The Pharisees have gotten a bad rap by many in the Church today. This sect was a righteous group who studied and followed the OT Law and Prophets. Yet, Jesus said that they were hypocritical, and likewise, so are many are today. Many Christians in modern times are apathetic toward pursuing Holiness and discipline. What is more, Christians are not producing a large number of men and women who want to live like Jesus. There is a lack of study when it comes to the Scriptures in the Church today; compare with the Pharisees. Dr. Mark Weeter, professor at OWU, says, “Superficiality is the curse of our age. In Matthew 5:17-20, Jesus said He fulfilled the Law and certainly He clarified it. Yet, He said that His follower's righteousness must exceed that of the Pharisees. To exceed the righteousness of the Pharisees Christians must must place themselves in positions to receive God’s grace that changes the person from within. However, contemporary Christians center on freedom instead of Christ. Christians must seek righteousness of mind and motive. The Church is not taking seriously her responsibility to change the world. Statistically there are many who say they are Christian in America, but they do not attend church regularly, nor do they read Scripture and pray. God has taken a backseat to soccer, shopping, and whatever else type of activity. Therefore, the question is are you making Bible study and worship of God, by attending church, your number one priority?

A True Leader

It is important to have someone who is a good leader for those who have not yet built up confidence in themselves. Many people today, who have great leadership potential, are victims of being ignored at the key times in their lives. They do not have someone to mentor them so that they might be successful in what they do. This fact alone can be a great loss to those who would have benefitted under these people's leadership. There are three qualities of a great leader: servanthood, thoughtfulness, and compassion. A great leader must be willing to roll up his or her sleaves and join in the work. This person must not be the type who only observes. This person will support those under his or her leadership when the work is tough by serving beside them. Another quality that a great leader has is thoughtfulness. This person will show interest in the subordinates life. The people under this type of leader will sense that this leader is interested in them as a person and not just an employee who is easily replaceable. Finally, a great leader will show compassion to the subordinate. This type of leader truly cares about any problems that someone might be going through. This leader is the person who will do something about it if it is within his or her power. People will respond with a 110% for this leader who has these types of qualities. People will go through the ringer to please this type of individual. This leader is the one who knows what it is like to be in the other's shoes.

The Purpose of Education

What is the purpose of education after high school? Some say that is to guide one to a better future. Others say that education is the vehicle that helps one to get to a high paying job. Some may look at it as being a way to get out of work. Others only go to college to meet a spouse. Is a college education worth the money that a student pays? There are three categories to look to so that one may decide for himself or herself. Some go to school to be able to achieve opportunities in their career, others enroll in college to meet the person of their dreams, and others go to school to so that they may be better equipped to do their craft. First, there are those who do not want to learn, but they will attend college so that they might be able to make more money than those who do not go. This seems to be a poor reason to go, but nevertheless, many attend for this very reason and do well. Then there are those who are seeking their soulmate for life. These people are those who find what they are looking for and end up with an education and opportunities with it. This is understandable; but is it the best reason? Finally, there are those who truly seek the knowledge that education brings. These people are those who love to learn and apply what they have learned to their field. They simply want to be able to do a good job, and become a must have person for the boss, and be looked at as a hub by those who are around them. This seems to be the right reason to attend college. Since this type of person is interested in not letting any words fall to the ground that are spoken by the teacher. Who would an employer rather have?" Furthermore, is education wasted on the earlier examples?

There are 3 things a person must have to serve in ministry

I have seen many who were called to be in the ministry. These were good people who loved the Lord Jesus Christ with all of their hearts. These people were people who would do ministry simply for the love of serving. Money was not something that they were thinking about. These people only wanted to show the Lord that they loved Him and His people through servanthood and obedience. Many of these poeple were second career people who did not choose to serve the Lord as a career, but God chose them and they responded. There are three things they needed, but many did not: Faith, a spouse who would pursue their call with them, and encouragement. First, many these people did not really think that the Lord could use them. They felt that they were not worthy to serve God; nor tell others that God wanted them serve. However, this is true humility. Another problem for many was the fact that their spouses did not want to live by faith with them, they only wanted to stay in their comfort zones. It was especially hard for a few because they had such good jobs. Lastly, there was no one who would encourage them. People need to be cheered at the right moments. Most were made fun of by their own families and friends. It is sad that sometimes people shoot the next Billy Graham in the leg before he or she gets out it. But thank God that some find a way to believe even through this type of ostracization. Thank God for faith. Thank God for encouragement from others. Most importantly, thank God for a loving spouse who believes in God and the one he or she is married to.

Time of Grace

Since we are living in a time of grace, we should recieve it from God and each other. We should also extend grace to others. Grace, when used properly should thwart all of the wiles of evil. Grace does three things: Brings peace with God, promotes peace with others, and purifies everyone's intentions. First, peace through Jesus Christ with God allows people to rest at ease if they are believers. This will give a new start to someone who is struggling with life. Grace will promote peace with others because that is exactly what will come to people who have been at odds with each other. How good it is for the offender and the innocent to recieve and give grace. Finally, grace, if used properly, will purify intentions. Everyone's intentions should not be ill in a time of grace. The one who recieves the grace should know that the one who gives it means it. Likewise, the one who gives it, should do it because he or she loves the person who recieving it. Now that type of grace is real peace. This grace comes from Jesus Christ. He has shown us what we must do to have peace. When will His children, and the rest of the world see this? God help us, each one, to understand this and take part in it.

Jerry Hill was a man of God who understood self-sacrifice in a day when everyone is out for themselves. A day when most Christians are satisfied simply to show up for church one hour a week then go back home to their comfortable lives. When some would allow the issue of desiring to simply sleep in to deter them from worship. He was a rare man who looked at church as an opportunity to serve God and his neighbors instead of seeking how the church could serve him. He did not worry about what benefit that he recieved from going. He only wanted to be near his brothers and sisters in Christ, and more importantly, in God's Presence. One might ask, can a church, or more specifically, Mecca replace a man like Jerry? There are three things about Jerry that must be mentioned before one can arrive at an answer to this question: He was a man of prayer, He was a servant of God, and He loved his family. First, Jerry was someone who prayed beautiful sounding prayers. But one must understand that these were not showy prayers. These prayers could only come from someone who had an initimate relationship with Jesus Christ. These prayers covered all the bases. If there was a problem, Jerry was one of, if not the, first to pray with whoever needed prayer. He understood the need for intercession. Oh, if only more Christians would understand this concept! He was willing to seek and listen during prayer; it was not just a one-way conversation. Jerry would not be satisfied to sit on the sidelines and let others serve. He was ALWAYS one of the first to get his feet wet by jumping in in support of a ministry. He did not depend on the pastor to do ministry because he understood what it means to be part of the universal priesthood in God's Kingdom. Jerry went on visitation, had prayer groups, taught Sunday school, performed care ministries such as hospital and shut-in visits, encourage his pastors with his faith, led men's groups, and even spoke at other churches. Many realize that he looked at giving as a part of being a servant. He did not let money stand between him and helping someone. Finally, Jerry was a man, with the help of his wife, who led his family into a relationship with Christ. He got up everyday and%2