New Discoveries About The Bible
“No man’s [or woman’s] education is complete if he [she] does not know the Bible.” the previous is the quote that started our lesson on the Bible as a whole. Considering this quote, share with us one or two things you learned from the lesson and how this new learning will impact your study of the Bible?
Moses, Deborah, Amos, and Jeremiah all experienced a call to Gospel ministry. The experiences of these four differed in many ways but each was nonetheless a call from God to a specific work of ministry beyond that of the call to Christianity. Whether as Deacons or Minister’s each of us has expressed a call to the Gospel ministry. Share with us your experience of receiving and accepting God’s call in on your life.
One of the things I learned was how the Bible is set up. For a long time, my understanding of the Bible as a whole was that it was a collection of books that guild how we as christians are supposed to live our lives. But now I understand that the Bible is all connected, and I’m looking forward to this approach of studying the Bible.
I’ve wrestled a long time with accepting the call to ministry. For me, I thought I had to reach a point in my walk in order to say yes when all God wanted was a yes. I remember sitting in bible study and hearing that God’s plan whether I said yes or not will be done. From that moment I knew it was time to accept my call. I’ve prayed so long for God’s will to be done. The thought of missing God’s plan for me because I didn’t say yes hurt me deeply and so I said yes. I’m grateful to God that I was obedient in doing so because I have learned so much, and I’m excited for what’s to come.
I had an no clear understanding about the Bible until I learned about the Types of Christ in the Old Testament. It connected to the New Testament especially the Gospels. When I finally knew I had a calling I did not want to be a preacher until I got to LFCC. Pastor Sal and Pastor Matisha helped me a lot and still helping me.
Clay,
Thank you for your post. The Bible is such an exciting living sharp indescribable gift from God. Knowing it will enhance our ability to both live it and declare it. I am excited about how God is opening the eyes of your understanding as we learn and train for ministry.
One of the most interesting things I learned was how the individual testaments are split up. I always knew there were major and minor prophets and that the story of Israel takes up much of the Old Testament, but I never know how they were further divided. I love history so seeing that Joshua through Esther are historical texts, it makes me excited to sit down and read. I remember I read a 700 page book about the Revolutionary war and a 600 page book about the Donner party over the summer while I was in high school and I loved them! It was so interesting to be able to go imagine going through these experiences with these characters who really lived these stories! It made me think, why haven’t I done this with the Bible? In those other books I am sure there were certain liberties taken in telling the story, but The Bible tells the exact story. There are not liberties, no candy-coating, this is what happened and I love books like that (I have never been a big fiction reader). I think as we continue this study I will dig deeper into the stories of the Bible, gleaning from them the lessons that I can apply today and also develop a better understanding of God’s chosen nation. Their story is important to my story and I am excited to read and study what they prevailed through.
Pastor Linda has been telling me for YEARS that I would be a great preacher and I just brushed it off. A couple of years ago I began to notice the nudge of God and in my heart I knew that I would become a preacher, but at the church I was in at the time I did not hear God say “now is the time.” Last year, during another conversation with Pastor Linda, she just knows things, she said to me, “You have a voice for this generation.” Now that scared me! I tried to let it go but her words have been ringing in my spirit ever since se said them. When Clay and I moved down here it started to become a heavy and loud call from God that I needed to accept my call. It was funny because at the time that I was wrestling many of the Bible studies and sermons were about saying yes to God or accepting your call or I would take it that way, isn’t God funny? (He is…He’s hilarious!) When I finally made up my mind to accept my call to ministry I felt a weight lifted, I felt as though I was in the right place at the right time and God began to open my eyes to things I had never seen and set my mind on things I had never thought. I am excited to be on this journey and continually say yes to God everyday!
Based on this reading it was a refresher for me which I needed. When growing up in children’s church, I remember learning all of the books of the Bible in order from Genesis to Revelations. I also had opportunity to learn these things in seminary. Well after the reading I attempted to write all the books of the Bible from beginning to end and i was unable to fully identify the the order in which the books of the Bible were. The good thing is that I am able to find them when looking for a certain book. That further showed me how much the basics are even important now as I have grown in Christ. Let me also add that though learning the break down of the books of the Bible in seminary it never provoked me to see if I puke quote the books in order.
When accepting my call to ministry I wrestled for a while. I can remember being in my introduction to social work class freshman year and had been discussing my grassroots as it related to various ethical dilemmas in our reading. Somehow the discussion of how belief systems play a role a particular dilemma cane up and whatever I said provoked my professor to pause. She asked me what I wanted to do with my social work degree; I told her work with children. Well after some dialogue she says “it may be good for your to consider how you could merge the church and the social work field together”. For some reason when she said it, it made me uncomfortable and I never forgot the statement. Later on I witnessed two of my peers do their initial sermons and it made me uncomfortable but also want whatever God had done in them to do in me. So I decided I wanted to be a motivational speaker and I wanted to go to seminary to study the Bible. I was on a track to receive my Master if Social Work and M. Div all at once but somehow the M. Div became my focus. While in seminary I took my first preaching class and let’s just say once I finished my little one page sermon I burst into tears lol! TRAGIC! Dr. McKenzie just looks at me and said “You gone be alright, just let the Lord have his way”. All while this was going on i constantly heard “eat the scroll” had no idea where it was coming from. But the moment I came across it in scripture I almost lost my mind. At this moment I knew I had to respond to the call of God.
Even answering the call I still hadn’t accepted it. I say that because I was still not loving a life above reproach. Still trying to live for God and serve the devil. It when I accepted it fully, I learned that what I did effected everyone and now I am more self aware as to how my actions effect those around me and more importantly my relationship with the Lord.
Min. Krystal,
Thank you for bringing out the nuance between answering and accepting the call. We can certainly say yes but not accept all that yes means for and in every area of our lives. Yes is more that just want we say, as you pointed out it is how we live, what we do and or what we don’t do. Praise God for long-suffering.
Pastor Matisha
I was blown to pieces learning how the Old Testament broke ground for the coming of Jesus Christ. This is my own interpretation. I am saying the different types of Christ in the Old Testament. The types of Christ paved the way for Jesus Christ our Savior. I love Jonah in the belly of the fish for three days. {Type of Christ} Jesus Christ died and rose on the third day. The Sacrificial Lamb was supposed to be without blemish. {Type of Christ} Jesus Christ was pure and undefiled. Noah was found by God to be a just man. {Type of Christ} Jesus Christ holy and just. Noah built the Ark to save human mankind. {Type of Christ} Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God who sacrifice His life for us to have eternal life. It is so many instances of the types of Christ in the Old Testament. This helped me so much and I am so excited about digging in deep learning about the Bible. This lesson brought back my excitement about the Bible. I prayed before I came to LFCC for God to send me to a church to learn. God is so faithful.
I never thought anything about the things my mother used to say to me while I was growing up. My mother “Girl you are going to be used by God one day.” My mother told my sisters and brother follow Boo-Boo she runs to the church for prayer. As I got older I knew I was going to do something but did not really know. I used to be the problem solver saving my sisters and their friends. Still I called it just doing what is right.
Hello Rev. Donzella,
Thank you for your insights. It is beautiful how we see even God going through the “process” of sending His Son. His patients is also a wonder to me. In His great love for us He works in a way we can understand (in this case time) to reveal Himself in such a way that we can comprehend. Only God. It is a blessing how God leads us gently into the massive call He has over our lives, and uses others (in this case your Mother) to assist Him.
Praise God for being excited about the Word of God. It is such an awesome gift from God. Through it we know God and the more we know Him the more we want to be with Him.
Praise God for how He loves us.
Blessings,
Pastor Matisha
The bible is our instructions while we are living on earth. How can we follow directions if we do not know what the rules of life are? I pondered this question as I was reading chapter 1.
What did I learn from the lesson?
What did I learn about the bible and how will it impact me?The truth is first I learned the definition of words that I previously did not know. This will impact my study of the bible because it will cause me to look up words that I do not know which in turn will give me a better understanding of what am I reading.
Second it caused me to become excited because I will then be able to comprehend which will cause me to be able to make self to content connections so I can internalize it and remember it so that I am able to share it with the who-so-ever. It will finally make sense to me. I am very excited!!!!
Accepting my call to be a Deacon;
Old things have passed and behold all things have become new. One day the word “serve” fell into my spirit. I didn’t know what it meant and I ignored it. Jesus said to me, “I have given you everything that you need, you need to trust me”. “Live your life for me”. Everything that you need is in you I am your God you will receive my truth that you will give to my people. Serve the lord with all your heart and all your soul rang in my spirit. When I accepted the call to be a deacon it was like I had come home. I truly believe and know I was created to serve. It is my gift from God. I serve so freely and completely without tiring or feeling overwhelmed. It makes my heart happy to see other people happy. I just want to serve in any capacity. Whether its serving God’s people, cleaning his house, helping others in any and every way I can, it brings a feeling of great satisfaction because I know that God is well –pleased and I am doing the will of God. After I made the commitment to God to become a deacon it was a struggle for me. I tried to do things in my own strength. It was a struggle because at first I was relying on me and not on God. I have learned to trust him in all that I do. I have so much faith in God and I am seeing the fruit of my labor in all areas of my life. I am so grateful that I have learned how to be obedient. There is not lack in my life. Everything is working for my good because I have put God first. He will continue to be the head of my life. I am on fire for the Lord. I will continue to serve him and listen for him to give me clarity for the next call he has on my life.
In reading the lesson, a couple of things resonated with me. At first glance they almost appeared to be paradoxical, but God is a wonder-worker.
Right off the bat, I was in absolute awe at the rich, and complex tapestry of God-breathed Scripture that the lesson describes. Then I found myself amazed at a single, simple, yet truly awesome truth… that Jesus is the irreducibly beautiful thread that is woven through the entire Bible. During my life, I have read large portions of the Bible, but now I will be doing my reading with a new perspective, and more thanksgiving, praise, and worship, in mind.
As I reflect back on my life, I can see several times where God gave me glimpses of His future plans for me, if I would just trust Him. I recall that as a youth, I was asked to get up in front of the church and talk about how the practical advice found in James impacted me and helped me try to be a good influence on my friends and peers at school. I can hear my parent’s prayers for me to listen for God’s guidance and allow Him to work through me to help people and point them to Him. And those are my prayers now, too.
But for a very long time I considered myself unworthy to say yes to be used by God, and I certainly lived a life of sin and the shame that followed. Then God opened my eyes to the ways out He was always providing, and I started taking them. These were tentative first steps, but I found the heaviness that had been weighing me down begin to lift. And my heart was glad!
Not to belabor them, but there were some very rough times that God and I needed to work through before I finally submitted to Him and His purpose for me. When I did though, and accepted that I was called to do more than just exist here on Earth, all I can say is that God is so good!
I do not know what all He has in store for me, but it is with gladness and humility that I learn that there is lots and lots for me to learn.
Hello MIT Jason,
Thank you for sharing. Yes it is such an awesome wonder how God took His omniscient time revealing Himself to us through Jesus Christ. I a way that we could understand. I am continuously in awe of God’s patients and love for us as well as His determination to have us to know Him.
As it was for Rev. Donzella, praise God for parents who sowed seeds of faith into our lives; And praise God even the more for getting the increase.
Blessings,
Pastor Matisha
One amazing thing that excites me with a yearning to learn more about the Bible is how the books are broken down. I knew there are 66 books but not broken down like this. It actually makes me not to think, “ the Bible is such a long story to read!” :). I am looking forward to what God is doing through this study. As i stated before, i get so overwhelmed when reading the word. I see things jump out at me and i just want to cry. This step by step, i pray will encourages me to write more. Amen!
The experiences of receiving and accepting my call. I can not recall the date or time. I know, i remembered sitting in a meeting right after service when Pastor David called all the Leaders to stay awhile to have a meeting. I knew i wasn’t a leader yet. But for some reason, I stayed and went to the meeting not realizing i was in the meeting. Next thing you know, i was encouraged to start coming to the Leadership meeting.
During the many Saturday Leadership meetings, i knew God was calling me into Ministry. I was already serving God. I was already doing the will of God. I was already making impacts in the community. But i was lacking training. That’s when my heart grew to accept and follow the call over my life.
One night, God asked me a question, “Are you willing to go where i am sending you?” I responded in a yearning, wanting to please Him, “Yes Lord, I am willing to go where you want me to go. Send me!” Then i fell.
As time went by, i had a yearning and desire to study and read about the prophets. The calling of the prophets. I would different books about prophecy, the roles of the prophets, i was so curious. I remembered having so many visions and dreams when reading the word of God. I get so overwhelmed when i see visions. I would write them all down. Majority of times, i would not share with anyone. God would show me or speak to me during church services, during Bible studies, while i am out and about, but i did not understand what it all meant. I see things and it all scared me. I spoke things not realizing what i have spoken and it came to pass. I have spoken death, death came. I spoke life, life came. It all scared me.
I finally shared somethings to Pastor Linda. Then she would start walking with me in my calling. She would instruct me what to do with them. In the process she was teaching me on how to say things in love. Giving grace and mercy of what God showed me about people. She was instructing me on how to use my words wisely and to love the people, God’s people. And to be very careful of what I say.
Step by step, little by little I understood what God was calling me to be and to do. I have experienced a lot since accepting the call. Many i still need teaching and training. I am so grateful for His love, His grace, and His mercy toward me in the midst of my challenges and overwhelming issues. I am so grateful He loves me enough to call me for His will and for His purpose. I know, moving forward He is with me holding my hands to finish the work He began in me. He called me in my mother’s womb. He ordained me before the foundation of the earth. I am called my God. I am confident that He saw me worthy to bring forth about His purpose through me.
Hello Leaders,
One of the things that stood out to me in the lesson is the phrase “to prove that you are a true minister of the gospel.” One of the reference Scriptures came from 1 Corinthians 10:13. This passage of Scripture is familiar for me; I have memorized and put into practice to not allow temptation to overcome me. And yes, I (we) know God is faithful. God is so good that He will not let believers experience anything for which He has not prepared them. Prepared us! Therefore, since He has prepared us, when we are ready for the test and to be tempted, then God we prove us. God is still seeking to prove that you are who He says you are. God is proving through my actions that I am ready. God will give every believer the grace and power to endure. This reminds me that God is faithful by whom you were called into fellowship to His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
My experience of receiving and accepting God’s call in/on my life has been a long process. However, not to prolong my response to the question, the clear receiving and acceptance of my call to ministry was in 2005. Prior to receiving and accepting the call into ministry, I had wrestled over the decision to accept the call for years after hearing and even having the impression hard-pressed on my heart to preach and teach His word. I had debated and even attempted to negotiate with God, because I felt I was not ready nor equipped. But no excuse nor rhyme or reasoning would take away the pressing on my heart. Therefore, I surrendered to be His vessel, and I continue to surrender daily to Him. My experience with Him, reminds me that no matter what my family, friends, bystander would say about my calling, I know that God called me and will continue to equip me.
Because of His Love,
Richard
When I was around the age of ten, I felt that I was separated from the peers around me at the time. No, I can’t rightfully say that I was called at an early age. Contrarily, I didn’t hear God’s call on me until I was in my mid to late twenty’s. I knew that God had a purpose for me. I was exceedingly hesitant in walking in it. I felt I did not know His word enough to even speak to anyone else about it. I chose to dismiss it until I was in the midst of a struggle. I would then find a bible to just pick a passage to read. Little did I know, God was working it out. You see, I knew where find the book of Genesis and the book of Revelations. Everything else was ” in there somewhere “.
I would continue this way for a couple of years- all the while I was getting the truths of God word. This was the time between the late 1990s to the late 2008. I read scriptures all the time without truly understanding them. I wanted to grasp a deeper understanding of what was God’s purpose for me. As I grow ever closer to God, I had to realize that everything is in his purpose for myself and those around me. I currently am seeking an even deeper relationship with God than I had before. He is revealing a richer, and ever clearer understanding of what His plans and purpose He has called me to.
I have been planted, I am being fed.
He is pruning away the dead or dying parts so that I shall bear good fruit.
Lord, I thank you
I do not gave the lesson plan but I will try to answer this week’s question best I can.
Answering the call was difficult, I felt as if my life that I knew it would be over and become dull. That was a great struggle for me, looking at what I had previously known about church/religion. After accepting and submitting I realized I had it totally wrong, but I did needed to start reading and studying the Word of GOD. In doing so I found a new understanding of what my call was and how I should walk in my call. The bible has instructed and guided me through my growth periods and I’m still yet learning and growing. I did not enjoy reading the bible because of a lack of understanding and my short attention span I would get distracted easily. I’ve learned to pray first and trust GOD to assist me in my reading.
Its very similar for me as well. I thought my life would be boring but I’ve learned that you can have fun with out drinking and doing other foolish things. We have great times when we fellowship together.
I also struggled with staying focus when reading the Word but I find it helpful when I pray prior to reading and also turn off all distractions. The way this lesson breaks the Bible down into sections is very helpful to me too. I’m really enjoying this training and I’m taken many nuggets from all involved
This lesson reminded me how much I enjoy reading the Bible and comprehending what I read. Reading the Bible as a child with my Grandmother is what brought me to the place of recieving Jesus Chirst as my Lord and Saviour. I’m praying that this year through the Bible will bring a greater enjoyment and a deeper comprehension of God’s word,not just by reading but by digging in and eating it.
My experience of recieving God’s call on my life came through a dream were He wrote ELDER in front of my name. He made it plain and clear.
I stand in Awe of the Great Faithfulness of God’s Calling. This is not a easy Yes, I love the Lord with everything that is within I fear that I would mess up a soul that God leads me to Ministry with. It is imperative that I Study The Whole Bible know the correct address and Rightly divide The Word of Truth. I do not proclaim to know everything but when I am asked something that I don’t have 100% Confidence that I have The clarity, I do not ablib or guess. I do more research and or ask some questions. Then I am able to show what the Lord said from the Bible not Yolanda’s word and or thoughts.
Genesis 22 1-8 is the text scripture that speaks volumes on how not knowing 100% of the outcome but Standing on The Promises of God no matter what! Abraham is labeled as The Beloved and Obedient Son. I am not saying that I am 100% Obedient 100% of the time. But my daily cry, Son of David, have Mercy on me. Please help my unbelief. God is Faithful, God is a Provider many people have witness that to me but I know without a shadow of doubt that this is True. In my lifetime, I have some days I was unsure about the basic needs of life water, shelter, clothing or food. But God showed up mightily. It was not easy, just as Abraham did in the scripture I had to go up the mountain and continue daily to go up the mountain. The Most important thing that I know is found in Philippians 3:10-11. “That I may know Him and The Power of His Resurrection, and may share His Sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, that I may attain the Resurrection from the dead.”
This is what I received from this week’s lesson.
In His Service
Yolanda
I did not have the lesson to read/study.
I must say that I do not know everything that is in the Bible nor do I always have all the answers to questions that my be presented to me. What I can tell you,in my understanding of the bible, is that it is the truth, freeing and a lie print to survival here in this realm. The bible had all the answers to everything we need, in my view. The bible is a lifeline.
Recieving and Answering The Call of Deacon
Working in the church (past and present) has been apart of my life since my early 20’s. Working in the church in service to The Lord feels right and brings pure joy and peace most times. It wasn’t until I moved here that I really began to be fed The Word on a whole new level and I absorbed ad much as possible. Serving as a member of hospitality lead me to seek more ways to serve The Lord and HIS people. The Lord led me to train and serve as an usher. That is when my life began to transform more than ever before. I learned so much and wanted to never stop ushering. I found that I have a passion for serving people. To see people smiling and comfortably worshipping GOD without worries of their safety ignited a fire in my heart to always stand in the gap and pray for a safe atmosphere and show the love of GOD to HIS people. I will usher until my last breathe GOD willing. As time progressed, I began to clean the church and spend time with GOD as I did so. The word deacon came into my spirit one day and I ignored it. Soon after different members ordained and not ordained ,would say ” You would make a good deacon”. I ignored that too many times. I finally had to ha e a chat with Pastor Sal about this deacon word that kept presenting itself whether by person or in my spirit. Pastor Sal helped me think more clearly about it and prayed as well. I had to settle my mind and listen to my spirit and hear from The Holy Spirit. I excepted the call of Deacon verbally saying “Yes” out loud to The Lord. Now ,there isn’t a day that goes by even now that I dont question myself about being a deacon. I feel ad though even though GOD can /will use anyone to do what HE wants to get done, I will never be worthy to be HIS Deacon. I am not perfect and I mess up somehow everyday, knowingly and unknowingly. GOD is so big and so perfect, I am but dust and have limited knowledge. Yet, HE loves me and trust me enough to see about HIS people and sanctuary. I do not take this call lightly nor do I think that I am “the best” deacon, as this not a race amongst anyone else’s call/purpose. I am really just a servant hoping and praying I can make GOD smile and make HIM pleased to call me servant. My heart is to serve The Lord and HIS people. So, I answer the call of being a deacon everyday with caution fully knowing who HE is and who I strive to be in HIS sight.
When I was younger the Bible just seemed like a collective book of stories that everyone would learn for life. I never really saw it as one story with the underlying message of Jesus. Because I did not see the Bible the way God intended I was really never really pressed to read it. I would only read a section here and maybe a section out of the New Testament. After reading this lesson it has really helped me to group books together that will help with my preaching in the future.
I believe the first time I knew I was called was my first semester of high school. I was going to a teen program in Alabama and while there I heard clear as the day God tell me that I was born to preach his word. At that time I was not trying to hear that at all but the next day the leader of the youth conference stopped me and told me the same thing. For the next few years, I spent my life running from God. While in college I had a crazy life event happen that put me in a position to start walking towards my calling. At that time I would start walking towards my calling but ultimately not allowing God to use me. I was still getting drunk, smoking and doing these I knew were against God’s word. It got so bad that I knew I could no longer ACT like I was doing the right thing so I walked away. This lasted for another few years and finally, we moved to Newport News. The minute we moved here it seemed that no matter where I would go I could not run away anymore. I stepped inside of LFCC and my eyes were opened how I was actually living. Since finally accepting the call on my life I am no longer living a double-minded life.
A lot of the information from this week’s listen was in line with what I learned about the Bible from Bible college years ago. I really enjoy the history of creation from Genesis Chapter 1: 1-31 down to Genesis chapter 6: 1-4. It stirs up many questions in me such as; the state of the earth prior to Adam and Eve (since the earth became instead of was), and the questions of who the Sons of God were, the Nephilim’s, and the men of renown. It may not have much bearing on our salvation, if any, however; it does create a desire to delve into the word even more confirming what I had been taught and giving me a greater meaning and understanding of his word. The bible tells us to study to show ourselves approved and these exercises are provoking me to greater.
I’ve known since I was a young adult that I had a calling on my live. As a babe in Christ, I hungered and thirst for the truth of his word. I would spend hours upon hours reading and studying his word. Our church instituted training for those called to the fivefold ministry, but it wasn’t a formal training. Our learning took place through our weekly Bible Study, and/or Bible College courses. Then once a month, on a Friday or Sunday night, we were required to bring forth a 15 minute sermon. It wasn’t until I came to LFCC that I was challenged to answer the call to ministry. At my former church, we were told that God would confirm our call to the Pastor and when we were ready, the Pastor would call us forth. I never knew that it was appropriate for me to go to my Pastor and let him know I wanted to answer the call of God on my life.
All that changed when I came to LFCC. Once I was educated on my responsibility to answer my call, I began to seek God, even though I still wrestled with going to the Pastors. As I sought God, He took me to Romans 12:7, Isaiah 6:7-8. and Jeremiah 1:4-8 to confirm my calling. He also sent Rev. Johnson and Rev. Donzella to me to ask me when I was going to answer the call to ministry. I was still very hesitant, but I eventually accepted the call and joined the leadership team.
I’ve learned that this call is more than just a notation and it must be taking seriously. God is ready but we must be willing and obedient. In our preparation, we will be tried, tested, and hopefully proven so that we may truly know Him (Philippians 3:10) and so that when we preach to others, we ourselves will not be casted away (1 Corinthians 9:27).
Question 1
“No man’s [or woman’s] education is complete if he [she] does not know the Bible.” the previous is the quote that started our lesson on the Bible as a whole. Considering this quote, share with us one or two things you learned from the lesson and how this new learning will impact your study of the Bible?
One thing that caught my attention was romans 5: 12 there for just as one mans sin entered the world and death through sin and thus death spread to all men (1) That scripture right there is a good reminder that my actions whether good or bad will affect people around me
Question 2
Share with us your experience of receiving and accepting God’s call in on your life.
My experience of receiving and accepting the call as a Deacon was exciting at first, I was ready to serve. Then the war began; making changes in my life from to old man to the new man. God was showing me how selfish I was. God also showed me that I had to deal with my past hurts which could have a major impact on my future. People’s lives are in the balance so my call to ministry must be taken seriously
One of the things I learned was that the New Testament was written in Greek. I had always believed it was written in Hebrew and later translated to Greek following Paul’s Ministry. To find out that it was written in Greek, I am inquiring about taking a language course either in Hebrew or Greek.
I have never heard the books of Poetry – Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and the Song of Solomon referred to as “The Middle Five Books”. Question – Is this just this individual writer’s belief or is this an factual statement?
The calling on my life was at an early age but I did not understand it or know it. As long as I could remember I was very outspoken and a people person, seeming to always active in taking up for those who were weaker or being bullied. I would champion on their behalf for fair and equitable treatment. I had a niche for motivating and inspiring others, this was evident when I participated in team sports. I always felt drawn to church and the warmness and the sense of peace that it provided. I just did not receiving any nurturing or mentoring as a young man and I was what you would call “Sometimes Sunday Kid” – you know, Sunday School, Holidays and sometimes Sundays. So I never got introduced to ministry as it related to someone actually prophesying over my life until I was stationed in Whidbey Island and we started attending LFCC Whidbey Island.
One day during service Pastor Linda prophesied over my life. Telling me that I was going to be like Steven, who at that time I didn’t know who that was. She said that I was going to be a Deacon full of the Holy Spirit. I had heard of a deacons and all that came to my mind at that time was those old men sitting up front, delivering long prayers and always disciplining and telling us kids what to do while at church. After receiving that I begin to run from that calling and I mean run hard. I begin to party more and more, running amuck and just went to church to make my wife happy.
My life begin to spin out of control whereas those things I was doing in secret begin to collide with my family life and my life was collapsing into shambles. I believe it was in 2002, following a deployment, I was invited to a Men’s Retreat at LFCC Whidbey Island which they titled it as an “Advance”. I wasn’t intending to go because at this time I was a Mason and one of my fellow brother Mason was having an event. But that Friday afternoon I got home my wife had my bag half pack and ready to go and some brother from the church had left a free ticket and a message for me to come. I never knew who that brother was who paid for me to attend. I tell people often it was a set up – and I love a God who sets us up.
At this time I was still smoking cigarettes and drinking. Now mind you one of our guest speaker’s was none other than Elder Sal or perhaps he was a Minister (I need to ask him). At this time he had been a former leader of LFCC Whidbey Island and had transferred to Virginia. The location of the Advance was at Jim Greek an old Naval Radio Station ran by Navy MWR located in the mountains near Oso, Washington. A beautiful and serene place.
During an evening service, there was such a dynamic move of God. Men were getting freed from everything from pornography, smoking and cussing. There were men for the first time talking in Tongue, including myself. Men were destroying pornography tapes, music CDs and magazines. That night I felt so free that I shared all my own personal dark secrets, repenting and asking God for forgiveness. I felt so much weight off my shoulders. But then the Pastor David said now the real work begins and that I would have to share with my wife all my infidelity. I said sure, I would – he gave me some guidance to address it with my wife with the pastors present only to discuss.
After the service was over and the room was put back. I thought to myself these Negros crazy – “I am not telling my wife nothing”. They crazy!! I ain’t doing that, telling my wife nothing”. So that night I as I attempted to go to sleep, I felt as though a mist was choking me and I woke up screaming. The roommate I had asked if I was ok. I told him yeah, the Holy Spirit kept telling me to pray, to pray, but I was like I’m going to sleep, then it happened again. I couldn’t breathe, I felt as though I was being chocked. Again I heard you need to pray, you need to pray. So I got up and went to the room where were at earlier and went to the corner of the room and begin to pray. As I begin to pray, I started seeing my life like in 3D in a movie reel type setting. I just kept praying to God, help me as I kept seeing things happening in my past, but as things was happening there was a hand that would grab, push, tug me out of the way or move me on to some other destinations. I then heard a noise and when I raised my head I checked my watch and it was 6:30 am. I had been there all night but yet it felt like 15-25 minutes at the most. Although I did not know what I was called to do but from that day forward I begin to run for God. Studying God’s word and seeking to be obedient to God and be in His Will. Now remember I told Pastor Sal was there and while he was there he had received a vision to start LFCC Newport News. You can’t make this up. So when I transferred I connected with Pastor Sal and Pastor Matisha to go house hunting and they told us their vision to start a church and asked to come along side of them to help. With the leading of the Holy Spirit and the guidance, teaching and mentoring from my Pastors I recognized my call to be a Deacon and my purpose at that time was to Serve God’s people and to teach the youth, which I did, becoming ordained in 2005 as a Deacon.
Later my Calling and purpose changed. I believe it was not as dramatic to me as to my initial call to ministry, but it was still life changing. I was stationed in Hawaii at this time. My wife and I was doing the mirror check, assessing where we were in our ministry. On the beach as the sun was rising and we were praying I heard my purpose changed to “Preach my Word, serve God’s people and teach them all”.
Initially I didn’t want to accept it because I felt not qualified nor efficient to preach. But the Holy Spirit would always say more, you need to do more and doing my quiet times it would bring it back to my remembrance of that morning on the beach. I didn’t want to just rush into it because I’ve seen many people say they were called to preach and neither did their character or gift led me to believe so. People would always comment about if I was a Pastor or Minister and I need to be preaching the Word. I would quickly tell them no, that’s not what God is telling me, but he was – so I would have to repent and then tell God I am just scared to let him down. During those times I and God would go back and forth of course with Him always winning and making it plain. I would also use the excuse that hey I am teaching the youth so I in my rightful place. But I did not want to do it based on what others were saying. I wanted to make sure that it was God calling me and not my on selfishness or pride. But the Holy Spirit just kept pulling me. And so I didn’t not bring it to my pastors until later on – and they told me they already knew and seen it. I was acknowledged as a Minister-in-Training, where through the guidance, leadership and mentorship of my Pastors I was licensed as Minister.
The Bible is our Instruction while we are living on earth How can we follow directions if we do not know what the rules of life are ?I pondered this question a I was reading chapters 2 wht did I learn from the lesson? This will impact my study of the Bible because it will cause me to look up words that I not know which in turn
Will give me a better understanding of what am I reading and when I came to LFCC and God call me to be a Deacon