Have You Added To The Gospel?

     What happened to Christians in the last 1800 years.  To be a Christian and Brother in Christ all that was taught in scripture and all that people had to believe was the following:

THE BIBLICAL GOSPEL:

Jesus Christ was born of a Virgin

The Only Begotten Son of God

God in the Flesh

Was Human and Divine

Sinless

Died on the Cross for Your Sins

Buried and Resurrected on the Third Day

Returning For us

We are called to live a Holy & Sober Life for Him

  

These days the message of the Bible has changed.  People have added doctrine of men and have required people to believe all or some of the following in order for them to be a Christian:

THE MODERN DAY GOSPEL

Jesus Christ was born of a Virgin

The Only Begotten Son of God

God in the Flesh

Was Human and Divine

Sinless

Died on the Cross for Your Sins

Buried and Resurrected on the Third Day

Returning For Us

***ADDED 

If you believe and think that you must do your wrong

If you believe and don't do you are wrong

You must believe in the Trinity or/and

You must be able to explain the Trinity Right

You must love Israel or

You must not love Israel

You must believe in the Rapture or

You can't believe in the Rapture

You must be Calvinist or

You must be Arminist

You must be baptized and

You must be baptized in the Name of Jesus or

You must be baptized in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit

You must obey the Sabbath and

You must obey the Sabbath on Saturday or

You must obey the Sabbath on Sunday

     It is so sad to see and hear of Christians discrediting other believers in Christ because they do not believe in the Trinity or know how to explain the Trinity or just because they believe in the Rapture or does not believe in the Rapture.  They may say something like, "How can a person who is saved not believe in the Rapture?"

     I believe the 9 doctrines first mentioned are the only essential and clearly taught doctrines found in the Bible.  Jesus and the Apostles taught them and expounded on them.  Everything else is doctrine of men.  Not that they are bad just not necessary for salvation.  Please remember in the end it will be our faith in Christ and what he did on the cross.  The belief in the Rapture, Calvinism, Baptism, Trinity or any other thing is not going to save us.   

     If you think differently:  Let me know what and why?

    

***CLAIMER please do not read anything more into this than the point that is being made here.  Thank you.  

Persecuted in America True Story of Pastor Michael Salman - PT. 2

     On May 18th, 2012 I was sentenced to serve 60 days by the City of Phoenix Municipal Court.  I was told to report to Jail on June 17th, 2012 at 11:00 PM.    On Sunday morning of my surrender we were getting ready to do what we always did every Sunday and that is to gather and celebrate the Lord Jesus Christ with our family and friends.  The evening was always on our mind but we continued to pray to the Lord for a blessing and strength that would get us through.  We woke up and prepared to gather.  People began to show up at our home around 9:15 am.  We could tell there was a little bit of uneasiness in the heart of those who came to worship that day.  People did not know what to think or how to act.  Suzanne and I continued to Praise the Lord as normal.  While others continued to ask if I was still having to report that evening.  We answered with a Yes, and Praise God, knowing that it had to be God's will.  Even though we knew that we were being persecuted for our faith we still Praised God.  There were fleeting moments of sadness, anger and disbelief but ultimately our trust and our heart belonged to God and we had no choice but to trust in Him.
     We gathered together and began to Praise the Lord.  Worship was Spirit Filled and Suzanne and I really prayed to reach the hand of God.  We prayed fervently for a miracle.  There was no doubt that God had a purpose in all this but as humans we were really trying to figure it out.  My heart was aching deep inside and I just could not allow my flesh to have its glory.  I had to continue in faith believing that God had a purpose in this.  We worshiped and prayed that day.  After worship everyone went home.  My brother and a few other families remained and we made our way to the mall to spend some time together.  I tried to absorb my family as much as I could.  I knew I may not be able to hug them, embrace them, kiss them or see them for at least 60 days.  My wife and I clung to each other knowing that the time was going to come for us to depart one another for awhile.
     We spent time with the kids at Peter Piper Pizza.  It was not long before we found ourselves back at our home in the living room awaiting the time to depart.  Other family and friends had come over that evening and decided to spend the evening with us.  We sat and talked about what God will do through me in there.  Even though I anticipated the work of God in the Jail, I did not want to leave.  My children would come to me randomly throughout the evening and just hug me and kiss me.  They knew that it was not long before I would say good bye to them.  I embraced my wife and eventually had to depart to go to my room for a moment of reflection and composure.  I then thought that we should make a video on what was going to happen.  So my wife and I went into our home office and began to record a small Youtube video.  We finished the video, published it and then uploaded it to Youtube.  The time approached 10:30 pm and it was time for me to depart.  I needed to strength my back and straighten my knees.  I had to be strong for my family.  God give me strength I prayed under my breath.  We gathered together in prayer and wept before the Lord.  I could not hold the tears but did my best.  I kissed my wife and kids one more time and headed out the door, leaving them crying and weeping out loud.  I could hear them as I headed to the car.  My brother and close friend was driving me to the jail that evening.  I felt like I was swallowing a golf ball as I entered the car.  My heart felt like it was bleeding.  Tears started to flow down my cheeks.  I was not so much crying for me as much as I was crying for them.  I knew I would be alright and I knew they would be alright also but the separation was hard.
     As we began to drive to the jail, I felt numb.  It was surreal.  Is this actually happening??  After accepting Christ I had done my best to make sure I never find myself back in jail again and here I am going to jail.  Even though it was for the Glory of God it was still difficult.  We got to the jail.  I had brought with me a couple of bibles to hand out to others who may be waiting to go in.  Of course there were no takers.  I began to witness to others who were waiting to self surrender.  The gates opened for us to go in.  I said my last good-byes and headed inside.  The officer asked me what my charge was.  I told him it was a building occupancy code.  Of course I had to explain to him a little and he just shook his head.  He had not heard what had happened yet.  The officer asked us to take off our shoes and to put our hands against the wall.  He than began to pat search us.  He then escorted us to another room where we lined up and had to fill out a medical survey.  Once we finished that he than sent me and another guy to a 5 by 5 room awaiting processing.  He then called the guy out and began to ask him questions.  As I sat there in the room I began to count the blocks.  I began to think and meditate on what had happened and what had brought us to this point.  As I began to pray I said, "Lord, Is this how you felt when you were all alone ready to be crucified?"  My heart cried out to God.  "Lord, I am so unworthy!  Please give me strength." I told him.  I deserve to be punished for my sins but Jesus did not.  It was not long before I was called to the counter.  The officer began to ask me questions.  He then proceeded to my charge which he had me explain to him a couple of times.  About 10 minutes later he made a call to a supervisor who came to the front.  The supervisor than began to search the database.  He continued to ask me what exactly is the charge.  After no success they looked at each other and began to mumble something.  I then looked at them and asked them, what does this all mean.  The supervisor than stated that I could not be booked because they do not have this charge in their computer.  The officer informed me that no one has ever been jailed for this charge.  He then proceeded to tell me that I could go home now.
       The moment I heard that it was bitter and sweet.  Of course I wanted to go home but I did not want to go through this all over again.  I could not bear to leave my family crying again.  At the same time, I already missed my family so much.  Maybe it was God's way of intervening I thought.  Maybe someone saw the video and came to their senses.  Someone saw the video and said, we can not send someone to jail for worshiping at their home.  This of course was all faithful thinking.
     I called my wife and told her the news.  I of course could not wait for her and began to walk down the street knowing I would run into her.  There was a moment, where I feel to my knees on the sidewalk and thanked God for this moment.  Thank you God, I said, Thank you!  My wife and brother met me and picked me up and took me home.  I surprised my kids while they were asleep.  It was a moment of joy for all of us.  We spent the next day together praising God!!  We did not know what the future would hold for us yet but we knew who held the future.  The video went viral and then the phone calls began.......  PART 3 coming soon.            

Persecuted in America True Story of Pastor Michael Salman - PT. 1

     When we think about persecution for Jesus Christ we never thought to think of America.  We usually think of third world countries that look at Christians as Apostates.  Little do we realize that there is persecution in America and all our society does is mask it.
     As a Christian I could not at all or dare at all to compare myself to the Christians who are imprisoned for years in third world countries for their beliefs or even of those who have lost and are losing family for the Christian Faith.  I am an advocate and supporter of Voice of the Martyrs and know the current persecutions that are going on all over the world.  With that said my story may not compare to the stories that are present in our world but nonetheless, persecution is persecution.  I am also saddened at the Church in America who belittle persecuted Christians.  They mask themselves as law abiding Christians and according to them any Christian who breaks the holy law of the land is rightly prosecuted.  There are many Christians who believe what happened to me is appropriate because I broke the law.  That the law which forbids people to have religious worship at their home is law and anyone who breaks it, Christian or not, deserves to go to jail.  I have had Christians even try to tell me I was not a Christian, and what I and my family went through is not persecution but rather proper prosecution.  While these same Christians may applaud the smuggling of bibles in China and even lift up the under ground churches in China and other countries.  What makes the laws against Christians in America much more holier than the laws against Christians in other countries?  Persecution is persecution no matter if it is in America or in China or Africa or the Middle East.  I will tell you my story shortly, but I would like the world to think about a few things first.  If Christians break the law are they being prosecuted or persecuted?  Persecution of Christians has always been surrounded with the fact that Christians were breaking the law.  Jesus was crucified not because He did miracles but because he was considered an insurrectionist, a blasphemer, a rebel.  He broke the laws of the Jews and the laws of Rome.  Jesus was a law breaker.  Paul, Peter and other apostles were commanded and demanded by law and authority not to preach Jesus Christ.  They refused to obey the authorities and preached the gospel.  They were on the run for many years from the law.  They were law breakers and eventually they were executed for breaking the law.  So can we legitimatize the  concept that law breaking Christians are not being persecuted but prosecuted or that Christians who break the law and suffer for breaking the law in the course of their faith, is not persecution?  Based on the aforesaid, no.  There are Christians all over the world right now as we speak who are in prison, being killed, being tortured and some suffering because they are Christian and because they practice their faith.  Now to my story.
     My wife and I have always had a heart for God.  I was born again in March of 1995 and Ordained in November 1996.  Since the day of my conversion I have always had a heart for Christ and my life, home and family have always been dedicated for Christ.  When I first became converted my life was threatened three times.  One of the time with a shank (A Home Made Knife) to my side and another in the midst of a riot, from a group holding weapons in their hands for rebuking them.  Another time for sitting with Christians of different races.  God had saved me from them all.  I have always been confrontational to sin, injustice and felt my life belonged to Jesus and it was my duty to speak against sin.  To the average Christian in America I am looked at as too radical or fanatical, to those who are baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit I am what Christians should be.  My number one concern has always been to serve and please God by walking and being led by the Holy Spirit.  I do not boast in myself since I have made many mistakes as a Christian but my boast is only in God.  My point is, I am not just one who believes in Christ but one who is willing to live and die for Him.
     In 2007 while my wife and I were hosting bible studies in our living room on Thursday Nights, the City of Phoenix began to warn us to stop.  That if we did not stop we would suffer penalties and repercussions because we were breaking the Construction Code.  According to the letters that were sent to us, these penalties include monetary, civil and criminal prosecutions.  To us this was not only a threat to us as Christians but a test.  How shall we react?  Shall we stop because we are threatened or shall we fight?  In 2007-2008 we received 3 more warnings and a couple of times the Fire Department came to our home and broke up our meetings.  We tried to contact authorities to have them explain their actions.  The only resolution they had was that we would either 1)  Cease our meetings or 2)  Convert our property to meet commercial public assembly standards.
     We continued our gatherings praying that someone would come to their senses and know that we, not only as Christians but Americans, have the right to gather privately in our home.  In 2009 we received a permit to build a 2000 square foot accessory building in our back yard.  We then moved our meetings out of house and into that building.  One month later when we were raided by the police and building inspectors and then 1 year after that, I was faced with criminal prosecution.  The City of Phoenix's reason for criminal prosecution was.....a violation of building and zoning codes!  The cause of our violations was based on the fact that our meetings were religious and since they were religious, we had to meet commercial standards.  Now the City has argued that religion has nothing to do with it but of course we know and believe that this is a mask.  If we were gathering in there to play games we would not be in violation.
     So what did we do wrong?  We did not park in the street, we did not cause extra traffic, we did not break a noise violation or any viewable distractions.  The only thing we did wrong was that the content of our gatherings were religious or let me lean on the side of the City just for this sake:  The only thing we did wrong is that we had gatherings in that building and such gatherings were a safety issue.  With that said.  Would we have been prosecuted if we were having a BBQ or B-Day party or any other gathering?  The obvious answer is absolutely not.  This building was permitted as an Accessory Building to a residence.  It had Air Conditioning, Electrical, Windows, Doors and everything else you would find in a building used to gather.  Since 2007 we have had other gatherings at our home but the only days we were violated were on SUNDAY!  Guess what we did on Sunday??  So because of this I was a criminal.  Many say, well I deserve it.  Some say, there has to be more to this.  All I have to say is if it were as easy as filling out some paperwork, or filing some drawings or making some adjustments we would do that.  It is much more than that.  According to the City in order for us to have any religious gatherings at our home we had to become commercial and adhere to commercial building codes.  Commercial zoning codes are made for public assembly purposes.  They entail, commercializing your property.  These means all our buildings would have to be Fire Sprinkled.  We would have to pave our property.  Provide Handicap Parking, Ramps and Bathrooms.  We would have to develop 1000 feet of road in front of our home which would include, Curb, Gutter, and Sidewalk and Light Posts.  We would have to install 2 Fire Hydrants.  Could you imagine if the City of Phoenix came to you and said this is what you would have to do if you want people over your home?  The last time I had 30 friends at my home was on May 20th, & May 27th, 2012 and I was in violation because I still had not converted my property to meet commercial standards.  While my neighbor down the street had over 60 people at his home on the same day at the same time.  So is this persecution or prosecution?  Well, I do not want to get off the subject but in all of this a person must examine himself and say, why were we persecuted, why did we have meetings, why did we go through this, it was because we were practicing our Faith.  We are Christians.  We did not have a night club?  We did not have a social club?  We gathered in the Name of Jesus Christ at our home since 2007 and to the City this was not permitted.  We havr been persecuted since 2007 for our faith.  Now of course the City of Phoenix would never say, that it was because of our faith, but rather because we were breaking their laws.  We were law breakers and Michael Salman deserves to go to jail for breaking the law.  So that is where they sent me:  To them because I am a lawbreaker but to me and countless others because I am Christian.  Some may say, "It was not because you were a Christian!" but I would like to ask them this...Would I have even been in this predicament if I was not a Christian??  No!
     I was sentenced to 60 days in Jail.  The day I surrendered it was difficult.  I left my family crying.  I was torn from the inside.  My heart was hurt and my faith was shook.  I was proud to be persecuted for Christ but at the same time I was feeling torn inside.....MORE TO COME on what it was like inside Jail....on Part 2         

REALLY AGAIN!!

Yes, folks again!  Christians persecuted for our beliefs.  In our homes, on the streets and in our churches.  These days these City ordinances that have a ficade of protecting the public do nothing but persecute believers in Christ.  These people were arrested because they were a public safety issue.  Give me a break.  When will Christians look beyond this chicanery and this misrepresentation and veil of religious persecution from the Anti-Christ.  There will be Christians who say, why don't they just go preach somewhere else?  They deserve to go to jail because they broke the laws and Christians don't break laws!  What do we say to all this?  Christians we need to stand united, we need to love one another and repent of our sins.  We only have each other and we need to stand against those who persecute us and our brothers and sisters in Christ.  This is all we have.  Love one another and serve the Lord with all your heart.  Our God loves us. 

Another Home Worship Attacked

     If you haven't heard already, another couple is being attacked for practicing their faith at home.  That's right!  Shane and Marlen Roessiger, of Venice, Fla. are facing a $250 per day fine for hosting Friday night prayer and Bible study gatherings.  Could you believe that?  And Guess what?  The government in Venice is also claiming zoning and safety regulations.  Really??....I wonder how much garbage they will pull up on Shane and Marlen, to make the public believe that they deserve to be prosecuted. 
    The propaganda of those in power these days is, "let us make them look so bad and evil that they deserve to be persecuted, because they really are not Christians anyway."  This is the ploy of the devil.  This is the scheme of Satan.  He is the accuser of the Brethern.  Since day one Christians have been targeted as bad people, evil people, haters and cause riots.  They have been hunted in the name of the LAW and pulled into death and imprionment by lench mobs who believe that they deserve it all for the name of public safety. 
     I want to remind you of the words of Caiaphas the Hight Priest when they decided to crucify Jesus, 
 John 11:49-50
And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, (50) Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.

      These words still echo today.  It is better for Jesus to die than to risk the death of the whole nation.  In other words for the name of public safety and the best interest of the public let us kill Jesus.
     The irony of all this is, the only people who get it are Christians.  May God open the eyes of those who are His so that we may stand united against the spirit of the Anti-Christ.  There will come a time when it  can not be helped but at least let us prolong it. 

 

Michael Salman, Tent City and Present

     I want to first of all Thank the Lord Jesus Christ for my family and friends who have shown me and my family so much support.  I know that there has been a lot of rumors, accusations and gossip floating out there.  Facts have been mixed and people really do not know what to believe or not to believe.  Yet, there are the smarter ones who look at the real underling issues of religious freedoms, private property and such and do not allow the past, present or other irrelevant facts distort any truth.  These are those who come to the conclusion that there is a problem with zoning and regulations that prevent people from privately gathering on their property.  Nonetheless we have a great team of attorney's who are continuing to fight for our rights and the rights of many out there.  There is no one immune from accusations.  Whether you are the President of the United States or you are the Pope.  The media and some critics have no problem yelling, screaming and puffing up facts to make you look bad, but that is O.K.  I guess it comes with the territory.  If I was not sincere about my faith I would not have ended up in jail for it.  My body and my life reflect my faith in Christ.  I am convinced and those who are closest know who I am and what I stand for and that is all that matters.  I show my faith by my works.  Even though I may not be perfect, one thing I do, is to learn and to grow and draw closer to God.  It is something I pray and wish for all.  Until then I will continue to enjoy my wonderful family.  My wife of 13 years has been such a blessing.  A woman of God I would not trade for the world.  My wonderful children.  All girls who love their father, are excellent in schoo,l all achieving high honors and in Gifted Programs.  Christian friends and family who seek the Lord and are ready to serve the Lord without any regrets.  When I sit down to eat and see my wife and my kids around the table eating with me, then I know I am the wealthiest man in the world.  There are battles we may lose but through Christ we will ultimately win the war.  Those who put their trust in God will never be put to shame.    

Christian Sentenced to Jail for Home Worship

We want to continually thank everyone who has and continues to help us fight this fight.  The City of Phoenix has been harassing Suzanne and I since 2007 infoming us that we could not have Bible Studies at our home.  Even though our home is not open to the public, our guest have never parked in the street or caused noise or traffic issues the City of Phoenix had warned us for a year period to cease and desist.  We have argued with the City that we have the same rights as anyone else to gather our property.  The City of Phoenix has stated that since our meetings are religious we had to become a "Church" and conform to an "A" Occupancy before having worship.  As Christians we had tried to cooperate with the City only to come up to the conclusion that someone in the City did not like us and changed the ordinance on us 3 times to prevent us from gathering.  After contacting an attorney and the Dept of Justice we were informed that our First Amendment Rights protect us to privately gather and worship.
     The City of Phoenix saw the practice of our faith as rebellion and charged me with 67 building code and zoning code violations because we were having worship but was not a "Church" ultimately they sentenced me to 60 days in Jail, 3 years probation and $12,000 in fines.  We are currently having to fight this in Federal Court.  I am to report to jail on July 9th, 2012.  Please see video above.  We want to first of all thank you for all your prayers and if there is one thing that we do envy it is your prayers.
     Many have asked how they can help financially to help us fight this.  Though we are not asking for money and know God will provide, we would like to allow those who feel a need to participate have a  chance to.  Please see the link below to donate to the Legal Fund.     

Free By Him!

     When we think of the wonderful things of God and the great stories in the bible we truly see the power of God.  When these things happen to you, you actually feel the power of God.  While there are those who would love to see me in jail for reasons unknown God, says, "No!" at least not now and we pray not ever.  There are of course those jokers out there who do not care about God or His people and all I have to say is we are sad for you.  It is to bad that they do not know God like we do and we can only pray that they would come to understand that God is awsome.  Even though Suzanne and I have never had any of our guests who come cause any traffic, noise or parking issues we are called and considered terrorists to some.  I guess if you were communistic or unamerican or satanic or all of the above you call us terrorist.  If people practicing their God given rights on their property in America which allows such gatherings by the Consititution is terrorism to you, then you need to move.  We live in America.  May our Lord Jesus Christ Bless us and use us!!  The City of Phoenix is our City and we know God has placed some great people in it.  In leadership and in residence.  May God raise them up to stand strong for the people of God! 

The Demise Of America

     It is very hard to believe for some folks that the United States of America is on its way out the door.  America the beautiful touched and blessed by God and called by God is reaching its end.  Now when I mean end I am not talking about the end of the USA as much as what this country represents.  Our nation has turned to preversion and sin in a way that is becoming an aboharence to God.  How can God bless a nation that does not want Him?  How can God bless a nation that is passing laws and values that are contrary to Him?  Our television sets are full of swear words and sex.  Even cartoons these days are exposing children to filth.  Homosexuality is at a rise and the acceptance, not tolerance but acceptance of homosexuality has even infiltrated the Church.  False Pastors and Teachers who call themselves Christians are teaching a preverted Gospel.  Teaching that God accepts such sin.  One of the sure signs of a world gone wrong is when the Church itself becomes corrupted by sinful teaching.  If the Hull is broke so goes the ship. 
     There are Pastors out there calling for repentance.  Calling for our nation to turn back to God.  Reaching out to people and to leaders of our nation to make a stand.  Even then so called Christian leaders have washed their hands and have taken the excuse that if they stand for Christ they will not have a job anymore. 
     Are we too late???  I believe the answer to that is YES!!  This nation will not be saved.  It has refused to believe in God and continues to spiral down.  It is not that hard to believe.  Israel which was a Nation called by God and directed by God was on the same path as we were.  Listen to what God said to Jeremiah:

Jeremiah 11:10-14
(10)They are turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers, which refused to hear my words; and they went after other gods to serve them: the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken my covenant which I made with their fathers.
(11) Therefore thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon them, which they shall not be able to escape; and though they shall cry unto me, I will not hearken unto them.
(12) Then shall the cities of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem go, and cry unto the gods unto whom they offer incense: but they shall not save them at all in the time of their trouble.
(13) For according to the number of thy cities were thy gods, O Judah; and according to the number of the streets of Jerusalem have ye set up altars to that shameful thing, even altars to burn incense unto Baal.
(14) Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up a cry or prayer for them: for I will not hear them in the time that they cry unto me for their trouble.

     Jeremiah was instructed by God not to pray for the nation because they have fallen so far off tract.    Has our nation come to this now.  I believe YES.  God will not bless our Nation no more.  I love my country and for me is a hard pill to swallow but it is a pill that you and I must take.  Jeremiah was thrown into the pit, he was assaulted, arrested and abused because of what he believed.  Yet, all their abuses never changed the fact that God had punishment due for Judah. 
     So what do we do now.  Pray.  Pray for God's mercy upon our nation, our people, our churches, our soldiers.  Embrace for the impact.  Hold on to the Parachute.  This plane is going down.  God will save those who are His.  I leave you with one more scripture:

2 Peter 2:9
(9) The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

I am Only Doing My Job!

     Today there are so many Christians who feel that, "Doing their Job" is justification to the behavior they have towards others.  Can you imagine if this excuse was valid with God?  Who then would be guilty of their actions.  One of the first people who believed in this type of behaviour is found in the New Testament.  The High Priest when plotting to have Jesus arrested and killed, justified his actions by saying,

John 11:49

  But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, You have no knowledge of anything;

John 11:50

You do not see that it is in your interest for one man to be put to death for the people, so that all the nation may not come to destruction.



     Another person who did the I am only "Doing my Job." was Pontious Pilate,

 

Matthew 27:24So when Pilate saw that he was able to do nothing, but that trouble was working up, he took water and, washing his hands before the people, said, The blood of this upright man is not on my hands: you are responsible.

     Will these actions and the actions of others be immunity when Christ returns?  A police officer or public official who claims himself to be "doing his job" may not be immune to the punishment of God.  For example, President Obama who claims that he as a president is fighting for the rights of all people has stated that he is for Same Sex marriage.  Even though such beliefs are contrary to the Bible, it is easy for him to say, that my beliefs and my job are 2 different things.

     If this was valid in the sight of God than Christians or so called Christians can get away with murder.  Which I believe some have, ie. some of our Military Campaigns.  God will judge each person according to their works, and if it is their Job that has caused them to become and believe and act unrighteously God will judge that accordingly. 

     It would have been easy for Daniel to not get thrown into the Lions Den or for Shadrach, Meshach and Abendego not to be thrown into the fire if they just did what the King wanted them to do.  Being public officials they could have easily justified their actions before God and the people by saying, they are only "Doing their Job."  Yet, they were much wiser than that and knew that God would not give them immunity for "Doing their job." 

     We need to remember that maybe we have the job we have so that we can honor, protect and do the things God wants us to do.  As Mordcai said to his neice Esther, "For you do not know, Esther whether God may have placed you authority for such a time as this." (PARAPHRASED)

     Let us obey God and follow Him even if it costs us our Job.  Peter said it well, "You decide for yourselves this day what is better, to follow God or obey man."



Christianity and Who They Support?

     In this world there are all types of people and beliefs.  Just by turning on the T.V. and watching it for a few moments it will become evident that our world is different than the world God wants it to be.  When we look at why we live in a world that is contrary to God we are left with one conclusion:  It is because people want it to be that way. 

     In 2012 there is an election to choose our next President.  This man will be one who makes laws and controls the direction our country goes.  The decisions he makes in office will effect us for years to come.  Today we face some of the crisis because of the decisions that our former leaders have made in office. 

     Behind the curtain we see another change occuring.  A change that is taking us away from the serving of the ONE TRUE GOD.   Same Sex marriage is being voted in and the acceptance of homosexuality has become the norm.  Our nation is killing infants in the womb and the rise against the Christian religion and any religion that defies the ways of this world is being treated with hostility.  The reason this is happening is because of those who we have voted in, do not care about what God thinks. 

     There are Christians who are voting people into power because of Healthcare.  They are voting people in because of immigration or because of race.  People are being voted into office because people believe that such a person has a great economic plan.  Meanwhile these people who are coming into power do not care for the principle of God.   They do not follow the ONE TRUE GOD or His ways.

     I ask you a question Christian, why do you think that voting for someone who is contrary to God and his principles is O.K. with God?  Do you believe that Healthcare for our nation is more important than the Same-Sex marriage issue?  Do you believe how a person acts economically is more important than how they treat pregnancy or what they think about abortion?  Why do the things of this world seem more important to you than the things of God? 

     President Obama and others like him do not believe in the principles and ways of our Lord Jesus Christ, but you don't care about that do you?  As long as you get your Healthcare you are fine.  President Obama and others like him accept what God calls an abomination, but you don't care about that either, do you?  As long as he can change the economy you are fine.  Why are these more important to you than the things of God??  Why?? 
1 Corinthians 10:20-22
(20)But I say that the things which the nations sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God. And I do not desire that you should have fellowship with demons.
(21) You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot be partakers of the Lord's table and of a table of demons.
(22) Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?

     If you are a Christian, then you are called and commanded and obligated to vote for someone who believes in the principles of God.  Any other vote is disobedience to God and a willful rebellion to Him.
Luke 11:23
(23) He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters.
     This is an automatic placement of who and what you are.

     IF YOU ARE a Born Again Christian than you will support those who support the ways of the Lord.  Now some of you may say, "I am a Born Again Christian" but I don't believe God cares about politics or who I vote for.  I leave you with these quotes made by men of God who called these people to make a vote or decision:

Jos_24:15And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

Joshua was asking the people to make a vote.  Either support the ways of God or support the ways of this world.  You can not have both so you have to chose one or the other. 

1 Kings 18:21
(21) And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.
     In this story Elijah was also commanded the people to vote.  Either they worship God or they worship Baal.  They can not say they worship god but support the ways of Baal.

NUMBER 16 - PLEASE READ (Moses asks the people to choose between him or Korah.  All those who chose Korah was destroyed.)

     Please do not tell me that God does not care who you choose to support.  The bible is filled with examples of God destroying everyone and everything that decides to vote for men or women who do not follow God.

     Next time you cast a vote ask yourself:  What does this person think about God and His ways?  Does this person believe in and follow the ways of God?  

     If you have comments or you think I'm wrong show me where.  If I am right though I bid you to choose the right path and the right person.  One who supports the principles of Christ. 

Pastor Michael Salman
Servant of Jesus Christ

Helping The Poor and the Role of Believers

     It is not a secret that in Phoenix Arizona it has become a little cold and wet.  As I drive the street I can not ignore those who are walking around with large bags and some with baskets indicating their homelessness.  It always make me wonder what made people come to the place they were at in the first place.  Was it drugs, alcohol, divorce or some tragedy that has occurred to them.  I know that in Phoenix there are programs and shelters that not only house but help those who are homeless get off the street.  Sometimes I wonder if maybe those who are walking the streets have already tried so many time to get off that they just quit and accepted their transit living.  Which brings me to the subject of this blog:  What is the Christians role when seeing people like this walking the street?  I get so guilty sometimes because I think that it is my responsibility to at least offer someone walking the street like that some shelter.  Then I think of why are they not in a shelter or existing program already?  I know that my family and the ministry supports programs like OCJ Kids which deals with Orphans, The Dream Center which has rescue missions, along side ministries and many others.  So then why are these people not utilizing such resources.  I know that in our fellowship when a family becomes homeless due to job or other situations my wife and I open our doors and home to them.  We have had various families come in and out of our lives because of reasons like this.  I believe this is where the Christian must shine through.  No Christian family belonging to the Church of God should go homeless.  Sometimess we get calls from families asking us for resources.  One of the first questions I ask is do they belong to a fellowship or congregation.  It is so surprising home almost 9 out of 10 say, "NO".  When I ask them why not? There is always some reason they chose not to belong but have chose rather to ask from one.  We have helped people like this also encouraging them to be part of a Christian Family. 
     Now back to those who are not.  It is the Christian Fellowship or Congregation call to support local programs that help the homeless, the orphan and the widow.  By doing this the burden is carried by the whole Christian Faith rather than the dependency or burden of just one.  When a person on the street in encountered it is easy to direct someone to such a program.  If they chose not to take the opportunity ones hands are clean.  In order for our directing one to such a Homeless Mission it is important that we do not just give the burdens but help carry them.  I thank God that our Mission helps and does just that and I can only pray that yours does likewise.  MERRY CHRISTMAS! 

Pastor Michael Salman   

Court Case Update 11/2011

     Grace to you and peace from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.  This is an update on our recent court case.  This week we went to the State Court to fight for the Bible Board in front of our home.  The Board is used to quote scripture to the 2500+ cars that pass in front of our home on a daily basis.  It went well "we believe".  Our point that Political and other signage is given exceptions and certain circumstances that do not need a permit, while religious speech is required to have a permit, was emphasised in the appeal.  This is an issue of treating non-religious differently than religious.  This City has a big problem with persecuting religious folks.  I pray this changes with the new administration.  There is a change in our plan for federal intervention.  We thought that if Suzanne went to the appeal and if the decision was against her we would be able to file the lawsuit in federal court but meeting with our attorney's yesterday that would not be the case.  To make sure the Federal case sticks she would have to appeal to the Arizona Court of Appeals.  After that if there is still an unfavorable decision than we can file our lawsuit in reference to the sign.  The attorney's did inform us that it would be good to keep the suit separate so that our issues are clear. 
      I did get the extension for filing the Appeal Memorandum.  I will be asking for oral argument so when that happens we need all those in support to stand up and let this state know that what is happening here in our City is an injustice and discrimination against religious meetings.  If we receive an unfavorable decision in this court we will then be filing the Federal Lawsuit.  The great news is that the Pacific Justice Institute and our attorneys will be working together to fight this.  As some of you know the PJI is fighting a similar case that happened this year in California. 
     I just want to thank everyone who support us in many ways.  Prayer, financial and such comes from people who care.  As Christians we want to be good neighbors.  We live in this neighborhood also.  The park is across from us, we have 2500+ cars in front of our home on a daily basis and our street is an arterial street.  So we do not live in a small quiet neighborhood.  Our meetings do not disturb the tranquility of the neighborhood, traffic or parking.  Our guest never park in the street, we have 4.6 acres of land that anyone can park on.  That is room for over 100+ cars.  We are not loud in the sense of noisy.  As a matter of fact during the weekend the sounds coming from the park during the weekend overbear our noise.  This is why we are so baffled on why this City believes it can prosecute us?  Our neighbors on the other hand have get together where they park in the street, are loud, cause traffic concerns and yet they do not need a permit.  The only conclusion we have is that we are prosecuted because they are religious and because they are religious they need a permit.  This has been made very clear in court by testimony.  Folks this is not a battle only for us but every church that has home studies, cell groups, home groups and ministries that begin in the home are all in threat.  If you meet weekly at your home with more than 2 guests, according to the City you are in violation.  If someone complains about your 2 or more people meeting in your home for Bible Study the City will prosecute you.  This is true, documented and testified on.  Sounds ridiculous?  We feel the same way and that is why we are taking this to court.  Non-Commercial Private meetings even religious must be protected.  PRIVATE IS PRIVATE.  NOT COMMERCIAL is NOT COMMERCIAL.  Churches these days are open to the public and they are commercial they have signs in the front, they invite the general public to come in, they are not discretionary on who comes in.  This is not our case.  We are not open to the public, we do not invite the general public and believe me I am very discretionary on who comes to my home.  My family lives there.  My personal items and goods are there.  There is a big difference.  Well I rattled off enough.  Please keep us in prayer and thank you all for your constant support.  In Christ we are always victorious. 

 

Update On Federal Case

     This is an update of where we are in reference to our lawsuit against the City of Phoenix and there prosecution against home worship, home bible studies, home groups and other religious house groups.  This case is more than an issue of freeing me from going to jail for what I have done.  Rather this case is about the rights that Christians and other religious groups should have when meeting in a private setting.  Especially in ones home. 
     The City of Phoenix has under sworn testimony stated that religious groups specifically bible studies in a home even if 30 minutes per week are required to have a permit and conform their property under commercial standards.  That means ALL churches and religious meetings if done in a home are required to abide under commerical standards.  A occupancy or B occupancy guidliness.  In the meantime, other groups "secular" in nature are not required to do that.  Such as Neighborhood Block Watch, Boy Scouts, Political Hostings (Which are currently going on today) and other secular meetings are not required to abide under these rules.  So Religious NO Secular YES.  There is a problem with this.  It is evident that under such sworn guideliness and testimony by building inspectors and supervisors there is going to be no problem winning a lawsuit.  The only problem is PROTOCOL.
     On October 10th, 2011 the Judge dismissed the lawsuit claiming that since we are still fighting this in the State Forum it is premature to bring it to the Federal Forum.  Even though at first we were a little upset we believe that it is a good thing this happened.  It would be a tragedy to go through the lawsuit and win only to have it overturned in the Appeal Process.  This has saved us a lot of money.  Thank you Jesus.  So now we are going to exhaust the State Court and if the City still proceeds to discriminate against private religious meetings we will refile the lawsuit again and make sure our rights along with other rights are protected. 
     Meanwhile Suzanne and I will be going to court for our Bible Board in the front on Monday.  The Bible Board quotes scripture to passerbys.  The City of Phoenix is claiming that such signs require a permit.  We say they do not require such permits.  As a matter of fact if you have driven in our City lately you will find 4 x 8 signs lining our streets and yards.  VOTE GULLETT FOR MAYOR and such.  According to the City of Phoenix these signs do not require a permit.  Only the permission of the property owner.  So why do signs that have religious messages required to have a permit while political signs are not.  This again is discrimination.  If Suzanne loses the appeal we will exhaust the State immedietly and file a lawsuit challenging the Sign Ordinance to protect religious and noncommercial speech on private property.  This will be a lawsuit seperate from the Private Worship. 
      Seperating the lawsuits and making them 2 instead as combined 1 will allow us to make sure our rights are defended and that our demands are clear.  We continue to pray for the Leadership of our City and continue to pray that religious speech and assemblies are protected. 

In Jesus Name,

Pastor Michael Salman

Permission Slip from Caesar

Permission Slip from Caesar

This is a great article indicating the major fight that is about to occur in the United States over the issue of Home Worship and Studies. It is a fight everyone needs to get involved in.

Modern Women Role Models

     The other day I turned on the television and began to watch a show I had not seen in awhile.  It is called the King of Queens.  As I am watching the show I could not believe that Carrie, the wife of Kevin James character, and what she was saying about her husband and to her husband. Yes I know it is only a show.  She was insulting him and treating him like a dumbie.  Then I began to think of other shows like I love Raymond and thought of his wife Debra and how she also disrespects her husband.  The scary thing is these shows are very popular.  I then began to try to think of a show where the husband has respect and the wife but could not think of one.  I then began to think of family shows and kid shows.  What happened to the family?  Shows like, iCarly, Hannah Montana, Salena Gomez, Sonny with a Chance, Suite Life of Zack and Cody and how none of these shows have a mother and father.  If you have not guessed it by now, "Yes I have a lot of children."  I also thought about how many of these shows have the female as the dominant figure.  What happened to Leave it to beaver, Brady Bunch and other family shows that show a some form of family unit and husband and wife love and respect. 
     I have been an Ordained Pastor since 1996.  I have counseled and spoke to hundreds of couples and marriages.  I can assure you that what Hollywood is showing is destroying marriages.  I was speaking to a couple several years ago having a casual conversation when his wife began to say how stupid her husband was.  Giving him looks and me looks like he was an idiot.  She was correcting him at almost everything he said.  After knowing the couple much more it was no shock to me that they had sever marital problems.  Eventually they separated ways.  A man can only take so much and a woman can only go so far.  When the woman becomes the dominating force in the marriage there is nothing but trouble and issues.  Even if the man decides he likes it that way the natural and Godly instinct of a woman is never satisfied with it.  You see despite the fact women think they want the power in a marriage, they do not.  They want a man who takes control and knows and understands what he is doing.  The problem is when the man tries to take control the woman does not allow him the time or effort. 
     This blog can never do justice to what is really happening but it is evident that we have a very serious scenario effecting and infecting marriages.  This is why it is time for Women to stand up and teach otter women by example what it means to be a Godly woman.  How to love and respect her husband.  How to speak what is right and true.  It is up to Christians like you and I to help correct and teach the younger to respect and live their husbands and be the woman God had called them to be. 

SHORT STORY - THE RIGHT THING!

THE RIGHT THING

Born in New York in a Suburb called Yonkers my friends were always those who enjoyed playing outside in the cold of winter. Our greatest sport was kick ball. We always used the spongy one. Our street was not the widest in New York and we knew that if that ever hit any car it would not break any windshields or dent any doors or hoods. We only had to worry about Tiny. Tiny was really not tiny he was big but we called him Tiny. He was 12 years old and weighed a close 250 lbs and stood 5’9. His family was Italian so we knew that his mother fed him well. You see there was that time Tiny was running for a pop up that was kicked and let’s just say that when Tiny hit the side of Mrs. Morthers brand new Cadillac is was not a pretty sight. The Cadillac lost. Everyone ran except for me and Kenny. We just stared at the Cadillac. Even Tiny got up and ran, well more like wobbled away. The next thing I felt was Mrs. Morther dishwashing cold wet hands pinching my ears and her screeching voice saying, “You know who did this?” Of course I did not want to be a rat so I denied it the best I could.


My dad was a hard worker. Most days my dad would leave in the morning usually before we woke up and would return at night right before we went to bed. He was a man of integrity. We were raised in a religious home with pictures of Jesus on our walls and the cross in all our bedrooms. Every Sunday we would go to church and my father would not allow us to sit in the service but always volunteered us to do something. Whether it was Sunday School, serving or handing out bulletins we were always told that Christians are those who serve and are people of action not reaction. I never really knew what that meant until I got older. So there I was in front of the man who ran our home and taught us the good principles of the bible staring me in the eyes.

“I know how you feel son. Being a rat is not something someone wants to be. “ he calmly spoke those words to me. I could not help but tear. “Now let me ask you this” he said, “did you do it?” I slowly nodded my head “no.” He then asked “do you know who did it?” Slowly with tears running down my 11 year old face whispered, “yessss..” My dad then held my shoulder as of assuring me that it was o.k. but wanted me to understand something. He took a deep breathe and said, “Son, even though you did not do it, but you knew who did and was not willing to tell, it was only right that we pay for the damages.” I immediately said, “That was not fair.” My dad then told me a story in the bible that relates to God’s mercy and judgment.

David was a man of God who loved God a lot. He was attracted to a woman but the problem is the woman was another mans wife. He did not care but instead took her to his house and she turned out to be pregnant. To make the matter worse David had no choice but to kill her husband to hide the affair. David thought he got away but God knew. You see God told David that he had done an evil thing but that God knew deep inside David loved God but was weak and did wrong. David begged for God’s forgiveness and God forgave David. God then said that just because David was forgiven he would have to pay for the consequences of His sin. This consequence was that the baby would die and that the sword will not depart from the house of David. Just because we receive God’s forgiveness does not mean we immediately live without the consequences of our sins.

My Dad then explained to me that the consequence of me knowing and yet not telling is that we pay for the damages. So sure we keep what we think is right but we ultimately pay for it elsewhere. My dad ultimately paid for the repairs himself. Kenny was not going to tell either but Kenny’s dad was not like my dad. So Kenny’s dad did not offer anything. When the news spread through the neighborhood that my dad paid for the repairs even though it was not his sons fault, Tiny confessed to his dad. Tiny’s dad was very apologetic. Tiny’s dad owned a small fruit cart in the neighborhood. He could not pay back my dad all at once but between the free fruit and payments all was finally made well and right.

*THIS STORY IS COPYRIGHT. 

When referring tot he disciples this is what was said of them:


Acts 17:6

(6) And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;

Today we live in a fantasy world. A people who call themselves Christians and who say they stand for Christian beliefs and faith but are nothing but:

2 Peter 2:17
(17) These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.

I think about how can a the Church the representatives of Jesus Christ claim that they want to change the world but are doing nothing about it. We claim we want to change our City but we refuse to vote and place those in office who care for what we believe in. Even for our country. We placed a man who is not a Christian. How can we who claim to be believers in a country full of such not be able to change or place someone in office who believes what they believe.

Christianity in America is apostate. All those so called Christian who vote for people who do not have their same beliefs and backing are false believers.

Christians in Amercia complain and moan and groan about Shiria Law that the Muslims are passing in their country. GOOD FOR THEM. Maybe we can learn from the heathens. We can learn from the wicked how to run a country for Jesus Christ. So called Christians need to stop their blood clot crying and start acting like Christ showed them. The Christians in America have no part or lot in the Christ of Heaven. Only those who are His and He know who they are will find themselves in His Arms.

Some Christians may claim that God does not want Christians to be involved in politics. Are you so ignorant that you have not read your bible? What does it teach us and show us? Every prophet, teacher and evangelist was involved in Politics.

Name one prophet who was not???? Name one Disciple who did not go into the town halls and preach against the injustice of the rulers and idolatry of the people???

God's people are called into the world that they live in. To change it. To represent Christ in it.

Al them Pastors who pray for your City, State and Country stop your talking and move your people to do something about it.

Isaiah 56:10
(10) His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.

This all I have to say for now!!

Pastor Michael Salman

WHEN THEY SAY YOUR WRONG!!

1 Peter 2:12 and maintain good conduct among the non-Christians, so that though they now malign you as wrongdoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God when he appears.

     As a Christian and especially one that is on the front line of teh Christian Faith it is easy to find myself in the line of fire.  People calling me a wrongdoer, holy roller, Jesus Freak, hypocrite and such.  The bible never promises that those who live for Christ will be loved by everyone.  As a matter of fact it is quite the opposite.  A person who lives for Christ and follows His ways find themselves on the other end of the pole.  Think of all the prophets and ministers who have ever lived before us.  How were they treated and why?  Do we see thuis now?  No!  Rather we have Christians who are loved by everyone.  I mean everyone.  Rick Warren, Joel Osteen and such are popular among the secular.  Is there something they are doing right or is there something they are doing wrong?  If the bible says that those who live Godly will suffer persecution and Jesus himself states that we will be persecuted and hated for His name sake, but instead you are loved, someone is telling lies.  I can assure you it is not Jesus. 

     No matter what people say about you or to you remember this, at the end the promise is they will glorify God when he returns.  We can only pray it is not too late for them.

In Jesus Name!

Are Tattoos Sin? Can I Get A Tattoo If I Am A Christian?

     There is a question always looming over the head of Christian folks on whether or not Tattoos are permitted.  I am sure that you have encountered someone who claims to be a Christian and has a Tattoo.  I know that I am one of them.  As a Christian I have tattoos.  None of the tattoos I received was while I was a believer but rather living in sin.  When I became a Christian it did not take a study in the scriptures to know that Tattoos were frowned upon.  I remember when I came across a new believer who felt that a Tattoo of a Cross on his back was a form of honoring God.  Even though the design looked nice there was something that just not go well with me. 
     So what does God say about Tattoos?  Can a Christian have a Tattoo?  Is it a sin to have a Tattoo?  Would God send you to Hell for having a Tattoo?
     I would like to answer the last question first. Even though there are a lot of things that you can do that may not send you to Hell, it should not be permitted. 

1 Corinthians 6:12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

     Just because it may not send me to Hell it does not mean I should do it.  Even in this scripture the reference has to do with being a good witness.  Which allows me now to answer the next question.  Can a Christian have a Tattoo? 
     We are called to be good witnesses of Christ.  We are to stand as representatives of God's Kingdom.  Even though in this time of age a Tattoo is an accepted NORM it represents the world.  A person who has a Tattoo is usually someone who is represented as worldly.  Of course there is some exceptions but they are very few in between.  If you have a Tattoo, ask yourself, why did I get this Tattoo?  What is the meaning of the Tattoo?  Why did I feel like I had to have this Tattoo?  Much of the answer is Pride.  It looked nice.  I felt hip.  It made me feel a little better.  It makes me look tough.  Many other answers are followed.  If one of them were I wanted to honor God, then I can assure you that the person who got the Tattoo for that reason did not ask God what he thought.  This brings us to the last question.  Is a Tattoo a Sin?

Leviticus 19:28 Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.


     In the text above it is very plain that a Tattoo is a Mark Printed on you.  So the answer is YES.  Tattoos are a sin.  They are disobeying the will of God.  God does not intend for believers to have anything on them printed, marked or pierced that represents the World.
     For the sake of exegisis, I would like to exegite this text further so that you may understand the deeper truth of it.  
 
The word PRINT in the Hebrew is  
 
"nâthan"


A primitive root; to give, used with great latitude of application (put, make, etc.):  


The word MARK is

"kethôbeth"


keth-o'-beth

From H3789; a letter or other mark branded on the skin:

     The purest form of this text is just that you shall not have a letter or mark branded on the skin.

     Tattoos are forbidden by God.  They do not honor God nor is God pleases when a Christian gets one.
     As Christians we are called to a higher calling.  A life for God and in God.  To present our Bodies a living sacrifice.  This means that our Bodies, our Skin, our Life belongs to God not us.  We are to represent Him.  Tattoos do none of that. 

     If you are a Christian and you received a tattoo as a believer you must repent.  Ask God to forgive you for your ignorance to His Law.  Ask him to cleanse you and that you will not show pride or be proud of the Tattoo but rather it will be looked at as immaturity and fleshly.  When people ask about it you will use it as a Testimony of how you thought it was alright but it is not.  That the only cutting of the flesh and marking of the flesh that Christ wants is that of the heart.  God will lead you. 

In Christ Name.

Pastor Michael Salman
 

Is There a Rapture. New Study New Insight!!

Does the bible teach that there is a Rapture?




There are churches and so many that teach on this doctrine called the Rapture. The purpose of the doctrrie of the Rapture is based on the premise that God will not allow His beleivers to enter a time of tribulation and judgement on the earth. That prior to the great tribulation the Lord shall Rapture the believers and take them to heaven. The most famous of all texts used to prove the Rapture is found in 1 Thessolonians 4:16-18 which reads the following:



1Thessolonians 4:16-18

(16) For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

(17) Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

(18) Wherefore comfort one another with these words.



Is this scripture really evidence of the Rapture? If we examine this scripture a little closer you will find a few key words and phrases that truly indicate what this event is.



1) The Lord Himself Shall Descend.

2) With a voice of the Arch-Angel.

3) With the Trumpet of God.

4) The Dead in Christ shall Rise First.

5) Then we who are Alive and Remain shall be Caught up to be with the Lord.



Now let us look at other scripture that pertains to the resurrection. It is important to note that the event of the Resurrection as all agree occurs at the end of the tribulation where the Rapture is before the tribulation.



1 Corinthians 15:51-52

(51) Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

(52) In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.



Now after reading this we come up with these key phrases:



1) We will not all sleep (WHICH MEANS DIE) but we will all be changed.

2) In a twinkling of an eye, at the Last Trumpet.

3) The dead shall be raised.



In this text we can see such similiar factors found in 1 Thessolonians 4:16-18



1) When this event occurs there will be both Dead and Alive Christians who are resurrected.

2) There is a Trumpet, now this indicates not just any trumpet but at the LAST TRUMPET.



Some argue that this event is different than the Thessolonian Event. So before we come to a conclusion let us look at other scripture indicating the resurrection.



Revelation 11:15

(15) And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

......

......



Revelation 11:18

(18) And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.



Now let us look at some of the factors in this scripture:



1) The Seventh Angel Sounded this is the Seventh Trumpet (The LAST TRUMPET)

2) The Saints are resurrected for Reward and the Sinners are Judged.



It is plain that these scriptures have so many similiarites as those found in 1 Thessolonians when it pertains to the when the Saints are resurrected. So lets take a look at other scripture.



Matthew 24:29-31

(29) Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:

(30) And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

(31) And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.



There is no greater evidence found in scripture than that found in the words of Jesus on the Resurrection.



1) Immedeitly After the Tribulation.

2) The Lord himself Descends on a cloud.

3) With the angels.

4) Sound of a great trumpet.

5) Then he shall gather the elect.



The words of Jesus in Matthew 24 and the words spoken by Paul in 1 Thessolonians on an event are identical. Except for the fact that Jesus states this will happen at the End of teh Tribluation and preachers and other teachers say it will happen at the beginning of the tribulation. So who do you believe???



To review we see the following.



1) A trumpet sound.

2) Angels

3) Jesus on the Cloud

4) The resurrection of dead believers

5) The resurrection or Rapture of alive believers.

6) At the Last Trumpet

7) At the end of the Tribulation.



So that settles it. The bible never teachs that Christians will be RAPTURED but rather resurrected at the end. What???? Still not convinced Alright lets look at this. In the first letter to the Thessolonians Paul writes on us being with the Lord and that it should be a comfort knowing the Lord shall unite us with Him and those who preceeded us. Now in his second letter he writes this:



2 Thessalonians 2:1-5

(1) Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,

(2) That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

(3) Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

(4) Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

(5) Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?



He reminds them that the event of us being gathered will not happen until:



1) Christians Turn away from the faith.

2) The Anti-Christ sits in the temple and claims himself to be God.



In the Tirbulation Time Line. These events occur when the tribulation had already begun and in one case when the Tribulation is already in the 3.5 year mark. Jesus tells us the same:



Matthew 24:12-15

(12) And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

(13) But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

(14) And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

(15) When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)



O.K. There. WHAT???? You need more. Fine. Lets now reason further. Why should there be a Rapture? Many will say the Rapture:



1) Is So that Christians do not suffer through the Tribulation.

2) Because Christians were not appointed to go through the tribulation.



Alright just by thinking about this we must ask ourselves:



1) Paul Peter and many of the Apostles and Christians suffered the greatest of all tribulation for 300 years. Were they appointed to die and be tortured while we are not?



2) If Christians are raptured so that they do not have to go through the tribulation and suffer, then why in 1 Thessolonians 4:16-18 are those who already died resurrected also. Can a dead man go through the tribulation also?



Folks it is so evident that the Rapture prior to the Tribulation is not a doctrine which any of the apostles or Christ himself taught. Rather to endure through suffering and to be strong during times of struggles looking to the end is what was taught.



For more information contact me at www.HCFAZ.org



Pastor Michael Salman

Harvest Christian Fellowship

Sentenced To Jail For Worship at Home

     On June 30th, 3011 the Judge Sallie Gaines sentenced me to 60 days in jail, $12,000 in fines and so forth.  What was the crime?  Having worship at my home.  That's right.  As some you know we have been worshipping at our home since 2002.  We have had bible studies, worship and so forth and since we purchased our new home in 2005 we have conducted some kind of worship and bible study in the house.  Even though our home is not open to the public the gathering of Christians at a private residence is against the law, according to the City of Phoenix Prosecutor John Tutelman.  John Tutelman has been the force and pursuer of this case and other cases which involved religious prosecution.  He was involved in the Methodist Church that was feeding the homeless, our home worship and our signage freedom of speech and religious exercise case.  It seems that he really dislikes Christians and what they stand for.  So we will continue to pray for him.  If God changed a man named Saul who persecuted the Church, later to become Paul, who knows what he can do we John Tutelman.  At least he does not have the power to crucify us or feed us to the lions. 
     Nonetheless our attorneys are fighting back and trying to get the stay in the courts.  Which will hold back the wolves until we can get some constitutional right questions answered.  Such as, are private religious gatherings permitted without a permit?  Do people who gather in their homes for worship required to convert their home to meet commercial requirements? 
     Until we can get a stay I am to report to jail on August 29, 2011.  So it gives us 60 days to petition the courts.  Some people have asked how I feel about that.  All I can say is, my other Christian Brothers and Sisters have suffered much more for much less.  All Daniel had to do was stop praying for 30 days.  All Shadrach, Meschach and Abendego had to do was bow down to an idol.  I know my God is able to deliver me from such persecution but if he does not, I will continue to worship Him and Serve Him.  As for me and in my house we will serve the Lord. 
     So many have asked what can you do.  Here is what you can do:
1)  Pray
2)  Write a letter to the Mayor, the Governor and Senator.
3)   Spread the word around to other Christan's.  Let them know.  The Christian community needs to stand against such unjust prosecution.
4)  Write a letter to the court.  Judge Sallie Gaines.  Let them know that the prosecution against Michael Salman is not in the interest of the public but rather is a personal vendetta.
5)  Nothing.  There are so many who will do absolutely nothing because they are procrastinators, lazy or just plain forgot.  If that is you don't worry, that is why my trust is in Christ.  Just pray it will make you at least feel better about doing nothing.  : )

     So let me answer a couple of questions:
1)  Do people who come to your home park in the street or block any driveways or cause traffic?  NO.  We own 4.6 acres and the 15 cars who park all park on our property behind a gate.

2)  Do you cause any excessive Noise.  Other than the occasional kids playing or people calling out to each other, no.  We worship at 10 AM and everyone gone by 1:00 PM.  We also worship at 7:00 PM usually Gone by 8:30 PM.  The nearest home is at least 100 feet from our home.

3)  Do you know why they do not want you to worship at your home?  Technically they are claiming public safety.  Reality, they just do not like the idea of a "CHURCH" being next to their home.  Despite it is my residence the thought of Christians or any religious group meeting together weekly is repulsive to some.  Even if the meetings don't bother them.

4)  Do you cause traffic or crowd streets?  Right across the street from us is a large public park.  With 4 basketball courts, tennis courts, a baseball field and a couple of soccer fields and of course the playgrounds.  What happens at my home on Sunday is minuet compared to what occurs across the street.

     So there you have it.  Here are some addresses for you to consider.  Please send me a copy of any and all correspondence sent to anyone for my records.  Thank you.
Michael Salman
Email:  Harvestchristian@cox.net
Fax 602-424-0860


City of Phoenix
Municipal Court
Honorable Sallie Gaines
300 West Washington Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
602 262-6421

The full mailing address is:

The Honorable Jan Brewer
Governor of Arizona
1700 West Washington
Phoenix, Arizona 85007
Telephone (602) 542-4331
In State Toll Free 1-(800) 253-0883 (outside Maricopa County only)
Fax (602) 542-1381

City of Phoenix, Mayor's Office

200 W. Washington St., 11th floor
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: (602) 262-7111
Fax: (602) 495-5583
Email: mayor.gordon@phoenix.gov
City TTY Relay: (602) 534-5500

Mr. John Tutelman
Assistant City Prosecutor
P.O. Box 4500
Phoenix, Arizona 85003

The Devil Made Me Do It!

     Are people naturally evil?  I love a story the late Adrian Rogers said.  It is about a boy who was hitting his sister with a broom stick and calling her names.  His mother stopped him and said what has gotten into you.  The devil must have made you do it.  The boy answered, "The devil made me hit her with a stick and call her names but the spitting at her, that was my idea." 

     So many people claim themselves to be good people.  They care for their community, mother nature, they recycle, they love their neighbors, they donate to charities and so forth, but when it comes to God's people and God they are hostile.  The fact is people are evil naturally.  Even Jesus declared that the world is condemned already.  It is not that he came to condemn the world but to save it. 

     At a meeting I was at a lady in the audience asked me about the battle I was having with the City of Phoenix.  I answered that as an American I have the right to protect my rights and the rights of all those who want to practice their faith.  The lady commented that even though I was fighting the fight I should stop worshipping at my home.  I stated that I was not doing anything illegal and that is why I am fighting this and I will not stop because it is my right as an American.  When asked why I filed suit against a Police Officer, I stated that the Police Officer falsified information and tried to create a prejudicy against me that may cause harm.  This same lady responded with, "Well, you probably deserved it or else he would not have done it."

     Hypocrisy and double standards are at the core of humanity.  We call good evil and evil good.  We can blame all of the problems of society on the devil but as Adrian Rogers said and I approve, there is enough evil in the heart of man that there is no need for the devil.

     I leave you with one more funny story.  A man stood before God being judged.  The man began to explain to God that all the evil he did was due to the devil.  In which the devil in his defense replied, "I did not know anyone can do such evil, until I saw the what man has done.  They taught me."

 

Have we become Communists....

Psalms 2:1-3 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? (2) The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, (3) Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.



     These days we are seeing a shift of the balance.  That which was considered sacred in God has become the sacredness of the courtroom.  What has occurred in the past 10 years that has made this America become so hostile to religious excercise and worship?  People now look at the clegry and ministers of the Gospels as enemies to the State and the neighborhood.  That which was once so welcomed, admired and respected in communities has become a soreness to the eyes of the people.  The people who once protected the consitution and the freedom of religion are now fighting against it.  They yell, "NO MOSQUE!!!"  "NO TEMPLES!!!"  "NO CHURCHES!!!"  "NO CHRISTIANITY!!!" and eventually they are yelling and will yell, "NO GOD!!"  Those who have a desire and zeal for their faith are not finding comfort in the leaders in which they have entrusted to protect their rights but are rather now fighting against them and bringing them to court.  The leaders that God has placed in office are playing politics rather than standing up for what is right. 
     I assure you the sins of those who do such things will destroy them.  They who yell and fight against God will find that their lives and the lives of their children are now damned and at stake.  It reminds me of those who wanted to Crucify Christ.  They also thought that they were doing the right thing so it went: 

 Matthew 27:24-25 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. (25) Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.

AND SO IT WAS AND SO IT WILL BE TO THE REST.