All Natural...nothing added

I’m getting back to basics. This is a mission which may or may not last through the month!  I’m trying natural soaps, coconut oil on my teeth, and trying to eat clean, among other things. It’s a daunting task. Stores house all sorts of evils! The soap and shampoo aisles are polluted with chemicals vying for my attention. The grocery aisles are screaming with all kinds of unhealthy snacks and healthy alternatives that are NOT the genuine article. No fat, low fat, no cholesterol, hormone free… producers stretch the truth and labels lie. It takes some discernment to really get the product you need.  There are no guarantees, unless you grow it yourself, raise it yourself or get it locally and have ultimate trust in the distributor. It’s a crap shoot when it comes to being a consumer. Shopping requires diligence and knowledge.

I find similarities between being a consumer and being a Christian in America. The labels, when it comes to denominations and places of worship, also don’t always adequately represent the contents. Churches are flashy and contemporary, mellow and traditional and everything in between. They are hard nosed and conservative, flamboyant and liberal. You can get a warm fuzzy feeling by attending most of them. But, are they home grown and authentic? Do they sprout from the deep rooted teachings of The Gospel? The only way to know for sure that you’re truly being fed an adequate diet is to filter what you are learning through God’s word. Are you accepting that Jesus paid it all, or are you still striving to win his affection by your works? Do you believe that forgiveness of sins comes only through accepting Christ as your Lord and Savior? Do you believe that your attendance of services has anything to do with your salvation, or do you see that an intimate relationship with Jesus drives you to attend? We are powerless to save ourselves. We can call ourselves any number of religious terms, but the truth is, we are saved only by the grace of Jesus Christ. No one goes to the Father except through Him.  Is this narrow minded? No, it is truth if you believe the Holy Bible to be the inerrant word of God. If you don’t, then it doesn't matter what I say or what I believe. You will interpret scripture as a series of “stories” fitted to your needs. I lived my life for many years and until not too long ago with that mindset. Praise God, He took hold of me and set me straight. It took a few hard knocks and lots of heartache, but I finally got it!  
 I hope you can see the error in that way of thinking.

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’  And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness. ‘Matthew 7:21-23

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 2 Timothy 3:16

I urge you today to seek the answers to all of life’s questions in the Holy Bible. I also invite you to enter into a relationship with Jesus Christ, and attend a church where His message is not watered down or added to. 

Your eternal life depends on it!

Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! Psalm 34:8


Thank you ,God for providing me an undiluted, high  quality church of believers and leaders, willing to risk the world's opinion for a true Gospel ministry.
http://harvestpa.org/ 




this is a very "real" group of pastors and worship musicians!