Intro to my book

Introduction Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, even penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. You cannot twist scripture to fit you. Rather, you twist, change, you to fit Scripture. Now, please do not misunderstand, that is not to say that we cannot stand upon a certain verse and make it our own personal verse. And for our life, that most definitely can be a good thing when are applying it correctly. John 10:10 is a verse I stand on and apply to my life quite often. What I am saying is that we need to conform ourselves, our situation, to scripture. Then apply it to our lives. We would also do well to see the whole context in which it was written. Who was it written too? What is the Greek or Hebrew meaning of certain words? Is it figurative or literal? Is it a promise for all people past/present/future or is it directed towards a certain people? Is it indeed a promise or simply a principle? Jeremiah 3:15 “Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you knowledge and understanding. This is why we need Pastors. Men, pastors, reverends, overseers, deacons, elders, need to Shepard and guide us in the Word. Trained men, not women. Sorry ladies, but Scripture is noticeably clear that no women is ever to be a pastor or the leader of a church. I challenge you to read 1st & 2nd Timothy, Titus, 1 Corinthians as to the Apostle Paul’s qualifications for leaders. Pastors are to be men. Sorry, but God said it, not me or my personal view. Truth is truth. The world conforms to God, not the other way around. Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. 1 Timothy 2:11-15 woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. But I do not allow a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a wrongdoer. But women will be preserved through childbirth—if they continue in faith, love, and sanctity, with moderation. Harsh, yes, but the truth never-the-less. Now before you get all upset or your feelings hurt. Know that I do not hate women. Nor am I anti-feminism. However, we each have our role. The world, not God, has blurred and distorted those roles. There are things that I, as a man, cannot do, such as childbearing. There are things that women cannot do. And that is okay. That is how God designed it, and who am I to question His ways? The point I want to get across is: Embrace who you are. Embrace your gender -man or woman. Women have value as women. Men have value as men. Women have talents as women. Men have talents as men. We are not all created equal. How boring that would be if we all did the same thing, felt the same way, understood the same way. Talk about being a robot. Truth is truth. It is good and okay that men and women are different. Now I see all to often folks claiming something as one of God’s promises, when in truth it is not a promise. It was written as an example, but to a certain people, at a certain time, for their benefit. Another reason that folks need a good pastor. One that can accurately present the Word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. So, let us look at Jeremiah 29:11. A great verse. Many Christians stand on this verse. Guess what, it is a principle not a promise. We have it as an example. Of course, God wants the best for us. He wants us to have a great future, but He will not override things like your freewill and choice. Yes, of course God knows the plans He has for us. And ultimately, He will give us a glorious future. But as we walk out our lives on this crazy earth, let us remember that the best growth comes through persevering through trials, not escaping them entirely. And when we learn perseverance, we find surprising joy. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for prosperity and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Your life may suck, but that is because of choices you made, not God. This verse is a Biblical principle not a promise. God will not wave a magic wand and make your life perfect. Yes, it is true, that God will bring good from any of our storms, if we allow Him to, but often there are some conditions. Otherwise, we would all be a bunch of spoiled brats. Even the Israelites had some conditions on them concerning this verse. As well, we have some conditions also. Such as, are we genuinely pursuing after God? Are we obedient in all things? Is God the absolute first in our life? These are questions we must ask ourselves before we can expect anything from God. And we do wrong to demand anything of God. Yes, stand on His promises. Believing, with faith, and gratitude. Present your needs not your demands. An entitled, spoiled, child demands. A humble servant asks. It is my hope and prayer that through this book that you will be drawn closer to God. Through many personal stories of addiction, death, and devastation I can only hope that you find the same victory that I enjoy today. It is my prayer that as I show you what has worked for me that you will find true freedom and an abundant life. An abundant life that only can be found in God through Christ. Freedom is waiting. With God it is absolutely possible. You have value. You are important. I care! I love you deeply through Christ my Lord and Savior. Sincerely, Reverend Gregory Allen Crisp or “Pastor Gregg”