J.C. Matthews

The Importance of Distinguishing Legal Possession & Literally Manifestation

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There is an aspect of the work of Christ that has been misunderstood that concerns the difference between the work that has been legally done on our behalf, and the workthat we are responsible…

What Is the Gospel?

The Gospel – What is it?

What is the gospel? Sounds like an easy question for the church to answer. However, if you were to poll the church, and ask this same questions, you would find that there is varying opinion as to what is the gospel. Many within the church would point to the New Testament books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John as being the gospel, while others would adamantly declare that…

And … a King is Born!

On this day, December 25th, we commemorate the birth of Christ the Messiah. It is true, that no one knows the exact date on which Jesus was born, therefore the celebrations taking place around the world simply serve as a reminder to all that something very significant and history altering took place with His birth. History itself has become defined as being “Before Christ”(BC) and after Christ.…

The Problem with the Church’s Salvation Paradigm

In my last article I wanted to provide a high level introduction to what paradigms are and their impact upon the church’s perception of scripture, itself and its work in the world. In particular, you were introduced to two paradigms that we referred to as being the: “Kingdom Paradigm” and the “Salvation Paradigm”. These designations were assigned them as a reflection of their primary purposes in…

Understand the Power of Paradigms In & Upon the Church: An Introduction

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In this introductory article on paradigms I want to provide a high level picture of what paradigms are and their impact upon how we perceive scripture and ourselves; both within the church and in the world. I will also…

Paying Attention to Your Pain

Paying Attention to Your Pain

We have all heard the saying: “No pain, No gain”.There is a lot of truth in this statement, but it must be understood within its proper context for it to be productive and not destructive in our lives. There are various kinds and levels of pain that do not contribute to gain, but loss, if allowed to remain in our lives. However, in this article I want to discuss the…

The Seriousness of “Settling”

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Have you seen the Direct TV commercial that introduces us to a family called the “Settlers”(attached). The gist of the commercial is that the “Settler”…

Recognizing the 3 Kinds of Fear

In our last post we highlighted the difference between fear and danger, noting that fear often is found where there is danger, but is in fact not dangerous itself.  This is important to understand for anyone trying to overcome fear in life.  Most things we fear are not dangerous, but require us to engage the unknown, where fear gets its power from – the lack of knowledge.  To further assist us in…

Test

Discerning the Difference Between Fear & Danger

In the 2013 Sci-Fi movie “After Earth”, actor Will Smith plays General Cypher Raige who is known for his ability to “ghost”; which is a state of having no fear, and thereby becomes invisible to their enemy the Ursa who is physically blind, but can sense fear. The General has a son named Kitai, who is played by Jaden Smith (his biological son in real life), who must face the Ursa in order to save…

Finding Your “One Thing”

One of the most important lessons that I’ve learned in studying people, and life in general, is that the difference between those who succeed and those who do not is often very slim.  Those who succeed many times are not smarter, more advantaged or talented but understand something that others do not. They understand that you don’t have to work harder, longer, be smarter or know everything to be…

Let me ask you a question: Have you ever been given the advice to “Follow your passion”!?You like me, as well as, multitude of others, have been given this advise by very well-meaning people. On the surface this advice seems to be very good and sound advice. However, this advice needs to be qualified because it makes some very…

Your Gift, Provision and Purpose

Your Gift, Purpose & Provision

“A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.” Proverbs 18:16

The word “gift” in this text has two distinct meanings that are important for us to truly understand how to move from where we are to where we are supposed to be. A generic definition of the word “gift” in this context is something:

· Given to another to elicit favor from the receiver.

The Power of Parallels Upon Your Purpose

Many people have come to a place in their lives or careers where they are feeling frustrated at the lack of manifestation, reward and fulfillment they receive from what they do. In many instances, these individuals are not failing in life, but sense that there is something greater, more significant and meaningful that they are supposed to be doing that they have yet to realize. Often they will…