Pastor's Blog Party

Adoptions in Haiti

2010-02-18T15:47:00.002-05:00

While we have seen the Haitian government release some of the missionary workers from jail yesterday...they were charged with trying to take some of the Haitian children out of the country and bring them back to the US to either adopt them for themselves or have them adopted by other American families.

While the cause and thought was very noble, I have to pose this question for the week....why is it that we (Americans...and church folk at that) are quick to run to other countries and bring their children back and attempt to provide them with a better life, and neglect the facts that there are inner city children who have suffered quakes in their lives and no one is ready to take them from the inner city to the suburbs to raise them and give them a better life? I mean doesn't the Bible tell us that charity (LOVE) begins at home and then spreads abroad!

WHAT'S YOUR THOUGHTS?

President Obama

2010-01-28T10:35:00.002-05:00

With all of the hype behind President Obama's election as the 44th President, how would you rate his 1st year? Has he taken on to much in the first year? Has he not done enough? Is he on point with what he has promised to change? Let's hear from you about President Obama's 1st year in office.

Humbleness/Respect

2009-09-10T20:49:00.003-04:00

Recently in Bible Class, we discussed the notion of humbleness and what makes a person humble. We know the "signs" of humbleness, but in your opinion, what makes a person humble?

Last night, we heard a Congressman (Joe Wilson (R) SC) blurt out to the President of the United States "You lie!" Today, in his humbleness and with a tremendous out cry from citizens and even fellow Congressmen/women, he was forced to apologize for his comments. What are your thoughts on the lack of Respect for leadership..and not just in the government, but even in the church.

Let's Talk!

What's your favorite?

2009-06-11T21:32:00.002-04:00

Tonight I want ask a question about what we sometimes take for granted, but is still very important in all of our lives...MUSIC! There are songs that have so much impact in our lives and provide a place of refuge for our journey through life. Here is tonights question...what is your favorite Gospel/Christian song, and why?

Be Blessed!

Pastor Mark

The 10 Virgins

2009-05-21T21:50:00.004-04:00

The 10 virgins were all equipped to go out, but only 5 were equipped to meet the bridegroom! Matthew 25 talks about the 5 foolish and 5 wise who all were waiting and fell asleep. There was a distinct difference between 5 of them....one group was in expectation, which lead them to preparation and in the end....thye ended up with the bridegroom in a celebration.

What causes folk to think that all they need is "just enough" when you try to anticipate an arrival from God? What are your thoughts on the decisions that were made in this story, and what conclusions do you draw from how that parable relates to the church?

The Tension with Tithing

2009-04-30T19:21:00.002-04:00

Just the other day I read a statement from a person that talked about "the problem with tithing is...." The person was making mention that there are those who tithe money expecting to receive money in return, and that tithing was not just money, but that seems to be all that pastors focus on. There seemed to be a notion that some folk are neglecting their responsibilities (financial to their creditors) because they are giving their tithe and then having to pay their other bills with credit cards.

Tithing is, to the believer, a command that has been established from the early beginnings of creation. What are your thoughts on the notion that in this recession, one needs to hold back on their obligation to God through the tithe. Also, while I realize that tithing is not just money, but also time and talent. Where does that part of your tithe fit in?

Let's get ready to talk...and I mean talk openly about this!

It's time to GROW UP!!!

2009-04-23T19:16:00.002-04:00

Good Evening...or for most of you that know me....Good Morning!

Last night we continued our discussion on "Advancing through Adversity." In our discussion, which I must say was one of the best Bible Classes we have had, we discussed the level of maturity that one must have if they are going to advance through their adversity (whatever that/them may be). Paul spoke about the children of God coming off of milk and eating meat...in other words...it's time for folk to grow up. We see so many folk year after year celebrating birthdays; however, for some, their spiritual birthdays seem to never come when you witness toddler attitudes being displayed by chronologically older folks.

Here is our thought for the evening...why does the spirit seem to go uncelebrated and cared for, but the dependence on God to "pull one through" seems to be so high? We say we trust him, but don't show signs of executing the faith that He can and will do it for us!

Advancing through Adversity

2009-04-16T23:31:00.002-04:00

Last night we talked about Paul and the thorn in his flesh. The fact that Paul had "turned the corner" in his walk with God...he apparently not only has a thorn, but afflicted on every hand.

What do you conclude about Paul's suffering? Was he reaping what he sowed, or was this the pre-req for the anointing that he was receiving? Do you see some Paul in your walk with God?

Let's Talk!

How do you handle Adversity?

2009-03-19T20:42:00.003-04:00

Many times our thoughts say one thing, but our actions show something totally different. It is easy to think that you are in control of "you," but under the right circumstances, "you" become someone totally different than who "you" thought.

How do you handle adversity when it knocks on the door of your personality and spirituality? What is so different about the way you confront adversity now as opposed to maybe 4 years ago? Let's have an open and honest discussion!

Pastor G

P.S. Here some helpful references...Joseph never complained about the situation but pressed his way through adversity. Jesus never complained...although He did ask for the cup to pass from Him, but He also cried "nevertheless," and pressed His way through the adversity.

GO DUKE!!!!!

Advancing through Adversity

2009-03-12T15:09:00.002-04:00

Last night in Bible Class we discussed the story of Joseph and his dreams (Genesis 37) that he shared with his brother and father/mother. His discussion about his dream seemingly caused strife among his brothers and caused them to plot and kill him. The coat of many colors was one thing, but when the dream was shared, then the adversity within the family seemingly intensified.

What are your thoughts on this story of Adversity and what are your opinions on why such adversity existed in Joseph's life? Also feel free to talk about his advancing as well.

Pastor G

Getting Involved without an Invitation

2009-02-26T17:48:00.002-05:00

There is an old adage that says "If you tend to your own business, then you won't have time to be in any one's business." The seasoned folk would tell you "Don't put your nose in places that it doesn't belong." Well I guess you get my point, last night we discussed the story of Aaron and Hur (Exodus 17) and how Hur (Thank God for a guy named Hur) moved without anyone having to ask or invite him to assist. He just saw that there was a need, and met it without hesitation.

Here is the question for the evening....why do we, as a body of Christ, hesitate getting involved with ministry until one is either begged or promised a title before service can be rendered unto the Lord? (Please take into account Romans 12:1 and 12: 3-8 while answering this question for tonight's BLOGPARTY).

Blessings

Pastor G

Spiritual Connections

2009-02-19T09:17:00.002-05:00

Last night we discussed "Spiritual Connections" and how they either impact or impede your life. The connection of a lamp to a dead outlet does not produce light...it does produce frustration. Our conversation centered around I Samuel 18, where Jonathan and David were "connected."

What are your thoughts on the connectivity of the church today. Why are we quick to connect to what is popular as opposed to what is right? And being connected does not always mean that it is the right connection.

Let's hear what your take is on Spiritual Connectivity.

President Obama's New Start

2009-01-29T21:38:00.002-05:00

In this very historic moment in our country, President Obama has been in office two weeks. What are your impressions on his start as the 44th President?

Power in Christ

2009-01-15T19:34:00.002-05:00

Acts 3 talks about the man who was carried and laid at the gate call Beautiful. He was laid there to beg for "alms" from those going into the temple each day. When Peter and John began to enter the man asked them for an alm, and Peter answered and said money I don't have, but what I do have...I give unto you in the name of Jesus Christ.

Peter invoked the name of Jesus before he lifted the man up, and immediately he received power to not only stand, but to leap! What are your thoughts on this power that Peter displayed in the clear act of faith and confidence in what he had (Acts 3:6).

Power in your Faith

2009-01-08T23:21:00.003-05:00

Good Evening...sorry I arrived late to the party!

Last night, Wednesday, we discussed the fact that without Faith, you have no power. You will note in the Gospel, there was a man who had a son who fell in and out of fire and water. The father brought the boy to the disciples of Christ, but they could not "cure" him. Christ was able to heal the boy and then was confronted with the notion of why "they" could not do what He had done. Christ answered them and told them in essence, you are filled with faith.

What causes us to have faith in some instances and very little in others? Why do we seek power, but refuse to believe in the Faith, which brings the power?

Merry Christmas

2008-12-26T10:52:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas.....not Happy Holidays, but Merry Christ-mas!

What is your most memorable Christmas and why does it still have such an impact on you today?

Bail Outs

2008-12-18T17:07:00.002-05:00

Good Thursday evening, and welcome!

Tonight I want to take the discussion in a different direction than previous weeks. We all have been hearing about the Bail Outs that the Federal Government has provided for Wall Street and other financial institutions (AIG, CITIBANK). We also have heard the strict regulations that some in Congress have placed on citizens who aren't able to find employment or need to rely on Government Assistance.

Do you think that it's fair for Billions of $$$ to be given to companies (with hundreds of thousands of employees) to bail them out when others are suffering from day to day to feed their families? Also, spiritually, do you think that Christ would approve of the actions of Washington for Wall Street and Detriot while looking past not just Main Street, but Martin Luther King Blvd. as well?

Abraham's Faith

2008-12-11T20:55:00.002-05:00

While we read about the faith of Abraham in Genesis, and Paul refers to it in the New Testament, how is it that faith in God is never fully realized by man today until he/she sees what God has promised?

Could you have faith that at 100 years old, God was going to make you not only a father of a son, but the father of many nations?

The Word

2008-12-04T19:59:00.003-05:00

Welcome back...hope everyone had a wonderful and thankful Thanksgiving holiday. Last night in our Bible Class, we discussed the Promise of God for us only comes to those who have Faith. Faith is not what denomination you belong to, but what you believe and what you have hope in! Faith cometh by hearing and hearing of the WORD of God.

Here is the subject for tonight...why is so easy to speak the word, but so very hard to believe the word when you don't see the instant results of what you have claimed?

Here is a Hint for those of you that missed us last night....Mark 4:35-41
(You really should come join us in Bible Class on Wednesday's 6:30 -7:45 PM)

Possessing Our Inheritence

2008-11-20T20:01:00.002-05:00

Last Night we talked about possessing our inheritence in Bible Class. How do you feel we miss possessing what is promised to us by Chirst? Are we anxious for what He has promised, or do we believe only what we see and then proclaim that we have "received" the promise?

What Can we do

2008-11-13T20:09:00.004-05:00

Good Evening everyone and welcome. Here is the topic for the evening...with President Obama now elected to the highest office in the land, what can we do to make certain that his presidency meets the expectations that seem to be the headlines of every media outlet today?

How has President Obama's election changed your attitude (at work, home and even at your place of worship)?

A new Era...A new President

2008-11-06T12:55:00.003-05:00

Good Evening and welcome once again to the Blog Party. Tonight, I want to get your personal reaction/reflection to the history that was made two days ago. What feelings are you experiencing now, and how has this "change" in our country challenging you to look a little deeper within you to model what you have witnessed? Also give some thought to what our elders suffered for this time in history to come to light.

Once again....welcome, and feel free to share your activities and the mood around you when it was announced that Senator Barack Obama was now "President-Elect Obama."

Note: I will join you all on this blog a little later this evening, so we will continue this evening until 12 midnight.

Patience

2008-10-30T19:58:00.001-04:00

Welcome to Pastor's Blog Party! I am delighted that you could join tonight, and I pray that we will have a wonderful exchange in this blog. Let's be honest, yet respectful...informative and not insulting...understanding but not unforgiving.

With that said....why do we ask God for patience, yet we are to unwilling to "wait" for His blessing? So caught up with not extending love to others, but the very first to want forgiveness?

FAITH

2008-10-26T20:05:00.000-04:00

Why is so easy to say we have FAITH, but so hard to exercise/execute it in our daily lives? If He is FAITHFUL, why can't we be?

What is the churches Role?

2008-10-24T13:41:00.001-04:00

How should churches prepare their congregations for the upcoming election?

The upcoming Election

2008-10-24T12:23:00.000-04:00

What are your thoughts on Senators Obama and McCain as it relates to them addressing your urgent needs as a citizen?