An Ending World

Don't let the title of this video fool you...
The message is on point.

The world we live in is riddled with trouble.
Pick up a paper or turn on the news.
I refer you to these sources because people find them easier to relate to.
They're generally looked at more so than the Biblical source.

Anybody that has payed attention to the Bible should not be surprised at the descending state of affairs.
The Prophets, the Apostles, and even Jesus Himself; all foretold that this would be the case.

What surprises me is how we generally discount the Bible and its warnings and then chalk it up as coincidence when reality confirms its truths.

Whether you accept the scriptures or not, it has to be clear to all that things are bad...
and they don't have a real favorable conclusion that we can see.
You'd really have to be well connected and privileged to some serious perks in order to be comfortable
and fully at ease with conditions the way they are.

Anybody that has hope for a better tomorrow must concede that this present day and age has to end.

2 Peter 3:13 (KJV)
Nevertheless we, according to his promise,
look for new heavens and a new earth,
wherein dwelleth righteousness. 

For a better understanding of the character of a Disciple and the Love of God... 

Read my book "The Jesus Command." 

Blessings
Matt.

The Jesus Command

My Book

 

(Watch Trailer)

John 13:34 (NIV) 

“A new command I give you: Love one another.

As I have loved you, so you must love one another."

 

Local Chicago Minister, debuts a passionate work to help those still lost.

“The Jesus Command”

(Published by WestBow Press)

A journey through the scriptures on a path of life changing inspiration.

 

　　

"What is a Church?"

No matter the response, one thing will be certain. You will receive quite a few different answers. The building with the cross, the Body of Christ, or the multitude of all believers everywhere. The same holds true if you replace "Church" with "Disciple." The answers will be different, with some falling void of the truth. We all have our perceptions, however well intended. The real answer, the only one that really carries any weight, and the one we all should seek an understanding for... is found in this broader question.

"How did Jesus use the term and what did He intend for us to understand about it?"

This was the starting point of our study, a study which took the words spoken by Jesus to those who could clearly be identified as His closest Disciples to try and form the answer.

The eleven men who comprised His inner circle were given a new command. That command... 

"Love one another; as I have loved you... 
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples..." 
(John 13:34-35 NIV)

"The Jesus Command"

is both simple and impossible to carry out under our own power.
Even when we give it our all, we still fall short.
The key is in first being willing to love and then obedient to the pattern that Jesus first laid down. 

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things,…” 

(Matt. 25)

I've heard many, who, when quoting this passage, all seem to stop at the colon, without making mention of the fact that the servant has faithfully carried out a task to the Masters delight. Just how much of our Christian walk is in line, faithfully, with the Masters liking? Are we doing all we can to live out the command of Jesus, or are we busy making excuses as we push our service further on the back burner. “The Jesus Command” is an examination of Christ’s charge to love one another as He has loved us. It takes into account His point of view and what would be expected of anyone who would be called His Disciple.

A word of caution… there may be a few hard bits to swallow.

John 6:60, 66 (KJV) 

Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? 

From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. 

The New Testament is full of instruction of how we are to regard one another. Our study and discussions took these instructions as a guide.
They form the pattern of our attempt to better understand this... 

"The Jesus Command"

and the qualities necessary for Christ following. 

According to John’s gospel, God Himself is love. The basic core of Discipleship must begin with a devotion toward an understanding of what godly love is, and a willing effort to display that love to others. This book and the discussions contained within, uses that premise as the viewpoint from which to look at both the scriptures, and the actions being taken in the effort to obey them. It should not be that difficult to see why His commandment… “The Jesus Command”, was to love one another as He had loved us. Nor should it be so hard to understand why in doing so, the world would know that we are His Disciples.

 Get Your Copy Today

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"The Jesus Command"

uses the life of Christ and the inspiration of those closest to Him, 

to unravel the meaning of Discipleship. 

Beginning at the threshold of love, 

the book is a serious exploration and look at what it is to love as Jesus did, 

as 

He loved us.

Read the book… Tell us what you think with a comment here, 

or with a tweet
#TheJesusCommand
or
@mattmilamii

Better still… Write a review on

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or at 

WestBow Press 

Matthew Milam II (Matt.), in his role as minister, teaches Bible Study, and serves as a Deacon on the Pastoral Staff of South Side Gospel Church, in Chicago’s Woodlawn Community. The outreach he founded, The Hands Of God Ministries, helps those in need. The proceeds from the sale of this book have been set aside to assist the Homeless and Poor. Having lived life from both sides of the fence, he is no stranger to the need for, as well as the benefits of... loving your neighbor.

Thank You... "The power of Acceptance"

The following is a thank you letter written to a friend for an act of kindness. He befriended a homeless person and posted a blog about it. That act and posting reminded me of a point in my life that gives an example of "The Power of Acceptance."

God's acceptance of man while still a sinner has given us the ability to not only change our own life, but also the lives of others. Accepting Christ and following His example in accepting others can do more than we ever think possible.


Homelessness

Dear Dave,
There are three things that top the list in my Ministry; Poverty, Crime, and Homelessness. One could say that in a big way they are one and the same. I am personally connected to these areas from the conditions of my life. I grew up in poverty, spent time in jail, and for years lived on the street as a homeless man. Your post, “Rose Colored Glasses”, is a timely one and I thank you for being vocal in this area of concern. As you point out, the community of homeless people is a diverse one with members that hit the full range and spectrum in makeup. Our society is mixed in its view as well as its method of addressing possible remedies. Sometimes the actions can be quite horrifying. See my article: Society Today. I have been there and can tell you first hand that the biggest thing that anyone ever did that made a real difference for me, was to acknowledge me as a human being. Of the people on the street, most have stopped viewing themselves with any dignity. We have created a class system, an US and THEM attitude. This has helped to destroy the self-esteem of these that exist as outcasts of the mainstream. The few handouts of money and food are only a Band-Aid solution, and then... only exist for the brief moment that they are given. Real solutions are needed for this real problem. There are good programs out there but they are too few in number, and greatly overwhelmed. A good start is found in the step that you have taken; to take a real concerned look, without the rose colored glasses. If anyone wishes to take that look there are vivid glimpses in my playlist --
"The Real Homeless People", on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/mattmilamii
The problem did not come about overnight and will take an effort from all of us. I for one am more than just willing.


As I said before, the thing that made the most difference to me when I was on the street was being treated as a human being. Acceptance is the single most lacking thing in most of the lives of the homeless. After a time it works away at your sense of self worth, leaving you to feel rejected and useless. Validation as a person is a big hand up. If anyone really would help them, it would be in finding ways to instill a new sense of self worth. This one thing is what creates new character or at least helps to find the character that is there hidden away. Far better than money with the ability to give life back, not just a meal.

It was in a conversation over a meal with a stranger that my life was changed. That man took the time to make me feel accepted. As I bathed in feelings of kindness, God took hold of my emotions and gave me a reason to live. That one single encounter marked a chain of events that has taken me from being homeless in the streets. It has brought me to the service of Our Father as a Minister of His Gospel, and the journey is just beginning.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV) Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Your act of kind acceptance follows this directive to the letter. It sets up a pattern that I find universal in truth. You see when I was shown kind acceptance I was given back my value. With the feeling of value came my sense of worth. God showed me the reason and purpose for that worth and just how much value it was. 
Our life is found and given value in the death of Christ.
Continue to follow your heart...for it is guided by the spirit.

For an eye opening look - use this link - "The Down and Out"


Thank You Again…
Blessings,
Matt.

Questioning Scripture

This was a statement in response to the post "Lessons From Christ." Where it is not a direct question, it does question scripture and the Word of God. It not only requires an answer but some thought as well... think about it.


Implied Question:

Q...

Re: Lessons from Christ
Jesus grew in wisdom etc>>

No, He dint. He is/was/will be/remains GOD. In becoming flesh, He dint "get stupid" and need to smarten up and remember that He created the Cosmos.

A...

In all of my writing, my studies, and my essays; I look to, and rely on, the word of God. This study was no different; it came directly from the scriptures itself. The Word speaks for itself; they are not my own words, but rather the inspired Word of God. These words come straight from scripture. I must at least think that they were written to stress a point.


Luke 2:52 (NIV) And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.


When the scriptures say these words, I must use them as the foundation and start of any opinion that I hold to. I also ask that any response or comment made, be supported by scripture. We call ourselves believers and followers of Christ. How then can we discount His Word and take the lead instead of allowing Christ to lead us? Here are some more words from scripture which also stress an important point.


Acts 4:18-20 (NIV) Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard."


Luke, for all accounts was very careful in his investigation of the life of Jesus. He spent time interviewing and speaking to those who had seen and heard with their own eyes, the events surrounding the life of our LORD. 

Again I ask you, are you a believer and follower of Christ? Do you trust the Word of God to be true? 

Where is your scripture to support your statements? Are you suggesting that we should take your word over the Word of God?

As believers, we are instructed to lean not on our own understanding. Our faith comes by hearing. That which we hear, must be the Word of God. This is why study of the Word is of the utmost importance.


2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV) Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV) All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,


From these passages, the importance of God's Word as our foundation and guide can be easily concluded as the standard that we must follow. We start with the Word, not being ashamed of it, not trying to renounce it, and certainly not from a standpoint of not accepting it. Instead we must rightly divide it. That is to make every effort to understand it.... as it is written. Then we use that understanding to not only strengthen ourselves, but also for the strengthening of others.


Romans 1:16 (NIV) I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.


For us in the Body of Christ, we hold to our belief in the Word, our faith, or we remain ignorant. If it is ignorance that still holds our attention, then I close with this reminder.... again from scripture itself.


Acts 3:17-26 (NIV) "Now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Christ would suffer. Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. For Moses said, 'The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from among his people.' "Indeed, all the prophets from Samuel on, as many as have spoken, have foretold these days. And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, 'Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.' When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways."


It is my hope and prayer that you are truly a believer, and that it is not your intention to cause dissension in the Body of Christ. Try to think of the harm that might be caused to those who are not as strong in the faith, when you challenge the Word without backing your position with clear, sound scripture that supports your statements. We must refrain from anything that is not wholesome and edifying for our brothers and sisters in Christ.


Until next time.... Your brother in Christ,
Matt.

Whose Church

A non believer questioned the existence of God. He made it clear that at times he felt that he should be more open to the idea; that it was possible that he might be wrong in his position. He said that with help from the Church, he might have better understanding and more to go on. He then asked a question that I find difficult to supply an answer for. It seems that any answer that I could give fails to provide the answer that he seeks. His question was simply “WHOSE CHURCH.” Now I know that there is only one Church, "The Body of Christ"... which I tried to explain. We were still stuck on these points, which I must say, gave me reason for pause. If only one Church, then why so many different Church groups? There is the Catholics, Lutherans, Baptist, Orthodox, etc., and the list goes on. What makes them different, and... who is right. If they are all right then why not form one group? For this person the message from the Church was a confusing one. So for him it remained at “Whose Church.”

Ephesians 4:3-6 (NIV) Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

As a Minister one of my goals is to evangelize the non believer. At some point everyone in the body has this as an undertaking. Do we as a Church body make that task more difficult by causing confusion outside the body? Is it that the many divisional Church groups affect the credibility of the Church as a whole? Again the question; "Whose Church"... does it matter, and why? Paul spoke on this very subject; have we moved so far from the advice given us? Even inside a denominational groups there seems to be rivalry and competition. Many of those who hold leadership in the Church today have worked hard to develop a following. When you look at the congregation of some of the mega Churches, you can get an idea of just how much labor went into that effort. I believe that many are sincere and have produced good fruit for God’s Kingdom. On the other hand, I also see a flaw in their methods which should be re-assessed.

1 Corinthians 1:11-13 (NIV) My brothers, some from Chloe's household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, "I follow Paul"; another, "I follow Apollos"; another, "I follow Cephas"; still another, "I follow Christ." Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?

A Good many of the clergy have made their seats the final stop on the road to salvation. They site the number of their following as a benchmark of their effectiveness. Paul was warning of the danger of this view. At best, it is a Minister’s role to give direction as to where Christ might be found; for the individual must find Him (Christ) for himself. Ministry should function as a sign, pointing in the direction that we may seek Jesus. When the journey stops in the congregation seat; Christ is not found or followed. Matthew 7:14 should ring clear… “few there be that find it.” Personal relationship requires a meeting; to meet Christ is an event that must be a personal and individual experience. None of us can walk the road of salvation unless we follow Christ and Christ alone. The position of any Church group or any Church member, clergy included, should only be to assist in the effort to find Christ.

Blessings,

Matt.

Question From Tikno

Q...

If "one" why we must different?
A question sent to me by Tikno, from the discussion in BlogCatalog (click title for link)

A...
Let’s look at your thoughts and question through Biblical reference. I hope to provide enough for you to receive clear understanding.

God has always existed before everything. It was through Him that the universe, the creation, came into existence. God is the origin of all things… directly or indirectly.


John 1:1-3 (NIV) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.

Revelation 22:13 (NIV) I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

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Religion is an invention of man, a tradition that resulted from God’s creation of man. Not directly placed by God, but allowed by him. It is man that has fractured it, placed individual definitions, and caused separations among men.

Micah 6:16 (NIV) You have observed the statutes of Omri and all the practices of Ahab's house, and you have followed their traditions. Therefore I will give you over to ruin and your people to derision; you will bear the scorn of the nations. 

Matthew 15:3 (NIV) Jesus replied, "And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?

Mark 7:13 (NIV) Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that."

Colossians 2:8 (NIV) See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.

Our problems, the problems of mankind, are the direct result of man himself. We as a group are proud, arrogant, and self centered. It’s the result of our sinful nature.

Deuteronomy 31:16 (NIV) And the LORD said to Moses: "You are going to rest with your fathers, and these people will soon prostitute themselves to the foreign gods of the land they are entering. They will forsake me and break the covenant I made with them.

Nehemiah 9:29 (NIV) "You warned them to return to your law, but they became arrogant and disobeyed your commands. They sinned against your ordinances, by which a man will live if he obeys them. Stubbornly they turned their backs on you, became stiff-necked and refused to listen.


Our world, the Earth, our soul, and every other part of our being are owned by God. However the control of our soul is a matter of our choice. Just as a stock company is owned by shareholders and controlled by a board of directors. With individual choice comes individualism, and differences. What happens to our soul depends on our choice and how we relate to God’s will.


Job 41:11 (NIV) Who has a claim against me that I must pay? Everything under heaven belongs to me.


Ezekiel 18:4 (NIV) For every living soul belongs to me, the father as well as the son—both alike belong to me. The soul who sins is the one who will die.

Matthew 6:24 (NIV) "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.

Romans 1:28 (NIV) Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done.


Lennon’s song was only right in part. Our imaginations and our dreams are good things; progress in the world is due to them. But to come together as one requires a power beyond man’s ability, we need the power of God. Without Him our lives exist in chaos; each man defining his own righteousness.


Matthew 19:26 (NIV) Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

2 Timothy 3:-5 (NIV) But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.

To accept God or not is a personal choice. As a Christian Minister my choice is to accept. To function as a Minister I offer information concerning the good news. It’s information that has to be willingly received, if I am to follow the direction of Christ. My task is not to browbeat, not to force, and certainly not to ridicule others to follow me. If God gives freedom of choice who am I to do otherwise. Everyone must understand that it is their choice. But it is a choice that comes at a price, there is no free lunch. Whether you believe or not changes nothing in the fact that God is. I can't change your decision no more than I can change the outcome of it. God is personal and your choice concerning Him is also personal… between you, the individual and Him, your God.


Isaiah 45:23 (NIV) By myself I have sworn, my mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked: Before me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear.

Revelation 3:15-17 (NIV) I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.

Revelation 22:10-14 (NIV) Then he told me, "Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, because the time is near. Let him who does wrong continue to do wrong; let him who is vile continue to be vile; let him who does right continue to do right; and let him who is holy continue to be holy." "Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. "Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.


Just as the unseen quark is a fact of physics, God who is also unseen, is a fact of each and every beings existence; you can believe it or not. What you believe will weigh in on the price you must pay. Our existence started with God and it will surely end with Him.


Psalm 84:10 (NIV) Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.

Romans 14:5 (NIV) One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.


I pray that this has helped to bring some clarity to your understanding and that you will continue to seek answers to the question of God.

Blessings,
Matt.