Christianity

Helping The Poor and the Role of Believers

2011-12-12T21:06:00.000-08:00

     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

2011-11-09T07:33:00.000-08:00

     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

2011-11-03T15:37:00.000-07:00

     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

2011-10-27T23:19:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-27T12:22:00.000-07:00

     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!

2011-10-11T14:41:00.000-07:00

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.

2011-08-31T15:13:00.000-07:00

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!!

2011-08-30T15:22:00.000-07:00

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!

HEADLINE: Homosexual Marriage is Legal in Arizona. Christians Sleeping

2011-07-29T22:45:00.000-07:00

THIS WAS TAKEN FROM THE ARIZONA EQUALITY BLOG:

"As you most certainly know by now, the movement for equality achieved a great victory last night when the Republican-controlled New York State Senate voted to grant the freedom to marry to gay and lesbian couples. A group of Republican lawmakers joined Democratic champions for equality to vote in favor of the marriage bill, sending it to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who signed it into law hours after it passed out of the legislature.

Equality Arizona congratulates our friends and family in New York. We join supporters of equality across the nation in celebrating this monumental occasion, one that clearly demonstrates just how far out of the mainstream those who oppose equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americana really are.
In Arizona, we know most people support equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Still, we lack basic legal protections. For example, employers can still fire Arizona workers simply because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. And Arizona law still stands in the way of gay and lesbian couples who want to make a lifelong commitment to each other. With no legal recognition, gay and lesbian couples face significant barriers that prevent them from being able to take care of each other. "

     Christians we can not be like those in New York and other states that allowed such NON-SENSE. This is because Christians who are on fire for God have refused to take a position of office to internally defend our constitutiona and our Christian Values. Those fake New-York Christian Republicans will be damned for the stupidity of allowing such a law to pass.
     May those in Arizona who accept such folly also meet the same judgement. We as Christians need to rise up and make a difference. Let your Senator know. Preach against it. Teach your Children that Homosexuality is a sin and abomination. Do not tolerate a total rebellion of God's law.

America will be judged. I believe Billy Graham said it best, "If America does not get judged by God, then God better apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah."

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

2011-07-28T20:41:00.000-07:00

     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!!

2011-07-26T17:23:00.001-07:00

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

2011-07-04T23:11:00.000-07:00

     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!

2011-05-19T10:26:00.000-07:00

     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....

2011-05-05T15:11:00.000-07:00

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.

Did man make Up God??

2011-05-04T08:28:00.000-07:00

     Have you ever heard of the idea that God is a man-made concept? There are people in America and around the world that believe that Man for their own comfort came up with the concept of God. Maybe you are reading this and maybe you believe this concept.
     This morning I was reading Romans chapter 4 in the bible. In this chapter the word of God declares that Abraham became a friend of God by faith before circumcision. As I continued to read I thought to myself, "Out of all the signs that God can give why Circumcision?" It was as the Holy Spirit spoke and said, "This is proof that man did not make me up." When we go back to the Old Testament story God tells Abraham to circumcise himself and all the males as a sign of the covenant.
     You see, man would have no problem cutting a finger, shaving the head, maybe even losing a toe, but it truly takes a belief that there is a God when you start messing around with the privates. You can smile that is fine... If I made up God, being a man that would be the last thing I would even think of doing. Yet, Abraham and all did what God told them to do. Circumcision then truly is a sign. A sign that is private between God and the person (NO PUN INTENDED) and a sign to all humanity that God is real and not man made.
     Today, god looks for a different circumcision. The circumcision that God is looking for today is the removal of the flesh and its lust from our heart.

Romans 2:28-29 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: (29) But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

     May the Lord bless you today as you remember the Love He has for those who call on His name.

In Jesus name.

REMEMBER THE ORPHANS...

2011-04-28T21:46:00.000-07:00

As some of you know the orphans have been a dear thing to my heart. Every year we have gathered family and friends and donated clothes, toys and money and given to the orphanages in Arizona. This past week, glory to God a door has been open for us. There are orphanages right here in the city right under our noses. They are orphanages that take care of children who have been abondanded after drug raids, or such. This is a call to all of us to step up to the plate and help. We need to put our resources together and support and sponsor a couple of these homes. Together we can reach and touch children and their hearts. We are the Body of Christ a people called to do the work of Jesus Christ. Let us gather and not only be people of words but people of action.

In Jesus Name,

Pastor Michael Salman

David Wilkerson - A Man of God!!

2011-04-28T21:40:00.000-07:00

To all those who are in the faith. It is a sad day for the earthly kigdom of God as a giant in the faith has left this earth. David Wilkerson known for preaching the gospel in boldness to the gangs in New York and starting the Times Square Church has passed away in a tragic car accident. I remember coming to Christ and reading his book the Cross and the Switchblade and being so inspired. I also remember Nicky Cruz's book Run Nicky Run and how he spoke of the preaching of David and his life. As I get older I can only wish and pray that I can fit the shoes of these men who has passed on. May the Lord continue to give me the boldness to speak and preach the gospel to the Lost.

In Jesus Name!!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/04/28/david-wilkerson-evangelic_n_855164.html

Haman and Mordecai

2011-04-28T16:51:00.000-07:00

     Esther 3:1-5 After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that were with him. (2) And all the king's servants, that were in the king's gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence. (3) Then the king's servants, which were in the king's gate, said unto Mordecai, Why transgressest thou the king's commandment? (4) Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and he hearkened not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai's matters would stand: for he had told them that he was a Jew. (5) And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath.

     There is a Haman who does not like Christians. A Haman who is against God's people. I refuse to bow down or respect a person like that.  People like that are the dogs dung. They are filth and full of garbage and wrath.  When Christians stand up against Tyranny and start dowing something for God there is a Haman who will try to rise up and extinguish them. What the Hamans of this world have failed to remember is that there is a God. A God who loves his people and hates the wicked. A God who upholds the righteous with His right hand and strengthens the feeble. A God who has promised that all things work together for good to those who Love God!!

Esther 7:9-10 And Harbonah, one of the chamberlains, said before the king, Behold also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman had made for Mordecai, who had spoken good for the king, standeth in the house of Haman. Then the king said, Hang him thereon. (10) So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king's wrath pacified.

     May God protect His people and may the plans of the Hamans in this world backfire upon them. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with those who call on His Name!!

In Jesus Name.

Persecuted...

2011-04-25T12:23:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been persecuted for Jesus Christ? Many people will claim that this has never happened to them especially in America.

2 Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

1 Peter 4:16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

     These scriptures give me comfort. To suffer as a Christian is a blessing of the Lord. Before I came to Christ I would get into trouble and I deserved it because I was a criminal. But God through His grace delivered me and showed me how to live for Him. Now in the eyes of some I am a criminal but this time I am a criminal for Jesus.  Suffering for Jesus is a blessing. Even though I always thought it could not and should not happen in our Country I have found out it happens a lot. The fortunate part of our country is that we have the ability to fight back through the court systems.
     In other countries there is no recourse.  Rather they are criminals because they serve Jesus in underground churches.  You know, it makes me wonder what people who are persecuting me think of those Christian underground churches. I mean I have had Christians comment on blogs and news articles that they can not believe that I as a Christian and a Pastor is breaking the law. I mean what kind of Christian breaks the law?? I must be a fake or a cult or something like that.
     This past Friday I was watching the Passion of the Christ. That movie makes me cry all the time. It never fails. Nonetheless, there is a part in there that resonate even in the Holy Scripture.

John 15:18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

     I can truly say that the world hates me because of Jesus. You see the world does not hate me because I cause traffic, or park on their lawn or cause excessive noise or even push my beliefs in their face or because every time I see them I call them sinners damned to hell. I do not do any of that. The only reason the world hates me is because I and a group of other Christians believers in Christ gather at my home on a weekly basis and worship Jesus Christ.  For that my family are persecuted and hated. I am called a devil, false, money grubber, or whatever they may call me. Jesus knows my heart. So I remember these words.

Matthew 10:24-25 The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. (25) It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?

    They called Jesus Beelzebub for healing the blind, raising the dead, preaching the truth, casting out demons and giving us eternal life. What do you think they will call us? At the end of it all Jesus rose from the dead while those who spoke such blasphemies and crucified our Lord were sent to await damnation. So it is in our life, God will in His time have the last word. Until then, Anathema Maranatha!

The Modern Thinker

2011-04-08T15:54:00.000-07:00

     For the past couple of weeks I have been speaking with a guy to open the subject of the Bible.  So the other day I finally sprung the question.

HERE IS THE CONVERSATION
I said to him, "So I see you like to read? Yes. Have you ever read the Bible? No, but I have a few copies of it. Why have you not read it? Because the bible has changed over the years. Really, like in what way?   Well from the first bible to what we have now, there are different transalations.  (since he was reading a book called ARAGON I thought I would say this to him.) So do you think they have the book ARAGON in different translations? Yes. Well it looks like it has not preventing you from reading it. No. Alright so tell me why do you believe the bible changed? I don't know.  Even though some words have change the message of the bible has not, man is a sinner and in need of a saviour and Jesus Christ died for the sins of mankind.

     By that time we spoke a little more and then he left. He returned today so I asked him if he found the evidence of the Bible changing. He replied no but he did not want to discuss the bible anymore because he just can't believe it and then ran off to his bus.  I am sure he would not have come in, in the first place but the food is so irresistable. LOL

     You know it is always easier to believe in something you don't know rather than knowing why you don't believe in something you don't know. I know why I am not a muslim, buddist, hinduist or such like and I can only think that these people know why they are not a Christian. There are a lot of Christians who believe in Jesus and do not know why? So we have a bunch of people who really do not know what it means to be a Christian. The reason is not that Jesus has not revelaed himself, it is because people like that guy would rather live not knowing or wanting to know. It is easier that way.

     Folks the only way people are going to understand jesus or not understand Jesus is if they open the Bible. Without the Bible we only have blind faith in whatever you believe in. Jesus came to open the eyes of the blind not close them.

Is Your Church A Cult

2011-04-08T08:58:00.000-07:00

     I believe these day many people have misused the word CULT. So here is the definition:
CULT
noun

1. a particular system of religious worship, especially with reference to its rites and ceremonies.

2. an instance of great veneration of a person, ideal, or thing, especially as manifested by a body of admirers: the physical fitness cult.

3. the object of such devotion.

4. a group or sect bound together by veneration of the same thing, person, ideal, etc.

5. Sociology . a group having a sacred ideology and a set of rites centering around their sacred symbols.

6. a religion or sect considered to be false, unorthodox, or extremist, with members often living outside of conventional society under the direction of a charismatic leader.

7. the members of such a religion or sect.

8. any system for treating human sickness that originated by a person usually claiming to have sole insight into the nature of disease, and that employs methods regarded as unorthodox or unscientific.

     Of course the definition has taken a bad spill to only have a negative connotation but let us look at it for what it is:

1. a particular system of religious worship, especially with reference to its rites and ceremonies.

We are devoted to Christ. As Christian we have what people call ceremonies. Baptism, Eucharist or Communion, Marriage, Ordination. This is all part of the Christian Church. The Death Burial and Resurrection of Christ. The Celebration of these and the looking forward of it.

2. an instance of great veneration of a person, ideal, or thing, especially as manifested by a body of admirers.
We have a great veneration for Christ. We love Him and the Faith in which we live in. We are His body and the lovers of Jesus. Our devotion should be so great that everything else should look like hate. That's why Jesus said "you must hate your mother, father and brother to be worthy of me." What this means is that our Love for God should be so much that anything close looks like hate.

3.   the object of such devotion.

(SAME AS ABOVE)

4. a group or sect bound together by veneration of the same thing, person, ideal, etc.

They all came together in one accord. Acts 2. Be of the same mind. Philippians 2:2

5. Sociology . a group having a sacred ideology and a set of rites centering around their sacred symbols.
(THIS IS BAD) Even though Christians honor the Cross and its messages it is not to be treated as God himself. Are you forced to bow down to statutes, crosses, pentagrams or other things? Then you are in a Bad Cult

6. a religion or sect considered to be false, unorthodox, or extremist, with members often living outside of conventional society under the direction of a charismatic leader.
(NOW THIS IS THE ONE THAT IS BAD) Look at how this is fashioned. Is your life lived under a Charismatic Leader. Are you told what to do and how to do it? Can you make your own choices?  Are you controlled in what to believe or not to believe about a grey issue? If you do not believe in the grey issue are you rejected? (GREY MEANING: RAPTURE, PREDESTINATION, REVELATION)
You are in a bad cult. If the above is what you are living.
   If you are rejected because you live in sin and a worldly lifestyle and called to live a Holy life for God you are not in a Cult you are in the TRUE CHURCH of Jesus Christ.

7. the members of such a religion or sect.
???? I guess they mean of above.

8. any system for treating human sickness that originated by a person usually claiming to have sole insight into the nature of disease, and that employs methods regarded as unorthodox or unscientific.

(I think this was just added and a stretch on the definition)

CONCLUSION,

orship with us can do whatever they please. People have choices and decisions. People can believe what they want to beleive in certain issues. More power to them. They have Free Will. If people don't want to follow or do what is right that is their choice, not mine.  With that said, the moment they stop following Jesus Christ according to the Bible and stop believing in the essential parts of Salvation and the Gospel, Let them be accursed. If you are part of a group of people who does not teach holiness, righteuousness, obedience and full devotion to Christ, but rather boasts on its programs, events and people than you are in a BAD CULT.  Galatians 1:9

     I am Charasmatic for Jesus, I am radical for Jesus, I am excited for Jesus, and I am His servant. I will preach against sin, the ways of worldliness, fornication, homosexuality and other sins. I will teach and preach to people to follow God, shun evil and live a Holy lifestyle. I will give him all I have and everything I have. My home, my car, my family and my life. If that makes me a CULT than may I be the greatest of all CULT leaders. In Jesus Name!

Hip Hip Hooray - Mom & Dad are gone...wait whose babysitting...the Pitbull!

2011-02-15T13:59:00.000-08:00

OUT OF THE PAN INTO THE FIRE YOU GO!!! Check this article out.....
Soldiers "told us to go. They removed our tents but we will stay. We want another government. We need civilian government. They want to steal our revolution."

Another man, Ahmed Abed Ghafur, said:
"This is a revolution, not a half-revolution. We need a timetable for elections. We need an interim government," not one by generals. "We need a (civilian) committee for a new constitution. Once we get all that, then we can leave the square."
Reports said skirmishes broke out. At least 30 arrests were made. Detainees were taken to a military compound near Egypt's museum where others arrested earlier were beaten and tortured.
Others worry that military authorities won't keep promises, including ending martial and emergency law rule. They're part of Egypt's ruling class aligned with business, other elite interests, Washington, Israel and the West.
Under Mubarak, they were hostile to social, political and economic demands, including human and civil rights, better jobs, higher wages, improved living conditions, and democratic reforms. Why now should they change, including by fulfilling promises perhaps made to be broken?
_________________________________________________

      What did they expect? The Army is ruling and you want them to give power to who??? Civilians. Yeah Right! Wake up people. The world and Egypt are going to be quite shocked when they come to find out the one who is babysitting Egypt now is the family Pitbull.
     I am reminded by a people who yelled out against Jesus and said, "He is not our King. Ceaser is our King." Oh he gave them what they wanted and boy did they regret it.
     It makes me think about what we may be sacrificing and turning over in our life. What have we given up for the sake of improvement or a better life only to find ourself in bondages. Quite Scary isn't it. May our eyes be open to the reality that God and the life in Him is the best choice we can ever make.

In Jesus Name!!

They yell...CHANGE THE CONSTITUTION...

2011-02-11T13:08:00.000-08:00

     As I watched the news I began to hear that the Egyptian people were crying out and yelling demanding that the constititution be thrown out and a new one written. Being a middle eastern and interested in Escatology I found this quite interesting. What I really found interesting is how many americans on CNN and other News Programs were supporting such a move. Can you imagine if this happened in America? We would be considered traitors, defectors and cowards.  I know that many people believe the Egyptian Constitution is bad or corrupted and the people need a new one. Yet, I think America butting in and pushing such an idea and support of this will back fire in our face as does anything else we do in the Middle East. Folks why do we not get it.  The muslims in the middle east do not like us. We are the devil. Satan and the corruptor of lives. In some point, just watching television I see what they mean. Yet at the same time I believe they are the pot calling the kettle black.
     We can not become the hypocrites people have pegged us out to be. I mean Egypt was all good and fine and then Obama goes to visit it and before he lands in America Egypt goes into a riot. What happened? We are like the uncle no one wants to visit or have come over because everytime they do they cause a big mess.
     The must sobering thing is this is getting closer to the end times. We are just slowly moving West and before you know it, it is our turn. Jesus said it so it will come to pass. Wait, I should be raptured by now. Oh yeah I don't believe that. It will be very scary as we American Tax payers start paying for Egypts Reform. Yes, you heard it right we are going to pay for it. Our money will go to Egypt and its reform. Not only that I wonder who is going to take over and steal that money??? I guess we will have to wait and see.

Born Again Newsboys - Music Video

2011-02-08T22:25:00.000-08:00

Say Goodbye To Claude Mattox!!!!

2011-02-05T11:47:00.000-08:00

Claude Mattox has been part of the City Council for 8 years. Our City is now known of having the worst education and the worst jobs. Claude Mattox is part of the problem and not the solution. If he could not get it right in 8 years what makes him think he can get it done as a Mayor.

The Record of Claude Mattox:

1) Calls Christians who have bible studies out of their homes: RELIGIOUS ZEALOTS

2) Prohibits Home Bible Studies and is against those who worship at their home.

3) Believes Churches in Communities are a nusiance and have caused many parking and traffic issues and they need to be restricted.

4) Voted Against Churches and religious institutions by changing parking restrictions.

5)  Refused to react when Christians called and sent letters requesting intervention to the religious prosecutions against Christians.

6)  When Christians were requesting help to the City Council Claude Mattox got up and walked off as if indicating he has no time for such foolishness.

     Claude Mattox is not the man for this City. The only reason he won his district is because no one else ran against him. He has neglected to become involved in the issues of our City when it came to immigration. Even though his district carries many of the issues of immigration he remained silent. He does not care for people who even stands for his beliefs but rather plays politics.

We need to say Good bye to Claude Mattox!!! Pass this on! Put this in your blogs, emails, on the web and search engines. SAY GOOD BYE TO MATTOX!!!

Plan Update...

2011-02-05T11:37:00.000-08:00

Well we received our plan corrections from the reviewers. I still can not believe that these are the things that need to be done to have private worship. It is also coming to the time when the City of Phoenix need to respond to the notice of intent to sue. It is going to be a very eventful week. Suzanne and I are getting prepared to do the things we need to do to defend our rights and the rights of all those who chose to worship and have studies out of their home. So please pray for us. I want to thank all of you who have shown so much support for us. Thank you.
One of the things they are requesting us to do is run a 600 foot taper running North from our property. This will tear up two of our neighbors yards. I personally do not understand why they are requesting such a long taper but if that is what they are requesting and we have to do it then we have no choice. One of the traffic guys stated that we can appeal. LOL. NO WAY! Appeal yeah right. Last time we appealled we were sent through the ringer. Not this time. We will just do it. The crazy this is that this taper will run almost all the way to Belmont the street just North of us. Also a 150 foot taper running South. It will look like a huge funnel into our home. I personally do not get it but if so be it so be. Of course we will fight the whole thing in our own appeal. In the U.S. District Court. So please continue to pray for us.
Also the Mayoral race is on this year. Guess who is running for Mayor??? CLAUDE MATTOX. Can you believe that, Mayor?? Not if I can help it. Suzanne and I are contacting all our friends and making sure this man is not voted in. NO WAY! He needs to go. Claude Mattox is not a friend of the constitution or of religious people. This man has caused so much grief to us and other religious communities. It is time for him to go!! My wife and I are voting for Stanton. We believe this man is a family man and involved in many charitable religious works, is the man who should represent and give us a voice in Phoenix. As for City Council District 5, please pray because I am thinking about running for District 5. I not only want to represent the people but also protect our constitution and the rights of the people and stop all those religious lawsuits that are costing our City 1000's because politians want to please the people rather than obeying the law. We will also be looking to see who the canidates are who are running and try to find someone who has the same values as Stanton. Please pray and please pass the word. It is time that we as a Christian Community tell all those politians who have voted against us and against our rights that it is the end for you! STANTON for MAYOR!

Our Legal Demand Letter

2011-01-28T10:41:00.000-08:00

Alright all you Christians, brothers and sisters in Christ. All of you who conduct home bible studies in Phoenix, Arizona here is something you should know and hear:

TRANSCRIPT TRIAL August 17th, 2010

Michael Salman

"If i have a 30 minute bible study in my home on a weekly basis would I have to convert my home to a church."

FRANK DANCIL - BUILDING INSPECTOR AND SUPERVISOR

"That is correct."

MS: What if I have a Birthday Party.
FD: No because that is considered incidental use.
MS: So bible studies yes but biorthday parties no.
FD: Thats correct per the building official
MS: So who determines whether somethng needs to be converted versus not be converted?"
FD: The Building Officials Interpertation.

THIS IS JUST A TOUCH OF WHAT IS IN THE SCRIPTS. THE REST WILL BLOW YOUR SOCKS OFF. The person who decides whether or not your bible studies should be residential or go commercial is nto the law but a person sitting behind a desk. I can only pray that this guy loves God or that his or her spouse did not upset them when they made these determinations. Folks this is what our laws protect us from. Individualized assements. When people lay aside the law and rules and go by what someone feels than we have a problem. This is not what our nation is built on. We are a democracy and not a monarchy. We sent this letter giving the City of Phoenix and their officials 10 days to make things right. Otherwise we are filing a lawsuit. We understand that this is a battle but it is one that is detramental to our faith and our practice of our faith in our home and even in your home. May Christ give us the same wisdom and power that he gave those who preceeded us in this fight. In Jesus Name!

Michael & Suzanne Salman

7601 N. 31st Ave

Phoenix, Arizona 85051

602-299-9217

LETTER OF INTENT TO SUE

To: City of Phoenix Developmental Services, Planning Department, City Council Office, Mayors Office, City Prosecutors, and et. al. and To all and whom this may concern,

This letter serves as intent to sue. Your departments located in the City of Phoenix including the developmental services department and others are in violation of our constitutional rights. This serves as a 10 day notice to withdraw all prosecutions and harassments or we will be forced to file a complaint in the United States District Court for the violations hereby stated:

1) On or about May of 2009 Michael Salman was forced to appear in the City of Phoenix Municipal Court for City Code and Building Code Violations. The interpretation of the codes indicated that the activity conducted on the property of 7601 N. 31st Ave, Phoenix, Arizona 85051 was that of public assembly. Even though no proof has been shown that the Salmans were conducting Public Assembly, the interpretations that the religious gatherings on the property constitute a public assembly and so must conform to commercial standards. This negligence to the rights of the Salmans and a misinterpretation of the laws and codes is in extreme error. The City officials have taken the stand that whether public or private any religious gatherings of 2 or more people constitute a church and so must conform to assembly use standards. This in turn has caused a major and purposeful misinterpretation of the code. Further, after notification, the continuance of upholding this interpretation has caused and is causing a blatant and intentional violation of the 1st Amendment Right to Assemble, Free Exercise of Religion, The Arizona Free Religious Exercise Act and RLUIPA.

ALSO,

2) On or About January of 2009 the City of Phoenix Sign Department and Developmental Services began harassing the Salmans because they have religious decorations and declarations on the property. A cross and a reader board that declares scriptures and messages. The Salmans were informed that they needed to remove the signs or get a sign permit for the signs because they fall under the sign ordinance. The Salmans argued that this is their 1st Amendment Right to Freedom of Speech and Exercise of Religion, which cannot be regulated by the government unless there is some form of compelling governmental interest. Further the Salmans argued that these were not signs according to definition but rather expressions or speeches protected by the constitution. The City of Phoenix investigators and officials ignored such statements and on November of 2010 violated Suzanne Salman for erecting a sign without a permit.

In Conclusion,

The City of Phoenix City officials and investigators all John Does and Jane Does who are involved believe that they can trample on the rights of Americans and so violate them as they see fit. This type of prosecution is un-American. We live in the United States of America and should be protected by the government officials who have sworn to defend the constitution. Instead these same officials who were sworn to defend and uphold the constitution is going against it because of the few who complain that private religious activities should be regulated and controlled by the government.

This type of prosecution has caused and is causing great and irreparable harm to the Salmans including stress, grief and injustice. It is evident that the Salmans are highly religious people who stand on their religious convections and beliefs. If these violations are not withdrawn in 10 calendar days we will be forced to file a complaint in the court requesting relief and compensatory, punitive and actual damages.

Toys For Needy Families!

2011-01-26T12:49:00.000-08:00

I want to thank all my brothers and sisters in Christ who help make a difference in the lives of many people. This year we delivered about 3-4 boxes of toys and goods to the family Shelter. These were all donated brand new toys given by families in the fellowship. The shelter and the kids were very very happy. Each year families are effected by people like you. May we continue to touch the heart of those in needs as we continue to give. Thank you!

WANT TO GIVE: Every year we help orphanages and family shelters with toys, clothing and finances. Every year they are so happy when they see us coming because there is such a need. As my wife and I give to those who are in need it brings out the joy that we have serving Christ. Truly Jesus said it and it is true: It is better to give than it is to receive. In Jesus Name!

Thank you to all my family and friends and those who have helped this Year!

Its all good.

2011-01-25T19:06:00.000-08:00

     This has been so far a very good and tiresome week. Me and the legal team have been going through the transcripts of the trial and the letters and records we have kept over the years and I can not tell you how much there is. It is almost as if I am re-living the trial again. What is so shocking is the stuff that is being said by the invetigators and the inspectors and city officials during the trial and the emails and letters we have. The lady working on filing the Federal Lawsuit even stated that she could not believe that judges would tolerate what was being said in trial and that how in heavens name does the law office allow these people to write these things.  She had been pointing out some very obvious violations of our rights that when we read it I could not believe that it was said. As we are going through this and reading the statements that were said it makes me wonder whether or not the people saying it even realized what they were saying. LOL. At the same time we have an official record of what was said. All that was said in court will be held accountable in another jurisdiction. I said all that to say this:
     One day we will stand before God who has kept a record of all that we have said and done in life. One day the books will be open and read and it makes me wonder whether we will be ashamed of what we did. What will be an excuse to those who have refused Christ. Those who choose to live their life without Jesus. Those who live in sin. If our court system which is made by man can keep such records what do you think God can do. It is only through Christ can we be made clean and so find forgiveness for all our sins. In doing that we repent and walk in His ways and find a life of joy and peace. Thank you Jesus. Amen.
     Now on another note. We have submitted all our plans and we are moving forward. I thank God for those who have been there financially, emotionally and spiritually and have continued to give us such support. Without friends and family like that we know it would be very difficult. Please continue to pray as we deal with the courts and the city. We should have the lawsuit filed God willing in the next week or two. So pray for us.

The countdown

2011-01-19T09:55:00.000-08:00

     Grace to you and peace from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Well it is has been a most glorious New Year. To be able to spend time with family and friends and fellowship under His annointing has been the greatest. God is so good. Suzanne found out we are having another baby girl. I am rejoicing. The baby is so beautiful. We have been so blessed to have children and be able to raise them in the Grace of God. Thank you Jesus. The neighborhood has been so quiet ever since someone moved out. It really does make a difference among neighbors when those who cause discension are out of the way. All our neighbors have been waving hello to us and have been polite. The Lord has been good.
      As for our worshipping it has been awesome. God is so good. I love it when my family and friends gather at the home and worship with us. This last Sunday we had worship and afterwards ate together. It is so cool to watch all the children and families play together. The kids playing football and children on the playground. I pray that the change to the proeprty will not effect this type of fellowship. I mean right now it is so good and peaceful and to convert the property into a commercial entity may lose this type of fellowship. It really is scary. We will still continue to fight such a change but in the meantime continue towards it to make sure nothing is hindered in our worship to God. I guess in the end whatever God's will is it is.
      With that said, it has been quite an eventful and surprising turnabout. Last week we received notice from and I am surprised to say, the ACLU who is reviewing our case and considering it. They informed us that they can not take on the previous conviction issue but may file a lawsuit and injunction against the ordinance and regulations that state that such requirements on private worship are unconstitutional and in turn bring the conviction on these points invalid and reversal.   I know what many people may say about the ACLU but the fact is these days the ADF and ACLJ are financially challenged. The ADF informed us that they will file an Amicus Brief supporting our position when we file in Federal Court. So it is going to be quite the event. We are ready and willing to battle this to the finish and whatever God's will is so it is. We love our City and pray for our city all the time. Unfortunetley right now our city is run by those who have no fear of God or consideration to religious freedoms. Just last year alone 5 churches and ministries have been attacked by those in our city. Christ the King and Cross Roads Church and Us. Why? Because they are listening to a community of people who do not like what God's Church is doing. This needs to stop and we are praying that it will in the Name of Jesus Christ.
      Now on a good note. All the plan revisions are done and we should be submitting those this week. So at least we are moving in the right direction. Be wise as a serpent and peaceful as a dove. Meanwhile my brothers and sisters in Christ I plead for you to pray for me also as we go through the planning and court stuff.  I will fight for the rights of our family and not only ours but all those who worship in their homes.Please pray and pass this prayer request on!!   May the grace of God be with you.

And so it was...

2010-12-01T11:05:00.000-08:00

     Well it has been a long time since I have blogged so let me first of all say, Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas to all my family and friends in Christ.
     I have been extremely busy this past month. Getting things together as i open up a new chapter in my life. LOL. God is good and He is worthy to be praised. I always am reminded of where I came and the chains that entagled me and how much God has provided for me.
     The scripture that has been in my heart can be found in the book of Daniel. When Daniel knew that the paper was signed he went into his room as he always did and with the windows open prayed towards Jerusalem. Even thou he knew the consequences he still chose to pray and do what was in his heart.
     As many of you know I worship at my home. I have family and friends come to my home and worship with me. I am not ashamed of this. There has been many times when i have tried to beat around the bush or try to make light of it but not anymore. I have the right by God to worship in my home with whom i want to worship with.
     I know that there are people who think that should not be so. That worship and religion should be regulated and called a business or commercial. I know that there are people who are saying that I am a lawbreaker and criminal.  All I can say is One Day God will turn this all around and all the laws that they are trying to place on Christians and those who worship in the home will be turned around and those laws that made me a criminal will be considered illegal. Then I wonder if they will be the criminals. I wonder if they will apologize. Even if the laws don't change, let it be know that I will continue to worship God as I always did.
     So people can call it what they may, but Christians just need to be Christians and know that God is greater than anyone or anything in this life.
     As the 3 men of God said, "God is able to deliver us from the fiery furnance, but if He does not let it be know that we have not worshipped or bowed down to your idol."

Halloween Is Evil....PERIOD!!!

2010-10-21T09:10:00.000-07:00

Yes, it is about that time again when Christians who have no biblical backing have to be taught the most basic of doctrine. I do not say this to be condesending but only to show the ignorance and stupidity of churches who celebrate this holiday which is not Christian in nature but rather evil. I know what many Christians are saying, "Well this is a perfect opportunity to reach the lost by putting tracks in their bags or by giving them an alternative...yadda yadda blah blah blah...." Folks we do not dress like Elton John to reach homosexuals, so why do we think we have to dress like angels to tell people not to glorify or celebrate such a holiday. What hypocrisy!!!! If you think I am being harsh against this demonic holiday in nature I AM!! I hate this holiday and Christians who try to disguise it by calling it a Harvest Festival or Fall Festival are fooling themselves. Unless you are trully a farmer. Folks whether you are pitching or catching you are still playing baseball. Think about it and think real hard about it.,,

Halloween Glorifies:

Death - Horror - Fear - Darkness - Witchcraft and NEED I SAY MORE... EVERYTHING that Christians do not nor should have a part of period.

On Focus on the family a Witch who was high in the satanic realm after coming to Christ, said this, "If Christian parents really understood what goes on during the Halloween season, they would wash their kids mouth anytime they even mention the holiday." I agree with him.

Folks, the bible is very specific:

1 Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

Ephesians 5:11-12 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. (12) For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.

2 Corinthians 6:14-16 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? (15) And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? (16) And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Need I say more. Folks I left a church because they decided after discussion and debate to still celebrate the holiday by calling it a harvest festival.

For those who are still not convinced? Do you have an alternative to Purim, Passover, Feast of Tabernacles, Pentecost, Feast of Trumpets....These are all Jewish holidays that our Christ celebrated....What is your alternative to that??? I bet your answer is, "were not Jewish." EXACTLY.....Well were are not the world either.

BECAUSE WE ARE WHO WE ARE

2010-10-18T10:56:00.000-07:00

     As some of you know, as a minister of Jesus Christ I have never been ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. When I became a Christian I became a witness for Christ bringing people to the reality of the need of Jesus. I preached in the streets, handed out tracs and openely and boldly declared my opposition of evil. With such work comes opposition. The bible even says,

2 Timothy 3:10-13 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, (11) Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. (12) Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. (13) But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

The city wants to put me in Jail and stop me from worshipping at my home and we have vigilanty neighbors taking pictures and harassing us because of our worship at home. With that said, PRAISE GOD!!!  What are we doing that is evil??? We are Christians worshipping Jesus while the devils are out taking pictures and raging in anger because we live in America.  If I wanted to live in a communist country I would go to China. These people who are so Anti-Christian have no idea that they are not fighting with man but with God. So we are always encouraged by scriptures to know that, Jesus and all the apostles at one time or another sat in our shoes because wicked people wanted to get rid of them. Ultimately no matter what the cost or time the Kingdom of God will WIN. The gates of HELL shall NOT prevail against the KINGDOM of GOD!!!!

     Prison or Not the Gospel of God will not be stopped. Though I be in Chains you can not chain the Power of God!!

Why do the Heathen Rage?

2010-09-28T00:07:00.000-07:00

     Today I experienced a very shocking sight. People actually gathering and rejoicing over a Pastor of the Christian faith sentenced. Instead of being ashamed people actually gloated over the situation. Did they think that this was pleasing in the sight of God? I can assure you that God is never pleased when any of his servants are condemned or persecuted. The same spirit that was in the people who crucified Christ was in these people's hearts today. They yelled Crucify Him and so these people cried out for harsh judgment. This demonic spirit has been in the people of the world since the world began. Even the Holy Apostles were prosecuted by people who yelled for their demise. Why did they want Peter and Paul and all the others killed? Because they preached a Gospel and message contrary to what the heathens believed. Shame on these people who have come against the people of God. SHAME ON THEM!!! The Evangelist Stephen said it best,

Acts 7:51-52 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. (52) Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:

     You know what the saddest thing is? I feel so sorry for their souls. I know that as God has dealt with Korah and Dathan who opposed Moses so God will deal with each one of these people. Meanwhile I will rely on God and His saving grace. While all may fall, we will STILL BE ON TOP!!! Thank you Jesus for the things you have done in our lives and I thank you that I can even be found worthy to be persecuted for your Name!!

Acts 5:40-42 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. (41) And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. (42) And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

And So it shall be in our lives and in our home.

Shut The Hell Up and Sit Down!

2010-09-13T21:17:00.000-07:00

     I am sure you are caught by this title. Maybe you should be. These days so called believers of Jesus Christ have been a stench in the nostrils of Christianity. I want you to read something:

Acts 2:38-47 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (39) For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. (40) And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. (41) Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. (42) And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. (43) And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. (44) And all that believed were together, and had all things common; (45) And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. (46) And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, (47) Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.


      This is Christianity! They shared and they enjoyed and they gathered and they worshiped together daily. They read and they prayed. Meanwhile many who call themselves Christians have no time to gather or go to church or pray or read the bible and they still want to call themselves Christians! Folks this type of thinking is from HELL. They need to SHUT THE HELL UP and THEY NEED TO SIT DOWN!!
      If you call yourself a Christian and you have other things ahead of God like YOUR JOB, YOUR KIDS SPORTS, YOUR RECREATION, YOUR FISHING and YOUR WHATEVER you need to repent. You are a damned sinner who needs Jesus to come into your life so that you may know that it is only through JESUS CHRIST can you find salvation and truth. I know that many may say, "wait a minute I do believe." SO WHAT!!   Even the DEVILS believe and they fear God. There are people who believe and live with no fear of God. That folks is HELLISH THINKING so you need to SHUT THE HELL UP and SIT DOWN with the believers of Jesus Christ and grow in the power of the Holy Spirit.
     If this message offends you let me know. I would gladly discuss the options and maybe you or I can learn from each other. If you know what I am talking about and you agree, let me know. Let people know that there are real believers who are looking bad because so called Christians are BLASPHEMING the name of Jesus.

     JUST A NOTE TO SOME WHO MAY HAVE DIFFICULTIES: SHUT THE HELL UP means taking hellish thinking and closing it up. Removing it from your life. AND SIT DOWN means get to worship and gathering of believers stop making excuses and putting other things fist.

A Christian Saved By Grace!!

2010-09-04T12:59:00.000-07:00

Now that you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour there are a few things you need to know. Being saved by grace has nothing to do with works. It is all about the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. Whatever you do now means absolutely nothing with Salvation. You're saved by grace and not by works. So here are some simple steps to remain saved:

1) Don't join a local body church. Even thou Jesus formed the Church and he made some to be Pastors and Teachers you are saved by grace and do not need to be under control or accountable to anyone but Jesus. Jesus is your Pastor. Jesus saved you and being part of a church is just like being part of the temple in Jerusalem. Since the temple no longer exists, your needing to be part of a church should no longer exists. Further think about all the benifits you would have when not being part of a Church. You get to go to swapmeets, malls, stores and spend more time with yout family. I know that this is what Jesus would want. Church just takes too much time.

2) If you must join a local body of believers join a group that does not tell you what to do. You don't want to be around people who are legalistic. They say things like, help or you need to pray or read your bible or feed the homeless or something like that. We are saved by grace and not by works. Being a Christian is having the right to do nothing if you don't want to. If you help or support people may see you as self righteous and you don't want that to happen. It is Better to be safe than sorry.

3) If you also feel like you need to join a fellowship, join one that tells you what you want, not what you need. Don't be part of a group that talks about sin, repentances, works and conviction that is all Old testament stuff. We believe in a New Testament Jesus. He says things like love, mercy, faith, hope, and all that good stuff. Especially forgiveness. Remember the thing the Lord said, "Hey, no ones perfect." or something like that. I mean we already going to heaven we should be able to go there feeling good about ourselves.

4) Don't tithe. Titihing doesn't save you. I mean you don't get into heaven by paying your way in. People who tell you to tithe have no idea what it is like not having money. They tithe because they have money. They say the reason they have money is because they tithe, but they don't know what it's like not having money because they tithe. If they stop tithing maybe they would understand how we feel. Anyway, even thou Jesus said, "you will reap what you sow" he is only talking about farming. Tithing is Old Testament stuff.

5) Have worldy friends. Don't get personal with Christians. Born Again Christians are too religious. By the way you don't need people who know what you believe in to judge you for not doing them. It is better to have friends who don't know what you believe in so that when you do what your not supposed to do they don't judge you. I believe it was the apostle Paul who said, "Ignoarance is bliss." or was that Shakespear. I don't know I think it make sense.

6) You don't need to read the bible. The bible is old and it is made for people who lived during the time of Jesus and before. Being saved by grace is means you believe in the Bible but don't have to read it. By the way you can read other things that may help you feel happy and good about yourself. Like a devotional called, "365 day devotional of encouraging words" or "Don't judge me and I won't judge you. There were even." or "Purpose Drivien Life" or "Prayer of jabez" or maybe a small piece of scriptures to meet your wants. You can still say you are a Christian and that you believe in the Bible without reading it.

7) Last but not least, Don't force religion on other people. Living by grace is about acceptance and tolerance. Jesus accepted us just the way we are so that we can accept people just the way they are. When you witness about your faith you become forceful and God does not like people who are forceful. We just need to accept them and tolerate them just the way they are. Let them make their own choice even though they don't know that there is a choice. Parents this also means your children. Let them choose what to believe in or what not to believe in. Grace means you accept your daughter if she decides to do what other people on MTV do, or your son when he dresses up like a Zombie. Jesus loves zombies that is why he rose Lazarus from the dead. Lazarus was a Zombie and Jesus accepted him. Are we better than Jesus? NO! So accept and tolerate and let them decide. Being a witness is being a nad and people don't like nags.

If you follow these steps you will be a Christian who will find that you have fullfilled the golden rule and that you are saved by grace. Treat others like you want them to treat you. You will find yourself happy and joyful. You will find that when you die you will be with the Lord. I think.

Prosecution For Religious Beliefs

2010-08-31T16:30:00.000-07:00

     This past week has been to say the least, "interesting week." As some of you know on Monday, I was found responsible for the violations that existed on the property. I was responsible for the violations like Demolition of a Pool, Putting electrical circuits in the garage, misusing an extension cord, putting up a Costco tent without proper permits or foundation and too close to a building. Putting chairs that were used for worship in the storage in the rear. Folks this is not a joke. Really if you move in a house and your previous owner did work on the property without a permit and the city finds out 4 years after you moved in that there was no permit you are responsible and violated.
     Here is the dussy. I was also prosecuted for conducting Christian worship on the property. The Judge who I believe is a good judge and fair through out the trial made a comment, she stated, "I hope Mr. Salman understands that he is not being prosecuted for religious worship on the property only that if he wants to have worship on the property he must conform to the requirements and the standards that the city is asking." This statement sounds very fair. But is it really the truth? Am I not being prosecuted for religious worship. Here is what I mean.
      During the trial the City witnesses stated that if I had birthday parties on the property I do not need these things, If I had used the room to play games I do not need these things. Yet, because I gather to worship on the property in a building that looks like a religious building with chairs, pulpit, art and stuff I must conform my property to commercial standards. The fact is I AM BEING PROSECUTED because I worship on the property with my family and friends. PERIOD. If I had a big screen T.V. with football posters and art and pool table and bar and stuff they would not violate me for a Sports Bar. EVERYONE of those who worship with me, know we DO NOT publicly advertise. We do not have signs, or service times in the front or on a website. We are private individuals and so forth.
     Nonetheless, I believe the laws that are in place are wrong and discriminatory and I will put my money where my mouth is. May God give me strength and we battle this injustice. Please pray as we get through this. IN JESUS NAME!

Its All Good - Trial

2010-08-30T13:27:00.000-07:00

     For those of you know what the theme is for this past month it is "Its all good." Today we completed a 5 day trial. During the trial we made our points to the best we can. We filed our paperwork and did what we needed to do. There really is not more we could have done. I believe we did the best anyone can do. Nonetheless, I was found guilty and a responsible party for the violations that existed on the property. The reason I was found guilty was not due to the evidence that I was seen doing it, ordered it or anything like that but rather because I live there. Let me say that I am sure glad no one committed murder because then I would really be in trouble. Since I live there I would have been responsible.
     On the bright side we were not discouraged. We believe we are in the hands of God and to be prosecuted for worshipping God is really not that bad. A blessing if you must. There has been a lot of stress on our family but nonetheless it is the same thing you go through just because you go through it. The verdict has catapulted us to the Federal Arena. The judge stated in her verdict that she was not here to argue the law. This is true, she can not change the law. Even thou we were not asking her to, only that this law not be applied to us but rather to public assemblies which we are not. Oh well what can you do. This is why it is important to take this to another venue because there are courts that are there to change the law. This is our goal not only for us but for all Christians who have worship in thier homes and should not fear persecution because neighbors don't want a "CHURCH" there.
     Please pray earnestly and fervently for us as we make our way through.  God has and is bringing victory to us in the name of Jesus.

Wanda Earles - In Memory 8/24/2010

2010-08-25T10:33:00.000-07:00

     It was a beautiful afternoon and we were at a Prison Fellowship function. All the ministers were gathering together and the meeting was on the way. I stood at the soda area filling a cup of soda when I was approached by Debbie Petty the coordinator of the prison ministers. She said she wanted me to meet someone. She called to her and out from the crowd emerged a bright red hair spunky little lady. "Pastor Michael, this is Wanda." There she stood in front of me, she was a 10 foot 300 pound wrestler in a 5 foot 4 110 lb frame. Hello, I am Wanda. I gave her a big hug. Debbie said, "I want you to take Wanda under your wing Pastor, she is a sweet little lady." From that day on she never left my side.
     She was a sweet lady. She also was also a handful. Full of opinions and she was never afraid to tell you what she thought about anything. You can always count on Sister Wanda being there. She always wanted me to do this and that. She had some great points and some were just plain silly but of course I listened. After service you can always count on her telling me that it was the best sermon she had ever heard. "I love you Pastor Michael, that message was great." She would say as she held my hand.
     "I love you guys" was always something you heard her say. The last year was probably the hardest for her and for us. The Firey red hair began to lose its fire. Her quick walk in was replaced with a walker. Of course she was in denial with that walker the first year. She would just come in with the walker so slow and then after worship she would almost trot to the front to tell me how much she loved me.  This lady just loved God. She was the sweetest. Of course I would never forget the stories she told. Stories that you would find in a movie. Never a dull moment for sister Wanda.
     It was not too long ago when things started to effect this strong, stubborn saint of God. No matter what happened she refused to be hurt and refused to accept she was getting old. We all knew thou and she also was told by God to prepare. I know God told her. The things she began to do was only things people begin to do only if you had a personal relationship with God.
     Even while getting ready she still had that fire. I saw it the day I walked into service with a beard.  "Hello Sister Wanda" was my normal greeting. A kiss on the cheek and a hug. Suddenly it was met with a finger point to the face and a sharp rebuke. "You go right back into that house and shave that off." She gave me such a hard time. "None of my men wear a beard." Boy she never let it go. Yet, it never stopped her from telling me she loved me. Even sometimes with tears in her eyes telling me she loved me, "But you still need to shave that beard off."
     I remember seeing her a week before she left. I walked into the hospital and there she laid all drugged out with IV's in her arm, really tired and exhausted, she looked up and I gave her a hug and kiss and she said to me, "You still have that beard?" Every nurse that walked in, she would say, "That is my Pastor, I am so happy he is here, but he needs to shave that beard." I promised her that as soon as she gets better and comes back to worship I will shave it off just for her, that the only thing she needs to do is just get better. I put on some Christian Music and we sat for about an hour or so singing as she dozed in and out.
     This beautiful saint of God, will never be forgotten. My family adored her and she just loved my kids. I won't even go into the fact that she would talk to me about how precious my family was and how lucky I was to have 5 girls and how precious they were.
     I love you Sister Wanda and one thing I am assure of is you were leaning on the everlasting arms. Rest in Peace you beautiful saint of God. You will be missed.

Pastor Michael Salman

The New Immigration Enforcement

2010-08-12T11:52:00.000-07:00

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. I thought I would start this blog just because I believe that many people have forgotten what it means to be a Christian. We are Christians FIRST and Americans SECOND. If you don't believe this then you will not agree with what I have to say and you might as well just move on to the next blog. If you do believe this then you should believe what I am about to say or at least consider it.

People say we have an immigration problem. This is true. Why is it such a problem? It is not because we don't have room or we don't have the money, God knows many of us Americans live in more than our necessities and if any of you complain about money spent on our healthcare and food than you might as well complain on the 1 million dollar patriot missle:

"US Army Budget FY2011". http://asafm.army.mil/Documents/OfficeDocuments/Budget/BudgetMaterials/FY11//pbhl.pdfRetrieved 2010-04-06.

We have spent 100 Billions of Dollars on Countries that none of us benefit from. So stop with this money thing. It is getting really old and for some of us, it only proves your ignorance and your hypocrisies. Now with that out of the way.

     The fact is the reason why so many are upset, is the crime issue. Does cracking down on immigration help that?? Some say yes and some say no. So with that said, lets consider this, if of course your still reading this Christian.

      How many BORN AGAIN CHRISTIAN families will be effected by this law? Think about it. Legal or illegal, they are CHRISTIANS AND THEY ARE OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST. I mean you can dismiss them as Christians they are illegal and breaking the law??? How many CHURCHES, MINISTRIES, PASTORS and OTHER CHRISITAN organizations will be effected??? Really think about. You are a Christian right??? HOW MANY FAMILIES THAT ARE CHRISTIAN BORN AGAIN AND LOVE OUR LORD will be effected??? How many will lose their mother or father or even a child because MANY years ago they came here illegally??? HOW MANY??? THINK ABOUT IT.

     FOR CRYING OUT LOUD WE ARE CHRISTIANS FIRST, AMERICANS SECOND!! Do you love your LORD and HIS PEOPLE or DO YOU LOVE YOUR COUNTRY MORE?

     THE fact is any law legal or not, passed or not, voted on or not, if it effects the Christian Community, it is a law from Hell! If you think I am wrong then you are a hypocrite and I will prove it by the next statement...

     If tomorrow they pass a law saying that Same Sex Marriage is legal andyou as a Christian must accept it. I assure you that you as a Christian and we as the CHURCH OF GOD WILL NOT ACCEPT it. Legal or Not, to us marriage is man and woman. PERIOD!

Enough Said.

Pastor Michael Salman
Servant of the Most High God

Why, Yes! I Don't!

2010-08-06T22:25:00.000-07:00

     Tonight we had about a 2 hour discussion on the Trinity. The subject was on Jesus The Begotten. From there it went into the Trinity. It was very good to say the least. Of course it probably was to me and those who love these discussions.
   So at the end someone came and asked me if I believed in the TRINITY? So here is what I do believe. I know as does everyone, the Trinity is a man made description of a concept which is seen in the Bible. Not directly taught just seen. (EMPHASIS ADDED) There is no real teaching of it in the Bible other than the interchanging of words of Father, Son, and Spirit. With that said and that understood here is what I believe is the TRUTH and is TAUGHT and PREACHED and UNDERSTOOD IN THE BIBLE.

1) I believe there is ONLY 1 God.
2) This 1 God is the Creator of Heaven and Earth.
3) This 1 God became Flesh and we saw Him as the Son Of God.
4) This 1 God in the flesh died and was buried and rose from the dead.
5) I believe that this God has given us the Name of Jesus, in which all those who believe in Him shall be saved.
6) This 1 God deals with humanity by living in all those who believed in Him and the Sacrifice on the Cross.

7) I believe when I go into heaven I will see and only be with this 1 God.

   So this is what I believe and this is what I know is the truth. Anything more or less is man's definition and grasp of what they are trying to explain. Every time I meet someone who does not like my aspect of Trinity, which by the way is what the Bible teaches, they always seem to think they have a better answer.
      It's funny thou because no matter what they say they always end up with the word, it just a mystery and no one can understand. All that tells me is that their concept of Trinity is not important to humanity and their salvation or else God would have made it clear. WHICH BY THE WAY, I do not agree. I believe God has made it very clear and understandable. It's just those who believe in the Trinity refuse to believe in any other way then to say it is a mystery hard to explain.
     It's kind of like a rule to a bad game. I'm thinking of a number from 1 to 1 million and after you have said every number, we are all wrong, and when asked what is the number their answer is, I don't know but it was not any of the ones you said.

     God the Father in Creation -   God the Son in Salvation - God Living in Us by and through the Spirit.

     This is what the Bible Teaches and what the bibles shows. PERIOD. Of course maybe some people prefer to guess a number from 1 to 1 million. LOL

Why People Have Nothing...

2010-08-02T22:10:00.000-07:00

     Grace to you and peace from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. I preached a sermon a long time ago of why people have nothing. There was a time in my life when I sold my business to a Christian. He of course could not run the business like I did. He closed up early and opened late and instead of using the money for re-inventory he used it for his personal stuff. You can't make money off something you do not have. Eventually he made 5 payments and then closed the business. So here I am with 3 children and depending on the income of this business. My Real Estate endeavor did not work so it was hard to say the least. So I started a few things. I began a roadside assistance service where I would help people on the side of the road and ask them to send money or give for the help. Well that flopped. LOL. Then I began painting. That went very well. I worked hard and very long hours. From 6 am to 8 pm painting, sanding and stuff. God provided. Then I began driving cab. I enjoyed it very well. Then out of nowhere God provided me an opportunity to open an Arizona Office for a National Company. Praise God from that point on God continued to provide.

One thing I can truly say about this experience is that even thou it was hard my wife and I continued in the promises and word of God. 1) We never failed to Tithe even thou sometimes it hurt. AND 2) I never ever ever ever allowed work to get in between me and my service to God.

From attending Club Jesus, to being a member of Covenant of Grace to being promoted to Youth Pastor and then Assistant Pastor at First Arabic to Associate Pastor at Four Square Gospel up until Harvest, I have never missed a Sunday and never allowed anything and I mean anything come between me and my God.

   I look at so many Christians and see so many have nothing. I mean nothing. I sometimes don't know why??? I mean God gives us promises of prosperity and success. Yet, as I draw closer in their lives and see what they go through it becomes evident why they have nothing.

   Unless a person asks I will not bring it up but let me share with you reading why some people have nothing.

1) Disobedience to God.
2) Not a Whole Heart for God.
3) Just plain mean and rude and no Christian manners or etiquette.
4) Excuses about everything and everyone.
5) Hatred and Unforgiveness

   How do Christians expect God to bless them while living like this? If my own children had any of these traits I would not give them a thing. Now with that said, have you ever heard you get what you put in? Yah? Well this is with God also. Salvation is FREE. But FREEDOM is at a COST.

If you ABIDE IN MY WORD then shall you BE MY DISCIPLE and you SHALL KNOW THE TRUTH and the TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE.

   So you can be saved and Go to heaven but you should not have to live in Hell while you are here.

May the Lord Bless You and May He Open the Doors.

The Lone Ranger

2010-08-02T21:53:00.000-07:00

This past month has been a very interesting month. I had come across a man who thinks that bashing other Christians and their means of worship and service is what Christianity is all about. People who like to cut down other Christians and their way of preaching is truly an abomination to the Lord. I guess this is what happens when you have a theology that is so corrupted by bitterness and anger, than any Christian who does something different than you do is no good. The thing is, this believer is living a miserable life. Sad, lonely and broken. No family or true friends just a superficial religion. I feel sorry for Christians like that. I guess you really do come to understand why some people have nothing. I do not mean third world Christians.
I can only pray that God will help us all understand that He does have a purpose in our lives. That just because you are not a foot does not mean you don't need the foot or you are not a hand means you do not need the hand. Every person in the body of Christ should know that we are all important in the Body and that we all have a function. If more Christians paid attention on what others preach rather how they preach we would find ourselves obedient. Did I tell you the time when I was on the corner preaching and handing out tracts? This guy parked got out of the car and said, "Dude what are you doing, this is not how you are to preach." I of course asked him, whether he knew Christ and he said, yes he was a deacon at his church. I said to him then he needs to spend more energy winning people to Christ rather than cutting down Christians. People like that make God vomit. For a glimpse I knew why.

What part of "NO OTHER" do you not understand?

2010-07-19T12:21:00.000-07:00

There is no doubt that we live in America. The U.S. is full of luxuries and conveniences that you can find in no other country. There is no nation like this nation. We are so blessed to live in a Country like this. So you would think that the Christians who live here are just thanking God for such abundance, so think again. We live in a Country that has the most poorest excuse of Christians in all of Christiandom. People who are so busy and time consumed with their own selfish desires, hobbies and activities that i know if it make me a creature puke, I know that it makes God puke. God stated in HIS WORD,

Exo 20:1-3 And God spake all these words, saying, (2) I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. (3) Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

     Look at these words, I brought you out of EGYPT (SIN) I brought you of the house of BONDAGE (DEATH - HELL). Because of this you shall have no other gods (House, Work, Hobby, Family, Car, Bed, Woman, Man, Laziness) before me.

     I could not tell you how much people put other things before God. Nathan the prophet approached King David and asked him a question,

2 Samuel 12:9 Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight?.....

      So there are Prophets and Pastors and Teachers and Apostles who ask the same questions to those Christians who have not made God number one in their life.  You know who you are....

Why have you despised the commandment of the Lord, to do evil in His sight?

What part of "NO OTHER" do you not understand?

Yes, putting things before God is evil and a disobedience to God. If any think otherwise they are decieved and if any think that we are legalistic you have failed to read this:

1 Corinithians 10:21-22 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. (22) Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?

or even this:

Jas 4:4-8 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. (5) Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? (6) But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. (7) Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (8) Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

or even this:

Mat 10:37-38 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. (38) And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

What part of " NO OTHER " do you not understand? May the Lord bring revelation to the heart of those who need to serve Him. May the Lord remember our chains no more and may we remember that God is NUMBER ONE above all.

Thank you Jesus.

Don't Look Back

2010-06-22T11:11:00.000-07:00

     There is a story of Fernanado Cortez who wanted to capture the most valuable treasure in all the earth. He spent all he had and bought 11 ships to sail to capture this treasure. We he came to shore he trained his army and then told them to torch the boats. BURN THEM DOWN. He stated that the only way we are going to leave is with their boats victorious.
     Christians are told the same when it comes to following God. If we choose Christ we need to burn our boats. Many people do not realize that Jesus said, PARAPHRASED "If you don't give up everything for me you are not worthy of me." Paraphrased "A person who puts his hand on the plow can not look back."
     People need to burn the boats. Stop going back to a life of sin. Stop acting and living as an unbeliever. Start living for God.
     Ask yourself, what boats are still on my shore? Why are they still there?  Oh by the way, Cortez did come out victorious but it was only because there was no other way. So it will be with your walk in God if you burn the boats.

Do we fall in the sin of Hypocrisy?

2010-05-25T09:01:00.000-07:00

Mat 23:23-24 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. (24) Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.

     The other day I was listening to a program that was talking about obeying the law and paying our taxes. They said that obeying the government because is God's way. I was also listening to Christians who were talking about SB1070 the new immigration law and stating that the law is the law and if we are Christians we should obey the law because that is what God wants.
     This morning I was listening to a program on the same station that was asking Christians to donate money so that we can send Bibles to China and distribute it to the underground church. There were even testimonies of God helping Christians smuggling bibles into China.
     This is when the wheels began to turn in my head and let me say it was a burn out. Have we become just like the Pharisees who say that we should obey THEM AND ONLY THEM but when it comes to doing what is right we ignore it. How can Christians say that illegals are breaking the law and those who support them are wrong, while in the same breath say that smuggling bibles in China is right. So is it OK to disobey other governments and break their laws and call that good as long as we do not break our laws.  Even calling those who do sinners and wrong.  Jesus would say to those who think like that, "HYPOCRITES."
     The fact is mercy and grace belong in all governments, whether America or China. Laws that disobey God should be and must be broken. Christian Americans, sadly said, are not taking into consideration all the Americans who are here illegally because they were brought here while they were young.  Americans are failing to consider these issues and are throwing the baby with the bath water. These are people who are neglecting mercy because they want to pay the tithe, cummins and mint.  Now those who hop the boarder and cause mahiem need to be sent back. China that prohibits bibles and the Chrisitan from worship must also be dealt with properly. Christians should at all cost, even meaning death or imprisonment, can not but preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.
     So folks let us not get caught up with the sin of the Pharisees and become Hypocrites but be right and administer grace and justice to all.

Does God get Angry when we Doubt?????

2010-05-24T08:43:00.000-07:00

Have You Read This Story!!

John 11:33-38

(33) When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled,

(34) And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.

(35) Jesus wept.

(36) Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!

(37) And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?

(38) Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.

I was looking up the word Groaning and found it to be fascinating. The word groaning means:

embrimaomai

em-brim-ah'-om-ahee
To snort with anger; to have indignation on, to blame, to sigh with chagrin, to sternly enjoin.

What was Jesus so angry about? Lets look....
When the jews were weeping and people were weeping Jesus Groaned.
When people said, "Hey culdn't this man have keep Lazarus Alive." Jesus Groaned.

We come to the conclusion that Jesus groans in reference to doubt and unbelief. God is not please with doubt. He is angered with people who have no faith and trust in Him. People who decide to live with no hope. Some will even say that God was angry at sin and death. That death has caused people the grief, pain and doubt. No matter how you see Jesus was not at all happy to the circumstance that occurred. Since I believe this was all the plan of Jesus in reference to death the only conclusion we can come to is that Jesus was angry at the people. Their attitude and behaviour during troubling times.

Makes me wonder how I should be when I go through trouble and trials. James through the Spirit says it this way,
James 1:2-3 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; (3) Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

May God forgive us when we doubt Him through times of dispair and challenges.

TRINITY PART 2 - PLEASE READ PART 1 first!

2010-05-20T09:41:00.000-07:00

In order for someone to understand the Trinity we must understand who God is. God is Spirit. He is not human or such but Rather Spirit. God who is Spirit created the earth, the galaxies and so forth. He is and was ONE always. There was not 2 nor three but 1 God. The one God in creating all things became the Father. We call Him Father God or God the Father. Now God the Father is still the SPIRIT. This God who is Spirit dwelt in and around man. The Prophets spoke by the Holy Spirit. All that statement means is God who is Spirit is HOLY hence, Holy Spirit. Not 2 spirits but 1 spirit who is HOLY. This Holy Spirit is Father in Creation. Some people will say at this point we have a Binity. Some people well even go so far to say that Jesus the Son of God existed at this point. Which I believe is a gross error in doctrine. They may even resort to saying in Genesis 1 when God says WE is proof of the trinity. That is wrong. The Host of Heaven is the angels and they are spirit, so the WE is God talking to the angels and making a declaration rather than a cojoing. OK we'll move on. As for the BINITY that is wrong also. God is still one and He is Spirit, there is not 2 spirits up there but one. Now we come to the time when this 1 God comes to the world in flesh form. He is born a babe in a manager and even thou the flesh is humanity the Spirit is in this child. As the Flesh matures the same Spirit dwells in this man named Jesus. The difference between Jesus and the Prophets is that Jesus has the Spirit UNHINDERED. Meaning not a part of God but the Fullness of God. You see you and I have a part of God in us by the Holy Spirit but Jesus was God, the HOLY SPIRIT in the Flesh. When the flesh died the Spirit did not. So when Jesus rose from the Dead, the flesh rose from the dead by the HOLY SPIRIT. As for the Flesh it was transformed into something else. So now we believe in God the Father, The Son and the Comforter. These three are 1 and I will go so far to say 1 HOLY SPIRIT. The HOLY SPIRIT IN CREATION AS FATHER, THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE FLESH AS SON, and THE HOLY SPIRIT IN MAN AS INTERCESSOR AND COMFORTER. THE HOLY SPIRIT HAS GIVEN US A NAME and this NAME IS JESUS. THE NAME ABOVE ALL NAMES. GOT QUESTIONS? Let me know. Got another biblical view let me know. I pray this help you understand the trinity in pure biblical sense. THE LORD GOD IS ONE!!

+

Do you believe in the Trinity? PART 1

2010-05-20T08:57:00.000-07:00

Today I was listening to a commercial by David Jeremiah probably one of my favorite preachers. In this short message he stated that we need to come to the committee of 3 that we have, Us, the father, The Son and The Holy Spirit. As much as i love to hear Pastor Jeremiah there are somethings I can accept and there are somethings I can not.
The trinity has always been a tricky subject among Christians. People usually avoid it by saying, "Oh just believe it is too hard to explain." Then they move on to other things. Some people has even made teh Trinity a matter of Salvation. If you don't believe in the trinity you are not a Christian or you are not saved. I guess these are no different to me than those who believe this about baptism or honoring the sabbath by worshipping on Saturday. It always makes me wonder why anyone would place the belief of another doctrine to the doctrine of Salvation. I mean the only reason Mormons, Jehovah Witness and other cults are what we say they are is not because of all the stuff they believe but rather it is what they add to salvation. Anyone who adds anythign to salvation like their belief of Sabbath, Baptism or Trinity is just as guilty as they are. Tell me how this sounds, For god so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him, and Baptism and Trinity, and Sabbath, or _________ shall be saved." Not really good huh? Yes, there are certain doctrines that are heretical but that is because they take away from the Diety of Jesus. But not explaining or believing the trinity the way you believe it is not one of them. Just for the record I believe in the Trinity. God who is our Father and Jesus Christ who is God in the Flesh, and comforter who is God in the Spirit. TO BE CONTINUED......

Latest on Feeding The Homeless In Phoenix

2010-05-17T11:08:00.000-07:00

Here is the latest update on the Ministry at United Methodist Church feeding the needy on their property. It is heard that the city is in settlement with the United Methodist Church over feeding the homeless on their property. The settlement to say the least tells the United Methodist Church to go ahead and feed the homeless and the needy but do it behind close doors. That's right and get this the United Methodist Church is ready to sign. The Bishop of the United Methodist Church is ready to sign this big compromise. What are they thinking?!?! Is this the habit of the UMC? Get a little resistance and just roll over and die? The Bishop of UMC and its advisors will be irresponsible for agreeing on this matter. In the Bible John and Peter were told not to speak in the Name of Jesus openly. Instead they refused to listen and said we can not but help preach the truth. They walked away with lashes because they refused to do what God had told them to do. They walked away praising God! Let me say, the apostles are rolling in their grave, at this roll over and die attitude of the Bishop of UMC. Christians need to know what their rights are and what God has called them to do. This is a Christian Nation not a secular one. We have got to stop giving ground to those who want to trample on our Christian Rights. If the Bishop is listening or if anyone from UMC is listening, I pray to God that you tell the City that we as Christians will not allow you to hide us and push our ministries underground just to satisfy you. Further this settlement does nothing for the neighborhood. It only states that you can continue doing what you are doing but do it inside where no one can see you do it. I know that much of our stuff is made in China but that does not mean we should become the Chinese Government.

PASS THIS AROUND ----

CALL or Email THE BISHOP AND TELL HER "SAY NO!!"

Bishop Minerva G Carcaño

Address 1550 East Meadowbrook Avenue

Phoenix, AZ 85014-4040

Phone: 602 266-6956

Toll Free Phone: 800 229-8622 extension 209

Fax: 602 266-5343 extension 209

Email: bishopmc@desertsw.org

IF YOU HAVE YOUTH YOU NEED TO READ THIS...

2010-05-11T10:18:00.000-07:00

OK HERE IS THE STUDY:
We have a problem in America

•70-75% of Christian youth leave the church after high school (see survey data at Barna and USA Today).

•Most Christian students are not equipped to resist rabidly anti-Christian college professors who are intent on converting their students to atheism.

•College professors are five times more likely to identify themselves as atheists than the general public.

•More than half of all college professors view evangelical Christian students unfavorably (see article

at Free Republic).

•The “new atheists” — Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens — are writing books and are growing in popularity.

When I read this I do not doubt it. I remember being a Youth Pastor and remember youth in my classes who were 16-18 years old. I would do my best to teach the youth the fundamental doctrines of Christianity but I also had 13-16 year olds there also. So I could not get too deep into the study. The sermons had to be Dumbed Down. This is the problem. Our Youth are not receiving biblical training in youth Groups. Further the parents who attend only once a week are damaging their children more than they know. While we hold secular education high we take biblical education as a fall back. Our children are abondoning the faith and turning away from God. Their marriages and so forth are not as fruitful and they fail being a Christian.

THE SOLUTION:

1) I believe that once a child reaches 12-13 years old they should join the Adults. This has always been the factor is was not until modern Christiandumb did we keep our youth in baby classes. 12-13 years old get to know the meat.

2) Parents need to take Christian Education as a priority. Church or classes once a week is not sufficient. Would you send you children to school once a week?

CONCLUSION,

If you want to buck the system, the only way is to follow the system of God. Serve the Lord with all your heart, strength and mind. NOT YOUR LEFTOVERS. Ultimately the only person who pays for neglecting the youth is the parents.

Proverbs 17:25

(25) A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to his mother.

John McCain Fights Immigration...

2010-05-11T10:02:00.000-07:00

I was watching an ad with John McCain and Jon Kyl and in thier ad they stated that if they were elected they would send National Guard Troops there to the border NOW and they would do other things NOW. I looked at my wife and said, "I can not believe how many people are fooled by these jokers." These guys are our Senators TODAY and why do they need to be elected to the position when they can do it NOW. If they do not do it NOW TODAY they won't do it NOW TOMORROW.

Mat 23:23-26

(23) Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

(24) Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.

(25) Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.

(26) Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.

What does the Bible say About Illegal Immigration?

2010-05-06T10:23:00.000-07:00

This settles it:
Leviticus (19:33-34):"And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex him. But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself."

When America was opened in the past it was opened to all who wanted to come to the country and start a new life. It was opened because this country believed in loving the stranger and the foriegner. Our Statue of liberty says,

"Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

What happened since then? Now we have a bunch of pompous americans who have neglected the spirit of this country and use the law of immigration to become the light of God. This is ridiculous. Since when did we now close our borders and make people jump through hoops to come into this country. Since when did we become so strict and sacrifice love and compassion for the sake of Americansism. What about what God has to say?

LISTEN TO HIS WORDS:

Leviticus (19:33-4):"And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex him. But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself."

"If a stranger sojourn with thee in your land do not vex him." The hebrew word Sojourn is neat...

H1481

גּוּר

gûr

goor

A primitive root; properly to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), that is, sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place); also to gather for hostility (as afraid): - abide, assemble, be afraid, dwell, fear, gather (together), inhabitant, remain, sojourn, stand in awe, (be) stranger, X surely.

Why do people come to America? Is it not because they want to run away from poverty, depression, sickness and to provide for their family. Why in the name of Jesus are we taking these people and vexing them. Why are we breaking families up for the sake of OBEYING THE LAW OF THE LAND. Obeying the law of the Land is not a mark of Christianity. As a matter of fact if you obey the law of the land while disobeying the laws of God you have committed idolatry. Who is more important God or man?

Act 4:18-19

(18) And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

The law of the land said to Peter and John not to preach the Gospel. Look at their response.

(19) But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.

So I ask all Christians to think about this what is your response.
Lets look at another immigration law that was passed over 60 years ago in Germany by a person named Hitler. Christians who knew it was wrong did what was right in the sight of God. They took the Jews in and hid them. Yes they broke the Law of the Land so that the compassion and love of Christ is manifest. What this country needs to do is repent of their sins and stop becoming double standard, two faced and hypocritical. I give you one last scripture:

James 2:5-7

(5) Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

(6) But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?

(7) Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?

Christians need to fight for the poor and the needy. For some reason many Christians think that they are justified by standing for this law. Let me say this with Authority of Scripture they are not. When people think about illegal immigrants they have this picture of a guy named Jose who stands at the corner of Home Depot begging for a job or that drunk mexican who gets into a bar fight. What they fail to remember is that brother or sister in Christ of all ages that were brought here by their parents or so forth who consider themselves american. They fail to forget that brother or sister in Christ who escaped poverty and sickness to come to a place where they can start a new life and serve God in their churches, family and community. They forget that brother and sister in Christ in the 3 piece suit, uniform or school clothing who is trying to make a living or get an education.

One last point: They say this law is only targeting law breaking immigrants. This is full of fluff and a gross error. This law allows all law enforcement to deport you just because you were pulled over because you have a broken headlight, speeding, didn't signal, jay walking, loitering and so forth. So don't give me that bologna of the law protecting America it is hurting it.

DISCLAIMER: For all my readers I want you to know I am for border patrol. I am also for deporting illegals who break the law with a FELONY. I am for immigration reform. I am not for SB 1070.

The Governor and the Deal of The Century...

2010-05-05T10:36:00.000-07:00

A new law was just passed called the SB 1030 bill? This bill tells the medical community that no government medical assistance money will be used to fund abortions. On thing I do like is the Governors stance against Abortion. With that said, I also see the governor being very hypocritical and double standard. Let us save the lives of infants that are not yet born but let us ruin the lives of people who already here. It makes me wonder whether or not the governor made a deal and signed the 1070 bill in exchange that the legislature would pass the 1030 bill. Doing what is right is different than doing what you feel is right. I am Prolife. Not only with those who are not born yet but also with those who born and living. It makes me sick that many of my peers feel differently. Save the unborn and let us ruin the born. Is an unborn worth more than a born legal or illegal. Should not life be life whether you are legal or illegal? Soemthing to think about and consider.

Pharisees and Saducees are not dead they are alive.

Franklin Graham Uninvited????

2010-05-05T10:11:00.000-07:00

     If you are involved in the Christian new you would know by now that Franklin Graham was uninvited to attend the Pentagon for the National Day of Prayer. He was uninvited because he stated that the muslims and Christians do not serve the same God. The Muslims believe that there God has no son and we do. So it must be two different God's (PARAPHRASED). With that statement Franklin Graham was univited. It makes me wonder if this is what he also believe this of the Jews? Here is what we have here:

ABOUT JESUS:

SON -                                                  Muslims: NO      Jews: NO
CHRIST -                                            Muslims: YES    Jews: NO
PROPHET -                                         Muslims: YES    Jews: NO - False Prophet
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION   -    Mulsims: YES     Jews: NO
TEACHER OF GOD -                         Muslims: YES     Jews: NO

     I agree with Franklin Graham that the God that the Muslims believe in is not the same God as the Christians. I will even go further than that and say that the God the Jews believe in is definetly not the same God as the Christians. Between Muslim and Jews outside of Muhammed, the Muslims have the closes view points about Jesus than the Jews.
     It is sad that many who believe what Franklin Graham believes in with the same breath say, the Jews are our brothers and we believe in the same God. I guess Hypocrisy and integration can run deep.

You call that Christianity???????

2010-04-27T12:39:00.000-07:00

The other day I was listening to a debate between Deepak and a Pastor and in this debate was another guest who called herself a Christian. Without getting too much into detail, this girl dressed like a prostitute. It turns out that she has a ministry for prosititutes and believes that dressing like a prostitute is part of her ministry for Jesus. She believe that she needs to look beautiful and so forth to win people to Christ. Looking at the website I could not believe my ears or my eyes. How can you be called a Christian and look like that and act like that? This type of filth is cautioned to us in the Bible. Teaching Jesus without repentance is wrong. It is a false gospel and fake gospel.
This spirit of Jezebel is so prodominate in the Churches and we need to keep our eyes and ears open. Let me conclude that I personally don't care how much they may preach Jesus their ministry is demonic and only lead people astray to the real truth.

There is only ONE GOD!!

2010-04-15T21:18:00.000-07:00

     In a time of Christian theology we believe that there is only 1 TRUE GOD and that is the Creator of Heaven and Earth, The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He was the one who came in human Flesh as the Son of God. Was crucified, buried and rose from the dead. This is the God we serve. Many people will say, " Hey I believe that too." My answer is good.
     Unfortunetly many Christians even thou believing this, may act and live their life in a different way. While many believe that there is only 1 God they also believe there is one who is just as equal to our God.  The one that they believe in is "Satan."  It is sad to see people live their lives in such a fear and turmoil. To believe that there is a God of Good and a God of Evil is pure blasphemy.
     As many of you know we believe that spirits good or evil, how ever you may interpet them, is only subject to the power and authority of God. God is God of all in heaven and earth. I believe the greatest evil is not in demons but in MAN. Man is Satan. Man has always been the blocker of God's will. Of course you can never block His will but I am sure you understand. You see that is why James says even the demons believe and TREMBLE. Man is wicked in heart and does not tremble. That is why God ultimately if not repented will allow man to bring destruction to themselves.
     I guess now we can truly understand what Paul says when he says, "If God be for us who can be against us!!!!"

Praise you Jesus!!!

I'M so scared....

2010-04-15T21:14:00.000-07:00

Today I saw the enemies of God become humiliated. God destroyed their home. The woman is now living a life or fornication and their families are broken. As I was pulling away from the area the family had anger in their eyes and they were mad dogging me. I just moved on not worrying about it. I rebuked the look and still gave it to God. It seems to me they still have not learned. Of course God is not through punishing those who rise up against his people.
Our God is so good and all we can really do is worship him and watch him place our foes under our feet.

Thank You Jesus.

Relationship Evangelism

2010-04-12T13:13:00.000-07:00

"A Letter To Way Of The Master"

I was with our team at Huntington Beach last Saturday when I noticed some teenagers with signs that said, "FREE HUGS." It turns out that they were a Christian group sharing "God's love" with strangers, by giving them a hug. I asked the leader if the kids shared the gospel with the strangers they hugged. They didn't. It was "relationship evangelism." Yes, they were going to Hell if they died in their sins, but they didn't want to be pushy. I encouraged him to have his team at least give out tracts to those they hugged, but he was in a hurry and had to leave before I could convince him to do so.

In a list of "Ten Ideas for Everyday Outreach," a leading Christian magazine recently suggested praying for people "as you walk by them," tell them you appreciate them, leave notes of encouragement, pick up trash, leave a thank you note for waiters, be friendly, etc.

If that's outreach, what are they reaching out for? Is it so that if sinners die in their sins they will think about how nice Christians were to them, and how they keep the sidewalks free of trash? They will need more than a hug, in Hell.

I couldn't help but think of how bold a person has to be to run around with a sign that says "FREE HUGS." Surely there must be someone in their leadership that has read "How shall they hear without a preacher," and will steer these kids to be true and faithful witnesses. Then again, they may have got their hugs idea from the leading Christian magazine, and therefore think that they are doing the right thing.

REPLY: PASTOR MICHAEL SALMAN

Relationship Evangelism is very effective if it is done properly. With that said, I want to stress the point that relationship evangelism could also be fake and religious. A person who is nice to other people only because they want to convert them to Christianity seems to be putting on a front. The fact is Christians should be nice, PERIOD. We should have the call of God on us and the best relationship evangelism should be that of a real life witness of holiness and purity for God. Remember Jesus won people not because he was nice but because He told the truth. As a matter of fact when it came time for sinners Jesus was not really nice at all. In many of his teachings the sinners and those who reject God are going to Hell, they wither, or burn up. Remember in Jerusalem He turned tables, and rebuked the Pharisees. In another time he turned to the people and said, stop being free loaders and follow God because you love Him not because what he can give you.
True evangelism means being True not fake.

The Woman At The Well...

2010-04-08T10:26:00.000-07:00

John Chapter 5 tells us of a woman who meets Jesus at the well. This woman is struggling in life. She has been married over 5 times and her current live in mate is not her husband. She is living in Adultery and on top of that Fornication. Jesus approaches her and lets her know that He knows everything about her. The greatest conversation occurs which I encourage everyone to read, but at the end the woman finds herself seeing her faults and repenting of her sins. She realizes within scripture that her lifestyle has been destroying her due to her lack of the Christ living in her life.

Can we learn from this woman? The answer is Yes. People who live their live without the principles and laws of God will only find themselves destroyed. It is not until we meet Christ at the Well and realize that without Him we will never be satisfied or quenched, only then shall we find a life worthy of living.

I pray that those who see the truth and turn to God will know that He is there to receive them and forgive them of their sins. Repent and know that there is only One God and Father of All. Give your heart ot Him and you will find that he will quench your thirst.

In Christ.

Pastor Michael Salman
"Servant of the Most High God."

The Law is the Law...

2010-03-22T09:57:00.000-07:00

"Don't forget that everything that Hitler did in germany was legal." Martin Luther King Jr.

What a statement? A true and revealing statement of the reality of tyranny. Was Hitler disobeying the law when he was killing all the Jews? The fact is he was not. At least not the laws that he was in control of.

The Romans crucified and killed Christians because they were against idolatry and calling the emperior God. The Romans felt that the Christians were disobeying the law and found them to be law breakers and rebels. What they also did in Rome was legal?

We are now faced with a dilema. What is legal and what is not? Who decides what is legal and what is not? These are questions that we have dealt with since the beginning of time.

I think the question is not whether something is legal or not but rather the most asked question should be is something right or wrong?

Hitler and Rome did what was legal but not what was right. We are now at a paradox which states that the Law is not always right. I am not saying that the whole law but that which offends the laws of God and the character of God and humanity. Homosexuality is legal but not right. Homosexual mariages are legal but not right. Fornication is Legal but not right.

With that said, every leaders must always ask themselves should we do what the law says or what is right? Should we uphold the law even if we think it is wrong?

I know now we come to another dilema, who says what is right or wrong. The answer to that is GOD. God is not changing he is everlasting to everlasting. I believe if we just obey God than we would not find ourselves is such a dilema.

The Prayers Of the Righteous are Effective

2010-03-15T09:42:00.000-07:00

James 5:16-18 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous man is powerful and effective. Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and 1/2 years. Again he prayed , and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crop.

The LORD is far from the wicked but He hears the prayer of the righteous. PROVERBS 15:29

What a great prelude when it comes to prayer. Prior to the declaration that the prayer of the righteous are effectial the Word of God tells us how to become righteous. Confess your sins!!! Wow! You see that is the problem between the righteous and the unrighteous. Confession of sins. While the wicked continue in their wickedness and their folly against God, their prayers do not even reach their cieling. That is why their life is falling apart. Marriages are breaking, family is broken up, loneliness sets in and you are left there alone with no friends or family and no purpose in life. This wicked person then only becomes more angry and refuses to repent and confess their sins. So their prayers unfortunetly are never answered.
The Word of God says, repent of your sins and you shall be heard. When you repent and confess, your sins are relieved and you are made righteous and your prayers reach the throne room of God. The ears of God.

It is easier...

2010-03-08T09:43:00.000-08:00

Can a rich man enter the Kingdom of Heaven? the bible says that it is easier for a camel to enter through an eye of a needle than a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. I guess the first thing we must define is the Kingdom of Heaven. The kingdom is not only refered to as the cellestial state but also the terestial state. The Kingdom of God is not only in the after life but also the present life. The next word we need to define is rich. This rich is not only in financial wealth but also spiritual wealth. Now when we take this all together we read it as:

It is easier for a camel to enter through an eye of a needle than someone who is wealthy in finances, emotional, spiritual and such.

WHY?

Because in order for someone to come to Christ he must lose himself, humble himself and give up some of the pleasures of life. A person who is too rich and prideful will not do that. That is why it is easier for a camel to enter through an eye of a needle.

Madonna, Britanty Spears, Mr. T, Mase, Gary Buisy, and other who have tried to confess Christ have all failed because they have refused to give up themselves for God.

A person who doe snot know how to place God first and worry about what God thinks rather than what others think will never find God. People are too busy trying to please other people rather than trying to please God and do what is right.

We need to seek the Kigdom of God first and then all the wealth both spiritual and fiancial will follow us.

The Truth...You can't handle the truth!!

2010-02-16T10:00:00.000-08:00

Do you remember that line spoken by Jack Nicholson, "The Truth...You can't handle the truth!!" A line to be remembered throughout all ages. The fact is what he said was absolutely right. People can not handle the truth. People get upset when the truth is spoken.
     This past week I was questioned on my worship of God by the prosecutor. The question he asked me was a question that could be placed in the Left Behind Books. He asked me whether or not I and my family were going to continue to worship on Sunday on our property with my family and friends even thou the City prohibits us to do so. I have given my word that I would tell the truth so I had no choice but to tell them the truth. THE TRUTH is Yes. As long as I have a neck on this body I will worship the Lord every Sunday with whomever God places in my life. The city did not like that. Of course they will say to me that I have the right to worship but it can not be wherever I want and whomever I want. It must be in their controlled enviroment with their approval. Sounds funny folks but it is the truth to them. It is a truth that we can handle despite persecution from them and them breaking the law. Despite the fact that they are breaking the law by prohibiting me and others to come to our property for worship we have no choice but to allow the lot to fall where it may. I will die for my faith. So if I will die for my faith I will begin by living for my faith.
     In the courtroom I began to think about all the prophets, apostles and even our Lord being in the same place as I am. Falsely accussed of things that I do not condone and am against.  They said I was an agressor, a troublemaker, a neighbor hater and even called our worship on Sunday as a nusinace to the community and the neighborhood. As I was listening to all that, I was such at peace because I was counted worthy of persecution for our Lord. I have been nothing but nice and kind to my neighbors. I have been considerate and always tried to keep the line of communication open despite our differences. Even thou there has been disagreements I have never taken it personally. I mean who are they fighting with anyway. They are fighting with God.  The only thing me and family have done is go and hide behind our Fathers back and let him fight our battles. God is not blind and He is the only one we need to follow.  There are times I wish I would have not said things like calling my neighbor JERK for flipping me off but it was already done. I have learned just to walk away and not even handle this type of insults.
     As a Pastor and a human it is very hard to hold myself to a higher standard especially when people are accussing you of false things, yet I die daily for God. I must subject my body and my emotions and bring all things into subjection. It is so much easier when you have the support of other brothers and sisters in Christ and the power and Guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Act 5:41-42

(41) And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

(42) And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

Thank you Jesus.

The Progress

2010-02-16T00:15:00.000-08:00

The Bible says, "How sweet it is when brethren dwell together, it is like the oil that falls from the beard of Aaron." I gues know one could understand that unless they really dwell with Brothers and Sisters in Christ. This past weekend I was reminded of the beauty of brothers and sisters who got your back.  As some of you know the city with the help of some of the neighbors have been trying to stop me and my family and friends from worshipping on my property. Yes, I live in America. LOL. In 2007 we were going to change our name from Harvest Christian Fellowship to Harvest Christian Fellowship Community Church due to our neighbor stealing our name. Since there was no need to do that because our 501 c 3 still recognized our name as HCF we abondaned HCFCC INC. Now fast forward 2 1/2 years and you have a complaint drawn by the city against HCFCC INC. I have never been a person to run away from persecution, so for 2 months we tried our best to convince the city that the activity on the proeprty is not of HCFCC INC but rather my family or even that of HCF INC. They did not care but rather wanted to pursue HCFCC INC. instead. Now fast forward 7 months and we have a judgement against HCFCC INC. for over $200,000 Oh I forgot to mention, HCFCC INC. was dissolved in April of 2009 by Suzanne and me and dissolved by the Arizona Coproration Commission in July 1st, 2009. In other words it is dead and has been dead.
     This weekend we met with brothers and sisters for prayer and worship and the brothers and sisters in Christ just like it was clock work started to say things that would make any Pastor have joy in his heart. They all agreed that if the city try's to stop us from worshipping that they were all going to be in this fight.  We were reminded that this was not about me but about 40 other people that have just the same right to worship on my property as I do. The city was not only comming against me but them also. Praise God.
     I can only pray that God gives our leaders wisdom and they try to find a better way of spending our tax payer money rather than pursuing Christians and Churches from worshipping. Meanwhile we will continue to pray for them and their wisdom in leading our city. God be with us.

Go to Church?

2010-02-04T08:29:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I was speaking with a believer and during the conversation I asked what the person did on Sunday. They answered nothing really. I then asked if they went to church and they said No instead they stayed home and watched Joel Osteen and then proceeded to say that all the churches in their area was too liberal. Of course I chuckled because Joel Osteen's middle name is Liberal.
Can a person believe in Christ and not go to church? The church of Christ is called the body. The body is identified as a group of believers lead by Pastors and deacons. To me that sounds like a local fellowship or congregation. So I guess the answer is how can you say that Christ is the head if you are not part of His body? You can not be a true obedient believer in Christ if you are not part of a local body of believers called the church. There may be a lot of good teachers on TV and the radio but they can never replace the actual physical supplements found in a local body. Watching TV to get your spirtual food is like watching the food network and saying you are full.
Let TV and radio create an appettite for the real thing and then act on it by being part of what God wants you to be in.

Pastor Michael Salman

Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

The Rain

2010-01-22T09:58:00.000-08:00

     Unless you are couped up in solitary confinement you can see that it is raining and snowing in Arizona. Many people love the rain and then there are those who hate it. It is evident after 2-3 days of rain that Arizona is not made for this type of weather. Floods, traffic and panic is all over our streets and towns.
     What happens to you when rain comes into your life.

      Mat 7:24-27

(24) Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
(25) And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
(26) And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
(27) And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

     It is evident that rain does come. Even in the driest of climates rain comes but we need to be prepared and the only way you can be prepared in life is just as Jesus said, building your life on His word. When your life is on HIS word no matter what rains come or winds blow you will be ready. Sure there will be a leak or so but at least your roof will remain. Thank you Jesus.

The Disaster Factor

2010-01-21T08:24:00.000-08:00

     This past month has been very crazy and busy to say the least. What is in effect is called the disaster factor. This world is experiencing a disaster like they probably never saw in their life. Haiti with over 200,000 dead some reporting. Many are experiencing this first hand. This week we also received news that a friends mom and other friends of our friends are diagnosed with cancer.
     The bible says, it rains on the just and the unjust.  When diasaster hits how do we handle it? What are we to think? The very first step in wondering whether a tragedy or disaster is a message?  A person should look into their life. For example, Haiti was devestated by an earthquake. This country was engulfed in witchcraft and sorcery. The question would have to be, was this tragedy a message from God to the world? Indonesia, Lousiana, and Haiti what do they all have in common? Sorcery, witchcraft and rebellion. Message from God? Maybe? We really do not know, all we can do is preach the message and help them recover and this time founded by faith. Even during times when God brings destruction upon a nation, state, or people we as Christians need to help. "If your enemy is thirsty give them something to drink."
     What about other people with Cancer? Like the word says it rains on the just and the unjust. I am sure that there were Born Again Christians that also died in Haiti.  I am sure churches were demolished. It rains on the just and the unjust. In these cases we just need to seek God and move forward and stand the test of time. It is just part of life.
     In conclusion, a person must ask themselves when disaster strikes, "Did I do anything wrong? Is God trying to tell me something?" In doing this we need to listen and change. With all this remember this, if something happens to you because someone hurts you or is against you God this is not a disaster factor in these cases God will turn it back to them 100 fold. So be strong and just always calculate the Disaster Factor when it occurs.
     May god protect and keep those whoa re truly His from times of disaster and may he comfort the loss of those who call on His name. Thank you Jesus for your Love.

State Day Of Prayer

2010-01-14T08:09:00.000-08:00

January 17th, 2010 our Governor Jan Brewer by the request of 40 clergymen declared that January 17th be a State Day of Prayer. She is calling all believers to pray for our budgets and to ask God to help us through these times. So on January 17th, 2010 please pray for our State and while you are at it please pray for our Nation and especially the city in which you live in. In Jesus name.

Lord Jesus, you are the Creator of Heaven and Earth. You the Lord God almighty and there is none like you. We pray this day for our State that you will lead our leaders to wisdom in handling and dealing with our budget. Lord we know that you can and will provide for each and everyone of us who call on your name. Be with our State, our cities and our Nation during this time of struggle. Let us not compromise our values for the sake of money and let us learn that you are God and that there is blessings in obedience to you. In Jesus name.

RESULTS ARE IN...

2010-01-08T10:20:00.000-08:00

A New Year can either bring great joy or it can bring great trouble. People are faced wtih obstacles in every arena. No matter what we know this: If you are a Christian even your troubles are turned into victory. We would never have known David without the Giant. It took the Giant to bring out the best of David. Even great generals are known only by the wars they fight. Ultimately we know that we know that our Lord Jesus Christ is on our side and the sons and daughters of the devil will be placed under HIS feet. So we move on and look to the Lord for strength and refuge because if GOD is for us NO ONE can be against us. Thank you Jesus for your grace and mercy and your peace.

Pastor Michael Salman

Happy New Year

2010-01-01T12:52:00.000-08:00

I want to first of all wish everyone a Happy New Year. This year was an awesome year and God had done so much in our lives. Even thou there were speed bumps and so forth God has brought us through and is continuing to bless us and the fellowship. One of the highlights of the year just recently occurred children from the fellowship sacrificed a toy that they received as a present and had decided to give it to a family who does not have. The others in the Fellowship had donated money and had given it to an Orphanage/Childrens Shelter. This had been very touching because it brings us to realize how much we have and the blessings God has given to us. I am so proud of many of our family and friends who have stepped up to the plate to do the work of God. This year our the fellowship had organized a group to feed the homeless, the poor and needy. They had donated clothes and other items to the shelters. They had given to the orphanages and shelters. They continue to preach and teach in the jails. They hold up signs and witness on the corners. The fight with their brothers and sisters in Christ through persecution. They had given to Voice of the Martyrs and other organizations. I can only pray that this Year we will do even more. Happy New year and from all of us here we wish you many blessings in each and everyone of your lives. In Jesus Name and for HIS glory.

The New Year

2009-12-28T09:00:00.000-08:00

We are about to enter the new year. Are you ready to make this Year truly the year of the Lord? So many times we have stated that this is the year of God. We say it as if this unlike any other year, this will be different. We come up with jingles and ryhmes to give it some uff. Like 2007 is the year of heaven. 2008 in the Lord we celebrate and etc. You get my drift. So now we enter 2010 and we start this year just like any other year, placing on our checks 2009 because we forgot it is 2010. LOL. But really just like every year we should come up with and think of ways to improve ourselves especially our walk with Jesus Christ. How can we draw closer and know Him more. When you are thinking about that please remember one thing: It is not a sprint but a Marathon. 2010 is 12 months long. The best cooked meat is one that has been roasting and or broiling for a long time. Allow God to make you tender for Him. God bless you and Happy New Year.

Death Of Oral Roberts

2009-12-15T21:07:00.000-08:00

Oral Roberts died today at the age of 91. He was best known as the crying preacher who stated that god was going to kill him if he did not raise millions of dollars by a certain time. I find it very funny and yet sad that when people think about Oral Roberts this is what they mention. They don't mention the fact that he began a Bible University or Television Program or that through him God healed many. All the good people do and the only thing humans remember is the bad and ugly.
That is why we are thankful that God in his love and mercy does nto see us like others do. He sees the good and the love in us. It is this that God sees and remembers in us. I can only pray that when we die that all our faults and mishaps are placed aside and that people remember the good that we have done. May our Legacy be that of blessings and fortune to humanity through Christ.

THIS IS THE SEASON - WATCH

2009-12-10T11:49:00.000-08:00

     This season many people are getting sick. They start getting sick not only physically but spiritually and mentally. The sales, the emotions, the lonliness, the financial stress and struggles, these all become very difficult and people become very stressed. Eventually everything going on creates a void and loss of the meaning of the season. I never was a person who enjoyed all thehustle and busle of the Christmas season due to 2 things. 1) Physical illness with many & 2) the commercial aspect of the season.
      This year I can only pray that people remember 2 things. 1) Without CHRIST you can not have CHRISTmas. & 2) JESUS is the reason for the season.

Have a Merry CHRISTmas.

2009-12-03T08:38:00.000-08:00

Today I viewed a video located below about Richard Dawkins calling Ray Comfort a serious and radical evangelist an idot because he refutes Darwinism. At first it made me angry but then I realized that many people feel this way about Christians. Jesus himself told us that if they called your master the prince of Devils what would they call you. The scriptures also tell us that we are fools in the eyes of the world because of our faith in Christ. I bet Moses was considered a fool for taking Israel out to the wilderness, or Abraham going to sacrifice his son, or David going to defeat a Giant, or Gideon Battling thousands with only 300 men. Yet we know how all this ended. The Promise, The Faith, The Victory. So to all you fools and idots out there, GOD BLESS YOU for we know that God always has the last word.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/science/11/25/darwin.dawkins.evolution/?utm_source=bronto&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Image+-+Dawkins&utm_content=harvestchristian%40cox.net&utm_campaign=Dawkins+Resorts+to+Name+Calling+%2F+Someone+Won+the+%2420%2C000

The Holy Spirit

2009-11-30T10:10:00.000-08:00

When we think of the most vital part of our Christianity many people will refer to the word FAITH. I believe thou that the most important part of Christianity is the HOLY SPIRIT. If a person does not have theHoly Spirit living in them they can not living a Christian life. Unfortunetly that is what we see in many people. Their belief is head knowledge and not guided by the Holy Spirit.  If more Christians were filled by teh Holy Spirit we probably would not have the issues within the church or other so called Christians attacking other Christians. So how do you know if you have the Holy Spirit living in you? The scriptures make it very clear in many parts:

1) There is FRUIT. You are actually doing something for God and I do not mean going to church. You are witnessing.  When was the last time you told someone about Jesus? I assure you if you have not told someone about Jesus or encouraged them to follow Jesus you do not have the Holy Spirit. Many people will say that, they are shy. Even if that is true, when you have the Holy Spirit you have boldness to speak and do the things for Christ. In all the parables of Jesus when referring to the believers He makes one thing evident. The TRUE BELIEVER reproduces. Here is a just a couple of the parables: The Sower, The Talents, The Sheep & Goats, The Wise Steward, The Vine and many others.

2) There is CONVICTION. When people think of what is right and wrong they may feel that they have a grasp of things.  The fact is thou many people may be doing wrong and not know it. For example, unforgiveness is wrong with God but unforgiveness is permitted in the world. Hatred is not against the law but with God it is. So people may say, hey I am not doing anything wrong, meaning "I am not breaking the law" while in reality they are. The Holy Spirit brings convictions to a person because the Holy Spirit teaches a person of a eternal law. When you are convicted for doing something that maybe the laws of man don't find offensived but God does it is likely that it is the Holy Spirit.

     In short we see a vital walk and importance to following Jesus and only can be done through the Holy Spirit.

Persecution of Christians is a Reality - WAKE UP!

2009-11-19T21:50:00.000-08:00

BY CHARLES COLSON...
Allow me to make a very direct statement. I believe it is time for the Church in this country to stand up for religious freedom.

Especially over the course of the last few years, we have seen repeated efforts—in the courts, in state legislatures, in Congress, and on Pennsylvania Avenue—to erode what has been called the first freedom: religious liberty.
It isn’t hard to cite numerous cases where Christian organizations and individuals have been singled out and punished for adhering to their faith.
In New Jersey, a Methodist camp lost its tax exempt status for refusing to hold a same-sex civil union ceremony. In California, Christian doctors were successfully sued for refusing to offer in-vitro fertilization procedures for a lesbian couple. Catholic Charities in Boston had to shut down its adoption services because it was being forced by the state to place children with same-sex couples.
The current health care bill has no protections for religious medical personnel or health care providers who, by reason of conscience, refuse to participate in abortions. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act is gathering momentum in Congress. The bill would require even Christian-owned enterprises with more than 15 employees to hire those who do not share their faith.
The list could go on and on.
So why is religious freedom such a concern to us as Christians? Freedom of religion is called the first freedom for a reason. Our founding fathers recognized that without freedom of conscience, no other freedom can be guaranteed.
Christians, in fact, are the greatest defenders of religious freedom and human liberty—not just for Christians, but for all people. Compare religious freedom in those countries with a Christian heritage to the state of religious freedom in Islamic nations, communist countries, and Buddhist and Hindu nations, and you will see my point.
The reason that Christians place such a high value on human freedom is that freedom itself is part of the creation account in the Bible. God made humans in His image. He gave us a free will to choose to love, follow, and obey Him, or to follow our own way.
That free will, given us before the Fall, is part of human nature itself.
Perhaps more than anything else, it was this understanding of individual freedom that turned me into the kind of patriot who would willingly give his life for his country. It was the words of the Declaration of Independence that inspired me to join the Marines: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
So this question of human freedom goes to the very heart of who we are as Christians and as Americans.
So this Friday at the National Press Club in Washington, a statement signed 125 evangelical, Orthodox, and Catholic leaders will be released—an historic declaration on life, the family, and religious freedom.
And please, today, go to http://www.colsoncenter.org/ to view my Two-Minute Warning video on religious freedom. We will have some great resources for you. Then Friday at noon, we will have for you the declaration itself—probably the most important document I’ve ever signed.
The Church needs to understand the urgency of the hour and do its duty.

Feeding The Homeless

2009-11-14T08:06:00.001-08:00

A few of our brothers and sisters from the Fellowship went down this Morning and fed the Homeless. It was a good day. No confrontation and no obstacle. The funny thing about this is there were abou 150 people and maybe 45 were homeless the rest were there foe worship. What a great work. We will continue praying for the churches in Phoenix.

-- Pastor Michael

Living On Purpose

2009-11-13T09:48:00.000-08:00

How many of us truly live on purpose? Majority of the time we live our life doing things on accident. We don't know half the time how we got where we are at, all we know is we sre here. Living on purpose means that you make a CONSCIENCE effort and have a CONSCIENCE purpose in your life. For example it is the person who gets up inthe morning and says "I WILL....."
Now let us direct that to God and say today, "I WILL...tell someone about Jesus.....Pray.....Read the Bible.....Help.."
Live on purpose for God.

Neighborhood Preservation & Loving Your Neighbor

2009-11-12T09:01:00.000-08:00

     A couple of days ago I was speaking to a friend of mine who moved into our neighborhood about 2 years ago. I asked him how everything was going, since I had not spoken to him for awhile. He told me he had an exciting adventure. He ended up building a small shed on his property to hold his tools and various assundry and it turned out the one of the neighbors reported him for building the shed without a permit. When the city came out it turn out to be a few square feet too big. He was forced to renovate it. He was very upset. He was livid and could not understand how people could be so pety. He was very angry and stated that he was now going to go around and make sure that everyone is compliant. I advised him not to stoop to that level.
     Is Neighborhood Preservation really supposed to be like that? Are we now ratting and snitching on every neighbor who we feel is not in complaint? The program which is to bring peace and conformity has and is only creating anomisity against neighbors. Neighbors who are supposed to be loving and friendly have now become enforcement agencies and rat ships. Telling on each other and ratting on each other. I know that this person will never look at his neighbors the same again. I could understand someone having a problem when their neighbor infringes on their property. What happened to talking to your neighbor first.  His shed was not on anyones property. It was not infringing on anyone. People who are nosy are not a benefit to the neighborhood but rather a nusinance. The program which was to protect property rights of others is now creating anger and hatred among neighbors. It is so sad.
     Resolution:  Despite the fact that many Christians want to hit back, I would advise you not to stoop to that level of scum. I say scum with reservation.  God calls them worse. As a matter of fact God calls those who cause discord among neighbors to be an ABOMINATION to HIM. I would hate to be them on the day of judgement unless of course if they repent.  So just pray and watch what you do and remember what a person sows they will reap. They are only reaping contentions and strife. Vengence is mine says the Lord!

Feeding the Homeless is a crime...

2009-11-11T20:31:00.000-08:00

On Novemebr 10th, 2009 the city of Phoenix and their anti-christian sentiments came up to the conclusion that if you are a church that you are not allowed to have ministries that cater to serving the poor. Yes, you heard it right. It is a crime and against city ordinance if you as a church feed the homeless.
I spoke to a few Pastors and ministers this week concerning this decision. They pretty much felt that the City can KISS THEIR GRITS. They felt that this decision is not only unconstituational but it is bias. The fact is folks I AGREE. We have all decided that if the city even thinks about enforcing such a rule like that, there will be a Class Action Lawsuit against them. So pass this on. If your church feels that it may be hindered now or in the future from doing the work of the Lord, as feeding the poor or homeless to let me know. We already have churches on board ready to take action. Victory outreach, Teen Challenge and the Dream Center are ministries dedicated to outreaches that reach out to the poor and needed. Church on the Street and Phoenix First are also ministries and churches dedicated in serving the poor and homeless. There is going to be a big fight that may end up bankrupting our city. It is so sad that all the councilmen and women we have none who call themselves Christian are able to fight. A cloud without water. Thunder without rain.

What Is A Revival?

2009-10-30T11:42:00.000-07:00

     I am in the process of reading a book called, The World's Greatest Revivals. I cannot tell you whether I am going to read it all the way but some of the material in there is not that bad. This is why I thought I would like to talk about what makes a real revival.
      We have heard it all the time. Come to our church, tent, home, event or whatso maybe because we are going to have a revival. Have we taken this word and used so lightly. Revival??? What is a Revival? Is it a bunch of people excited for Jesus. I believe a revival is something or event that has changed the church as a whole. Pentecost. That began and changed the church. Also Rome in 300 A.D. the Bizantine Era. Also the REFORMATION. That is a revival. The CRUSADES that is a revival. A bad one but it still was one.  AZUSA was a revival. The Revivals in England and So forth. These are revivals that have changed the Church as a whole and thus have changed the world.  If we really look at these revivals we wil find one thing in common. They were not based on the emotional hupla but rather on the deep theological issues of the church. How we believe and what we believe in. This is a true revival. Not just full of emotions and shallow feelings.
      So when Pastors want to change the people of God maybe we should think about teaching them the truth rather than the emotion. It is the spiritual truths that will change a people and nation.

WHY NOT HALLOWEEN?

2009-10-26T08:44:00.000-07:00

A lot of people have asked why should Christians not celebrate Halloween? Other than the obvious of all reasons: Halloween represents evil. Many of the costumes and props represent death, demons and ghouls. It glorifies evil, horror and darkness. This is not what Christians should be a part of. We are to celebrate Life, God and Light. No matter how we try to dress up Halloween to be harmless it is like putting lipstick on a pig. O.K. I will try the expression of lipstick on a Donkey. Christians will try to come up with alternatives. Why? Why not just teach your people not celebrate this evila dn not to be a partaker of it? Now here is the other reasons we do not celebrate Halloween other than the obvious:

History traces Halloween back to the ancient religion of the Celtics in Ireland. The Celtic people were very conscious of the spiritual world and had their own ideas of how they could gain access to it - such as by helping their over 300 gods to defeat their enemies in battle, or by imitating the gods in showing cleverness and cunning. Their two main feasts were Beltane at the beginning of summer (May 1), and Samhain (pronounced Sah-ween) at the end of summer (Nov. 1). They believed Samhain was a time when the division between the two worlds became very thin, when hostile supernatural forces were active and ghosts and spirits were free to wander as they wished. "During this interval the normal order of the universe is suspended, the barriers between the natural and the supernatural are temporarily removed, the sidh lies open and all divine beings and the spirits of the dead move freely among men and interfere sometimes violently, in their affairs"
The Celtic priests who carried out the rituals in the open air were called Druids, members of pagan orders in Britain, Ireland and Gaul, who generally performed their rituals by offering sacrifices, usually of crops and animals, but sometimes of humans, in order to placate the gods; ensuring that the sun would return after the winter; and frightening away evil spirits. To the Celtics, the bonfire represented the sun and was used to aid the Druid in his fight with dark powers. The term bonfire comes from the words "bone fire," literally meaning the bones of sacrificed animals, sometimes human, were piled in a field with timber and set ablaze. All fires except those of the Druids were extinguished on Samhain and householders were levied a fee to relight their holy fire which burned at their altars. During the Festival of Samhain, fires would be lit which would burn all through the winter and sacrifices would be offered to the gods on the fires. This practice of burning humans was stopped around 1600, and an effigy was sometimes burned instead.

TRICK OR TREAT ANYONE?
Some trace the origins of present day "trick-or-treat" to Samhain, which was the supreme night of demonic jubilation. Spirits of the dead would rise out of their graves and wander the countryside, trying to return to the homes where they formerly lived. Frightened villagers tried to appease these wandering spirits by offering them gifts of fruit and nuts. They began the tradition of placing plates of the finest food and bits of treats that the household had to offer on their doorsteps, as gifts, to appease the hunger of the ghostly wanderers. If not placated, villagers feared that the spirits would kill their flocks or destroy their property.

So in a nutshell when Christians participate in Halloween they actually participate in demonic worship. Yes, even if you are dressed as an angel.

When Laws Go Wrong!!

2009-10-22T22:59:00.000-07:00

Lisa Snyder is the kind of neighbor everybody likes to have. Every school day, the Michigan mom welcomed neighborhood children into her home—kids whose mothers have to leave for work an hour before the school bus picks up the kids. Snyder didn’t charge anything—she just wanted to be a good neighbor.

But then someone reported Snyder to the authorities—and the state of Michigan told her to stop babysitting, or else. The Michigan Department of Human Services said if Snyder wanted to take care of unrelated kids in her home, she had to get a daycare license.

It’s an example of laws gone wild—too many regulations, and too little common sense.

And that’s not even the worst example. Last March an Indiana grandmother named Sally Harpold was arrested for buying two boxes of cold medicine in less than a week. That’s illegal, if the combined boxes contain more than three grams of pseudoephedrine. They did—which put Harpold in violation of state laws regulating methamphetamine, which can be made from pseudoephedrine.

Harpold—who was handcuffed and booked—wasn’t running a meth lab. She was buying medicine for her three sick grandchildren. But the local prosecutor was unapologetic. Harpold, she said, ought to have known the law.

That might be easier if there weren’t so many local, state, and federal laws to keep track of. While Harpold is catching up on her legal reading, maybe the prosecutor can take care of her sick grandchildren.

Happily, in Michigan, common sense prevailed. Governor Jennifer Granholm ordered the Department of Human Services to work with lawmakers to change the daycare law to protect people who are simply trying to be good neighbors.

Sally Harpold was not so fortunate. She had to go into an alternative punishment program, and pay attorney fees and court costs.

With cases like these, it’s no wonder Americans are growing increasingly distrustful of government—and of the growing numbers of laws and regulations that are making daily life, well, difficult!
Part of the problem is that we have lost the biblical view of the role of government, which is to preserve order, restrain evil, and promote justice. Government has no legitimate interest in slapping the helping hands of citizens like Lisa Snyder. Rather, government should promote neighborly charity! When it comes to helping a neighbor in trouble, government is not the answer. Good neighbors are.

The Reformers understood this, and called it “sphere sovereignty.” Each institution—family, church, and the private associations—knew their job.

In Catholic social teaching, it was called the principle of “subsidiarity,” recognizing that the interests of individuals are best served by the institution closest to them.

In both traditions, government should perform only those functions which can’t be performed by these “intermediate structures.”

But the other part of the “laws-gone-wild problem” is we ourselves. As the moral order of society breaks down, government—and its laws—step in to fill the void and to prevent chaos.

Indiana banned buying too much cold medicine because of the plague of methamphetamine. When we can no longer master our own cravings and inclinations to evil—in other words, when we can no longer govern ourselves—we invite government intervention. And grandmas like Sally Harpold get dragged off in handcuffs.

Time to wake up and apply biblical teachings to the role of government and the individual.

Like Sheep Lead To The Slaughter - So Also The Church

2009-10-22T08:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I received an email from a Neighborhood Association that was crying outrage against the fact that a Church was feeding the homeless on their property. The purpose of this email was to have everyone come to this meeting and voice opposition against a Church feeding the homeless. Sad fact is that is exactly what is going to happen. The world will be there to state that church should not be allowed on their own property to feed the homeless or in fact have any food service outreach without the permission of the City. Meanwhile the 1000's of people who attend worship every Sunday will be nestled in their homes on Thursday Night doing nothing because they will feel like it is not their business, I mean it is not their church that is being attacked so why be there. The one thing they will failto understand is that a City-Wide Interpertation makes it applicable to everyone. The church will be lead like a sheep to the slaughter, unless we truly learn to unite and become one as Christ prayed for us to be and as the scriptures demand us to be in 1 Corninthians 12. The meeting will be held Tonight, Thursday October 22nd, 2009 at 6:00 PM at the Burton Barr Library. Let us as Christians come together and defend our religious rights and obligations before the Lord says to us, "I was hungry and you feed me not."

In Christ.

The Life In Christ

2009-10-20T09:29:00.000-07:00

Do you have a life in Christ or is Christ in your life? The other day I was reading an article that spoke about being a Christian. What makes a Christian? Is it because someone goes to church? Actually the article goes on to say that a Christian is someone who lives their life for Christ always. I agree. As some of you know, my wife and I have worship at my home. We have people come to our home every week and worship Jesus Christ. We have dedicated our lives to God, our home, our property and our family. When I walk on my property, I feel as if I walked into the land of God. Our Jerusalem! When my family and friends come to worship I am grateful that God has granted us the ability to share in His blessings. God has placed in our hearts to feed the poor, to help the needy, to minister the gospel to all in need. I remember when we lived at our home in Waltann and worshipping in the living room every Sunday with our family and friends, how small it was but how wonderful it was. Oh! How good the Lord is!!! I am a firm believer that when you are faithful in the least you will be faithful in the much. God has granted us a larger property with more room. Thank you Lord. I say that to say this:
I began my life in Christ giving Him everything. There is never a line in my life that said, Christ here and others there. It is and always has been Christ. So it should be with you in your life. Whether work, play, relationship, friends and no matter what Christ needs to be all and in all. This is what it means to have a life In Christ and not just Christ in your life. May God bless you in your walk with Him.

Our Trip - Results

2009-10-19T09:55:00.000-07:00

     O.K. here is what everyone is waiting for. As some of you know last week we decided to go on a family trip to California. We left after worship on Sunday and first stop was San Diego California. But First we had to stop at the Sand Dunns off highway 8.  It was so neat.  My kids and I walked up the top of a huge sand dunn. Let me say, that it really took your wind. Sarah made it half way. Anna didn't even start, Rachel made it to the top and Abby crawled her way to the top. It was very steep. We took a picture at the top. That was nice, then off to San Diego again. San Diego was beautiful. We stayed at a Hotel and then in the morning we went to Sea Port Village. I recommend this to anyone going to San Diego. It is full of shops and attractions. It is free to get in and there is a lot of neat things there. One thing that my family and I decided to do was to rent a boat. We rented a 8 passenger for a 5 passenger price. We got a deal. It had been a long time since I driven a boat but it all came back to me suddenly. We went out to sea. I had the kids in the boat and I was the driver and let me say it was fun. It cost around $100.00 per hour. Of course we went out for an hour. Suzanne brought snacks, but we were having so much fun going so fast in the ocean that we failed to even have anything to eat. We stopped by a pier where there were sea lions everywhere. We rode right up to them. The kids had a ball. of course not all. Anna freaked out a little. LOL.  That same day, we drove up to LA where we stayed at the Crowne Plaza. It was nice. Sauna, Jacuzzi, Pool, Spa, Gym and nice rooms. We had a bell hop that after our tip refused to want to to help us anymore. "I warned him." I told him I got it, but he refused and said, no no sir, that is why we are here. I said, no its OKAY. He said, he got it. Well, I only had a $1.00 in my pocket and that's what he got. Sorry to all the bell hops. : (    The following day, we went to Universal Studios. It was raining so we then decided to just go ahead and head up to San Fransico. It was a nice cool drive. We got there at night and stayed at the Hilton. Let me say, that the Hilton is overrated. The next day we decided to tour all of San Fran. We went to the island of Alcatraz. It cost $79.00 for my whole family. It was nice. Alcatraz is remarkable. How anyone could have survived it.  We took a boat load of pictures and had a great time. We then walked fishermans wharf and pier 39 and 41 and of course ate fresh sea food and Clam Chowder out of a Sourdough Bowl. YUM YUM!!  We drove the hills of San Fransico and let me say that it was stunning. The Bridges at night were beautful. The streets and city is remarkable. Believe it or not we may have ran into one gay person there. We saw more gays in LA then we did in San Fran. Go figure.. My brother said, "That they probably knew that I was going to be there and they ran and hid." LOL.  That night we decided to stay at the Econolodge. If you ever go to San Fran stay at the Econolodge in Oakland. It was nice, Huge rooms, Patio Area, Free Breakfast, Free Wi-Fi and the service makes Hilton look like the dollar store to say the least. The next day we toured China Town and then went back to LA. Once in LA we stayed at the Crowne Plaza again for the rest of the nights.  The following day we went to Universal. It was nice. We have annual passes so let me say that we are veterans.  My kids and I know the place inside and out. After Universal, out of a whim we decided to visit my aunt in Covina. We were there for about 4 hours. It was nice. The kids had a ball then we drove back to the hotel where stayed for the last night and then in the morning headed back.
     God is so good. It seemed that everywhere we turned and everything we did God had his hand in it. From turning off the right place to walking in at the right time, God was there.  Our trip was awesome and by the grace of God we had a ball. Let me recommend that anyone go on a trip like this should try these features: 1) Hotwire - Hotwire got us the Crowne Plaza a 4 star hotel for $59.00 per night.  Get a hotel by the airport you pay for parking which is about 10-15 per night but the hotel you get is exceptional. 2) Ever in San Fran stay in Oakland. oakland is only 10 minutes from San Fran. Central to everything. Stay at the Econolodge by the Airport. Parking is Free, Free Breakfast, Wi-Fi and many more. 3) Walk the piers in San Francisco.  Park at the Fishermans Wharf down at pier 41 and then walk the rest. Parking is free for 3 hours. 4) Check out Alcatraz. The trip is worth it. My family it was $79.00 4 and under are free. 5) San Deigo, Don't stay at Good Nite Inn --- You get what you pay for. 6)  Rent a boat. They are not that difficult to drive but it is worth the money. The boat tours are like $30 for adults and $20 for kids. They last 90 minutes. Renting a boat is $100.00 but the fun is limitless.
     Thank you all for your prayers and I look. Let me say, that California is nice to visit. But I thank God I live in ARIZONA!!!!!!! Thank you Jesus.

PHOTO LINK: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/album.php?aid=2034537&id=1031397604&ref=mf

Layaway Vs. Deposit

2009-10-08T13:22:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had anything on Layaway? You take it up to a counter where you slowly place a payment on it and then it is yours. Have you ever placed a deposit on something? You choose what you want and then you place a deposit on it. The deposit states that it is yours and that you are going to take it.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 States that God has placed an earnest deposit on us. He has sealed us with the Holy Spirit and paid the deposit. When Christ returns he will take what is His. That is you and me. Praise God for that. You see Jesus did not put us on Layaway. Layaway means that we do not actually belong to Him but rather he is slowly paying us off. The deposit means that God has paid the price for us. That price is the cross of Christ. Thank God for His love. He has assured us that He is there for us and that evidence is the Holy Spirit.

FOR PROFIT???

2009-10-05T11:23:00.000-07:00

Have you ever heard the saying, "Your going to shoot yourself in the foot." This is exactly what is happening in the churches these days. They are shooting each other in the foot. Today I received an email from a ministry who was asking me to buy buttons. The buttons were $130.00 for 250 of them so that we can get the message out. That is 52 cents each. Are you kidding me?? Why so much? Why do people have to make a profit to help other people get the word of God out? People need to remember this is not what the church is? The church is a place where Christians preach the gospel without making a profit from each other. The only people allowed to live off the people of God were the priest and ministers of God and they lived through the tithes and offerings. This has been God's plan all along. Now, we have people selling books, CD's, Buttons and so forth for outragous prices. I can get 250 buttons that say, "I love the world." for $.08 cents each.
People need to re-examine thier ministry and purpose in life. The only thing I can say, "I thank God that I have a job." May we hold the example of the apostle Paul who said I would rather work with my hands so that the gospel does not become a burden to anyone. AMEN TO THAT,

Change is Emminent

2009-09-30T09:04:00.000-07:00

     The fact is people do not like change. Good change or bad change people just don't like change. Yet the change is emminent. Something is going to change. Neighborhoods change, work changes, processes change, money changes, prices change, many things change in this world. We know that President Obama is currently trying to change a lot of things, Our Health Care, Our Tax Liabilities, Our School Days and much more. There is no doubt that the Democrats who have long waited for this majority moment is comming in like a strom to change a lot of things. Then there are people who are shocked and are constantly resisting any change. Even if we need it.
      We need to be careful that we do not fall into the same catagory as the Pharisees who felt like Jesus was making too many changes too fast. I in no way am trying to compare what Jesus is doing with Obama but rather that, I believe that we can become a Pharisee by resisting even good change.
      When God makes changes in your life how do you react? Sometimes changes need to be made to better us. So remember to really analyze the changes and ask yourself whether this is really good or not. Then and only then should you come up with an opinion. Remember this, sometimes God uses your enemies to make changes in your life. I know in my life that without my enemies we would not have had what we have. It was due to God using them that made us move strong and stand stronger and aquire what we got.  All things work together for Good to those who love God!

The Constant Struggle

2009-09-28T09:06:00.000-07:00

     Last week a cousin of mine called me up and asked me if I was interested in a Beagle Puppy. He stated it was full blood beagle and that someone gave it to him and since his family lives in a small condo he could not keep it. I thought sure. I mean a beagle usually run around $250-$800.00 and free is good. Of course Freeonly becomes free for so long until you have to buy the food, crate, treats, shampoos and so forth. Anyway to get to the point. We are housetraining this puppy and let me say, during this time God is giving me patience. One of the factors of house training a puppy is the fact that you have to constantly be watching the puppy and since we are crating the puppy we hve to take him outside every 3 hours to show him that you have to go outside and not inside or in the crate. Let me just say, Thank God for Tile Floors. If you do not watch after the dog he can not hold it and iwll make a mess in his cage. So being consistant is important.
     Living the Christian life is just like that. You have to constantly think about your life, your speech, your attitude and then you have to practice it. If you do not you will find that you will have a big mess. Many peoples lives are a big mess because they refuse to tend or shall I say, place on a leash their life. Their inner sin goes crazy and ends up messing everything up. Let me say that the time you spend watching your life and reading and praying is much easier then having to clean up after you when you have not tended to it.
     Eventually, my puppy will grow and know what to do. He will mature and through discipline he will make no messes or less messes. This is also true to all those who live a disicplined life for God!!

The Credit Card of Sin

2009-09-24T10:16:00.000-07:00

     A credit card can be a blessing or it can be a curse. When people get a credit card they go and start to buy things. They spend money and place it on the card racking their credit. They bring the product home and it is very pleasurable. They use it for a while and then after a while then that New Feeling wears away. This usually happens way before the bill for the credit card comes in. When the bill comes in they find that all that stuff they bought is very very expensive especially with the high interest rates, fees and so forth. After a while many people just can't pay it anymore. People go into debt and that which brought them joy for awhile is now threatening and harassing their lifestyle with creditors calling and demanding payments and threatening lawsuits. The repo man comes and begins to take it all back. Relationship are stressed and even in some cases broken.
     There is a card like that which works spiritually. People live their lives anyway they wish. Drinking, Smoking, Fornicating, Adultery, Pornography, Jealousy, Anger, Wrath and so forth. It seems pleasurable for a moment until the bill comes in. Let me just say that the interest rates are very very high.  In some cases the interest rates includes a destroyed marriage, relationships broken and in some case death. The Sin MASTERCARD is one Credit Card you do not want to use.
     We had such a card at one time but Jesus Christ came and wiped away the debt and gave us a new start. We thank God for his payment in full. Now it is up to us to listen to His voice and make sure that every offer that comes to us to get a Credit Card is one we decline, even if it is pre-paid.  And believe me the offers will come! By the way, when it comes to sin there is no such thing as a 0% intrest rate. May Christ Keep You!

Thank You For Your Prayers

2009-09-23T12:44:00.000-07:00

As many of you know ever since we bagan worshipping at my home we have been harassed, threatened and even accussed of doing things we did not do. It can really make someone angry and even upset, but one thing I have learned is that the Words of God are so much greater than any emotion. Jesus stated, "Forgive them for they know not what they do." Here is Our Lord forgiving those who are crucifying and even mocking them. These words have helped me to be able to keep a soft heart, compassion and consideration to those who are against us from worshipping at our home. There is no one perfect. Even myself. Yeah I know that is a shock to some, but really, everyone has made mistakes. One day the Lord will reveal all things to all people. Yesterday in court I began thinking of my brothers and sisters in Christ who was in court for breaking the law. Thier crime? Preaching and Teaching the Gospel without a permit from their government. The difference is....They faced death and I do not. So death or no death I have learned and am learning to be strong and faithful even in times like this. God has given my wife and I such a peace that we can truly count it all joy because we are in court, not because we are theives, or murderers or adulterers but because we are Christians worshipping God at our home and with a true heart that we have have love for those around us. God Keep Us!

Coincidence or Godincidence

2009-09-22T12:39:00.000-07:00

What if God had a message for you and then not even 2 minutes later another person came and gave the same message? Would it be a coincidence or a Godincidence? So many people dismiss the messages that God gives because they believe this was just by coincidence. God had warned the Babylonian Kings over and over again but they refused to listen. Finally God gave them the message loud and clear by having Persia come in and invade and untimatly take over. What will it take for our governament to realize that God is speaking and we are not just some right wing, conservative, fanitical, religious folk who are giving our opinion? I guess God knows and they will have to find out. I hope before it is too late! May God bless our city, state, nation and country and open the eyes of our heart.

The Right To Worship

2009-09-22T12:31:00.000-07:00

Every morning I get up ready to begin my day. I wake-up the kids, take a shower and get dressed ready to go to the office. I begin by reading the scripture for the day, my devotionals and some study, then as fast as the day begins it ends. From dealing with businesses throughout the United States to going to pick up the kids from school the work day is finished. I get home where my home is the safe haven and I am the prince of the castle. Of Course Jesus is the King. The rest of the day I enjoy meeting with my friends, family and other brothers and sisters in Christ and occasionally a good movie. Then I spend a couple of days during the week where my guest come to my home and worship with me as we celebrate the day the Lord has Made! This is what it means to be a Christian who lives in America. Protected to worship God in the privacy of your home with your family, friends and guests. Is that against the law? Should people who gather in their home under Christ be different than those who gather under superbowl, or new years, or Christmas. I thank God that through his Provisions and Providence He forknew to place in the heart of our founding fathers the 1st Amendment! Thank you Jesus.

Jack Black Prays To The Devil At The Music Awards

2009-09-18T08:43:00.000-07:00

I just received a note today that Jack Black prayed to the Devil at the MTV music awards. Looking at many of the comments on a Christian website, people were offended. Why? You have to be spiritually retarded not to know that Jack Black and many others in Hollywood worship Satan. Have you seen this guys movies. I am offended that Christians would watch the MTV music awards in the first place. I am not at all shocked that Jack Black prayed to the devil. As a matter of fact I expected it. I did not watch the awards and personnally don't care for them but what I saw in a report was that many held hands and chanted with him the words. Something good did come out of this. Many Christians became very offended and stated that I will never watch MTV again. PRAISE GOD!! Thank you Lord for revealing to your children the truth. Now I pray many will stand on that promise.

Media & Faith

2009-09-17T07:22:00.000-07:00

     This morning while watching CNN a broadcaster came out in one of the reports to report that the U.S. states that the Recession is over. So she continued saying that a couple more times. Then she showed a poll where 86% said Disagreed and 14% Agreed.
     When you come to think about it, it was the media that sort of started the scare in the first place. Whatever they say to people, people act upon it. So when the media speaks the people change. So I guess we are out of a recession and if not we will be.
     This is the same power God gives Christians in their life. When you pray believe you will receive and so you shall. Faith is stepping up to the plate when the world and circumstance have not, yet. It is stating victory and trust in a God who is able to move and change all things. To trust fully in a God who knows the heart of man. That is Faith. So today, put your faith in God and trust in him fully. Let your words and heart proceed your results. In Christ.

Pastor Michael

How should Christians treat each other?

2009-09-16T13:37:00.000-07:00

With the upmost respect and hospitality. Christians in America lack a crucial ingredient to Christianity, the spirit of Sacrifice. Christians are to help other Christians not come against them. Christians are to support other Christians not be on the side line watching. Jesus says this is how they will know you are MY disciples because your love for one another. One of these days, there will be a day, when God will judge this world and it will all begin in the house of God. God will get rid of all those fake professor imposters and make his bride one without spot or blemish. Until then may we search our hearts and may we be found in Him, through love for one another.

Halloween and Christians

2009-09-14T13:03:00.000-07:00

I have always had a view that Christians should not celebrate Halloween or even look like they celebrate it. I know that there are people out there who say things like, "Oh come on it is all in fun." I understand their point very clearly. I remember as a child my mother used to dress us up and we used to go out and collect candy. We never danced around the fire or did a chant around a pentagram, we just had fun. So what is the deal and why are we so uptight about Halloween?
When we did these things we were ignorant to Halloween and what it really means and how we should have acted. Halloween promotes death and fear. That is why when Halloween comes around horror movies are on television. The masks and costumes are mostly darkening, scary and death. Evil, death and fear are exalted during this holiday. What are Christians supposed to do? Should we participate in this? Should make light of it? What does the Bible say?

Ephesians 5:11 Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but rather reprove them.

The word reprove means that we should rebuke it or hate it. In other words don't participate in the deeds of darkness but rather stand up against it.

Does dressing up and going to a church costume party during Halloween a reproving? Does dressing up and going out to a halloween party and collecting candy because it is fun, reproving the works of darkness? How are you standing against the deeds of darkness while you yourself are dressed up and going to a halloween party? How are you standing against the works and deeds of darkness while you are handing out candy? If a child dressed as a ghost , ghoul or vampire comes to your door and you give them candy, what is the message you are giving?

This is a lot to think about so I will comment more on it later. Meanwhile Christians need to stand against the works of darkness and show the light of God.

Jim Pouillon - Pro-lifer Killed

2009-09-13T18:24:00.000-07:00

On September 11th, 2009 a prolifer named Jim Pouillon was shot and killed while holding an anti-abortion sign in front of a school on Friday morning. A gun man walked up to him and shot him 3 times in the chest in front of all the children going to school. Now here is the sick part. NO news station except for FOX even mentioned it or were outraged by it. When George Tiller who killed 1000's of babies was shot and killed people were outraged. The media flew off the handle. Even the President came out and said something about.
This goes to prove the world is sick and going to HELL. How in Jesus Name did the people become so perverted and turn away from God? May God bring His wrath upon the nation that rejoices when those who are called by his named are killed! This nation and these people are sick. People come against churches, they come against the people of God, they ignore those who are killed for His name, and they think they are fine and right in their own eyes. God will bring vengence upon the world by His fire. They will deserve every bit of Hell that God is bringing with Him. If you are reading this and you have not repented for your sin. You need to Repent. You need to ask God to forgive you before He returns.

http://news.aol.com/article/anti-abortion-activist-jim-pouillon/666862

Pastor Michael