works is that warmer air rises in cooler air. This is because hot air is lighter than cool air as it has less mass per unit of volume. Mass can be defined by the measure of how much matter something contains. The actual balloon (called an envelope) has to be so large as it takes such a large amount of heated air to lift it off the ground. For example, to lift 1000 pounds worth of weight you would need almost 65,000 cubic feet of heated air! To help keep the balloon in the air and rising, hot air needs to be propelled upwards into the envelope using the burner." (eballoon.org) 

 The upward way for the Christian is much more of a lighter way, than a person living for the world. The weight of sin, guilt, and disappointment is taken away. There may be the weight of sorrow, but sorrow is taken away, when we realize the blessings that God has for us.

The upward way, is a way of peace, and confidence, as we are never worried about the future, and what lies around the corner. The sheep may travel down some treacherous terrain, but they don't worry, because the shepherd is with them, and will help them find the green pastures.

Are you weighted down with an enormous amount of burden today?
We cannot make too many demands upon our Lord, and Savior Jesus Christ. There is nothing that is too hard for Him. So pursue the upward way with Jesus. Let Him free you of the weight of this world, that is holding you back. Let Him help you rise to new heights, to experience a freedom that you have never felt before! GP 

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Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Boundaries

"The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Yes, I have a good inheritance." (Psalm 16:6) 

A boundary is something that separates two things. Walls and fences are examples of material boundaries. There are boundaries in family relationships as well.

I realize that in society (especially society today) children are not taught concerning proper family boundaries.
It is hard to get a grasp on it, if relationships in the family have been damaged in a number of negative ways.

Growing up as I did, the relationship you had with your parents was priority. Even if you didn't get along with your parents, you respected the place they had in your life, and you worked as hard as you could to make those relationships, as good as they could be.

We all have our roles in the family. We are fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins. It is to the benefit of the family, that we understand where our priorities should be, in these relationships; so that life in the family, is not one of selfishness and resentment, but one of peace and joy.

When the Psalmist says: "The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places" I think of the family, and I think about where God is to be in my life.
Of course, He is to come first. I am His child. I am to be a son to my parents, a grandson to my grandparents, a brother to my siblings, a husband to my wife, a father to my children. These are my priority pleasant places, where honor, respect, and nurture, is to be given.
And as time is given, encouragement to the extended family.

Let's not overstep our boundaries, and cause jealousy and hurt.
But let's be where God has called us to be, and together reap the wonderful blessings of right relationships, according to God's plan and design. GP

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Monday, April 17, 2017

Hurry Up, And Wait

 "And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me;" (Acts 1:4)

You hurry to the doctor's office for your appointment, only to find yourself waiting for them to call you to it. And sometimes it's a long wait.

The apostles were called by Jesus to wait in Jerusalem for "the promise of the Father." And the wait was forty days. The promise of the Father was the Holy Spirit, who was promised to come and help the apostles ignite the greatest evangelistic campaign in history.

"For John baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now."(ASV) With the Holy Spirit's help, they were to be witnesses for Christ in Jerusalem, Judea, Samara and to the remotest part of the earth. (Acts 1:8) And with the Holy Spirit's help these men of great faith, turned the world upside down for Jesus Christ.

Now that Resurrection Sunday is over, what now? As Christians we are to keep allowing the Holy Spirit to empower us with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This "good news" is to be shared with a lost and dying world.
We are to share this message of grace and hope, until Jesus come again to take us home.
The opportunities will come. We need to get get ready, and wait for them. So many people need Jesus today. Let's not let an opportunity go by to share about Him, and  how He can make a difference in people's lives. GP

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Thursday, April 13, 2017

Your Savior

"But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; 
I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I gave Egypt for your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in your place." (Isaiah 43:1-3) 

As we approach the day of our Christian celebration: Celebrating the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ; it is good for us to take a look back, and reflect on the events that brought our Lord Jesus Christ to this day of celebration. How far back we choose to go is up to us.

The Gospels proclaim concerning a journey of passion, suffering, death, and now celebration. One thing is clear, as the prophet Isaiah brings out in our text; what he says concerning the nation of Israel, can be said about us today. And what he prophesies concerning our Lord Jesus Christ, is for us today.

Like Israel, we do not need to fear, for the Lord has redeemed us.
He came to save the world from sin and death; and He has indeed did that for us. You can put your name there in claiming Jesus as your Savior.
My question is: Have you done that?

All that the Prophet said about Jesus to Israel, Is He that for you as well? If not, it's not too late. Have Jesus be your Savior today! GP

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Tuesday, April 11, 2017

Gather To Jesus

"And great multitudes were gathered together to Him, so that He got into a boat and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore." (Matthew 13:2) 

It amazes me how many people will fill a stadium to watch a college, or professional football game, but our churches are declining in attendance. I am not putting down the exciting and thrilling experience of going to a professional sporting event. But for a lot of people, this takes precedence over worshiping God.

Some will ask: "Why is worshiping God so important?" The true God of creation, and the God who sent His Son to die in our sinful place, deserves our worship and praise. The reason that heaven can be ours, is because God in His grace gives it to us, through the sacrifice of His Son.

God is not disappointed when we go to a few sporting events. But when we refuse to assemble ourselves together to fellowship with Him, when the doors of His house are open, is total disrespect; total disregard of who God is, and what He offers.

As a pastor, I would like to see when Jesus sat on the shore, and a whole multitude of people gathered together to Him, happen today. There were so many, that Jesus got into to a boat, and spoke many things to them. (Matthew 13:2-3)

Yes, I would like to see that in all of our churches. It has really bothered me that attendance in churches is declining, and churches are even closing. That is not the will of God for the Christian community today.

We need to strive as hard as we can to gather ourselves to Jesus. To sit at His feet, and together worship the God, who loves us more than we can ever imagine! GP

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Friday, April 7, 2017

Church Conflict

"Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." (Romans 12:10) 

The Apostle Paul writes in his letter to the Christians at Galatia, about how they are to treat one another, in the body of Christ. "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!" (Galatians 5:14-15)

We see this in the world, but in the church? Oh yes, in the church!  

There have been times, when brothers and sisters in Christ have come to blows over (yes, minor issues) And the watching world is confused over our behavior.

As Christians, we are to show the love of Christ in our fellowship.
We are to show the world how wonderful it is to be apart of the family of God. In doing what the Apostle Paul instructs in our text, we will have the unity, and the stability, that the Lord Jesus Christ wants us to have.

When I look at what Paul says here, it is plain to see, that we must get rid of "self". We must stop thinking about ourselves, and devote our affections to the other members of the family. We are to honor one another above ourselves.

In this time in which we live, it is so important that we as Christians stand together. We have a common enemy that wants to divide us, and ultimately destroy us. The church will not go forward and grow, when we behave in such negative ways.

Look at Paul's list of the works of the flesh in Galatians 5:19-21.
Is this what we want to see in our local Christian families? I think not!

"And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love." (1 Corinthians 13:13) GP

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Thursday, April 6, 2017

Higher Ground

"I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:14)

Do you remember the words to this old hymn "Higher Ground?"
 "I’m pressing on the upward way, 
New heights I’m gaining every day; 
Still praying as I’m onward bound, 
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.” 

The apostle Paul gave us his determined goal in the Christian life.
To forget the past, and press towards the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Paul considered this opportunity to do this, a prize.
To be able to head towards new heights of God's grace, and blessings, is the best privilege one could ever have. To climb to new heights of spiritual maturity, and realize new blessings coming out of God's divine storehouse, is a precious experience.

So as Christians, why are we not climbing? Why are we not pressing on? Could it be that Satan, our spiritual enemy has distracted us? Could it be that we have become preoccupied with our worldly pursuits?

I like the third verse of this old hymn "Higher Ground"
"I want to live above the world, 
Though Satan's darts at me are hurled; 
For faith has caught the joyful sound, 
The song of saints on higher ground." 

Our determination to be a better Christian, a stronger Christian, is based upon our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The desire of our heart, should be to allow the Lord Jesus Christ, to help us accomplish, and to have, what He desires for us.

With the world, we settle for second best. But climbing to higher ground with the Lord, is the best that there is! Let's keep climbing! GP

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Wednesday, April 5, 2017

"No other gods before Me"

“You shall have no other gods before Me." (Exodus 20:3) 

In many cultures, and through many generations, the worship of false gods, has been practiced. We remember that Abraham was apart of a culture that worshiped idol gods, before he left to follow God's leading. (Joshua 24:2)

 Time will not permit me here to get into the various world religions, and their worship of false gods. But I want to address what we as Christians think, concerning idolatry.

It may not be the bowing down to a statue, or a material image. But anything that places God in second place in our lives, is considered idolatry. When it comes to our worship of the one true awesome God, there is nothing that should be placed before our fellowship with Him, and our service for Him. God must come first in our lives.

Jesus said: "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will hold to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." (Matthew 6:24)

God wants us to assemble together to worship Him (Hebrews 10:25) God wants us to remember His Son, and the sacrifice He made for us on Calvary. (Luke 22:14-20) God wants us to share the Gospel of His Son, every opportunity that comes our way. (Matthew 28:18-20) God wants us to be a living sacrifice, giving our all to live for Him, and serve Him. (Romans 12:1-2)

We are not to love anyone, or anything more than God. But the great thing about our worship is: when God is first, He blesses our lives with the best He has to offer.

We are first in God's eyes. will He be first in ours? GP

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Tuesday, April 4, 2017

A Gatekeeper

On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have set watchmen; all the day and all the night they shall never be silent. You who put the Lord in remembrance, take no rest, and give him no rest until he establishes Jerusalem and makes it a praise in the earth. (Isaiah 62:6-7) 

If you have ever prepared for a Bible school class, only to have no one show up, you know what discouragement is. Here you put all this time in study and preparation, just to find yourself sitting in a room by yourself, asking, why people don't show more interest.

It was after I read a devotion by a lady who went through the same experience, but shared a different perspective on this issue, that I felt differently about it.

In Isaiah 62:6-7 the prophet Isaiah talks about watchman, or gatekeepers, who were stationed on the city walls, and at the gates to watch over the city of Jerusalem. They were to watch for any approaching enemy.

Spiritually, the righteous people were to be on alert on Jerusalem's behalf, to warn concerning sin, and disobedience to God. They were to do this (without rest) until Jerusalem became a praise in the earth.

 As spiritual leaders, we are watchman, and gatekeepers. If only one person comes to our Bible class, we will be prepared to share a Bible lesson that may stay with them their whole lives. God doesn't call us to be successful. But He does call us to be faithful. (1 Corinthians 3:6)
And even if no one shows up, we can feel good about the fact, that we were faithfully watching, and available, if people came to receive God's Word, for their lives.

I would encourage us a spiritual leaders, to look at our roles in the church, as being watchmen, and gatekeepers for the Lord.
Always prepared to give an answer for the hope that we have in Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 3:15)
And the seeds of God's Word that we plant may produce good results. Helping people to find their way to the Savior, now and forever! GP

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Monday, April 3, 2017

Faith Walk

"But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead." 
(James 2:20) 

I have heard people say this, and I find myself saying it: "If you're going to talk the talk, you better walk the walk!"

The Christian life, is a walk of faith.
"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." (Hebrews 11:6)

James in his letter, tells us, that just to say we have faith, is not enough. We must put our faith in action. It is the proof to God, to others, and especially to ourselves, that our relationship with God, is more than just talk.

It's not enough to just say that, that car, or that tractor, or riding lawn mower, runs good. We need to fire it up, and see how good it runs.
It is the same way with our faith. When we put our faith in action, it demonstrates what we can do, when we move forward, with God leading the way.

And there are many opportunities waiting for us, to exercise our faith. And to say. if we don't get involved in productive ministry, who will?
We hope that many will. Like Esther, an influence of one, was able to save her people from destruction.

We can become more than we think, and accomplish more than we could ever imagine, simply by putting our faith in action. By putting one foot in front of the other.
It's more than just talk, it's a walk in faith. So, fellow Christians, let's get going! GP

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