Saturday, October 26, 2013

Relationships

Religion or Relationship?

Many in North America view Christianity as a religion. However, Christianity is not a religion at all; it is an intimate, growing relationship with none other than Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God. It is not a set of doctrines to believe, habits to practice, or sins to avoid.

To be a Christian means one is ‘Christ Like’. In the book of Acts we can read in that; “The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.” Why the word Christian? Because they were devoted followers of Jesus. Their relationship with Jesus had changed their lives drastically and their actions and speech reflected who they had become; like Christ.

God does not give us guidelines to be mean or cruel. Every command of God is intended to enhance His love relationship with His creation, mankind.

We have been designed to worship God and to see Him in His glory and to respond appropriately. Unfortunately, for many it has become a ‘religion’; one more meeting to attend out of habit, a social gathering filled with social activities.

God is longing for His creation to express their love for Him. Many time we feel if we use our gifts and talents in doing good deeds for others in our community we will appease God and pacify our guilty conscience.

God is a personal God, and He has given us prayer as a means of communicating with Him. Prayer is nothing more than talking with God like you would talk to a very close friend. After all, that is exactly what He longs to be; your very close friend. 


Proverbs 18:24 says, “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Communication is a two way street. As you spend time talking with God take time to listen to what is on His heart a well. Yes, it is true God wants to speak to you! The greatest way He speaks in through His written Word the Holy Bible. Before you go to read, ask Him to speak to you and He will.

God instituted His commandments as a protection for those He loves, but the commandments can become a pathway to legalism rather than a avenue for a relationship with our Father in which He protects us from harm.

Religious activity apart from fellowship with God is nothing more than an empty ritual. The people of Jeremiah’s day were satisfied to have the ritual without the presence of God. They became so comfortable with their ‘religion’ that they didn’t even notice God’s absence. Their story is found in the Holy Bible in the book of  Jeremiah.



So, is it possible to pray, to attend a church service, or to give an offering yet not to experience the presence of God? It certainly is possible! And sad to say thousands of hurting people; looking for hope, peace and comfort have faced this emptiness. Many have said, “What the use. There is nothing to this ‘religion’ stuff.” 


Let me encourage you ... Don’t settle for a religious life that lacks a vital relationship with Jesus Christ. When God is present, the difference will be obvious.

God wants us to experience Him and His presence.

Jesus said in the book of Matthew, chapter 18, verse 20 “Where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”  He is not a liar. God always says what He means and He means what He says.

So, today if you have been one of those who have tried ‘religion’ and are still feeling empty, lonely and hurting; let me encourage you to find a Bible Believing Church; one who preaches and teaches Jesus Christ and get connected.

If you live in the Pottstown, Pennsylvania area and are looking for a group of people who love Jesus and are devoted to following Him; then I invite you to join us on Sunday mornings at 10am.


426 Laurelwood Road
Pottstown, PA 19465
610-323-0480

Feel free to e-mail me:
Cindy Mckinley at: 
mckinleyclm@gmail.com
 



Check out some of my other blogs:
End Of The World http://cccenterhope.blogspot.com/2013/10/end-of-world.html

Go Away Jesus! http://cccenterhope.blogspot.com/2012/11/go-away-jesus.htm 

Monday, October 14, 2013

End of the World

Jesus sat, talking privately with His disciples concerning the end times. They asked His, "When will this happen and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" Jesus replied, "Watch out that no one deceives you." He wanted them to know that in the end time many will come using His name, claiming to be the Messiah and many people will be deceived." He went on to say, "You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. These things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains." Matthew 24:3-8

According to Jesus, three things in particular will increase in frequency and intensity as the time draws closer to His return: Wars, Famines, Earthquakes.

As a believer in Jesus Christ, I have HOPE in knowing that all the happenings in our world today are leading up to His return. For those who have accepted Jesus as their Lord and have become devoted followers of Him that day will be filled with great joy. However, those who have not accepted Him will find themselves in a world that will be a billion times worse than it is now.

Maybe you have been wondering about all the things you are hearing in the news lately. Maybe you have even thought about the end of the world and found yourself becoming fearful. And maybe you have tried 'church' before and found it was not what you thought it would be. 

Christianity is not just about going to church. It's about having a relationship with Jesus Christ Himself. That's what sets us apart from all the other 'religions' in the world.

If you have tried church, tried religion before and still feel empty inside, I invite you to give Jesus as try. He will NOT disappoint you!

Prayer:
Dear God in Heaven,
I come to your right now asking you to help me. It is true that I have tried this 'church thing' and I still feel empty inside. I may not understand how this 'Jesus thing' works but I am willing to give it a try. So, right now I ask You to forgive me for all my sin. (If specific things come to mind, tell God what they are. He already knows, He just wants you to confess them.) I invite Jesus to come into my life and give me peace. Show me God, what it means to have a relationship with Jesus. In Jesus name I pray, Amen!
If you live in the Pottstown, PA area I invite you to join us at Calvary Christian Center, a place where you can learn how to know Jesus in a personal way.  It's also a place where you will find people who will love you and help you on your new journey. 
 
 
426 Laurelwood Road
Pottstown, PA 19465
610-323-0480

Feel free to e-mail me:
Cindy Mckinley at:


Check out some of my other blogs:

*Scripture was taken from the NIV Translation

Friday, October 4, 2013

Wars, Famines, & Earthquakes

Jesus sat, talking privately with His disciples concerning the end times. They asked His, "When will this happen and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" Jesus replied, "Watch out that no one deceives you." He wanted them to know that in the end time many will come using His name, claiming to be the Messiah and many people will be deceived." He went on to say, "You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. These things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains." Matthew 24:3-8

According to Jesus, three things in particular will increase in frequency and intensity as the time draws closer to His return: Wars, Famines, Earthquakes.

As a believer in Jesus Christ, I have HOPE in knowing that all the happenings in our world today are leading up to His return. For those who have accepted Jesus as their Lord and have become devoted followers of Him that day will be filled with great joy. However, those who have not accepted Him will find themselves in a world that will be a billion times worse than it is now.

Maybe you have been wondering about all the things you are hearing in the news lately. Maybe you have even thought about the end of the world and found yourself becoming fearful. And maybe you have tried 'church' before and found it was not what you thought it would be. 

Christianity is not just about going to church. It's about having a relationship with Jesus Christ Himself. That's what sets us apart from all the other 'religions' in the world.

If you have tried church, tried religion before and still feel empty inside, I invite you to give Jesus as try. He will NOT disappoint you!

Prayer:
Dear God in Heaven,
I come to your right now asking you to help me. It is true that I have tried this 'church thing' and I still feel empty inside. I may not understand how this 'Jesus thing' works but I am willing to give it a try. So, right now I ask You to forgive me for all my sin. (If specific things come to mind, tell God what they are. He already knows, He just wants you to confess them.) I invite Jesus to come into my life and give me peace. Show me God, what it means to have a relationship with Jesus. In Jesus name I pray, Amen!
 
If you live in the Pottstown, PA area I invite you to join us at Calvary Christian Center, a place where you can learn how to know Jesus in a personal way.  It's also a place where you will find people who will love you and help you on your new journey. 
 
 
426 Laurelwood Road
Pottstown, PA 19465
610-323-0480

Feel free to e-mail me:
Cindy Mckinley at:


Check out some of my other blogs:
 
*Scripture was taken from the NIV Translation

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Come and See

Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.”So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. John 1:38-39


There comes a time for each of us when merely talking about Christianity is not enough. We must actually set out on the journey! Over the years people have spent many hours discussing issues related to the life of a Christian. All this talk means nothing if we never actually step out and follow Jesus Christ!

Perhaps the biggest discussion among the Jewish people has been about the coming of the Messiah. Andrew, who eventually became a follower of Jesus, had listened to John the Baptist talking about the coming Messiah. Now, in this passage of scripture, he is suddenly standing face to face with the One he so longed to see! Andrew's mind was filled with so many questions he wanted to ask Jesus. 

As Jesus turned to walk away Andrew's heart began to beat faster, he didn't want his time with Jesus to be over. That's when Andrew took a chance and called out to Jesus, "Jesus, where are you staying?"  When Jesus hear this questions He turns around and says to Andrew, "Come and See".  What an invitation! 

I have often though about what it would have been like if I had lived in those times. What if I had been the one asking Jesus where He was staying? Think about it, the very Son of the Living God, Jesus himself, the Messiah, giving me, Cindy McKinley, an invitation to walk along side Him. An invitation that Andrew accepted without reservation.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to follow Jesus? 
I once read, "Christianity is not a set of teachings to understand, it is a Person to follow." How true that is. You see, as Andrew walked with Jesus, he saw amazing things take place; Jesus healing the sick, teaching God's wisdom, and demonstrate God's power. Andrew not only learned about God; he actually experienced Him!

Andrew stood that day at a crossroad. He could have let Jesus just walk away, but he chose to follow Him instead. He took a chance in calling out to Jesus. After all what did he have to loose?

Maybe today you are finding yourself standing at a crossroad in your earthly journey. Maybe, like Andrew, you have a thousand questions you want to ask Jesus. Why not consider calling out to Him? When you do, He will invite you on a new journey. As the two of you walk together you too will come to know Him like you have never known Him before.

Prayer:
Father God, in heaven, Please forgive me for trying to do things my way. After all my trying things have not turned out so good. I choose today to follow You. Teach me to do things Your way. In Jesus name I pray, Amen!

If you live in or near Pottstown, Pennsylvania I invite you to join us at Calvary Christian Center, a place where you will experience Jesus.


426 Laurelwood Road
Pottstown, PA 19465
610-323-0480

Feel free to e-mail me:
Cindy Mckinley at:


Check out some of my other blogs:
Choices http://cccenterhope.blogspot.com/2013/08/choices.html
Death and Life http://cccenterhope.blogspot.com/2013/08/life-and-death.html
Hot Pursuit http://cccenterhope.blogspot.com/2013/09/hot-pursuit.html

*Scripture was taken from the Holy Bible, the New American Standard Translation.