Posted in Christian, Church Unity, Evangelism, Grace

Marching to the Beat of Your Own Drum

I was told once, and lived it out myself, that if I played guitar alone too often, I’d have my own rhythm and have difficulty playing with other musicians. And so it was one night at a bluegrass jam that one of my favorite tunes was unrecognizable for the other musicians because I had changed the beat during my solo playing at home.

As I sat this morning weeping for a lost fellowship, I couldn’t help but reflect on that story. It is likewise true that if a person is out of fellowship with spiritual people, they too will find themselves out of step with the truth. They’ll march to their own beat, and if they hear it long enough, nobody else will be right in there mind.

One of the most widely known and shared verses when it comes to staying in fellowship with the church is Hebrews 10:25.  But like many wonderful scriptures it’s often plucked out of the center and the words leading to and from it are ignored. When the writer wrote Hebrews 10, He was likely having a conversation with  saved Jews. Many of which would have been often conflicted about no longer keeping the Jewish religious laws. He says as much in verse 1-4.

Hebrews 10:1-4 KJVS

[1]] For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. [2] For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. [3] But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. [4] For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.

Every year those critters were offered up for the forgiveness of the people, with the knowledge that the next year, there would need to be a payment once again. The blood of the animals was not a permanent fix. But it was a way of life for Israel. So like most religious folk, anything new was going to have an adjustment period.

Hebrews 10:5-9 KJVS

 [5] Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: [6] In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. [7] Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. [8] Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein ; which are offered by the law; [9] Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. 

And so it was established that the law was now grace. No longer could they do anything to bring their own salvation, it was only by Christ’s finished work on the cross. A matter many churches even yet today, under the guise of Christianity still use. They want to do something… be baptized, join the church, wear the right clothes, sing the right songs, etc. etc. and God said no, it is by the blood of my Son. Alone. And what you do in His name, better point the world to Him alone.

But along the way man has interpreted and twisted scripture in such a manner that it would fit into their own agenda for their own church and God’s people became a division of over 45,000 denominations. 

Hebrews 10:10-14 KJVS

[10] By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. [11] And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: [12] But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; [13] From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. [14] For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

One offering. One way. Not 45,000. 

One Spirit

Hebrews 10:15-16

 [15] Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, [16] This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; 

Once a confession of faith has been made, that you confess that you believe in that finished work of Jesus Christ; His Spirit, also known as the Holy Ghost, comes within you and speaks to your heart and to your mind. Another matter that a preacher worth a grain of salt won’t refute. God speaks through His word, through His Spirit and through His people called into His service. He speaks to the heart of man and to the mind of man. So if that is how God speaks, why is fellowship with other Christians necessary?

The second a man (or woman as the case may be) goes off on their own, it won’t be long until they’ll be out of step with the Word of God. Is this 100%, across the board fact? No. I believe there are those that God calls and equips to be on their own for what ever reason and for a specific time. But not indefinitely. 

Remember that rhythm I spoke of? If you pull yourself into an exclusive position without regard for the rhythm of anyone else, they can’t encourage you and you won’t encourage them. And it won’t matter how “right” you are. You’ll be of no earthly good for the Lord. 

45,000 denominations are not correct. As the Word said, there is but One way to salvation.

My Dad, Gene Paul Hardway, refused to join a church. He stood by that conviction even when the church he attended for 20 years removed him from teaching. They eventually asked him back because the people knew he knew the word of God. I am inclined to join my dad’s belief. I’ve been a Baptist for 26 years. Without regret. The Baptist people grew me into the woman of God that I am through discipleship. But over time I have slowly became less and less impressed with the “religious in the Baptist movement.” They are no different than the Pharisees who looked down their noses at the peasants called Christians and called them heretics. Because those Christians were not a formal religion. 

They just believed in Jesus. 

And so that leads us into the well known verse of 25

Hebrews 10:17-25

[17] And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. [18] Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. [19] Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, [20] By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; [21] And having an high priest over the house of God; [22] Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. [23] Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)  [24] And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: [25] Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is ; but exhorting one another : and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. 

What a novel idea! Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works. Not to  lord wisdom and authority over the believers as if they’re too ignorant to understand the word of God or too lowly to be spoken to by the Spirit. We are to exhort… ENCOURAGE… one another. Good grief this world is pathetic. Why should we focus on how pathetic it is when we serve a God that dwells within us and desires a conversation that is encouraging and uplifting. Not once have I been beaten down by the Lord. But buddy…. The world has thumped me on multiple occasions. 

This was a reminder to myself, that I need people. But I don’t need people who don’t believe what the Lord has done in my life. God called me to the ministry in 2010. He’s yet to un-call me.

Posted in Christian Service, Evangelism, Uncategorized

Will You be Listed?

“I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea.” Romans 16:1

The final Chapter/Letter to the Romans by Apostle Paul. What joy it brought to my soul this morning to read the names of the servants of God that had served with Paul throughout the churches and the roles they played. I imagined my own name being written down in the books of Heaven as to the service that’s being provided in New Mexico in fellowship and service with Gloria Jones and Dewey Moede.

To say that my time here is a blessing isn’t enough. From the first step inside the sanctuary of the First Baptist Church of Magdalena to the final dinner prepared by Pastor Paul Holt, the Spirit was moving. I wept as my heart was overwhelmed with the music by their worship leaders. I sang and spoke and listened to the sermon being delivered by a man of God who was filled with the Spirit and wisdom of God and thought to myself, “Shari, you are blessed, don’t forget it.”

To be in service to the King of the World isn’t something to be taken lightly. And yet, we do. Or at least I do.  Gloria and I traveled to Silver City, NM for more site seeing of this beautiful State. We witnessed to the people in the shops and left broken hearted as realized that our message wasn’t received as we’d hoped.

When I asked an artist at one local shop about being a Christian, she quickly said,  “I’m Lutheran, that means I’m fine, right?”

To which my reply was “No, being a Lutheran won’t save you, only Christ can do that. She replied “that’s a personal decision.”

“Very personal I responded.” And went on to explain about my salvation experience. She was kind and took my business card. Perhaps some seeds were sown.

Another young woman in another shop questioned why we were in town. Upon explaining about my speaking and singing, she told us she was of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I questioned her about her belief in Christ alone. She said she believed, but that Joseph Smith was a prophet, not to be worshiped but to be believed. She misunderstood that that statement also meant that she was saying the bible was not the only word of God and that it was incorrect according to their belief. She said that “We were all the same.”

We are not. Apostle Paul was commending people who had laid their lives on the line for what they believed. Not for assumptions or for catering to misguided beliefs. The body of Christ must stand strong in our convictions. Having hard conversations like those and others I’ve had this week may seem like I’m losing the battle, but Paul said in 1 Corinthians 3:6 “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.”

We do not know who may come after us and share the news in a way that turns their stories into testimonies of salvation. All I can do is be faithful to what I know as truth.

I feel the Lord commending my soul today just as Paul commended Phebe and the other men and women listed in Paul’s letters. And I want to encourage you to speak Jesus wherever you are.  For me, oh my stars! It’s New Mexico! What a joy and a privilege to be in this place. The mission field isn’t a foreign land (necessarily). It’s the street you live on, your home, wherever you are. God has a work for us to do. It’s a very real assignment.

Paul listed one after another who had ministered with him in various capacities. Will you be listed? And what will it say? God bless you! We are co laborers in Christ and I want to hear what’s going on in your world. Write me and let me know!

Posted in Eternity, Grace, Leadership, Life Inspiration, Political, salvation

Me and Jesus got it all Worked out… No Pope Needed

chick and Jesus

I’m not a fan of the Pope. I’m not a fan of anyone who tries to come between me and Jesus. I know that’s bad English. I’m okay with it. This is not a Catholic bashing post, it’s not a political post… although I make no promises that politics won’t come up. I started to watch the television news this morning which was left on by my husband as he went to work and then I thought better of it. Why start my day in any greater frustration that the world already does?

The Religious Side of this Event

Yesterday as I traveled down the highways of West Virginia listening to Bluegrass Junction on Sirius radio an oldie but goodie sung by Charlie Sizemore came on titled “Me and Jesus.” Written by Tom T. Hall long before “me and Jesus got it all worked out.” Well I just about took a shoutin’ fit in the car. I came home and looked up the chords and lyrics and now I’m claimin’ that one for myself and have added it to my repertoire of music for pickin’ events. This song somewhat epitomizes what I think of the Pope. How dare anyone this side of Heaven tell me that I need somebody to tell me what thus saith the Lord when I have the Word of God in my hand and the Holy Spirit in my heart. Both of which tell me in Matthew 27:51 the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom;” forever granting those who accept His death on the cross as payment for all sin to have access 24/7 to the Lord and Savior. Without the priest. Without the Pope. So that’s the end of that rant… now for the political side of it.

The Political side of this event

Whether or not I agree with the Pope, he is still a religious leader. He and I can agree to disagree and I’ll let God sort out the false doctrine that he’s touting on judgement day. It’s my role as a Christian to share the truth, which I just did, not bash the Pope. I’ll show him the respect that I show any other faith. What they believe is between them and Jesus. I stand accountable for me. But the President’s flagrant misuse of power again and again to slap God in the face, which is what he’s doing with this visit to the Whitehouse by the Pope, will likewise end on judgment day. His arrogance of promoting the gay, transgender, baby killing and Muslim agendas will eventually stop, whether or not American citizens get a backbone and do something about it. On the final Amen – Obama and his tribe of wickedness will stand before a Holy God Who only wanted to be loved for His willingness to die on that cross of Calvary and their arrogance will be gone. Of that I am promised.

The Personal side of this event

Do you and Jesus have it all worked out? Preaching is awesome! Christ died for the church, so please don’t tell me going there is not important, and there is countless scriptures of Christians getting together to worship God to back that up. But neither of those things save you. Salvation is between you and Jesus alone.  Accepting that He died for you so that when you die you can have eternal life with Him in glory. And to the dismay of the Pope, when you “get that all worked out,” you don’t need anyone to help you talk to Jesus. No fancy church… it could be just you kneeled down by a stump in the woods of Calhoun County, West Virginia. Where there is no Catholic Church.

I hope you have it all worked out!

Posted in Eternity, Life Inspiration, salvation

Do You Believe?

chick believe

Oprah Winfrey has a new show coming in October, and no… this is not an endorsement. When she verbally attacked a Christian woman on her show several years ago for having the audacity to say there was “only one way to Heaven,” I pretty much wrote Oprah off as a “spiritual authority;” not that I have ever counted her as one. Oprah said, and I quote “There couldn’t possibly be just one way,” Regarding the Christian faith. The announcement of her new show comes on the heels of my teen camp which was based on the movie “Do you Believe,” which is to be released on DVD on August 4th. That movie I will gladly endorse!!! But as for Oprah’s show, I watched the trailer and from what I could perceive, her opinion of “more than one way” still stands.

So what is it that I believe? I’m more than happy to share that with you!

I believe there is in fact only one way to Heaven. Because Jesus said in John 14:6  ~ “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” That pretty much sums it up.

So why do I believe the Bible is the Authority? Because in 1996 (the year I accepted Christ as my Savior) the Bible came to life for me. If you are not saved, you will not understand that statement. But as a child of God the Word of God will speak to every need of your soul. It is then you realize that it is way more than a book! But on the fact of accuracy and prophecy there are those much smarter than I who have determined the Bible’s authority. Dr. Hugh Ross’s website www.reason.org gave the following statistics on accuracy and authority of the scriptures:

Unique among all books ever written, the Bible accurately foretells specific events-in detail-many years, sometimes centuries, before they occur. Approximately 2500 prophecies appear in the pages of the Bible, about 2000 of which already have been fulfilled to the letter—no errors.

(The remaining 500 or so reach into the future and may be seen unfolding as days go by.) Since the probability for any one of these prophecies having been fulfilled by chance averages less than one in ten (figured very conservatively) and since the prophecies are for the most part independent of one another, the odds for all these prophecies having been fulfilled by chance without error is less than one in 102000(that is 1 with 2000 zeros written after it)!

Now, I didn’t need him to tell me that for me to believe it was true, but it’s still very interesting, is it not?

So what is it that you believe? And are you on my sight today because you’re searching for the answers, or are you a child of God who believes as I do? The reality of it all is this, whether we believe or not does not change Who God is, but it sure changes those who believe!

How did it change me? I don’t carry un-forgiveness, anger or hatred. It’s not that it doesn’t occasionally rear its ugly head… but it leaves quickly. I have compassion for people that I never thought possible, I pray and believe God heard and answered, even if the answer was no or later. I witness God every day in Creation. When I think about dying, I’m sad for those who are left here… not for those who died in Christ. I long for Heaven and the family and friends that are waiting for me to come home. I need to hear from God that I’m doing okay, just like a little girl needs daddy’s stamp of approval for a job well done. I love people deeper than I ever imagined I could because God made them who they are. And the greatest change of all that came upon my life was PEACE. Unexplainable peace in the best of times and the worst of times.

I Believe that Jesus Christ is the One and Only way to Heaven, because His blood on the cross of Calvary paid the price for my sinful heart to be cleansed and changed. Do you Believe?

Posted in Christian Service, Church attendance, Church Unity, Life Inspiration

We don’t patch old britches where I come from

chick patch

There is danger in dead religion

What seems like a lifetime ago, almost 20 years, I sat in the midst of dead religion. I didn’t know it, until the first day I sat in the midst of live faith! Tears well up in my soul as I write those words because it breaks my heart to think that there are many people around the world sitting where I once did. They are quite possibly good, saved people, serving Christ in their place; but I was not. I didn’t know the saving grace of Jesus Christ any more than I knew Superman. In my mind I knew of Jesus, but didn’t know Jesus. He was as surreal as Superman himself. I would read (and teach) scripture thinking… wow… that’s an amazing story. It is an amazing story, but at the time my unsaved soul had no spiritual discernment of the Word of God that comes with salvation, so it was just a story. That’s the danger of dead religion.

The scripture becomes just another book. The church becomes just another place. A prayer becomes a ritualistic means of getting “it” done.

Matthew 9:16-17

No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse. Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.

Patchin’ Old Britches

The disciples of John the Baptist had just questioned why Jesus’ disciples did not fast and carry out the ritualistic practices of the Pharisees. And to country quote my Lord, He said, we don’t patch old britches where I come from. That thought tickled me.  The Pharisees put so much stock in their religious practices that their relationship with God was not a relationship at all, but merely a “get it done” method of behavior. Where they came from was all they could think about, not where they were going. The new that was happening was making them very uncomfortable. And for Jesus to put His new disciples in with the old works of the Pharisees would have been to Him like patchin’ a old pair of britches that were worn out. The new converts would have become a part of weak, worn out group of people. Jesus disciples were hanging out the Lord, the Bridegroom as mentioned in verse 15. They had a new relationship with the Lord who was in their midst. The Pharisees had lost their relationship with the Lord through ceremonial living.

New Wine and Old Bottles

The  Pharisees represented empty vessels. Jesus said in Matthew 23:27  – Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.”

Putting new wine in an old bottle would have been like putting a live person in the tomb of the dead. A new convert sitting in a church filled with lifeless Christians is no different. You’ll become one of them, just an empty vessel, looking pretty, but filling no one’s soul. You need fellowship with Christ and His people who are filled with the newness of life that never grows old.

I hope today finds you as a part of a church that is carrying out the mission of God, which is to bring people to the knowledge of Christ and His salvation and then disciple them to bringing others to the knowledge of Christ and His salvation. That jug of wine never gets old!!!

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