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Who is God?

March 29, 2012 By Clay Barton sharebuttonsSmall shareFacebookSmall

“Who is God?” is such a good question to ask. Have you? Have you ever really spent more than a mere moment wondering exactly who He is? Some would have you believe that we can never even begin to understand who He is and what He wants for us. So they don’t ask such questions. Nor do they bother with pondering about His nature, His personality, His traits, or His attributes. Although most people claim to believe in the existence of God, they are largely unable to provide even a simple description of who He is.

Thankfully, God wants us to know Him. The Creator and Sustainer of all, and everyone, reveals Himself to us. God’s self portrait is found in His written word… our Bible. Scripture tells us that He alone is God. He has always existed. He will never cease to exist. He is one God, in three Persons. Head hurt yet?

Easier to grasp are His attributes. He is perfect. So is His love. He is perfectly just. He is holy. He is also perfectly merciful. His wisdom is beyond measure. Best yet, He never changes. And He wants a relationship with you.

Buried with guilt? So confused you don’t know which way to turn? Try something different this time: turn your attention to Him and study the God who created you. As you open His word and read about Him, you’ll find that many of His attributes are easily identified. For your convenience, the link below provides some descriptions of God’s nature. This short listing will help you better understand who He is, and how He can help you break through the barriers that keep you from Him.

Attributes of God





 

 

 

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Breakthroughs in an Urban Church

March 27, 2012 By Ryan Rush sharebuttonsSmall shareFacebookSmall

I recently had the privilege of spending the afternoon with the staff of Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church – a predominantly African American congregation that is located in an urban, lower income area in Austin.  And by the way… this magnificent group of people is having an enormous impact in our hometown.  Pastor Gaylon Clark is convinced that in order to solve the challenges facing the urban community they have to fix the family – and he’s made the bold choice to be proactive in that healing process.  Pastor Clark and GMZ have made the decision to become the first African American congregation to fully embrace the Faith Breakthroughs process and implement these principles into the entire church culture!

While its not an easy thing to talk about, African American households must acknowledge and deal with the generational challenges passed down from history.  For example, slave traders in the 18th and 19th century would often separate families – selling off the father while leaving the mother with the children. After the Emancipation Proclamation, it wasn’t as if these challenges were instantly repaired. Women had taken on the role of raising the children, and men often had multiple families in several locations.  Of course, the poverty that came with the Jim Crow laws, lack of access to quality education, and segregation in general only exacerbated the challenges. (For more information on this history, see Trained in the Fear of God by Timothy Paul Jones and Randy Stinson).

Walls are unhealthy mindsets, and they originate in a misunderstanding of who God is.  When we remember that the primary place we first comprehend the nature of God is from our homes – and especially from our fathers – it is no wonder that we’re now facing a family crisis of epidemic proportions in the African American community.

… But I have great news: God’s way still works – and every home from any background can overcome the spiritual walls they faith by standing on God’s promises.  I’m convinced that Greater Mount Zion is going to be a shining beacon to others of how that healing can take place.  And I can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store!

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Alone in This Crowded Place

March 2, 2012 By Clay Barton sharebuttonsSmall shareFacebookSmall

Yogi Berra, the New York Yankee Hall of Fame catcher, once said concerning a restaurant: “Nobody goes there anymore. It’s too crowded.” Can that be true? Logically, no. But was Yogi on to something?

Is it possible to be alone in a room crowded with people? Sadly, we know it is. We have all stumbled through a day surrounded by family, friends, co-workers. Yet we are alone. Isolated. Disconnected. Seemingly invisible to those who stand right beside us. We occupy our minds with thoughts of the next thing to say, but nobody wants to listen. Or so it seems.

Some people seek isolation. Maybe in response to pain. Possibly because they feel unworthy or inferior. Others wish they could connect. Yet convinced they have nothing to offer, men and women created in the very image of God hide in the open behind their detachment.

It doesn’t have to be this way.

For God loves us. Like King David, when we are lonely and afflicted, He turns to us and is gracious to us. (Psalm 25:16). He delights in us. The Lord never looks right past us. He cares about what we think. He loves to hear from his children. And He never will fail us. Not once. For His name is Faithful and True.

Next time you feel alone, even in a crowded place, remember not to trust feelings. Instead, trust in the One who promised to never leave or forsake us. He deeply desires that we connect. With Him. And with each other.

1296876008_commentsCategories: Breakthroughs, Isolation, Walls

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Start your faith breakthrough now!
The spiritual barriers people face are countless, but they can be categorized into Eight Primary Walls. These walls correlate with the 8 primary breakthroughs that everyone needs.
1 of 48
I believe the Bible has answers for today's circumstances.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
2 of 48
I spend too much of my energy pursuing material things.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
3 of 48
I am amazed at God's power.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
4 of 48
I believe God is willing and able to answer my prayers.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
5 of 48
I have witnessed things that make me wonder if God is in control.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
6 of 48
I look forward to good things in my future.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
7 of 48
I believe God loves me in spite of who I am.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
8 of 48
I feel with God's help, I can face any situation.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
9 of 48
I feel compelled to make the world around me better.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
10 of 48
I think God cares about the details of my life.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
11 of 48
I observe things that make me wonder if I should believe the Bible.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
12 of 48
I know a lot of people, but don't feel very close to many people.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
13 of 48
I worry about the problems that the future holds.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
14 of 48
I am willing to sacrifice immediate gratification for something better down the road.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
15 of 48
I don't believe anyone can ever know what is absolutely true.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
16 of 48
I am grateful for the things I have been given.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
17 of 48
I have a hard time trusting people.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
18 of 48
I tend to expect the worst to happen.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
19 of 48
It humbles me to think I can know God.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
20 of 48
When I am facing a difficult situation, I feel like I can solve problems on my own.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
21 of 48
I find myself more focused on the things I don't have but wish I did.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
22 of 48
I feel strong relationships are hard, but worth it.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
23 of 48
My faith practices are more about routine than relationship.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
24 of 48
When bad things happen, I wonder if God can make things better.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
25 of 48
I have too many of my own problems to deal with the problems of others.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
26 of 48
I try to avoid temptations that would bring me harm.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
27 of 48
I think that God will meet all my needs.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
28 of 48
I have been wronged in the past in a way I cannot get over.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
29 of 48
I feel I can turn to God for direction.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
30 of 48
When bad things happen, I feel like I am getting what I deserve.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
31 of 48
I find myself drawn to things I know are bad for me.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
32 of 48
I believe God wants what is best for me.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
33 of 48
I have to guard against judging people when I learn they are dealing with tough circumstances.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
34 of 48
I am so busy that I find myself ignoring the most important things in my life.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
35 of 48
I question why God allowed certain things to happen in my life.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
36 of 48
I believe truth is the same for everyone.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
37 of 48
When looking back on my life, I tend to focus on all of the things I did wrong.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
38 of 48
I believe in an all-powerful, all-knowing God.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
39 of 48
I am willing to serve others for nothing in return.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
40 of 48
I feel there is a disconnect between who I really am and how I act in front of other people.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
41 of 48
I am confident God has forgiven me for my past.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
42 of 48
It troubles me that God has not answered my prayers.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
43 of 48
I believe God is loving and kind.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
44 of 48
People who have hurt me in the past cause me to avoid some relationships today.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
45 of 48
People would describe me as a giving person.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
46 of 48
The possibility of gaining a good friend is worth the risk.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
47 of 48
I am intentionally seeking to grow in my relationships with others.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
48 of 48
I worry that God is angry with me.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
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