Put Your Trust In God... Not Man!2012 Fall/Winter Edition

“God HasA Plan

For Your Life”

Discovering Your Purpose!by Ronald Dupree

Inform • EducatE • InspIrE

Special Edition Modern Beauty In Christian Living

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Co-Founder/PublisherElizabEth Jackson

Advertisement direCtorbyron Jackson Jr.

Counselor/ministerronald duprEE

ChieF editortEEsha WalkEr

AssistAnt editorMElvin kirks Jr.

PhotogrAPherFErrEll phElps Jr.

sPorts PhotogrAPherkEith tillis

Writer/editorkyauta GaJErE

Ad sAlesPersonpaMEla survillion

Writer/editoralFrEd thoMpson

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Acknowledging Our Youth

EDiTORiAL STAFF

pg 3 | god’s dIvInE connEctIon by pastor mElvIn KIrKs Jr.

pg 4 | suffErIng In sIlEncE bEforE rElEasEd by ronald duprEE, mInIstEr

pg. 7 | InspIratIonal mEssagE: ronald duprEE

pg. 10 | lEssons from thE thIEf on thE cross pastor andy Woods

pg. 12 | dId you KnoW?

Jada Walker is a unique and remarkable dancer, showing

abilities and talents far beyond her age. A fifth grader at Houston Academy of Fine Arts, she began dancing at five and it has become her passion. Her parents are relentless in their support of her commitment. Jada is caring, humble, gracious and respectful. She is also an academic achiever, maintaining an A average. She has won various awards and performed in many dance productions. Her passion for the art of dance has gained her even more invitations to participate in dance troop and camps.

individual Contributors

Mrs. Annie PriceByron Jackson Jr.

IN EVERY ISSUE

pg 6 | a Word from thE publIshEr

pg 8 | InvItatIon to chrIst

God’s Divine Connection - Through Others

by Pastor Melvin Kirks Jr.

In different situations God use others to demonstrate His love, one to another. Many people go the extra mile using the kindness of the Lord as their guide. These are two of God’s people that I am very proud to present.

Breast Cancer & ChemotherapyWillie Mae Kirks was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in February 2011. There was a feeling of helplessness but not hopelessness, knowing that God is the author and finisher of her faith, she turned to the Lord in prayer . “The response was immediate and on time. God sent two of His Spiritual Vessels my way for guidance and comfort and He’s not done yet. I know that the challenges and tests in my life are not over until God says it’s over. So for all the women out there, who feel like there is no hope, put all your trust in God. I have not had the symptoms that I was told I would have, loss of appetite, nausea, etc. In fact, I feel better now than before being diagnosed and I am still working during Chemo, Praise God!” God hears the prayers of His children and will reassure them of His love for them and He will comfort them in their time of need. God has placed His Spiritual Vessels in areas to provide a service unequal to any other service on earth.

What About Transportation?Aaron Buckner is also considered in my eye a person who has demonstrates the love of God. She is a Medical Assistant at Memorial Herman, and in her spare time she sells candy for the purpose of other people. A prime example of the cliché “it’s not all about me.” She donates her time and efforts to be available for people who would like to buy candy and here is the best part, she does this for people who can not afford transportation to or from the treatment center so that they might receive the treatment they need to sustain their lives. We thank God for His Spiritual Vessels; you never know they are there until you need them.

Thank you C. C. and Aaron for your love and caring attitude.

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Coise Cox better known as C.C. She is also one of God’s spiritual vessels and a RN at Herman Memorial hospital. Although her job duties do not include spiritual attitude, she injects her patients with 80c.c’s of love and understanding and 20c.c’s of knowledge as to what a person is to expect once treatment is started. This loving and caring attitude can only be found when God is present in your life. She demonstrates the love of God towards others while she performs her daily functions as a RN.

MBM – Your story is one that many have experienced or may be in the midst of right now. What is your purpose for sharing your story with M’Bracing Beauty Magazine?

TC – I pray that this article will cause someone in a similar situation to allow God to open their eyes, ears and heart. It is difficult to be in a marriage or any relationship where you must endure abuse. It is equally difficult to walk away from a situation after you have invested time, love, energy, and children. Nevertheless, neither of these things are valid reasons to remain in an abusive relationship.

MBM – How did you meet your husband?

TC – My husband and I met in 1998 at the Almeda Skating-rink. We expressed interest towards one another two years later. I knew I wanted to be in a relationship with him because of his personality. He was fun, caring, cool and he never seemed to change.

MBM – Were there any signs of abuse towards you during the dating process?

TC – There was abuse during the dating process. The worst event I can remember came before marriage. He thought that I was going to leave him so he decided to kidnap me. He dragged me on the dirty ground and made me get into his truck. He had a gun and was telling me “If I can’t have you nobody will.” We began driving down a dark road where he stopped and parked the truck, then he got out. While he was standing outside the truck I reached over to press the brake trying to put the truck in drive. Once he saw the brake lights he fired one shot, so I froze. I didn’t want him to start shooting at the truck. He got back in the truck and put the gun to my head and promised to kill me if I left him. As he drove back to the house he tried to convince me that he loved me.

MBM – Why did you remain in the relationship after the abuse started?

TC – I honestly believe one of the reasons was out of fear. I also wanted to believe badly that this was the person that I was supposed to be with. I wanted to impress people as well. I felt

embarrassed and ashamed for people to know that we were not together anymore.

MBM – Why did you decided to marry this person who was abusing you?

TC – There were numerous reasons. As I began to grow spiritually, I no longer felt that it was acceptable to God to live with him and not be married to him. I also felt an obligation to get married to him because I had made a covenant with God. Secondly, I felt like I had to prove a point to his ex-wife. I wanted to prove to her that I could be a better wife than she was. As crazy as this may sound, this was how I was feeling and thinking at the time.

MBM – How has this relationship affected your children?

TC – My oldest two children told me that they once plotted to stab him. My oldest daughter grew a deep dislike for him that she has been unable to release. My oldest son grew to a place of forgiveness, but he once resented him as well. My two younger children (which are my husband’s children) have not been able to express themselves

TeQuandra Chizer, pastor

Being saved or called into ministry does not exclude you from the same trials of those who are not saved. The difference is the trials of a child of God are attached to a greater purpose. In one way or another there will be triumph from a child of God’s tragedy. M’Bracing Beauty Magazine has interviewed Pastor TeQuandra Chizer with “The Love of Christ Ministries” to expound on a recent tragedy to triumph experience in her life.

The TeQuandra Chizer STory by ronald dupree | M’braCing beauTy Magazine

Suffering In Silence Before Released

4

about the issue. My youngest daughter never expressed anything more than “I’m scared when y’all fight”, and my youngest son is still a baby. He came to a point where he would say “don’t holler at mommy” or “don’t holler at daddy” whenever he thought that we were engaged in an altercation.

MBM – Are you still in this abusive marriage?

TC - I am happy to say I’m no longer in that abusive marriage.

MBM – What advice can you give to the readers?

TC – Many times God speaks to us and we refuse to hear Him clearly out of fear. The fear of “what if” plays a major role because you are constantly asking yourself “what if things could change”, “what if the kids never see him/her again”, what if I’m going against God’s will by leaving”. I’ve battled with each of these “what ifs” and more, because nobody gets married with the intention

of getting a divorce. I pray that it will cause someone to open up and allow God to be their guide. I pray that they do not find themselves hindered by asking the “what if” questions. Be still long enough to be able to decipher the difference between God’s voice and your own wishes.

If you have any questions or comments with TeQuandra Chizer, a servant of Jesus The Christ, please contact her at : www.facebook.com/

pastortlc / PastorTLChizer@gmail.com

Being in an abusive relationship is never okay. We encourage both the abused and the abuser to seek both professional and spiritual counseling. If you are in a similar situation you can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−SAFE(7233). If you are the abuser in the relationship you can contact the Domestic Violence Institute of Texas at (281) 477-9105 for counseling and classes on how to control your anger and how to resolve problems without violence.

Happy Thanksgiving!

“Let us come before his presence with

thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him

with psalms. For the LORD is a great God,

and a great King above all gods”

(Ps. 95:2 KJV)

Modern Beauty In Christian Living

Put Your Trust In God...Not Man!

Are You SAved?ChriSt died for our SinS, And

roSe from the deAd!

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Dr. paul D. Landrew

2011 Second Issue

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Inspirational Message:

“A Wise man will

hear, and will increase learning”

Proverbs 1:5 5

A Word From The Publisher

6

The Scripture tells us that God has given each of us the ability

to do certain things well… if your gift is to encourage others, do it (Romans 12: 6,8). Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. They give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises. May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you to live in complete harmony with each other – each with the attitude of Christ Jesus toward the other (Romans 15:4,5). For instance in Ephesians 6:22, Paul said, “I am sending him [Tychicus] to you for just this purpose. He will let you know how we are and he will encourage you.” We never know when God is sending someone to us just for this purpose, which is to let us know that He (Jesus) is much alive and working on our behalf and to encourage us to not faint, but keep the faith. Paul also said

in 1 Thessalonians 3:2, “We sent Timothy to visit you… we sent him to strengthen you, to encourage you in the faith. So comfort and encourage each other with these words (1 Thess 4:18).1 The primary purpose of verse 13-18 is to urge mutual encouragement, not to give a chronology of future events, though that is involved.”2 “Encourage those who are timid.”3 Which means if they are in fear of or nervous about something we should encourage them so that they might regain their strength in the Lord. “Take tender care of those who are weak. Encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. Be patient with everyone.”4

The Scripture commands us in II Tim 4:2 to “Preach the Word of God. Be persistent, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke and encourage

your people with good teaching.”

I encourage you my brothers and sisters to keep the faith. Encourage one another. Demonstrate love one to the other and put your trust in God, not man. Do not be afraid of your trials and tribulations, for they are there to make you strong, to build character and to demonstrate God’s plans, power and purpose in your life. Just maybe He wants to use you to show others His plans, power and purpose. So let the Lord use you, for he knows what’s best for us.

Adopt the words of our Lord, Jesus the Christ, “Nevertheless, not My will, but thou will be done.”

Trust Him,

Elizabeth Jackson, Publisher

Encourage One Another!

“Christians are to encourage one another. A word of encouragement offered at the right moment can be the difference between staying strong in the faith or collapsing along the way. Believers ought to be sensitive to one another’s needs for encouragement, ready to offer supportive words or actions. The Bible gives several examples of encouragement and commands for believers to encourage each other.”

1. Neil S. Wilson & Linda Taylor, Tydale Handbook Of Bible Charts & Maps. Pg 5202.Study Notes- Glo Bible 1 Thess 4:183. Neil S. Wilson & Linda Taylor, Tydale Handbook Of Bible Charts & Maps. Pg 5204.Neil S. Wilson & Linda Taylor, Tydale Handbook Of Bible Charts & Maps. Pg 520

“Patiently correct, rebuke and

encourage your people with good

teaching.”

In fact, He often depends more on circumstances to make us like Jesus than He does on our reading the Bible. And the reason is obvious, we face circumstances 24 hours a day. We learn things about God when we are in trouble that we can't learn any other way. Adversity draws us closer to Him! “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted” (Ps 34:18). Problems force us to look to God and depend on Him instead of ourselves. Paul writes, “We saw how powerless we were to help ourselves; but that was good, for then we

InspIratIonal mEssagE | M’braCing beauTy Magazine

put everything into the hands of God” (II Cor. 1:9). Submitting the situation to God and trusting Him with ways, means and timing, is hard for most of us to do. Why? Because it means giving up control!If you feel like you are in the melting pot today, maybe God put you there. Have you ever thought of that? The refiner is burning away the impurities and removing the obstacles in your life.

“The Refineris burning away the

impurities”

He will sit as a refiner of silver. He will purify them like gold. Then the Lord will have men who will be acceptable. Since God's plan is to make us more like Jesus, He will take us through the experiences Jesus went through. What are they? The wilderness of temptation, rejection by your family, the strain of caring for others, criticism from religious folks and betrayal by those you love and have invested your life in.

Where are you right now in life? Are you in the melting pot?

Ronald Dupree

Ronald Dupree, Minister

Discovering Your PurposeMalachi 3:3

God Has A Plan For Your Life:

He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Rick Warren says: “God has a purpose behind every problem.” He uses circumstances to develop our character.

7

The Prayer of SalvationRomans 10:9,10

You Can Receive Jesus Christ Right Now by Faith - Through Prayer:

“Lord Jesus, I need You to come into my life. I thank You for dying on the cross for my sins and arose from the dead. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving me of my sins and giving me

eternal life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be.” In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Now That You Have Received Christ!

ThemomentthatyoureceivedChristbyfaith,asanactofwill,many thingshappened,includingthefollowing:

1.Christcameintoyourlife.Rev.3:20andColossians1:27 2.Yoursinswereforgiven.Colossians1:14 3.YoubecomeachildofGod.John1:12 4.Youreceivedeternallife.John5:24 5.YoubeginthegreatadventureforwhichGodcreatedyou. John10:10;2Corinthians5:17;IThessalonians5:18

Can you think of anything more wonderful that could happen to you than receiving Christ?

As soon as you can find a Bible believing and Bible teaching Church so that you can begin to hear and study the Word of God. Remember, Faith comes by

hearing the Word of God.” Paul D. Landrew

8

AFTER YOU PRAYED THE PRAYER OF SALVATION BELOW ARE SOMESUGGESTED CHURCHES YOU MAY CONSIDER GOING TO FOR MORE BIBLE BASED TEACHING AND GUIDANCE IN THE WORD OF GOD.

pastor raynard hIllIs

ChriSTian CoMMuniTy FellowShip

790 weST liTTle york houSTon, TX 77088

pastor r. l. booKEr

JuST ChurCh MiniSTrieS

13547 baMMel norTh houSTon

houSTon , TX 77066

pastor bEnnEtt t. cortEz

greaTer FaiTh bapTiST ChurCh

9235 weST MonTgoMery rd.houSTon, TX 77088

pastor John aldoph

anTioCh MiSSionary bapTiST ChurCh

3920 weST Cardinal drive beauMonT, TX 77705

pastor dEmEtrIus moffEtt FirST ChurCh oF god

911 Main STreeT

orange, TX 77630

pastor mElvIn h. KIrKs Jr.bridge CroSSroadS ChurCh

12515 Fondren STe. FhouSTon, TX. 77035

What The Bible Says AboutOur Greatest Salvation

“Christ took our punishment and died in our place. Since our attempts at righteousness will not satisfy God, Christ clothed us in His righteousness in such away that when God, the Father, looks upon us, He does not see our sin; He sees only the righteousness of His Son, Jesus Christ.” L. Moyer

Hebrews 2:1-4 -“What has been the greatest moment of your life? For some people, the answer might be their wedding day, the birth of a child, or an important promotion. But for believers, the best experience is salvation, when their eternal destiny was changed. New Christians often have a fervor to share their faith. In time, however, many find their hearts cooling as they focus less on their relationship with Jesus Christ.”

Hebrews 2:1 instructs, “Therefore we must give the most earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. Salvation is God’s amazing solution to man’s sinful condition: it is His gift of rescue - through the death of Jesus- from the penalty of our transgressions.” Charles Stanley 9

pastor hEnry thomas

True FellowShip bapTiST ChurCh

3115 n. Fry

kaTy, TX 77449

pastor byron JacKson sr.Spring Chapel CMe ChurCh

23486 FM rd. 838 overTon, TX 75684

pastor paul d. landrEW

ST. STephen bapTiST ChurCh

170 riTTenhouSe / 609 liTTle york

houSTon, TX 77076

pastor paul d. landrEW

ST. STephen bapTiST ChurCh 501 Murphy rd.

STaFFord, TX 77477

pastor andy Woods

Sugar land bible ChurCh 401 MaTlage way

Sugar land TX, 77478

Salvation:Lessonsfrom

theThiefontheCrossby Dr. Andy Woods

Luke 23:39-43 records

the famous death-bedconversion of the “thief onthecross.”Therewereseventruths that the repentant thiefunderstood. Studying thesetruths is important since theyare the same realities thatall must embrace in orderto gain peace with theirCreator. These verses say:

Oneofthecriminalswhohungthere was hurling abuse atHim,saying,“AreYounottheChrist?SaveYourselfandus!”But the other answered, andrebuking him said, “Do younotevenfearGod,sinceyouareunderthesamesentenceof condemnation? “And weindeed are suffering justly,forweare receivingwhatwedeserve for our deeds; butthis man has done nothingwrong.” And he was saying,“Jesus, remember me whenYou come in Your kingdom!”And He said to him, “TrulyI say to you, today you shallbe with Me in Paradise.”

First, the repentant thiefrecognized the brevity ofthis life. He understood life’stemporal nature because

he was dying. The Bibleis clear on the topic of thebrevityofthislife(Ps103:15-16; Jas 4:14). Thus, all ofus should be concernedregarding what will happento us when this life ends.

Second, the penitent thiefunderstood the reality of theafterlife. In other words, heunderstoodthatlifeafterdeathwasjustasrealasthepresentlife. This understandingexplains why the repentantthief spoke with suchconfidence about Christ’scoming kingdom (verse 42).The Scripture teaches therealityoftheafterlife.BecauseGodhasdesignedthesoulishor immaterial part of man tolive forever (Eccl 3:11), allpeoplewillexistforever,eitherwith God in His kingdom orforeverseparatedfromHiminaplaceof conscious torment(Dan 12:2; Matt 25:46).

Third, the repentant thiefunderstood his guilt before

God. This understanding isevidenced by his statementin verse 41, “Andwe indeedare suffering justly, forwe are receiving what wedeserve for our deeds.” Heobviously understood thereality of his own guilt sincein the first-century Romanworld, the reason someonewas sentenced to hangon across was because he hadcommitted a capital offense.However, it is not just thosewho have committed terriblecrimes who are guilty. TheBible says in Romans 3:23,“For all have sinned and fallshortof thegloryofGod.” Inother words, every memberof the human race standsguilty before God becauseofoursinandourposition inthe first sinning man, Adam.

Fourth, the thiefon thecrossunderstoodtheuniquenessofJesusChrist. Verse 40 says,“Buttheotheranswered,andrebukinghimsaid,‘Doyounoteven fear God?’” Here is anindication thatheunderstoodthat Jesus Christ was God.Verse 41, in reference toJesus,hesaid, “but thismanhas done nothing wrong.”Thus, perhaps the penitentthief understood somethingabout Christ’s sinlessperfection.HerecognizedthatChristwas different than anymanhehadeverencountered.Ofcourse,thistooisarealitythat people must understandinordertobesaved.Jesusisnotoneamongequals,buttheuniqueGod-Man (John 8:58-59; 20:30-31; Rev 19:16).

“For All Have Sinned and Fallen

Short of the Glory of God.”

10

Fifth, the thief understoodthat Christ had the powerto save him.Not only did heunderstandhisownguilt,buthealsounderstoodthatJesus,thisextraordinaryMan, coulddo something to help himwithhisspecificpredicament.Thus, in verse 42, he said,“Jesus, remember me whenYoucomeintoYourkingdom!”Jesusnotonlyclaimed tobeGod, but He also claimed tohave the ability to help menwith their primary problem:their guilt and sin before aHolyGod.Thesolutiontothisdilemma is found in Christalone(John14:6;Acts4:12;1Tim2:5).

Sixth, the repentant thiefunderstood that he couldnot be saved through hisown good works or anyact of self-righteousness.Self-righteousness meansthat human beings can dosomethingtomeritfavorfrom

God. Since this thief wasnailed to a cross, what actsof self-righteousness couldhe do? He could not join achurch, do good deeds, orevenbebaptized.Hewasinahelplessposition.Wealsoarein a similar helpless positionsince we are incapable ofdoinganysortofrighteousacttomeritGod’sfavor.Godseesouractsofself-righteousnessasafilthygarment, ifweareusingthemtogainfavorfromHim(Isa64:6).

Seventh,thisthiefunderstoodthatitisnevertoolatetoaskGod for salvation. Althoughhe knew that his death wasimminent, he still believeditwas not too late to cry outto Christ formercy.Althoughguilty of a capital crime anddying, he did not believethat itwas too late forhimtoexperiencedivinegrace.Thethief’s persuasion provedcorrect as Christ gave him

immediate validation ofsalvation, “Truly Isay toyou,todayyoushallbewithMeinParadise”(vs.43).

No matter what you havedone, or how long you havelived,orhowcloseyouaretodeath, it is never too late toaskGod for salvation (2Cor6:2b).However,onceyoudieandyoupassintotheeternalrealm, then it is too late(Luke 16:19-31; Heb 9:27).

Do you know these spiritualrealities? Do you understandthebrevityofthislife,therealityof theafterlife, your personalguilt before God, Christ’suniqueness and power tosave you, the impotency ofself-righteousness,andthatitisnottoolatetotrustChristforsalvation? If so, do what thepenitent thief didand trust inChristaloneforyoursalvation.

Talitha Cumi Dance Experience

11

Talitha Cumi is an aramaic expression that means “Damsel (or daughter) I say unto you, Arise”.It is taken from Mark 5:41, the story of a 12 year girl who died. Jesus visited her home and spoke these words over her and her life was restored unto her. We believe that through Christ we have the ability to speak to dying and dead situations and restore life back into them. We seek to translate this same power and influence into the hearts of our audiences; thereby offering them a true Talitha Cumi Dance Experience.

Carnal

Christians

Carnal Christian – What does Scripture teach?

Question:“WhatisacarnalChristian? Can a trueChristianbecarnal?”

Answer: In answering thisquestion, let’s first define theterm“carnal.”Theword“carnal”is translated from the Greekword sarkikos, which literallymeans“fleshly.”Thisdescriptiveword is seen in the context ofChristians in 1 Corinthians 3:1-3. In this passage, the apostlePaul is addressing the readersas “brethren,” a term he usesalmost exclusively to refer toother Christians; he then goesontodescribethemas“carnal.”Therefore, we can concludethat Christians can be carnal.The Bible is absolutely clearthat no one is sinless (1 John1:8).Every timewesin,weareacting carnally. The key thingto understand is that while aChristian can be, for a time,carnal, a true Christian will notremain carnal for a lifetime.Somehaveabusedtheideaofa“carnalChristian”bysayingthatitispossibleforpeopletocometofaith inChristandthenproceedtolivetherestoftheirlivesinacompletely carnal manner, withnoevidenceofbeingbornagainoranewcreation(2Corinthians

5:17). Such a concept iscompletely un-biblical. James 2makes it abundantly clear thatgenuinefaithwillalwaysresultingood works. Ephesians 2:8-10declaresthatwhilewearesavedby grace alone through faithalone, that salvation will resultin works. Can a Christian, in atime of failure and/or rebellion,appear to be carnal? Yes. Willa trueChristian remain carnal?No.

Since eternal security is a factof Scripture, even the carnalChristianisstillsaved.Salvationcannotbelost,becausesalvationisagiftofGodthatHewillnottakeaway(seeJohn10:28;Romans8:37-39; 1 John 5:13). Even in1 Corinthians 3:15, the carnalChristianisassuredofsalvation:“If anyone’swork is burned, hewill suffer loss; but he himselfwillbesaved,yetsoasthroughfire.”Thequestionisnotwhethera person who claims to be aChristian but lives carnally haslost his salvation, but whetherthat person was truly saved inthe first place (1 John 2:19).

Christians who become carnalin their behavior can expectGod to lovingly discipline them(Hebrews 12:5-11) so they canbe restored to close fellowshipwithHimandbetrainedtoobeyHim.God’s desire in saving usis that we would progressivelygrowclosertotheimageofChrist(Romans 12:1-2), becomingincreasingly spiritual anddecreasingly carnal, a processknown as sanctification. Untilwearedeliveredfromoursinfulflesh, there will be outbreaksof carnality. For a genuinebelieverinChrist,though,theseoutbreaksofcarnalitywillbetheexception,nottherule.http://www.gotquestions.org/carnal-Christian.html

Theword “Christian” is used inmany different contexts today.However, very few peopleunderstand what a “CarnalChristian” is all about. If wesearch, we will not find thephrase“CarnalChristian” in theBible but the Scripture doesteach about being carnallymindedandlivingoutofouroldsin nature orwhatwe inheritedaspartofhumanity.Thebiblicalword translated “carnal” is also

There are Two Groups of People in this WorldUnbelievers & Believers

However there are three types of believers. There’s

the Mature Believer, Carnal (fleshy)

believer, and the babes in Christ. But we will learn about

the Carnal Christian.

UN

BE

LIE

VE

RS B

ELIE

VE

RS

Mature

Christian:

On the Meat of

the Word

Babes in Christ(new converts)

Carnal Christian:Seek Fleshly Things

dId you KnoW? | M’braCing beauTy Magazine

I Cor. 3:1-5

I Peter 2:2

12

translated“flesh”anditdenotesmerehumannatureortheearthlynature of mankind apart fromdivineinfluence,andthereforeitis prone to sin and opposed toGod.

ACarnalChristian isabelieverinChristwhoismoreinfluencedbytheirhumanorearthlynaturerather than the nature of God.Scripture teaches thatwe haveourtreasureinanearthenvessel(2 Corinthians 4:7).An earthenvesselismadefromdirt.Genesis2:7saysthatGodformedAdamfromthedustoftheground.Wecould then say we have whatisoursasbelievers inChrist ina body of flesh or dirt.We arealso told thatwhenwecometoChrist we are a “new creation”(1 Corinthians 5:17). However,thenewcreationhastodowithour spiritual life and is not atransformationofouroldfleshorourcarnalbody.Theissuethenis what controls our treasure.Are we as Carnal Christianscontrolledbyourcarnalorfleshlysin nature or do we surrenderto the new creation, which isempoweredbytheSpiritofGod?

Carnal Christian – How is it defined?

TheApostlePaul speaksaboutCarnal Christians in Romans8:6-7 and 1 Corinthians 3:1-4.The characteristics spoken ofin these passages are that thecarnal or fleshly mind, whichis human viewpoint, is enmityagainst God or is anti-God. Itcannot please God, is unableto digest solid spiritual food,and is filled with strife, envy,and division. These are veryunhealthyspiritualtraitsandthereality is that all believers are

arenotfulfillingourtruespiritualpurpose, we suffer self-inflictedmisery.

Carnal Christian – What is the remedy?

How can you be transformedfrom being a Carnal Christianto being a Spirit-led Christian?We find an answer in Romans12:1-2wherewe read that youcanchoosetosubmityourfleshor carnality as a living sacrificeor what that is set apart untoGod and not be conformed ormolded by the pressure of theworldandtheflesh.Youcanbetransformed,whichisacontinualprocess, through allowing theWord of God to renew yourmind so that we may prove orauthenticate, to put to the test,whatisthegoodandacceptableor fullyagreeableandcompletewillofGod.

ItisGod’swillthenforaCarnalChristian to mature and growstrong in their faith andwalk inobedience.Theongoingprocessthat takes a believer in Christfrom a Carnal Christian to onewhoisengagedinmaturingasachildofGodisthechoicetotakein the solid food of the Word,which equips us as Christianstobeable todiscernor reasonwhat is good and what is evil.(Hebrews5:13-14).

carnally minded at one time oranother.Itisamatterofgrowingup and becomingmature. Thatisaprocessthatcontinuesonadaily basis as we acknowledgeourneedofgraceandsubmittotheprocess.

WefullysurrendertotheLORDas He works through everysituationinourlivetoconformustoHisimage.Sothen,weknowthat a Carnal Christian is onewho is characterized by innermental attitudes that are not inagreementwithGod’sviewpointand from our inner mentalattitudes come our actions.Wecould then say that a CarnalChristian is one who does notfocus upon God’s Word, doesnotseethenecessityofobeyingGod and does not experiencetheabundantpeaceandjoythatisthebelieversiftheysubmittothe power of the Spirit in theirlives rather than being led bytheiroldcarnalnature(Galatians5:16).

ACarnalChristian isoftenveryfrustrated because the Spirit ofGodisfaithfultousandconvictsandconvincesusthatwhenweare operating out of our carnalflesh,wearenot fulfillingGod’spurpose for us. Our purposeas children of God is to bringglory to Him in all our choicesand actions and so since we

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What Does It Takes To Grow? The Bible!

A. The Purpose:

The purpose is the same goal that Epaphras had for the Colossian Christian. He prayed for them, “That you may become mature Christians and that you may fulfill God’s will for you” (Col 4:12).

That’s what God wants for us. He wants us to grow up. You can circle the word “mature” and “God’s will” they are both in the same sentence. It is God’s will that you grow up.

Listen to the verse from the Apostle Paul:

Ephesians 4:14,15, “We are not meant to remain as children but to grow up in every way into Christ.”

“Do you realize that God wants you to grow up? I have a friend who works at the Medical Lake facility for those with developmental disabilities. I went out there one day with him and saw men and women with mature bodies, but immature minds. It was tragic. One young man looked to be in his late 20’s, in a wheelchair. The aide would place a plastic ball in his lap, and he’d try and try to knock it off with his hands. Sometimes it would take him a full minute. Sometimes it would take him 3 to 4 minutes.”

If we look at arrested development mentally, physically, and think, “How tragic,” what must God the father think when he looks at arrested development spiritually? Here’s a question for you….

B. What is Spiritual Maturity? Being like Christ

Eph 4:13; according to this verse, you can define spiritual maturity in one phrase. That phrase is this: Spiritual

maturity is being like Christ.

Most of us want to grow. Most of us want to mature. Most of us want to be like Christ. Many times we don’t know how to get started.

C. OVERVIEW: Seven Habits of Maturing Christians:

We will focus on the seven basic habits every Christian needs to develop in order to grow to spiritual maturity. My goal is to ….

Equip you with skills you need to begin these habits.

Explain the tools you need to continue these habits.

1. In order to grow we need to eat – Bible

2. In order to grow we need to breathe – Prayer

3. In order to grow we need good spiritual hygiene – Confession of sin

4. In order to grow we need a caring family – Fellowship

5. In order to grow we need regular exercise – Service

6. In order to grow we need protection – Temptation

7. In order to grow we need to give – Stewardship

D. Facts About Spiritual Maturity:

1. Spiritual maturity doesn’t happen automatically.

Did you know that you can be a Christian and never grow up spiritually?

Hebrews 5:12-13, “You have been Christians a long time now, and you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again

the basic things a beginner must learn about Scriptures. You are like babies who drink only milk and cannot eat solid food. And a person who is living on milk isn’t very far along in the Christian life and doesn’t know much about doing what is right.” (NLT)

2. Spiritual maturity doesn’t happen quickly.

The Bible says in 2 Peter 3:18, “Continue to grow in grace and knowledge of our Savior, Jesus Christ.” (That indicates a process. It takes time. It’s not instantaneous)

There are some Christians that have known Christ for 50 years. By now they should be mature. But they are poking along at 1 mile per hour. Or some of them have stalled out. Not going anywhere. Just sitting there, causing a traffic jam behind them.

Theme verse: 2 Peter 3:18

There are no shortcuts to spiritual growth. There’s no instant pill I could give you that you could take and tomorrow you’re going to be spiritually mature. IT TAKES TIME. It takes an intentional pursuit. It won’t come automatically or quickly.

3. Spiritual maturity won’t happen without discipline.

I Tim 4:7 says, “Take the time and the trouble to keep your self spiritually fit.” Is physical fitness automatic? No. Neither is spiritual fitness. It takes time and trouble. Just like to be physically fit you’ve got to exercise, develop some basic habits. That’s true in the Christian life. The Bible says, “Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness.” It takes discipline!

E. The Goal: That I will commit to the habits necessary for spiritual maturity…

By John Underhill

SPiRiTUAL MATURiTY

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BIBLICAL PUZZLE

ADAM EVE SAVIOR THEE

ANGELS LORD INHABITANTS SAVE

DELIVER MOSES SINFUL SON

FAITH SAMUEL DAVID LOVE

JERUSALEM TEMPLE FAVOR JUDAH

J J M M L O R D T I D E L I V E R D E N W S R J M A D A M H A U R U O E I V P A N S O D S V V I L B G C V A E A E D E I E H A H S S L V R T L R F A I T H E E A

S I N F U L V L M N O S A V I O R B K T N T M K L E U M A S

WORD SEARCH

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