SCARS

"I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of my mouth."-Revelation 3:15-16 CSB "The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.""-Revelation 21:7-8 ESV

"So he told them this parable: "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.' Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance." - Luke 15:3-7 ESV

"What do you think? If someone has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, won't he leave the 99 on the hilllside and go and search for the stray?" -Matthew 18:12 CSB

Here's a start to a new series called Beyond Sundays. Even though the presence of God is felt at a Church, let's not forget the real church is the body of Christ. Let's talk about the presence of God in our walk.

God's presence is one of a kind. When you feel it, you know it. Here are some stories of a believer of a higher power, has experienced God's presence, before coming to a Christian church and after. A seed has been planted in this guy and this is just the middle of his testimony.  

No Matter how fast, how far or how long you run, you will face God. So stop running. Face Him now while you're still in His Grace rather than facing Him when it's Judgement Day

Even when it seems like you're walking in your faith correctly, satisfying the flesh is a daily battle and the shame of satisfying the flesh is a heavy weight to carry. But it is written "For a righteous man falls 7 times, and rises again, but the wicked stumble in time of calamity." The love of God outweighs everything. 

Once you give your life to Christ, He wil always protect you, chase after you, and will guide you to Him. He who started a good work will finish it.

What do you do when you need to provide for your family at young age? For a young kid in the Bronx, sometimes the only option is to sell drugs and live your life based on the code of the streets. At the same time growing up in the Santeria religion, living in fear of disappointing the saints, it's not easy coming to Christ. However, God is bigger than all your problems. He is the way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper, and the light in the darkness. This is a story of how God shows He is the healer of the wounds the world gives us.

Born as a Catholic who love superheroes, Rex never fount the statues of the saints to be very heroic. But when introduced to Jesus and learning of what He did on the cross, Rex found the ultimate superhero. From preaching to classmates in Catholic school in his early years to gathering Christian groups as a young adult wherever he is and bringing others to Jesus. However, no man is "Good" and we all fall short to the Glory of God. But if you are called by God, He who started a good work will finish it.

Even when you're drowning in negativity and face death to its face, Jesus can soften the heart of your enemies and redeem you to walk with Him.

Even when the world and church continuously wounds you, God will heal you and restore you.

Even when you grow up with a father who you saw as an icon of a man of God be consumed by the desires of the flesh and become traumatized by the people of the church; God will bring the church to you, even if it's one person speaking of Christ. If you're close to a person who has a strong relationship with Jesus, you will be connect to Jesus through that person.

Even when you've been battling anger your whole life, when drugs and alcohol can't numb your pain enough, and you think taking your life is the best way out; Jesus will come and show you a way of love and peace. He will transform you and use you for His Fathers Glory.

Even when your heart is torn and the enemy puts strongholds on you, God gives you a new heart and breaks the chains and shackles.