Category: Christianity

The Embrace of Everlasting Life

November 19, 2024

John 3:15-16 is one of the most quoted passages in the Bible, often pointing us toward the afterlife—the promise of eternal life with God in heaven. But what if the concept of everlasting life is just as relevant to the here and now?

We often focus on everlasting life as a future reality, something we attain after death. Yet, Jesus came not only to secure our eternity but to transform our present. Everlasting life is not merely about the length of life; it’s about the quality and depth of life. It’s the richness of living in God’s presence today, allowing His will to manifest “on earth as it is in heaven.”

The Meaning of Everlasting Life

In the Greco-Roman world, eternity was often linked with the divine and the afterlife. Jewish tradition, reflected in the Old Testament, emphasized God’s eternal nature and His covenant promises. The New Testament writers blended these perspectives, using the term aiónios to describe the supernatural life God grants to believers—a life that begins now and stretches into eternity.

Everlasting life isn’t just a future promise; it’s a present possession. John 3:16 doesn’t say we will have everlasting life but that we have it. This reality shifts our perspective. It’s about living deeply, beyond the surface of our existence, into the very core of our being—our soul.

Life Beyond the Surface

We live in a world obsessed with appearances. Social media and daily interactions often reflect a shallow version of ourselves—the smiles we show, the successes we share. Beneath the surface, however, may lie pain, loneliness, and struggles.

Our souls crave something more. Material things, achievements, and even relationships can’t satisfy this longing. As Jesus tells us in John 4:14, only the living water He provides—the water that springs up into everlasting life—can quench the thirst of our souls.

Everlasting life invites us to confront our deepest issues, break through the walls we’ve built, and allow God’s transformative grace to shape us.

The Present Reality of Everlasting Life

Jesus came so that our souls could truly live. Everlasting life isn’t just about going to heaven; it’s about God dwelling with us here and now. When we believe into Him, as the original language implies, we enter a relationship where His life flows through us, illuminating our hearts and transforming our actions.

Scripture emphasizes this truth:

  • John 5:24 tells us we’ve already “passed from death unto life.”
  • John 6:27 urges us to labor for what endures unto everlasting life.
  • John 6:47 reminds us that belief in Jesus means we have everlasting life.

Living in this reality means embracing God’s purpose for us, digging deep into who He created us to be, and allowing His light to illuminate every part of our lives.

Everlasting Life Transforms Us

God sent everlasting life to:

  • Recover the fallen human spirit.
  • Restore hope in a broken world.
  • Reconcile us to the Father.
  • Reveal the depth and meaning of our existence.

This life empowers us to move past surface-level living and tap into the depths of our soul, where God’s grace works to transform us for His glory.

Will You Live Deeply?

Living in everlasting life challenges us to confront our fears, forgive, and embrace our God-given destiny. It’s about more than existing; it’s about fulfilling the dreams God has placed within us and living in the fullness of His purpose.

Don’t let the fear of dying with unfulfilled dreams hold you back. Choose to live deeply, allowing God’s everlasting life to guide you into the destiny He has designed.

Will you let Him work in the depths of your life today?

Part 2: Cultivating and Maintaining Spiritual Hunger

June 22, 2024

In the first part, we explored the essence of hungering and thirsting after righteousness. Now, we will focus on practical ways to cultivate and maintain this spiritual hunger, ensuring that our lives are continually aligned with God’s will and filled with His righteousness.

One of the primary ways to cultivate spiritual hunger is by seeking God with intentionality. Jeremiah 29:13 promises, “And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” This verse emphasizes that a wholehearted pursuit of God is met with His presence. To seek God intently means to prioritize our relationship with Him above all else, dedicating time and effort to connect with Him through prayer, worship, and reading God’s Word.

Hunger for righteousness calls us to a place of intimacy with God. It is about answering His knock and inviting Him into the deepest parts of our lives. This intimacy requires us to be still, to listen, and to rest in His presence. Often, we are too busy moving and doing, but true intimacy with God happens in moments of stillness and quiet reflection.

God reveals Himself through His Word, and a hunger for righteousness will naturally lead us to scripture. In God’s Word, we find fresh revelations about His character, His promises, and His plans for our lives. Regular, intentional study of the Bible helps us understand what it means to be righteous and equips us to live in accordance with God’s will.

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in drawing us closer to God and awakening our spiritual hunger. When we feel spiritually weak, it is an invitation to rely on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance. The Holy Spirit helps us recognize our need for God and leads us into deeper communion with Him.

As we grow in our hunger for righteousness, we begin to find joy and satisfaction in God alone. The comforts and distractions of the world lose their appeal as we realize that true fulfillment comes from a relationship with God. This shift in perspective helps us stay focused on what truly matters and prevents us from being swayed by temporary pleasures.

Hungering for righteousness is not just about an internal longing but also about living out God’s righteousness in our daily lives. This involves embodying the values and principles of God’s kingdom, such as justice, mercy, and love. When we actively seek to live righteously, we reflect God’s character to the world and fulfill our calling as His representatives.

Persistent prayer is essential for maintaining spiritual hunger. Through prayer, we communicate with God, express our needs and desires, and seek His guidance. Persistent prayer helps us stay connected to God and reinforces our dependence on Him for everything we need.

Hungering and thirsting after righteousness is a transformative journey that requires intentionality, intimacy, and reliance on God. By seeking God with all our hearts, embracing intimacy with Him, nourishing ourselves with His Word, relying on the Holy Spirit, finding joy in God alone, living out His righteousness, and staying persistent in prayer, we can cultivate and maintain a deep, enduring hunger for God. This spiritual hunger ensures that our lives are continually filled with God’s righteousness, enabling us to experience the fullness of His blessings and grace.

Blessings,

Pastor Q

Hungering and Thirsting After Righteousness – Understanding the Call

June 21, 2024

In the Beatitudes found in Matthew 5:6, Jesus proclaims, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” This statement forms a cornerstone of Christian living, urging believers to seek righteousness as an essential part of their spiritual journey. In this two-part blog, we will dive into what it means to hunger and thirst after righteousness and explore the transformative power this pursuit holds for our lives.

Hungering and thirsting for righteousness is more than a fleeting desire; it is a profound, enduring longing for a deeper relationship with God. This spiritual hunger is not akin to the physical sensation of missing a meal after a long day of work. Instead, it reflects an intense need for a relationship with Jehovah Shalom, the God of our peace, Jehovah Jireh, our provider, and Jehovah Tsuri, our rock. It signifies a yearning for God that transcends our daily routines and material pursuits.

According to Martin Lloyd, this beatitude follows logically from the previous ones, serving as a culmination of the teachings that precede it. The earlier beatitudes mentioned, being poor in spirit, mourning, and being meek prepare the believer’s heart to develop a genuine thirst for righteousness. This progression highlights that to truly receive and understand all that God has for us, we must first hunger and thirst for righteousness.

To be righteous means to be in right standing with God, reflecting His image and receiving the fullness of His grace. It involves understanding and accepting that through Jesus’s atonement on the cross, we are justified and made righteous in God’s eyes. This righteousness is not about human efforts but about recognizing and embracing the sacrifice Jesus made for us.

Jesus’s statement provides both affirmation and promise: The Affirmation is – those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are blessed, and the promise is – they shall be filled. This assurance underscores the depth of spiritual hunger, calling us to seek God earnestly. Unlike the temporary satisfaction of physical hunger, spiritual hunger leads us to a fulfilling and eternal relationship with God.

Many times, we seek to fill our spiritual hunger with worldly pursuits such as financial success, relationships, and meeting the expectations of others only to find ourselves still wanting. True satisfaction, however, comes only from God. Our relationships, ambitions, and comforts are transitory and most are dependent upon the season we are in and the needs we have but the righteousness of God sustains us through all of life’s adversities. Far too often we seek are seeking to be filled as we eat at the wrong tables and drink from the wrong fountains, only to end up malnourished and spiritually weakened. Only a genuine relationship with God can truly nourish and fill us.

How do you know if you are truly hungering for God? Here are seven signs:

1. We are discontent with the life we are living: A profound sense of discontent with the status quo and a feeling that something is missing in your relationship with God.

2. We are inspired by a past experience: A longing for past spiritual experiences and a desire to recapture that closeness with God.

3. Spiritual Frailty: An acute awareness of your spiritual depletion and a desperate need for God’s strength.

4. Loss of Passion: Recognizing a decline in your love and zeal for God, similar to the church of Laodicea, which became lukewarm.

5. Diminished Appetite for Worldly Comforts: Losing interest in things that once brought you comfort, realizing that true comfort is found in God.

6. Being Out of Your Comfort Zone: Feeling unsettled as God draws you closer to Him, challenging you to seek Him with all your heart.

7. Turning to God’s Word: An intense desire to journey into scripture, seeking fresh revelations and understanding of God’s will and promises for your life.

Hungering and thirsting for righteousness is an active pursuit that transforms our lives. It is a journey that begins with a profound longing for God and culminates in the promise of being filled. In the next part of this blog, we will explore how to cultivate and maintain this hunger for righteousness, ensuring that our spiritual lives are continually nourished and thriving.

Stay Encouraged,

Pastor Q

Embracing the Spirit of a Fighter (Spiritual Warfare) Part 1

June 11, 2024

Recognizing the Enemy and the Nature of the Battle 

Christians are in a perpetual state of spiritual conflict, fighting against principalities, rulers of darkness, and spiritual wickedness in high places as outlined in Ephesians 6:12. The battle is against Satan, who relentlessly attempts to twist hearts away from obedience and faithfulness to God. The enemy we are up against desires nothing more than to separate us from anything that is God and anything that is good. Therefore, there is a bounty on the head of a believer for hell to sever anything that connects us to God’s plan, will and purpose on our lives.  Christians must understand that their struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces.  Jesus’ statement in Matthew 10:34 that “He came not to bring peace, but a sword” signifies the necessity of His followers to be equipped for spiritual warfare. We must recognize this reality, remaining vigilant and armed for battle, acknowledging the spiritual dimension from which they fight and the critical need for divine strength and guidance. 

Forgiveness and Unity in the Kingdom 

One of the significant hindrances within the Kingdom is internal conflict among believers. The scripture teaches that a divided kingdom cannot stand, emphasizing the importance of unity and forgiveness among God’s people. Before confronting external enemies, Christians must first forgive one another to prevent internal strife and betrayal. Unity and forgiveness are essential traits of a true fighter in the spiritual realm. In this age of social media it seems many people who call themselves defending the faith only ignorantly divide the church through targeting specific people within the kingdom.  Imperfections of character, theology and beliefs are disputed on platforms that were never created for the purpose of strengthening the church. Flawed pastors are labeled fake pastors and Pastor’s who fall into sin are labeled as the wolves in sheep clothing. We have weakened the Kingdom of God by declaring civil war against God’s people disregarding the greater war that is active against the principalities and spiritual wickedness that is at work to destroy God’s people.  

Humility and Dependence on God 

We must not be passive regarding spiritual conflict, and we must understand we have a grave reliance on the power of God. A true fighter acknowledges that their strength comes not from themselves but from God. As 1 Corinthians 15:58 instructs, believers must be steadfast and unmovable, firmly fixed in their position in Christ. This steadfastness is rooted in the understanding that victory is not based on personal strength but on God’s invincible power. The humility to recognize one’s weakness and depend on God for strength is crucial. Like the great men and women of faith mentioned in Hebrews 11, believers must submit to God’s authority, embrace brokenness as a learning process, and remain obedient to His will. True spiritual fighters develop a mindset willing to fight because they know that God, who is their strength, is invincible. Our victory is not based on what we are able to accomplish within ourselves but because we have grasped the undeniable truth Greater is He that is in us,  The One True Living God, The Mighty God, He is greater than the one who is in the world.  

Remain Steadfast,  

Pastor Q

Part 2: The Power of Prayer and the Redemption of Imperfection

May 9, 2024

As we continue our exploration of the intricacies of heroism and redemption, we find ourselves drawn deeper into the narrative of Peter and his spiritual journey alongside Jesus. In the face of impending trials and tribulations, Peter grapples with doubt, fear, and the inexorable pull of his own imperfections.

In a moment of prophetic clarity, Jesus forewarns Peter of the trials that lie ahead, recognizing the enemy’s fervent desire to sow seeds of doubt and discord. Yet, amidst the looming shadows of despair, Jesus offers a beacon of hope: the power of prayer. He assures Peter that, despite his inevitable stumbles, his faith will not falter, buoyed by the unwavering strength of divine intercession.

This pivotal moment underscores the transformative potency of prayer, not as a means to alter external circumstances, but as a source of inner fortitude and resilience. Jesus himself exemplifies this truth as he grapples with the weight of his impending ordeal in the Garden of Gethsemane. Despite the crushing burden of sorrow and anguish, he finds solace in communion with the divine, his fervent prayers serving as a lifeline amidst the tempest of his emotions.

In the face of exhaustion, doubt, and despair, Jesus’s steadfast commitment to prayer serves as a testament to the indomitable power of faith. His example implores us to persevere in prayer, even when the darkness threatens to overwhelm us, for it is in our moments of greatest vulnerability that we find the strength to endure.

Yet, amidst the chaos and turmoil, Peter succumbs to the frailty of his humanity, succumbing to fear and doubt. In a moment of impulsive recklessness, he lashes out, severing the ear of an adversary. It is a stark reminder of the fragility of our resolve, the inherent imperfections that define our humanity.

However, even in the depths of his despair, Peter finds redemption. Despite his denials and betrayals, Jesus extends a hand of forgiveness and reconciliation, entrusting Peter with a sacred duty: to shepherd his flock. In this act of grace, we find solace and hope, a testament to the boundless depths of our Lord’s love and mercy.

In conclusion, the journey of Peter serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of faith, doubt, and redemption. Through the crucible of adversity, we confront the darkest recesses of our souls, grappling with our inner monsters and imperfections. Yet, it is in the embrace of divine grace and the power of prayer that we find the strength to rise anew, transformed by the crucible of our experiences.

Blessings,

Pastor Q

Internal Wins

August 5, 2020

This past week a recognition of internal warfare came to my attention. Regarding success and life, I began thinking of where I am versus where I want to be. Internally I have been battling with wondering if I am able to get it all done. The financial goals, health goals, parenting goals, marriage goals, ministry goals and the list just keeps going. I become paramountly aware that the mark has been missed….Or has it??

Did you see that?? This is my battle! One part of me says, Man…. you are way off course. Meanwhile the other part says, no matter what you have done, look at what you are now doing. You are heading in the right direction!

Frustration sets in while we are contemplating who we are or what we should be accomplishing. Trust me, this is even a problem for people who look like they’re holding it all together. Rich, broke, healthy or not so much, no one is absent of feeling like they have missed the mark or that they have not lived up to a standard. But each of us, despite our current circumstance must keep believing in ourselves. We must believe in ourselves just after failure, in the middle of losing and right after setbacks.

If we are not walking towards purpose or in purpose, we will “feel” lost. But that does not mean we are. There are times I have been driving and thinking I knew where I was going but then I see landmarks that don’t look familiar. So, I’ll turn on the GPS to realize that I’m still on track to my destination. Achieving success is not about a feeling but a conscious decision to keep going!  

Its the reason that Internal faith must be present because our roughest fights are internal. The hardest fights to win start with decisions of discipline such as waking up early, praying daily, exercising, eating healthy, and managing our time well. Too many external battles are lost because we are bleeding out on the internal battlefields.

Take a moment to think. How can “I” be better today and prove to no one but “me” that I am enough. God didn’t create you to be insufficient. You are enough!

Today, because somebody needs your best you, give them your best you!

  1. Have confidence in who you are. And do not let anyone insinuate that you are not enough! You are!
  2. Understand you may not have all the knowledge or skills but giving it attention and consistency will produce success.
  3. Plan your steps. Begin your day with a plan and press through with passion.
  4. Keep your purpose or your why at the forefront of your mind and focus on the actions that will fulfill this.

Have a blessed day  

Aquila T Carmon

3 Things To Remember About Making Changes

April 1, 2019

3 Things to Remember when it’s time to take action as make big changes.

1. It will cost you in the beginning.

It will absolutely cost you! Money, time, energy and sacrifice will be inevitable in order to see progress and success. Taking action is not easy but it is necessary for self development. Positive action adds positive value via increase of knowledge, wisdom and experience.

2. If you don’t take action things will stay the same for you but continue changing around you.

If we are not willing to take action we are subjected to watching things change around us and nothing big ever changes for us. The risk in that, is experiencing how changes in our career, family and life will either slightly benefit us or cause damage forcing us to change anyway. Don’t wait to see what happens, make moves to create changes that will benefit you!

3. Everyone will not approve or agree.

It is absolutely ok that people won’t or don’t get what you are doing. It may be someone you expected to support you like a best friend or a spouse. But develop an “oh well” mindset. Oh well, thanks for listening. Oh Well, this is still something I have to do. Oh well, it’s risky and I might lose in the beginning or I know it’s going to cost me in the beginning but I’m going to do it anyway.

Aquila T Carmon

A Measure of Faith

March 26, 2019
What does it mean that God has dealt to every man the measure of faith? Pondering this causes me to ask questions like….How much faith did He give me? How does it compare to the faith of others? Will this faith only get me so far vs the faith of great leaders?
Romans 12:3 says:
“For I say to every man that is among you, through the grace given unto me, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
Let’s be honest for a moment. Walking by faith is scary when you don’t seem to have the faith it takes but at the same time it takes faith to accomplish what we are called to.  It takes faith to walk into ICU and believe God will heal sickness.  It takes faith the bury our closest loved ones and believe God will give us the grace to keep going. It takes faith to encourage someone that it will work out. It takes faith to look into the eyes of a parent who lost their child and believe God will strengthen them.
It takes faith to make marriage work, start a business, serve with people who often disagree with you, maintain beneficial relationships and to raise children against the waves of negativity, darkness, distraction and disaster that crashes into our minds every single day. It takes faith to know that you can be who God created you to be. 
What did he create you to be? Powerful beyond the strength of your enemies. Wisely armed with the Mind of Christ. Unstoppable with the force of the Holy Spirit working in you day by day, leading you to and through victories great and small.
So the measure of faith that we are given is a tailored, measured, calculated portion of faith that is meant to work in and through you actively assisting you to your predestined call.  You Measure of faith is directly proportional to who God, as a man, measured you up to be. It is not to be compared and it is not to be doubted. It is an activator that will drive you into prayer and then into action. If you were a vehicle, this measure of faith is premium gasoline, high grade oil, fluids and regular maintenance for you life. If you have the faith to believe enough in yourself and believe enough in God then you will see that all things are possible.
“Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen” Hebrews 11:1 Your measure of faith is only meant for what God intended to achieve in you and through you. So don’t just keep the faith, Use the Faith!
Bless you,
Aquila T Carmon

The Necessity of Change – Introduction

March 6, 2019

I woke up on Sunday Morning and my son busted into my room, his little wet body shivering, wrapped in a towel saying, “daddy where are my clothes.” I woke up from my sleep as I heard the door open and half way surprised asked him, “Did you already take a shower?” He replies “Yes I did”! Both of us were proud as I told him “Awesome…Now go back downstairs and find some underwear!”

Wow….only six years ago I was changing pampers on him and his twin brother. Most of us do this but when did you last think about how much time changes things? Seasons are in and out seemingly faster as we age, almost as if seconds tic faster on the clock nowadays.

Time isn’t waiting for you is it? Nope, so what are you waiting for. Opportunity is not only telling you to find it but opportunities are searching for you.  Open your eyes and see the chance to do something you haven’t done yet. Change!

For too long, our days become so routine and predictable that we could feel the need to change in our heart, soul, even in our bones. Change is calling us out! When we feel there has to be more, like we have to do better and begin to sense there is more for than this, guess what. There is! This feeling of unsettling means we have now engaged with the necessity change.

Why? Because purpose and destiny are on the line! Who you become, who you are becoming, depends on the steps you are taking to improve, develop, build, learn and grow. You don’t have time to waste or to procrastinate. The Almighty Phrase “I’ll do it tomorrow” or “I’ll start on Monday” is a life snooze that will put you late for your appointment with purpose. Don’t WAIT!

Start the business, ask her to marry you, set up the budget, get your Credit fixed, go to the beach, read the book, take the classes, apply for the grant, build the church, move to the other state, MAKE A POWER MOVE and watch God be faithful when you act in faith!!

Aquila T Carmon

5 Principles of Progress

February 1, 2019

There are quite a few principles that drive us in the direction of progress and success in our lives. It’s wise to reflect and see if we are putting those principles in place. Today I’ll share five of those values with you that caused a huge difference in my life and catapulted me from literally a place of depression and distraction to determination and desire for greater achievement. These principles are relevant for spiritual, financial, career and personal growth. Let’s jump into it.

The first one is PRAYER. What is one of the secrets of having great focus? Having direction! Having a really good sense of destination sets our sails on course for an amazing and purposeful journey. Like any journey though, Inevitably,  we get lost or sometimes even lose ourselves. Prayer brings us back to a proper head-space, heart-place.  Prayer keep us grounded and in connection with God. Praying for God’s guidance, strength and peace essentially aligns us with God’s will. Through our convictions, His grace and gives us clarity even through the clouded and crowded times. Jesus spent hours praying because He understood that not only external but also his internal needs came from a Spiritual source, His Father in Heaven. It is wise to consult with the Lord about where we are headed and what we should accomplish before consulting with men.  God knows the ultimate purpose for our lives and there could be unnecessary frustration when we allow our intentions to supersede God’s divine direction for our life.

The second is PERSPECTIVE.  How do you see where you are? We should see our challenges like a weight lifter sees a weight that is too heavy and consider how we will build up to clearing that weight. Problems can make us better problem solvers, trouble can build patience, tragedy can push us closer to our Source of strength, pain builds our ability to endure greater pains, hurt and broken trust wises us up. You get the idea. Don’t see a wall as a wall, but a teaching objective that will force you to reach, stretch and think more critically or trust God more consistently.  See your problems from the perspective of every problem has a solution. Remember that God will never put more on you than you can bear.

Next is PLANNING. Yes, strategy is vital in this game of life. I hear you….” Things never go as planned” I’ll say that is True and False. The wrong perspective may tell you this, simply because the whole plan didn’t go as planned. Get this. If you create a plan to meet your goals and only 10% of your plan worked out, then the plan is working because the plan was really to make progress.  A plan is a safeguard. It’s like putting the bumper rails up at the bowling alley to keep you from rolling a gutter ball. Planning may not get you a strike, but it should at least help get you some points on the scorecard.

Fourth is PERSEVERANCE. The ability to move forward when you are ready to quit. Perseverance is the internal characteristic that you can train yourself to put in action. Deciding to walk when you cannot run, crawl when you cannot walk and stopping only to catch your breath, to re-strategize, to pray, to reflect on your perspective but never stopping because you quit.

Lastly to Acknowledge and Celebrate PROGRESS. Seeing and realizing that even though this was small progress that this is a BIG moment. If your plan is laid out and you have made progress toward that goal, then you must realize within every goal is the goal of making progress. If your church didn’t grow by 20 members but it grew by five, celebrate the progress. If your business income didn’t grow by $5,000 but it grew by $1,000, celebrate the progress.

Remember that “The race is not given to the swift but to those who endure to the end.” Your life doesn’t need to be in competition with anyone else. So, kill all those comparisons and work towards your goals. Stay focused, stay positive, plan every aspect of your life and Celebrate along the way.

There is Hope,

Aquila T Carmon