The two great commands – love the Lord and love your neighbor.  Simple enough.  Or is it….

Jesus qualifies loving our neighbor with the phrase “as yourself”.  In these words are the key to our ability to love others.

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It seems trendy to talk about the failings of church.  Plenty of voices decrying everything from the need of corporate gatherings to how we give and serve as children of God. 

 Do I agree that there is something wrong?  Yes.  Do I believe what is exists now is weak and devoid of abundant life?  Sure.  But pointing fingers and abandoning it cannot be the solution.

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Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. (John 14:12-13 NAS)

Like many of you, I’ve often wondered what Jesus meant by these words.  His works were as incredible as they were numerous.  In fact, John said that all the books in the world could not contain all of his deeds.

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David inquired of the Lord, saying, "Shall I pursue this band? Shall I overtake them?" And He said to him, "Pursue, for you will surely overtake them, and you will surely rescue all." (I Sam 30:8-9 NAS)

Ziklag had been burned to the ground by the Amalekites.  All the people, small and great, had been taken captive and led away.  Wives, sons and daughters of David’s men brutally ripped from their homes to serve as slaves to a godless system.

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Know who you are – a loved child of your heavenly Father.  This secure and authoritative position should radically impact your interaction with others.

Our identity is fixed.  No matter who we encounter, we should be the same the person.  We are not different people depending upon the audience.  Our way, our language and approach may change, but who we are does not. 

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But let all who take refuge in You be glad, let them ever sing for joy; and may You shelter them, that those who love Your name may exult in You.  Psalm 5:11

The Church Jesus is building is both a safe haven and an advancing force.  

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A baby in a manger on a silent night.  Though her conception was immaculate and her delivery heralded by angels, even Mary would say that the story of Christmas is so much more than a baby. 

Here’s the miracle of Christmas – Immanuel – God with us. 

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I have no interest in being part of a population looking to escape or be rescued.  The culture of such a people is separation and disinterest and I know I’ve been called to connect.

Instead, I want to be counted among those who believe they are being empowered to win lost children and transform a society.  A people who love before judging and invest when everyone else says sell. 

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I don’t need many.  Just give me a group of “the only way out is through” people, and we can change the world.

The world is in desperate need of people who believe.  A lifestyle of belief is a walk of faith.  A way of life where we believe there are fewer accidents and more opportunities. 

This attitude makes us deliberate about every situation.  

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Hello Everyone:

During one of the testimony times at our Youth Culture event here in Ukraine, 16 year-old Karrina shared her revelation of Jesus’ love.  I found it powerful enough to share it with you.  Here’s my
version…

Every one of us gets hurt.  We go through difficult times, struggle in relationships, and can be disappointed by people and even the Lord.  These experiences often inflict wounds of the heart – cuts, tears, bruises, breaks that can be more painful than anything of the same physically.

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Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name. He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With a long life I will satisfy him, and let him see My salvation. (Psalm 91:14-16 NAS)

Those truly intimate with the Lord have not been well-accepted, both in the church and in society.  That season has ended.  We have entered a period in history where they will not only be accepted, but will be called upon to lead us. 

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This past weekend was an interesting one to say the least.  Snow in October, and not just a dusting or a few flurries, but as much as 10-12 inches in some parts, covered of our area.  Power outages, some of which are still not resolved, leave friends and people we don’t know cold, without water and in the dark.

What an opportunity!  I have received so many encouraging reports of what this strange phenomenon did for people.  Many families spent some much needed quality time together.  Others gathered in small groups to enjoy one another.  Still others reached out and cared for those who couldn’t warm their own homes or flush their toilets.

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We will not be gathering corporately, however we encourage you to join with others to celebrate this day He has given us!

The Lord also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, A stronghold in times of trouble; And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, For You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.  Psalm 9:9&10

God is still trustworthy.  No matter what you have heard or experienced, I am convinced that He is.  He is our Father, He is our Savior and Truth, He is our Comforter and Counselor.  Those who seek Him, find Him.

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As I continue to consider what Jesus is building, some thoughts and emotions come to the surface.  I’m willing to bet that most of us actually feel the same…

I will give my life for a people who are committed to one another in love and vision.  A people who value the life of another, including mine, as much as their own. 

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Mark Durniak has released a book entiled Eternity for Everyday.

The book can be purchased by contacting World Harvest Outreach.

For more information on Eternity For Everyday, please click here.

Denver Martin's new album, "Love Remains" is available now. The album can be purchased by contacting World Harvest Outreach, or by visiting the iTunes music store.

Find more information on Denver Martin on Facebook.

Click here for a complete track listing, including guitar chords.

Hey WHO Family:

I’ve been seeking the Lord about what He said He would build – something that the gates of hell could not prevail against.

We know that it can’t be a building, a worship service or a great sermon.  It must be a people.  If so, what’s the best format, environment, culture that creates that kind of people? 

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O taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8)

You are those who have stood by Me in My trials;  and just as My Father has granted Me a kingdom, I grant you that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom (Luke 22:28-30)

There is something heartwarming and secure about the dinner table.  It’s designed to provide two unique benefits – a place to eat and a place to connect. 

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So, I’m thinking about numerous, random things.  Conversations, personal musings and inklings from the Spirit are all stirring in me.  As dangerous as this may be, here’s a glimpse into my thoughts this week:

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We are at war for our identity.  Of all the races of people on earth who should know who they are, it should be believers – sons and daughters of the heavenly Father. 

There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:9-13

The book of John was written to Jews with the aim of convincing them that Jesus was the Son of God.  A secondary point was breaking a generations-old mindset that they too were sons of God, not just sons of Abraham.  These two truths were so contrary to their current understanding that they were the primary reason for His eventual crucifixion.  They are no less polarizing today. 

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To the Faithful:

Tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, floods – according to many, signs of the end times.  Oh, I believe God is speaking to us through these natural events.  Just not according to the traditional church thought patterns.

the spiritual is not first, but the natural; then the spiritual. I Cor. 14:46 NAS

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To the mighty and loving WHO people:

I’m hoping you all enjoyed the service yesterday as much as I did.  I was impacted by how real God’s presence was and how responsive you all were.  I was honored to be a part of that kind of ministry.

After having been to the Ukraine twice now and experiencing a genuine move of God coming out of infancy, I sense a similar spirit among us.  The love of the Father is so profound and the depth of anointing is bringing true change to people.  This is not a “feel-good” movement, but an authentic revelation of the heart of God for people.

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What we need or want will always be near.  We magnetize what we hunger for. 

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you…

There’s something simple yet powerful in this promise.  A secret many think they want to experience but few ever find fulfilled.

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…they began stoning him; and the witnesses laid aside their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul. Acts 7:58

Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; 7 in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, 8 sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us. Titus 2:6-8

I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one. I John 2:14

I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matt 18:3-4

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There are times when determinations need to be made.  Life in this world has a way of deciding many things for us and without intention, we fall sway to its current.

I purposely did not use the word “decisions”.  They are too final and create a sense of disappointment when
broken.  Rationale, opinion and present circumstance often fuel decisions.

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This past Sunday I made this statement – We are called to serve people, not the church.

I didn’t realize how scary it was to say that until after I said it.  Nonetheless, I am sure it’s true.

Funny, I’m not saying that we are to serve God.  Maybe I need a theology lesson but I think God is after something much more deep and significant than some deeds done in His name.

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You can connect with anyone.  Yes, you can.

It doesn’t mean you have to agree on everything or be intimate.  But there is a place in every relationship where a connection can be made.

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I think we’re on to something.  Not exactly sure what it is yet, but we’re on to something.

In the meantime, we’re maturing and developing new patterns of thought.  Actually they’re ancient ways hidden for the truly wise to discover.

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When God created man, He created a son.  His intention was to start a family on earth.  A household that had his nature, heart and likeness.  Sin interrupted the development of this family until Jesus.  He came to reconnect all lost children back to their Father.  That connection reinstitutes the original plan - a people, a household, a family - in His image and likeness.  

WHO endeavors to create a culture where all can connect to their Father and thereby discover their original identity and purpose. This culture is not best fostered by a structured institution with an organizational chart. Instead, it requires committed and passionate relationships in a dynamic environment of love.  We believe that family gives us all the best opportunity to be empowered in our identity as sons of our Father. This family is growing to genuinely believe in, trust and through authentic relationship, empower one another. If devoted, no one will be left wondering who they are or Who's they are.  This environment will propel a passionate group of people into the world who are secure, bold and loving. Feel free to join us to experience something genuine and real.  

Lately, I have been wrestling with a nagging thought.  It hangs around the corners of my mind when I teach, write or talk with someone.  So, what better way to deal with it than to saddle you all with it too…

Will becoming family stagnate our kingdom advancement in society?

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For all the complexity of the human body, the human spirit is rather simple.

The core need of every human being is relationship. 

Don’t let personality or temperament fool you.  Don’t let another’s persuasive argument for “being alone” convince you otherwise. 

Let me show you how I know it’s true…

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The word evolution is often not an acceptable term in Christian circles as it conjures up thoughts of Darwin,

monkeys and the big bang theory.  But the actual definition is any process of formation, development or growth. 

When seen in that benign light, we recognize that all of us, and the organizations we’re a part of, are evolving. 

Evolution is a necessary part of life.  Without it, we do not adapt to our environment and risk relevance.

WHO is evolving. 

We were, are and always will be an Equipping Center.  Our original mechanism to achieve our intention was

the warehouse concept – a place that brings people in, repackages them and sends them back out.  The ideal

in that concept cemented in place missing pieces to the current church model – church is an agent of change

and a sending place. 

The whiplash effect of the warehouse model is that people can be treated like freight.  Warehouses work

for inanimate objects but people require care and thoughtful consideration.  They need loving connection

to be trained and equipped in their original identity.  When children are treated as things or a means to an

end in a home, they are dysfunctional.  The same is true of a church. 

The evolution is that we are changing the way in which we are achieving our vision.  What was appropriate

in the past for WHO, is not what will move us forward. 

Metamorphosis is a synonym of evolution.  That means a profound change in form from one stage to the

next in the life history of an organism.  I couldn’t have said it better myself.

We have entered our next stage of life.  Becoming family where people feel a profound sense of connection,

value and purpose is a necessary next step in our journey. 

The danger is to throw out the last season to embrace the new.  We cannot lose what the warehouse taught us

– church gathers with the purpose of being sent.  Our ultimate reason for existence is for the glory of the Lord

covering the earth as the waters cover the sea.  We don’t do that by only enjoying our family.  We recognize

that we mature in the gathering so that we are more effective outside of it.

Yes, we are changing.  The evolution is the glorious becoming of what God finished when He started us.

Love to you all,

Mark

God chooses your family.  You choose whether or not to connect to it. … until we all attain to a mature man…being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each part causes the growth of the body… (Ephesians 4:13;16)

There is a place best suited for your growth and development.  The conditions are just right for your identity and internal make-up.  Fully connected, you will experience fulfillment, acceptance and maturity.

No family is perfect.  Because each one is on their own personal journey toward maturity, there will be opportunity for hurt, offense and disappointment.  Our patience with each one’s “becoming” will determine our unity.

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In an effort to be honest and transparent, I would like to make the following statement: May I please get a 6 month sabbaical from every proverb, quote or inspirational thought about pursuing my dreams.

Yes, there is a seed of destiny in us.  Yes, our imagination is powerful and holds the key to our supernatural experience.  But the overwhelming message of scripture is loving service of our fellow man and fulfilling the dream of our God and Father, not our own.

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Genesis 12:1-2
Now the Lord said to Abram, "Go forth from your country, and from your relatives and from your father's house, to the land which I will show you; 2 and I will make you a great nation

I love the Church.  I love God’s people.  I love the idea of a called-out group of sons with His nature sent to the world in love. 

There is a simple paradigm for procreating children.  An act of physical love conceives new life.  Parental guidance provides the love training establishing a whole and mature son or daughter. 

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Our Corporate Fast begins in less than three days.  Here are a few tips to help make a 3-Day Fast possible and effective:

-          If fasting food and especially if it’s a new endeavor for you…

• Drink fruit juices and water throughout the day.  Stay away from strong citrus juices as their acidity can upset an empty stomach.


• Eat a smaller, non-meaty meal on Tuesday evening.  This will allow your body to gradually adjust to no food on Wednesday.  Break the fast on Friday in the same fashion.


• Avoid chewing a lot of gum while fasting.  It may satisfy the craving to chew, but it will trigger the stomach to release digestive acids which can upset an empty stomach and/or increase feelings of hunger.

 -          If you are on a strict diet or you’re an expecting mother, here are some suggestions of things to fast:

•  Television, radio and internet


• Sweets and/or junk food


• Daniel Fast (see Daniel 10:2-4)


• Work: it may sound absurd, but if we’re serious, we will do whatever it takes.  Even lunches and breaks at work can become times of worship and prayer.

I highly suggest everyone take at least 30 minutes of extra time daily Wednesday through Friday to sit quietly in meditation and prayer.  It is also a good idea to limit communication with others during this time so that God’s voice has less to compete with. 

May you experience the Lord and His fullness like never before.

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"The perception of who you are is more important than who you are. You are what other people think of you."

This is a quote from a book that I am currently reading. I would like to say that this is false, that who I am is more important than what others think about me. I would like to say that I don't believe this, but that wouldn't be the truth. Sometimes, I do think like this. Sometimes, I feel that I'm no more than what they say I am. Sometimes, I can't find the real me for all the fake me getting in the way.  I want to get real.

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PERSPECTIVE

It has been a difficult week for our body and a hard season for the body of Christ in the Cumberland Valley.  The passing of Rhonda Eberly, Larry Yoder’s brother Dale, Woody Keefer, Lynn Myers of Mt. Rock Church, Leroy Kipe, the four young people on Saturday night and several others has caused us to mourn and maybe even question what God is doing among us.This necessary perspective should continually revolutionize the way we live here on earth.  Not only does it comfort us that our departed loved ones live on but also that we can access heaven on behalf of earth.  In fact, this is our responsibility.  The earth is waiting for those who are led by the Spirit of God to pierce the veil separating the two realms releasing the heavenly flow.  The more attuned we are to the realm of the spirit, the more of an eternal impact our lives will have.

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There is a movie called The Shawshank Redemption that Rob and I like to watch. One of our favorite lines from it is " Get busy living or get busy dying". Really that's what we are all doing - no middle ground. God reminded me of that line and of the fact that He wants His people busy living - all out; actively pursuing our destiny; purposefully without question. He created each one of us with a plan for our lives. What are we doing with that plan? Casually playing at Christianity - showing up on Sunday in the right clothes, with the right attitude, saying all the right things? We leave church and walk out into the world unchanged and therefore, unchanging those in the world around us. Who is in our sphere of influence that needs us to move, needs us to do, needs us to bless, needs us to be what He has called us to be?! I don't want to be just busy dying - going through each day concerned with all the busyness of my life, my cares, my selfish desires. At the end of my time, I will have done nothing but look after myself. I want to get busy living - passionately seeking out His purpose for me each and every day! I want to get busy moving, doing, blessing, and being what He has called me to be!!!

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This past Sunday while singing Jon Mark McMillian’s “Oh How He Loves Us”, I was overwhelmed with the  thought of “How vastly different would our lives look if we truly lived daily in the knowledge and understanding of how much our Heavenly Father loved us?”   If we truly had a revelation of this truth, we would clearly see our purpose, our callings, and our destinies.  If we clearly saw our purpose, our callings, and our destinies, we would no longer have the need to be insecure.  With the elimination of our insecurities, imagine how our relationships would change as we would be free to truly LOVE, ENCOURAGE, AND CHALLENGE each other out of pure hearts and motives. Imagine how depression, hopelessness, and loneliness would disappear from our lives.   Imagine how excited we would be about our futures.  Imagine how much easier it would be to advance and take risks without any doubts that our Heavenly Father had our backs!  Imagine how powerful an army of believers who truly lived like this could be!  This is the freedom that the Lord is calling us to. 

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If you follow baseball, you know what happened the other night in game 6 of the National League Pennant Series.  Ryan Howard, Philadelphia’s cleanup batter and the guy they rely on when the chips are down, was up to bat in the 9^th inning.  The Phillies were down 3-2 with 2 on, 2 outs and a full count.  A defining moment if ever there was one!  Unfortunately for Howard, the next pitch seemed low and he did not swing.  The ump saw it differently and called him out on strikes.  It was an unceremonious ending to the season for the Phillies and their fans...

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I have noticed recently teenagers I personally know publicly disrespecting their parents.  Although I know this is not a new trend, it is disturbing nonetheless.  This happens because rebellion at a younger age is never properly confronted. 

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LIFE School enrollment has begun for Fall 2010.  This is an K-12 school that will be meeting at World Harvest Outreach. Check our their website at www.lifeschoolpa.com.

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Alone in the Crowd

Romans 12:5  “so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another."”

It has been said of New York City that it is one of the few places where you can have a sense of community yet still live in anonymity. Many celebrities make their home in NYC because they can go virtually unnoticed in the churning sea of humanity (John Lennon notwithstanding). Yet it’s a town where, under extreme conditions, strangers can become instant family – as witnessed on September 11^th, 2001.

To be able to hide among your own people is the best—and worst—of both worlds.

  Jesus birthed the most miraculous and enigmatic group of people ever to exist upon the earth: the church. Miraculous because of its common message amidst great diversity; enigmatic because that message has yet to truly unify us. “"We are one body” means having a common head, common blood, and common Spirit. We are to share with, commit to, and be in constant prayer for one another.

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What I believe about … Honor

There is only one commandment with a promise – Honor your father and mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the Lord your God gives you (Exodus 20:12).  Paul repeats it in several of his writings in the New Testament.  What might seem a simple command to children of parents, is actually a principle that opens the door of heaven into our lives.

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What I believe about … Honor

There is only one commandment with a promise – Honor your father and mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the Lord your God gives you (Exodus 20:12).  Paul repeats it in several of his writings in the New Testament.  What might seem a simple command to children of parents, is actually a principle that opens the door of heaven into our lives.

Biblical honor is recognition of a person’s value, calling and position.  It is not based upon actions or moral character.  Though Saul fell from grace and became a murderous fiend, David honored him as a man of God throughout his life and in his “song of the bow” in II Samuel 1.  As a result, David was able to walk fully in the leadership mantle originally intended for Saul.

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Will of God: not something we do, it’s something we become
Goal: Kingdom lifestyle: a way of life that flows from our identity as a son of our Father

1. Pull down your image
A. Genesis 1:27, 5:3
B. Compare to Leviticus 26:1-2 “You shall not make for yourselves idols, nor shall you set up for yourselves an image or a sacred pillar, nor shall you place a figured stone in your land to bow down to it; for I am the Lord your God.”
C. We have allowed others, experiences, successes and failures to determine who we are
D. Rom 1:18-21 “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.”

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It’s a hugely broad subject that’s been written about as much as any other.  Yet sex and the sexes is simply not discussed enough in the church.  Healthy communities are the result of healthy families.  And well families come from strong marriages.  Strong marriages come from a man and woman understanding one another and desiring to give to one another according to their design.

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The commonly accepted belief in Christendom is that sin is inherent in man from birth.  I Corinthians 15:22, “for as in Adam all die…”, and Romans 5:18&19 (read at your leisure) are often cited to support the idea that sin entered man as a result of Adam’s decision to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. 

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To grasp this concept we must first understand the difference between identity and behavior.  For too long we have tethered what we do to who we are and we err:

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I want my pen to flow prolifically with words of life that bring newness and wholeness and rememberance of who i was destined to be.....

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Psalms 69:30
I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.

Sunday School
This month we have continued focusing on creativity. We enjoy creating jewelery especially while we are listening to worship music. We have also been talking about our vision for our schools this year and are making a poster to remind us of our vision.

Children’s Church
This month we began a new series on the ‘Names of God’. We have been discussing God our Healer.

Kid’s Kompany
This month we have been focusing on prayer time for what our school vision is and for the people of Haiti. We also prophesy and we love to create all kinds of crafts during this time.

"God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son"

There is interesting language used here - God spoke in the prophets and has spoken to us in His Son.  The perspective is very different than what we considering speaking.  When someone speaks to us, we listen to, and then make decisions based upon, their words.

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"Give no offense either to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God; just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many, so that they may be saved."

Huh??  So Paul, what are saying - are you pleasing men or aren't you?  You can't have it both ways - you either are a man-pleaser or you're not.  So which is it?

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"For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God."

The Holy Spirit is God on the earth.  Scripture is clear that any and all work of the Lord is done here through Him.  His activity in and among His people is the ultimate determinant of heavenly effect in the world.  This is probably why there is such controversy concerning His role.

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"...since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him"

Knowledge, according to scripture, is not what we know in our minds.  It's not data, memorized material or researched information.  To the Lord, knowledge is what we know becoming who we are. 

The new self of Colossians is the knowledge of God.  Mankind's ultimate purpose is to fully express who God is in the earth.  Our relationship with God is an ongoing renewal process by which we are transformed into His image and likeness.  Like it or not, we will never find true fulfillment until we submit to this development.

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