The voice of your brother’s blood
cries out to Me from the ground.
                                                        – Genesis 4:10

I am ashamed that this week we, as a nation, are known for the words “I can’t breathe.” My heart breaks that George Floyd died crying out for mercy, as he did this week. I don’t know all the details of what happened leading up to the moments that George Floyd died. We may never fully know. And the details will never justify his death. But the fact that this happened as it did, I find myself thinking, “We can do better.”

In his 1963 Letter from Birmingham Jail, Martin Luther King Jr. quoted the Prophet Amos, “But let justice run down like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream” (Amos 5:24). We can do better. We can pray for better. I think we would all agree that George Floyd’s blood cries out “let justice run down like water.” 

I do not believe that this terrible happening defines who we are as a nation in 2020. But it does remind us of how much we need the unifying mercy and grace that are only ultimately found in Jesus, through the gospel. And only when He rules and reigns will the cry of of the prophet Amos be fulfilled. 

Lord Come Quickly! 

Blessings,
Pastor Miles

P.S. I know that some will be tempted to read way too much into the words above. I ask that you stop, wait, and pray before you respond. I’ve thought and prayed a lot about what to say, if anything, as it regards this situation. Additionally, I would encourage all of you who name the name of Christ to not engage in arguments on social media at this moment. We would do well to remember the words of the apostle James, “the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:20). 

If you’re a listener, or subscriber, give us a shout-out and send us a text (and text more questions) to (760) 814-1223.

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Questions & Timestamps:

  1. @ 14:46 – Will God judge christians for their good works for him as well? Is there different levels of rewards for those more faithful to Christ with their life?
  2. @ 23:33 – What are the definitions of exegesis, eisegesis and hermeneutics.
  3. @ 28:48 – Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit the unpardonable sin. Would we say now that all people who are alive and not Believers are blasphemers?
  4. @ 37:07 – 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 describes “the manifestation of the Spirit given to each one for the profit of all.” Does this mean every believer has been given one of the gifts listed in verses 8-10? Are some people given more than one? How do I know which one I have been given? If you have the time, can you briefly explain what each of these mean with examples.
  5. @ 50:48 – How do you two pray for people who are ill, have a long term illness like MS. People who are having surgery. Those who are terminally ill? Do you pray for healings for everyone? How do you use “God’s will”? Do you pray God’s will in ALL SITUATIONS?

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If you’re a listener, or subscriber, give us a shout-out and send us a text (and text more questions) to (760) 814-1223.

Download MP3 Audio

Questions & Timestamps:

  1. @ 26:35 – Do you think that a future covid19 vaccine could be the mark of the beast and that we’re this close to the rapture?
  2. @ 34:16 – 1,200 Churches in California are planning on holding Sunday, May 31 in their facilities. Are we going to join them?
  3. @ 39:06 – So God created man and without asking them now holds them to a standard after being born in a sinful state, and then tortures him, for all eternity, after man doesn’t live to His standard…?
  4. @ 44:03 – The 3 billionaires have the following hobbies.
    Bill Gates plays chess.
    Warren Buffet plays the ukulele.
    Mark Cuban exercises 6 days a week.

    What do you two do or what hobbies do you have to relax?
  5. @ 49:13 – On Sunday, Pastor Miles said that before God renders judgement, He always offers grace and extends words of peace. Are you saying that this is extended to non-believers. And when and how does this happen?
  6. @ 51:51 – Monday on Channel 18, Pastor Miles mentioned Matthew 12:36: “I tell you that everyone will have to give an account on the day of judgement for every Idle word spoken.” IDLENESS is the quality, state, or condition of being lazy or inactive. The quality of groundless, worthlessness or triviality. Now the teasing, joking around aren’t those “idle words” you guys do and we all do?
  7. @ 56:18 – Point 3 said that God’s judgment will be final and complete. What do you think about purgatory? What about universalism? Do you believe that hell is eternal torment? Or what do you think about annihilationism?
  8. @ 1:01:32 – If Jesus and God are one how can it be that Jesus doesn’t know when He will return?

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So he, trembling and astonished, said,
“Lord, what do You want me to do?”
                                                              – Acts 9:6

I’ve often thought that Paul’s question (above) from Acts 9 is one of the most important questions you and I could ask

Saul of Tarsus had spent (perhaps) years waging war against the early Christians. Finally, as he approached another city, seeking out followers of “the Way” (Acts 9:2), he was met by the risen Jesus. And as Saul lay on the ground, enveloped by the light of the glory of God, he asked, “Lord, what do You want me to do?

Those words are an acknowledgement of submission. They revealed that Saul was not only recognizing the truth that Jesus is Lord, but that he was also setting himself to follow and obey Him as such. Now, it is one thing to say the words, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” It is quite another thing to actually obey Him when He tells you “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

Have you acknowledged the Lordship of Jesus in your life? Have you begun to seek His will? Have you set yourself to obey His word? Maybe you might say, “Well, I don’t know what He wants me to do! If only He would tell me, I’d do it.” There’s one really good way to know what Jesus wants you to do. He’s given us the revealed truth of His word, and He desires that we would hear and heed it.

Right now, in the midst of our Covid shutdown, a lot of people are taking this as an opportunity to ‘reboot’ and establish some new norms in their life. I hope you’ll take this opportunity to make God’s word a part of your regular daily routine, if you haven’t already. One of the simple ways you can begin to do that is by listening through the Scriptures with The Listening Plan, or The Daily OT

If you’re a listener, or subscriber, give us a shout-out and send us a text (and text more questions) to (760) 814-1223.

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Questions & Timestamps:

  1. @ 27:20 – 2 Kings 13:20-21 tells us of a man being thrown into Elisha’s grave and miraculously being revived once his body touched the bones. I assume that Elisha has been dead for a while if only his bones are there.
    1) why is his grave open?
    2) are these 2 sentences here to show us that even though Elisha wasn’t caught up to God in the same way as Elijah, he was still as important a prophet as Elijah?
  2. @ 35:58 – Pastor Mark, did you make friends with a lot of flies and mosquitoes while recording the message?
  3. @ 37:31 – When will we begin Pastor Miles’ plan for meeting from house to house?
  4. @ 42:27 – What are your views on Civil Disobedience in light of some business and churches planning to disobey governmental guidelines?
  5. @ 46:35 – 1 Peter 4:6 speaks of the Gospel preached even to those who are dead. Just to dive in a little bit on this verse. Is this meaning those that are spiritually dead?

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My hope is built on nothing less
than Jesus’ blood and righteousness

These words may be familiar to you. Especially if you grew up in a more traditional church. They were written by a hymn writer (Edward Mote) in the 19th century, and they’ve been song in churches worldwide, nearly ever since. I find that they fill my mind frequently when I am conftoned with challenging circumstances, which, in this life are both normal, and always temporary

Those two things are super important to remember and meditate upon. Trying times and challenging circumstances are normal, and always temporary. Even when they seem to go on for a prolonged period. 

As we find in the Psalms, that’s a good point for a SELAH (a short pause, to breath and think). 

We live in a world that is broken. I can’t reiterate that enough. We are reminded of the brokenness of this world a lot right now. And sometimes the brokenness of a broken world can be somewhat overwhelming. Our souls can be troubled. Has your’s been troubled recently? If so, it’s normal. And ultimately it is temporary. 

Mote’s hymn goes on to say …
 
I dare note trust the sweetest frame,
but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ the solid rock I stand,
all other ground is sinking sand. 

I want to encourage you to take a moment to pause and breath, today (SELAH) … and to maybe mediate on Mote’s hymn. You can download the full lyrics, here

Paul, in his letter to the Romans, wrote, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Rom. 8:18). He also wrote…
 
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
– 2 Cor. 4:17-18

I’ve shared these passages many times in the past, and quite a bit more recently. But they truly are worth thinking on. 

If you’re a listener, or subscriber, give us a shout-out and send us a text (and text more questions) to (760) 814-1223.

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Questions & Timestamps:

  1. @ 27:38 – Doesn’t Scripture say that no one knows when Jesus is coming back? Does Jesus not know when He is coming back?
  2. @ 29:29 – Was Goliath possibly related to the giant Zamzummim?
  3. @ 32:21 – You mentioned in your message on 2 John that 2 John was written “from” Ephesus. What city was it written “to”?
  4. @ 34:55 – Who are those in the ‘great cloud of witnesses?’ (Hebrews 12)
  5. @ 36:47 – “But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! ” 1 Cor 15:51. Does this happen with our bodies as well? I’ve never thought hard about it, but I’m assuming our bodies will be changed as well. Now would this be where we get our new bodies? And what would happen with our dog? If this were to happen, would God just leave our animals to fend for themselves? If we care so much about our pets, why wouldn’t God care even more to care for them in this event?
  6. @ 44:49 – In point 2 you said “God will allow you to long jealously for the life and possession of others, to provoke you to move into the life He desires for you.” How is that possible if jealousy is sinful?
  7. @ 54:47 – I feel like I’ve been “meandering aimlessly.” What do I need to do to not keep doing that?
  8. @ 1:13:56 – Your points on Sunday kind of make it seem like God is heavy handed. I haven’t thought of God like that before. I’m not sure how to reconcile that with Jesus?

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If you’re a listener, or subscriber, give us a shout-out and send us a text (and text more questions) to (760) 814-1223.

Download MP3 Audio

Questions & Timestamps:

  1. @ 23:33 – When will we have services again at Cross Connection? I hear some churches are going back this week. What do you think about that?
  2. @ 29:44 – You talked about Enoch in last week’s weekly email. There’s a Book of Enoch, why isn’t it in the Bible?
  3. @ 32:12 – I’ve been anxious during this time. Is it ok to take medication for anxiety?
  4. @ 37:38 – Does the Holy Spirit convict us as Believers of sin. I am getting both yeses and no’s when I research it.
  5. @ 39:59 – In Acts 16, what does it mean that the Holy Spirit kept Paul and his team from going into Asia Minor and Bithynia? How did the Holy Spirit do that? Our how different they know it was the Holy Spirit?
  6. @ 44:32 – Is it ok to use the “Holy Ghost” instead of saying the “Holy Spirit” I used to hear that term in Pentecostal churches.
  7. @ 49:49 – Could you please explain what The prayer request for Pastor Mark was. He suspects he can’t sleep because it is a “Spiritual Issue”. What does that mean?
  8. @ 56:08 – I’m assuming that based on Deut 1:41-46, it is possible to do the right/godly thing at the wrong time and therefor be out of God’s will. How do I make sure it is the right time?

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