Christ Is Our Advocate

“My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin And if anyone sins,we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world. By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected By this we know that we are in Him: the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked. Beloved, I am not writing a new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning; the old commandment is the word which you have heard. On the other hand, I am writing a new commandment to you, which is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true Light is already shining.

The one who says he is in the Light and yet hates his brother is in the darkness until now. The one who loves his brother abides in the Light and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But the one who hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes.”

- 1 John 2:1-11

You have comforted me Father. You have spoken to me in a real way. I came to You hungry and you fed me. I don’t ever want to take my eyes off of the perfect standard, Your son Jesus Christ. Help me to keep focused on You. I want deeper intimacy. I want to get to the Holy of Holies. I don’t even really know what that means. But I want to be close to You my Father. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

I was reading Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology the other day and wanted to share this little section with ya’ll.

The Destructive Influences of Evolutionary Theory in Modern Thought:

It is important to understand the incredibly destructive influences that

evolutionary theory has had on modern thinking. If in fact life wasn’t created by God,

and if human beings in particular aren’t created by God or responsible to him, but are

simply theresult of random occurences in the universe, then of what significance is human life?

We are merely the product of matter plus time plus chance, and so to think that we have

any eternal importance, or really any importance at all in the face of an immense universe,

is simply to delude ourselves. Honest reflection on this notion should lead people to

a profound sense of despair.

Moreover, if all of life can be explained by evolutionary theory apart from God, and if

there’s no God who created us (or at least if we cannot know anything about him with certainty),

then there’s no supreme Judge to hold us morally accountable. Therefore there are no moral

absolutes in human life, and people’s moral ideas are only subjective preferences, good for

them perhaps but not to be imposed on others. In fact, in such a case the only thing forbidden

is to say that one knows that certain things are right and certain things are wrong.

There’s another ominous consquence of evolutionary theory: If the inevitable processes

of natural selection continue to bring about improvement in life forms on earth through

the survival of the fittest, then why should we hinder this process by caring for those who

are weak of less able to defend themselves? Should we not rahter allow them to die without

repoducing so that we might move toward a new, higher form of humanity, even a “master race?”

In fact, Marx, Nietzsche, and Hitler all justified war on these grounds.

Moreover, if human beings are continually evolving for the better, then the wisdom of

earlier generations (and particularly of earlier religious beliefs) is not likely to be as

valuable as modern thought. In addition, the effect of Darwinian evolution on the people’s

opinions of the trustworthisness of Scripture has been a very negative one.

Contemporary sociological and psychological theories that see human beings as simply

higher forms of animals are another outcome of evolutionary thought. And the extremes of the

modern “animal rights” movement that oppose all killing of animals (for food, or for leather

coats, or for medical reserach, for example) also flow naturaly out of evolutionary thought.

I really like this song by J.R. of Crossmovement Records.

Verse 1
You say your life has disappeared into the darkness of this cold, cold world and there’s no way that you can bring it back. And all
that’s good seems to fade away, leaving you hopeless but if you’ll stand still, you’ll see the light that shines for all to see.
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, yeah

Verse 2
You say your heart can’t take no more. So many times you’ve placed your trust in man only to be let down time and time again.
And love and peace are things of the past. ‘Cause of the wars and crimes that plague our world, you’ve prayed for peace but
change is hard to find.

Background
The wind may blow and the storm clouds may come, but the mercies of God will always save the day.

Hook
So when the rain has come and gone and the sun forgets to shine, know that He’s there walking with you so have no fear. And
when your strength has come and gone and you feel you can’t carry on, know that He’s there to rescue you so have no fear.

Bridge
We love You. We love You. Lord Jesus we love You. We’re learning to trust You even when we can’t see You. We love You. We
love You. Lord Jesus we love You. We’re learning to trust You even when we can’t feel You. We love You. We love You. Lord
Jesus we love You. We’re learning to trust You even when we can’t see You. We love You. We love You. Lord Jesus we love You.
When we trust You there’s no need to fear.

Vamp
This is for my people in the hood: listen now have no fear. And this is for my people in the burbs: listen now have no fear. Call on
Jesus’ name (‘cause He died for). Call on Jesus’ name (He’s waiting on you). Call on Jesus’ name (‘cause He cares for you).

Hook 2X

Outro
There’s no need to fear.

Check it. This is my favorite rendition of this wonderful praise song.

What an experience.

I went to this sauna place up in Centreville, VA with my family tonight and had quite the night. The sweating and heat was cool. Sitting around in yellow uniforms with my family was cool. Taking showers in the public with my dad and watching other naked men trot around was not cool.

We spent 6 hours in that building. I spent one hour upstairs working out at the gym. Then spent the rest of the time chilling with the fam and watching the Ravens and Colts game. I observed old women, young boys, couples, and families lounge in the humongous common area eating the overpriced pot-bean-soo (it was 7 dollars). The facility had many different rooms with different temperatures. Obviously, my curious self went to check out each room haha. The first 4/5 of the night was great because we were sitting, talking, resting, and having a relaxed time. But then came the fateful 1/5 of the night. The shower room.

Basically it smelled like chlorine swarmed with man germs. Naked men walking around me. What a lovely sight.
The whole time I avoided eye-contact and looking southward. You can let your imagination wander about the rest of the night at the sauna. I have said all that I needed to say. Goodnight world!

PS. Check out my new EP! I have teamed up with CL and Sam Ock to get this EP out to ya’ll. Our label is called AMP (anointed music productions). Please help support our ministry by purchasing our CD at www.ampmovement.com!

So I went to this retreat from Jan 6th to the 9th called OIL (One in Love) up in Montrose, PA. There were a lot of things that I loved about the retreat. I could talk about the wise speakers, the dynamic and electric worship, awesome fellowship, and good food, but I won’t. I’m gonna devote this post to what I learned about the body of Christ.

There was this seminar called “Preparation for the Young Adult Life” that really got me excited about winning souls for the Kingdom and communal living. Pastor Dwight talked about how community should play a role in everyday living for a Christian. Life isn’t about trying to balance church, jobs, relationships, etc by yourself. Rather it should be trying to do all that through the help and support of your community.

Especially for evangelism, community is VITAL! Pastor Dwight used his church’s small group as an example of community working together to win souls for Christ.

This businesswoman who was very friendly and good at starting conversations with strangers decided to invite a co-worker (let’s call him Fred) to her small group. He was not Christian so obviously this was a perfect opportunity to evangelize to this fella. So because she was very friendly and kind to Fred, he was able to trust her enough to go visit her small group meeting. Once they got to the meeting, the people welcomed Fred with warmth and gentleness. The leader, who was on point with his theology, explained the gospel from a logical, scientific, philosophical, whatever point of view  to Fred. Basically, the leader was able to explain and help Fred understand the gospel and Christianity. Then when the short message was over they took time to share their thoughts. Fred shared that he grew up in a Catholic church and never learned about the things he learned that night at the bible study. After they finished sharing their thoughts they broke off into smaller groups to pray. When Fred was sharing about his problems these two really compassionate people encouraged him the entire time. They ended up following up with him and really loved on him. They helped out with his problems and prayed for him. That entire group worked together for an entire year and Fred eventually dedicated His life to Christ. He not only experienced God’s love through humble and honest brothers and sisters, but he was fed and was embraced by the body of Christ. They all played their roles and didn’t try to be something they weren’t. The ear didn’t try to be the face. The foot didn’t try to be the hand.

As a body of Christ we all have different roles, strengths, and weaknesses. We all have different roles and strengths and weaknesses for a reason, so that we can function together as a body. In regards to winning souls for the Kingdom, we should always work as a body.  I’m not sure if what I just said made any sense, but I wanted to share this with ya’ll.

to be Your son.

to be Your masterpiece/workmanship.

to live by Your Spirit.

to love unconditionally.

My mind knows so much, yet my heart knows so little.

Renew my mind daily, my loving Father.

Help me to know Your heart.

“Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. For behold, those who are far from you shall perish; you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you. But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.”
- Psalm 73:25-28

I wanted to share this blog entry by David Wilkerson with all of you guys. Enjoy!

Some Christians don’t want to be connected to other members of the body of Christ. They commune with Jesus, but they deliberately isolate themselves from other believers. They want nothing to do with the body, other than the head.

But a body can’t be comprised of just a single member. Can you picture a head with only an arm growing out of it? Christ’s body can’t be made up of a head alone, with no limbs or organs. His body consists of many members. We simply can’t be one with Christ without being with his body also.

Our need is not just for the head, it’s for the whole body. We are knit together not only by our need for Jesus, but by our need for each other. Paul states, “The eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again they head to the feet, I have no need of you” (1 Corinthians 12:21).

Note the second half of this verse. Even the head cannot say to another member, “I don’t need you.” What an incredible statement! Paul is telling us, “Christ will never say to any member of his body, ‘I have no need of you.’” Our head willingly connects himself to each of us. Moreover, he says we’re all important, even necessary, to the functioning of his body.

This is especially true of members who may be bruised and hurting. Paul emphasizes, “Much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary” (12:22). The apostle then adds, “And those members of the body, which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow more abundant honor; and our uncomely part have more abundant comeliness” (23:23). He’s speaking of those in Christ’s body who are unseen, hidden, unknown. In God’s eyes, these members have great honor. And they’re absolutely necessary to the work of his body.

This passage holds profound meaning for us all. Paul is telling us, “It doesn’t matter how poor your self-image may be. You may think that you’re not measuring up as a Christian. But the Lord himself says, ‘I have need of you. You’re not just an important member of his body. You’re vital and necessary for it to function.’”

As important members of the body of Christ, believers are to rise up and take serious action against Satan’s attacks against fellow believers. Amazingly, this command is ignored by many Christians. When we see a believer in pain, we want to offer comfort, of course, and that is an act of godly love. But that is not enough! Every believer is to bind Satan in Jesus’ name and cast him into outer darkness. That is a sign of being a true member of the body.

I don’t exactly remember how I started off the year 2009. But I know that I’m gonna start off the year 2010 by worshiping the true living God Almighty.

The 2009 Timothy Winter Retreat was fantastic! The Holy Spirit ministered to every heart and moved powerfully each night. I learned a lot from my group, from other counselors, and Pastor Carlos.

Uncompromisable holiness. Biblical manhood. Kingdom lifestyle. Unconditional love.

These four things stood out the most for me.

This song was played many times during the duration of the retreat and it was awesome!

It’s 11:23 pm right now and I just came back from watching a kick boxing match between a Korean and Japanese fighter with my family. Who knew we would get together to sit in front of the TV on new years eve to watch this haha.

Anyway happy 2010 to whoever is reading this. May your year be a fruitful one of radical obedience and unconditional love, proclaiming the gospel to all people.

I’m excited to see where God takes me this year. I’m glad just to be awake and breathing to worship and magnify God.
Tomorrow isn’t promised, but I know the future is in Gods hands. So I have nothing to worry about.

I will AMPLIFY Christ in every aspect of my life. Make Him Lord of my life. Live as one of His children and workmanship.

“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised— who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written,

“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

³⁷No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Amen.

- Romans 8: 31-39