RENEW International Provides Some Opportunities for Catholics Everywhere to Share Their Kinship with God

RENEW International

RENEW International has reached thousands of individuals in the United States and in countries within six continents. Its curricula and materials teach how the word of God is true and Pertinent. By forming small Christian communities, RENEW International shows Catholics how their trust can help defeat personal challenges, trust in one another, and achieve peace.

RENEW International is a global Catholic ministry who has changed the lives of many thousands of people spiritually in need all over the world. Based in the Archdiocese of Newark, NJ, it stems from the vision and partnership of Msgr. Tom Kleissler and Msgr. Tom Ivory. They strongly believed in a resuscitated Church, where laypersons were integrally involved with parish, civic, and world issues. A cornerstone of RENEW International programs, is the idea of breaking up a parish into small, caring communities where participants read the scriptures and trust-share. These groups offer an opportunity for learning, praying, and living the Gospel both as individuals and a community.

RENEW International gives people a greater knowledge of what it means to be Catholic. They have a renewed spirited and are committed to their belief. Participants in RENEW International programs keep the Holy Spirit and are filled by their relationship with God.

March 14th, 2010

The Process Concerning the Missional Body of Christ

Missional living is definitely a trendy title that is everywhere these days. the concept that we are obligated to title church buildings, missional, has since the beginning of creation been odd to me. I ask you, shouldnt all places of worship be missional in their very core? why cant a church, at its very nature, want to connect their culture and community with the good news as a missionary would in a another country? Isnt it what the places of worship is commanded to do in the final charge of Christ in Matthew 28:19? Our own hometown begs for this style of church. Church in Austin is slowly gravitating to what our God instructed in Holy Word.

The messiah gives the command in Acts 1:8 saying, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8 justifies this topic as, right before Jesus Christ leaves to go to Heaven, He commissions the disciples on a mission that would begin right in their own community. He begins with their local place of Jerusalem, and then expands the call to the many parts of the world.

As Christians, we are not motivated to privacy, but to be missional followers of Jesus who are actively going out and going to areas right where they are with the story of Christ. We have observed this throughout history: God moved Abraham on a mission to go out of his home and his people and go to the city that God would show him (Gen. 12:1), God sends Moses on a mission to restore an enslaved people and lead them to freedom (Exodus 3:8-10), God sends Jesus on a mission to creation to reconcile all things to Himself through the crucifixion (Colossians 1:20). And now God is sending believers on a story to engage homes, cities, people groups, and even nations with the message of Jesus (Matt. 28:19 Mark 6:7 Luke 10:1 John 20:21 Acts 1:8). If we resist this motivation and continue to perceive the churches like a invite only country club ” urging that people clean up their abilities, pay their money, and walk to our place of worship God will continue His mission without us.

October 3rd, 2009

Powerful Words

We have the power to achieve, create and change circumstances in our lives. We are born powerful. Our Creator did not leave us helpless, poor and weak. He gave us all the tools to not only survive but fulfill our destiny to the utmost. We are all born for a purpose. It does not matter where we came from or the circumstances of our birth, youth or present lifestyle.

Let us consider these Words:

“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me: your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; forsake not the works of your own hands.” (Isaiah 138:8)

“I will praise you; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are thy works.. My substance was not hid from you, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes did see my substance, yet being imperfect; and in your book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.(Psalm 139:14-16)

“Thus says the Lord, thy Redeemer; the Holy One of Israel; I am the Lord thy God who teaches you to profit, who leads you by the way that you should go.” (Isaiah 48:17)

These are just a few Words of Promise that you can stand on and act upon. The Bible is filled with them. Not only is God’s Word better than the thoughts and words of great thinking and creative genius, it transforms people! Why? Because they penetrate the heart! They don’t merely appeal to your intellect, emotions or common sense, like ordinary words. The Word of God is “Quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow (body), and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12).

The Word of God is Truth, and the Truth will set you free. Freedom from fear, despair, suffering, and anxiety is the greatest gift you can get. It fills you with hope, love and faith which transforms into real Power..

Jesus is also called the Word of God. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with of God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1) He came to give beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord. (Isaiah 61:3) Furthermore, to those who believe in Him He gives the power to become the sons of God. (John 1:12)

That amazing power is not just for us to read about in the Bible. That kind of supernatural power is available to each and every one of us, every moment of every day! God’s truth allows you to experience His grace and His power. So, instead of solving your problems by your own minute power, allow me to encourage you to reach out and tap into God’s Power. It’s available for each one of us, smart or not, rich or poor, happy or miserable – any time we call upon His name.

Ann Stewart is author of With Wings as Eagles. This autobiographical “how-to” of how trauma was turned into triumph, can be applied to Your situation. Ann’s passion is to share these biblical principles to effect total victory in your life.

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February 4th, 2009

Jesus Christ, King of the Jews

In 132 CE, Simon Bar Kosiba organized and led a large guerilla army in revolt against Roman occupation. He succeeded in actually throwing the Romans out of Jerusalem and Israel and establishing, although for only a brief period, an independent Jewish state.

Jewish accounts describe Simon Bar Kosiba as being a man of superior intelligence who possessed tremendous leadership abilities and incredible physical strength. His success caused many to believe that he came from the line of David. He was nicknamed “Bar Kochba” or “Son of Star,” an allusion to the Book of Numbers (24:17). In fact, he was actually proclaimed the long awaited Messiah of Israel by the Sanhedrin. Strangely, very few people know of him or have even heard of him today.

But there is another Jewish son we have heard of. He was born poor and, like Kosiba, was also of the family of David. He, however, fought no battles, was not known for His strength, and virtually ignored the politics of His times. He never attended college, starred in any movies, or won any awards. Yet, His personality has somehow been fused into the very soul and consciousness of humanity. More books have been written about Him, more changes have resulted because of Him, more conversation and controversy has taken place because of Him than any other figure in human history. In His name, the apostles conquered the world. For His sake, martyrs sacrificed their lives. He is like a portent moving through two thousand years of history touching lives. Jesus Christ, King of the Jews!

Rev. Saundra L. Washington, D.D., is an ordained clergywoman, veteran social worker, and Founder of AMEN Ministries. She is also the author of two coffee table books: Room Beneath the Snow: Poems that Preach and Negative Disturbances: Homilies that Teach which can be reviewed on her site. Her new book, Out of Deep Waters: My Grief Management Workbook, is expected to be available in July.

You are welcome to visit AMEN Ministries: Your Soul’s Service Station for spiritual refreshing, soul edification or to browse our newly expanded mini shopping mall.

Blessings to all!

January 11th, 2009

Rome Under Siege: Doing Apologetics With Hannibal

Those of the Roman religion do not understand the nature of the biblical canon. Their official theology forces them to insist on thinking of it as “a list of books,” rather than as the (divinely-inspired) books themselves. It is the books that are canonical (the rule for faith and life for all men) — not the descriptive list that identifies which are inspired.

This may sound at first like some sort of academic hair-splitting, but this distinction figures prominently in the ongoing debate between Romanists and Protestants. From the moment Jesus told any one of his parables, they carried all the authority of God Himself. And once written down by the “finger of God,” as the Scripture refers now and again to the Holy Spirit, they became canonical.

The Church condoning and sanctioning an official list of canonical books later could not “make them” canonical — or they would have lacked authority for all those prior centuries in which they were preached as the Word of God (as though the Holy Spirit had no declarative authority until the Church – speaking as the same Spirit led them to – said so!!). This is quite backwards. It also raises the obvious question, “Why do we have to wait for the Spirit to say that He said it outside the Bible when He has already said that he said it INSIDE the Bible (2 Pt 1:20, etc)? Here, Roman apologists run into the problem of an infinite regress. If the Spirit saying “He said it” inside the Bible once is not good enough, then don’t we need to wait on the Spirit OUTSIDE the Bible (i.e. via the Church) to say by that institution that he had in fact so declared — and so on?

It is the Holy Spirit who conveys authority to men — albeit only ministerial authority like the courts have, or like that of fathers and mothers to rule in their household (not final authority, which God alone possesses) — to the Church. And He is the One who inspired the apostles and prophets to write the books of the Bible.

It is the original Source of inspiration — the Spirit of God — who communicates authority to the text of Scripture — this immediate inspiration by the Spirit of Christ — is what gives Scripture its final (also called “magisterial”) authority. And it is this authority, which makes them canonical.

So asking, “When did Luke’s gospel become canonical?” represents the same question as, “When did Luke’s gospel become authoritative and written down”? The biblical (and therefore correct) answer is, “Before the ink dried.” The list given by the Roman “Church” – which was by no means “Roman” at the time the ink of any New Testament book dried – came centuries later.

Carson Day has written some 1.3 gazillion articles and essays on all manner of topics. These aim to glorify God and offer people real help to live wisely and well. You can visit Carson’s websites at http://ophirgold.blogspot.com (The Omniblog, where Carson blogs everything) or http://extremeprofit.blogspot.com (Carson’s Day Trading Outpost). Thanks for stopping by.

December 23rd, 2008

Is Mary a Liar? About Supposed Apparitions by the Virgin Mary Socalled

Reading on the web about so-called apparitions by the virgin Mary, I found out that very many predictions have not come true, particularly those supposedly made to pope John XXIII. Certainly the dates are mostly wrong. Now in the Old Testament if a prophet were wrong about anything, no matter how slight the detail, then in accordance with the Law he had to be put to death. As a lying spirit obviously had spoken through him or her and that meant that God’s holy Name had been put to shame.

Some Roman catholics lull themselves asleep by stating that there should be no hysteria about dates. ‘The dates are uncertain, the chastisements are certain’. I conclude that these apparitions are manifestations by fallen female angels. All to bind catholics even more to superstition and idolatry.

I know that many catholics are told that venerating or reverencing an icon is allowed, but that adoration and worship is reserved for God the Father and God the Son. But this kind of theoretical difference only serves to bind them to the service of icons, idols and supposed saints of every kind. The deceit (read: being deceived) and superstition of Roman catholics is almost legendary.

Now lest you think I am some kind of antipapist, let me try to explain a little bit where I am coming from. I am convinced that everywhere where the bible is opened and God is being called upon, there the Holy Spirit is working. Every (local) church, whether Roman catholic, protestant, evangelical or otherwise, therefore is being enlightened by God. And with all our drawbacks, every church and believer has his or her foibles and fortes. I hope to learn from you and I wish you seek the same in me.

In the eyes of a catholic I must appear a protestant. But I do not like that name at all. It is a negative name. We should be living examples, rather than protesting and accusing people. It is my understanding that the Roman catholic church is sketched and predicted in John’s epistle to Thyatira. And I am very glad that is said there by the Lord that her works in the end will exceed those of the beginning. Of Ephesus, christendom at the beginning, rather the opposite is being said. Though I definitely do not believe that Rome (or the vatican) is the whore of Revelation (some conservative catholics do consider her a whore), I do identify her with the Jezebel of Thyatira. Who the whore of the apocalypse will be, called the mother of all whores, remains a mystery. And the bible precisely calls her a mystery, that is a secret hidden from us.

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November 15th, 2008

What Pleases Jesus

Most people want to do what is pleasing to Jesus, but how can we as people know what is pleasing to Jesus. With so many translations of the Bible how can one really know. Well it is true that Jesus will reveal to you what is his real true meaning of the word. The point here is to study the word and ask Jesus for Guidance. We must understand that the only way to get to the Father (God) is threw Jesus. It is said in John 14:6 Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. Let’s see what the Bible says about being pleasing to Jesus. Look at Proverbs 20:23 it says The Lord detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him. A man’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand his own way?

Now look at Proverbs 15:8 it says The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him. The Lord detests the way of the wicked but he loves those who pursue righteousness.

Now look at John 5:30 it says By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.

Look at Romans 8:5 it says Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit, is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.

Now look at Romans 12:1 it says Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to Godthis is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will ishis good, pleasing and perfect will.

Look at Galatians 1:10 it says Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.

Now look at 1Thessalonians 4:1 it says Finally, brother, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. It is God will that you should be sanctified; that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him. The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told you and warned you. For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.

Look at 1Timothy 2:1 it says I urge, then, first of all, that request, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyonefor kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

Now look at Hebrews 11:5 it says By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Look at 1John 3:21 it says Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him. And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us; We know it by the Spirit he gave us.

In closing look at Hebrews 13:20 it says May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever, Amen.

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November 14th, 2008

Bible Prophecy 3a-Falling Stars and Abortion-”Abortion”

Gal 4:16 Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth? Rom 9:11 (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)

Children are conceived and born without works neither being good nor evil nor with a formed character and manifested qualities which make them being an individual for the express purpose of God.
Every child that is conceived has been predestinated by God before the foundation of the world. God in His infinite wisdom, allows us, as individuals, to make choices, weather they be righteous or unrighteous. So are those who abort a child, committing murder or most importantly, interfering with the will of God?

Exo 21:22-25; If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman’s husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine.

And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life,
Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,
Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.

The Old Testament Law was never abolished by Jesus, He fulfilled it. (M.H.)God often executes it in the course of his providence, making the punishment, in many cases, to answer to the sin, as Jdg.1:7; Isa.33:1; Hab.2:13; Mat.26:52. The particular care which the law took of women with child, that no hurt should be done them which might occasion their mis-carrying. The law of nature obliges us to be very tender in that case, lest the tree and fruit be destroyed together, Exo.21:22, Exo.21:23. Women with child, who are thus taken under the special protection of the law of God, if they live in his fear, may still believe themselves under the special protection of the providence of God, and hope that they shall be saved in child-bearing.
On this occasion comes in that general law of retaliation which our Saviour refers to, Mat.5:38, An eye for an eye. The execution of this law is not hereby put into the hands of private persons.
The word,”predestinated” means; (For ordained by divine will or decree, pre-established or prearranged.) Pro.15:3, Gen.18:21, Eph 1:5-6: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. (References, Isa.10:2, Isa.13:15-18; Jer.7:6, Jer.22:3; Eze.22:7; Mal.3:5.)

All children conceived and or born, is declared in scripture as the Heritage of God, joint heirs to the Kingdom. Sense these children are, pre-established or prearranged, by God, what does it say to the subject of aborting a prearranged conception in the womb? Exo 22:22 Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child.
Psa 94:5-6; They break in pieces thy people, O LORD, and afflict thine heritage.

They slay the widow and the stranger, and murder the fatherless. Many in history, have called a child born out of wedlock a bastard. This word is not to mean a child born in such a way but to the contrary, it means a person who is not adopted into the Family of God. Heb 12:8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. This phrase is concerning the lack of want to change in to the ways of the Lord. Refusing, correction and instruction. Prophecy comes in many forms, in this instance, abortion is coming into line with prophecy, in the form of changing the meaning of the word of God.

Changing the meaning and words of, “pre-established” & “predestinated” to a form of, “By Choice and By Chance”. They slay the widow and the stranger, and murder the fatherless. Many anti-abortions protesters today try to use the words of Scripture, “Thou Shalt not Kill.” as their justification for trying to hault abortion. This phrase from scripture is true but people are using it in the wrong context. Killing from Biblical times has been used to protect the Sovereignty of Gods people. David, Jehu and other Kings of Israel. Protecting your Family and people are types of Killing that God recognizes. The killing spoken of is, killing or murder of the innocents, without justification. James 4:2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Remember what we said earlier about, “pre-established” & “predestinated” ?

Even the ones that advocate, pro-choice, are and have been predestinated to be born. What if the anti-abortion patrons would have said, let these people be aborted, so that we can have freedom of choice? Their lives are due to two things, Gods will, and the patrons of right to life. God will not interfere with the choices that we make but we will be judged on our works, weather they be good or evil.

Here is the slaughter of the Babies. Mat 2:16-18 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not. The big-est question that we must face is,
“What If.” You say that Matthew 2:16-18, has nothing to do with abortion, well it actually does. These children we cut off before they fulfilled their destiny ( as with abortion), but to fulfill scripture God allowed this murder to happen. Not of His own will but of the will of man concerning the apropreation of His own Power. Prophecy; 2 Peter 2:2 And many shall follow their pernicious (Harmful) ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
Prophecy; 2Ti 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Prophecy; 2Th 2:12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
Prophecy; Isa 49:15 Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Women today have forgotten the fruit of their womb, fulfilling prophecy again.

Prophecy; Abortion will cease to exist. The wrongs righted, the evil destroyed, the in-humanity of man will be replaced by justice to the unborn.
Isa 65:20 There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed. Women today want to abort children because of their own sin and lust of the flesh. Children have become a burden and not a blessing, .
Abortion has become a conviencience for the lustful. Just remember prophecy, remember: And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life,
Eye for eye, tooth for tooth. end part 3a.
Part 3b. will be “Falling Stars.”

Temple of Spirit & Truth Ministries A.R.Smith Sermons International
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November 14th, 2008