Genesis 28:10 And Jacob went out from Beer-sheba, and went toward Haran. 11 And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put [them for] his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep. 12 And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it. 13 And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I [am] the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; 14 And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. 15 And, behold, I [am] with thee, and will keep thee in all [places] whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done [that] which I have spoken to thee of.
I. Man of Flesh blessing by falsehood Genesis 28:20 And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, 21 So that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God: 22 And this stone, which I have set [for] a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.
A. Critical Acceptance If God will be with me
B. Conditional Lordship
C. Carnal Tithe
II. Man of Fight blessing by force Genesis 32:24 And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. 25 And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. 26 And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. 27 And he said unto him, What [is] thy name? And he said, Jacob. 28 And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. 29 And Jacob asked [him], and said, Tell [me], I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore [is] it [that] thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there. 30 And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.
A. Necessary Harm
B. New Name
C. Face to face
III. Man of Faith blessing by following Genesis 35:1 And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Beth-el, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother. 2 Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that [were] with him, Put away the strange gods that [are] among you, and be clean, and change your garments: 3 And let us arise, and go up to Beth-el; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went. 4 And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which [were] in their hand, and [all their] earrings which [were] in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which [was] by Shechem.
A. Following
B. Forsaking
C. Family
J Vernon McGee; APG November 20, 2010sm
www.pastorandrew.ws
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
Power of the Gospel
Pastor Grosjean
www.pastorandrew.ws
Rom. 1:13-16 “Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. 14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. 15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
I. Forgive Sins Rom. 3:24 “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth [to be] a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;”
A. Scope - remission of all sins
B. Source - faith in blood
C. Security - Redemption (the purchase of Christ)
II. Fortify and Secure
A. Through Faith, Sanctified & Justified .Rom 5:1 “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”
1. We have peace
2. We have access
3. We have rejoicing
B. Though Failing, Strength. Rom. 5:6 “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” II Cor. 12:9 “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”
C. Through Fear of death, Secured by life Rom. 5:17 “For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.”
III. Fix for Service Rom. 6:18 “Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.”
A. Identifies with Death Rom. 6:3 “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?”
B. Identifies with Dirt of Burial Rom. 6:4 “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
C. Identifies with Deliverance of Resurrection Rom. 6:5 “For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also [in the likeness] of [his] resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with [him], that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.”
IV. Free from Satan
A. Because of Who is for us. Rom. 8:31 “What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us?”
B. Because of Who fills us I John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
March 24, 2006; November 14, 2009sm, November 13, 2010sm
http://hubpages.com/profile/PastorAndrew
www.pastorandrew.ws
Rom. 1:13-16 “Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. 14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. 15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
I. Forgive Sins Rom. 3:24 “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth [to be] a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;”
A. Scope - remission of all sins
B. Source - faith in blood
C. Security - Redemption (the purchase of Christ)
II. Fortify and Secure
A. Through Faith, Sanctified & Justified .Rom 5:1 “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”
1. We have peace
2. We have access
3. We have rejoicing
B. Though Failing, Strength. Rom. 5:6 “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” II Cor. 12:9 “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”
C. Through Fear of death, Secured by life Rom. 5:17 “For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.”
III. Fix for Service Rom. 6:18 “Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.”
A. Identifies with Death Rom. 6:3 “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?”
B. Identifies with Dirt of Burial Rom. 6:4 “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
C. Identifies with Deliverance of Resurrection Rom. 6:5 “For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also [in the likeness] of [his] resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with [him], that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.”
IV. Free from Satan
A. Because of Who is for us. Rom. 8:31 “What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us?”
B. Because of Who fills us I John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
March 24, 2006; November 14, 2009sm, November 13, 2010sm
http://hubpages.com/profile/PastorAndrew
7000 Not Bowed
www.pastorandrew.ws
Elder Grosjean
I Kings 19:14 And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, [even] I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. 15 And the LORD said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael [to be] king over Syria: 16 And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint [to be] king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah shalt thou anoint [to be] prophet in thy room. 17 And it shall come to pass, [that] him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay. 18 Yet I have left [me] seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.
I. Sovereign Assignments
A. Minister to the world Hazael king over Syria
B. Minister to the people of God Jehu king over Israel
C. Minister to the ministers Elisha prophet
II. Silent Allies - Seven Thousand
A. Sissified Psalms 31:24 Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.
B. Suppressed
C. Separated
III. Savior’s Assurances for Trust
A. Protection (I have left) I John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
B. Provision Psalms 37:25 I have been young, and [now] am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
C. Proclamation Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset [us], and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
A saint somewhere is in sorrow and needs to know you are there too.
Thought of June 20, 05; preached June 12, 2009sn; November 14, 2010sn
http://hubpages.com/profile/PastorAndrew
Elder Grosjean
I Kings 19:14 And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, [even] I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. 15 And the LORD said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael [to be] king over Syria: 16 And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint [to be] king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah shalt thou anoint [to be] prophet in thy room. 17 And it shall come to pass, [that] him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay. 18 Yet I have left [me] seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.
I. Sovereign Assignments
A. Minister to the world Hazael king over Syria
B. Minister to the people of God Jehu king over Israel
C. Minister to the ministers Elisha prophet
II. Silent Allies - Seven Thousand
A. Sissified Psalms 31:24 Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.
B. Suppressed
C. Separated
III. Savior’s Assurances for Trust
A. Protection (I have left) I John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
B. Provision Psalms 37:25 I have been young, and [now] am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
C. Proclamation Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset [us], and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
A saint somewhere is in sorrow and needs to know you are there too.
Thought of June 20, 05; preached June 12, 2009sn; November 14, 2010sn
http://hubpages.com/profile/PastorAndrew
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Zeal of Thine House
Zeal of Thine House
John 2:13 And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, 14 And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: 15 And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; 16 And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise. 17And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.
I. Patient Preparation
A. Right time
B. Reasoned response
C. Righteous anger
II. Purified of Pretense
A. Idolatrous Salesmen (those selling)
B. Ignorant but Sincere (those sacrificing)
C. Insincere and Sanctimonious (the superiors)
D. Insecure Saint (those disciples)
III. Protection of Purpose
A. Praise Psalms 42:4 When I remember these [things], I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.
B. Prayer Matthew 21:13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.
C. Proclamation Ecclesiastes 5:1 Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.
D. Preaching
November 7, 2010sn
John 2:13 And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, 14 And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: 15 And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; 16 And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise. 17And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.
I. Patient Preparation
A. Right time
B. Reasoned response
C. Righteous anger
II. Purified of Pretense
A. Idolatrous Salesmen (those selling)
B. Ignorant but Sincere (those sacrificing)
C. Insincere and Sanctimonious (the superiors)
D. Insecure Saint (those disciples)
III. Protection of Purpose
A. Praise Psalms 42:4 When I remember these [things], I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.
B. Prayer Matthew 21:13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.
C. Proclamation Ecclesiastes 5:1 Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.
D. Preaching
November 7, 2010sn
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Personal Revival
Personal Revival
Heb 12:11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. 12Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; 13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. 14 Follow peace with all [men], and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
I. Chastisement (Intro)
II. Changing from Crowded by a Cloud of Witnesses
A. Hands (Work: lift up hands) I Thessalonians 4:9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. 10 And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more; 11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; 12 That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and [that] ye may have lack of nothing.
1. Service
2. Study
3. Supply
B. Knees (Walk: carry burdens) Isaiah 35:3 Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. 4 Say to them [that are] of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come [with] vengeance, [even] God [with] a recompence; he will come and save you.
1. Commit to Work
2. Confirm Weak knees
3. Courage for Warfare
C. Feet (Witness: straight path)
1. Clear Message make straight paths
2. Complete Message Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!
3. Communicated Message Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
III. Communion (Conclusion)
A. Peace with all men
B. Purity from muck
C. Presence of Messiah
November 7, 2010sm
Friday, November 5, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
From Fear to Fellowship
From Fear to Fellowship
II Timothy 1:3 I thank God, whom I serve from [my] forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; 4 Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; 5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. 6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. 7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
I. Fearful Servants Romans 6:19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. 20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. 21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things [is] death. 22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
A. Fear of the Damned Proverbs 10:24 The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.
B. Fear of the Devilish James 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
C. Fear of the Delivered Proverbs 10:27 The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.
D. Proverbs 19:23 The fear of the LORD [tendeth] to life: and [he that hath it] shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.
II. Faithful Friends John 15:14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. 15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
A. Condition of Friendship (commands)
B. Calling of Friendship (not earned but given)
C. Confidence of Friendship all things that I have heard
III. Fellowship Beloved Daniel 9:20 And whiles I [was] speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the LORD my God for the holy mountain of my God; 21 Yea, whiles I [was] speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation. 22 And he informed [me], and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding. 23 At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew [thee]; for thou [art] greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.
A. Skill and Understanding (Sound Mind) II Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
B. Supplication and Unveiling (Love)
C. Steadfast and Unmoving (Power) I Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
II Timothy 1:3 I thank God, whom I serve from [my] forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; 4 Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; 5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. 6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. 7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
I. Fearful Servants Romans 6:19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. 20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. 21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things [is] death. 22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
A. Fear of the Damned Proverbs 10:24 The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.
B. Fear of the Devilish James 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
C. Fear of the Delivered Proverbs 10:27 The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.
D. Proverbs 19:23 The fear of the LORD [tendeth] to life: and [he that hath it] shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.
II. Faithful Friends John 15:14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. 15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
A. Condition of Friendship (commands)
B. Calling of Friendship (not earned but given)
C. Confidence of Friendship all things that I have heard
III. Fellowship Beloved Daniel 9:20 And whiles I [was] speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the LORD my God for the holy mountain of my God; 21 Yea, whiles I [was] speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation. 22 And he informed [me], and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding. 23 At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew [thee]; for thou [art] greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.
A. Skill and Understanding (Sound Mind) II Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
B. Supplication and Unveiling (Love)
C. Steadfast and Unmoving (Power) I Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
What are you Thankful for?
What are you Thankful for?
Thanksgiving is a holiday that is celebrates being grateful. The pilgrims that came to this wonderful land but found their first winter very difficult and tragic. However, God provided for them in preparation for the next winter through the kindness and generosity of the Wampanoag Indians. The Indians taught the naive colonists about fishing, planting and hunting. With their help, the Pilgrims were ready for the winter cold. After a bountiful harvest, the Pilgrims and Wampanoag celebrated with a three day feast.
In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared a National Day of Thanksgiving. He hoped to help our country to heal after the tragic Civil War. So, he set apart the last Thursday in November, and declared, “We often forget the Source from which the blessings of fruitful years and healthful skies come. … No human wisdom hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God. … I therefore invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States … to observe the last Thursday of November as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens.”
We in our world today face the same challenges that the Pilgrims faced so long ago. For their story carries the themes of our existence. We all face a struggle to survive, whether for ourselves, our families, even in our spiritual lives. We all need help to overcome the challenges that stand in our way. And just like then, God is there to provide for our needs.
The question is, “Will we respond to life’s challenges with the same noble resolve that they did?” They responded to the harshness of the their situation with hard work. They responded with cooperation. They treated each other with kindness and compassion. But the part of the story that we most often forget is that they responded with thankfulness.
What were the Pilgrims thankful for? There were so many things. They were thankful for the Wampanoag Indians, for the harvest, for their food, and for their survival. But they were not just grateful in general. They were thankful to God in specific. They were not afraid to admit that God is the source of all blessings. He had seen them across the great ocean. He had protected them through the first heart-rending winter. He taught them about new foods through the generous Wampanoag. It was God Who provided the bountiful harvest.
If we learn anything from the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag, we should make sure that we are not just grateful, but that we are grateful to God. We need to recognize the Heavenly Father as the Giver of all good things.
We should thank God, but not just for the provision for our daily lives. More importantly, we need to acknowledge and rely on His provision for our spiritual lives. Being lost in tragedy and condemnation of our sin is worse than the horrible trials that the Pilgrims had to endure. For our sin has no remedy outside of the provision of God’s own Son Jesus Christ. However, just as God brought the Pilgrims help and salvation from harsh physical conditions, Jesus brings salvation from the absolute self destruction of man’s sin.
As the Pilgrims sat down in celebration with the Wampanoag, so Jesus wants to sit and commune with us spiritually. Revelation 3:20 “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” He wants to come into your life and give you what you need most. He offers forgiveness from sin, adoption into the family of God, a home in Heaven, and escape from Hell. Most importantly, He will give you victory over sin, Satan, and your own selfish nature.
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Why not call on the name of the Lord today and thank Him for all of His provision in you life? More importantly, thank God for His provision of salvation. If you want to have God’s salvation in your life, pray to God like this:
Dear Heavenly Father,
I know that I am a sinner and have disobeyed your laws. But I know that you love me and that Jesus died for me. Now, I ask you to come into my life and save me. Please, forgive me of all my sin. Please be the Lord of my life. In Jesus name, Amen.
Thanksgiving is a holiday that is celebrates being grateful. The pilgrims that came to this wonderful land but found their first winter very difficult and tragic. However, God provided for them in preparation for the next winter through the kindness and generosity of the Wampanoag Indians. The Indians taught the naive colonists about fishing, planting and hunting. With their help, the Pilgrims were ready for the winter cold. After a bountiful harvest, the Pilgrims and Wampanoag celebrated with a three day feast.
In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared a National Day of Thanksgiving. He hoped to help our country to heal after the tragic Civil War. So, he set apart the last Thursday in November, and declared, “We often forget the Source from which the blessings of fruitful years and healthful skies come. … No human wisdom hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God. … I therefore invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States … to observe the last Thursday of November as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens.”
We in our world today face the same challenges that the Pilgrims faced so long ago. For their story carries the themes of our existence. We all face a struggle to survive, whether for ourselves, our families, even in our spiritual lives. We all need help to overcome the challenges that stand in our way. And just like then, God is there to provide for our needs.
The question is, “Will we respond to life’s challenges with the same noble resolve that they did?” They responded to the harshness of the their situation with hard work. They responded with cooperation. They treated each other with kindness and compassion. But the part of the story that we most often forget is that they responded with thankfulness.
What were the Pilgrims thankful for? There were so many things. They were thankful for the Wampanoag Indians, for the harvest, for their food, and for their survival. But they were not just grateful in general. They were thankful to God in specific. They were not afraid to admit that God is the source of all blessings. He had seen them across the great ocean. He had protected them through the first heart-rending winter. He taught them about new foods through the generous Wampanoag. It was God Who provided the bountiful harvest.
If we learn anything from the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag, we should make sure that we are not just grateful, but that we are grateful to God. We need to recognize the Heavenly Father as the Giver of all good things.
We should thank God, but not just for the provision for our daily lives. More importantly, we need to acknowledge and rely on His provision for our spiritual lives. Being lost in tragedy and condemnation of our sin is worse than the horrible trials that the Pilgrims had to endure. For our sin has no remedy outside of the provision of God’s own Son Jesus Christ. However, just as God brought the Pilgrims help and salvation from harsh physical conditions, Jesus brings salvation from the absolute self destruction of man’s sin.
As the Pilgrims sat down in celebration with the Wampanoag, so Jesus wants to sit and commune with us spiritually. Revelation 3:20 “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” He wants to come into your life and give you what you need most. He offers forgiveness from sin, adoption into the family of God, a home in Heaven, and escape from Hell. Most importantly, He will give you victory over sin, Satan, and your own selfish nature.
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Why not call on the name of the Lord today and thank Him for all of His provision in you life? More importantly, thank God for His provision of salvation. If you want to have God’s salvation in your life, pray to God like this:
Dear Heavenly Father,
I know that I am a sinner and have disobeyed your laws. But I know that you love me and that Jesus died for me. Now, I ask you to come into my life and save me. Please, forgive me of all my sin. Please be the Lord of my life. In Jesus name, Amen.
Is Jesus Welcome for Dinner
Is Jesus Welcome for Dinner
Thanksgiving is a great holiday, but it is more than just a day to eat a lot of great food. It is a reminder of what we should be thankful for. In it, we celebrate good food, precious family, fellowship with those we love, and our priceless freedoms. It more than the meal. It is more than entertaining. It is the time to be close to those that mean the most.
In this season of visiting and eating, there is another more important meal to which you are invited. Jesus says to every man in Revelation 3:20, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” We can learn a great deal about the human condition from this short verse.
First, notice that Jesus is outside the door of the person’s heart. This is because our sins have separated between us and God. Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” man is not basically good. We have a sin nature and it will control us if we do not get the deliverance of God in our life.
The good news is that God has made a way to take away our sin. Jesus sacrificed Himself to wash away our sin. But Jesus is a gentleman. He still knocks. Like all the people coming over for the Holidays, Jesus waits at the door until we come and welcome Him in.
This is the wonderful thing about God’s salvation. God does not expect up to face the challenges of our temptations, our sins, or even just the challenges of life alone. Jesus is not satisfied to direct you from outside. No, through the Holy Spirit, He comes into your life and heart if you are willing to just open the door. He wants to see you through it all. He wants to give you power to be victorious over every addiction even if it is just the addiction to sin.
But the thing that most people miss about this verse in Revelation 3:20 is that Jesus does not only want to come in and be in our lives. He wants to have communion. This is what is meant by God’s desire to “sup” with us. He wants to have spiritual supper with us.
During the holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas, it is not just a meal that draws us to other people’s homes. It is the desire to spend time with the people we love. That is God’s desire too. He knocks at your heart’s door because He wants to come into your life. He waits for your answer, because He will not force His way in. He wants to be close to you. He wants to forgive everything that you have ever done against Him. He wants to save us all from our selves and take us to Heaven. But God’s ultimate goal is to have communion with us. He wants us to be close to Him. He wants the same communion that we crave with our families and friends during these holidays.
That is the miracle of the Gospel. Jesus offers everything that we need for complete fulfillment in our life. And just like a true gift of the holiday season, the gift of salvation is completely free. You can not buy it. It is Jesus knocking at the door of your heart. You cannot pay Him to come in. You cannot clean up your own life to make it acceptable to Him. All you can do is open the door and let Him it. He is better than your holiday guests. He wants to clean up for you and with you. You cannot make yourself acceptable to God by cleaning up your life. You cannot clean yourself up to come to God. You come to God so He can clean you up.
Jesus is knocking at the door of your life. Will you let Him in to dine with you? Is Jesus welcome in your heart? If you have never opened the door to Jesus and asked him to save you and come into life, why not pray right now a prayer like this:
Dear Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and that has separated me from you. But You died to wash away all my sin. I hear you knocking at my heart’s door. Please come into my life and forgive all my sin. Please be the Lord of my life. In Jesus name I pray. Amen
Thanksgiving is a great holiday, but it is more than just a day to eat a lot of great food. It is a reminder of what we should be thankful for. In it, we celebrate good food, precious family, fellowship with those we love, and our priceless freedoms. It more than the meal. It is more than entertaining. It is the time to be close to those that mean the most.
In this season of visiting and eating, there is another more important meal to which you are invited. Jesus says to every man in Revelation 3:20, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” We can learn a great deal about the human condition from this short verse.
First, notice that Jesus is outside the door of the person’s heart. This is because our sins have separated between us and God. Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” man is not basically good. We have a sin nature and it will control us if we do not get the deliverance of God in our life.
The good news is that God has made a way to take away our sin. Jesus sacrificed Himself to wash away our sin. But Jesus is a gentleman. He still knocks. Like all the people coming over for the Holidays, Jesus waits at the door until we come and welcome Him in.
This is the wonderful thing about God’s salvation. God does not expect up to face the challenges of our temptations, our sins, or even just the challenges of life alone. Jesus is not satisfied to direct you from outside. No, through the Holy Spirit, He comes into your life and heart if you are willing to just open the door. He wants to see you through it all. He wants to give you power to be victorious over every addiction even if it is just the addiction to sin.
But the thing that most people miss about this verse in Revelation 3:20 is that Jesus does not only want to come in and be in our lives. He wants to have communion. This is what is meant by God’s desire to “sup” with us. He wants to have spiritual supper with us.
During the holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas, it is not just a meal that draws us to other people’s homes. It is the desire to spend time with the people we love. That is God’s desire too. He knocks at your heart’s door because He wants to come into your life. He waits for your answer, because He will not force His way in. He wants to be close to you. He wants to forgive everything that you have ever done against Him. He wants to save us all from our selves and take us to Heaven. But God’s ultimate goal is to have communion with us. He wants us to be close to Him. He wants the same communion that we crave with our families and friends during these holidays.
That is the miracle of the Gospel. Jesus offers everything that we need for complete fulfillment in our life. And just like a true gift of the holiday season, the gift of salvation is completely free. You can not buy it. It is Jesus knocking at the door of your heart. You cannot pay Him to come in. You cannot clean up your own life to make it acceptable to Him. All you can do is open the door and let Him it. He is better than your holiday guests. He wants to clean up for you and with you. You cannot make yourself acceptable to God by cleaning up your life. You cannot clean yourself up to come to God. You come to God so He can clean you up.
Jesus is knocking at the door of your life. Will you let Him in to dine with you? Is Jesus welcome in your heart? If you have never opened the door to Jesus and asked him to save you and come into life, why not pray right now a prayer like this:
Dear Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and that has separated me from you. But You died to wash away all my sin. I hear you knocking at my heart’s door. Please come into my life and forgive all my sin. Please be the Lord of my life. In Jesus name I pray. Amen
How to Rebuild Gods House
How to Rebuild Gods House
Ezra 1:1 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and [put it] also in writing, saying, 2 Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which [is] in Judah. 3 Who [is there] among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which [is] in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel, (he [is] the God,) which [is] in Jerusalem.
I. Return to Gods Place: Leave the World (Enemy was Civil Government) Proverbs 21:1 The king's heart [is] in the hand of the LORD, [as] the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
A. Rejected God’s Word
B. Ruined God’s Ways
C. Refused God’s Worship
II. Reclaim Gods Property: Lusts of the World (Enemy was Satan) Ezra 1:7 Also Cyrus the King Brought Forth the Vessels of the House of the Lord, Which Nebuchadnezzar Had Brought Forth out of Jerusalem, and Had Put Them in the House of His Gods; 8 Even Those Did Cyrus King of Persia Bring Forth by the Hand of Mithredath the Treasurer, and Numbered Them unto Sheshbazzar, the Prince of Judah.
A. Comes to steal (lust of the eyes) John 10:7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have [it] more abundantly.
B. Comes to kill (lust of flesh)
C. Comes to destroy (pride of life)
III. Rebuild Gods Place: Love to Worship (Enemy was Scoffers) Ezra 4:1 Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity builded the temple unto the LORD God of Israel; 2 Then they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chief of the fathers, and said unto them, Let us build with you: for we seek your God, as ye [do]; and we do sacrifice unto him since the days of Esar-haddon king of Assur, which brought us up hither.
IV. Rebuild Gods People: Love Not the World (Enemy was Self) Ezra 10:10 And Ezra the priest stood up, and said unto them, Ye have transgressed, and have taken strange wives, to increase the trespass of Israel. 11 Now therefore make confession unto the LORD God of your fathers, and do his pleasure: and separate yourselves from the people of the land, and from the strange wives.
A. Depart from Sinners
B. Deny Sin I John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
C. Die to Self
October 24, 2010sn
Ezra 1:1 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and [put it] also in writing, saying, 2 Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which [is] in Judah. 3 Who [is there] among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which [is] in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel, (he [is] the God,) which [is] in Jerusalem.
I. Return to Gods Place: Leave the World (Enemy was Civil Government) Proverbs 21:1 The king's heart [is] in the hand of the LORD, [as] the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
A. Rejected God’s Word
B. Ruined God’s Ways
C. Refused God’s Worship
II. Reclaim Gods Property: Lusts of the World (Enemy was Satan) Ezra 1:7 Also Cyrus the King Brought Forth the Vessels of the House of the Lord, Which Nebuchadnezzar Had Brought Forth out of Jerusalem, and Had Put Them in the House of His Gods; 8 Even Those Did Cyrus King of Persia Bring Forth by the Hand of Mithredath the Treasurer, and Numbered Them unto Sheshbazzar, the Prince of Judah.
A. Comes to steal (lust of the eyes) John 10:7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have [it] more abundantly.
B. Comes to kill (lust of flesh)
C. Comes to destroy (pride of life)
III. Rebuild Gods Place: Love to Worship (Enemy was Scoffers) Ezra 4:1 Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity builded the temple unto the LORD God of Israel; 2 Then they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chief of the fathers, and said unto them, Let us build with you: for we seek your God, as ye [do]; and we do sacrifice unto him since the days of Esar-haddon king of Assur, which brought us up hither.
IV. Rebuild Gods People: Love Not the World (Enemy was Self) Ezra 10:10 And Ezra the priest stood up, and said unto them, Ye have transgressed, and have taken strange wives, to increase the trespass of Israel. 11 Now therefore make confession unto the LORD God of your fathers, and do his pleasure: and separate yourselves from the people of the land, and from the strange wives.
A. Depart from Sinners
B. Deny Sin I John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
C. Die to Self
October 24, 2010sn
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
Keepers Missive: The Love Song of Baruchi
Here is my newest installment on the Keeper Missives. It's got bandits and murder. It's got romance and forbidden love. And it has a happy ending. It's got it all!
Keepers Missive: The Love Song of Baruchi
Keepers Missive: The Love Song of Baruchi
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010
Saturday, September 4, 2010
From Sin to Salvation
Psalms 139:17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! 18 [If] I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee. 19 Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men. 20 For they speak against thee wickedly, [and] thine enemies take [thy name] in vain. 21 Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee? 22 I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies. 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: 24 And see if [there be any] wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
I. Starts with Faith Hebrews 11:6 But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
A. In His Creation Psalms 139:14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully [and] wonderfully made: marvellous [are] thy works; and [that] my soul knoweth right well.
B. In His Compassion
C. In His Condemnation
II. Shows in Forsaking
A. Bloody men I John 3:15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.
B. Blasphemers
C. Belligerent vs. 21 that rise up against thee
III. Seeks Forgiveness
A. Search Me Search me, O God
B. See Me see if there be
C. Save Me the way everlasting
I. Starts with Faith Hebrews 11:6 But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
A. In His Creation Psalms 139:14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully [and] wonderfully made: marvellous [are] thy works; and [that] my soul knoweth right well.
B. In His Compassion
C. In His Condemnation
II. Shows in Forsaking
A. Bloody men I John 3:15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.
B. Blasphemers
C. Belligerent vs. 21 that rise up against thee
III. Seeks Forgiveness
A. Search Me Search me, O God
B. See Me see if there be
C. Save Me the way everlasting
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
Sunday, August 8, 2010
What Church Should Be
What Church Should Be
Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added [unto them] about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all [men], as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
I. A Preaching Church
A. God Prescribed Preaching
B. God Powered Preaching I Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
C. God Pleasing Preaching I Corinthians 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
II. A Persistent Church vs 46
A. In Continuing in one accord
B. In Contributing. Acts 2:44
C. In Conflict
D. In Communion
III. A Perfecting Church
A. Praying Church Acts 2:42 Acts 2:42
B. Praising Church Acts 2:47 Psalm 150
C. Proselytizing Church Acts 20:20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable [unto you], but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,
D. Prevailing Church the Lord added Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
October 5, 2003 Sunday Night, Mendez; apg August 8, 2010sn
Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added [unto them] about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all [men], as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
I. A Preaching Church
A. God Prescribed Preaching
B. God Powered Preaching I Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
C. God Pleasing Preaching I Corinthians 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
II. A Persistent Church vs 46
A. In Continuing in one accord
B. In Contributing. Acts 2:44
C. In Conflict
D. In Communion
III. A Perfecting Church
A. Praying Church Acts 2:42 Acts 2:42
B. Praising Church Acts 2:47 Psalm 150
C. Proselytizing Church Acts 20:20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable [unto you], but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,
D. Prevailing Church the Lord added Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
October 5, 2003 Sunday Night, Mendez; apg August 8, 2010sn
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Criminal Charges and Immigration
Being charged with a crime is always scary. There is a lot at stake if you are found guilty. This could mar your reputation and record for the rest of your life. It could limit your liberties and hold you back from doing what others take for granted.
The stakes are even higher, though, if you are trying to come to America or become a citizen. This is because Criminal Prosecution can make things very difficult for an alien (see: 8 USC 1182(a)(2) INA section 212(a)(2); 8 USC 1227(a)(2), INA section 237(a)(2)). The law says that a person who has committed a Crime Involving Moral Turpitude (CIMT) can be deemed inadmissible to the United States.
This kind of crime (CIMT) will be a bar to an alien who wants to enter the United States under section 212(a)(2)(i)(I) on the INA (Immigration Nationality Act). For example, crimes involving controlled substances receive harsh treatment under the INA. (212(a)(2)(i)(II) of the INA.)
A serious crime can make it impossible for a person to get into the United States. This bar to admission applies to aliens who are not permanent residents, illegal aliens, or individuals outside of the country. It can also make it impossible for resident aliens to get permanent residence in the United States.
There are a few different areas of crime that can be considered to involve Moral Turpitude:
• Crimes Against The Person
• Crimes Against Property
• Sexual and Family Crimes
• Crimes Against the Authority of Government
Not every crime in these areas will become a bar to you, but they could. To determine if a criminal charge against you could be considered a CIMT, you should consider contacting an Immigration Attorney to protect your rights.
In general, these CIMT’s are crimes where the penalty is at least one year or more. Under immigration law, the idea of moral turpitude has been interpreted very broadly. It is defined on a case law basis and has been applied to many things. This makes it hard sometimes to know for sure what will be a CIMT and what will not be. These crimes could be any fraud, theft, burglary, robbery, murder, manslaughter, income tax evasion, assaults with weapons, domestic violence, conspiracy related crimes, and drug trafficking.
If the crime has a penalty less than a year, there might not be a problem if there is a only one criminal conviction. This could be drunk driving, retail fraud, or simple assaults. The big exception to this is domestic violence. Yet even if it is less than a year, the impact could still be severe because immigration officials have such broad powers.
There is a often surprising problem when it comes to one of these crimes. Even though the criminal prosecution of the crime may not be that big of a deal to you at the time, it might have a much bigger impact on your Immigration Status.
You might be charged with felony theft, for example. You plead to a misdemeanor. You might pay a fine, but no jail time. It does not seem like a big deal because that is the end of it. While that might be the end for Criminal purposes, it might not be the end for Immigration. It could stop you from changing your status or renewing your Visa.
You say, “But it was not a felony.” You need to understand, the Immigration official has broad latitude in enforcing these guidelines. He could determine that the facts that you plead to still equate to a felony even though the court only called it a misdemeanor. He could say it is still a CIMT. It could still be a bar.
Most courts, prosecutors, and even criminal defense attorneys do not understand how powerful the immigration official is. They do not understand that the immigrations officials have a lot of discretion that they can exercise. Many people are later hurt after a prosecution because they took a plea that they thought was safe. Years later, they find out that some immigration official calls the petty crime of shop lifting (for example) a Crime Involving Moral Turpitude.
Let us assume that you have been accused of felony theft. This would definitely be a CIMT. But you plead to trespass to chattels. This is not usually a CIMT. But be careful that you do not admit in the proceedings to any actions that establish the elements of felony theft. This is important. Later, the Immigration Official could look at what you pled to and call it a CIMT.
Because most non-Immigration Attorneys do not understand how serious this is, you need to consider hiring an Immigration Attorney to work with your Criminal Attorney if you are involved in any theft crime, dishonesty crime, violence crime, etc.
If you are considering taking a plea, discuss with an Immigration Attorney if that type of crime is ever considered a CIMT. And if you take a plea, be careful that you do not plead guilty to any facts that amount to a CIMT.
Finally, just because you are found guilty of a CIMT, it does not mean that you have no way to fight it for immigration purposes. No, there are ways to get past that, but that process can become difficult. It is better to avoid it altogether if at all possible.
The stakes are even higher, though, if you are trying to come to America or become a citizen. This is because Criminal Prosecution can make things very difficult for an alien (see: 8 USC 1182(a)(2) INA section 212(a)(2); 8 USC 1227(a)(2), INA section 237(a)(2)). The law says that a person who has committed a Crime Involving Moral Turpitude (CIMT) can be deemed inadmissible to the United States.
This kind of crime (CIMT) will be a bar to an alien who wants to enter the United States under section 212(a)(2)(i)(I) on the INA (Immigration Nationality Act). For example, crimes involving controlled substances receive harsh treatment under the INA. (212(a)(2)(i)(II) of the INA.)
A serious crime can make it impossible for a person to get into the United States. This bar to admission applies to aliens who are not permanent residents, illegal aliens, or individuals outside of the country. It can also make it impossible for resident aliens to get permanent residence in the United States.
There are a few different areas of crime that can be considered to involve Moral Turpitude:
• Crimes Against The Person
• Crimes Against Property
• Sexual and Family Crimes
• Crimes Against the Authority of Government
Not every crime in these areas will become a bar to you, but they could. To determine if a criminal charge against you could be considered a CIMT, you should consider contacting an Immigration Attorney to protect your rights.
In general, these CIMT’s are crimes where the penalty is at least one year or more. Under immigration law, the idea of moral turpitude has been interpreted very broadly. It is defined on a case law basis and has been applied to many things. This makes it hard sometimes to know for sure what will be a CIMT and what will not be. These crimes could be any fraud, theft, burglary, robbery, murder, manslaughter, income tax evasion, assaults with weapons, domestic violence, conspiracy related crimes, and drug trafficking.
If the crime has a penalty less than a year, there might not be a problem if there is a only one criminal conviction. This could be drunk driving, retail fraud, or simple assaults. The big exception to this is domestic violence. Yet even if it is less than a year, the impact could still be severe because immigration officials have such broad powers.
There is a often surprising problem when it comes to one of these crimes. Even though the criminal prosecution of the crime may not be that big of a deal to you at the time, it might have a much bigger impact on your Immigration Status.
You might be charged with felony theft, for example. You plead to a misdemeanor. You might pay a fine, but no jail time. It does not seem like a big deal because that is the end of it. While that might be the end for Criminal purposes, it might not be the end for Immigration. It could stop you from changing your status or renewing your Visa.
You say, “But it was not a felony.” You need to understand, the Immigration official has broad latitude in enforcing these guidelines. He could determine that the facts that you plead to still equate to a felony even though the court only called it a misdemeanor. He could say it is still a CIMT. It could still be a bar.
Most courts, prosecutors, and even criminal defense attorneys do not understand how powerful the immigration official is. They do not understand that the immigrations officials have a lot of discretion that they can exercise. Many people are later hurt after a prosecution because they took a plea that they thought was safe. Years later, they find out that some immigration official calls the petty crime of shop lifting (for example) a Crime Involving Moral Turpitude.
Let us assume that you have been accused of felony theft. This would definitely be a CIMT. But you plead to trespass to chattels. This is not usually a CIMT. But be careful that you do not admit in the proceedings to any actions that establish the elements of felony theft. This is important. Later, the Immigration Official could look at what you pled to and call it a CIMT.
Because most non-Immigration Attorneys do not understand how serious this is, you need to consider hiring an Immigration Attorney to work with your Criminal Attorney if you are involved in any theft crime, dishonesty crime, violence crime, etc.
If you are considering taking a plea, discuss with an Immigration Attorney if that type of crime is ever considered a CIMT. And if you take a plea, be careful that you do not plead guilty to any facts that amount to a CIMT.
Finally, just because you are found guilty of a CIMT, it does not mean that you have no way to fight it for immigration purposes. No, there are ways to get past that, but that process can become difficult. It is better to avoid it altogether if at all possible.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Problems with Unemployment
Legal Mumbo Jumbo on the Decision Letter
• UIA: Unemployment Insurance Agency
• ALJ: Administrative Law Judge.
• Appeal/Docket Number: This is the number the Office of Appeals uses to keep track of your case. You can find it on the top right corner of your Notice of Hearing.
• Claimant: That is you. You filed a claim for Unemployment.
• Jurisdiction: The ALJ has to go through these details of what the Unemployment Insurance Agency did before getting to hearing stage.
• Statement of Facts: This is the section where the ALJ tells you what he thinks happened. This is important because his determination of facts will guide the decision.
• Issues: This is the part where the ALJ lists the rules that control his decision. It has a lot of mumbo jumbo about what the laws say and how the laws have been interpreted.
• Reasoning and Conclusion: This is a very important. It tells what the ALJ believes to be the truth and why he decided the way he did.
• Order: It is the section where the ALJ orders the Unemployment to do or not do something. “Claimant is not disqualified. . .” “Claimant is not eligible. . .”
What is the Bottom Line?
Click edit above to add content to this empty capsule.
You have gone to your Hearing. You have answered all the questions. You have hoped and prayed for the answer you need.
So, what is next?
It usually takes about a week for the ALJ to mail out his decision. There is basically three ways that the ALJ can rule. Firstly, He can say that you should get your unemployment. In this case, the Order will say, “Claimant is not disqualified . . .” Or in some cases it may use the word “Eligible.” This means he found for you. You win!
The second way he may go is, “Claimant is disqualified . . .” or “Claimant is not eligible. . .” This means that the Employer wins.
The third option is more rare. In some cases, the ALJ may split his decision. He may say you get your benefits for some weeks and not for others.
What is next if the ALJ finds for you?
The ALJ will send his decision letter to several places. He sends you, the Claimant, a copy. He sends the Employer a copy. He sends a copy to your Attorney/Agent (if you have one). If the Employer had an Attorney, he will also get a copy.
So, the most important place that the ALJ will send the decision letter is to the Unemployment Agency. At the same time he sends it out to the parties, he also sends it to the UIA. They then start to process it. I do not know what happens in this dark and murky place of bureaucracy other than a few things that I have been told. The UIA goes through their process of reversing the benefits.
The question is always, “How long does it take to get the money after the ALJ decides the case for me?” The answer is different for different people. I would guess that the average for most people is that it usually takes a couple of weeks from the time of the decision. That guess is based on what I have heard from Claimants. If it takes the ALJ takes about a week to issue the letter, then the agency takes about a week to process the benefits, that is about two weeks.
The fact is though that sometimes the ALJ gets the decision out in the mail the very next day, or sometimes it takes a couple of weeks to get the decision. Sometimes the UIA takes longer to process, or they process very quickly. So, sometimes people get their benefits promptly. But sometimes, it seems to take for ever.
So, I guess my answer is, “Usually about two weeks, but you never know with bureaucracy.”
What’s next when it is against you?
You have gone to your Unemployment hearing for your benefits. You waited for about a week or so to get the ALJ’s decision. You sort though all kinds of legal mumbo jumbo. Then you read the disheartening words, “The Claimant is disqualified for his benefits. . .” If you do not want to fight any more you do not have to. But you need to understand that if you got paid any Unemployment Benefits, and the ALJ finds against you, you will be asked to pay back what you got.
If you want to appeal the decision, read the back page of the decision. It informs you of your rights of appeal. It also give you contact information for the MESC Board of Review.
If you disagree with the ALJ’s decision, you have two options. You can do one or both of them, or skip the first, and go right to the second.
I. Ask for a Re-Hearing.
Your First Option is to ask for a Re-Hearing. The option of a Rehearing is for when you have found that there is more information that you did not have or did not know that you needed for your first hearing.
This Re-Hearing option is not used most of the time. It is often hard to get the Re-Hearing granted. But I list if first because if you are going to do it, you want to do it before the Protest to the Board of Review.
Sometimes when you go to a hearing, even though you have prepared properly and done what you can. . . Sometimes you still find that you do not have all the information that you needed. Sometimes you do not know what the employer is going to say until they say it. Only during the hearing do you realize that you need information or a witness, and you had no way of knowing before then.
In this case, you can ask for a rehearing to get the information into the record so that the ALJ has all the information that he needs to make a fair decision. The trick is that you cannot get a rehearing if you knew or should have known that you might need the missing information before the hearing. If you should have known that you needed the info and did not have it, it is your loss. The ALJ will not give you a second shot.
You could get a rehearing if
1. You really did not know that you needed the information, and you had no way of knowing that you needed it.
2. Or, you had no access to the evidence until after the hearing.
A. First you must ask the ALJ for the Re-hearing.
To get the Re-Hearing you must first ask the ALJ for it. You cannot just go to the judge’s office and ask the secretary to get you a Re-Hearing. Nor can you do it by phone. You must do this in writing. You can do this by mailing a letter to the judge’s office, but I find that it is better to do it by fax. That way you can make sure that they did receive the Request.
The phone and fax numbers for the ALJ’s office should be on the notice of hearing. Or if you lose that, your Advocate that helped you with the hearing should have the number to the office.
What do you say in the Request for Re-Hearing?
You must have evidence that you did not have or did not know that you needed in the first hearing. Now, you realized that it was important.
• Tell him what the evidence was.
• Tell him why you did not know that you needed it in the first hearing.
• or, Tell him why the evidence may not have been available to you for the first hearing.
B. What if the Judge denies your Request for a Re-Hearing?
Some Judges are more likely than others to deny a Request for Re-Hearing. There is still one more chance if the ALJ denies the Request. You need to send the same request to the MESC Board of Review.
Take a copy of the first letter and attach a note saying, “The ALJ denied this request for a Re-hearing. I would like the Board of Review to order a Re-Hearing . . .”
Tell the Board why you believe that you did not have a chance to present your evidence
(1) Ignorance of the Fact
(2) Inability of Council (although I do not know if the Board will give this any weight)
(3) Ignorance of the issue. You did not know what it was until the hearing and/or ALJ’s decision.
The Board of Review is not going to consider evidence that was not given at the Hearing. That is why you need a Re-Hearing if there is more evidence that needs to be considered. The will only consider what evidence is introduced to the ALJ at the Hearing.
If you want more evidence to be considered you have to get a Re-Hearing.
II. If you disagree with the ALJ’s decision, your Second Option is to appeal to the MESC Board of Review.
You do not have to ask for a Re-Hearing. You can go directly to the second option of Appeal. Most people do. But even if you did ask for a Re-Hearing, and the Board denies the request, you can still protest the ALJ’s decision.
This is not another hearing. This is done by letter. You do not have to go anywhere or speak to anyone.
You simply write/fax a letter to the Board saying that you disagree and want to appeal the ALJ’s decision. I would suggest fax because you can then call the secretary and confirm that they received the Protest Letter.
To contact the MESC Board of Review:
• Voice Line: 800-738-6372
• Fax Line: 517-241-7326
•
While the letter asking for a Re-Hearing tends to be complicated, the Protest Letter does not need to be. It could be as simple as:
“I disagree with the Judge’s decision. I want to appeal it to the Board of Review.”
Of course, you need to include a few bits of information:
• You must include your Name.
• You should include the Date.
• You should include your full Social Security Number so that they know for sure who you are.
• It might help to give the ALJ’s name.
• It might help to give the Appeal/Docket Number from your hearing (B2010-45678 for example). You can find it on the top right corner of your Notice of Hearing.
• You need put your signature on the letter.
You can find the address to the Board of Review on the back page of you Decision Letter.
That is all you have to do to appeal the ALJ’s decision. You do not need to do anything more. It is free of charge. If you disagree with the ALJ, why would anyone not protest?
A. Additional options when you Protest the ALJ’s decision: Written Argument and Oral Argument.
You can after that use one of two other options but do not need to pursue either. They are extra, not necessary. These two options are Written Argument and Oral Argument. An argument is you telling the Board why they should find in your favor based on the facts submitted at the hearing.
When you protest a Decision, the Board prepares a transcript of the Hearing. They will send a copy of this to both parties. If you have an Advocate/Attorney, the transcript will go to him. You will still receive a letter stating that the transcript is prepared. This letter will also tell you what the deadline for any argument is.
An Argument is when tell the Board why the ALJ was right or wrong. You do not add any evidence to the record, but you take the existing testimony, exhibits, and facts and show the Board why the ALJ was wrong. Maybe you agree with the ALJ because he found in your favor. If the Employer appeals, you may want to argue why the ALJ was right.
If possible, you want to find other cases that are similar to yours. If there are cases like yours that the Claimant won, you will want to point those out the similarities between your case and that one. If there is a case that is similar to the facts of your case, but in that case they found against the Claimant, you want to show the differences in the cases.
You can ask for an Oral Argument. This is very rare. Someone told me that the Board only allows Oral Arguments about ten times a year. I do not know how accurate that estimate is, but that was what I was told by someone in the office.
An Oral Argument is “oral” meaning you make it in person and verbally. You would go before the Board and verbally tell them which way you want them to decide. They may ask you questions as to why you take your position.
If you ask for an Oral Argument, you may want to send written argument in support of the Oral Argument. The Written Argument will go through all of what you want to say. The reason that you would still want the Oral Argument is so that you can answer any questions the Board might have and verbally persuade them past their disagreements.
You can submit a Written Argument alone. This is more common. Most people do not do arguments at all. But those that do make arguments, it is usually a written argument.
For a Written Argument, I would suggest that you gave a few different parts.
1. You should start out by stating what you want to Board to do. “Please affirm the ALJ’s decsision. . .” Or “Please reverse the ALJ’s decision. . .”
2. Statement of Facts: You should include a Statement of Facts. In this section, you should take your story and tell it again in a way that will support your position. Of course, you must make sure that you keep to the facts that were actually shown at the hearing.
3. Issues: You should have an Issues section. “The issue is whether the ALJ was wrong when he . . .”
4. Reasoning: You should have an Reasoning or Argument section. In this section, you contrast or compare previous cases. You show your logic as to why the ALJ was right or wrong.
5. Conclusion: Wrap it up and briefly summarize why the Board should find in your favor.
If the Employer did not have an attorney, it is hard to make an argument. The problem is that the rules say that if they do not have an agent/attorney, you have to ask their permission for the Board to consider your argument.
If the Employer does have an agent/attorney, it is easier. All you have to do in that case is to send (1st class mail is okay) the attorney a copy of your argument before the deadline. Then you write a letter confirming that you did send a copy to the Employer. Include the date of when you sent it and how you sent it.
If the Employer did not have an agent/attorney, in my experience, there is no use in writing an argument because you cannot make the Employer agree to let the Board consider your argument. The Employer will probably just ignore your request. Why would they assist you? They want you to lose.
Unfortunately, the Advocacy Program does not pay for representation to the Board of Review. The Advocacy Program will pay for your hearing, but not past that stage. So you have some options. The First Option is to do nothing after you appeal to the Board. Once you have requested the Board to consider the ALJ’s decision, they will do that. You do not have to do anything else.
The Second Option if you want to have an argument is to write it yourself. You can get the transcript of your hearing either from the Board or from your agent/attorney.
The Third Option is hire someone to write it for you. I have no idea how much the average price of that is (I have spoken to me about prices that are much higher than me.) Ask your advocate/attorney if he is willing to write the argument for you, because not all Advocates do that kind of thing.
• UIA: Unemployment Insurance Agency
• ALJ: Administrative Law Judge.
• Appeal/Docket Number: This is the number the Office of Appeals uses to keep track of your case. You can find it on the top right corner of your Notice of Hearing.
• Claimant: That is you. You filed a claim for Unemployment.
• Jurisdiction: The ALJ has to go through these details of what the Unemployment Insurance Agency did before getting to hearing stage.
• Statement of Facts: This is the section where the ALJ tells you what he thinks happened. This is important because his determination of facts will guide the decision.
• Issues: This is the part where the ALJ lists the rules that control his decision. It has a lot of mumbo jumbo about what the laws say and how the laws have been interpreted.
• Reasoning and Conclusion: This is a very important. It tells what the ALJ believes to be the truth and why he decided the way he did.
• Order: It is the section where the ALJ orders the Unemployment to do or not do something. “Claimant is not disqualified. . .” “Claimant is not eligible. . .”
What is the Bottom Line?
Click edit above to add content to this empty capsule.
You have gone to your Hearing. You have answered all the questions. You have hoped and prayed for the answer you need.
So, what is next?
It usually takes about a week for the ALJ to mail out his decision. There is basically three ways that the ALJ can rule. Firstly, He can say that you should get your unemployment. In this case, the Order will say, “Claimant is not disqualified . . .” Or in some cases it may use the word “Eligible.” This means he found for you. You win!
The second way he may go is, “Claimant is disqualified . . .” or “Claimant is not eligible. . .” This means that the Employer wins.
The third option is more rare. In some cases, the ALJ may split his decision. He may say you get your benefits for some weeks and not for others.
What is next if the ALJ finds for you?
The ALJ will send his decision letter to several places. He sends you, the Claimant, a copy. He sends the Employer a copy. He sends a copy to your Attorney/Agent (if you have one). If the Employer had an Attorney, he will also get a copy.
So, the most important place that the ALJ will send the decision letter is to the Unemployment Agency. At the same time he sends it out to the parties, he also sends it to the UIA. They then start to process it. I do not know what happens in this dark and murky place of bureaucracy other than a few things that I have been told. The UIA goes through their process of reversing the benefits.
The question is always, “How long does it take to get the money after the ALJ decides the case for me?” The answer is different for different people. I would guess that the average for most people is that it usually takes a couple of weeks from the time of the decision. That guess is based on what I have heard from Claimants. If it takes the ALJ takes about a week to issue the letter, then the agency takes about a week to process the benefits, that is about two weeks.
The fact is though that sometimes the ALJ gets the decision out in the mail the very next day, or sometimes it takes a couple of weeks to get the decision. Sometimes the UIA takes longer to process, or they process very quickly. So, sometimes people get their benefits promptly. But sometimes, it seems to take for ever.
So, I guess my answer is, “Usually about two weeks, but you never know with bureaucracy.”
What’s next when it is against you?
You have gone to your Unemployment hearing for your benefits. You waited for about a week or so to get the ALJ’s decision. You sort though all kinds of legal mumbo jumbo. Then you read the disheartening words, “The Claimant is disqualified for his benefits. . .” If you do not want to fight any more you do not have to. But you need to understand that if you got paid any Unemployment Benefits, and the ALJ finds against you, you will be asked to pay back what you got.
If you want to appeal the decision, read the back page of the decision. It informs you of your rights of appeal. It also give you contact information for the MESC Board of Review.
If you disagree with the ALJ’s decision, you have two options. You can do one or both of them, or skip the first, and go right to the second.
I. Ask for a Re-Hearing.
Your First Option is to ask for a Re-Hearing. The option of a Rehearing is for when you have found that there is more information that you did not have or did not know that you needed for your first hearing.
This Re-Hearing option is not used most of the time. It is often hard to get the Re-Hearing granted. But I list if first because if you are going to do it, you want to do it before the Protest to the Board of Review.
Sometimes when you go to a hearing, even though you have prepared properly and done what you can. . . Sometimes you still find that you do not have all the information that you needed. Sometimes you do not know what the employer is going to say until they say it. Only during the hearing do you realize that you need information or a witness, and you had no way of knowing before then.
In this case, you can ask for a rehearing to get the information into the record so that the ALJ has all the information that he needs to make a fair decision. The trick is that you cannot get a rehearing if you knew or should have known that you might need the missing information before the hearing. If you should have known that you needed the info and did not have it, it is your loss. The ALJ will not give you a second shot.
You could get a rehearing if
1. You really did not know that you needed the information, and you had no way of knowing that you needed it.
2. Or, you had no access to the evidence until after the hearing.
A. First you must ask the ALJ for the Re-hearing.
To get the Re-Hearing you must first ask the ALJ for it. You cannot just go to the judge’s office and ask the secretary to get you a Re-Hearing. Nor can you do it by phone. You must do this in writing. You can do this by mailing a letter to the judge’s office, but I find that it is better to do it by fax. That way you can make sure that they did receive the Request.
The phone and fax numbers for the ALJ’s office should be on the notice of hearing. Or if you lose that, your Advocate that helped you with the hearing should have the number to the office.
What do you say in the Request for Re-Hearing?
You must have evidence that you did not have or did not know that you needed in the first hearing. Now, you realized that it was important.
• Tell him what the evidence was.
• Tell him why you did not know that you needed it in the first hearing.
• or, Tell him why the evidence may not have been available to you for the first hearing.
B. What if the Judge denies your Request for a Re-Hearing?
Some Judges are more likely than others to deny a Request for Re-Hearing. There is still one more chance if the ALJ denies the Request. You need to send the same request to the MESC Board of Review.
Take a copy of the first letter and attach a note saying, “The ALJ denied this request for a Re-hearing. I would like the Board of Review to order a Re-Hearing . . .”
Tell the Board why you believe that you did not have a chance to present your evidence
(1) Ignorance of the Fact
(2) Inability of Council (although I do not know if the Board will give this any weight)
(3) Ignorance of the issue. You did not know what it was until the hearing and/or ALJ’s decision.
The Board of Review is not going to consider evidence that was not given at the Hearing. That is why you need a Re-Hearing if there is more evidence that needs to be considered. The will only consider what evidence is introduced to the ALJ at the Hearing.
If you want more evidence to be considered you have to get a Re-Hearing.
II. If you disagree with the ALJ’s decision, your Second Option is to appeal to the MESC Board of Review.
You do not have to ask for a Re-Hearing. You can go directly to the second option of Appeal. Most people do. But even if you did ask for a Re-Hearing, and the Board denies the request, you can still protest the ALJ’s decision.
This is not another hearing. This is done by letter. You do not have to go anywhere or speak to anyone.
You simply write/fax a letter to the Board saying that you disagree and want to appeal the ALJ’s decision. I would suggest fax because you can then call the secretary and confirm that they received the Protest Letter.
To contact the MESC Board of Review:
• Voice Line: 800-738-6372
• Fax Line: 517-241-7326
•
While the letter asking for a Re-Hearing tends to be complicated, the Protest Letter does not need to be. It could be as simple as:
“I disagree with the Judge’s decision. I want to appeal it to the Board of Review.”
Of course, you need to include a few bits of information:
• You must include your Name.
• You should include the Date.
• You should include your full Social Security Number so that they know for sure who you are.
• It might help to give the ALJ’s name.
• It might help to give the Appeal/Docket Number from your hearing (B2010-45678 for example). You can find it on the top right corner of your Notice of Hearing.
• You need put your signature on the letter.
You can find the address to the Board of Review on the back page of you Decision Letter.
That is all you have to do to appeal the ALJ’s decision. You do not need to do anything more. It is free of charge. If you disagree with the ALJ, why would anyone not protest?
A. Additional options when you Protest the ALJ’s decision: Written Argument and Oral Argument.
You can after that use one of two other options but do not need to pursue either. They are extra, not necessary. These two options are Written Argument and Oral Argument. An argument is you telling the Board why they should find in your favor based on the facts submitted at the hearing.
When you protest a Decision, the Board prepares a transcript of the Hearing. They will send a copy of this to both parties. If you have an Advocate/Attorney, the transcript will go to him. You will still receive a letter stating that the transcript is prepared. This letter will also tell you what the deadline for any argument is.
An Argument is when tell the Board why the ALJ was right or wrong. You do not add any evidence to the record, but you take the existing testimony, exhibits, and facts and show the Board why the ALJ was wrong. Maybe you agree with the ALJ because he found in your favor. If the Employer appeals, you may want to argue why the ALJ was right.
If possible, you want to find other cases that are similar to yours. If there are cases like yours that the Claimant won, you will want to point those out the similarities between your case and that one. If there is a case that is similar to the facts of your case, but in that case they found against the Claimant, you want to show the differences in the cases.
You can ask for an Oral Argument. This is very rare. Someone told me that the Board only allows Oral Arguments about ten times a year. I do not know how accurate that estimate is, but that was what I was told by someone in the office.
An Oral Argument is “oral” meaning you make it in person and verbally. You would go before the Board and verbally tell them which way you want them to decide. They may ask you questions as to why you take your position.
If you ask for an Oral Argument, you may want to send written argument in support of the Oral Argument. The Written Argument will go through all of what you want to say. The reason that you would still want the Oral Argument is so that you can answer any questions the Board might have and verbally persuade them past their disagreements.
You can submit a Written Argument alone. This is more common. Most people do not do arguments at all. But those that do make arguments, it is usually a written argument.
For a Written Argument, I would suggest that you gave a few different parts.
1. You should start out by stating what you want to Board to do. “Please affirm the ALJ’s decsision. . .” Or “Please reverse the ALJ’s decision. . .”
2. Statement of Facts: You should include a Statement of Facts. In this section, you should take your story and tell it again in a way that will support your position. Of course, you must make sure that you keep to the facts that were actually shown at the hearing.
3. Issues: You should have an Issues section. “The issue is whether the ALJ was wrong when he . . .”
4. Reasoning: You should have an Reasoning or Argument section. In this section, you contrast or compare previous cases. You show your logic as to why the ALJ was right or wrong.
5. Conclusion: Wrap it up and briefly summarize why the Board should find in your favor.
If the Employer did not have an attorney, it is hard to make an argument. The problem is that the rules say that if they do not have an agent/attorney, you have to ask their permission for the Board to consider your argument.
If the Employer does have an agent/attorney, it is easier. All you have to do in that case is to send (1st class mail is okay) the attorney a copy of your argument before the deadline. Then you write a letter confirming that you did send a copy to the Employer. Include the date of when you sent it and how you sent it.
If the Employer did not have an agent/attorney, in my experience, there is no use in writing an argument because you cannot make the Employer agree to let the Board consider your argument. The Employer will probably just ignore your request. Why would they assist you? They want you to lose.
Unfortunately, the Advocacy Program does not pay for representation to the Board of Review. The Advocacy Program will pay for your hearing, but not past that stage. So you have some options. The First Option is to do nothing after you appeal to the Board. Once you have requested the Board to consider the ALJ’s decision, they will do that. You do not have to do anything else.
The Second Option if you want to have an argument is to write it yourself. You can get the transcript of your hearing either from the Board or from your agent/attorney.
The Third Option is hire someone to write it for you. I have no idea how much the average price of that is (I have spoken to me about prices that are much higher than me.) Ask your advocate/attorney if he is willing to write the argument for you, because not all Advocates do that kind of thing.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Five Consequences
II Cor. 7:8 “For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though [it were] but for a season. 9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. 10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. 11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, [what] clearing of yourselves, yea, [what] indignation, yea, [what] fear, yea, [what] vehement desire, yea, [what] zeal, yea, [what] revenge! In all [things] ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.”
I. Remorse
A. Man’s Way: Flee from thinking about
B. God’s Way: Flee from Wrong II Cor. 7:10
II. Repentance (Confession)
A. Man’s Way: Confess everything else
B. God’s Way: Confess
1. To the Father I Jn. 1:9
2. To the Fellowship Jam. 5:16 “Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
III. Reconciliation
A. Man’s Way: Forge substitute bonds with other Sinners Pro. 1:10 “My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. 11 If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause: 12 Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit: 13 We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil: 14 Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse: 15 My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path: 16 For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.”
B. God’s Way: Restore proper bonds with Saints Gal. 6:1 “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.”
IV. Redemption (Atonement)
A. Man’s Way: Pay with other penance Titus 3:5 “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;”
B. God’s Way: Pay price in faith I Cor. 6:9 “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”
V. Restoration (Justification)
A. Man’s Way: Justify the Sin, excuses. Lk. 16:13 “No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. 14 And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him. 15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.”
B. God’s Way: Justification of Savior Titus 3:7 “That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”
adf seminar; March 14, 2007; June 27, 2010sn
I. Remorse
A. Man’s Way: Flee from thinking about
B. God’s Way: Flee from Wrong II Cor. 7:10
II. Repentance (Confession)
A. Man’s Way: Confess everything else
B. God’s Way: Confess
1. To the Father I Jn. 1:9
2. To the Fellowship Jam. 5:16 “Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
III. Reconciliation
A. Man’s Way: Forge substitute bonds with other Sinners Pro. 1:10 “My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. 11 If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause: 12 Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit: 13 We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil: 14 Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse: 15 My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path: 16 For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.”
B. God’s Way: Restore proper bonds with Saints Gal. 6:1 “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.”
IV. Redemption (Atonement)
A. Man’s Way: Pay with other penance Titus 3:5 “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;”
B. God’s Way: Pay price in faith I Cor. 6:9 “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”
V. Restoration (Justification)
A. Man’s Way: Justify the Sin, excuses. Lk. 16:13 “No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. 14 And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him. 15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.”
B. God’s Way: Justification of Savior Titus 3:7 “That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”
adf seminar; March 14, 2007; June 27, 2010sn
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Promise of His Coming: Introduction
Why are the last days like the days of Noah and the days of Lot??
Promise of His Coming: Introduction
Promise of His Coming: Introduction
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Be Careful for Nothing
Be Careful for Nothing
Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: [and] again I say, Rejoice. 5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord [is] at hand. 6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
I. Recognize the Presence of God II Timothy 4:16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all [men] forsook me: [I pray God] that it may not be laid to their charge. 17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and [that] all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. 18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve [me] unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen.
A. Standing of God
B. Strengthening of the Godly
C. Speaking the Gospel
II. Receive the Peace of God.
A. Prayer and Supplication verse 6-7
B. Positive Meditation. Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.
C. Purity in Habitation. Ephesians 2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
III. Rely on the Power of God Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, [therewith] to be content.
A. Contentment in Suffering Philippians 4:12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
B. Confident in Service
IV. Reflect on the Provision of God Philippians 4:18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things [which were sent] from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. 19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
A. Reassurance
B. Reach (all)
C. Riches
Pastor Mendez November 1, 2004; Andrew Grosjean June 12, 2010sn
Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: [and] again I say, Rejoice. 5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord [is] at hand. 6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
I. Recognize the Presence of God II Timothy 4:16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all [men] forsook me: [I pray God] that it may not be laid to their charge. 17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and [that] all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. 18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve [me] unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen.
A. Standing of God
B. Strengthening of the Godly
C. Speaking the Gospel
II. Receive the Peace of God.
A. Prayer and Supplication verse 6-7
B. Positive Meditation. Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.
C. Purity in Habitation. Ephesians 2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
III. Rely on the Power of God Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, [therewith] to be content.
A. Contentment in Suffering Philippians 4:12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
B. Confident in Service
IV. Reflect on the Provision of God Philippians 4:18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things [which were sent] from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. 19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
A. Reassurance
B. Reach (all)
C. Riches
Pastor Mendez November 1, 2004; Andrew Grosjean June 12, 2010sn
Friday, June 11, 2010
How to be an Abraham
How to be an Abraham
Pastor Grosjean
Rom. 4:16 “Therefore [it is] of faith, that [it might be] by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, 17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, [even] God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. 18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. 19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb: 20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. 22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.”
I. Salvation: Walk by faith vs 21-22 Gen. 12:1“Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:”
A. The Call of God Rev. 3:20
B. The Cutting (He left his father’s house & Circumcision) Genesis 17:11 And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you.
C. The Clinging (He went to a new place)
II. Sacrifice: Build altars (Gen 12:7-8, 13:4,18, 22:9)
A. Scripture in home
B. Supplication in heart
III. Separation, Baptism: Leave Egypt II Cor. 6:14 “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in [them]; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you,”
IV. Service: Help Lot
A. When his father died Gen. 12:4
B. When there was strife Gen. 13:8-12
C. When Lot was kidnapped Gen. 14:16
D. When Lot was in the midst of destruction, he interceded for him. Gen. 18:23-32
V. Submission: Let God change your name
A. Gen. 17:5 “Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.”
B. Rev. 2:17 “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth [it].”
C. Rev. 3:12 “Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, [which is] new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and [I will write upon him] my new name.”
May 18, 2006; June 11, 2010 sm
Pastor Grosjean
Rom. 4:16 “Therefore [it is] of faith, that [it might be] by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, 17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, [even] God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. 18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. 19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb: 20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. 22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.”
I. Salvation: Walk by faith vs 21-22 Gen. 12:1“Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:”
A. The Call of God Rev. 3:20
B. The Cutting (He left his father’s house & Circumcision) Genesis 17:11 And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you.
C. The Clinging (He went to a new place)
II. Sacrifice: Build altars (Gen 12:7-8, 13:4,18, 22:9)
A. Scripture in home
B. Supplication in heart
III. Separation, Baptism: Leave Egypt II Cor. 6:14 “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in [them]; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you,”
IV. Service: Help Lot
A. When his father died Gen. 12:4
B. When there was strife Gen. 13:8-12
C. When Lot was kidnapped Gen. 14:16
D. When Lot was in the midst of destruction, he interceded for him. Gen. 18:23-32
V. Submission: Let God change your name
A. Gen. 17:5 “Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.”
B. Rev. 2:17 “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth [it].”
C. Rev. 3:12 “Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, [which is] new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and [I will write upon him] my new name.”
May 18, 2006; June 11, 2010 sm
Friday, May 28, 2010
Promise of His Coming: PREFACE
This is the preface of my uncle's book on the rapture and the second coming. It will help those that have questions about this area.
Promise of His Coming: PREFACE
Promise of His Coming: PREFACE
Monday, May 24, 2010
Braided Flower
Here is a page on the balloon "Braided Flower" I just published. It is one of my most popular flowers. There is a video, pictures, and instructions on this link.
Braided Flower
Braided Flower
Monday, May 17, 2010
Getting Your Unemployment after a Buyout
Are you trying to get unemployment after taking a buyout?? You need to read this!
Getting Your Unemployment after a Buyout
Getting Your Unemployment after a Buyout
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Muscle Man Balloon
Can you make a muscle man out of balloons? Here is how to do it.
Muscle Man Balloon
Muscle Man Balloon
Friday, March 12, 2010
How to get your Unemployment in MI
When filling out your Unemployment forms, there are some things you need to keep in mind to protect your rights.
Basic Terms:
• Laid Off: This really only applies when the employer has run out of work for you to do.
• Discharge, Termination, Fired, “Let Go”: All these terms are usually the same thing. This is where the Employer had work for you but chose to end your job.
• Voluntary Leaving, Resignation, Quit: These terms also usually describe one thing. This is when you have chosen to end your employment.
• In-voluntary Leaving: This is when you are forced to leave the job, but it is outside of your control to stay or leave.
• Resignation in lieu of Termination: This sounds like you quit your job. In fact, it is the opposite. This is when the employer is going to fire you. So, instead you quit to avoid having the “fired” mark on your resume. So, for unemployment purposes, this is still a termination because the employer started the separation. This is a good thing.
What is best for you, the Worker?
1. Obviously, it is best to never lose your job.
2. Next best is for unemployment is layoff.
3. Next best is to get fired or quit in lieu of termination.
4. Least beneficial for unemployment is for you to quit.
In each of these situations of losing your job, you can still get unemployment. But as you go down the list, it becomes harder.
Some things to keep in mind when you fill out your forms to get unemployment:
• Be as truthful as you can. If you smudge it or worse lie, it can come back to haunt you. Besides that, lying is just wrong. The last thing you want to do in a hearing is have to explain what looks like a lie on your forms. I have seen this happen too many times.
• On layoffs. If the employer says, “I don’t have anything for you anymore,” he might be laying you off. But they may, in fact, be firing you. Do not say you were laid off when you know there was work for you. If the boss had work, but did not want YOU to do it, that is probably a firing.
• On firings. Some people are afraid they will not get their benefits if they are fired. That is not necessarily true. The unemployed worker does not want to say that he was fired. I have seen people who should have gotten their benefits but lost them because it looked like they lied on their application. The judge is left to think, “If they lied on their application, maybe they are lying in the hearing.”
• On quitting. When you fill out the application, you know what considerations caused you to quit. Understand that in most cases, what was happening in the stresses of your life will not get your benefits. You need to tell the agency what was wrong with your employer. What did your managers, co-workers, or employer do to you that was wrong? This is what you need to focus on in most cases.
How to protest the Determination
When you get your Determination it will obviously be for you or for the employer. Either you or the Employer can protest. But the Unemployment Agency can also decide you do not deserve benefits, even if the employer has not protested you getting them.
So how do you protest a Determination against you?
1. Make sure you are on time. You have to get your protest to them within 30 days of when they set it to you, not when you received it. It also must be to them before the deadline. Being postmarked on time is not good enough. You may want to fax and mail it both.
2. Make sure you include the following information.
a. Date
b. Name
c. Social Security Number
d. Identify the issues you are protesting. If possible, include all the issues involved by number (29(1)(a) or 29(5) etc.).
e. Clearly say “I want to Protest the Determination dated . . .”
f. Signature
g. You may want to add all kinds of other information, but you do not have to include anything else to protest.
3. Often, people have several issues running against them at once. Some people make the mistake of thinking that the issues are all the same or duplicate copies of the same determination. Sometimes, you will receive two determinations that look the same on the same day. You need to make sure that you protest all determinations that you disagree with.
4. You do not have to write your life story in protest. Keep it short and to the point. Telling them how good an employee you were in things unrelated to your firing will not help you. For example, if you were fired for stealing, it does not matter if you were on time to work every day. And the fact that you worked for the employer for a hundred years does not mean that you did not threaten somebody. If you were fired, it usually does not matter if they mistreated you in other ways. Also, unless you are asking for a Waiver of Restitution, your financial hardships do not make a difference. Keep it concise. I have seen people protest the determination in a way so that the examiner did not know it was a protest. Keep it short, direct, and avoid too many details.
5. If you want to convince the Unemployment Examiner to reverse their determination, chances are that you will need to send some kind of paper evidence that proves your point. If you just tell your story, that often is not enough. Include pictures, emails, documents from the employer, doctor notes. If you do not have any of these, just protest so you can tell your story to the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).
When you are employed and you speak to anyone about your job, you should make a personal record of who you spoke to and what was said and when. The same is true when you file for unemployment. You really should make a record on a calendar or planner or just a note book whenever you speak to someone about your unemployment. Note who you spoke to, when, what was said, and what your reaction was. You never know when such a note could mean the difference between getting and not getting your benefits.
When you protest your determination, keep a copy with the date. Note the method of communication, fax, mail, on-line, in person.
Many people lose because they do not keep a careful personal record. Use a calendar, or note book. You never know when the question of winning will come down to a simple detail of who it was or when it was you spoke to the UIA. It takes a lot of work to document such things, but it is your life, after all. If you make the effort to keep the record, you may never need it. But I have seen too many people that have lost what they were legally entitled to because they did not jot down a simple note.
Finally, you can hurt yourself if you give too much information in your protest. Too much information becomes confusing. It can give the other side ammunition to twist around your words and mix you up.
Protesting the Redetermination
For Protesting the Redetermination, refer to the guidelines above for protesting the Determination as well as those below.
Often I find that the examiners simply reaffirm the Determination unless there are some kinds of documents submitted. But these documents need to be something other than your story. People pour their soul into retelling the same story over and over. You may not want to go through that grueling process again. I have seen the UIA reverse the Determination or the Redetermination. Most of the time, it is only because some documents other than just the story are sent in. These documents could be pictures, business records, emails, etc.
If you do not have anything except your story, you might consider saving yourself some hassle. What I mean is, do not torture yourself trying to dredge out every conceivable fact or nuance of the situation. Consider just writing a protest letter that says, “I disagree with the Determination that said I was disqualified for . . . I want to protest.” Short, sweet, and simple.
In my experience, unless you have one of those kinds of evidence mentioned above, the UIA is not going to reverse the decision in your favor anyways. Save yourself the hassle. When you get to the hearing that is when you get to lay out your story for a real person.
Once you have a Determination and then the Redetermination, if either side protests, you are going to a hearing. This is what you have been waiting, longing, yearning for. It is the chance to tell your story face to face with a real person. Just remember, you do not have to write your auto-biography to get here. Just protest the Determination and the Redetermination. Then, you get your hearing.
A word on the Burden of Proof.
When you are fired, you do not have to prove anything. For the Unemployment purposes, the employer has the burden to prove you did something wrong for you to be denied your benefits. So, when you are filling out your applications and protest, just reiterate that the termination was the Employer’s choice. It was unfair to you. You should not have been fired for this event because. . .
When you resign, you do have to prove that either you quit because the Employer did something that would force a reasonable person to quit, or you did not have a choice. So, do not tell the UIA about your problems that you were facing at home and in your family.
You need to show:
• The employer did something wrong. There was something wrong happening that was under the employer’s control. This needs to be something that would cause a reasonable person to quit.
• You complained to a supervisor about the problem. More than once is a good idea.
• You gave them a chance to fix it.
• It was still not fixed.
So as you are filling out your applications and protest or even if you are going to the hearing this is what you want to try to prove.
One more word on the Burden of Proof:
This is not a criminal trial. The level of proof needed to carry the burden is not “beyond a reasonable doubt.” The level is by the “preponderance of evidence.” If we could put this in math terms, somebody has to convince the ALJ by 51% of the proof. If the judge looks at the evidence for both sides and equally believes both sides, then the burden of proof has not been carried.
Let me put this in practical terms. If you were fired, the Employer has the burden of proof. If at the end of the hearing, the judge finds both sides equal in their evidence. You should win because the Employer did not carry its burden to prove you did something wrong. They need to tip the scale to their side to win.
If you quit, and at the end of the hearing, the ALJ finds the evidence equal between both sides, you will lose. This is because you have not tipped the scales to make the judge believe you. You have not carried the burden of proof.
You can tip the burden of proof in your favor by having another witness to the event, by documents that agree with your side of the story, pictures, or emails, etc.
Basic Terms:
• Laid Off: This really only applies when the employer has run out of work for you to do.
• Discharge, Termination, Fired, “Let Go”: All these terms are usually the same thing. This is where the Employer had work for you but chose to end your job.
• Voluntary Leaving, Resignation, Quit: These terms also usually describe one thing. This is when you have chosen to end your employment.
• In-voluntary Leaving: This is when you are forced to leave the job, but it is outside of your control to stay or leave.
• Resignation in lieu of Termination: This sounds like you quit your job. In fact, it is the opposite. This is when the employer is going to fire you. So, instead you quit to avoid having the “fired” mark on your resume. So, for unemployment purposes, this is still a termination because the employer started the separation. This is a good thing.
What is best for you, the Worker?
1. Obviously, it is best to never lose your job.
2. Next best is for unemployment is layoff.
3. Next best is to get fired or quit in lieu of termination.
4. Least beneficial for unemployment is for you to quit.
In each of these situations of losing your job, you can still get unemployment. But as you go down the list, it becomes harder.
Some things to keep in mind when you fill out your forms to get unemployment:
• Be as truthful as you can. If you smudge it or worse lie, it can come back to haunt you. Besides that, lying is just wrong. The last thing you want to do in a hearing is have to explain what looks like a lie on your forms. I have seen this happen too many times.
• On layoffs. If the employer says, “I don’t have anything for you anymore,” he might be laying you off. But they may, in fact, be firing you. Do not say you were laid off when you know there was work for you. If the boss had work, but did not want YOU to do it, that is probably a firing.
• On firings. Some people are afraid they will not get their benefits if they are fired. That is not necessarily true. The unemployed worker does not want to say that he was fired. I have seen people who should have gotten their benefits but lost them because it looked like they lied on their application. The judge is left to think, “If they lied on their application, maybe they are lying in the hearing.”
• On quitting. When you fill out the application, you know what considerations caused you to quit. Understand that in most cases, what was happening in the stresses of your life will not get your benefits. You need to tell the agency what was wrong with your employer. What did your managers, co-workers, or employer do to you that was wrong? This is what you need to focus on in most cases.
How to protest the Determination
When you get your Determination it will obviously be for you or for the employer. Either you or the Employer can protest. But the Unemployment Agency can also decide you do not deserve benefits, even if the employer has not protested you getting them.
So how do you protest a Determination against you?
1. Make sure you are on time. You have to get your protest to them within 30 days of when they set it to you, not when you received it. It also must be to them before the deadline. Being postmarked on time is not good enough. You may want to fax and mail it both.
2. Make sure you include the following information.
a. Date
b. Name
c. Social Security Number
d. Identify the issues you are protesting. If possible, include all the issues involved by number (29(1)(a) or 29(5) etc.).
e. Clearly say “I want to Protest the Determination dated . . .”
f. Signature
g. You may want to add all kinds of other information, but you do not have to include anything else to protest.
3. Often, people have several issues running against them at once. Some people make the mistake of thinking that the issues are all the same or duplicate copies of the same determination. Sometimes, you will receive two determinations that look the same on the same day. You need to make sure that you protest all determinations that you disagree with.
4. You do not have to write your life story in protest. Keep it short and to the point. Telling them how good an employee you were in things unrelated to your firing will not help you. For example, if you were fired for stealing, it does not matter if you were on time to work every day. And the fact that you worked for the employer for a hundred years does not mean that you did not threaten somebody. If you were fired, it usually does not matter if they mistreated you in other ways. Also, unless you are asking for a Waiver of Restitution, your financial hardships do not make a difference. Keep it concise. I have seen people protest the determination in a way so that the examiner did not know it was a protest. Keep it short, direct, and avoid too many details.
5. If you want to convince the Unemployment Examiner to reverse their determination, chances are that you will need to send some kind of paper evidence that proves your point. If you just tell your story, that often is not enough. Include pictures, emails, documents from the employer, doctor notes. If you do not have any of these, just protest so you can tell your story to the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).
When you are employed and you speak to anyone about your job, you should make a personal record of who you spoke to and what was said and when. The same is true when you file for unemployment. You really should make a record on a calendar or planner or just a note book whenever you speak to someone about your unemployment. Note who you spoke to, when, what was said, and what your reaction was. You never know when such a note could mean the difference between getting and not getting your benefits.
When you protest your determination, keep a copy with the date. Note the method of communication, fax, mail, on-line, in person.
Many people lose because they do not keep a careful personal record. Use a calendar, or note book. You never know when the question of winning will come down to a simple detail of who it was or when it was you spoke to the UIA. It takes a lot of work to document such things, but it is your life, after all. If you make the effort to keep the record, you may never need it. But I have seen too many people that have lost what they were legally entitled to because they did not jot down a simple note.
Finally, you can hurt yourself if you give too much information in your protest. Too much information becomes confusing. It can give the other side ammunition to twist around your words and mix you up.
Protesting the Redetermination
For Protesting the Redetermination, refer to the guidelines above for protesting the Determination as well as those below.
Often I find that the examiners simply reaffirm the Determination unless there are some kinds of documents submitted. But these documents need to be something other than your story. People pour their soul into retelling the same story over and over. You may not want to go through that grueling process again. I have seen the UIA reverse the Determination or the Redetermination. Most of the time, it is only because some documents other than just the story are sent in. These documents could be pictures, business records, emails, etc.
If you do not have anything except your story, you might consider saving yourself some hassle. What I mean is, do not torture yourself trying to dredge out every conceivable fact or nuance of the situation. Consider just writing a protest letter that says, “I disagree with the Determination that said I was disqualified for . . . I want to protest.” Short, sweet, and simple.
In my experience, unless you have one of those kinds of evidence mentioned above, the UIA is not going to reverse the decision in your favor anyways. Save yourself the hassle. When you get to the hearing that is when you get to lay out your story for a real person.
Once you have a Determination and then the Redetermination, if either side protests, you are going to a hearing. This is what you have been waiting, longing, yearning for. It is the chance to tell your story face to face with a real person. Just remember, you do not have to write your auto-biography to get here. Just protest the Determination and the Redetermination. Then, you get your hearing.
A word on the Burden of Proof.
When you are fired, you do not have to prove anything. For the Unemployment purposes, the employer has the burden to prove you did something wrong for you to be denied your benefits. So, when you are filling out your applications and protest, just reiterate that the termination was the Employer’s choice. It was unfair to you. You should not have been fired for this event because. . .
When you resign, you do have to prove that either you quit because the Employer did something that would force a reasonable person to quit, or you did not have a choice. So, do not tell the UIA about your problems that you were facing at home and in your family.
You need to show:
• The employer did something wrong. There was something wrong happening that was under the employer’s control. This needs to be something that would cause a reasonable person to quit.
• You complained to a supervisor about the problem. More than once is a good idea.
• You gave them a chance to fix it.
• It was still not fixed.
So as you are filling out your applications and protest or even if you are going to the hearing this is what you want to try to prove.
One more word on the Burden of Proof:
This is not a criminal trial. The level of proof needed to carry the burden is not “beyond a reasonable doubt.” The level is by the “preponderance of evidence.” If we could put this in math terms, somebody has to convince the ALJ by 51% of the proof. If the judge looks at the evidence for both sides and equally believes both sides, then the burden of proof has not been carried.
Let me put this in practical terms. If you were fired, the Employer has the burden of proof. If at the end of the hearing, the judge finds both sides equal in their evidence. You should win because the Employer did not carry its burden to prove you did something wrong. They need to tip the scale to their side to win.
If you quit, and at the end of the hearing, the ALJ finds the evidence equal between both sides, you will lose. This is because you have not tipped the scales to make the judge believe you. You have not carried the burden of proof.
You can tip the burden of proof in your favor by having another witness to the event, by documents that agree with your side of the story, pictures, or emails, etc.
How to get you Unemployment in Mich
Protect Your Rights
When filling out your Unemployment forms, there are some things you need to keep in mind to protect your rights.
Basic Terms:
When filling out your Unemployment forms, there are some things you need to keep in mind to protect your rights.
Basic Terms:
Sunday, March 7, 2010
How to Make a Basic Flower Balloon
This is a great 1 balloon flower. It is good for those occasions where you need to mass produce balloons. It does not take long to make and is good looking.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Not Too Small
Micah 5:1 Now gather thyself in troops, O daughter of troops: he hath laid siege against us: they shall smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek. 2 But thou, Beth-lehem Ephratah, [though] thou be little among the thousands of Judah, [yet] out of thee shall he come forth unto me [that is] to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth [have been] from of old, from everlasting. 3 Therefore will he give them up, until the time [that] she which travaileth hath brought forth: then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel.
We live in a big world, with many people and a long history. We have big governments and great corporations that influence most of what we see going on around us. Sometimes, when we see the cheer immensity of the world and society we are tempted to think that one person cannot really make a difference. Surely, one choice cannot really change the outcome of the cosmic course of events.
There were people and things in the Bible that people were too small to make a difference. Certainly, Bethlehem is a perfect example. This little, insignificant town in Judean obscurity could not affect the course of world events. It did not even have its own name. It had to share the name with another town in Israel. That is why the Bible says “Bethlehem of Judah.” There was more than one.
Yet, few towns are more famous today. Everyone wants to go to Bethlehem. It was the birthplace of our Savior. It is still a little place, and yet it has a great significance for all of man.
There was another person that came from Bethlehem that people thought was insignificant and too small. That was David the last born son of Jesse.
I. Too Small a Teen I Samuel 17:33 And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou [art but] a youth, and he a man of war from his youth. 34 And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: 35 And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered [it] out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught [him] by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. 36 Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.
Our sinful society wants to minimize our youth. They tell our youth, “This is your time to be young, live it up. Sow your wild oats.” They make our teens think it is the time to be as crazy as they want to be. Now yes, youth is a wonderful time. But we minimize our youth. We make them think there there is nothing that they can do that is going to make a difference. They might as well live however they want.
On the contrary, youth is an important time to lay the foundation for the great things ahead. David, in his youth, (I Samuel 17) did the one single thing that he is most famous for. Of course, there are many other great things that he did for the rest of his life, but this one spiritual event colored the rest of it all.
This is true for our teens today as well. We can minimize our teens’ time and tell them that it does not matter what they do until they are out of college, or married, or when they have kids. The problem is that by that time they have already destroyed much of their potential by wasted time, wounded spirits, wanton sin.
David was minimized by his brother, his king, and by his enemy. Yet because he was using his youth to develop character, he was ready to do something that no one else in Israel was either willing or able to do. How was that possible? One important thing was that he was under authority.
A. He Was Under his Father’s Authority
Our society encourages and even praises teens that resist their parental authority. If you take our society’s word for it, every father is overbearing, outdated, uncaring, or just an oaf. David did not believe this. He was doing his duty. He put in the long boring hours in the field taking care of the sheep. It was the lowest job in the home. While his brothers got to go out and fight with the King, David was faithful with the sheep. In spite of what his older brother accused him of, David did not leave his responsibility until his father directed him to.
Because, David was doing the boring job of watching the sheep, he was prepared to be the greatest warrior Israel has ever known. He used the time to meditate on God’s word and to worship. Chances are that many of the Psalms were written out there in the field with the stinking, stupid sheep. But he also used the time to become a deadly expert with the sling. Without those seemingly “wasted” ours in the field, David could not have taken down the Giant. Also, his first kills were in the field. God showed David that if he would take care of his job (at the time, those sheep) that God would give David the victory of enemies (lion and bear). This lesson prepared him to be the shepherd of all of Israel.
No, the teen David was not too small, because he allowed his earthly father and heavenly Father to direct him.
B. He Was Under his King’s Authority
David was also under King Saul’s authority. Our society teaches our kids to mock and resist our police and government. And if that was David’s heart, there was plenty to mock in Saul. Saul was a coward. He should have been the one to face the giant as the king and as the tallest man in Israel. Plus, Saul minimized David.
David, however, was respectful of King Saul. David could have run out on the field to fight Goliath without getting permission from anyone. But thousands of lives were at stake. If David had lost, the entire war would have been forfeit to the Philistines. David did not jump the gun. He went to the King and asked to do the job. And King Saul, amazingly, gave permission. When David went out to battle, he had the blessing of the king. David had the king’s authority behind him.
We need to teach our teens that if they are going to be successful, they need to respect the civil authorities that God has put over us, even when they are foolish. They are still God appointed.
C. He Was Under his God’s Authority
Finally, David could have gone out to Goliath and lifted himself up. That was not what David did. Instead, he lifted God up. He told Goliath that God was going to defeat the giant. This is not the prideful and blustering attitude that our society encourages in youth. We tell them to be “self” confident. “Stand up for yourself.” But that is actually minimizing our youth. The greatest that our teens can be is not when they are self confident. The greatest they can be is when they are confident in God like David was. They should not be standing up for themselves, but should be standing up for what is right!
To teach our teens to do anything less is to minimize them. In God’s power and with His leading, our teens will never be “too small” for anything that God wants them to do.
II. Too Small a Tithe Mark 12:41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. 42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. 43 And he called [unto him] his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: 44 For all [they] did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, [even] all her living.
We tend to look at giving to God, our tithes and offerings, as not that important. “After all, my tithe is not going to make any difference.” But this is another lie of Satan. If he can give us an excuse to not give what belongs to God, Satan wins on two fronts. Not only does he diminish what should go to the support of the house of God. But Satan also wins because he gets the Christian to compromise their own spirituality and sacrifice the blessings of God on the altar of greed.
We all know someone that will try to say that the tithe is from the Old Testament and that it is not for us in the New Testament church. This is based on the flawed reasoning that the tithe was from the law. Jesus fulfilled the law. We are not under the tithe any more. I agree that we are not bound by the law. But the tithe came before the law. It is therefore not under the law. It is of faith because the same person that taught us salvation by faith, Abraham, is the same person that thought us the tithe. Furthermore, Jesus does say that we should tithe, even if it the small things like mint and cumin.
The widow that cast in her two mites did not give just a tithe. She gave it all. When was the last time any of us did that for God? She did not just give 10%. She gave her whole paycheck, 100%!
Still, the two mites was just a pittance. How was that going to help the temple? What difference was that going to make. It made an incredible difference. . . to God. Why would God need two mites? He did not need it.
God did not need those two mites. Neither does He NEED your little 10%, even if it is a million dollars. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills. God does not need our money, but He wants our faith. He wants us to believe that we can do more with 90% than with 100%. He wants us to believe that He will take care of all of our needs.
A. Proportional Principle
The rich people in Jesus day thought that they were giving God a great deal because they put large amounts of money into the Temple collection. Jesus does not keep record like we do. Jesus said that the widow put in more than the rich men. That would be like some poor old lady putting $20 in the offering plate next to a millionaire who puts in $1000. But God shows us in this story that He is not interested in how much we put in. He is more concerned with how much we put in compared to how much we could put in. If the rich man made $100,000 that week, he only put in 1%. But the widow only made $20 that week. She put in 100%. She gave far more than the rich man.
This is true for all our lives, not just the tithe. God does not want to know how much you did for Him compared to someone else. He wants to know how much you did for Him compared how much you could have done.
B. Pride Principle Matthew 6:4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
Part of the problem that Jesus was trying to fix was the problem with pride. The rich men make a great show of how much they give to the church or temple. But that is not the spirit of giving that God calls us to. God wants us to give quietly and humbly. This was part of what Jesus saw in the widow’s two mites. The widow was not there making a show. She was not bragging. She just gave. She gave humbly.
Pride will keep people from giving just as it can cause people to make a show of it. We want what we want. Then we make the excuse, “It’s only . . .” this much. But if it is God’s, it belongs to God. You say, “But it is too small to matter.” Well, if you think it does not matter, then why do you so much want to keep it. That is the real problem. It is not the amount, it is the heart that holds back from God.
The widow’s might was not too small. Neither is your tithe. Give it to God and see what He does with it. We are still talking about the widow’s two little mites.
C. Poverty Principle Matthew 5:3 Blessed [are] the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
There is a principle that God says that we need to be impoverished before God. This runs against some of the most popular “Christian” teachers in our society today. These prosperity teachers say that if you are right with God, then you will never want for anything. The problem was that Paul said he learned to be content when he was poor. He was not always, but he was for certain times in his life. Jesus did not have anywhere place to lay His head at times.
God is not saying that being poor is a virtue, but neither is being rich a virtue. What God is saying is that we need to be poor in spirit. The widow was. She did not lift up herself as someone important. She just wanted to give all that she had to God. The rich men . . . not so much. If you are poor in spirit, you recognize your own internal poverty. We need God’s filling. And it is not about poverty that sin brings because Jesus was poor in spirit. Though He did not need to rely on anyone else as divine Himself, He did rely on the Father. He perfectly exemplified that we need to rely on God’s power and presence. Without the person, power, and presence of God, that is true poverty. When we recognize our own personal poverty, we give God the room to work.
III. Too Small a Text II Timothy 3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned [them]; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
As Paul prophesied in II Timothy 3, evil men have come. They are at work in our society as they were in Paul’s. What do they want? They want to seduce us with their lies. To do that, they must turn us away from the truth of God’s Word. Either they will distract from it, dilute it, or defame it.
One of Satan’s favorite questions must be, “Since everyone disagrees about the Bible, how can we know who’s right?” Then of you have “scholars” who are discovering new books of the Bible all of the time. Or they are “discovering” that the Bible does not really mean what it says.
Here is the answer to a whole mess of foolish thinking.
God loves us.
God was powerful enough to send us a message (Bible) telling us that He loves us.
God is powerful enough to protect that Book so that we can know the truth like those before.
A. Seducers
Today, Satan would love for people to think that the Bible is “too small.” “You need me to explain it to you.” It is good but you must have this additional teaching, writing, revelation to really understand it.
This was what the Church of Rome did. The common people could not understand the Bible themselves. Oh no, they needed the priests to explain what it means. The Mormons say that you cannot understand the Bible by itself. You need the other books by Joseph Smith. The Jehovah false Witnesses say you need the Watchtower Society to really understand the Bible. The Jews today say that you cannot really understand the Torah without the Rabbis.
All these unregenerate organizations are really saying, “The Bible is Too Small.” You have to add this or that to really get what you need. They are con-men and are trying to keep a spiritual monopoly on your faith.
The Bible is not too small. The only help you really need to understand it properly is the Holy Spirit. Just ask God to help you understand. He will help.
B. Salvation
The Bible is not too small because it is the seed of salvation. Think about it. The Bible is the tool that fixed your eternal destiny. It is the love poem of God that wooed your wandering heart. It is the Sword of the Spirit that cuts between what your soul wants and what God says.
This Bible that brought you to salvation is now not enough for you after? No. God’s Word is complete and full. It is not just here to give you a fire escape from hell. It is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. It is perfect so that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. It saved you. Now, trust it to take you the rest of the way.
Now, what does this mean? It means that it is the way that you can tell if a person is lying and trying to seduce you. Is the teacher/preacher telling you the Word of God in context, in a balanced way? Or does he take just one phrase out and use it to his own ends? Does the preacher make a careful study of all the Word of God, or are there sections that he is afraid to deal with? Does your preacher even teach the Word of God? Or is he too busy telling jokes and expounding on psychology?
There is plenty of psychology in the Bible. God’s Word is not too small. You do not need to add pop psychology to it.
C. Success Psalms 1:2 But his delight [is] in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
Finally, if you will recognize that God’s Word is not too small, and start to meditate on it, you will see real success in your life. Look at what Psalm 1:3 says. Everything that this person does will prosper. What is it that that person is doing that causes everything they do to prosper? Verse 2 says that he meditates in the law of the Lord. He delights in the Word of God. This man will have all manner of fruit and blessings.
Too many preachers are not preaching God’s Word. I saw one preacher on TV that was “preaching.” He is still a very popular preacher and has literally thousands of people come to hear him every week. His message was only twenty minutes long, approximately. I listened, just waiting to hear him quote a single verse. I thought for sure he was not going to give even one. I finally heard one verse after at least fifteen minutes of his feel good message. He was a great speaker, easy to hear, easy to watch, charismatic, but he did not preach anything. At least he did not preach anything from God’s Word. This preacher was saying by this that God’s Word is too small. God needed him to put his psychology and feel good motivation into the mix.
No, my friend. That man needs to start teaching people to meditate on God’s Word. I would rather the man read one verse and sit down than to muddle it all up with his whole feel good message. His feel good message has the spiritual “nutritional value” of whip cream. That was what it was. It was spiritual whip cream. When people walk away, they do not remember what God’s Word says. No, they remember how tremendous this man’s 15 minute motivation was.
Real success has the Word of God as its basis and its fruit. God’s Word is not too small.
February 21, 2010 sn
We live in a big world, with many people and a long history. We have big governments and great corporations that influence most of what we see going on around us. Sometimes, when we see the cheer immensity of the world and society we are tempted to think that one person cannot really make a difference. Surely, one choice cannot really change the outcome of the cosmic course of events.
There were people and things in the Bible that people were too small to make a difference. Certainly, Bethlehem is a perfect example. This little, insignificant town in Judean obscurity could not affect the course of world events. It did not even have its own name. It had to share the name with another town in Israel. That is why the Bible says “Bethlehem of Judah.” There was more than one.
Yet, few towns are more famous today. Everyone wants to go to Bethlehem. It was the birthplace of our Savior. It is still a little place, and yet it has a great significance for all of man.
There was another person that came from Bethlehem that people thought was insignificant and too small. That was David the last born son of Jesse.
I. Too Small a Teen I Samuel 17:33 And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou [art but] a youth, and he a man of war from his youth. 34 And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: 35 And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered [it] out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught [him] by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. 36 Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.
Our sinful society wants to minimize our youth. They tell our youth, “This is your time to be young, live it up. Sow your wild oats.” They make our teens think it is the time to be as crazy as they want to be. Now yes, youth is a wonderful time. But we minimize our youth. We make them think there there is nothing that they can do that is going to make a difference. They might as well live however they want.
On the contrary, youth is an important time to lay the foundation for the great things ahead. David, in his youth, (I Samuel 17) did the one single thing that he is most famous for. Of course, there are many other great things that he did for the rest of his life, but this one spiritual event colored the rest of it all.
This is true for our teens today as well. We can minimize our teens’ time and tell them that it does not matter what they do until they are out of college, or married, or when they have kids. The problem is that by that time they have already destroyed much of their potential by wasted time, wounded spirits, wanton sin.
David was minimized by his brother, his king, and by his enemy. Yet because he was using his youth to develop character, he was ready to do something that no one else in Israel was either willing or able to do. How was that possible? One important thing was that he was under authority.
A. He Was Under his Father’s Authority
Our society encourages and even praises teens that resist their parental authority. If you take our society’s word for it, every father is overbearing, outdated, uncaring, or just an oaf. David did not believe this. He was doing his duty. He put in the long boring hours in the field taking care of the sheep. It was the lowest job in the home. While his brothers got to go out and fight with the King, David was faithful with the sheep. In spite of what his older brother accused him of, David did not leave his responsibility until his father directed him to.
Because, David was doing the boring job of watching the sheep, he was prepared to be the greatest warrior Israel has ever known. He used the time to meditate on God’s word and to worship. Chances are that many of the Psalms were written out there in the field with the stinking, stupid sheep. But he also used the time to become a deadly expert with the sling. Without those seemingly “wasted” ours in the field, David could not have taken down the Giant. Also, his first kills were in the field. God showed David that if he would take care of his job (at the time, those sheep) that God would give David the victory of enemies (lion and bear). This lesson prepared him to be the shepherd of all of Israel.
No, the teen David was not too small, because he allowed his earthly father and heavenly Father to direct him.
B. He Was Under his King’s Authority
David was also under King Saul’s authority. Our society teaches our kids to mock and resist our police and government. And if that was David’s heart, there was plenty to mock in Saul. Saul was a coward. He should have been the one to face the giant as the king and as the tallest man in Israel. Plus, Saul minimized David.
David, however, was respectful of King Saul. David could have run out on the field to fight Goliath without getting permission from anyone. But thousands of lives were at stake. If David had lost, the entire war would have been forfeit to the Philistines. David did not jump the gun. He went to the King and asked to do the job. And King Saul, amazingly, gave permission. When David went out to battle, he had the blessing of the king. David had the king’s authority behind him.
We need to teach our teens that if they are going to be successful, they need to respect the civil authorities that God has put over us, even when they are foolish. They are still God appointed.
C. He Was Under his God’s Authority
Finally, David could have gone out to Goliath and lifted himself up. That was not what David did. Instead, he lifted God up. He told Goliath that God was going to defeat the giant. This is not the prideful and blustering attitude that our society encourages in youth. We tell them to be “self” confident. “Stand up for yourself.” But that is actually minimizing our youth. The greatest that our teens can be is not when they are self confident. The greatest they can be is when they are confident in God like David was. They should not be standing up for themselves, but should be standing up for what is right!
To teach our teens to do anything less is to minimize them. In God’s power and with His leading, our teens will never be “too small” for anything that God wants them to do.
II. Too Small a Tithe Mark 12:41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. 42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. 43 And he called [unto him] his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: 44 For all [they] did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, [even] all her living.
We tend to look at giving to God, our tithes and offerings, as not that important. “After all, my tithe is not going to make any difference.” But this is another lie of Satan. If he can give us an excuse to not give what belongs to God, Satan wins on two fronts. Not only does he diminish what should go to the support of the house of God. But Satan also wins because he gets the Christian to compromise their own spirituality and sacrifice the blessings of God on the altar of greed.
We all know someone that will try to say that the tithe is from the Old Testament and that it is not for us in the New Testament church. This is based on the flawed reasoning that the tithe was from the law. Jesus fulfilled the law. We are not under the tithe any more. I agree that we are not bound by the law. But the tithe came before the law. It is therefore not under the law. It is of faith because the same person that taught us salvation by faith, Abraham, is the same person that thought us the tithe. Furthermore, Jesus does say that we should tithe, even if it the small things like mint and cumin.
The widow that cast in her two mites did not give just a tithe. She gave it all. When was the last time any of us did that for God? She did not just give 10%. She gave her whole paycheck, 100%!
Still, the two mites was just a pittance. How was that going to help the temple? What difference was that going to make. It made an incredible difference. . . to God. Why would God need two mites? He did not need it.
God did not need those two mites. Neither does He NEED your little 10%, even if it is a million dollars. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills. God does not need our money, but He wants our faith. He wants us to believe that we can do more with 90% than with 100%. He wants us to believe that He will take care of all of our needs.
A. Proportional Principle
The rich people in Jesus day thought that they were giving God a great deal because they put large amounts of money into the Temple collection. Jesus does not keep record like we do. Jesus said that the widow put in more than the rich men. That would be like some poor old lady putting $20 in the offering plate next to a millionaire who puts in $1000. But God shows us in this story that He is not interested in how much we put in. He is more concerned with how much we put in compared to how much we could put in. If the rich man made $100,000 that week, he only put in 1%. But the widow only made $20 that week. She put in 100%. She gave far more than the rich man.
This is true for all our lives, not just the tithe. God does not want to know how much you did for Him compared to someone else. He wants to know how much you did for Him compared how much you could have done.
B. Pride Principle Matthew 6:4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
Part of the problem that Jesus was trying to fix was the problem with pride. The rich men make a great show of how much they give to the church or temple. But that is not the spirit of giving that God calls us to. God wants us to give quietly and humbly. This was part of what Jesus saw in the widow’s two mites. The widow was not there making a show. She was not bragging. She just gave. She gave humbly.
Pride will keep people from giving just as it can cause people to make a show of it. We want what we want. Then we make the excuse, “It’s only . . .” this much. But if it is God’s, it belongs to God. You say, “But it is too small to matter.” Well, if you think it does not matter, then why do you so much want to keep it. That is the real problem. It is not the amount, it is the heart that holds back from God.
The widow’s might was not too small. Neither is your tithe. Give it to God and see what He does with it. We are still talking about the widow’s two little mites.
C. Poverty Principle Matthew 5:3 Blessed [are] the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
There is a principle that God says that we need to be impoverished before God. This runs against some of the most popular “Christian” teachers in our society today. These prosperity teachers say that if you are right with God, then you will never want for anything. The problem was that Paul said he learned to be content when he was poor. He was not always, but he was for certain times in his life. Jesus did not have anywhere place to lay His head at times.
God is not saying that being poor is a virtue, but neither is being rich a virtue. What God is saying is that we need to be poor in spirit. The widow was. She did not lift up herself as someone important. She just wanted to give all that she had to God. The rich men . . . not so much. If you are poor in spirit, you recognize your own internal poverty. We need God’s filling. And it is not about poverty that sin brings because Jesus was poor in spirit. Though He did not need to rely on anyone else as divine Himself, He did rely on the Father. He perfectly exemplified that we need to rely on God’s power and presence. Without the person, power, and presence of God, that is true poverty. When we recognize our own personal poverty, we give God the room to work.
III. Too Small a Text II Timothy 3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned [them]; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
As Paul prophesied in II Timothy 3, evil men have come. They are at work in our society as they were in Paul’s. What do they want? They want to seduce us with their lies. To do that, they must turn us away from the truth of God’s Word. Either they will distract from it, dilute it, or defame it.
One of Satan’s favorite questions must be, “Since everyone disagrees about the Bible, how can we know who’s right?” Then of you have “scholars” who are discovering new books of the Bible all of the time. Or they are “discovering” that the Bible does not really mean what it says.
Here is the answer to a whole mess of foolish thinking.
God loves us.
God was powerful enough to send us a message (Bible) telling us that He loves us.
God is powerful enough to protect that Book so that we can know the truth like those before.
A. Seducers
Today, Satan would love for people to think that the Bible is “too small.” “You need me to explain it to you.” It is good but you must have this additional teaching, writing, revelation to really understand it.
This was what the Church of Rome did. The common people could not understand the Bible themselves. Oh no, they needed the priests to explain what it means. The Mormons say that you cannot understand the Bible by itself. You need the other books by Joseph Smith. The Jehovah false Witnesses say you need the Watchtower Society to really understand the Bible. The Jews today say that you cannot really understand the Torah without the Rabbis.
All these unregenerate organizations are really saying, “The Bible is Too Small.” You have to add this or that to really get what you need. They are con-men and are trying to keep a spiritual monopoly on your faith.
The Bible is not too small. The only help you really need to understand it properly is the Holy Spirit. Just ask God to help you understand. He will help.
B. Salvation
The Bible is not too small because it is the seed of salvation. Think about it. The Bible is the tool that fixed your eternal destiny. It is the love poem of God that wooed your wandering heart. It is the Sword of the Spirit that cuts between what your soul wants and what God says.
This Bible that brought you to salvation is now not enough for you after? No. God’s Word is complete and full. It is not just here to give you a fire escape from hell. It is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. It is perfect so that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. It saved you. Now, trust it to take you the rest of the way.
Now, what does this mean? It means that it is the way that you can tell if a person is lying and trying to seduce you. Is the teacher/preacher telling you the Word of God in context, in a balanced way? Or does he take just one phrase out and use it to his own ends? Does the preacher make a careful study of all the Word of God, or are there sections that he is afraid to deal with? Does your preacher even teach the Word of God? Or is he too busy telling jokes and expounding on psychology?
There is plenty of psychology in the Bible. God’s Word is not too small. You do not need to add pop psychology to it.
C. Success Psalms 1:2 But his delight [is] in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
Finally, if you will recognize that God’s Word is not too small, and start to meditate on it, you will see real success in your life. Look at what Psalm 1:3 says. Everything that this person does will prosper. What is it that that person is doing that causes everything they do to prosper? Verse 2 says that he meditates in the law of the Lord. He delights in the Word of God. This man will have all manner of fruit and blessings.
Too many preachers are not preaching God’s Word. I saw one preacher on TV that was “preaching.” He is still a very popular preacher and has literally thousands of people come to hear him every week. His message was only twenty minutes long, approximately. I listened, just waiting to hear him quote a single verse. I thought for sure he was not going to give even one. I finally heard one verse after at least fifteen minutes of his feel good message. He was a great speaker, easy to hear, easy to watch, charismatic, but he did not preach anything. At least he did not preach anything from God’s Word. This preacher was saying by this that God’s Word is too small. God needed him to put his psychology and feel good motivation into the mix.
No, my friend. That man needs to start teaching people to meditate on God’s Word. I would rather the man read one verse and sit down than to muddle it all up with his whole feel good message. His feel good message has the spiritual “nutritional value” of whip cream. That was what it was. It was spiritual whip cream. When people walk away, they do not remember what God’s Word says. No, they remember how tremendous this man’s 15 minute motivation was.
Real success has the Word of God as its basis and its fruit. God’s Word is not too small.
February 21, 2010 sn
Monday, February 15, 2010
Is “Christian Martial Art” an Oxymoron?
I have been interested in martial arts, for self defense and entertainment, since I was a kid. This is the experience of many young men growing up in America during the last fifty years. With the TV shows “Green Hornet” and then “Kung Fu,” America fell in love with oriental martial arts. As I was growing up, Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris were icons. They were heroes to every young man aspiring to be a “real man.”
In this culture, I grew up thinking that the Far East was where all real martial arts came from. If it was not from China, Japan, or Okinawa, it was not real martial arts. Of course, that is not true, but it was the cultural conception.
Now, if you have grown up with conservative Christianity in you life, you have also heard someone say, “Martial Arts are evil because they are based on false religions.” This statement is based on the premise that Martial Arts can be religious. This is a premise that I agree with. But that does not mean that all martial arts are evil. While some martial arts are based on false religions, some even based on satanic beliefs, not all are.
In America these days, there are large groups of people that want to secularize everything, from martial arts to government, from entertainment to holidays (holy days). While this is their goal, it is not possible to entirely divorce anything from the philosophy behind it.
It is clear that the Eastern martial arts are closely intertwined with their oriental religions of origin. The vestiges of pagan ancestor worship, reincarnation, and perfection through the unity of opposites (Tao) are all still to be found in the oriental martial arts, even as they are taught here in America.
The orient, however, does not have a monopoly on martial arts. Martial arts are as old as man. Man did not start in China, but in the Middle East. Martial arts did not start in China; they were in the Middle East first. Every culture has had some type of martial arts. (Did you know about the Bowie knife martial art in America?) Nor does the past have a monopoly on martial arts. Martial arts are still being developed and changed. While there is nothing new under the sun, there are martial arts still being developed based on new philosophy or theology.
Christ:
The Heart of Cha Yun Do
I cannot speak authoritatively about every martial art out there in the world. I have trained formally in only one martial art, Cha Yun Do. I know what it does and why. But I have had many opportunities to compare that to other martial arts.
Cha Yun Do was made by an American, Randy Young. Cha Yun Do is copyrighted and registered with the Copyright Office of United States of America.
The credentials for the Art of Cha Yun Do are as follows: The Christian Martial Arts Fellowship teaches and has taught the Art of Cha Yun Do exclusively since it beginning in 1989. It is recognized and sanctioned by:
• Christian Sokeship Federation
• United States Martial Arts Association
• USMA International Board of Martial Arts Masters
Cha Yun Do is copyrighted and registered with the Copyright Office of United States of America is the exclusive property of Randolph A. Young.
Cha Yun Do has a Korean heritage. It is an American martial art. Yet it uses Korean terminology in respect of its origins. There are reasons for this. It gives people an experience in another culture. It also recognizes that Dr. Young relied on some formalities he learned in some Korean martial arts to formulate his American art. Plus, some people feel like it is more “karate like” if there is the foreign terminology.
I know Dr. Young personally. He is a Christian and started Cha Yun Do because he was tired of the influence of Eastern Mysticism he was forced to deal with in other arts. He was very accomplished in several disciplines. He decided to take what he knew from his martial arts training, law enforcement experience, and his Christianity and formulate a new American martial art.
Dr. Young wanted to have something that was fundamentally basic to the way that God made us. So, his guiding philosophy was if it is based on natural motions of the body, this would produce the most power and speed for the technique. There are many martial arts that are not very natural to the human body. We can do them, but they often cause long term issues that will manifest themselves in the practitioner later in life. There are arts that a young person can do, but as they age they have to stop because of the joint or nerve damage done.
“Cha Yun Do” means the “natural way” or “natural art.” So, the motions in this system are designed to follow the natural motions of the body. These motions are not only safer than the techniques of some other types of karate, but in fact they strengthen the body, increase agility, and add flexibility. Some arts use jerky motions that force the joints of the body to absorb force that is not necessary. This can cause problems in the joints.
Cha Yun Do is useful for those that have challenges in their joints and ligaments. The young and elderly alike find this system healthful for their bodies.
Most important is that this is a Christian Martial Art. This art was designed from the very beginning to be based on Christian philosophy and world view. There is no non Biblical mysticism here. At my Cha Yun Do school, you will find prayer requests and prayer before every Eagles Corps Class. There is also Scripture memorization and recitation. We strive for a Christian spirit of community and brotherly love.
While we all pray that we never have to defend ourselves or our families, Eagles Corps Karate (my school) and Cha Yun Do give us tools if God ever calls on us to do so.
What I am about to relate to you about our Christian Martial Art will make no sense to you if you are not a disciple of Jesus Christ. But if you know Christ, these principles should resonate with your faith and practice.
Proverbs 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
I. What is the Impact of Christianity on Martial Arts?
We are Christians, right? Jesus taught us that we should not fight right? The Bible says we should not kill, right?
What does the Bible say about fighting, killing, and murder? Murder is older than human government. When Cain killed his brother Able, there was no retribution allowed by God. While murder was a sin, it was not yet a crime. God said that there should be no capital punishment. But then after the flood, many things changed. In Genesis 9:6 “Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.” God said that if a man murders, then he must be put to death. This was the beginning of and the basis for human government. This demonstrates the principle that law without penalty is not a real law because it is not enforceable.
From this theistic mandate, man’s right to self defense is certainly assured. Whether man had the right to defend himself by killing an attacker before this mandate, he definitely has it since.
A. But Christian Martial artist, that’s an oxymoron, right? Psalms 144:1 A Psalm of David. Blessed [be] the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, [and] my fingers to fight:
The Bible shows from Genesis to Revelation that not all killing is murder. Self defense is not murder. It is simple to see by extension that defense of an innocent other person is justified. We just saw that God’s mandate against murder justifies human government to use capital management. The natural extension of that mandate is the ability of government to wage war. If you do not defend your country, the enemy can come in and kill your citizens. This justifies the soldiers to be warriors and to practice the art of war.
So, we see, there is a personal right to learn martial arts to protect self. Furthermore, soldiers have a right and responsibility to learn the art of war.
B. But Christians should not fight. Luke 22:36 Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take [it], and likewise [his] scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one . . . 38 And they said, Lord, behold, here [are] two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.
Yes, but that was the Old Testament, right? We are in the New Testament. This is the age of grace. We should not fight, right? “Jesus taught us another way. We should have mercy on people, not put them to death.”
Is that really what Jesus taught? No, Jesus told his disciples to get a sword when he was about to be crucified. Why would Jesus tell them to get a sword? They were not soldiers. They were not police. The only reason Jesus would tell them to keep a sword is for self defense. This is clearly an authorization by Jesus Himself for his disciples to protect themselves even to death.
Furthermore, we see that the Apostle Paul confirms the death penalty in Romans 13:4 “For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to [execute] wrath upon him that doeth evil.” Why does he have a sword if not as a weapon? Paul demonstrates that capital punishment is valid and still in proper use for our dispensation.
C. What about turn the other cheek? Matthew 5:39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
But Jesus said that we should turn the other cheek. How does that square with self defense? Notice that Jesus said that Jesus said if they smite thee on right cheek. But if someone punches you, chances are they will strike you on the left cheek. How would a right handed person strike someone on the right cheek? A back hand. Jesus is not saying if someone tries to beat you up you have to submit to it. He is saying that if someone insults you by giving you the back of the hand, turn the other cheek. We do not respond to insults with violence. If someone insults us, turn the other cheek. This makes sense of the two verses very nicely.
II. What is the Impact of Christianity on the Philosophy/temperament of a martial art?
A. The brotherhood of the saints Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Many martial arts still carry the vestiges of human idolatry in their schools, both in philosophy and practice. The Instructor (Sensei) in some traditional martial arts is still revered with demigod respect. Black belts are revered above all students below.
The experience is much different in Cha Yun Do, as a Christian martial art. There is, obviously, respect for the instructors and for the black belts, but this is different from the traditional schools. We do not lord rank or position over others. There is a greater sense of brotherhood in a Christian organization because we know that all men are equal in the sight of God.
God does not love any man or woman more than any other. He is not a respecter of persons. God loves us all and that love should be showed equally by each of us to the others around us.
This Christian humility is not the same spirit that is conveyed by many of the traditional Eastern martial arts. But this is the spirit that will be in the school that has Biblical principles guiding it.
B. The humility of the leader Matthew 23:11 “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.”
As previously mentioned, the instructor in traditional arts is revered and idolized. This is a vestige of the pagan theologies of the East. In some cultures, the bow with eyes down is a sign of worship. In contrast, to bow with eyes still raised is a sign of respect between equals.
We, in Cha Yun Do, bow with eyes raised. We do not worship the instructor, the black belt, the grand master, or any ancestors as is common in Eastern martial arts. We retain an eyes-raised bow of respect but there is no idolatry.
The Christian leader is called to be a servant. This is based on our spiritual “grand master” Jesus Christ. He showed that to be a true instructor/leader, one must be a servant/leader. He bowed the knee to his disciples and washed their feet. Because he humbled himself more than anyone else has ever humbled himself, God will raise Jesus higher than anyone will ever be raised.
So, in Cha Yun Do, as should be in any Christian martial art, the grand master, Dr. Young is one of the most humble men I have ever known. He exudes a spirit of authority and power in his teaching, but it is not based on his own strength or personal presence. Rather it is an authority that arises from his spiritual life in Christ. He is a servant to his students and has true care and Christian love for them.
This is a great difference between a Christian and pagan martial art. Traditional arts elevate the master in pride and position. “You do what I say because I tell you to.” This is not a Christian principle. Paul said in I Corinthians 11:1, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also [am] of Christ.” We should follow our Christian leaders/instructors, but only to the degree that they follow Christ.
Dr. Young and other Christian martial artists will tell their students why they should do it a certain way. But often in traditional arts, the instructor cannot tell the students why. Sadly, the reason they cannot tell is because they themselves do not know.
Dr. Young also emphasizes another difference between a traditional martial art and a Christian one. In traditional arts, the master always keeps back something. This guarantees superiority over his students. This keeps the students lacking one piece of the puzzle. In this way, over the generations, information and techniques have been lost in the traditional arts because of this practice. But the students of these arts blindly do what they have been taught without knowing why. It was just the way they were taught.
In a Christian martial art, the master pours out everything that he can to his students. He does not hold back to maintain false superiority. He does not need to erect false walls. The Christian leader is a servant. He wants his students to succeed, even if that means that they become better than the instructor. There is no threat to the Christian instructor if his students become better than him because of the spirit of Christian community. The student and the instructor both esteem the other better than themselves (Philippians 2:3 above)
C. The Principle of wealth Ecclesiastes 11:1 Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.
The traditional martial arts cost a lot of money to study. The workman is worthy of his hire, Luke 10:7 “. . .for the labourer is worthy of his hire. . .” But there seems to be many martial arts instructors that charge far more than they need to. Some demand that the students lock themselves into staggering contracts that chain people into commitments in spite of circumstances that often inevitably change.
In contrast, the schools in the Christian Martial Arts Fellowship (CMAF) do not use contracts. Although there is nothing wrong with contracts if they are fair, our schools do not use them because we approach our schools differently. We also have a better than average retention rate of new students, even without contracts.
None of the CMAF schools are there to make anyone rich. They are designed to teach people to defend themselves without the students impoverishing themselves. Frankly, every instructor in the CMAF could charge much more than they do. While there is nothing wrong with a martial artist to make his living by instructing, that is not why we in the CMAF are there.
I do believe that a Christian martial artist will approach the matter of money and tuition differently than those in the traditional arts. Even if they make their living by teaching, they will not charge exorbitant prices. Rather, they enrich their students by the teaching in a spirit of charity.
III. What is the Impact of Christianity on the Expectation placed on students? II Corinthians 10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
The instructors of traditional martial arts have much different expectations on their students than Christian instructors will. The difference goes back to the theology of the art. Because many of the traditional arts are based on ancestor worship, there is a heritage in these arts that extends even to today. This heritage translates into the expectation that each student must measure up to the instructor. “If you do not do it like I do it, you are not doing it right.” This is a subtle kind of idolatry but it is there.
In a Christian martial art, the instructor understands that God has made every person different. God has made some people able to do some things better than others. This means that students may not be able to do things as well as the instructor because of congenital or genetic predispositions. On the other side, some students will develop better techniques than their instructors. This is a Biblical principle. Psalms 119:99 “I have more understanding than all my teachers. . .” The Christian martial artist rejoices when his students become better than he is. This goes back to the last point on humility.
The Christian instructor teaches his students that the standard is not the grand master. Jesus is our God. This translates into the principle that every student should strive to be the best practitioner than he can be for God. This is what Christ expects of us. He does not want us to compare ourselves among ourselves. He wants us to compare ourselves with what God has made us to be. This is the wisdom of the Christian martial artist.
A. Standard of Excellence I Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
So, if the master/instructor is not the standard of excellence, how will people know what to reach for? The answer lies in teaching our students that all things are possible in the will of God. The standard of excellence is God. We need to teach our students to do all that they do, in discipline, self-defense, or service to others for the glory of God. The instructor is a default standard of excellence because “baby” martial artists look to the instructor for all that they know about self-defense. But as the “baby” martial artists mature into experts, they understand things for themselves. At this level, they should also strive to exemplify Christ in their discipline. They need to do the best that they can do for the glory of God.
B. Standard of Service Matthew 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second [is] like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
The Christian martial artist recognizes that he practices for God’s glory and for the service of the saints. So, the Christian artist does his classes, drills, and self disciplines to be better able to serve his fellow man. He treats his class mates with respect and humility in a Christian martial art. In contrast, this is not the guiding principle of the traditional arts. There is a certain cut-throat competition in the traditional arts. Traditional arts encourage this for best results. But there is a different respect for others by followers of Christ. No student is better than any other. We all help each other to become better. We are not threatened by the success of fellow students.
IV. What is the Impact of Christianity on Training in the Martial Arts?
A. Necessity of Prayer
A Christian martial artist recognizes that all that we need comes from the Father above. If we are going to be the best martial artist we can be, we will need the help of God. So, Christian martial artist pray. A Christian Karate school will also pray. Philippians 4:6 “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
You may think that martial arts and religion should be kept separate. King David did not think so. Psalms 144:1 “A Psalm of David. Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:” The Eastern martial arts do not think so.
The Kung Fu, Karate, Kali (etc.) all wrap spirituality and martial arts into one whole. Transcendental meditation is a spiritual practice. The closest counterpart to it in Christianity is prayer. They meditate to be commune with the universe and open up themselves to the power of the universe. Christianity’s practice to commune with God and receive His power is prayer.
The Christian martial artist that is not practicing prayer is not practicing martial arts to his full potential.
B. Necessity of Scripture
If our requests are made known to God by our prayers, the other side of that equation is God’s communication to us. Christian martial artists must hear from God to be wise and have guidance and direction. This communication comes in various ways, but the most important way is through the reading of God’s holy Word.
The warrior that does not know the rules of engagement will work against his commander and fail his general. God’s rules of engagement and guidelines of battle are found in the Bible. The Christian martial artist that does not read and follow the Bible will fail his Captain, Jesus Christ. You may be able to do great karate, but if you do not know when to use it, how, and to what ends, you will inevitably fail in life.
C. Necessity of Spiritual leadership
The discipline of martial arts is a spiritual discipline. The acts of fighting, defense, and warfare all have questions of right and wrong. If a martial arts instructor does not instruct on when it is right to fight and when it is wrong, he is not fully teaching his students. These questions cannot be divorced from the study of martial arts.
We have all seen this in the movie “Karate Kid.” We see the noble instructor Mr. Miyagi, teaches Daniel-son when to fight and when not to. We also see the Cobra Kai instructor being evil in his wisdom and perverted in his nobility.
The best martial artist in the traditional arts will never be able to know what God’s true will is for his martial arts unless he learns God’s wisdom of the use of it. So, in Christian martial arts, the instructor must point the students to the origin of highest wisdom, Jesus Christ. For an instructor to give the tools of self defense without the wisdom of when and how to use them is careless and dangerous. The instructor must know God’s ways.
The Christian martial artist can give spiritual instruction in three ways: Communication, Example, and Attitude. All three are vital. We must tell our students the truth and wisdom of God. But then we must continue by doing it ourselves. If we do not do what we say, we are become hypocrites, speaking one thing in word and another thing in action. But then we need to have the right attitude. If we say the right thing, and do it, but with the wrong attitude, we will fail to communicate God’s wisdom. Our students will rebel against such hypocrisy.
So, the martial arts instructor must have the spirit of humility, kindness, respect in his words and actions. Otherwise, his wrong attitude will speak louder than the words.
In this culture, I grew up thinking that the Far East was where all real martial arts came from. If it was not from China, Japan, or Okinawa, it was not real martial arts. Of course, that is not true, but it was the cultural conception.
Now, if you have grown up with conservative Christianity in you life, you have also heard someone say, “Martial Arts are evil because they are based on false religions.” This statement is based on the premise that Martial Arts can be religious. This is a premise that I agree with. But that does not mean that all martial arts are evil. While some martial arts are based on false religions, some even based on satanic beliefs, not all are.
In America these days, there are large groups of people that want to secularize everything, from martial arts to government, from entertainment to holidays (holy days). While this is their goal, it is not possible to entirely divorce anything from the philosophy behind it.
It is clear that the Eastern martial arts are closely intertwined with their oriental religions of origin. The vestiges of pagan ancestor worship, reincarnation, and perfection through the unity of opposites (Tao) are all still to be found in the oriental martial arts, even as they are taught here in America.
The orient, however, does not have a monopoly on martial arts. Martial arts are as old as man. Man did not start in China, but in the Middle East. Martial arts did not start in China; they were in the Middle East first. Every culture has had some type of martial arts. (Did you know about the Bowie knife martial art in America?) Nor does the past have a monopoly on martial arts. Martial arts are still being developed and changed. While there is nothing new under the sun, there are martial arts still being developed based on new philosophy or theology.
Christ:
The Heart of Cha Yun Do
I cannot speak authoritatively about every martial art out there in the world. I have trained formally in only one martial art, Cha Yun Do. I know what it does and why. But I have had many opportunities to compare that to other martial arts.
Cha Yun Do was made by an American, Randy Young. Cha Yun Do is copyrighted and registered with the Copyright Office of United States of America.
The credentials for the Art of Cha Yun Do are as follows: The Christian Martial Arts Fellowship teaches and has taught the Art of Cha Yun Do exclusively since it beginning in 1989. It is recognized and sanctioned by:
• Christian Sokeship Federation
• United States Martial Arts Association
• USMA International Board of Martial Arts Masters
Cha Yun Do is copyrighted and registered with the Copyright Office of United States of America is the exclusive property of Randolph A. Young.
Cha Yun Do has a Korean heritage. It is an American martial art. Yet it uses Korean terminology in respect of its origins. There are reasons for this. It gives people an experience in another culture. It also recognizes that Dr. Young relied on some formalities he learned in some Korean martial arts to formulate his American art. Plus, some people feel like it is more “karate like” if there is the foreign terminology.
I know Dr. Young personally. He is a Christian and started Cha Yun Do because he was tired of the influence of Eastern Mysticism he was forced to deal with in other arts. He was very accomplished in several disciplines. He decided to take what he knew from his martial arts training, law enforcement experience, and his Christianity and formulate a new American martial art.
Dr. Young wanted to have something that was fundamentally basic to the way that God made us. So, his guiding philosophy was if it is based on natural motions of the body, this would produce the most power and speed for the technique. There are many martial arts that are not very natural to the human body. We can do them, but they often cause long term issues that will manifest themselves in the practitioner later in life. There are arts that a young person can do, but as they age they have to stop because of the joint or nerve damage done.
“Cha Yun Do” means the “natural way” or “natural art.” So, the motions in this system are designed to follow the natural motions of the body. These motions are not only safer than the techniques of some other types of karate, but in fact they strengthen the body, increase agility, and add flexibility. Some arts use jerky motions that force the joints of the body to absorb force that is not necessary. This can cause problems in the joints.
Cha Yun Do is useful for those that have challenges in their joints and ligaments. The young and elderly alike find this system healthful for their bodies.
Most important is that this is a Christian Martial Art. This art was designed from the very beginning to be based on Christian philosophy and world view. There is no non Biblical mysticism here. At my Cha Yun Do school, you will find prayer requests and prayer before every Eagles Corps Class. There is also Scripture memorization and recitation. We strive for a Christian spirit of community and brotherly love.
While we all pray that we never have to defend ourselves or our families, Eagles Corps Karate (my school) and Cha Yun Do give us tools if God ever calls on us to do so.
What I am about to relate to you about our Christian Martial Art will make no sense to you if you are not a disciple of Jesus Christ. But if you know Christ, these principles should resonate with your faith and practice.
Proverbs 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
I. What is the Impact of Christianity on Martial Arts?
We are Christians, right? Jesus taught us that we should not fight right? The Bible says we should not kill, right?
What does the Bible say about fighting, killing, and murder? Murder is older than human government. When Cain killed his brother Able, there was no retribution allowed by God. While murder was a sin, it was not yet a crime. God said that there should be no capital punishment. But then after the flood, many things changed. In Genesis 9:6 “Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.” God said that if a man murders, then he must be put to death. This was the beginning of and the basis for human government. This demonstrates the principle that law without penalty is not a real law because it is not enforceable.
From this theistic mandate, man’s right to self defense is certainly assured. Whether man had the right to defend himself by killing an attacker before this mandate, he definitely has it since.
A. But Christian Martial artist, that’s an oxymoron, right? Psalms 144:1 A Psalm of David. Blessed [be] the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, [and] my fingers to fight:
The Bible shows from Genesis to Revelation that not all killing is murder. Self defense is not murder. It is simple to see by extension that defense of an innocent other person is justified. We just saw that God’s mandate against murder justifies human government to use capital management. The natural extension of that mandate is the ability of government to wage war. If you do not defend your country, the enemy can come in and kill your citizens. This justifies the soldiers to be warriors and to practice the art of war.
So, we see, there is a personal right to learn martial arts to protect self. Furthermore, soldiers have a right and responsibility to learn the art of war.
B. But Christians should not fight. Luke 22:36 Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take [it], and likewise [his] scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one . . . 38 And they said, Lord, behold, here [are] two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.
Yes, but that was the Old Testament, right? We are in the New Testament. This is the age of grace. We should not fight, right? “Jesus taught us another way. We should have mercy on people, not put them to death.”
Is that really what Jesus taught? No, Jesus told his disciples to get a sword when he was about to be crucified. Why would Jesus tell them to get a sword? They were not soldiers. They were not police. The only reason Jesus would tell them to keep a sword is for self defense. This is clearly an authorization by Jesus Himself for his disciples to protect themselves even to death.
Furthermore, we see that the Apostle Paul confirms the death penalty in Romans 13:4 “For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to [execute] wrath upon him that doeth evil.” Why does he have a sword if not as a weapon? Paul demonstrates that capital punishment is valid and still in proper use for our dispensation.
C. What about turn the other cheek? Matthew 5:39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
But Jesus said that we should turn the other cheek. How does that square with self defense? Notice that Jesus said that Jesus said if they smite thee on right cheek. But if someone punches you, chances are they will strike you on the left cheek. How would a right handed person strike someone on the right cheek? A back hand. Jesus is not saying if someone tries to beat you up you have to submit to it. He is saying that if someone insults you by giving you the back of the hand, turn the other cheek. We do not respond to insults with violence. If someone insults us, turn the other cheek. This makes sense of the two verses very nicely.
II. What is the Impact of Christianity on the Philosophy/temperament of a martial art?
A. The brotherhood of the saints Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Many martial arts still carry the vestiges of human idolatry in their schools, both in philosophy and practice. The Instructor (Sensei) in some traditional martial arts is still revered with demigod respect. Black belts are revered above all students below.
The experience is much different in Cha Yun Do, as a Christian martial art. There is, obviously, respect for the instructors and for the black belts, but this is different from the traditional schools. We do not lord rank or position over others. There is a greater sense of brotherhood in a Christian organization because we know that all men are equal in the sight of God.
God does not love any man or woman more than any other. He is not a respecter of persons. God loves us all and that love should be showed equally by each of us to the others around us.
This Christian humility is not the same spirit that is conveyed by many of the traditional Eastern martial arts. But this is the spirit that will be in the school that has Biblical principles guiding it.
B. The humility of the leader Matthew 23:11 “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.”
As previously mentioned, the instructor in traditional arts is revered and idolized. This is a vestige of the pagan theologies of the East. In some cultures, the bow with eyes down is a sign of worship. In contrast, to bow with eyes still raised is a sign of respect between equals.
We, in Cha Yun Do, bow with eyes raised. We do not worship the instructor, the black belt, the grand master, or any ancestors as is common in Eastern martial arts. We retain an eyes-raised bow of respect but there is no idolatry.
The Christian leader is called to be a servant. This is based on our spiritual “grand master” Jesus Christ. He showed that to be a true instructor/leader, one must be a servant/leader. He bowed the knee to his disciples and washed their feet. Because he humbled himself more than anyone else has ever humbled himself, God will raise Jesus higher than anyone will ever be raised.
So, in Cha Yun Do, as should be in any Christian martial art, the grand master, Dr. Young is one of the most humble men I have ever known. He exudes a spirit of authority and power in his teaching, but it is not based on his own strength or personal presence. Rather it is an authority that arises from his spiritual life in Christ. He is a servant to his students and has true care and Christian love for them.
This is a great difference between a Christian and pagan martial art. Traditional arts elevate the master in pride and position. “You do what I say because I tell you to.” This is not a Christian principle. Paul said in I Corinthians 11:1, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also [am] of Christ.” We should follow our Christian leaders/instructors, but only to the degree that they follow Christ.
Dr. Young and other Christian martial artists will tell their students why they should do it a certain way. But often in traditional arts, the instructor cannot tell the students why. Sadly, the reason they cannot tell is because they themselves do not know.
Dr. Young also emphasizes another difference between a traditional martial art and a Christian one. In traditional arts, the master always keeps back something. This guarantees superiority over his students. This keeps the students lacking one piece of the puzzle. In this way, over the generations, information and techniques have been lost in the traditional arts because of this practice. But the students of these arts blindly do what they have been taught without knowing why. It was just the way they were taught.
In a Christian martial art, the master pours out everything that he can to his students. He does not hold back to maintain false superiority. He does not need to erect false walls. The Christian leader is a servant. He wants his students to succeed, even if that means that they become better than the instructor. There is no threat to the Christian instructor if his students become better than him because of the spirit of Christian community. The student and the instructor both esteem the other better than themselves (Philippians 2:3 above)
C. The Principle of wealth Ecclesiastes 11:1 Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.
The traditional martial arts cost a lot of money to study. The workman is worthy of his hire, Luke 10:7 “. . .for the labourer is worthy of his hire. . .” But there seems to be many martial arts instructors that charge far more than they need to. Some demand that the students lock themselves into staggering contracts that chain people into commitments in spite of circumstances that often inevitably change.
In contrast, the schools in the Christian Martial Arts Fellowship (CMAF) do not use contracts. Although there is nothing wrong with contracts if they are fair, our schools do not use them because we approach our schools differently. We also have a better than average retention rate of new students, even without contracts.
None of the CMAF schools are there to make anyone rich. They are designed to teach people to defend themselves without the students impoverishing themselves. Frankly, every instructor in the CMAF could charge much more than they do. While there is nothing wrong with a martial artist to make his living by instructing, that is not why we in the CMAF are there.
I do believe that a Christian martial artist will approach the matter of money and tuition differently than those in the traditional arts. Even if they make their living by teaching, they will not charge exorbitant prices. Rather, they enrich their students by the teaching in a spirit of charity.
III. What is the Impact of Christianity on the Expectation placed on students? II Corinthians 10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
The instructors of traditional martial arts have much different expectations on their students than Christian instructors will. The difference goes back to the theology of the art. Because many of the traditional arts are based on ancestor worship, there is a heritage in these arts that extends even to today. This heritage translates into the expectation that each student must measure up to the instructor. “If you do not do it like I do it, you are not doing it right.” This is a subtle kind of idolatry but it is there.
In a Christian martial art, the instructor understands that God has made every person different. God has made some people able to do some things better than others. This means that students may not be able to do things as well as the instructor because of congenital or genetic predispositions. On the other side, some students will develop better techniques than their instructors. This is a Biblical principle. Psalms 119:99 “I have more understanding than all my teachers. . .” The Christian martial artist rejoices when his students become better than he is. This goes back to the last point on humility.
The Christian instructor teaches his students that the standard is not the grand master. Jesus is our God. This translates into the principle that every student should strive to be the best practitioner than he can be for God. This is what Christ expects of us. He does not want us to compare ourselves among ourselves. He wants us to compare ourselves with what God has made us to be. This is the wisdom of the Christian martial artist.
A. Standard of Excellence I Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
So, if the master/instructor is not the standard of excellence, how will people know what to reach for? The answer lies in teaching our students that all things are possible in the will of God. The standard of excellence is God. We need to teach our students to do all that they do, in discipline, self-defense, or service to others for the glory of God. The instructor is a default standard of excellence because “baby” martial artists look to the instructor for all that they know about self-defense. But as the “baby” martial artists mature into experts, they understand things for themselves. At this level, they should also strive to exemplify Christ in their discipline. They need to do the best that they can do for the glory of God.
B. Standard of Service Matthew 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second [is] like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
The Christian martial artist recognizes that he practices for God’s glory and for the service of the saints. So, the Christian artist does his classes, drills, and self disciplines to be better able to serve his fellow man. He treats his class mates with respect and humility in a Christian martial art. In contrast, this is not the guiding principle of the traditional arts. There is a certain cut-throat competition in the traditional arts. Traditional arts encourage this for best results. But there is a different respect for others by followers of Christ. No student is better than any other. We all help each other to become better. We are not threatened by the success of fellow students.
IV. What is the Impact of Christianity on Training in the Martial Arts?
A. Necessity of Prayer
A Christian martial artist recognizes that all that we need comes from the Father above. If we are going to be the best martial artist we can be, we will need the help of God. So, Christian martial artist pray. A Christian Karate school will also pray. Philippians 4:6 “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
You may think that martial arts and religion should be kept separate. King David did not think so. Psalms 144:1 “A Psalm of David. Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:” The Eastern martial arts do not think so.
The Kung Fu, Karate, Kali (etc.) all wrap spirituality and martial arts into one whole. Transcendental meditation is a spiritual practice. The closest counterpart to it in Christianity is prayer. They meditate to be commune with the universe and open up themselves to the power of the universe. Christianity’s practice to commune with God and receive His power is prayer.
The Christian martial artist that is not practicing prayer is not practicing martial arts to his full potential.
B. Necessity of Scripture
If our requests are made known to God by our prayers, the other side of that equation is God’s communication to us. Christian martial artists must hear from God to be wise and have guidance and direction. This communication comes in various ways, but the most important way is through the reading of God’s holy Word.
The warrior that does not know the rules of engagement will work against his commander and fail his general. God’s rules of engagement and guidelines of battle are found in the Bible. The Christian martial artist that does not read and follow the Bible will fail his Captain, Jesus Christ. You may be able to do great karate, but if you do not know when to use it, how, and to what ends, you will inevitably fail in life.
C. Necessity of Spiritual leadership
The discipline of martial arts is a spiritual discipline. The acts of fighting, defense, and warfare all have questions of right and wrong. If a martial arts instructor does not instruct on when it is right to fight and when it is wrong, he is not fully teaching his students. These questions cannot be divorced from the study of martial arts.
We have all seen this in the movie “Karate Kid.” We see the noble instructor Mr. Miyagi, teaches Daniel-son when to fight and when not to. We also see the Cobra Kai instructor being evil in his wisdom and perverted in his nobility.
The best martial artist in the traditional arts will never be able to know what God’s true will is for his martial arts unless he learns God’s wisdom of the use of it. So, in Christian martial arts, the instructor must point the students to the origin of highest wisdom, Jesus Christ. For an instructor to give the tools of self defense without the wisdom of when and how to use them is careless and dangerous. The instructor must know God’s ways.
The Christian martial artist can give spiritual instruction in three ways: Communication, Example, and Attitude. All three are vital. We must tell our students the truth and wisdom of God. But then we must continue by doing it ourselves. If we do not do what we say, we are become hypocrites, speaking one thing in word and another thing in action. But then we need to have the right attitude. If we say the right thing, and do it, but with the wrong attitude, we will fail to communicate God’s wisdom. Our students will rebel against such hypocrisy.
So, the martial arts instructor must have the spirit of humility, kindness, respect in his words and actions. Otherwise, his wrong attitude will speak louder than the words.
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