Redeemed for Christ's Service Ministries
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Ministry Links
  • Prayer Page
  • Publications
  • Sermons
  • Statement of Faith
  • Thoughts & Inspirtations
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Ministry Links
  • Prayer Page
  • Publications
  • Sermons
  • Statement of Faith
  • Thoughts & Inspirtations

Have You Ever Wondered?

Poems...

11/5/2023

0 Comments

 
Here are a few poems that I wrote from the 1990's.

THE MOUNTAIN...
When the mountain seems too high,
When the race seems too long,
When the path seems unpassable,
And your strength is gone,
Look toward Jesus,
And let Him lead you on.
**********

THE ROAD...
There is a road,
One that is straight,
One that is narrow.
A road that may have a few,
Potholes or rough shoulders.
A road that may seem,
Shadowed by obstacles,
Along the way.
But that road,
Upon ending,
Leads to Heaven’s door.
What lies behind us,
From where we came,
Is dark and cold.
What lies ahead,
Is beautiful and warm,
And will last,
Forever more.
**********

THE WINDOW...
As I look out of the window,
I see the majestic beauty,
Of God’s mighty hand.
As the sun reflects,
Off the top of the clouds,
On to the land below,
I sit here, amazed,
At how God,
Created it all.
**********

UNWORTHY... 
Unworthy of the call
Unworthy of the love
Unworthy of the blessings
Sent from above
 
Unworthy to be His child
Unworthy to do His Will
Unworthy of His grace
Yet Jesus loves me still
 
Shackled by faults and failures
Covered with darkness and sin
Mercy was given
Then peace came within
 
Though I stumble daily
I’m not perfect you see
Once lost now found
Christ has forgiven me.
**********

WHO WILL?
Who will raise their hand? Who will take a stand?
For Jesus, who will go?
Who will cross the line? Who will take the time?
For Jesus, who will go?
Who will stand and fight? On through the night
Who has the courage to go?
Who will be the one? To stand for the Son
Who, who will go?
Come to Him now. Time is drawing near.
Don’t sit back and just wait.
Who will say I do? Lord I will go for you.
Lord Jesus, I will go.
​**********

DO YOU?
Do you hide yourself in your daily walk?
Do people know you by the way you talk?
Do you proclaim His name to the people you meet?
Do you sing His praise as you walk down the street?
Well, do you?
**********

FOCUS...
Focus on the opportunities,
Not the obstacles.
Focus on the greatness of God,
Not the task at hand.
Focus on God’s abilities,
Not on our inability.
**********

I AM...
​I am a Christian, once a sinner lost and undone.
I am a Christian, saved through the love of the Son.
I am a Christian, I'm not perfect you see.
I am a Christian, for I have Christ in me.
I am a Christian, I will not back down.
I am a Christian, I will stand my ground.
I am a Christian, one day to see Jesus' face.
I am a Christian, because of His marvelous grace.
**********

IF ALL...
If all sleeping Christians got woke up,
If all lukewarm Christians got fired up,
If all disgruntled Christians got sweetened up,
If all discouraged Christians got cheered up,
If all depressed Christians looked up,
If all estranged Christians make up,
If all gossiping Christians shut up,
Then there might be a revival in the church.

0 Comments

Should Differences of Opinions in Politics Affect Our Christian Beliefs?

7/5/2023

0 Comments

 
I received an email from someone stating an interest in seeing an article about home church groups that shun members because they did not vote for a particular political candidate, and regarding the politicizing of the recent pandemic.
 
My first thought is this, if professing Christians actually put Christ first in their life, and instead of looking at self and what he or she thinks, they should put their mindset as to what Jesus might say or do about a particular social issue.
​
In Matthew 22:15-22, it talks of a particular issue where the religious leaders question Jesus about paying taxes. The Jews were expected to pay taxes to help the Roman government. They loathed this tax collection on the grounds that the cash went straightforwardly into Caesar's depository, where some of it went to help the agnostic sanctuaries and the wanton way of life of the Roman gentry. Caesar’s picture on the coins was a consistent sign of Israel's subjugation to Rome.

Jesus detected a trap, so He questions why they are trying to tempt Him. He kept away from this snare by showing that we have double citizenship (1 Peter 2:17). Our citizenship in the state expects that we pay cash for the administrations and advantages that we get. Our citizenship in the Kingdom of Heaven expects that we promise to God our essential compliance and responsibility. This does not mean that we compromise our Christian conscience. We are to live according to the law of the land to which we reside.

But Acts 5:29 states, “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.” The apostles knew their most important needs and issues. While we ought to attempt to keep harmony with everybody (Romans 12:18), struggle and conflict in this world and the authorities is around us and is sometimes inescapable for a Christian (John 15:18). There will be circumstances where we cannot submit to both God and man. Then we should submit to God and trust His Word.
 
Let Jesus’ words give us encouragement.
  • Luke 6:22-23, Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.
 
Not all Christians will agree together on every topic.
There are basically two types of Christians, liberal and conservative. We could say that these are the Christians who fall into a mentality of following a fellowship distinction or that of morality. You could also look at this as a matter of being accepted by all, which means one may compromise their views, or one who may hold a bit firmer in their religious convictions.

I am not trying to insinuate or convince anyone to follow a particular political party. That is a matter between the individual Christian and his or her relationship with the Lord. As I have stated in my recent books, it is up to the individual Christian to dutifully study God’s Word, talk to the Father in prayer, and listen for the Holy Spirit to speak revelation of the Scriptures to you. I only present what I believe that the Lord has given to me during my time in study and prayer. We need to get back to the basics of God’s Word and what Christ has done and is doing for us. True Christian prosperity comes from a right spiritual relationship with the Lord, not in how big our church may be or in how financially wealthy we are. Lay up your treasures in Heaven, not here on earth.
 
Unfortunately, it is very apparent that too many Christians are becoming more concerned with pleasing self and others instead of pleasing God. I would recommend taking the time to read a book entitled “In His Steps,” by Charles M. Sheldon. His book is about a pastor who gave a series of sermons to his congregation revolving around the need for Christian’s to act regarding social issues. He based his sermons on 1 Peter 2:21, “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.” Some of the characters in the book took a pledge, that before they decided about something, they would pray and ask, “What would Jesus do?” (WWJD) regarding their personal situation.

There is also an online article regarding the WWJD topic, “What Is the Origin of the Phrase ‘What Would Jesus Do’?”
 
Other views regarding politics and religion.
Here are a few online sources regarding religion and political issues.
Faith and Politics: The Influence of Religious Beliefs on Political Participation*
How Christians reconcile their personal political views and the teachings of their faith:
Religion and Politics
Americans Have Positive Views About Religion’s Role in Society, but Want It Out of Politics
 
What would America be without Christ?
What would America look like, if we were a nation without Faith?
Underwhelmed by “America without God”
Where are we without Christ?
An America Without Christ
A World Without Jesus
 

Some may question why I have posted those links. My answer, to question ourselves and our personal walk with Jesus. I had previously posted a blog about witnessing. What I did not write in that blog was, what a witness is. A witness is a person who sees an event. A witness means to have knowledge of (an event or change) from personal observation or experience. Now why do I mention that? If we Christians would live our lives as Christ would have us to live, then there would be little to no reason for such hate and discontent in our society.
Christians have allowed the sin and transgression in our society to run rampant and get worse over the years. Here are my questions to all Christians, regardless of race, creed, or national origin.
  1. What do you think Jesus’ view on homosexuality is?
  2. What do you think Jesus’ view on transgenderism is?
  3. What do you think Jesus’ view on abortion is?
  4. What do you think Jesus’ view on any other sin is?
 
If you can truthfully answer those questions according to God’s Word, the Holy Bible, then you who profess to be Christian, a person who follows the teachings of Christ, does your answer to those questions differ from those of Jesus? If so, then why? I am not judging anyone. It is not my place to do that. I am only trying to point you toward God’s Word.
  • Matthew 7:1-3, Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
  • John 8:7, So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
 
Pray! Do your Bible research. Look at various Christian Biblical commentaries. What does the Word of God tell you?
 
0 Comments

What Are We Guilty Of?

7/5/2023

0 Comments

 
  • Are we guilty of the Sin of disobedience to command?
  • Are we guilty of the Sin of the lack of love for Christ?
  • Are we guilty of the Sin of not following Jesus?
  • Are we guilty of the Sin of not abiding in Christ?
  • Are we guilty of the Sin of dishonesty in sacred trust?
  • Are we guilty of the Sin of folly of a shortsighted fool?
  • Are we guilty of the Sin of blood guilt by not winning souls?
0 Comments

What If?

7/5/2023

0 Comments

 
​
  • What if all sleeping Christians got woken up?
  • What if all lukewarm Christians got fired up?
  • What if all disgruntled Christians got sweetened up?
  • What if all discouraged Christians got cheered up?
  • What if all depressed Christians looked up?
  • What if all estranged Christians made up?
  • What if all gossiping Christians would shut up?
  • Then the Holy Spirit could show up and there would be a revival within the church.
 
0 Comments

Moments of Insight from the Holy Spirit.

7/5/2023

0 Comments

 
  • A lot of people use mighty thin thread when mending their ways.
  • A practical atheist is not one who believes there is no God, but one who believes it does not matter.
  • A practical atheist is one who says he knows of Christ but says and acts like there is no God.
  • A right relationship does not depend solely on the quantity of time spent; The quality of time is equally if not more important.
  • A snack bar sermon spiced with humor.
  • Although the outward form remains, the living creature form within has vacated the shell.
  • Are we fishing for compliments or fishing for men?
  • Are we sacrificing the eternal on the altar of the immediate?
  • Are you a sunny day Christian or just when it is cloudy?
  • Christians use live ammo on each other but charge hell with water pistols.
  • Decisions determine destiny.
  • Do not ask for comfort but ask to be conformed.
  • Do not jump to conclusions when you are in the valley of decisions…take time to pray.
  • Do we have activity without action, motion without movement, promotions without progress, and programs without power?
  • Do we have a routine ritual or a righteous reverence?
  • Does God need a microscope to see the fruit that you bear?
  • Doors open for Doers.
  • Eternity is too long to be wrong.
  • Eternity is compared to an eagle and a mountain. Every time the eagle passes by it rubs its wing against the mountain. When the mountain is yet a pile of rubble is when eternity will be over.
  • Focus on opportunities, not obstacles. Focus on the greatness of God, not the task. Focus on God’s abilities, not your inabilities.
  • Get some exercise – walk with God.
  • God put His gift on a tree, not under it.
  • Have we turned God’s Holy House into a Mall of Merchandise?
  • Have you ever had a fish jump into the boat?
  • How can I be of service?
  • I would rather believe in a lot and get some than to believe in nothing and get all.
  • If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
  • Is your church aggressive in its faith or is it a place to see or to be seen, to network, or to look respectable?
  • It should be what can I do for the church, not what can the church do for me.
  • Look to the person, listen to the promise, live with a purpose.
  • Many people become bitter instead of better during trouble.
  • Mirror, mirror of the Book, please tell me how I look.
  • No matter how hard you pray, you cannot manipulate God’s response.
  • On our daily ‘to do’ list, living holy should not be there. Living holy should be a way of life.
  • Peace is facing and not fleeing your responsibility as a servant of the Lord.
  • Planted and/or fertilized in the wrong season, then attempted to harvest before fully developed.
  • Praise and worship are not a mass function but an individual one.
  • Praying in the pews leads to preaching in the pulpit.
  • Read it. Receive it. Repeat it. Review it. Reflect it.
  • Reputation – what people think you are. Character – what you are in the dark.
  • Right living grows out of a right relationship.
  • Shallow knowledge makes for a superficial Christian.
  • Sins which were committed undercover in the back yard are now done openly in the front yard.
  • Some churches and Christians have – Activity without action, motion without movement, promotions without progress, and programs without power.
  • Temptations are what Satan uses to bring out the worst in us.
  • The Church of Casual Christianity – Is your church aggressive in its faith? Is it a place to see or to be seen, to network, or to look respectable? Is it just a daycare center or a social club?
  • The five Rs of the Holy Bible. Read it. Receive it. Repeat it. Review it. Reflect it.
  • The Math of the Cross – Added to heaven, Subtracted from hell, Divided from the world, and Multiplied treasures.
  • The purpose behind the problem is to be transformed by trouble.
  • The reason worship fails to occur in the pew is because it fails to occur in the daily routine of our living.
  • The Spirit of God uses the Word of God to make us the Sons of God.
  • Then and there, compared to the here and now.
  • Three things to have for a good revival – look at the Master, listen to the Man, and then live the Message.
  • Trouble produces patience, and patience produces character.
  • Trials help us to grow and rely on God.
  • We have become a denomination of ignorant brethren.
  • We have become too involved with the art of worship that we have forgotten the heart of worship.
  • We have quit asking, we have quit seeking, and we have not knocked for so long that we have forgotten where the knocker is.
  • What does our relationship with Jesus, if any, show in our everyday life?
  • When a sinner arrives in hell, he will look, he will lament, and he will be lost forever.
  • When giving thanks for what you have, do not forget to thank the One who gave it to you.
  • When we look at the world – we are distressed. When we look at self – we get depressed. When we look at Jesus – we will be in rest.
  • When your cup overflows into your saucer, do you grab a spiritual biscuit and sop it up?
  • Willingness leads to an abundant life.
  • Worship is a result of a change in a person’s lifestyle.
  • Would you rather believe in a lot and get some or believe in nothing and get all?
  • You cannot expect the provisions of God if you are out of the will of God.
0 Comments

Sin

6/5/2023

0 Comments

 
Recently I was traveling through the state and passed by a church sign that said...

Sin is a short word with a long sentence.
0 Comments

    Thoughts & Inspirations

    Have you ever wondered where some ministers, preachers, or teachers get those catchy little sayings or quotes from? I like to call them the - Moments of Insight from the Holy Spirit. I would like to share a few that the Lord has shared with me.
    Hopefully, these will be helpful to those who are preparing a message or lesson, or for those who are just doing their own Bible study. Either way, if the Lord shows you something in these small thoughts, share them with others.

    Archives

    May 2023

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Copyright © 2023 Rev. Chris Swanson
 All rights reserved.

Proudly powered by Weebly