How do we find the right church?

Read all four of the Gospels of the New Testament. (There is not one Gospel that has all the teachings of Jesus Christ). The Bible is also on CDs and can be read freely online.

Visit churches and compare what is being taught to the four Gospels to evaluate the quantity of substance and to avoid contradiction. Be aware of red flags such as anyone promoting violence or hate against others or a political candidate from the pulpit. And beware of anyone claiming they do not need to repent--since there is no such person on this Earth. Or anyone promising increased wealth, salvation, or healings for a fee or tithing. Also, be diligent with churches seemingly changing their priorities or beliefs overnight to perhaps keep or add new members. God gave us all the gift to repent; however, only time will prove their sincerity.

(Note: if the core of what is individually believed aligns with the four Gospels, especially what Jesus taught in priority, then those will know who to vote for without the need of the religious sect in politics--or anyone else. However, everyone should have the freedom of belief and not dictated by anyone's version. Mark 12:17).

A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit (Matthew 7-18).

We need to remember what Jesus said concerning his words.

(Matthew 24:35) [Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away]. (Also, Mark 13:31 and Luke 21:33).

If we choose not to join a church, take the time on Sundays to read or listen to the Bible with your family or friends starting with the four Gospels, as primary or the bread of the Bible, then branching out to the Old Testament for a better understanding of the history of God, Heaven, and Earth, then the remaining chapters following the four Gospels for additional information and repeat. However, the main emphasis should always be on the four Gospels when God was born in human flesh and spoke directly to us. Also, we need to be consistent, wholehearted, and pray often. We must never forget to repent when we fail and never give up.

(Matthew 6:6) [But thou, when thou prays, enter into thy closet, and when thou has shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which see in secret shall reward thee openly].

(Matthew 18:20) [For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them].

You or your entire family can add volunteer work, such as: soup kitchens, shelters, community service, etc. There is never a shortage of choices when choosing to volunteer. Also, donate to worthy causes. Check their reviews online and find out the percentage of monies that go directly to the cause. God be with you.


© 2009 Elizabeth Daniele
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Posted by Elizabeth Daniele Contact





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Seek the Kingdom: First?

What does it mean to seek the Kingdom, first? And is there really any truth to it? Remarkably, there have been those who have suggested to me make God appear to them; then they would surely believe -- as though it were one’s ability to do so. Although my heart goes out to them, since I know that they are suffering, the simple truth is that no one can make God do anything (as it should be). But even so, God be with them [see Luke 16:31].

I understand that life can be tough -- down right miserable. Jesus never said it would be easy in fact, it is my strong belief that the Beatitudes were never meant for this world but are found in God’s Kingdom, Heaven. How do I know for certain? See John 12:25 and Matthew 5:1-12. So anchoring our feet deep in the sand, until God gives us our sign, might mean we better have some time on our hands. It could be awhile. God does answer prayers perhaps not in the exact way we expect, but in the way that is correct. His way. Jesus said to seek the Kingdom first and then things that are needed would follow [see Matthew 6:33].

What things? See Matthew 6:30-31. And how is that possible?

Certainly not by crawling up in the fetal position and giving up. We need to repent and give ourselves to God, admitting that we cannot do it without him. This goes beyond money and things, but for an all-around better life while we are here. For the most part, we have to make an effort; it’s the point of living. Even the prophets had to apply themselves--along with God's direction. God gave us life with the ability to learn and to make choices. We decide. And in the end, those decisions help to decide our destiny. So we need to care about those choices. God is pure righteousness -- balance. No one else could ever judge us. He is correct -- the distinct difference between good and evil. So, how do we then seek the Kingdom?

The closer we are to God -- the closer he is to us. The further we are from anything, the harder it is to communicate. We either do not choose something or we cease to choose it. If we choose to move away from him, he is further from us. Is this vindictive or a tit-for-tat? No, it is part of his pure balance. God will not go against himself; that would be hypocrisy. If God is further from us -- we have moved from him, not the other way around (the prodigal child). God loves each and every one of us. He does not want to lose even one. It has always been that simple and within our ability to have this relationship. It has always been our choice not his choice that keeps us apart [see Matthew 12:11 and John 3:16]. Where do we start?

Learn the four Gospels of the New Testament (first and completely) when God was born in human flesh. Nothing offers a more complete understanding of salvation. It is up to us; it always was. The four Gospels are the meat of the Bible -- the core, the Bread [see John 6:35]. Why is it the core? Something new occurred in an already existing plan that was known from the beginning. It was made possible only by Christ’s sacrifice -- redemption of sins, a new promise or testament was given. Then live the life by walking the talk, and when we sin, repent [see Matthew 3:2, 16:27].

As someone who specializes in behavior, and human as well, I understand that change is difficult. But it is not impossible. Choose God, stay close to him by priority of what he taught in the four Gospels. And he will help you stay strong in him. Repent when you trip and get up again.

Salvation is not a bag of magical beans or empty words [see Matthew 4:4]. Salvation isn’t belonging to an impressive church, singing lovely hymns, or paying tithes, either. If Jesus was God in human flesh, this would include every word he ever spoke. All of the words Jesus spoke; along with true repentance is where salvation can be found [see John 1:14]. How can one say they are a follower of Christ by teaching the Old Testament (to condone violence), while skimping on the four Gospels or ignoring them all together (because it’s too hard), but teaching the letters that followed (because they are easier). It literally undermines the belief in Christ. Then there are those who wonder why there is such a discord. Salvation is individual, personal, and by the truth that is within us, not by our external image  (Matthew 13:24-30, Matthew 23:26-28, Matthew 3:9, 12:32 and 12:50). And is another reason, how it is possible, that His kingdom is forever and ever!

Who served who? It’s like eating the icing on a cake -- but there’s no cake. What good are the letters that followed, if you don’t even know what Christ taught? Or only the Old Testament, if you don’t know the new promise that was given? It doesn’t work that way. How is that not hypocrisy? If we say we follow Christ -- then follow Christ! Do we actually think God won’t bring that up when we are before him? Therefore, can we blame it on those who teach? Although judgment is weighed heavier upon them, that won’t work, either [see Matthew 5:17 and 15:14]. In the end, it’s our responsibility. Seek the Kingdom, first -- then all else will follow. If we are close to him, he indeed hears us and is close to us. How do I know? See Exodus 16:15, John 6:49-50, and James 3:1.

They are the same. They are one [see John 10:30].


© 2009 Elizabeth Daniele
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Posted by Elizabeth Daniele Contact




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Is hypocrisy the hole in the boat?

We are indeed a species of finger pointers when we imagine the ship slowly sinking. We love to judge and we do it well. We are experts at it. No one is exempt. And it makes us feel better because it takes away our need to look at our own portion inside the cup. For some, it must always be the other person’s fault and never our own. 

Reading this week's news concerning the fall and eventual demise of certain Christian groups is nothing new. It has been written before. Someone always has to take blame. But let us not forget Christ’s own words, "And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it... " [Matthew 16:18]

And if we wanted to understand we could. This "blindness" is self-inflicted. There's plenty to go around and certainly not restricted to any one group. You have those who have made Paul of the NT words greater than Jesus. They prefer this since they are easier on the conscience than Christ's teachings. From that comes the hypocrisy or -- the hole in the boat. One cannot omit the words of Christ -- over anyone’s! As Jesus also said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, the servant is not greater than his lord..." [John 13:16; Matthew 5:17]

That would seem to suggest that all Christ’s Words still apply above all others...

I believe the following scripture has been misinterpreted and caused a lot of concerns over the years…

Romans 3:28 (see also Galatians 2:16)
Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

Prior to Jesus’ sacrifice, there was only the law and the promise of the coming Messiah. Jesus completed that promise. And for the first time ever in history, repented sinners could be forgiven. Prior to Jesus, it had become tainted by man and most remained dead. Paul spoke often about the law and faith because the current religious sect of those days did not believe in Jesus and the gift he gave through his sacrifice.

Those who have taught or believed the laws do not apply within faith have done a disservice to themselves and others. We should never jeopardize our souls or others because it is popular or more attractive or appealing.

Faith is not just an empty word. As we must get up each day for work or other—we must walk our talk until the end. And repent when needed. Jesus’ sacrifice gave us the gift of repentance, but it never eliminated the laws. Some have made faith external. Again, faith is not a magic pill.

Isn't that what the Pharisees and Sadducees did? (See Mt. 3:7-9, Ecc.1:9).

Even Paul knew the above—so what is my proof?

Galatians 3:23
But before faith came, we were kept under the law. Shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.

Again, who was the servant and who was Lord?

(Warning: the above statement should, alone, end all confusion. We can lie to others and even try to convince ourselves. But we cannot lie to God in Heaven--or even on Earth. And God knows what we are capable of understanding concerning the truth.)

Jesus said…
Luke 16:17
And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, then one tittle of the law to fail.

Matthew 5:17
Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

Matthew 19:17
And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? There is none good but one, that is God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.

If it weren’t so, why did Jesus bother teaching the commandments or anything?

If all we had to do was join a particular church, where it is taught the laws no longer exist (since we are now covered then assuming basically that anything goes...) how is that not preposterous? Have you ever heard the phrase, "once saved, always saved?" Again, faith in God is not a magical pill. We are responsible until our last breath--in other words, our behavior matters until the end.

I believe this is why church attendance is low. There are some using commonsense sensing something is amiss.

How many times in life are we challenged with a choice that we know or believe is wrong? Yet, temptation gets the best of us and we do it anyway (see Adam and Eve).
It's called sin.

Faith: belief and trust in God.

Just because we truly believe--or not, doesn't mean we adhere to it.

Repent: to pray to God for forgiveness and turn away from sin, choosing to reform one's life.

Our focus is misplaced. Those who worry of false-prophets should be more concerned of their personal reading since the Gospels have been around for nearly 2000 years. Can even Mark 10:25, Matthew 5:43, 6:6, 7:22, 16:27, 22:37-40, 23:23-24, plus Luke 16:13 really be ignored or dismissed as trivial? Is this the true schism? Do we leave church thirsty and hungry, yet hours have gone by? How is that possible? Did God’s son not leave us adequately fed? Standing before Christ, I'm telling you the truth -- it is the elephant in the room...

God is slow to anger. However, since the beginning of time when God was not pleased with us, it has always been from negative human behavior. Perhaps God's church is not in the brick and mortar--but lies first in the true decency within us (Matthew 25:40). And that is how God's kingdom of paradise remains forever...

In the end, we have only ourselves to point at.
[Matthew 5:16, Revelation 22:11]

(For additional clarification: see John 12:49-50, John 5:43, and then lastly, 2 Corinthians 11:17).

See: Matthew 22:36-40, Matthew 23:23-28, and Rev 21:27.


© 2009 Elizabeth Daniele
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Posted by Elizabeth Daniele Contact





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