Our culture is possessed with The Look! Today, it’s not the color of your skin (which is a good thing), but wait, that skin better be tight.

Tight skin is cool, but I have a question.  “What else do you have?”  You see, a McLaren F1 is a million dollar supercar.  Sweet!  And it shimmers on a showroom floor like few cars do.  But if it came with a Ford Fiesta engine, it becomes something else altogether.  It becomes…disappointing.  Some would say, ” A Cheater.”  A Deception!  For though it had all the appearances of a race car, it was not even close.

America is being cheated today because too many parents are buying into a glossy and shallow society.  It’s time to pay the price of building our children from within…by example.

Somebody is going to get their attention and become their number one influence.  Will it be you ?

We have a historic opportunity today.  An opportunity to lead from the heart.  And our audience is all ears.  Our future leaders should not be influenced as much by the culture as they are by mom and dad.  How they act on the soccer field should reflect what they have learned around the dining room table, not on Jersey Shore.   This commitment to our children should cause us to be the everyday mentors our young people are crying out for. 

Let’s develop a thought life rooted in the Word of God along with the principles of love, faith and the riches of  His grace.  As parents, when we commit to building our hidden parts, our children will see the results outwardly.  It won’t be long before they too will begin to hunger, not just for a fancy paint job, but for that powerful engine of character and honor which will propel them into the victory zone of life all of their days on earth!

God is a God of order.  He makes everything right and appropriate.  He loves it when everything fits.

God has filled the earth with abundant resources.  For instance, crude oil from beneath the earth.  Where do we drill for it?  We drill in the exact place where He put it.  And where do we place those mammoth wind turbines?  We put them wherever He makes the wind blow. Fisherman fish certain waters at certain times of the year because they know that the precise fish, crab, shrimp or other sea life which they desire will be there.  These are just examples of how some people cooperate with God.

Whether you acknowledge God, go to church or not, your spiritual “handle,” is irrelevant.  From Atheist to Zen and everything in between, everybody acknowledges the earth’s  cycles, seasons as well as the meteorological and geological patterns that are all around us.  We respect these patterns and we use them to our benefit.  We have also learned that disrespecting “mother nature” can lead to disastrous results.

Think about it.  Is not science simply the discovery of the vast power which surrounds us on earth?  Every advancement in human history, from the wheel to the microchip has come from a discovery.   It is man harnessing the potential within a God-made substance.  Once a scientist discovers a “constant” in nature or in a compound they become 99.99%  certain that the same  results will occur every time the same conditions are present.  It is a constant. They are convinced.  And as a result of relying on these certainties, our world has become a much more glorious place to live.

If we can rely so heavily on the unchanging laws of nature and see the consistent benefits of doing so, we must not hesitate to take the same stance with God’s Word!  For God’s Word is the only constant on earth that is 100% reliable, 100% of the time, to 100% of those who believe it.  For it was His Word which created the world when He spoke by the breath of  His mouth (Psalm 33:6).  Once a person makes God’s Word their own, they will never lack any good thing in this life or the next!

When you and I begin to cooperate with God’s Word, we will  become more certain about God’s love and His promises toward us than those who rely on the Farmer’s Almanac.  We will experience blessing and multiplication upon all we put our hands to.  If we don’t doubt the seasons, how can we doubt the very Word that created them?  Let me challenge you to believe that the God who created the earth also created you to experience the abundant life JESUS promised.  Put God’s Word in your heart, then on your tongue.   Now release that Word with faith and watch what God does.  What YOU SAY will come to pass.

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 TIMOTHY 3:16-17

This is not an anti-gay diatribe by another “hate the sin, love the sinner” style preacher.  I want to begin by saying that I truly understand that many homosexuals have heard or sensed something very real within them which they sincerely believe was a signal that they were gay.

Yet it did happen again,  just a few weeks ago.  A young college student, Tyler Clementi, jumped to his death off the George Washington Bridge in New York.  What a heartbreak.  Another bright kid, nothing but opportunities and fortune ahead of him, here no longer.   Life, just too complicated at eighteen.  And it’s not just Tyler.  But many other gay teens are choosing suicide, nationwide.  Did this young man jump off that bridge because his roommates dishonored him?  No.  He did it because he was confused, confounded, humiliated.  Why?  Let me explain it this way.

I have never met a member of any ethnic or “religious” group who had to warm up to who they really are.  In my case, I am an unapologetic Christian American.  I would never limit wearing JESUS to just my shirt sleeve.  I wear Him all over, especially on my attitude and my outlook on life.  I never had to get used to being a Christian.  And I have never had issue with anyone who does not understand or appreciate my devotion to Christ.  Nor am I offended when people scoff at my particular brand of Christianity   or deride my Savior.  I am just as confident and secure in who I am and who my God is as I am in being an American living in the USA.  I am happy, even eager to tell anyone that I am a flag-waving, Christian patriot, anywhere in the world.  And so would most reading this blog.  Why?  It’s like breathing.  It’s natural.  There is no shame in being who you know you are.

Let’s get to truth.  If an offense could be taken today, it will be with this statement, not with me.  It’s not my statement, nor my word.  I simply believe it.  Any offense would have to be with God, whose Word I take from the New Testament book of Romans, Chapter 1, verses 18 through 32. (New King James Version) Here is an excerpt:

“…because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful…God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves…to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature.  Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error…”

Yes, there are young people who feel something, hear something or have a desire they have never had.  No objection.  But it is a false reading.  A deceptive bluff.  You don’t have to believe it or submit to it! And why is this such a leap?  Remember the first drag on a cigarette?  We thought we would die.  Every nicotine addict I know wishes they had gotten a clue on that first try.  Why can’t we apply this to the kid who “feels” he’s gay? Imagine if people gave in to every rogue thought or act they “felt” like doing.  It would be chaos.  Homosexuality is a choice.  And for some, it is a very tough one because of the high level of deception involved.

Those who hold to this belief are not anti-gay or against any lifestyle choice.  We must resist the notion that standing on Truth is being “intolerant.”  Would we call someone intolerant because they resisted a person who prefers straddling the lines on the freeway?  “I just don’t feel right when I drive in between the lines…I need to straddle them” A moral society must have at it’s bedrock, undeniable truth in order for it’s citizen’s to prosper.  This has always been America’s secret.

We must question anything that our minds and bodies tell us they “feel” if it goes against truth.  And that is really the crux.  Truth.  The Bible clearly states that homosexuality is neither God-designed nor God-inspired.  And to say that God sanctions and looks with favor upon homosexuality is nonsense.  It is unnatural.  It is a mixture of what God made as natural and then something else joining in (The deception).   That fatal flaw will forever produce mixture.  Thus the shame, the uncertainty, the acting out along with the increasingly loud, loud voice to defend it.  But truth settles every dispute.  “We don’t get to choose what truth is, nor can we change it. We just get to accept it or deny it. And, everybody finds out in the end what the TRUTH really is.”  If your truth gets you where you want to go, congratulations, you made a wise choice.

Yes, it has taken far too long for our nation to recognize that we indeed had a birth defect called slavery.  We are doing much better.  But those attempting to place homosexuality in that same status are misguided.  The evil within legit racism, and I must say legit because our present culture will label you a racist if you accidentally pull out in front of the wrong person in traffic!  The evil within legit racism is marginalizing and devaluing another human life on the basis of something they have no control over, namely, the color of their skin, or their ethnic genealogy.  Never has there breathed a human being with an option in either.  Which is why I contend that the greatest form of racism is abortion.  When we deny life, not the right to vote, not a better seat or a superior job, or even human dignity, but when we deny life itself to a person, who through no fault or choice of their own came into existence in the identical manner as the rest of us; can this be a depiction of anything other than our worst selves?

America has begun to line up with the Bible when it says,  “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28.  Simple, right?  We are ALL equal in God’s eyes in every way.  And that is how it works.  When we get into agreement with Him., life is more enjoyable and productive for everyone.  However, God will not reverse Himself because we are screaming for Him to give us what we want.  He loves us too much to do that.  He is our Father, after all.  Any dad who gives in to the lesser wisdom of his children will certainly regret it.  Of course, God has no regrets.  And neither will we if we stay submitted to His Word.

Carly Simon still sounds great belting out this classic hit.  And she’s singing a Biblical truth.   Nobody, does it better.  Get on this ride with me.  Who doesn’t enjoy watching a real top-notch Elvis impersonator?  I know I do.  But here’s a comment you’ve never heard leaving the impersonator’s show.  “Hey, I saw Elvis when he was alive.  But this guy was better!” Right?   C’mon.  There was only one Elvis, and Elvis was the best Elvis there was!  But wait.  There is only one you.  And nobody does you, better than you.  You are the Elvis of your world! Let’s make two quality decisions right now, shall we?

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It’s been said, “What’s a New Year without a New Day.”

Unlike a New Year, a “New Day” is a choice, and, of the highest quality. It’s a choice not just to pray daily, but throughout our day. It is choosing to forgive first and ask questions later, to stay encouraged about our future and courageous about releasing the past.

A New Day is deciding to dream more, believe more, receive more, doubt less, worry less, complain less and then GIVE. Give extravagantly. Give what only you can give…Your smile, Your hug, Your love.

2010 is not blessed, prosperous or otherwise. 2010 is what you make it. It’s 8760 hours waiting to be filled and fueled by the kind of person who believes that they are here on purpose, and they have all they need to fulfill that purpose. And I believe that person, is you.

I celebrate your life and your year of uncommon blessing!

Rev. Ralph D. Gerard
Pastor
Ephesians 2:10

Over the last several  years millions of people have watched the motivational/inspirational movie, “The Secret.”  It is a very powerful look at the law of attraction and the possibilities associated with focusing on the picture of your dreams and  true desires.  What is interesting is that with all of its initial sizzle and monster sales, people who bought, watched and listened to the movie began to discover something.  Well, more like, “something was missing.”  The Secret became, “Who can harness the Secret?”

For most people, it just had little staying power and even less results.

What happened is that they had connected with one of God’s principles.  They  had gotten excited, inspired, fired up for ninety minutes, “Yes, I can,” If I can see it, I can have it,” “All of my dreams Can come true…” Wonderful!    Except, no God.  Close! When you give the “Universe” credit for God’s works the results are always the same, empty.  Power comes from God alone.  The universe [all of them], are God’s servants.  Look at Psalm 119:89-91  “Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven.  Your faithfulness endures to all generations; You established the earth, and it abides. They continue this day according to Your ordinances,  For all are Your servants.” The reason there was no lasting fruit with The Secret is that no one was told what the secret really was.  Actually the Bible calls it a “Mystery.”  “…the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints.  To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:26-27.

The Mystery is a Person!  The Secret is Christ in you, the hope of glory.  He is the Source of all power, and when you apply His principles with faith and expectation you discover something much greater than the universe.  You discover that you are a child of  The Source.  And as such, the universe bows to His Word in you!  The Secret works!  But only for those who realize that it is Christ’s love that makes the abundant life possible.  As long as we attempt to take the glory for our achievements we will struggle in one form or another.  But what rest and peace we find the moment we acknowledge that all we have or ever will possess comes from the hand of our loving heavenly Father who designed our purpose long before the world existed.  This one you need to see for yourself…Ephesians 2:10. Shalom!

The God We Can All Understand.   I’m going with the “Church Lady” on this one: “Well, isn’t that special?”  Please, let’s NOT have a God we can all understand.   For could you understand Him in His fullness, He would be too small, or you, would be God.  Neither of those works for me.

Let’s have the omnipotent God whose ways are beyond understanding.  The God who said, “Let there be…”  then there was…galaxies, planets and stars by the trillions.  Let’s have the God who created the earth and everything in it, planned the beginning to the end, pressed play and is now enjoying the show.  Oh, and He consulted no one.  No summit.  No board of directors, no Congress or international counsel.  Nothing!  Just one colossal, unilateral, Theocratic decision.  Let’s have that God.

Now this does not mean that we do not know His nature or how He works, in a general sense.  And again, this must be said, because the day you think you have Him figured out, well, you are in for a surprise, usually big.  For although there is one “for sure thing” about God, which is that He will never violate His Word, He still retains the right to do what He wills with anybody, anytime any place.  And here is where we need some basic knowledge about Him.  Let’s get some wisdom on this.

In so many people’s minds God is ALL mercy.  That is very problematic because, if that were the case, everyone makes heaven anyway, why sacrifice Christ?  JESUS’ coming to earth would have been unnecessary.  That would also mean that at this moment Adolf Hitler is in the presence of God himself.  God is not ALL mercy.  Then we have those on the other end who believe that God is ALL justice.  Also quite problematic since then heaven’s population will consist of The Trinity and the angels.  For since all men are sinners and heaven is home  for the righteous, God’s absolute justice would ban any human being from its sapphire sills.

And let me assure you, it is God’s will that none perish.  In fact, He does everything necessary for every human on earth to make a conscious and willful commitm

ent, either for Him or against Him.  And may I assure you that any decision other than that of acceptance, is rejection.  Unbelievers will not blame God for hell.  But they will spend eternity in unimaginable agony owning the fact that they alone chose to reject Him, thus failing the greatest test in life!

When Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of All Saint’s Church in Wittenberg, Germany around 1517, a new day had come for those who would seek God.  The religious stranglehold which the Catholic Church had placed on both sinner and saint would begin to collapse.  Soon the world would understand the mystery of the ages; that man is saved from sin and justified by faith alone, “Sola Fide!”  That was it.  The word was out.  Martin Luther had heard God, and there it was, in the Bible, right where it had always been.  Ephesians chapter two, verses eight and nine.  “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.  Not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Justification by faith alone is the article on which the church stands or falls.  Ignorance and religion want to keep Christianity in the dark ages, but to no avail.   We’ve moved on.  It is time to join the party.  It’s the real thing now!

Religion requires an understandable God and universe.  A god you can wrap your intellect around and either logically or scientifically quantify.  It’s amazing that people talk about all their concerns and problems with Christianity then tell you that they have no problem believing the virgin birth or the physical resurrection of Christ.  Well, you really cannot have it both ways.

Here is a very accepted viewpoint by many who want their kind of JESUS.  It goes like this: “JESUS was a great man and a holy teacher and God flowed through Him, but He was not God.” Really?  Have we thought this through to it’s logical conclusion?  If JESUS was not God how then could he have been a great man or a holy teacher, much more, have God flow through Him?  For He said He was God and that His Father, who is in heaven sent Him to be the Savior of the world.  If He is not who He said He was then He was a liar at least or a decieved crackpot at best; but certainly not a holy man of God and holy teacher. Religion is still the problem alienating people from God today.  Biblical Christianity is what JESUS lived, and it is what the world hungers for to this day.

JESUS forgave, prayed for, ate with, healed and loved sinners.  The multitudes flocked to Him.  It was the Pharisees and the Sadducees whom he railed against;  those religious hypocrites who heaped impossible laws upon helpless humanity.  And that hasn’t stopped either.   And  sure enough, according to God’s plan, it was those same religious leaders who led the revolt to the court of Pontius Pilate. You know the rest.

Since that day, it is Christ’s shed blood that has now made the way for us.   It is our turn to go and touch our world with the same love and power which He demonstrated.

Pastor Ralph D. Gerard

In 1987 Bob Dylan, according to some, had an experience with Christ and wrote the song, “Gotta Serve Somebody.” Now I cannot speak as to the spiritual state of Mr. Dylan, but I certainly can tell you that the foundational message of his “revelation” could not be any more Biblically sound (JESUS said, “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.” Luke 16:13) or socially relevant than it is today.

Do not be fooled. This day, this moment you and I are yielding our lives to something which drives our thinking, our feelings and our decisions. And as the song says, “It may be the devil, or it may be the LORD, but you gotta serve somebody…” Life changes the moment truth is confronted and allowed entrance into our hearts. Truth is knocking. Open the door. Don’t miss RG Radio today. You believe that something radical must take place in your life. If not now, when? Catch you on or in the air.

Pastor Ralph Gerard

It’s our joy to join the Blog Talk Radio family with our new online radio show, Ralph Gerard Radio! (RGR) You can listen live at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Pastor-Ralph-Gerard M-F at 4PM Pacific / 7PM Eastern or just come right here and listen anytime at your convenience. Just press the play button in the blue Blog Talk Radio thingamajiggy (that’s the technical term) below and we’re on! Whether you are already a Christian or about to become one, you will find Ralph Gerard Radio informative, encouraging, OK, entertaining, there, I said it. And most definitely, Life-Changing.

God’s will for humanity is that we should all live maximized lives. That doesn’t mean overly busy, but rather, highest quality. Life on earth as it is in heaven; blessed, healed, productive and joyful. Walking with God is an adventurous journey. Consider RGR a daily partner who will add wisdom, encouragement and growth for your daily life. We look forward to being with you.

Of course we love to hear from all of our guests, listeners and partners at RGR. You can post a comment right here on my blog or email me personally at Pastor@RalphGerard.com. It would be our joy to agree with you in prayer as well as answer any questions you may have. Thanks for coming today and please, tell somebody you know about Ralph Gerard Radio. “Fresh Voice, Eternal Truth…”

You’re A Champion!

Pastor Ralph D. Gerard

After feeding 20,000 people with a few sardines and small pieces of bread, JESUS directed His disciples to get in the boat and go over to the other side of the lake.

As the people departed, JESUS went up to pray and stayed in prayer for quite awhile.  By this time the disciples were way out in the middle of the lake, so of course JESUS just walked out there to where they were.  No big deal if your’re JESUS.  However, it is a big deal if you’re in a first-century row boat fighting a mini-hurricane in the middle of the night, and you see a man walking toward you on the water.  You better believe JESUS said, “Take courage, It’s me.  Do not be afraid.”

JESUS surprises us sometimes.  Sometimes He does it a little differently than we’re used to.  He allows a new circumstance to arise, an unexpected storm.  Often our response is, “What’s this?”  “This is strange…doesn’t feel right.”  Relax my friend.  You are exactly where He wants you and His word has not changed.  “Take courage.  I AM!  Be not afraid.”

When the winds of life begin to blow, He’s always there.  Perhaps not the way you expected.  But then you hear His Voice.  Embrace His Word and then step out toward Him.  Be bold.  And just like Peter did, if you get overwhelmed, call out to him.  You won’t sink.  He will hold you up through the toughest moment and set you back on solid ground.

Don’t worry.  When the test is over, the wind will cease and you will worship Him like never before.  Remember, He is the Prince of Your Peace.

And here’s a news alert:  I am preaching in south Florida this weekend at New Life Worship Center in Hollywood, Bishop Darrylle Hood.  Sunday, May 1oth -  11am.

Here’s the 411 on New Life:     http://www.newlifeworship.faithweb.com/contact.html

I call you a Champion!