by Clarence E. Stowers | Jun 27, 2008 | Bible Journey, Christian, Christianity, Preaching
I would like for you all to say hello to my guest blogger Veronica Lewis.
Last Sunday she (and many others) took the challenge and decided join the team to help me
respond to over 25 text messages from the congregation. She hit the nail on the head and I could not have said it better myself. I’m so proud to have members who step up and knock the ball out of the park. She is the first of many who will be featured on this blog.
Check outs Veronica’s response:
Regarding Revenge:
1. What if its family that keeps hurting you?
The Bible says that through love and kindness have i drawn thee. We must show love especially to our love ones. No matter how much they hurt us revenge is never the answer. Jesus told his disciple after they ask him a question about forgiveness that they should forgive their brother 70 times 7 meaning as many times as it take in one day. I remember a friend telling me about his brother treating him so bad he felt like hurting him but because he was a Christian he would always tell himself God would take care of this situation. So he just kept praying for his brother that God would touch his heart and God did just that his and his brother got saved.
2. How do you get rid of the evil that has taken over you?
Prayer is the key to this situation you have to believe that God can and will deliver you from your present evil. A Christian brother of mine had an anger problem so bad that he always got upset over small things. He told me that in his mind he wanted to get revenge on the people that upset him, but, in his spirit he knew it wasn’t right. So he pray every time he felt the presence of evil in him and eventually God delivered him.
3. What should you do when your friends continue to “pull the scab” off a hurt that you have forgiven?
Let your friends know that you have forgiven them and that God has forgiven you and that’s all that matters. A friend and his wife were on the verge of a divorce and her friends told her “child you should take him for every dime he has because of the hurt that he had cause her and their family.” My friend’s wife forgave him and they got back together, but, all her friends kept telling her she was crazy for taking him back and every chance they got they reminded her. She told them that she had forgiving her husband and that’s all that matters!
Again, way to go Veronica – I’m proud of you!!!
by Clarence E. Stowers | Jun 24, 2008 | Worship
People ask me all the time "Pastor, who influences you?" Well, other than Jesus, I have a few people that I deeply admire. Some you know – some you may not know. For me, it helps to categorize and compartmentalize my mentors. Check this video out & you'll know why Apostle H. Daniel Wilson of Valley Kingdom Ministries International greatly influences me in the area of worship.
Simply put…they know how to do it! I confess, when I'm off on Sundays, this is where I worship.
by Clarence E. Stowers | Jun 24, 2008 | Bible Journey, Preaching, Religion
Trust me, this series will go down in history as one of the most innovative and controversial series at Mars Hill. What pastor do you know encourages their members to pull out their cell phones (DURING WORSHIP) and text their questions regarding the sermon. Guess what, THEY RESPONDED! The first person to respond had their question answered – LIVE!!! Additionally, they responded so well that we were overwhelmed with questions that I'll post and answer here. If you were not able to attend our services, you can view the outline here.
by Clarence E. Stowers | Jun 18, 2008 | Relationships
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvQel-sIKwM&hl=en]
I’m in the process of preparing for my upcoming series “text me” where I answer questions (unedited – straight up, no chaser) from the congregation. A member of my research team sent me the following video that opened my eyes.
Sisters, is it true…if so, why?
C’mon, I can’t wait to hear your responses…
by Clarence E. Stowers | Jun 11, 2008 | Music
IMHO, history shows how music often precedes revolutions…
When God gets ready to tip history in a new direction, new music often serves as the catalyst.
Why?
Music has a way of bypassing the intellect and piercing the very core of the soul. The only element that makes Christian music what it is are the lyrics. Remove the lyrics from Kirk Franklin, Mary, Mary, Tye Tribbet, J. Moss et. al. & you'll soon feel the beat (at least I do 🙂
Again, I repeat: "Music precedes the revolution"
- It is well documented that Martin Luther co-authored hymns to the tune of pub music while guzzling brew (beer) from his Stein (beer mug). He was vilified, however, his music, heavily influenced by pub music where he often drank, preceded the Protestant Reformation. Before Luther, the preferred music was Gregorian Chant. Again, God used music to tip history in a new direction.
- Thomas Dorsey, heavily influenced by the Blues scene here in Chicago was inspired to write many gospel tunes. He's even called the father of Gospel Music. Before Gospel, the preferred music were Wesleyan Hymns et. al. all heavily influenced by the Enlightenment Period. Again, God used music to tip history in a new direction.
- Kirk Franklin, heavily influenced by hip-hop, R&B, & Neo-Soul. Before him, it was Thomas Dorsey followed by James Cleveland and The Hawkins Family. Again, God used music to tip history in a new direction to respond to this Post-modern & Post-Christian generation.
As for Bishop Love, I'm still studying this. I do believe we're at another tipping point and rarely does God do the same thing twice. Since history has moved from modernity to Post-modernity, God's tipping history again.
The bigger problem is not what Bishop Love did, it's how will pastors respond when God tips history in a new direction which requires a different skill-set to lead effectively.
