The Intension of Mission in New York
This last week, I visited New York. Gabriella and I went to see friends and family, but I wanted to follow Christ for the Spirit of Christmas. I decided I wanted to go to NYC and spend time with the homeless.
“In the poor we find Jesus in His most distressing of disguises” – Mother Teresa
This idea started with the concept of spending three days on the streets of Manhattan. I had many ideas from open air preaching, loving on the homeless, and other books of Acts activities. As the weeks closed in on the time I would be going, plans got changed and I had to go for 2 nights in NYC. Still had all the anticipation in the world!
Finally, the day came. A friend of mine had said he wanted to join me, and I took this as a perfect opportunity to share the gospel and work toward discipleship. So, that day he decided not to wake up until 4pm. At the train station we met with some Christians evangelists who offered prayer and the million dollar bill tracts. So all in all, we ended up getting out there by 7pm.
As we set foot in NYC, I felt a sense of discouragement. I struggled against it and said I have committed myself to mission. We met a man who was raising money for a homeless charity, he himself was homeless. We talked with him for a while, shared testimonies (He had more faith than many Christians I know). Then, I met a man at McDonalds. He was very much in a hurry and just wanted $5 to get something to eat, so I gave him the money, asked his name, and prayed for him. (His name was really long and hard to pronounce- I know him as the guy who kind of looked like Borat).
As the time went on, I just didn’t feel the push like I originally had. I remember walking quietly behind my group of friends, and praying “But God I checked my motives, my attitude, and the concept makes perfect sense, where is the “Holy Spirit shove”?
We stayed in NYC until 3am that night, yes it was freezing, very bearable though.
That night I prayed and cried to God, why didn’t this go as planned? That was it!
“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps (Proverbs 16:9)”.
Quite humbling. Just when I think I have been humbled enough by the Lord, He continues to showing me it is Him who is Lord. Thanks be to God!
My Personal Survey of the Homeless People in NYC
To be quite honest, the homeless seem to be going at things pretty well. Most the homeless people in New York City are working as boosters or asking for change, quite boldly might I add. This trip I didn’t not see not even 1 sign that the homeless are famous for, as compared to the sign I bought right here in Fort Myers, Fl, from a homeless man.
I would extend thanks and support to the churches and outreaches in NYC that seem to be caring well for the homeless and the needs.
A Letter to My Friends and other Long Islanders
This past week I spent time on Long Island. I write this with the intension of sharing my thoughts during this trip.
Before I ventured to NY, I prayed that God would give me the wisdom to act in the ways needed to further the Gospel in the lives of my friends and loved ones. One particular thought that came to mind was that I needed to be relatable. In the words of Scripture, “All this to all men, that way I might save a few (I Corinthians 9:22-23)”. Last visit, I somewhat distanced myself, this visit I would “hang out”.
We had some good times and some rough times. But as I began to drive home, entering into the state of New Jersey, I began to think, “Did I make it serious enough? Today is the day of salvation!”
My heart and insight for Long Island is this:
You all need an elevated mindset. I wish I could take you into the Spiritual realm and show you why certain things you are doing and not doing just don’t make much sense. There is so much more. I can’t help but feel as if many of you are just getting by rather than truly living life. You only have one life to live, and I’m not talking about going “buck wild” but what about the greater things in life. Don’t push off importance until tomorrow.
Jesus Christ said “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life…” There is another way to do life, there is another truth to understand, and more purpose-filled life to be lived.
Really..Look around? Heroin Epidemic, job loss, everyone making babies,….etc,
What do you have to lose?
The Million Dollar Question
The million dollar question is: Where will you go when you die?
Many Christian evangelists use these million dollar bills as gospel tracts and I would like to add some detail. I myself, have taken a vow to no longer just hand out tracts that have the whole you are a sinner, repent, and be saved “gospel” on them. The gospel of Jesus Christ has a lot more to say than just you are a sinner, repent and be saved. Actually, the good news is that even thought you will always be a sinner, there is another way to live. We do need to repent, and live a life through missional transformation. The gospel truly is: there is abundant life in following Christ and being transformed and renewed as you follow Him.
We need to add the abundant life aspect and follow-ship to the gospel when we hand out these tracts or else we are misleading the lost.
I have blogged about this view of the gospel before:
http://newsfromthetribe.blogspot.com/2009/11/what-is-this.html
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Primitive Christianity
I just finished reading Mark Batterson’s latest book, Primal: A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity. To be completely honest, when I first received the book in the mail and read the back and inside panel, a sense of disappointment gripped me. “A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity” is a very deep saying, and a similar quest is going on in various circles as we speak. When I read the brief descriptions, I questioned whether or not Pastor Mark would be able to give “primitive Christianity” its due respect.
As I read on, I realized I was wrong. Mark Batterson was to bring us back to simplicity and remind us of the most important aspects of the faith we claim. As stated by Batterson,
“Many Christians settle for simplicity on the near side of complexity. Their faith is only mind deep. They know what they believe, but they don’t know why they believe what they believe. Their faith is fragile because it has never been tested intellectually or experientially”.
We all know the Great Commandment that which I think we fail to internalize, “Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, mind, soul, and strength”. How many times have we recited this without thinking it through? Mr. Batterson breaks down the deeper thought of heart, mind, soul, and strength in ways I have never thought of.
As with all his books, Mark describes and explains things so well. Reminds me of a parable being told by Jesus Christ Himself, even if you don’t understand what he says, read further and you will. That’s the faith we can have in Mark Batterson as a writer.
The four elements that Mark described Great Commandment Christianity with, on the inside cover of the book, began to take on new meaning as you read through the book. Sure, you know and can define compassion, wonder, curiosity, and power, but let me say the way Mark Batterson adds personal testimony and descriptive insights of an intelligent mind, give you a sense of a true quest.
If I had to say one thing about how this book showed me a sense of primitive Christianity and the character of the author, Mark Batterson, I would say this;
Mark Batterson is an excellent example of a modern day apostle equipped with experiential stories, vast knowledge told in a parabolic way, and truly a life worth talking about. Without being to “blasphemous”, let me say, this book is a great addition to the Book of Acts!
Go out, get this book for the beginning of 2010. Read it, and let’s “start a coup de compassion the likes of which has not been seen since the first century”.
As I read on, I realized I was wrong. Mark Batterson was to bring us back to simplicity and remind us of the most important aspects of the faith we claim. As stated by Batterson,
“Many Christians settle for simplicity on the near side of complexity. Their faith is only mind deep. They know what they believe, but they don’t know why they believe what they believe. Their faith is fragile because it has never been tested intellectually or experientially”.
We all know the Great Commandment that which I think we fail to internalize, “Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, mind, soul, and strength”. How many times have we recited this without thinking it through? Mr. Batterson breaks down the deeper thought of heart, mind, soul, and strength in ways I have never thought of.
As with all his books, Mark describes and explains things so well. Reminds me of a parable being told by Jesus Christ Himself, even if you don’t understand what he says, read further and you will. That’s the faith we can have in Mark Batterson as a writer.
The four elements that Mark described Great Commandment Christianity with, on the inside cover of the book, began to take on new meaning as you read through the book. Sure, you know and can define compassion, wonder, curiosity, and power, but let me say the way Mark Batterson adds personal testimony and descriptive insights of an intelligent mind, give you a sense of a true quest.
If I had to say one thing about how this book showed me a sense of primitive Christianity and the character of the author, Mark Batterson, I would say this;
Mark Batterson is an excellent example of a modern day apostle equipped with experiential stories, vast knowledge told in a parabolic way, and truly a life worth talking about. Without being to “blasphemous”, let me say, this book is a great addition to the Book of Acts!
Go out, get this book for the beginning of 2010. Read it, and let’s “start a coup de compassion the likes of which has not been seen since the first century”.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Prophetic Imagination and the Gossip of a Missional Christian
Greetings in the name of Christ Jesus, our Lord and King!
It has been a while, I hope everyone's "holy day season" is being blessed and will continue to be.
Well, to get right into it, I cannot begin to do this topic proper justice, but I will make an attempt. I seek to express my heart of these 2 vitally important aspects of our walk with Christ.
What is "prophetic imagination"? Basically the imagination Jesus Christ had, even more so the essence of God. Think about it. God uses some seriously interesting ways to reach people, a burning bush, a talking donkey, and the best of all, God putting on flesh! As stated by Shane Claiborne, "Until we have the sort of imagination that Jesus had to upstage hoarding and to celebrate a dream more liberating than the American dream, nothing will change".
If I had to define prophetic imagination, I would say its using the Holy Spirit creative force to reach the masses with the Gospel. Picture all the ideas...!!!
Just to reference, and now I am ashamed I even attempted to write this blog before reading..
The Prophetic Imagination by Walter Brueggemann.
Now, using the prophetic imagination think about the mission. As Christians we are commanded to be on mission, spreading the gospel of Christ Jesus. All of us!!!
So, if we use this "prophetic imagination" in our everyday life, to fully persuade others of the truth that is in the gospel, what would our conversations be like.
I truly believe, that if we as Christian, devoted Christ-followers, begin to fully understand and live out the mission of Christ, we will "turn the world upside-down", just as the Apostles did in the 1st Century!
We have to become missional, and this will radically revolutionize everything we think we understand about the "Christian life".
Our Church gathering will be more than a song, dance, and sermon - rather it will be a time to gather as Believers and share and express all that the Lord is doing through us in our community.
Our lives will be so consumed with purpose we will not have as much worry or complacency of the whole sin matter.
Our Gospel (Good news of Christ) will make so much more sense to the world that so desperately needs it. Rather than repent and believe, it will be repent and live. Live this life that makes so much more sense.
And our conversation....
What did you and fellow Christians talk about after Church this week? gossip?
Consider, this...We will actually be able to gather and impact lives by all that the Lord is doing through us..Think of all the stories the 1st Century Believers could share! Or even more, think of the Chinese Church and how many stories they can tell! We have fallen short!
If and when we begin to follow the Jesus Christ, that SENT OUT the Believers, we can begin to be CHRISTIAN SUPER-HEROES!
Yes more to come....
Love to the body of Christ,
and a broken heart for the lost,
in the name of Jesus Christ,
Michael Miano
We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us. (I Thessalonians 2:8)
It has been a while, I hope everyone's "holy day season" is being blessed and will continue to be.
Well, to get right into it, I cannot begin to do this topic proper justice, but I will make an attempt. I seek to express my heart of these 2 vitally important aspects of our walk with Christ.
What is "prophetic imagination"? Basically the imagination Jesus Christ had, even more so the essence of God. Think about it. God uses some seriously interesting ways to reach people, a burning bush, a talking donkey, and the best of all, God putting on flesh! As stated by Shane Claiborne, "Until we have the sort of imagination that Jesus had to upstage hoarding and to celebrate a dream more liberating than the American dream, nothing will change".
If I had to define prophetic imagination, I would say its using the Holy Spirit creative force to reach the masses with the Gospel. Picture all the ideas...!!!
Just to reference, and now I am ashamed I even attempted to write this blog before reading..
The Prophetic Imagination by Walter Brueggemann.
Now, using the prophetic imagination think about the mission. As Christians we are commanded to be on mission, spreading the gospel of Christ Jesus. All of us!!!
So, if we use this "prophetic imagination" in our everyday life, to fully persuade others of the truth that is in the gospel, what would our conversations be like.
I truly believe, that if we as Christian, devoted Christ-followers, begin to fully understand and live out the mission of Christ, we will "turn the world upside-down", just as the Apostles did in the 1st Century!
We have to become missional, and this will radically revolutionize everything we think we understand about the "Christian life".
Our Church gathering will be more than a song, dance, and sermon - rather it will be a time to gather as Believers and share and express all that the Lord is doing through us in our community.
Our lives will be so consumed with purpose we will not have as much worry or complacency of the whole sin matter.
Our Gospel (Good news of Christ) will make so much more sense to the world that so desperately needs it. Rather than repent and believe, it will be repent and live. Live this life that makes so much more sense.
And our conversation....
What did you and fellow Christians talk about after Church this week? gossip?
Consider, this...We will actually be able to gather and impact lives by all that the Lord is doing through us..Think of all the stories the 1st Century Believers could share! Or even more, think of the Chinese Church and how many stories they can tell! We have fallen short!
If and when we begin to follow the Jesus Christ, that SENT OUT the Believers, we can begin to be CHRISTIAN SUPER-HEROES!
Yes more to come....
Love to the body of Christ,
and a broken heart for the lost,
in the name of Jesus Christ,
Michael Miano
We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us. (I Thessalonians 2:8)
Monday, November 16, 2009
What is this?
Yes, thats the title, because that is what I am sitting here saying about this whole thing we call "Church". Suprised?
Well, its been a while since I blogged so a little update...I finished reading "An Irresistible Revolution" (yes, the book was awesome, thats a whole other topic in and of itself). I have been listening to alot of Francis Chan sermons, so I have been getting fed some serious Spiritual meat. Also, been delving into mennonite studies and New Monastics. So, its safe to assume, this will be a "radical" blog.
Main thought- WHAT IS THE GOSPEL?
So lately I have been thinking, what really is the good news? Is it the Spiritual "pie in the sky" message many preach, or how about the plain and simple, "social gospel"? It's very clean that we need to be clear on this because Scripture makes it quite clear that there are true and false gospels out there (2 Corinthians 11:4 & Galatians 1:9; and the devil is not a complete idiot to try and pass off something that is totally out there).
Yes, I put my study skills to use. Through studying I realized that the true Gospel of Christ Jesus is very Spiritual and also very practical, but in no way is the gospel tracks of I have seen the gospel of Christ. So I have taken a vow not to hand out these "gospel tracks" anymore. Bye Bye, "This could be your last 5 minutes alive" (that was the title of my latest set of 100 tracks).
As Christians would should be displaying the "kingdom of heaven on earth". Thats what this is all about "the kingdom of God" (refer to my first couple blogs). We yell to the unbelieving masses, "There is another way!!!". Most people are unsatisfied and are living a life totally outside God's best for them. Basically, feeding the pigs (read through Luke 15:11-31).
Th ultimate message of the Gospel of Christ is "come home", be who God created you to be, and live the life God has predestined for you. Why you ask? Because you know that this world has nothing to offer, look around, look within yourself...Let's be real!
Here is a brief essay I wrote the other day titled "A Compromised Mission".
Have we, the Christians compromised the mission? Do we focus on seemingly insignificant things in an effort to avoid having to deal with the real issues (lets say post-modernism)? I.E.- Materialistic culture, apathetic Christianity, lukewarm faith which has led us to a lack of persecution, lack of care and concern for the lost, this new version of "churchianity". Or even worse, do we focus on these things as a cover-up because we like what we have now, rather than going back to the ways of the 1st Century church? Look at the fruit then!!!
I always say "its not necessarily what you do that is sin, but rather what you dont do". Think about the gospel centered life, is it about being a sinless puritan or rather in the gospel a message of a whole different way of life? Doesnt scripture teach us that God will prune us of sin? Was sin a NT church focus? What does the church in China have to say about "our gospel"? What do they focus on? The mission! What if we focus on the mission, and allow God to do the work in us, rather than have a self-centered, create a partal sanitized life gospel?
Dont compromise the mission!!!
What about our faith is worth dying for? What is the "gospel"?
The unbeliever says- "wow this life sucks!"
Christians following Christ should be yelling back- "There is another way, the kingdom of
God stands in opposition to the ways of this world that dont lead to happiness. Where this world leads to death and destruction, the gospel of Christ leads to peace and abundant life!
Well, its been a while since I blogged so a little update...I finished reading "An Irresistible Revolution" (yes, the book was awesome, thats a whole other topic in and of itself). I have been listening to alot of Francis Chan sermons, so I have been getting fed some serious Spiritual meat. Also, been delving into mennonite studies and New Monastics. So, its safe to assume, this will be a "radical" blog.
Main thought- WHAT IS THE GOSPEL?
So lately I have been thinking, what really is the good news? Is it the Spiritual "pie in the sky" message many preach, or how about the plain and simple, "social gospel"? It's very clean that we need to be clear on this because Scripture makes it quite clear that there are true and false gospels out there (2 Corinthians 11:4 & Galatians 1:9; and the devil is not a complete idiot to try and pass off something that is totally out there).
Yes, I put my study skills to use. Through studying I realized that the true Gospel of Christ Jesus is very Spiritual and also very practical, but in no way is the gospel tracks of I have seen the gospel of Christ. So I have taken a vow not to hand out these "gospel tracks" anymore. Bye Bye, "This could be your last 5 minutes alive" (that was the title of my latest set of 100 tracks).
As Christians would should be displaying the "kingdom of heaven on earth". Thats what this is all about "the kingdom of God" (refer to my first couple blogs). We yell to the unbelieving masses, "There is another way!!!". Most people are unsatisfied and are living a life totally outside God's best for them. Basically, feeding the pigs (read through Luke 15:11-31).
Th ultimate message of the Gospel of Christ is "come home", be who God created you to be, and live the life God has predestined for you. Why you ask? Because you know that this world has nothing to offer, look around, look within yourself...Let's be real!
Here is a brief essay I wrote the other day titled "A Compromised Mission".
Have we, the Christians compromised the mission? Do we focus on seemingly insignificant things in an effort to avoid having to deal with the real issues (lets say post-modernism)? I.E.- Materialistic culture, apathetic Christianity, lukewarm faith which has led us to a lack of persecution, lack of care and concern for the lost, this new version of "churchianity". Or even worse, do we focus on these things as a cover-up because we like what we have now, rather than going back to the ways of the 1st Century church? Look at the fruit then!!!
I always say "its not necessarily what you do that is sin, but rather what you dont do". Think about the gospel centered life, is it about being a sinless puritan or rather in the gospel a message of a whole different way of life? Doesnt scripture teach us that God will prune us of sin? Was sin a NT church focus? What does the church in China have to say about "our gospel"? What do they focus on? The mission! What if we focus on the mission, and allow God to do the work in us, rather than have a self-centered, create a partal sanitized life gospel?
Dont compromise the mission!!!
What about our faith is worth dying for? What is the "gospel"?
The unbeliever says- "wow this life sucks!"
Christians following Christ should be yelling back- "There is another way, the kingdom of
God stands in opposition to the ways of this world that dont lead to happiness. Where this world leads to death and destruction, the gospel of Christ leads to peace and abundant life!
Friday, October 23, 2009
RE-defining "Church"! (Me and Shane Claiborne)
Well, its been a while…
I recently read what I might consider my best, though provoking read yet, The Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne.
I had heard so much about the book, and searched through bookstores until I found it. What pushed me over the edge to HAVE TO READ was the story of Brandt Russo
http://adventure.wrecked.org/?filename=homeless-jesus&redirected=wreckedfortheordinary.com
So, I wanted to rehash some of the stuff in the book that provoked me to thought..
“Don’t let the world steal your soul. Being a Christian is about choosing Jesus and deciding to do something incredibly daring with your life”.
Wow- where did this attitude go? That’s so true..study the lives of the apostles, their lives were WRECKED!
One might ask, what is the “irresistible revolution”?
“There is a movement bubbling up that goes beyond cynicism and celebrates a new way of living, a generation that stops complaining about the church it sees and becomes the church it dreams of. And this little revolution is irresistible”. -I so needed to read that. I myself am not satisfied with what we call Church today, but at the same time, we know Christ Jesus loved the Church, died for the Church. I am so done with complaining and hearing people complain, its about time to BE THE CHURCH!
The motto of Freaked-Out Fellowship is “Turning the world upside-down”, so you know I loved it when Shane spoke about really taking in what Jesus said as if He meant it, and this could “turn the world upside-down”.
That’s the key- taking Christ Jesus at His Word and following Him!Basically to try and sum up some of the stuff I underlined…..,
Shane decided to truly live up to this “Irresistible Revolution”. He slept on streets with homeless people, lived with mother Teresa in a Leper Colony in Calcutta (Yes, you read that right!!!). Came home and lived and lives our authentic Christianity…
Oh man, I am so convicted!
A common problem I have is that I always do these deep searches of myself and ask God in prayer-”Where am I called?”..Shane makes it clear- “…rather than waiting around for God’s special plan for your life, you should just go find where God is already at work and join in”.
Totemism- making God in our own image!
“God created us in His image, and we decided to return the favor”- George Bernard Shaw
Shane’s book has given me such as desire to go back and study Church History (AGAIN). Take a good look at the book of Acts (something I love and urge all to study), also the sociology of the 1st Century Church. As well, as Monastics and other interesting stuff, that could so set us on fire today. A FIRE SO DESPERATELY NEEDED!
I truly hate economics and talk of such. I hate math, numbers, and our materialistic culture…So do!!! The way Shane talked about economics was so intriguing. He convicted me on some of my ways, and how selling everything isn’t going to create community, all that happens as community is formed. The way he explained “radical interdependence” was well put and answered my question on how a ministry should be supported!.
“Until we have the sort of imagination Jesus had to upstage hoarding and to celebrate a dream more liberating than the American dream, nothing will change. Until we have the courage to risk and scheme ways of redistribution with the same passion and fervor with which people scramble after wealth, the market will overpower God’s vision of JUBILEE. (oh yeah, that’s an entire story in and of itself)
Fear of God- It’s not about fearing hell, because we have been told that “the gates of hell with not prevail against the church”. But rather, the fear that we have no idea what following Jesus Christ will lead us to next. Or better said “I have no idea what in the world God’s going to dare me to do next”.
“Christians should be troublemakers, creators of uncertainty, agents of a dimension incompatible with society”- Jacques Ellul - JESUS FREAKS STAND UP!!!
Awesome coined term- “Theological Pranksters” (more to come on that…)
“…..we need more fools, holy fools who insist that the folly of the cross is wiser than any human power. And the world may call us crazy”.
How so? - “alternatives to existing world structures, of bartering communities, of money collectives for emergencies (instead of insurance), of prophetic interruptions to war and theft, of sustainable urban gardening and eco-energy alternatives, of using trash and wreckage of the consumptive world to create things that bring life and beauty”.
OK, so I apologize not much of an editorial blogger. Ha ha! That was basically my thoughts as I sat here fanning though the book. I would STRONGLY urge you to read the book, maybe a chapter after your Biblical devotions?
The book has sparked so many ideas in me…basically what Shane talked about in the book as “prophetic imagination" (which I will be blogging about soon!).
Really are you satisfied with the state of Christ’s bride? How about the state of the world? Let’s get to work!!!
Love you all, in Christ,
Pastor Michael Miano
http://www.freakedoutfellowship.weebly.com
Check out The Simple Way website: (Shane Claiborne’s “church”)
http://www.thesimpleway.org/
I recently read what I might consider my best, though provoking read yet, The Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne.
I had heard so much about the book, and searched through bookstores until I found it. What pushed me over the edge to HAVE TO READ was the story of Brandt Russo
http://adventure.wrecked.org/?filename=homeless-jesus&redirected=wreckedfortheordinary.com
So, I wanted to rehash some of the stuff in the book that provoked me to thought..
“Don’t let the world steal your soul. Being a Christian is about choosing Jesus and deciding to do something incredibly daring with your life”.
Wow- where did this attitude go? That’s so true..study the lives of the apostles, their lives were WRECKED!
One might ask, what is the “irresistible revolution”?
“There is a movement bubbling up that goes beyond cynicism and celebrates a new way of living, a generation that stops complaining about the church it sees and becomes the church it dreams of. And this little revolution is irresistible”. -I so needed to read that. I myself am not satisfied with what we call Church today, but at the same time, we know Christ Jesus loved the Church, died for the Church. I am so done with complaining and hearing people complain, its about time to BE THE CHURCH!
The motto of Freaked-Out Fellowship is “Turning the world upside-down”, so you know I loved it when Shane spoke about really taking in what Jesus said as if He meant it, and this could “turn the world upside-down”.
That’s the key- taking Christ Jesus at His Word and following Him!Basically to try and sum up some of the stuff I underlined…..,
Shane decided to truly live up to this “Irresistible Revolution”. He slept on streets with homeless people, lived with mother Teresa in a Leper Colony in Calcutta (Yes, you read that right!!!). Came home and lived and lives our authentic Christianity…
Oh man, I am so convicted!
A common problem I have is that I always do these deep searches of myself and ask God in prayer-”Where am I called?”..Shane makes it clear- “…rather than waiting around for God’s special plan for your life, you should just go find where God is already at work and join in”.
Totemism- making God in our own image!
“God created us in His image, and we decided to return the favor”- George Bernard Shaw
Shane’s book has given me such as desire to go back and study Church History (AGAIN). Take a good look at the book of Acts (something I love and urge all to study), also the sociology of the 1st Century Church. As well, as Monastics and other interesting stuff, that could so set us on fire today. A FIRE SO DESPERATELY NEEDED!
I truly hate economics and talk of such. I hate math, numbers, and our materialistic culture…So do!!! The way Shane talked about economics was so intriguing. He convicted me on some of my ways, and how selling everything isn’t going to create community, all that happens as community is formed. The way he explained “radical interdependence” was well put and answered my question on how a ministry should be supported!.
“Until we have the sort of imagination Jesus had to upstage hoarding and to celebrate a dream more liberating than the American dream, nothing will change. Until we have the courage to risk and scheme ways of redistribution with the same passion and fervor with which people scramble after wealth, the market will overpower God’s vision of JUBILEE. (oh yeah, that’s an entire story in and of itself)
Fear of God- It’s not about fearing hell, because we have been told that “the gates of hell with not prevail against the church”. But rather, the fear that we have no idea what following Jesus Christ will lead us to next. Or better said “I have no idea what in the world God’s going to dare me to do next”.
“Christians should be troublemakers, creators of uncertainty, agents of a dimension incompatible with society”- Jacques Ellul - JESUS FREAKS STAND UP!!!
Awesome coined term- “Theological Pranksters” (more to come on that…)
“…..we need more fools, holy fools who insist that the folly of the cross is wiser than any human power. And the world may call us crazy”.
How so? - “alternatives to existing world structures, of bartering communities, of money collectives for emergencies (instead of insurance), of prophetic interruptions to war and theft, of sustainable urban gardening and eco-energy alternatives, of using trash and wreckage of the consumptive world to create things that bring life and beauty”.
OK, so I apologize not much of an editorial blogger. Ha ha! That was basically my thoughts as I sat here fanning though the book. I would STRONGLY urge you to read the book, maybe a chapter after your Biblical devotions?
The book has sparked so many ideas in me…basically what Shane talked about in the book as “prophetic imagination" (which I will be blogging about soon!).
Really are you satisfied with the state of Christ’s bride? How about the state of the world? Let’s get to work!!!
Love you all, in Christ,
Pastor Michael Miano
http://www.freakedoutfellowship.weebly.com
Check out The Simple Way website: (Shane Claiborne’s “church”)
http://www.thesimpleway.org/
Thursday, September 17, 2009
"Turning the world upside-down"
Don't you love that quote? Thats my motto. AS a Believer in Christ, a sanctified trouble-maker like Jesus, thats my goal, as I believe thats what Christ, the King, wants us to be doing.
Allow me to elaborate a bit. Think of some things that are important in your life, or even better, what do you view as success? Now, pick up the Word of God, do you and God agree? (Seek 1st the Kingdom of God, and....)
That itself, is the Christian Revolution!
Think to to ressurection of Christ Jesus. He defied what this world views as normal. Rising from the dead? Wow!
I had read through, (and shared through open-air) the passage in Matthew chapter 5. Most of us know this as the Sermon on the Mount or even the Beatitudes.
Look at it...(I read it through THE MESSAGE, talk about impacting). Here I'm going to use the NIV.
Blessed are you...
"poor in Spirit", "When you mourn..", "the meek", "those who hunger and thirst for righteousness", "the merciful", "the pure in heart", "peacemakers",. ...you when you are persecuted".
Wow, ok so which of those do you see our culture promoting, actually our culture pretty much disdains all of them. That's why we need to be revolutionaries!
A revolution (from the Latin revolutio, "a turn around") is a fundamental change in power or organizational structures that takes place in a relatively short period of time.
Jesus is King,
His servant,
Mike Miano
P.S.
9-11 just passed. As many of you may know, I have an "alternative view" to what really happened on 9-11. I was a 9-11 truther, and still am in many respects, for a while.
This 9-11 I went and asked 2 basic questions.
What do you believe happened on 9/11/2001?
Where was God on 9/11/2001?
The results where very encouraging.
Let me say this, I have not become "watered-down" on the political aspect, but I see the bigger picture. The revolution isnt about politics, its about the hearts of men. I do believe that when men's hearts are changed, so will politics.
AS the saying goes..Seek 1st the Kingdom of God!
Allow me to elaborate a bit. Think of some things that are important in your life, or even better, what do you view as success? Now, pick up the Word of God, do you and God agree? (Seek 1st the Kingdom of God, and....)
That itself, is the Christian Revolution!
Think to to ressurection of Christ Jesus. He defied what this world views as normal. Rising from the dead? Wow!
I had read through, (and shared through open-air) the passage in Matthew chapter 5. Most of us know this as the Sermon on the Mount or even the Beatitudes.
Look at it...(I read it through THE MESSAGE, talk about impacting). Here I'm going to use the NIV.
Blessed are you...
"poor in Spirit", "When you mourn..", "the meek", "those who hunger and thirst for righteousness", "the merciful", "the pure in heart", "peacemakers",. ...you when you are persecuted".
Wow, ok so which of those do you see our culture promoting, actually our culture pretty much disdains all of them. That's why we need to be revolutionaries!
A revolution (from the Latin revolutio, "a turn around") is a fundamental change in power or organizational structures that takes place in a relatively short period of time.
Jesus is King,
His servant,
Mike Miano
P.S.
9-11 just passed. As many of you may know, I have an "alternative view" to what really happened on 9-11. I was a 9-11 truther, and still am in many respects, for a while.
This 9-11 I went and asked 2 basic questions.
What do you believe happened on 9/11/2001?
Where was God on 9/11/2001?
The results where very encouraging.
Let me say this, I have not become "watered-down" on the political aspect, but I see the bigger picture. The revolution isnt about politics, its about the hearts of men. I do believe that when men's hearts are changed, so will politics.
AS the saying goes..Seek 1st the Kingdom of God!
Monday, July 20, 2009
"Some Pretty Bad Things..."
A message to try and sum up the radical, obsessive, crazy mind of Mr. Michael Miano. (Yes, its just an attempt! lol)
OK, so let me give a little backround, last month is the matter of a week, two people made this comment about me, "must have done something really bad in the past to be that crazy about God". I could go on for days about that comment, so the best place- MY BLOG!
Well, for the curious mind...Yes I have. I was a gang member and a leader, so use your imagination of the things I took part in, seen, and did. BUT, let me say this, the worst thing I have ever done, is something I still do in part, and you do as well. That is...Shun God and not live completely devoted, dedicated to living for Him. I mean every second.
Let me introduce you to the Jesus Christ, the Messiah, that I know.
The biggest problem today is that everyone "believes in God" or "believes Jesus died for them". The word believe almost provokes the thought that it might or might not be true. Not the case here, Jesus Christ living, dying and raising from the dead is a reality in my world. (Yeah, ask me for some evidence!!).
So, live with this reality. God creates man and woman. We decide to live for ourselves and it leads us to self destruction etc...FACE IT, we suck at life, we cant do it ourselves. So God, being as awesome and creative, and loving, as He is decides to come to Earth as man and live among us, to show us an example, and then die to make eternal life a reality! Truly follow Him, and His example and we will live forever.
Ok, so let me give some study information for those of you who might find the excuse, "ahh he just went off the deep end". 1st, I would reccomend the lastest trend- Crazy Love by Francis Chan (Confession- I have yet to read it, but study notes from others are enough to convince me).
Ok, first all sin is equal (JAMES 2:10-11), so its not that I have commited some crazy sin and am trying to make up for it. Plus, scripture tells us that we cannot earn salvation by good works, so regardless that wouldnt work(Ephesians 2:8,9).
You want to know why I am so devoted? Because the reality of Gods love for me, makes Him so worthy for me to live like that and also GOD COMMANDS IT!
I know ALL the things you DO, that you are neither HOT nor COLD. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like LUKEWARM WATER (BAD WATER), neither Hot nor Cold (GOOD WATER), I WILL SPIT YOU OUT OF MY MOUTH!
Revelations 3:14-22
Well hope that explained some...Always open to explain more.
with Love and Truth,
Michael Miano
A Freaked- Out Follower of Jesus Christ
http://so4j.com/what-is-a-lukewarm-christian.php
OK, so let me give a little backround, last month is the matter of a week, two people made this comment about me, "must have done something really bad in the past to be that crazy about God". I could go on for days about that comment, so the best place- MY BLOG!
Well, for the curious mind...Yes I have. I was a gang member and a leader, so use your imagination of the things I took part in, seen, and did. BUT, let me say this, the worst thing I have ever done, is something I still do in part, and you do as well. That is...Shun God and not live completely devoted, dedicated to living for Him. I mean every second.
Let me introduce you to the Jesus Christ, the Messiah, that I know.
The biggest problem today is that everyone "believes in God" or "believes Jesus died for them". The word believe almost provokes the thought that it might or might not be true. Not the case here, Jesus Christ living, dying and raising from the dead is a reality in my world. (Yeah, ask me for some evidence!!).
So, live with this reality. God creates man and woman. We decide to live for ourselves and it leads us to self destruction etc...FACE IT, we suck at life, we cant do it ourselves. So God, being as awesome and creative, and loving, as He is decides to come to Earth as man and live among us, to show us an example, and then die to make eternal life a reality! Truly follow Him, and His example and we will live forever.
Ok, so let me give some study information for those of you who might find the excuse, "ahh he just went off the deep end". 1st, I would reccomend the lastest trend- Crazy Love by Francis Chan (Confession- I have yet to read it, but study notes from others are enough to convince me).
Ok, first all sin is equal (JAMES 2:10-11), so its not that I have commited some crazy sin and am trying to make up for it. Plus, scripture tells us that we cannot earn salvation by good works, so regardless that wouldnt work(Ephesians 2:8,9).
You want to know why I am so devoted? Because the reality of Gods love for me, makes Him so worthy for me to live like that and also GOD COMMANDS IT!
I know ALL the things you DO, that you are neither HOT nor COLD. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like LUKEWARM WATER (BAD WATER), neither Hot nor Cold (GOOD WATER), I WILL SPIT YOU OUT OF MY MOUTH!
Revelations 3:14-22
Well hope that explained some...Always open to explain more.
with Love and Truth,
Michael Miano
A Freaked- Out Follower of Jesus Christ
http://so4j.com/what-is-a-lukewarm-christian.php
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Yesterdays Devotional Reading
Well, it has been a while. Most of you loyal blog readers already know that I have some issues with consistency. These past couple weeks have had their ups and downs, physically, mentally, and of course Spiritually!
Yesterdays devotional reading came as an expressing of the “Living Water” for my thirsty soul. So much so that I wanted to share it.
Well, let’s turn to 2 Corinthians chapter 5. I want to speak about reconciliation, as our position and responsibility. Looking to the text we realize that the Apostle Paul is admonishing the Corinthian Church. Judgment is upon us and we know we will face judgment on what we did with this life the Lord gave us (verse 10). SINCE, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we know the TRUTH, our job is to tell others, actually better put -PERSUADE! (verse 11).
To me this thought alone, judgment, is enough to make us out of our minds (verse 13), as many of you have heard my expression of visions and dreams concerning the Day of Reckoning. This “out of our minds” is what should give us the passion we need to express the seriousness of this message.
Verses 14-15, express that by Christ’s love and death, we are compelled to spread the message that all should turn to Him as Lord and Savior, “Since He died for us we should live for Him”!
We are ambassadors of Christ imploring (which means to express with earnest supplication) that all should be reconciled to Christ! Are you on the job?
Not hired? Yes you have. That brings us to the next part of my devotional. Now, let’s turn to Jeremiah chapter 1. Believe it or not the person you are today, was created and foreseen before the foundations of the world, and you were hired before birth. Verse 5 says it all- “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart…”.
Let us all realize this truth. Let us listen and understand to the command of the Lord which enables us to be Ambassadors of reconciliation.
“You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you, declares the Lord” (Jeremiah 1:7-8).
Yesterdays devotional reading came as an expressing of the “Living Water” for my thirsty soul. So much so that I wanted to share it.
Well, let’s turn to 2 Corinthians chapter 5. I want to speak about reconciliation, as our position and responsibility. Looking to the text we realize that the Apostle Paul is admonishing the Corinthian Church. Judgment is upon us and we know we will face judgment on what we did with this life the Lord gave us (verse 10). SINCE, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we know the TRUTH, our job is to tell others, actually better put -PERSUADE! (verse 11).
To me this thought alone, judgment, is enough to make us out of our minds (verse 13), as many of you have heard my expression of visions and dreams concerning the Day of Reckoning. This “out of our minds” is what should give us the passion we need to express the seriousness of this message.
Verses 14-15, express that by Christ’s love and death, we are compelled to spread the message that all should turn to Him as Lord and Savior, “Since He died for us we should live for Him”!
We are ambassadors of Christ imploring (which means to express with earnest supplication) that all should be reconciled to Christ! Are you on the job?
Not hired? Yes you have. That brings us to the next part of my devotional. Now, let’s turn to Jeremiah chapter 1. Believe it or not the person you are today, was created and foreseen before the foundations of the world, and you were hired before birth. Verse 5 says it all- “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart…”.
Let us all realize this truth. Let us listen and understand to the command of the Lord which enables us to be Ambassadors of reconciliation.
“You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you, declares the Lord” (Jeremiah 1:7-8).
Monday, June 22, 2009
"It's like being Born Again"
A continuation of the latest trip- Living Life!
Yes, so its still on my mind, actually it seems to be making me crazier and crazier. ha ha ha.
Well, to be completely honest, my goal was to be a risk-taker and complete the 3-day challenge given by liveontheedge.com, but spending almost a whole day in a car, then eating dinner, than playing in the pool all day, and then the car again really didn't afford me the opportunity to "live on the edge".
So, last night it happened again! I was watching the movie "Passengers", and the story line is that this woman is counseling these survivors of a plane crash. The one "survivor" is living very risky, such as jumping off buildings, using other peoples boats, basically living on impulse. Then, he made this statement- "It's like being born again". Wow- talk about a Word from God!
Where have we heard that before? "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3).
I have never really thought about that. As Christians we are baptized, and this symbolizes are dying to self and to this world, and being born again in Christ.
If you are dead, and now alive, how should you live? Obviously, we should be living a risk-taking life, appreciating the resurrection power and so much more. That is, if the resurrection is your reality.
I have realized that, there is a healthy difference between spontaneity and routine, and that is being Born Again, and living in the Spirit! Amen!
"Divine Impulse", I guess it could be called.
My personal oath and quote of the day is this.... “Lord, I will follow Thee—but—.”....FORGET THAT!! Stop putting flowers at the base of the cross, pick it up and follow Him!"
No more excuses, let's be totally Freaked-Out!
Here is the Challenge: What do you do if you cannot die? How do you live if you cannot die? What do you do if you will live forever and the next phase will be unimaginably wonderful – forever?
"Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go."
— T.S. Eliot
Some Risk Taking links:
http://www.themoorings.org/life/basics/risk.html
http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Christianity/Easter/Nine-Ways-to-Live-the-Resurrection.aspx
Yes, so its still on my mind, actually it seems to be making me crazier and crazier. ha ha ha.
Well, to be completely honest, my goal was to be a risk-taker and complete the 3-day challenge given by liveontheedge.com, but spending almost a whole day in a car, then eating dinner, than playing in the pool all day, and then the car again really didn't afford me the opportunity to "live on the edge".
So, last night it happened again! I was watching the movie "Passengers", and the story line is that this woman is counseling these survivors of a plane crash. The one "survivor" is living very risky, such as jumping off buildings, using other peoples boats, basically living on impulse. Then, he made this statement- "It's like being born again". Wow- talk about a Word from God!
Where have we heard that before? "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3).
I have never really thought about that. As Christians we are baptized, and this symbolizes are dying to self and to this world, and being born again in Christ.
If you are dead, and now alive, how should you live? Obviously, we should be living a risk-taking life, appreciating the resurrection power and so much more. That is, if the resurrection is your reality.
I have realized that, there is a healthy difference between spontaneity and routine, and that is being Born Again, and living in the Spirit! Amen!
"Divine Impulse", I guess it could be called.
My personal oath and quote of the day is this.... “Lord, I will follow Thee—but—.”....FORGET THAT!! Stop putting flowers at the base of the cross, pick it up and follow Him!"
No more excuses, let's be totally Freaked-Out!
Here is the Challenge: What do you do if you cannot die? How do you live if you cannot die? What do you do if you will live forever and the next phase will be unimaginably wonderful – forever?
"Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go."
— T.S. Eliot
Some Risk Taking links:
http://www.themoorings.org/life/basics/risk.html
http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Christianity/Easter/Nine-Ways-to-Live-the-Resurrection.aspx
Monday, June 15, 2009
Don't Wanna Waste My Life!!!
I know, I know....I am obsessed with Lecrae. Get over it! ha ha ha....Actually I am obsessed with the term, because it is such a great "Kingdom living principle".
Its been said...107 people die every minute, 6390 every hour, 153,000 every day......
Do you know when you will DIE? No, you dont! You could die in 10 minutes, you could die in 5 days, 10 years, 50 years, etc..But the FACT is you dont know. Unless of course, you take the death clock.
http://www.deathclock.com/
This has been on my mind alot (Living life to the max), I keep hearing messages on it and every movie I watch think about it. I'll brief you on some of the latest..Ok, so I saw the movie Revolutionary Road. Yeah, I have a wife thank you very much, stop laughing! Anyways, the couple was living an ordinary, boring life and the wife wanted to bring back the excitement they once had, before they allowed facts of life ( getting older, children, etc) to hold them back. They get so excited thinking about it, then...(I dont want to ruin the movie for you). Or how about The Hangover? Ok, block out all the sin and fornication nonsense, look at the deeper issue. These men were participating in a Bachelor party, which I guess is saying "Have a blast before you end it all", horrible stance for marriage (Marriage is the beginning of life not the end!!!).Anyways, these men had mediocre lives, and this night they lived out the life God had put in them (ok, well they needed to get drugged to do it, frown).
See the point though? When you die, will you stand at judgment thinking what you could have, should have, or failed to do? You don't know when that will be, so get on with what the Lord put inside you.
Now let me add a disclaimer to this. I got to thinking. I agree with this so much because I know the life that the Lord Jesus Christ has put inside me, what vision and calling He has placed in me, THE LIFE, so to speak. In no way shape or form and I saying go out and do whatever you want. This is a Christian blog! BUT, you have desires and dreams, fantasies, and callings, that God placed in you for a reason, are you living it out? Are you wasting your life?
The first thing I would advise you to do is study the Word of God, then examine yourself (what makes you, YOU?), then live it out! In this order!
I came across an awesome site, which if used in the right way can be of maximum quality to a believer, check it out.
http://www.liveontheedge.com/
Love in Christ,
Mike Miano
http://www.freakedoutfellowship.weebly.com
Also we are on myspace.com now
http://www.myspace.com/freakedoutfellowship
Its been said...107 people die every minute, 6390 every hour, 153,000 every day......
Do you know when you will DIE? No, you dont! You could die in 10 minutes, you could die in 5 days, 10 years, 50 years, etc..But the FACT is you dont know. Unless of course, you take the death clock.
http://www.deathclock.com/
This has been on my mind alot (Living life to the max), I keep hearing messages on it and every movie I watch think about it. I'll brief you on some of the latest..Ok, so I saw the movie Revolutionary Road. Yeah, I have a wife thank you very much, stop laughing! Anyways, the couple was living an ordinary, boring life and the wife wanted to bring back the excitement they once had, before they allowed facts of life ( getting older, children, etc) to hold them back. They get so excited thinking about it, then...(I dont want to ruin the movie for you). Or how about The Hangover? Ok, block out all the sin and fornication nonsense, look at the deeper issue. These men were participating in a Bachelor party, which I guess is saying "Have a blast before you end it all", horrible stance for marriage (Marriage is the beginning of life not the end!!!).Anyways, these men had mediocre lives, and this night they lived out the life God had put in them (ok, well they needed to get drugged to do it, frown).
See the point though? When you die, will you stand at judgment thinking what you could have, should have, or failed to do? You don't know when that will be, so get on with what the Lord put inside you.
Now let me add a disclaimer to this. I got to thinking. I agree with this so much because I know the life that the Lord Jesus Christ has put inside me, what vision and calling He has placed in me, THE LIFE, so to speak. In no way shape or form and I saying go out and do whatever you want. This is a Christian blog! BUT, you have desires and dreams, fantasies, and callings, that God placed in you for a reason, are you living it out? Are you wasting your life?
The first thing I would advise you to do is study the Word of God, then examine yourself (what makes you, YOU?), then live it out! In this order!
I came across an awesome site, which if used in the right way can be of maximum quality to a believer, check it out.
http://www.liveontheedge.com/
Love in Christ,
Mike Miano
http://www.freakedoutfellowship.weebly.com
Also we are on myspace.com now
http://www.myspace.com/freakedoutfellowship
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
A day of learning
Greetings in Christ.
Well today, as was yesterday, and the last couple days, have been difficult. I don't know what it is, my patience has been tried. Well, Heavenly Father, continue to guide and strengthen me. Amen!
Today, I listened to some awesome messages.
First, I want to start with HUMILITY. AS Christians, we know how important this attribute is. I listened to a message from 2/42 Community Church, I urge everyone to check out their podcast. Well the message was about learning with humility. Many of us, myself included sometimes think we know it all. We totally don't! Some great examples of the human stupidity were given which I got a kick out of.
Hand Sanitizer- For external use only. Hello, its for your hands! Even more so, this was an excellent point- We pick up the sanitizer with our dirty hands, use it, then put it away! ha ha ha
hmmm...I could go on and on, but I just found an awesome website that makes the point!
http://www.rinkworks.com/said/warnings.shtml
Such smart creatures, we are? Right?
I just want to shout out a certain man who has expressed humility to me. Pastor Alex Bryant from First Assembly, The House
http://www.thehizzie.com
This is a man who has such humility, and is always willing to learn and teach that we don't have all the answers. IMPACT!
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2).
“Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor” (Proverbs 18:12)."
“Humility and the fear of the LORD bring wealth and honor and life” (Proverbs 22:4)."
And now for another topic, REGRET. For the last couple weeks a topic that has resonating in my mind is LIVE EVERYDAY AS IF ITS YOUR LAST. Such an important topic.
Concerning regret, basically it is so true that most the things we regret are things we failed to do, not so much the things we have done.
So a major part of life is to recognize the things the Spirit is telling you to do, say, or whatever- that way you wont have regret.
Well thanks everyone,
goodnight and God bless
Michael Miano
Well today, as was yesterday, and the last couple days, have been difficult. I don't know what it is, my patience has been tried. Well, Heavenly Father, continue to guide and strengthen me. Amen!
Today, I listened to some awesome messages.
First, I want to start with HUMILITY. AS Christians, we know how important this attribute is. I listened to a message from 2/42 Community Church, I urge everyone to check out their podcast. Well the message was about learning with humility. Many of us, myself included sometimes think we know it all. We totally don't! Some great examples of the human stupidity were given which I got a kick out of.
Hand Sanitizer- For external use only. Hello, its for your hands! Even more so, this was an excellent point- We pick up the sanitizer with our dirty hands, use it, then put it away! ha ha ha
hmmm...I could go on and on, but I just found an awesome website that makes the point!
http://www.rinkworks.com/said/warnings.shtml
Such smart creatures, we are? Right?
I just want to shout out a certain man who has expressed humility to me. Pastor Alex Bryant from First Assembly, The House
http://www.thehizzie.com
This is a man who has such humility, and is always willing to learn and teach that we don't have all the answers. IMPACT!
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2).
“Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor” (Proverbs 18:12)."
“Humility and the fear of the LORD bring wealth and honor and life” (Proverbs 22:4)."
And now for another topic, REGRET. For the last couple weeks a topic that has resonating in my mind is LIVE EVERYDAY AS IF ITS YOUR LAST. Such an important topic.
Concerning regret, basically it is so true that most the things we regret are things we failed to do, not so much the things we have done.
So a major part of life is to recognize the things the Spirit is telling you to do, say, or whatever- that way you wont have regret.
Well thanks everyone,
goodnight and God bless
Michael Miano
Friday, May 29, 2009
Where Have all the Radicals Gone?
"...they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come here also (Acts 17:6)".
After the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the band of disciples who followed Him, set out and defied the religious institution and went against society norms, all in the effort to preach that everyone must "save themselves from this corrupt generation". That is the same message we as the body of Christ need to be yelling today. I sometimes sit and think about the current state of things, are we reading the same Bible about the same followers? This isn't some sit in church, clap your hands, sing a song, listen to a message and live a good life type of thing here, this is the call to be radical. Let us always remember the Spirit of the band of disciples who followed Christ, who we call Apostles, as well look to Church history for those who have blazed these trails before us.
The book of Acts is filled with exactly that- Acts of the Apostles. Peter on Pentecost preaching to multitudes, he is warning them and preaching with a passion, that they must realize the Truth. After a great healing, Peter once again preaches about repentance to the onlookers. These two stories alone show a pattern of consistency and passion, so much that Peter and John were brought up for trial to the religious leaders. Read how many believers were added to the Church. I say that not to point out that we need bigger walled churches, but rather to show that in some senses we have lost the passion for the lost. Only the Spirit of God can give us this radical passion, which will provoke us to get out there and be heard.
If today, there was to be a persecution of Christians in our land, would our testimonies and work shine so bright that we would be dragged away? I fear not, because most of us, unlike the Apostles are not being heard, or shaking things up. The Apostles made the world as we know it uncomfortable, unlike Christianity of today (Church-ianity) in which is the normal faith of the day. Everyone says there a Christian!!!
Polycarp, a faithful disciple of the Apostle John, was an example of a follower who during persecution was singled out and was martyred. This was a man who fought heresies in the Church and dedicated his life to the ministry. Or consider the Monks, such as Anthony or Francis. At a time when the Church was beginning to inter-mingle with the affairs of the world, these monks set themselves apart and fled to institutional church. Many of us fail to realize that this upset the "religious world" and Rome had alot of hostility toward them. Imagine that, the same Church that calls these men "Saints" actually disregarded them at the time of their service.
"Constantine adopting the Christian faith, resulted in a decline in Christian commitment. The radical believers who Diocletian killed were replaced by half-converted pagans" -Church History Textbook
Another great believer, Peter Waldo (1140-1218) led a band of believers much like the Apostles and are considered one of the first "back to the Bible movements". The Waldenses preached a return to the simple life of the Apostles, living a voluntary life of poverty and preaching. Once again, this radical move challenged the ideas of the day, so this was declared heretical and by 13th Century were pretty much scattered. Even more, lets look at the challenge of
John Wycliffe and John Hus, both who are considered Reformers of their day. They saw the problems in the Church and rather than complain, they took the initiative to make the changes. Many could question, where would the Church teachings be today if it wasn't for the courage of these two men.
Let's consider the Haystack Prayer Meeting. This is actually new to me. I have studied Church History for a couple years now, but up until I studied my Missiology course, I had never heard of this. Wow, the story of these young men who took another great radicals thoughts (William Carey- Father of Modern Missions) and considered them and prayed for them. These students had a divine moment in which they had to consider whether they were going to back or or give their all. These ordinary students birthed what we call "Foreign Missions" today. We all support that, right? Well, guess what, as widely received and welcomed as missions are today, they weren't always. The book," An Inquiry into the Obligation of Christians to Use Means for the Conversion of the Heathen", was very controversial, yet this led to what we have today. Wow, radical!
"Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage (Matthew 5:13) THE MESSAGE BIBLE."
We cannot end a radical essay without the mention of people like John Wesley who led the Methodist Revival and now what we understand as Evangelical. Or William Booth who created the Salvation Army. Or how about the Azuza Street Revival. All these movements and moments were considered different at that time, but today they are what lead the Church. Have we lost the Spirit of revival?
Allow me to conclude with this honest admission. Church History classes were so boring, even reading the text, I couldn't wait to finish the reading for the night. But, so many times I would come across some of these men that I have mentioned herein, and would get excited, even to the point of "googling" more information. The men of Church History who were ostracized and criticized, persecuted and condemned, are actually men who have led the Church, the bride of Christ, to be what we are today. Have we lost the passion, the zeal, and the life that will make the mission, the Great Commission, complete?
"We have sunk into such a compromising way of dealing with the unconverted as to well nigh lost the spirit of the primitive preachers, and hence it is that sinners of every description can sit quietly as they do, year after year, in our places of worship".- Andrew Fuller
Since, I claim to be a "Jesus Freak", let us remember and prayerfully consider the "Jesus Freak Movement" of the 1960s and early 1970s. This was a mix of the hippie culture and Protestantism. Now, I am now not a hippie, but wow, God is so good, a Jesus Freak is someone who displays Christ in the way God created them. A hippie, a thug, a rock star, a quite mouse type, a goth, a anarchist, a pretty lady,
WE ARE ALL CALLED TO BE "JESUS FREAKS"!!!!
Written by Michael Miano
http://www.freakedoutfellowship.weebly.com
After the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the band of disciples who followed Him, set out and defied the religious institution and went against society norms, all in the effort to preach that everyone must "save themselves from this corrupt generation". That is the same message we as the body of Christ need to be yelling today. I sometimes sit and think about the current state of things, are we reading the same Bible about the same followers? This isn't some sit in church, clap your hands, sing a song, listen to a message and live a good life type of thing here, this is the call to be radical. Let us always remember the Spirit of the band of disciples who followed Christ, who we call Apostles, as well look to Church history for those who have blazed these trails before us.
The book of Acts is filled with exactly that- Acts of the Apostles. Peter on Pentecost preaching to multitudes, he is warning them and preaching with a passion, that they must realize the Truth. After a great healing, Peter once again preaches about repentance to the onlookers. These two stories alone show a pattern of consistency and passion, so much that Peter and John were brought up for trial to the religious leaders. Read how many believers were added to the Church. I say that not to point out that we need bigger walled churches, but rather to show that in some senses we have lost the passion for the lost. Only the Spirit of God can give us this radical passion, which will provoke us to get out there and be heard.
If today, there was to be a persecution of Christians in our land, would our testimonies and work shine so bright that we would be dragged away? I fear not, because most of us, unlike the Apostles are not being heard, or shaking things up. The Apostles made the world as we know it uncomfortable, unlike Christianity of today (Church-ianity) in which is the normal faith of the day. Everyone says there a Christian!!!
Polycarp, a faithful disciple of the Apostle John, was an example of a follower who during persecution was singled out and was martyred. This was a man who fought heresies in the Church and dedicated his life to the ministry. Or consider the Monks, such as Anthony or Francis. At a time when the Church was beginning to inter-mingle with the affairs of the world, these monks set themselves apart and fled to institutional church. Many of us fail to realize that this upset the "religious world" and Rome had alot of hostility toward them. Imagine that, the same Church that calls these men "Saints" actually disregarded them at the time of their service.
"Constantine adopting the Christian faith, resulted in a decline in Christian commitment. The radical believers who Diocletian killed were replaced by half-converted pagans" -Church History Textbook
Another great believer, Peter Waldo (1140-1218) led a band of believers much like the Apostles and are considered one of the first "back to the Bible movements". The Waldenses preached a return to the simple life of the Apostles, living a voluntary life of poverty and preaching. Once again, this radical move challenged the ideas of the day, so this was declared heretical and by 13th Century were pretty much scattered. Even more, lets look at the challenge of
John Wycliffe and John Hus, both who are considered Reformers of their day. They saw the problems in the Church and rather than complain, they took the initiative to make the changes. Many could question, where would the Church teachings be today if it wasn't for the courage of these two men.
Let's consider the Haystack Prayer Meeting. This is actually new to me. I have studied Church History for a couple years now, but up until I studied my Missiology course, I had never heard of this. Wow, the story of these young men who took another great radicals thoughts (William Carey- Father of Modern Missions) and considered them and prayed for them. These students had a divine moment in which they had to consider whether they were going to back or or give their all. These ordinary students birthed what we call "Foreign Missions" today. We all support that, right? Well, guess what, as widely received and welcomed as missions are today, they weren't always. The book," An Inquiry into the Obligation of Christians to Use Means for the Conversion of the Heathen", was very controversial, yet this led to what we have today. Wow, radical!
"Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage (Matthew 5:13) THE MESSAGE BIBLE."
We cannot end a radical essay without the mention of people like John Wesley who led the Methodist Revival and now what we understand as Evangelical. Or William Booth who created the Salvation Army. Or how about the Azuza Street Revival. All these movements and moments were considered different at that time, but today they are what lead the Church. Have we lost the Spirit of revival?
Allow me to conclude with this honest admission. Church History classes were so boring, even reading the text, I couldn't wait to finish the reading for the night. But, so many times I would come across some of these men that I have mentioned herein, and would get excited, even to the point of "googling" more information. The men of Church History who were ostracized and criticized, persecuted and condemned, are actually men who have led the Church, the bride of Christ, to be what we are today. Have we lost the passion, the zeal, and the life that will make the mission, the Great Commission, complete?
"We have sunk into such a compromising way of dealing with the unconverted as to well nigh lost the spirit of the primitive preachers, and hence it is that sinners of every description can sit quietly as they do, year after year, in our places of worship".- Andrew Fuller
Since, I claim to be a "Jesus Freak", let us remember and prayerfully consider the "Jesus Freak Movement" of the 1960s and early 1970s. This was a mix of the hippie culture and Protestantism. Now, I am now not a hippie, but wow, God is so good, a Jesus Freak is someone who displays Christ in the way God created them. A hippie, a thug, a rock star, a quite mouse type, a goth, a anarchist, a pretty lady,
WE ARE ALL CALLED TO BE "JESUS FREAKS"!!!!
Written by Michael Miano
http://www.freakedoutfellowship.weebly.com
Thursday, May 14, 2009
What is going on here?
First off let me say I love my Savior Jesus Christ, I love the Truth-Word of God, and I love my fellow believers and followers of the Messiah.
But really, what is going on here?
Yesterday, I had a meeting with a good friend and a pastor at a local church. Both great men of God. Today, I have spent the early morning praying, studying, and thinking about that meeting.
In prayer, I began to think "What is going on here". We, the radical, revolutionary followers of Christ Jesus, are beginning to look and sound more like an organizational entity rather than the band of followers who followed Christ.
I was aiming for a direct quote from the pastor I spoke with but I cant remember word for word, so here is a close summary.
A Ministry needs to plug into a Church, because the Church is the foundational authority, and also to make sure the ministry or its leader doesn't go off the deep end.
Now granted, the word ministry or an entity called a ministry is not in the Word of God. Ministry is understood to be a service to the Church. But the last part is having a hard time resonating with me. I do understand accountability, but which is to God not man or mans' institution.
"Off the deep end", Well aren't we suppose to be off the deep end? I mean in Christ, in Truth of course. Who considers what off the deep end is? A pastor? The Word of God? Off the deep end can mean many things to many people. Some people may think Christian rock and hip-hop is off the deep end in the Christian world, or baggy clothing. Or even contemporary worship. So, we must discern everything by the fruit it bears, but at the same time live in the liberty which is in Christ.
I was reminded of the many stories I have read in Church History, where believers have stepped up with something radical and were persecuted for it. Most of the churches and denominations of today, have come from these radical changes. Some examples would be the Waldenses, Lutherans, Baptists, and so many more. I can guarantee that the "Church" of that day, considered these sects to be "off the deep end".
Today, the church is beginning to look like an organization, where there is permission granted to do certain things the Lord is putting into the followers hearts. Maybe off the deep end means what is considered not normal,maybe not of the this world? Well so be it.
I hate to sound stubborn and conceited about things, but I cannot be a follower of a Messiah who defeated death, who set us free from the captivity of sin, and at the same time, have limited freedom to follow the spirit of God which lives within the Church.
We the Church, are not a religion (which also means to control), we are not religious (stuck by a set rules and guidelines), we are not an organization or business,...
WE ARE THE RADICAL BAND OF FOLLOWERS WHO ARE COMMITTED TO OUR MESSIAH AND HIS TRUTH, AND TOTALLY COMMITTED TO BE NOT OF THIS WORLD, AND TO "TURN THE WORLD UPSIDE-DOWN".
Let us live up to this,
Pastor Mike Miano
http://www.freakedoutfellowship.weebly.com
But really, what is going on here?
Yesterday, I had a meeting with a good friend and a pastor at a local church. Both great men of God. Today, I have spent the early morning praying, studying, and thinking about that meeting.
In prayer, I began to think "What is going on here". We, the radical, revolutionary followers of Christ Jesus, are beginning to look and sound more like an organizational entity rather than the band of followers who followed Christ.
I was aiming for a direct quote from the pastor I spoke with but I cant remember word for word, so here is a close summary.
A Ministry needs to plug into a Church, because the Church is the foundational authority, and also to make sure the ministry or its leader doesn't go off the deep end.
Now granted, the word ministry or an entity called a ministry is not in the Word of God. Ministry is understood to be a service to the Church. But the last part is having a hard time resonating with me. I do understand accountability, but which is to God not man or mans' institution.
"Off the deep end", Well aren't we suppose to be off the deep end? I mean in Christ, in Truth of course. Who considers what off the deep end is? A pastor? The Word of God? Off the deep end can mean many things to many people. Some people may think Christian rock and hip-hop is off the deep end in the Christian world, or baggy clothing. Or even contemporary worship. So, we must discern everything by the fruit it bears, but at the same time live in the liberty which is in Christ.
I was reminded of the many stories I have read in Church History, where believers have stepped up with something radical and were persecuted for it. Most of the churches and denominations of today, have come from these radical changes. Some examples would be the Waldenses, Lutherans, Baptists, and so many more. I can guarantee that the "Church" of that day, considered these sects to be "off the deep end".
Today, the church is beginning to look like an organization, where there is permission granted to do certain things the Lord is putting into the followers hearts. Maybe off the deep end means what is considered not normal,maybe not of the this world? Well so be it.
I hate to sound stubborn and conceited about things, but I cannot be a follower of a Messiah who defeated death, who set us free from the captivity of sin, and at the same time, have limited freedom to follow the spirit of God which lives within the Church.
We the Church, are not a religion (which also means to control), we are not religious (stuck by a set rules and guidelines), we are not an organization or business,...
WE ARE THE RADICAL BAND OF FOLLOWERS WHO ARE COMMITTED TO OUR MESSIAH AND HIS TRUTH, AND TOTALLY COMMITTED TO BE NOT OF THIS WORLD, AND TO "TURN THE WORLD UPSIDE-DOWN".
Let us live up to this,
Pastor Mike Miano
http://www.freakedoutfellowship.weebly.com
Monday, May 11, 2009
Moralistic Christianity- An in depth look at "SIN"
I would like to use this message to speak a bit about sin. Most people who know me, know my attitude concerning sin and the religious mind-set. I HATE IT!
I strongly believe that too many Christians are focused on the wrong thing. So many times do I get into legalistic discussions about what is or isnt sin, so with this blog I would like to clear aware some issues.
What is sin? Sin comes from the root meaning "to miss the mark". I would use the analogy of a dart board. If you throw a dart and miss the bulls-eye, no matter how close you get, if it is not in the little ring, you MISSED the mark! So in matters of sin, no matter how hard we try we still miss the bulls-eye of perfection, so why argue about how far or close we can get. We are all sinners and fall short of the glory of God.
This all comes from a recent discussion with a dear friend concerning what is sin and what isnt. Let me be upfront, I HATE TALKING ABOUT SIN, and that is justified because God hates sin! Why do we focus on what we shouldnt be doing, when half the church isnt doing what they should BE DOING. Here is a couple quotes for you to ponder "I am about my Fathers business" and "seek first the Kingdom of God". SO STRAIGHT FROM JESUS CHRIST: GET FOCUSED ON WHAT WE SHOULD BE DOING!
I am in the middle of reading an excellent book which touches on this topic. "A Renegade's Guide to God by David Foster". The book speaks about the difference between religion and Christianity. Religion is about the good and the bad, rules and regulations. Christianity is about following the resurrected, living Messiah, Jesus Christ. "Life, and life more abundantly". Two great questions he posed in the book were : Who decides what is right for who and How good is good enough for God?
Galatians 2:16 says "a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus...". So even if you want to be legalistic and make rules after rules, you still will not be justified, so why not just focus on following the Messiah and letting him prune you off sin (John 15:2).
Let me say, I absolutely love the analogy that David Foster uses. So, lets say you have an excellent driving record, no tickets, never been pulled over, or anything (obviously nothing like me). One night while driving you fall asleep at the wheel and hit a car full of teenagers, all of them die. Do you think anyone will remember or talk about your awesome driving record after that? No, and thats similar to how God views our sins. We know we dont have an excellent driving record with God, but if you did, we all know we will continue to sin until we receive our glorified self, so in Gods' eyes your righteousness doesn't amount to anything besides "filtered language - dirty rags". See, even the Word of the Lord can be quite straight forward. We must remember all sin is equal (James 2:10).
Read Matthew 5:20. That should be a clear cut to those who try to be goody-two-shoes. You can try by all your righteousness, but I will focus on following Jesus the Christ, and let Him alone redeem me.
OK, I would like to conclude this with a study I did a while ago. (yes, this is my famous sin study with the man who wanted to argue tattoos are sin, which is another FUN one.)
Ok, what is sin? I John 3:4 says "Sin is lawlessness"
So the next question would be, whats is the law? James 2:8 says "If you keep the royal law found in scripture, love thy neighbor as thyself, you do right. Or even as Romans 13:10 says "Love is the fulfillment of the law".(c.f.- I John 3:11,Galatians 5:14, 2 John 6).
God is Love- I John 4:8
The message of salvation in Christ is very simple, and in scripture we are warned against those who make it difficult. This is what the Pharisees did. (2 Corinthians 11:3). God never changed the Law but rather He brought our focus back, The leaders at the time of Christ had led so many away from God and focused on sin because the Law is for sinners (Romans 3:19-24). The Law is good IF USED PROPERLY (I Timothy 1:8-11).
The spirit of the Pharisee is still alive today. Many so-called Christians are judgmental, picking others faults, white washed catacombs, making up new laws etc..And this is not meant to bash, but make you aware. Our focus should be living out the image and idea God created in us.
BUT..
Here is more of an argument for freedom by grace.
I Corinthians 6:12 tells us that everything is permissible, might not be good for you though. (c.f.- Titus 1:14-15, All of Romans 14).
When should you limit this freedom? In love! Remember we have the law of love! Romans 14:13-23
A Spiritual man can be judged by no man (I Corinthians chapter 2)
Ok, I hope that was an in depth look at sin, for all those who dwell on that matter.
THE ENDING OF THE DISCUSSION IS THIS...
LET'S SAY, I DO THAT WHICH IS SIN, I FALL SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD, WHAT'S NEXT? CAN YOU SAY THE SAME? IF YOU DOM, THEN YOU ARE IN TRUTH, IF NOT YOU ARE A LIAR! SO THEN, DO YOU SEE HOW FUTILE IT IS TO TALK ON AND ON ABOUT WHAT IS OR ISNT SIN? LET US LEARN FROM THE WORD OF GOD, LIVE LIFE FREE AND IN LOVE, AND LET GOD PRUNE US OF OUR IMPURITIES,
AFTER ALL, ISNT THAT WHAT HE DOES?
THANK YOU, GOD BLESS, IN CHRIST,
PASTOR MIKE MIANO
I strongly believe that too many Christians are focused on the wrong thing. So many times do I get into legalistic discussions about what is or isnt sin, so with this blog I would like to clear aware some issues.
What is sin? Sin comes from the root meaning "to miss the mark". I would use the analogy of a dart board. If you throw a dart and miss the bulls-eye, no matter how close you get, if it is not in the little ring, you MISSED the mark! So in matters of sin, no matter how hard we try we still miss the bulls-eye of perfection, so why argue about how far or close we can get. We are all sinners and fall short of the glory of God.
This all comes from a recent discussion with a dear friend concerning what is sin and what isnt. Let me be upfront, I HATE TALKING ABOUT SIN, and that is justified because God hates sin! Why do we focus on what we shouldnt be doing, when half the church isnt doing what they should BE DOING. Here is a couple quotes for you to ponder "I am about my Fathers business" and "seek first the Kingdom of God". SO STRAIGHT FROM JESUS CHRIST: GET FOCUSED ON WHAT WE SHOULD BE DOING!
I am in the middle of reading an excellent book which touches on this topic. "A Renegade's Guide to God by David Foster". The book speaks about the difference between religion and Christianity. Religion is about the good and the bad, rules and regulations. Christianity is about following the resurrected, living Messiah, Jesus Christ. "Life, and life more abundantly". Two great questions he posed in the book were : Who decides what is right for who and How good is good enough for God?
Galatians 2:16 says "a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus...". So even if you want to be legalistic and make rules after rules, you still will not be justified, so why not just focus on following the Messiah and letting him prune you off sin (John 15:2).
Let me say, I absolutely love the analogy that David Foster uses. So, lets say you have an excellent driving record, no tickets, never been pulled over, or anything (obviously nothing like me). One night while driving you fall asleep at the wheel and hit a car full of teenagers, all of them die. Do you think anyone will remember or talk about your awesome driving record after that? No, and thats similar to how God views our sins. We know we dont have an excellent driving record with God, but if you did, we all know we will continue to sin until we receive our glorified self, so in Gods' eyes your righteousness doesn't amount to anything besides "filtered language - dirty rags". See, even the Word of the Lord can be quite straight forward. We must remember all sin is equal (James 2:10).
Read Matthew 5:20. That should be a clear cut to those who try to be goody-two-shoes. You can try by all your righteousness, but I will focus on following Jesus the Christ, and let Him alone redeem me.
OK, I would like to conclude this with a study I did a while ago. (yes, this is my famous sin study with the man who wanted to argue tattoos are sin, which is another FUN one.)
Ok, what is sin? I John 3:4 says "Sin is lawlessness"
So the next question would be, whats is the law? James 2:8 says "If you keep the royal law found in scripture, love thy neighbor as thyself, you do right. Or even as Romans 13:10 says "Love is the fulfillment of the law".(c.f.- I John 3:11,Galatians 5:14, 2 John 6).
God is Love- I John 4:8
The message of salvation in Christ is very simple, and in scripture we are warned against those who make it difficult. This is what the Pharisees did. (2 Corinthians 11:3). God never changed the Law but rather He brought our focus back, The leaders at the time of Christ had led so many away from God and focused on sin because the Law is for sinners (Romans 3:19-24). The Law is good IF USED PROPERLY (I Timothy 1:8-11).
The spirit of the Pharisee is still alive today. Many so-called Christians are judgmental, picking others faults, white washed catacombs, making up new laws etc..And this is not meant to bash, but make you aware. Our focus should be living out the image and idea God created in us.
BUT..
Here is more of an argument for freedom by grace.
I Corinthians 6:12 tells us that everything is permissible, might not be good for you though. (c.f.- Titus 1:14-15, All of Romans 14).
When should you limit this freedom? In love! Remember we have the law of love! Romans 14:13-23
A Spiritual man can be judged by no man (I Corinthians chapter 2)
Ok, I hope that was an in depth look at sin, for all those who dwell on that matter.
THE ENDING OF THE DISCUSSION IS THIS...
LET'S SAY, I DO THAT WHICH IS SIN, I FALL SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD, WHAT'S NEXT? CAN YOU SAY THE SAME? IF YOU DOM, THEN YOU ARE IN TRUTH, IF NOT YOU ARE A LIAR! SO THEN, DO YOU SEE HOW FUTILE IT IS TO TALK ON AND ON ABOUT WHAT IS OR ISNT SIN? LET US LEARN FROM THE WORD OF GOD, LIVE LIFE FREE AND IN LOVE, AND LET GOD PRUNE US OF OUR IMPURITIES,
AFTER ALL, ISNT THAT WHAT HE DOES?
THANK YOU, GOD BLESS, IN CHRIST,
PASTOR MIKE MIANO
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Update Blog - Keep it Simple
First off, let me start with "I'm Sorry". I am such a horrible blogger for those who read and look forward to my blogs. Its been close to two months on this blog since I have made a post.
Well, today's message from pastor Matt at Next Level Church hit the mark. Struck me guilty of "OVERLOAD" and now I am repenting. The past 2 months I have thought about blogging, had some good messages I wanted to share, but always had a busy excuse NY, Gabriella was sick, busy, busy, busy...
So, I will be back on my blogging. I wanted to talk a bit about the message pastor Matt delivered and some things he said and how they impacted me.
Well, here is the link to the message, if you would like to hear it yourself. It's apart of NLC's new series "Overload- disconnect to reconnect".
http://www.nextlevelchurch.com/templates/_nextlevel/details.asp?id=37624&PID=659042
Anyways, the most profound thing pastor Matt said that resonated in my heart was that "the natural human heart/ mind always wanders to make things more complicated". So True, I have seen this in my ways, my life, and the ministry. I had a conversation yesterday where I had confessed to a brother in Christ, that the Lord is re-teaching me "simplicity". It's so true that "the simple things confound the wise".
We, the Tribe of Dan Ministry, have had a minor transition. I am leading up the work in a new ministry called "Freaked-Out Fellowship", in which yours truly in the lead pastor! We are taking it back to simplicity- Creating Jesus Freaks! This had a lot to do with my latest learnings in love for the simple things in every aspect of life. Relationships, evangelism, prayer, etc..
Oh yeah, check out the Freaked-Out Fellowship webpage, we are still doing work but we look to launch in June or July.
http://www.freakedoutfellowship.weebly.com
Well, I'm going to follow my own advice and keep it simple with this blog. I hope you might look into the simplicity that is in Christ today, and you learn in your own walk, following Christ daily!
God bless, in Christ,
Pastor Mike
Well, today's message from pastor Matt at Next Level Church hit the mark. Struck me guilty of "OVERLOAD" and now I am repenting. The past 2 months I have thought about blogging, had some good messages I wanted to share, but always had a busy excuse NY, Gabriella was sick, busy, busy, busy...
So, I will be back on my blogging. I wanted to talk a bit about the message pastor Matt delivered and some things he said and how they impacted me.
Well, here is the link to the message, if you would like to hear it yourself. It's apart of NLC's new series "Overload- disconnect to reconnect".
http://www.nextlevelchurch.com/templates/_nextlevel/details.asp?id=37624&PID=659042
Anyways, the most profound thing pastor Matt said that resonated in my heart was that "the natural human heart/ mind always wanders to make things more complicated". So True, I have seen this in my ways, my life, and the ministry. I had a conversation yesterday where I had confessed to a brother in Christ, that the Lord is re-teaching me "simplicity". It's so true that "the simple things confound the wise".
We, the Tribe of Dan Ministry, have had a minor transition. I am leading up the work in a new ministry called "Freaked-Out Fellowship", in which yours truly in the lead pastor! We are taking it back to simplicity- Creating Jesus Freaks! This had a lot to do with my latest learnings in love for the simple things in every aspect of life. Relationships, evangelism, prayer, etc..
Oh yeah, check out the Freaked-Out Fellowship webpage, we are still doing work but we look to launch in June or July.
http://www.freakedoutfellowship.weebly.com
Well, I'm going to follow my own advice and keep it simple with this blog. I hope you might look into the simplicity that is in Christ today, and you learn in your own walk, following Christ daily!
God bless, in Christ,
Pastor Mike
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Wanted: Godly Men!
"And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, "We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach." (Isaiah 4:1)
Greetings in Christ. Ok, so this topic is quite controversial (I Love it!!). Brother Paul Curran and I have discussed the prophetic verse quoted above and come to sort of different conclusions, or maybe just ways to go about it.
Last week I was speaking to a friend, and we were discussing relationships of men and women. This friend of mine said the same thing many women I have spoken to say, and that is basically that men who are the men women need them to be are a dying breed. I am always quick to point out the difference between a man and a boy. Actually, I know remember a good sermon delivered by Paul Washer concerning being a man, (I will include the link to that sermon below).
Ok, so back on track. So this conversation led me to say, as I always "unthinkingly" say, "Yeah we are working on building up real men" (through the Ministry that is). Then I thought of Isaiah 4:1.
Now, brother Paul takes the stance that this shows that there will be few "real men" in the coming times of the end (which we are already in and we do see this as truth). I agree with that wholeheartedly. But, brother Pauls stance in on Polygamy, which basically says that this verse shows that God will want man to take care of many women, or better yet it will be needed.
I got to thinking, what if that verse is taken as a command to build up better men, somewhat of a warning. I mean, lets be serious. We can all see the lack of true men in our culture.
But women, you aren't going to get off that easy. Whats your part in all of this? I can name a few. But I would rather focus on solution.
So, me and my thinking mind, came up with a survey which I asked 4 people (2 guys/2girls) for their answers to some basic questions. The one questions that applies here is:
"Are you satisfied with the culture of man/woman? Why or why not?".
The results where very interesting.
Girl 1- No, guys don't respect women.
Guy 1- No, Women don't respect themselves.
Girl 2- No, guys lie to get their way. But there are some who are true.
Guy 2-
Do you see the pattern? So the conclusion I have drawn is this. Its twofold. If men would respect women more, it would lead to women respecting themselves more. And, if women would respect themselves more, then men would respect them more.
My disclaimer is this though. Calling Men! We are the "leaders or seed-planters" of the culture. It is our responsibility to "dress and keep the garden". So lets work together, to build up strong men of the Lord, who can help our women be the daughters of the King they are supposed to be.
I hope this was edifying.
God bless, in Christ,
Pastor Michael Miano
Paul Washer preaching on Biblical Manhood
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=730089206
Greetings in Christ. Ok, so this topic is quite controversial (I Love it!!). Brother Paul Curran and I have discussed the prophetic verse quoted above and come to sort of different conclusions, or maybe just ways to go about it.
Last week I was speaking to a friend, and we were discussing relationships of men and women. This friend of mine said the same thing many women I have spoken to say, and that is basically that men who are the men women need them to be are a dying breed. I am always quick to point out the difference between a man and a boy. Actually, I know remember a good sermon delivered by Paul Washer concerning being a man, (I will include the link to that sermon below).
Ok, so back on track. So this conversation led me to say, as I always "unthinkingly" say, "Yeah we are working on building up real men" (through the Ministry that is). Then I thought of Isaiah 4:1.
Now, brother Paul takes the stance that this shows that there will be few "real men" in the coming times of the end (which we are already in and we do see this as truth). I agree with that wholeheartedly. But, brother Pauls stance in on Polygamy, which basically says that this verse shows that God will want man to take care of many women, or better yet it will be needed.
I got to thinking, what if that verse is taken as a command to build up better men, somewhat of a warning. I mean, lets be serious. We can all see the lack of true men in our culture.
But women, you aren't going to get off that easy. Whats your part in all of this? I can name a few. But I would rather focus on solution.
So, me and my thinking mind, came up with a survey which I asked 4 people (2 guys/2girls) for their answers to some basic questions. The one questions that applies here is:
"Are you satisfied with the culture of man/woman? Why or why not?".
The results where very interesting.
Girl 1- No, guys don't respect women.
Guy 1- No, Women don't respect themselves.
Girl 2- No, guys lie to get their way. But there are some who are true.
Guy 2-
Do you see the pattern? So the conclusion I have drawn is this. Its twofold. If men would respect women more, it would lead to women respecting themselves more. And, if women would respect themselves more, then men would respect them more.
My disclaimer is this though. Calling Men! We are the "leaders or seed-planters" of the culture. It is our responsibility to "dress and keep the garden". So lets work together, to build up strong men of the Lord, who can help our women be the daughters of the King they are supposed to be.
I hope this was edifying.
God bless, in Christ,
Pastor Michael Miano
Paul Washer preaching on Biblical Manhood
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=730089206
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Certified Jesus Freak
Hey, I want to go a bit off topic today. Most of you that know me, know I claim the title of "Jesus Freak", even so far that I have it tattooed on my wrists. So a good question would be, "OK, mike whats a Jesus Freak?". or better yet, why are you so obsessed with the term.
Well, lately as usually through study and prayer, I have done alot of self observation into my passions. What makes me, me! And I have realized my ultimate passion, overall is to create "Jesus Freaks".
Yesterday, while in prayer I came up with the perfect definition to what a "Jesus Freak" is to me. A Jesus Freak is someone who is set apart for Christ ( Greek term - Hagios which means saint and set apart). "Different" (remember we are called to be peculiar people). Basically a man or woman who knows who they are as a person (standing naked), values who God created them to be, and knows Christ Jesus, and knows who they are in Christ. We are created in Gods' image, which means God had an idea and concept when he made us, and we are all unique and so different.
Analyze yourself...What goals, desires, visions, fulfillments, gifts, talents, overall personality did God make you with? Put all that together and show it to the world, influence the world by being you = Jesus Freak!
My favorite analogy to a "Jesus Freak" is David. David was a youngest sibling, a nobody in the family, ignored and tending the sheep, This was the man God wanted to make king and a man after Gods' own heart. When David went to fight Goliath, he didnt use what seemed normal armor that Saul gave him, he used his own experience an talent to defeat Goliath. So is the Christian battle today. We are at war against Satan, and as Christs' body we must use our experiences etc..to defeat Satan.
I personally feel the way to live the abundant life that Christ promised is to find Christ Jesus in your heart, then through prayer and study application apply who you are in Christ, and then express it. Through this you will find such fulfillment.
That is my passion, to help people live as Jesus Freaks. If you want more information, email me
folksudy6@yahoo.com
God bless, in Christ Jesus,
Pastor Michael Miano
Well, lately as usually through study and prayer, I have done alot of self observation into my passions. What makes me, me! And I have realized my ultimate passion, overall is to create "Jesus Freaks".
Yesterday, while in prayer I came up with the perfect definition to what a "Jesus Freak" is to me. A Jesus Freak is someone who is set apart for Christ ( Greek term - Hagios which means saint and set apart). "Different" (remember we are called to be peculiar people). Basically a man or woman who knows who they are as a person (standing naked), values who God created them to be, and knows Christ Jesus, and knows who they are in Christ. We are created in Gods' image, which means God had an idea and concept when he made us, and we are all unique and so different.
Analyze yourself...What goals, desires, visions, fulfillments, gifts, talents, overall personality did God make you with? Put all that together and show it to the world, influence the world by being you = Jesus Freak!
My favorite analogy to a "Jesus Freak" is David. David was a youngest sibling, a nobody in the family, ignored and tending the sheep, This was the man God wanted to make king and a man after Gods' own heart. When David went to fight Goliath, he didnt use what seemed normal armor that Saul gave him, he used his own experience an talent to defeat Goliath. So is the Christian battle today. We are at war against Satan, and as Christs' body we must use our experiences etc..to defeat Satan.
I personally feel the way to live the abundant life that Christ promised is to find Christ Jesus in your heart, then through prayer and study application apply who you are in Christ, and then express it. Through this you will find such fulfillment.
That is my passion, to help people live as Jesus Freaks. If you want more information, email me
folksudy6@yahoo.com
God bless, in Christ Jesus,
Pastor Michael Miano
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Denomination Discernment
Greetings in Christ, to the entire body of Christ.
Let us pray that we might be humble enough to recognize that we don't have all the answers and that there are many things when we get to the day of judgment, we will have many questions and many corrections as well. ( I know I sure do)!
Well this blog comes as a result of prayer, discussions, and study. Many a times, people bash other churches, denominations, etc.I myself have been very guilty of this as well. We all may have certain things we disagree on and yes, some are very important aspects, but must we bash? Remember we are the body of Christ, which means arms, legs, nose, eye, all different parts.
Recently I finished reading a book called "Up the Middle Church" written by Pastor Matt Keller of the Next Level Church (I personally attend here in Fort Myers, FL.). Teh book was great, thats a shout out! Anyways, he had spoken on how churches and pastors should relate to each other, is the body of Christ a business that we should only promote our church with the product, Is Jesus Christ on sale at your church?
No, we are all the body of Christ just different aspects. As the Word says, and I have spoken on many times, "Be all things to all men". I personally believe that the Lord wants to reach into every aspect of life, may it be businesses, gangs, protests, hang outs, etc. and have His way! Thats why the 12 apostles turned the world upside down!
I re-read the Final Quest series by Rick Joyner (Great Series!!) and Rick Joyner speaks about how these other denominations and churches who we may consider back slidden, out of touch, specific topic (i.e. Baptist, Pentecostal, etc). The Lord is using this for His glory, because as I may not understand the whole baptism thing, I may drive more toward the Pentecostal, and the other way around. Certain truths hold certain people, so don't bash because in sense you may b putting a stumbling block in your brothers way (Woe to those!).
To finalize this, I heard a sermon delivered by Tim Conway the other day and he made a really excellent point;
The day will come when, you will stand hand in hand, persecuted, defending, brothers in Christ, who disagree with you 90% theologically and doctrinally, but what ties you both together as brothers and sisters in the Lord is:
The Risen Christ, Jesus our Lord and Savior.
May we honor this truth.
-Pastor Mike Miano
Let us pray that we might be humble enough to recognize that we don't have all the answers and that there are many things when we get to the day of judgment, we will have many questions and many corrections as well. ( I know I sure do)!
Well this blog comes as a result of prayer, discussions, and study. Many a times, people bash other churches, denominations, etc.I myself have been very guilty of this as well. We all may have certain things we disagree on and yes, some are very important aspects, but must we bash? Remember we are the body of Christ, which means arms, legs, nose, eye, all different parts.
Recently I finished reading a book called "Up the Middle Church" written by Pastor Matt Keller of the Next Level Church (I personally attend here in Fort Myers, FL.). Teh book was great, thats a shout out! Anyways, he had spoken on how churches and pastors should relate to each other, is the body of Christ a business that we should only promote our church with the product, Is Jesus Christ on sale at your church?
No, we are all the body of Christ just different aspects. As the Word says, and I have spoken on many times, "Be all things to all men". I personally believe that the Lord wants to reach into every aspect of life, may it be businesses, gangs, protests, hang outs, etc. and have His way! Thats why the 12 apostles turned the world upside down!
I re-read the Final Quest series by Rick Joyner (Great Series!!) and Rick Joyner speaks about how these other denominations and churches who we may consider back slidden, out of touch, specific topic (i.e. Baptist, Pentecostal, etc). The Lord is using this for His glory, because as I may not understand the whole baptism thing, I may drive more toward the Pentecostal, and the other way around. Certain truths hold certain people, so don't bash because in sense you may b putting a stumbling block in your brothers way (Woe to those!).
To finalize this, I heard a sermon delivered by Tim Conway the other day and he made a really excellent point;
The day will come when, you will stand hand in hand, persecuted, defending, brothers in Christ, who disagree with you 90% theologically and doctrinally, but what ties you both together as brothers and sisters in the Lord is:
The Risen Christ, Jesus our Lord and Savior.
May we honor this truth.
-Pastor Mike Miano
Monday, February 9, 2009
Kingdom Finances
Greetings in Christ.
Ok, well I know I have touched on this topic before either in teaching or in this blog, but I felt it deserved a blog of its own.
Time and time again, I attend church services where they discuss finances,tithes, etc..especially lately since its the end of the economy as we know it (yes, I said it). Anyways, I get very irritated at times, because the solution is just so simply. I feel I say that alot, I guess when you have a written Word of God which contains the solutions, if you just obey, YEAH ITS THAT SIMPLE.
Ok, so what are the aspects of kingdom finances. Are you suprised that is related to the kingdom of God?
This week, I attended Next Level Church once again (Yes, Gabriella and I have decided to make that our "home church"). They topic is now Piggy Bank, the topic statement says it all though, "Putting our finances BACK TOGETHER".
Did you catch that? Back Together. A very simple solution to all the economic problems lies in the 1st Century Church.
In Acts chapter two, the beginning of the Church, its says this.."An all that believed were TOGETHER, AND HAD ALL THINGS IN COMMON. And sold their possessions and goods, and distributed them to all men, as every man had need (Acts 2:44-45)". Also consider refer to Acts 4:31-37.
Yes, the solution lies is what many have termed "Christian Communism". Communism falls and fails because of pressure, selfishness, and laziness. This is why the Christians can accomplish a form of communism that lacks those attributes.
I firmly believe in this aspect so much, I have considered joining communes, monasteries, etc..We are taught by the Lord to love not the material things of this world.
When we learn to work together and bring all things together (yes, tithing with the local church is great, but I am talking ALL THINGS.) we will experience the best blessings ever.
If this has touched you, contact me and we can work out ways to bring all things together to benefit all. God bless.
pastor Michael Miano
folksudy6@yahoo.com
http://www.freewebs.com/tribeofdanministry/
Ok, well I know I have touched on this topic before either in teaching or in this blog, but I felt it deserved a blog of its own.
Time and time again, I attend church services where they discuss finances,tithes, etc..especially lately since its the end of the economy as we know it (yes, I said it). Anyways, I get very irritated at times, because the solution is just so simply. I feel I say that alot, I guess when you have a written Word of God which contains the solutions, if you just obey, YEAH ITS THAT SIMPLE.
Ok, so what are the aspects of kingdom finances. Are you suprised that is related to the kingdom of God?
This week, I attended Next Level Church once again (Yes, Gabriella and I have decided to make that our "home church"). They topic is now Piggy Bank, the topic statement says it all though, "Putting our finances BACK TOGETHER".
Did you catch that? Back Together. A very simple solution to all the economic problems lies in the 1st Century Church.
In Acts chapter two, the beginning of the Church, its says this.."An all that believed were TOGETHER, AND HAD ALL THINGS IN COMMON. And sold their possessions and goods, and distributed them to all men, as every man had need (Acts 2:44-45)". Also consider refer to Acts 4:31-37.
Yes, the solution lies is what many have termed "Christian Communism". Communism falls and fails because of pressure, selfishness, and laziness. This is why the Christians can accomplish a form of communism that lacks those attributes.
I firmly believe in this aspect so much, I have considered joining communes, monasteries, etc..We are taught by the Lord to love not the material things of this world.
When we learn to work together and bring all things together (yes, tithing with the local church is great, but I am talking ALL THINGS.) we will experience the best blessings ever.
If this has touched you, contact me and we can work out ways to bring all things together to benefit all. God bless.
pastor Michael Miano
folksudy6@yahoo.com
http://www.freewebs.com/tribeofdanministry/
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Judgment Reality Vision
Most of you who know me, know of my relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. You may have heard me speak about the Lord speaking to me through a vision or dream, maybe just prayer, or the Lord blessings me with vision or insight.
Well last night, I was blessed with a quick vision to edify myself and others. As I was driving and praying concerning my latest works and such, I felt that inner voice. Now, truthfully, I tried to quite it because I was driving and didn't want to cause an accident, so I just listened in a sense. I will share what it consisted of, and then clarify how it edified me.
" I was standing at the judgment throne, looking around I saw many people I knew, I saw friends, family, mere acquaintances, etc. I saw faces with joy and anticipation, other faces looking scared and nervous, and some looked shocked. I was standing in front of the judgment throne and everyone was surrounding me."
Now many of you may recall, I had a vision very similar to this recently.That one was more aimed toward others, as what would you say to me at judgment, would you be glad that I told you about Jesus Christ and my relationship with Him, or would you be ashamed that you never chose to listen and would be eternally cursed, remember that one?
OK, well this one was more aimed internally to me. I began to think, am I doing all that I can in all relationships with family, friends, acquaintances, etc, to show how serious this matter is. Christians are commanded to be all things to all men, so am I doing that. Am I making mention of Christ when I should be? Am I getting personal and learning about the right people (i.e.- standing naked mentally, emotionally,and spiritually)? Am I sharing my testimony? Am I joking around and relating to the right people?
This was really convicting to me, so I hope maybe it will bless you as well. Sit and think, how will those you know as family, friends, acquaintances, etc..look at you at judgment? Will you be ashamed and sorry, or will you be able to have firm resolve knowing you did all that you can to affect those the Lord brought into your life?
Judgment is a reality! The Word of God tells us that we will all stand before the judgment throne of God, and He will open the Lambs Book of Life, and judge our deeds. We all do evil, that is why we know we need an intercessor on that day, the Lord Jesus Christ, has already paid the debt we have, all it takes now is for us to accept it.
I hope all those who know me, and I see at judgment will be able to smile and think, "Thanks Mike, for explaining God's plan, and making it a reality for me to see".
If I can help anyone in this capacity or any other, please let me know
my email is folksudy6@yahoo.com
God bless, in Christ name,
Pastor Mike Miano
For a listing of scriptures concerning judgment:
http://www.biblebb.com/files/tniv/JUDGMENT.TXT
Well last night, I was blessed with a quick vision to edify myself and others. As I was driving and praying concerning my latest works and such, I felt that inner voice. Now, truthfully, I tried to quite it because I was driving and didn't want to cause an accident, so I just listened in a sense. I will share what it consisted of, and then clarify how it edified me.
" I was standing at the judgment throne, looking around I saw many people I knew, I saw friends, family, mere acquaintances, etc. I saw faces with joy and anticipation, other faces looking scared and nervous, and some looked shocked. I was standing in front of the judgment throne and everyone was surrounding me."
Now many of you may recall, I had a vision very similar to this recently.That one was more aimed toward others, as what would you say to me at judgment, would you be glad that I told you about Jesus Christ and my relationship with Him, or would you be ashamed that you never chose to listen and would be eternally cursed, remember that one?
OK, well this one was more aimed internally to me. I began to think, am I doing all that I can in all relationships with family, friends, acquaintances, etc, to show how serious this matter is. Christians are commanded to be all things to all men, so am I doing that. Am I making mention of Christ when I should be? Am I getting personal and learning about the right people (i.e.- standing naked mentally, emotionally,and spiritually)? Am I sharing my testimony? Am I joking around and relating to the right people?
This was really convicting to me, so I hope maybe it will bless you as well. Sit and think, how will those you know as family, friends, acquaintances, etc..look at you at judgment? Will you be ashamed and sorry, or will you be able to have firm resolve knowing you did all that you can to affect those the Lord brought into your life?
Judgment is a reality! The Word of God tells us that we will all stand before the judgment throne of God, and He will open the Lambs Book of Life, and judge our deeds. We all do evil, that is why we know we need an intercessor on that day, the Lord Jesus Christ, has already paid the debt we have, all it takes now is for us to accept it.
I hope all those who know me, and I see at judgment will be able to smile and think, "Thanks Mike, for explaining God's plan, and making it a reality for me to see".
If I can help anyone in this capacity or any other, please let me know
my email is folksudy6@yahoo.com
God bless, in Christ name,
Pastor Mike Miano
For a listing of scriptures concerning judgment:
http://www.biblebb.com/files/tniv/JUDGMENT.TXT
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Lessons for the Tribe concerning Church
Well, I had a different message for today but since its Sunday, I went to Next Level Church and listened to the last segment of the Act Now series. I have to say it was a blessing and the words spoken by pastor Mike Ash, hit home.
Today is Super Bowl Sunday, so we talked a little bit about football. The teams that make it to the Superbowl arent necessarily the best teams record wise, but yet they made it. How? Why? Now what? When I heard that, I thought about the Church. We arent the coolest thing to the world, nor do we have excellent celebrity speakers and such. But we are in the "game" to win, we might not have the best track record, so how do we do this?
Well first of all, we must learn to "play" together effectively. Understand your team members, know their strengths and weakness. They strategize a bit...How can we work to downsize the weaknesses and utilize everyones strengths?
Also another great point to ponder is...What body part are you willing to lose? Most of us would either say none or name a body part we view as trivial. Let's say a toe..Now a toe seems insignificant, but yet it is not. Toes help keep balance, etc...I actually researched a they have a site for Toe-Amputees (I apologize, I in no way want to make a joke of this, just using it as a allegorical example). So point is, every body part, no matter how seemingly insignificant is needed and important.
The Word of God tells us that we are all members of the body of Christ. Each and everyone of us is important to the function of the body.
Last but not least- A great point was made concerning how all these body parts should look together (just in case you are clumsy and uncoordinated, then we cant use the body as a good example lol). The double sided disco ball looks cool and functions awesome. All the lights (Remember the Word calls us lights, and yes we are all soo different) and the motion makes it look so cool. Thats how we the Church are suppose to be working and look. Thats a truly Spirit led Church!
Do we look like this.....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FqCFWnwr0I
Are we manifesting His glory as we should?
Let's be the Church!
Pastor Mike Miano
Today is Super Bowl Sunday, so we talked a little bit about football. The teams that make it to the Superbowl arent necessarily the best teams record wise, but yet they made it. How? Why? Now what? When I heard that, I thought about the Church. We arent the coolest thing to the world, nor do we have excellent celebrity speakers and such. But we are in the "game" to win, we might not have the best track record, so how do we do this?
Well first of all, we must learn to "play" together effectively. Understand your team members, know their strengths and weakness. They strategize a bit...How can we work to downsize the weaknesses and utilize everyones strengths?
Also another great point to ponder is...What body part are you willing to lose? Most of us would either say none or name a body part we view as trivial. Let's say a toe..Now a toe seems insignificant, but yet it is not. Toes help keep balance, etc...I actually researched a they have a site for Toe-Amputees (I apologize, I in no way want to make a joke of this, just using it as a allegorical example). So point is, every body part, no matter how seemingly insignificant is needed and important.
The Word of God tells us that we are all members of the body of Christ. Each and everyone of us is important to the function of the body.
Last but not least- A great point was made concerning how all these body parts should look together (just in case you are clumsy and uncoordinated, then we cant use the body as a good example lol). The double sided disco ball looks cool and functions awesome. All the lights (Remember the Word calls us lights, and yes we are all soo different) and the motion makes it look so cool. Thats how we the Church are suppose to be working and look. Thats a truly Spirit led Church!
Do we look like this.....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FqCFWnwr0I
Are we manifesting His glory as we should?
Let's be the Church!
Pastor Mike Miano
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Our Only Defense..
Our Only Defense..
Ok, this may come as surprise to everyone, but civilization is crumbling before our eyes. I hope most if not all understood my sarcasm, because I hope to the Lord Almighty, that wasn't a surprise.
So the obvious would be to ask, "So what is the solution to TEOTWAWKI (THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT)?"
Well, this may come as a surprise, The Kingdom of God. I know I have touched on this before, but now I wanted to bring the current attacks on this mindset to your attention.
I was recently listening to the Alex Jones InfoWars broadcast, and it was being spoken on how self sufficient living is being outlawed daily.
Firstly, the kingdom of God - a self-sufficient, Christian community, operating is gifts and callings, and distributing our goods to one another, is our defense to all problems past, present, and future.
So of course, Satan would do whatever is in his power to disrupt that.
here are some brief links of some outrageous happenings in our world...
http://ppjg.wordpress.com/2008/12/22/fda-on-the-attack-against-family-farms/
http://www.fa-rm.org/blog/labels/Farm%20Raids.html
more to come on this issue, (sorry its late and haven't had time to do enough research) Check out the sites!
God bless, in Christ,
Pastor Mike
Ok, this may come as surprise to everyone, but civilization is crumbling before our eyes. I hope most if not all understood my sarcasm, because I hope to the Lord Almighty, that wasn't a surprise.
So the obvious would be to ask, "So what is the solution to TEOTWAWKI (THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT)?"
Well, this may come as a surprise, The Kingdom of God. I know I have touched on this before, but now I wanted to bring the current attacks on this mindset to your attention.
I was recently listening to the Alex Jones InfoWars broadcast, and it was being spoken on how self sufficient living is being outlawed daily.
Firstly, the kingdom of God - a self-sufficient, Christian community, operating is gifts and callings, and distributing our goods to one another, is our defense to all problems past, present, and future.
So of course, Satan would do whatever is in his power to disrupt that.
here are some brief links of some outrageous happenings in our world...
http://ppjg.wordpress.com/2008/12/22/fda-on-the-attack-against-family-farms/
http://www.fa-rm.org/blog/labels/Farm%20Raids.html
more to come on this issue, (sorry its late and haven't had time to do enough research) Check out the sites!
God bless, in Christ,
Pastor Mike
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Kingdom Building- Solution Church
Recognizing your calling, gifts, talents, etc..is what leads to the abundant life that we all seek and Christ Jesus promised. We are all created in the image (idea and concept) of God, which means that there is a role we are to fulfill, we are important to the kingdom, through free will, we can acknowledge what is birthed in and through us, and work toward kingdom building. OR we can fail to utilize the gifts, calling, vision, purpose we have been ordained to fulfill and never reach the point of abundant life. SO, COUNT THE COST!
A good pointer to make is that we can only access the power to use our gifts, calling, vision, talents in the capacity that we are to, when we are born again through Christ Jesus. This will lead to our judgment of "Well done my good and faithful servant" or "Depart from me I know you not".
ONCE AGAIN, COUNT THE COST!
"Solution Church"
Our callings all work together, as the body of Christ (The Church), this is where all the solutions to life issues, no matter what they are, are found.
Economics- Acts 2:43-47
Politics- I Samuel chapter 8 (Choose Christ as King)
Social- Acts Chapter 2; James 2:8
Individual- With mountain moving faith, we can overcome anything. Study the Word of God.
"Kingdom of God is within you"; " I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".
Be blessed, in Christ,
Pastor Mike Miano
A good pointer to make is that we can only access the power to use our gifts, calling, vision, talents in the capacity that we are to, when we are born again through Christ Jesus. This will lead to our judgment of "Well done my good and faithful servant" or "Depart from me I know you not".
ONCE AGAIN, COUNT THE COST!
"Solution Church"
Our callings all work together, as the body of Christ (The Church), this is where all the solutions to life issues, no matter what they are, are found.
Economics- Acts 2:43-47
Politics- I Samuel chapter 8 (Choose Christ as King)
Social- Acts Chapter 2; James 2:8
Individual- With mountain moving faith, we can overcome anything. Study the Word of God.
"Kingdom of God is within you"; " I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".
Be blessed, in Christ,
Pastor Mike Miano
Sunday, January 4, 2009
"Kingdom Power"
Recognize your calling and talent in and for the kingdom of God + All the believers coming together to build up the Kingdom (The Church) = The Power of God (Kingdom Power).
We have been given all authority in the name of Christ, so its obvious that as believers it will be expected of us to use this power, thus acting as ambassadors of the Kingdom of God and Heaven. This is what we will be judged on (If we search ourselves and recognize the calling and talent given to use for the benefit of the Kingdom of God, and how we operate in the calling). Read Matthew chapter 25.
I truly believe as my studies have led me, that seeking first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness is our solution to every problem out there. Its through this that we can truly live abundant lives of answered prayer, purpose, and vision!
May God bless you with the knowledge and purpose in His kingdom!
Pastor Michael Miano
We have been given all authority in the name of Christ, so its obvious that as believers it will be expected of us to use this power, thus acting as ambassadors of the Kingdom of God and Heaven. This is what we will be judged on (If we search ourselves and recognize the calling and talent given to use for the benefit of the Kingdom of God, and how we operate in the calling). Read Matthew chapter 25.
I truly believe as my studies have led me, that seeking first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness is our solution to every problem out there. Its through this that we can truly live abundant lives of answered prayer, purpose, and vision!
May God bless you with the knowledge and purpose in His kingdom!
Pastor Michael Miano
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Tough times calls for more understanding..
Greetings in Christ...It has been a while since I have posted a blog, I apologize to my committed bloggers. The goal was to make this a daily or weekly blog, but the times have not permitted this.
I will be working toward making more posts, and updating daily if I can.
Well, it doesn't take a genius to see the times, and although I usually would make a post about the end times or the Kingdom of God, as our focus, I am going to divert a bit (in some sense), to make a point, although rest assured it is Kingdom oriented and principled.
WE ARE IN SOME ROUGH TIMES! Well said? So many people I know are depressed, either about economy issues, personal issues ( I have noticed serious amounts of relationship issues), and emotional issues. How can we make it through? I am a firm believer that most of our issues come from a lack of knowledge and understanding. As the Lord says "My people are destroyed for their lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6)".
I've been doing alot of reading and studying, (as most of you who know me, thats nothing new). I wanted to share some thoughts from my studies.
First comes from a portion in the book I am reading titled "The Final Quest" by Rick Joyner. "At first we did not understand why the Father decreed that men would have to walk by faith, not beholding the reality and the glories of the heavenly realm, and suffering such opposition. But now we understand that through these sufferings their worthiness to receive the great authority they will be given as members of His own household is surely proven. Now this walk of faith is the greatest wonder in heaven. Those who pass this test are worthy to sit with the Lamb on His throne, as He made them worthy, and they have proven their love".
This clearly shows that the blessings and rewards are not quite understood right now, nor granted, but through patience, faith, endurance, and a spirit of overcoming, we will attain the greatest reward!
Another good piece to offer came from a study on worship I was doing. I came across the webpage of Matthew Redman (http://www.mattredman.com). It speak about Job and makes a great point, I will just copy and paste.
"Who could blame him really? In a matter of days Job had lost his fortune. His children had been suddenly taken from him. The pain from the boils that covered his skin must have been unbearable. All of it; his health, wealth, and family was gone. Job was not dead, but that was just a minor technicality. And so Job´s outburst is understandable, for deep suffering isn´t only looking for the pain to end, but for an answer to the question: ´Why me?´
´If I have walked with falsehood . . . and my foot has hastened after deceit, let Him weigh me with accurate scales and let God know my integrity . . (Job 31 v 5-6) Oh, that I had one to hear me! Behold, here is my signature, let the Almighty answer me! And the indictment which my adversary has written . . . I would bind it to myself like a crown.´ (Job 31 v 35, 36b)
And how does God respond? He does not defend Himself. He does not explain Himself. God chooses to reveal Himself.
´Have you ever in your life commanded the morning, and caused the dawn to know its place, that it might take hold of the ends of the earth, and the wicked be shaken out of it . . .(Job 38 v 12-13) Who has put wisdom in the innermost being or given understanding to the mind? Who can count the clouds by wisdom, or tip the water jars of the heavens?´ (Job 38 v 36-37)
When silence falls once again, Job finds that the answer to his suffering is not found by asking: ´why´ but by knowing: ´Who.´ It is not found in questioning God´s worth, but in seeing Him for who He is. God answers the problem of Job´s suffering with the grand and wonderful mystery of His power and presence. Job himself says as much:
´I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted. (Job 42 v 2) I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear; but now my eye sees You.´ (Job 42 v 5)
An unquenchable worshipper does not rely upon endurance, doctrine, or determination alone. An unquenchable worshipper returns again and again to the revelation of a God whose worth and whose love does not waver to spite our suffering. An unquenchable worshipper can sing then with Job perhaps one of the most profound lines in all of Scripture:
´The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.´ (Job 1 v 21)
Matt and Beth´s song ´Blessed Be Your Name´ focuses in on this scripture, and tries to give worshippers a voice to respond to God with praise, even in the painful times of life. Matt writes:
´I think we´ve received more personal testimony feedback from this song than any other. I have come across some of the harshest life circumstances I´ve heard of as people have emailed in their stories of how they´ve chosen to worship our amazing God even in some of the hardest times of life. More than anything, this reminds me of how much pain there is in the world, and about how important it is to be real, honest and true (yet always remaining reverent) in the worshipping church.´
Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there´s pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name
Every blessing You pour out
I´ll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name"
Blessed be the Name of the Lord. I hope and pray that this study helped you in some sort of way....
In prayer,
Pastor Michael Miano
I will be working toward making more posts, and updating daily if I can.
Well, it doesn't take a genius to see the times, and although I usually would make a post about the end times or the Kingdom of God, as our focus, I am going to divert a bit (in some sense), to make a point, although rest assured it is Kingdom oriented and principled.
WE ARE IN SOME ROUGH TIMES! Well said? So many people I know are depressed, either about economy issues, personal issues ( I have noticed serious amounts of relationship issues), and emotional issues. How can we make it through? I am a firm believer that most of our issues come from a lack of knowledge and understanding. As the Lord says "My people are destroyed for their lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6)".
I've been doing alot of reading and studying, (as most of you who know me, thats nothing new). I wanted to share some thoughts from my studies.
First comes from a portion in the book I am reading titled "The Final Quest" by Rick Joyner. "At first we did not understand why the Father decreed that men would have to walk by faith, not beholding the reality and the glories of the heavenly realm, and suffering such opposition. But now we understand that through these sufferings their worthiness to receive the great authority they will be given as members of His own household is surely proven. Now this walk of faith is the greatest wonder in heaven. Those who pass this test are worthy to sit with the Lamb on His throne, as He made them worthy, and they have proven their love".
This clearly shows that the blessings and rewards are not quite understood right now, nor granted, but through patience, faith, endurance, and a spirit of overcoming, we will attain the greatest reward!
Another good piece to offer came from a study on worship I was doing. I came across the webpage of Matthew Redman (http://www.mattredman.com). It speak about Job and makes a great point, I will just copy and paste.
"Who could blame him really? In a matter of days Job had lost his fortune. His children had been suddenly taken from him. The pain from the boils that covered his skin must have been unbearable. All of it; his health, wealth, and family was gone. Job was not dead, but that was just a minor technicality. And so Job´s outburst is understandable, for deep suffering isn´t only looking for the pain to end, but for an answer to the question: ´Why me?´
´If I have walked with falsehood . . . and my foot has hastened after deceit, let Him weigh me with accurate scales and let God know my integrity . . (Job 31 v 5-6) Oh, that I had one to hear me! Behold, here is my signature, let the Almighty answer me! And the indictment which my adversary has written . . . I would bind it to myself like a crown.´ (Job 31 v 35, 36b)
And how does God respond? He does not defend Himself. He does not explain Himself. God chooses to reveal Himself.
´Have you ever in your life commanded the morning, and caused the dawn to know its place, that it might take hold of the ends of the earth, and the wicked be shaken out of it . . .(Job 38 v 12-13) Who has put wisdom in the innermost being or given understanding to the mind? Who can count the clouds by wisdom, or tip the water jars of the heavens?´ (Job 38 v 36-37)
When silence falls once again, Job finds that the answer to his suffering is not found by asking: ´why´ but by knowing: ´Who.´ It is not found in questioning God´s worth, but in seeing Him for who He is. God answers the problem of Job´s suffering with the grand and wonderful mystery of His power and presence. Job himself says as much:
´I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted. (Job 42 v 2) I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear; but now my eye sees You.´ (Job 42 v 5)
An unquenchable worshipper does not rely upon endurance, doctrine, or determination alone. An unquenchable worshipper returns again and again to the revelation of a God whose worth and whose love does not waver to spite our suffering. An unquenchable worshipper can sing then with Job perhaps one of the most profound lines in all of Scripture:
´The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.´ (Job 1 v 21)
Matt and Beth´s song ´Blessed Be Your Name´ focuses in on this scripture, and tries to give worshippers a voice to respond to God with praise, even in the painful times of life. Matt writes:
´I think we´ve received more personal testimony feedback from this song than any other. I have come across some of the harshest life circumstances I´ve heard of as people have emailed in their stories of how they´ve chosen to worship our amazing God even in some of the hardest times of life. More than anything, this reminds me of how much pain there is in the world, and about how important it is to be real, honest and true (yet always remaining reverent) in the worshipping church.´
Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there´s pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name
Every blessing You pour out
I´ll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name"
Blessed be the Name of the Lord. I hope and pray that this study helped you in some sort of way....
In prayer,
Pastor Michael Miano
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