Question:
Pastor Jay hi im looking to attend a different church. the one I was attending has begun to stray from the Word of God and has been falling in love with chasing signs and wonders,(apostate church). I was wondering what is your stance on the NAR (new apostolic reformation), the prophetic movement, latter rain theology? Would you support the Lakeland "revival", Todd bentley, Bill Johnson, or anybody who teaches a kingdom now theology? God bless, Tom

Answer:
Thanks for the question Tom. Living Hope Church does not hold to, teach or practice the use of sign gifts (signs and wonders). We beleive that these particular gifts (including tongues) were active in the Apostolic age with the infant church, serving a very significant purpose in validating the message of the Gospel to the Jews. We do not believe that there have been progressive "waves" of special manifestations of the Holy Spirit. So much of the activity (Toronto Blessing, Lakeland revival) have not been characteristic of true Biblical revival which emphasizes the holiness of God, the sinfulness of man, the purity and authority of God's word and the need for a Godly-sorrow type repentence (2 Corinthians 7). So much emphasis and energy has been put into the display of signs and wonders by some in the radical elements of the Charismatic movement that the dynamic message of the cross which should be the central focus of the church has been delegated to a lesser role in favor of the emotional and sensational often out-of-control human experience (barking like dogs, crawling on hands and knees, uncontrolled laughing, etc.). Couple these with the unChrist-like values and lavish millionaire lifestyles of some of the major players in these movements and one has to wonder who they are trully serving (and who they are fleecing!) I think I know what Jesus would say!

I can't speak with any knowledge about the men that you mentioned, or some of the specific movements you mentioned. All I can do is speak to what Jesus said of the ministry of the Holy Spirit in John 13-17, and to the words of the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 13 regarding the need to put less emphasis on the showy gifts and more emphasis on love in the Spirit-filled use of our gifts to one another in the Church. It seems that our carnal flesh is attracted to the sensational, and less to the spiritual disciplines of Holy living through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit.


Pastor J. Jay Williamson

Question from Vanessa:

Hi i have a question I have started to tithe, but i am confused... first f all when you tithe are you ONLY supposed to give the money to a church? i ask this because everytime i give to someone in need i deduct it form the tithing amount, is this a correct way to tithe? My sister in law that is a dear christian tells me that I can only tithe to a church , that i can help other but it does not count as tithing, it only counts as a good deed. Please enlighten me on this since i want to make sure i am tithing the correct way, are there scriptures that say that all tithing must ONLY go to churches? I am just not sure if I should just give all my tithing to church, and then give additional for good deeds because i wouldnt be able to afford it .

Answer:

Dear Vanessa:

Thanks for your question!

First of all, the principle of Old Testament tithing as it is with what some have called "proportional giving" in the New Testament (see 1 Corinthians 16:1-2) is to honor God first with what He blesses us with through income or the harvest of our crops ("first fruits"). To give God the first and best of what we harvest (wages from our emplyment) declares that He is God and deserves the first and best of our finances, our hearts, and our lives. While the amount of 10% was given as the proper starting place for our giving, God has always been more interested in the attitude(s) of our heart (faith, sacrifice, mercy, joyful) than He is with any specific dollar amount. The poor woman (Mark 12:41-44) who gave what amounted to only pennies was commended by Jesus because she gave all that she had to give and it cost her dearly, while the rich people who gave were giving out of their abundance and it cost them little. The point here is simple. There are those who faithfully tithe to the Lord on Sunday, yet God is not the least bit impressed with their giving because they are not giving from a sincere heart of worship. And there are those who merely "tip" God with a few bucks each payday using the excuse that tithing is an Old Testament practice, and they because they are no longer living under the constraints of the Old Covenant are under no obligation to give a set amount to the Lord from the fruit of their income. Obviously God is not impressed with their rationalization for not giving a significant amount (as !0% certainly is to most people) God looks at our heart and if we are stingy, grumpy, complacent or faithless because we have spent or want to spend our money on worldly values (materialism, amusements, selfish pursuits, etc.), God is deeply grieved by what He sees.

Now, you raise the question - Where does God want me to present my tithe? The tithe to the Lord was to be brought into the central worship location (temple) and put into the storehouse (see Malachi 3:8-10), and was used to support those who were serving in the temple. In the New Testament beleivers were to bring their giving to the church gathering on the first day of the week and the church would then distribute the finances to meet the needs of those serving and those who needed help with their basic or special needs.

The Biblical model then is to bring the tithe or "proportional" giving to a central place (temple or Church gathering) and the tithe was then distributed to meet the needs of the church and in the church. The Bible also speaks of various "offerings" that Israel, God's covenant people were to respond to (over and above their tithe) to meet the needs of the less fortunate. This principle is clearly evident in the New Testament as well. God desires that we demonstrate love and care to the hurting through the resources that He has gifted us with. Some have come to think that the tithe principle can be re-interpreted to allow for exchanging the giving of the first fruits of our income to the Lord, by giving 10% of their time to the Lord in ministry, or by giving their tithe to help others and other para-church ministries (TV ministries, etc.), This CAN NOT be supported by any biblical example or any biblical principle. Yes, we can dedicate portions of our time to serving God in ministry, and yes we can support other ministries, but this is not considered the same as tithing or proportional giving as we have seen in the New Testament.

I hope this helps!
Pastor J. Jay Williamson
Living Hope Church
www.livinghopetoledo.org

Question from Farrah:

Hello, I am really struggling with a question. Does Isaiah 66:17 say that we should not eat pork? It has to do with pork. I have read that pigs carry tons of diseases that they pass on to humans, and that they are used in some parts of the world strictly to, "clean-up" because they will eat anything. Some tribes will put them under their toilet holes, which the pig then eats the tribe's feces. I just don't want to pass on any information to anyone that may not be from God or what is in the Bible. In Isaiah 66:17, it groups people that eat swine in with Revelation and that makes me think that we are not suppossed to ea t pork. But, there are also parts of the NT, that state that all foods are clean, like when Peter is praying on the roof. But I read that those animals represented people, not really animals. I also read that all the passages in the NT have to do with meat sacrificed to idols. I personally do not eat pork for three reasons: 1. I don't know if the Bible says it is okay 2. It seems that pork is the cause of many diseases. 3. I don't want to be a stumbling block for any of my Muslim friends and my husband. Did Jesus follow the dietary rule about not eating pork? The last thing I want to do is judge anyone on what they do or do not eat. I remember being that way as a Muslim. I am wondering if God said to not eat pork, for our health, but it is not a rule that we "have" to follow. It is just there as a guideline if we want our body to be a Temple. I would love to hear what you think. God bless, Farrah

Answer:

Farrah:
The context of Isaiah 66:17 is: God's judgment upon the self-righteous efforts of the pagan idolotry that many of God's covenant people (Jews) had embraced. See also Isaiah 65:3-8 for a more comprehensive description of their blatant disregard for Jehovah and their pagan practices. For the Jews under the old covenant the eating of pork was forbidden because of the need for ritual purification. While pork may be inferior as human food (according to some), God gives us freedom to eat it as you have stated in your mention of Peter's experience in Acts 10. Your desire to not be a "stumbling block" to your Muslim friends and your husband reveals a sensitivity and compassion for them which is very refreshing (and biblical). The principle of not exercising certain freedoms (eating meat that had been used in idol worship) for the sake of the spiritual welfare of others (Romans 14; 1 Corinthians 8) is in reference to the beleiver's relationship with fellow believers who were "weak" or new Christains. While the context refers to the way believers ought to exercise love and sensitivity to one another, I think it is fair to say that the principle certainly "spills-over" to having a sensitivity and love in reaching our lost friends for Jesus.
Listen to the Lord, and don't eat if you have doubt. (Romans 14:22-23)
Pastor J. Jay WilliamsonLiving Hope Church
www.livinghopetoledo.org --- livinghopechurch@livinghopetoledo.org

Ask your question

Pastor J. Jay Williamson

This forum is for you to ask Pastor Jay any questions you may have. Every effort will be made to address each question, but please allow up to 72 hours for an answer to your question.

*Note: Pastor Jay reserves the right to answer questions at his discretion.

---

Question from Julie:
Hello, I'm new to the area and am looking for a church, I enjoy to watch and read Joel Osteen, I was wondering If you like him too and what your views are on him?
Thank-you Julie

Answer:
Julie: Thanks for writing with your question! As far as what my opinion is of Joel Osteen - I can't really respond, because I have never read any of his books or heard him preach for more than just a few minutes on TV.

If he faithfully communicates the "whole counsel of God" (Acts 20:27), which means communicating God's love, acceptance and forgiveness to sinners AND His rigteousness and judgment as it relates to sin - then I would say Pastor Osteen is honoring the Lord in his ministry.

If you are new to the area, I would invite you to come to Living Hope for a visit (directions). This Saturday we are having a community event that we call Family Funfest from 5-8 PM. It is a totally free event with food, games and inflatables. May God bless you as you seek Him each day!

Pastor Jay Williamson



Question from Chaplain Henry Staggs:
There are many Christians who are leaving the Institutional churches and meeting in homes, like the early church did. I being one of them, have come to really enjoy this way of church life. But so many have said some really bad things about house churches. What do you think? I mean after all that is all we find in the NT, and what is also missing from the NT is the Pastor of the church. I would like to know your thoughts.

Answer:
Dear Henry:

First of all, I believe the location where a church meets is not the issue. Whether it be in a house, a field or a 500 seat sanctuary the church is the "called-out" assembly of the redeemed regardless of the nature of the meeting place. One would be misinformed to assume that all the "house" churches in the New Testament were small groups of believers meeting in average sized homes like we are most familiar with here in the USA.

From what I have read regarding the homes in the first century, some of them were small and some were very large and could accommodate many people.

The church in Jerusalem (Acts 2) composed of Jewish Christians continued to meet together in the Temple for worship and then broke up into smaller groups and met in homes for fellowship which included the Apostles teaching, breaking bread and prayers (Acts 2:42-46). One could conclude that they met in large groups and in small groups. This is an acceptable model for large local bodies of Beleivers. Small local bodies of Christians may meet in homes or anywhere that accommodates their space requirements.

The other issue you raised by your statement "...what is also missing from the NT is the pastor of the church" is not biblically or historically correct. There are many references to elders, bishops and pastors by the Apostles in the NT. These men were elected or appointed to serve in local churches. Timothy, pastoring the church in Ephesus is a good example of one who was admonished by the Apostle Paul to be faithful in his roles as a pastor of the church. (read 1 and 2 Timothy).

Perhaps the reason some have left the "institutional" churches and joined "house" churches is due to the absence of authentic fellowship opportunities in many of the so-called "institutional" churches. This failure by these churches does not mean they are not real NT churches. It simply means that they have not given the proper value or opportunity for believers to become connected in small groups for the caring, accountability, and edification opportunities that the small groups provide.

At Living Hope Church we gather on Sunday morning for the large group Worship celebration and then encourage believers to join one of our small groups (Home Teams)on Sunday night and during the week for the fellowship opportunities that are more naturally experienced in the small groups.

I hope this helps put things in perspective.

Pastor Jay

Question:
what is a good prayer for asking God into your heart??

Answer:
The best prayer for recieving Christ as your personal savior (asking Him into your heart) is a sincere prayer with a humbled spirit of faith in God's gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. Use your own words and remember that your choice of words is not the real issue - it is th efaith in your heart and your desire to trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for the promise of Eternal life and to follow Him daily and learn to make Him Lord of your life.The prayer should include confession of your sin and need of Jesus Christ, repentance ( a willingness and desire to turn from sinful ways (attitudes and behavior) and faith in Christ's completed work of redemption for sinners. See Romans 10:9-10 and John 3:16

Pastor Jay

Question from Scott in Hutsville, Ohio
Dear Pastor Jay,
I have a problem that I would like to ask your advice about. I have a teen-aged step daughter who is giving me a lot of difficulty. She is very aggressive, profane, and antagonistic. She refuses to obey me, telling me things like, "You are not my real dad so I don't haveto do what you say," and "You are a terrible parent," and "You are a xxxx..."

At times, I do feel that I am not being a very good parent because I just don't know how to deal with her conduct without losing my temper and scolding her. I am at my wits end, I am really depressed about it, and could use some direction. I don't even know where to begin. Her conduct is also causing serious problems with other members of our family.

Scott in Huntsville, Ohio

Answer:
Dear Scott in Hunsville:

First, I want you to know that there is hope for your problem and practical help from God's Word to reveal some steps you can take to do the right thing!

It may go without saying, but it bears repeating that being a step-parent and being a step-child is always an adjustment at best and warfare at worst! The issues are most always related to authority, and they are magnified because of the anger, hurt, and resentment that step-children bring into the relationship.

The first thing for you to do is to recognize that the actions of your step-daughter are "heart" problems and your responses of anger and losing your temper are also "heart" problems. God defines these problems of our heart as "sin." While only God can get to the root of "healing" the "heart" problems, you play a major part in His ministry in your heart. You can not change anyones heart! But you are the key to overcoming sinful attitudes and actions in your own heart. No matter how hard you try as a parent or step-parent, the best you can do is to model Christ-likeness before your children, and bring them up in the "nurture" (caring for their physical needs) and "admonition" (teaching them God's Word) of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4) You need to daily lift up your children before the Lord in prayer, asking God to protect them, guide them and bring real heart- healing.

Now what does God say to you about your anger? Often our unwillingness to obey the Lord in this area only contributes to perpetuate relational conflict. The way you respond in anger (your words and actions) will either magnify the battle or diffuse the conflict. God teaches in His Word that "a soft answer turns away wrath." (Proverbs 15:1) Are you willing to ask God to nurture within your heart an attitude of self-control that will result in giving a"soft" answer in return for your step-daughters mean-spirit words of defiance?

Ephesians 4:20-32 gives some wonderful steps to taming your tongue and temper and using it for good instead. We are taught to "put off" the sin habits that characterized our lives before we were saved andthen we are commanded to "put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness." In other words, now that we have been born-again and renewed in the spirit ofour minds, we are to be like Christ!

Then we are commanded to not hold on to anger, but be "current" with those we are angry with and with God's help, process the angerbiblically! We are to guard our words (vs. 29) and allow God to communicate words of blessing through your lips. Kindness, compassion and forgiveness should be the rule instead of the exception! (Vs. 32).

Scott, If you confess your sin of anger (words, temper) and humble yourself before God, asking Him to transform your attitudes and behavior as you walk by faith - obeying God's Word, I believe the changes in your life will be used of God to bring about "heart-changes" in your step-daughters life. I want to caution you to be patient and faithful - allowing God to work in your life and in the life of your step-daughter and bring about the changes in her heart in His time.

One more thing, I trust that you and your wife are presenting a "united front" in your standards, expectations, and consequenses for disobedience with her children. If your wife's expectations for her dauther are less than yours, then you have another problem that needs to be processed as well. You're an "outsider" in the mind of yourstep-daughter and will need to work together with your wife to present a united front and not back down from it.

I hope you will study the scriptures on your own and allow God to use this difficult time in your life as an opportunity to grow more like Christ!

- Pastor Jay

Question from:jesusknight7@aim.com
Is it possible to commit an unforgiveable sin today?

Answer:
Dear Jesusknight7@aim.com:
I believe you are referring to Jesus' words in Matthew 12 and Mark 3 where Jesus makes the statement, "Anyone who speaks a word agains tthe son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come." (Matthew 12:32)

In answer to your question I would have to say, "yes" it is still possible to commit an unpardonable sin. Jesus was evidently making a distinction between someone who because of ignorance might "speak...against" Himself and those who have had the truth of Jesus' identity revealed in their hearts by the revealing and convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit (John 16:7-15), but choose to reject the person and work of Jesus Christ.

This teaching by Jesus teaches us about the integral role of the Holy Spirit in one's ability to "discover" the truth about Jesus Christ. A sinner can not come to the truth of Jesus apart from the illuminating ministry of God the Holy Spirit. TheHoly Spirit reveals our sin, God's holiness and God's solution to our sin problem which condemns us and separates us from God. God draws usto himself (John 6:44) by opening our eyes to the truth about His Son Jesus who claimed to be "The way, the truth and the life..." (John14:6). It is God, the Holy Spirit who takes God's Word and opens our eyes to acknowledge our sin and to confess Jesus as Lord and Savior.

To continue to reject this convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit regarding the person of Jesus Christ is to commit blasphemy agains the truth and will result in God's judgment.

- Pastor Jay

(continued from above)
Question from: jesusknight7@aim.com
So a Christian can't commit it?

Answer:
Dear jesusknight7:
No, a genuine Christian can't commit this sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12). A Christian has already responded to the Spirit of Truth (the Holy Spirit) by placing their faith in Jesus Christ. The one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit has rejected the truth about the person and work of Christ when God revealed thi struth to their heart and thus has rejected God's saving grace.

(continued from above)
Question from: jesusknight7@aim.com
so its not having a thought enter your head that is a profane word with Holy Spirit attached to it ? or saying it ?

Answer:
Dear jesusknight7:

No it is not a thought that enters your mind. It is the willful rejection of the Holy Spirit's illuminating ministry. Impure or profane thoughts come from our own sin nature which has always been opposed to God's righteousness. Satan is sometimes involved in tempting us with the influences of our past (images,ideas, behavior, but most often it is our own sin nature that is benton rebellion, and has not been "put in its place" or rejected as the believer brings every thought captive in obedience to Christ.(2 Corinthians 10:5), You need to allow the Word of God to "wash" over your mind each day as you are renewed in your thinking through time in God's Word.

- Pastor Jay

Question from: vollygal13@comcast.net
Pastor, I was wondering if you could help me. I have been going to a church off and on for the past 3 years, I have been a regular on Sunday morning for the past 6 months. We have been without a pastor for about 4 months now. We have had different pastors come in and preach over the past 2 months. When it came down to choosing a pastor in church last Sunday, I was passed by to vote. Because I was told I was not a member. I have been very confused about membership in a church. I have even called on the t.v. show ask the pastor what exactly it was all about, why so many churches want us to become a member and where does it say in the Bible that you need to become a member in a church. The pastor on the t.v. show told me not to go to church for the people in the church , but to go to church for the Lord. I agree, with them. But still I had a terrible feeling of not being wanted in the church, and the feeling of my opinion does not count or matter, cause I am not a member only someone who attends on Sunday Morning. Can you help me understand the Member thing that goes on in so many churches today? Thank You and God Bless, Trish This does not have to be confidential, but if you would please e-mail me back with your answer, and thank you again.

Answer:
Dear vollygal13:

Thanks for the good question regarding the issue of church membership.

Before I answer the question I have a question for you. Why are you unwilling to become a member of the church that you attend so regularly and want to participate in? I have found in my experience as a pastor that some Christians don't want to become members of a local church because they are unwilling to make a commitment to "plugin" and serve at the church they attend. They seem to be comfortable as a spectator (Sunday morning church attendance) and don't want any additional involvement in the Body of Christ. For others who choose to not become members of the local church - it may be because they can't agree on a certain doctrinal stance that the church believes. Still others are not willing to join the church membership because they can't in good concsience agree to the Members Covenant which is a requirement for most evangelical churches. For instance, the Members Covenant may ask the members to agree to give up the use of alcoholic beverages for the sake of the gospel and to set an example to the impressionable youth in the church. Some will not agree to this and will not follow through with membership.

Having said all of that - let me tell you why membership in a local church is essential to maintaining the order and integrity of the church.

First, one can argue from scripture that there is evidence of acertain "membership" order to the first church. Acts 2:41 records this: "Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand were added to them." Granted, they had no real membership requirement other than faith in Christ and obedience in beleivers baptism - But it does imply that they became part of a local church through some basic requirement.

Much has changed in 2000 years! Because of so many "Christian" denominations, sects and cults and the potential danger of blending false doctrine with pure doctrine within the local church it makes sense to ask those who want to become active in the ministry and business of the church to fulfill certain requirements beyond the basic requirements (personal faith in Jesus Christ and believers Baptism) which was the foundational requirement of the first church in Jerusalem.

Requiring membership for those who want to serve in positions of ministry will reduce the risk of doctrnal error being taught in the church because members have agreed to accept the doctrinal positions of the church. The need for vigilance in this area is supported in Scripture. Jude 1:3-43) Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting youto contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. 4) For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.

Another reason for membership is to ensure that the decisions of the church that require the vote of the membership are not adversely influenced by those (non-members) who have no vested interest in the purposes of the church. If membership were not required for voting on a pastor and there were a bus load of visitors who came to theservices that day - is it really fair to let just anyone vote. Now I undersand that you are more connected to the church than a person who came in off the street - but where do you draw the line? Who do you let vote? What is the age requirement?

Membership also gives the church better control in weeding out those who would seek to get involved in the church with ulterior motives. Do we want some sort of screening process for those who work with thechildren in the church?

These are some reasons that I hope you will consider as you think through the importance of Church membership.

- P. Jay

Question from: ecorner@webtv.net
would like to read where god said he sent jesus to pay the debt of sin for the whole world if it is in the bible what book

Answer:
Dear ecorner@webtv.net:

In 1 John 2:1-2: "My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin, And if anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation (judicial satisfaction) for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world."

Thanks for your good question!

Pastor Jay Williamson

Question from: garywhaley@sbcglobal.net
Pastor I am senior pastor and have a difficult situation which is tearing at me. Let me explain: My mother-in-law is a confessing Christian and a member of the church. The problem is she is dating a man who wants nothing to do with Christ. Also he is a heavy drinker and curses very much. The other problem is this association with this man has ripped the hearts of sons and daughters and their spouses. Yoy see, she had an affair with this man when my fathet-in-law was alive and the whole family knows it. I talked with her about be unequally yoked with an unbeliever according to 2 Cor 6:14 and she agrees she unequally yoked. I need to act as her pastor in one way and her son-in-law another. I believe this will eventually cause problems in the church. Should I use Matthew chapter 18 as a tool in handling this? My e-mail is
garywhaley@sbcglobal.net

Answer:
Gary:I'm sorry you find yourself in such an awkward position. You need to be faithful to your calling as a pastor and the church needs to correct, restore, and sometimes "put out" members who refuse to respond to God's authority through His Word and indirectly through the church. (Titus 2:15) At the same time God intends for the church to exercise grace and care in dealing with such members. This involves investing prayer and careful adherance to the Matthew 18 discipline process. If the church (Pastor and leadership) has approached the erring member with a sense of loving care and with a spirit of humility and not a condescending attitude - I believe God will honor your steps to correct and restore this person. In your situation, you need to tell her that unless she repents of her adultry and any current sinful pattern (Is she sexually involved with the man she is dating?), you are forced to begin the next step of Biblical discipline (Matt. 18). Assure her of your love and of your desire for her to experience God's best for her life - but make it clear that her lack of repentance is forcing you as her pastor to proceed to the next step of church discipline. From a family standpoint, the children could have a "pow-wow" to devise a plan to confront her collectively with their concerns. I hope this has helped you confirm God's plan of action.- Pastor Jay

Question from Copastors@integrity.com:
Thank you for your time. My husband and I were attending a denominational church for several years, he was on the pastors board, the chaplin of the mens ministry and started a jail ministry. We went to bible college several years before hand and new that we would be in the full time ministry someone from the church had given us 10 thousand dollars to start a church of our own, we sat down with the pastor and told him what was in our heart and what we felt the Lord was telling us to do. He was fine. We told him in that meeting that we wanted to let him know everything up front and leave with his blessing we wanted to do things proper and in order. He was fine. We let him know that we were not going to ask anyone to go with us and we did not. We told him that it would not be God's will for us to pull anyone out of his church and we did not. Well we started hearing things like, we were tring to split the church, that was not true, we wanted to leave in victory not rebellion and we really did not want anyone to go with us anyways. They did not. He started saying from the pulpit that our ministry would flourish for a while but then would fizzle out. How hurtful. That is speaking death over my ministry, So my question is , the bible says that I have a right to condemn every word spoken over me that is against God So how do I respond to the death that is comming out of his mouth He needs to know. Please respond i Love this man but He is wrong and he needs to be corrected His for the Harvest Pastor Malena

Answer:
Dear Pastor Malena:
I am sorry for the hurt that you are experiencing due to the reaction of your Pastor to plans to begin a church. I applaud you for seeking the blessing of your church and hoping that they would partner with you in prayer and encouragement. This is what churches should do for those in the church body that have a call to ministry that the church recognizes and has witnessed.

Without hearing more specifics as it pertains to the reasons that your pastor beleives your ministry will not be fruitful - it is difficult for me to advise you on the matter. If in deeed he used the pulpit as a means to discredit your calling or plans (slander), I believe he was way out of line and has abused his position of shepherd over the flock. If he had any doubts or concerns about your calling or abilities, it is his duty to work privately with you and help steer you into a position where you would be ready to successfully lead a church. The role of the church is an equipping role (Ephesians 4) and should be sensitive to God's leading of those within the flock.

I have to say that God's policy for dealing with those who hurt is is always one of forgiveness and blessing them rather than taking rengence in anger.

I would request a meeting with the pastor and 2 recognized leaders inthe church and take this opportunity to confront the pastor and by God's grace find reconciliation.

It would be helpful if you provided to me any other information that would help me better understand some of the factors that have influenced this pastor's attitudes.

Be sure to take a look in the mirror and ask God to reveal any areas where you may have contributed (both knowingly and perhaps unknowingly) to this conflict. If you become aware of areas then you need to confess and repent of them and then ask those who may have been affected by them for forgiveness.

I will be praying for reconciliation, cooperation, partnership and blessing between you and your pastor (and church).

- Pastor Jay

Question from 13chris@sbcglobal.net:
Did you like the gift the teen ministries gave you because you said you were thankful?

Answer:
Dear 13chris@sbcglobal.net:
Yes, I was very grateful for the kind words that the teens wrote in their personal notes to me on the card - and their gift cards to Ruby Tuesdays and Lowes were very thoughful and will be thoroughly enjoyed!

Sincerely Pastor Jay

It Really Doesn't Matter To God!
It Doesn't matter who you are!
It Doesn't matter what you've done!
It Doesn't matter where you've been!
It Doesn't matter your religion!
It Doesn't matter your background!
It Doesn't matter your skin color!
It Doesn't matter your education!
It Doesn't matter your finances!
Your failures Don't matter!
Your accomplishments Don't matter!
Your citizenship Doesn't matter!

All of these don't matter to God because it's YOU who matters to God and it’s YOU who matters to us here at Living Hope Church.

God's love has changed our lives and God's Word is helping us find solutions to the daily struggles that we all face.

We invite you to come to a church where You will know that you matter to God and where you will know that you matter to us.

We invite you to come to Living Hope Church and experience the love of God through uplifting worship and relevant preaching of God's Word.