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For those of you who can’t make it, GODencounters at the UW will be streaming live starting at 11 AM Pacific time. The viewer is below and will become active at 11 AM.
Posted by Nate True on January 24, 2009 at 10:44 AM
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So I was just reading through some Twitter updates when one from CNN really caught my eye. It reads, Men stoned to death for adultery in Iran. If you read the story, you will find that the men had not only committed adultery, but also were accused of committing murder.
This past weekend while speaking at a church in Brooklyn, MD (not to be confused with Brooklyn, NY) I shared from Jesus’ first public discourse as was recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. Found in Matthew 5 Jesus at the age of 30 tells the audience that “unless your righteousness exceeded that of the scribes and pharisees you will be no means enter the kingdom of Heaven.” WOW! That is a heavy statement. Immediately following this statement, Jesus says, “You have heard it said to those of old, you shall not murder. But I tell you that anyone who has anger in his heart as committed murder in the eyes of God” (MGLV - Matthew Gamble Living Version). Later he says, “You have heard it said to those of old, you shall not commit adultery. But I tell you that whoever looks at a person to lust after him/her has committed adultery with her in the eyes of God” (MGLV).
Can you imagine hearing that knowing that if you were caught committing murder (anger) or adultery (lust) would result in you being stoned to death? Talk about a motivation to stop sinning. But what about the addict out there that wants to stop, but just can’t seem to get the victory? Is there any hope for that person?
Again, Jesus says that “unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and pharisees” you will never go to heaven. The Bible also says that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). Now if anger = murder and lust = adultery, we are in bad shape. At some stages in the history of the human race, it was commonplace to make use of stoning as capital punishment. When Jesus, came to this planet he came to set the record straight as to what God is really like.
Once a woman was caught in the very act of adultery. The religious leaders came and threw her at the feet of Jesus saying that the Bible says that such people should be stone. Jesus replied, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her” (John 8:7). I love this about Jesus. He doesn’t come to condemn the world for sin, He simply challenges people to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33).
It is all about His righteousness and I thank Him for it, for without it I would be deserving death.
Posted by matthew gamble on January 13, 2009 at 10:26 AM
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The Battle Continues in New York City!
All this week (from December 12-20) I will be in New York City as The Battle Within ‘08 Tour continues. The event started this past Friday night and runs every night aside from Monday and Tuesday thru this coming Saturday night. The venue is the Luzo Brazilian SDA Church in Queens.
I will be honest with you, this event is a bit unique. The age representation that is coming out spans the spectrum. I assume that this is a good thing as both young and old alike seem to be receiving blessings as God is showing up and challenging us out of His word. At the root of it all is choosing to believe in Him for all that He offers us.
I look forward to picking up the journey on Wednesday night. Until then, if you have any questions or comments, I would love to hear from you!
Blessings,
Matthew
Posted by matthew gamble on December 15, 2008 at 10:42 PM
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What Does Christmas Have to Do With Christ Anymore?
I really hope that you will consider what Christmas is all about. Take a look at this video and then think to yourself, “What did Jesus do on Christmas? What are we really celebrating? What is it all about?” http://www.adventconspiracy.org/
Posted by matthew gamble on November 20, 2008 at 02:48 PM
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Through the entirety of my journey as a follower of Jesus and His teachings, I have been especially intrigued by the concept of the Holy Spirit, the third member of team Godhead. You see, all my life I experienced various levels of conviction that enabled me to know whether or not something was right or wrong. Upon becoming a “Christian” I now know that that “something” can be accredited to the Holy Spirit who was bringing about conviction into my life.
As a preacher, one of my favorite passages of Scripture is I Corinthians 6:19 which asks, “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit?” For sometime know I have challenged audiences to consider the fact that this passage doesn’t qualify the text that this only pertains to believers. But after closer examination of the context, the passage is written to believers. After all, in verse 11 it reads, “you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” That being said, the context is to believers who have had an experience with Jesus.
So why is this distinction important? Because I have been under the impression that the entirety of the human race, regardless of what a persons belief or experience has been, is seen in God’s eyes as walking temples where the Holy Spirit dwells. Now I am seeing that the Holy Spirit only makes its dwelling in your house once you have received the gift of righteousness as is found in Jesus. It is then that we believe by faith that the body becomes the or a temple for the Holy Spirit to dwell. Before this experience, we still have conviction in our lives as the Holy Spirit is still at work drawing us back to our great Designer. Jesus himself speaks of this Spirit in John 16 when He states that: “… when he (the Holy Spirit) comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment...” (:8).
If you are a believer today, are you aware that the Holy Spirit is abiding in you? That the very presence and character of Jesus is alive in you today? Acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will raise you up to become just like Jesus in word, act, thought and deed.
Courage ~ mwg
Posted by matthew gamble on November 17, 2008 at 03:46 PM
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For my ordination earlier this year, my good friends over at Eastside SDA Fellowship blessed me with a giftcard for LifeWay Christian Book Stores. I have yet to redeem the card, but I figured what better way to do so than to by a Bible. My in-laws bought me an ESV Bible for my ordination and I have enjoyed it so much that I am going to purchase the new Study Bible that has just come out. What I appreciate about the ESV is its scholarship and literalness to the original text. Let me know your thoughts!
~ Happy Sabbath rest!
mwg
Posted by matthew gamble on November 15, 2008 at 07:38 AM
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Atlantic Union Bible Conference
This past weekend I was in New York speaking at the Atlantic Union Bible Conference. Young people from all over New England, New York and Bermuda came out for a powerful weekend experience. One of the highlights to the weekend, something that I’ve never seen before, was the fact that every one of the workshop presentations was given by a student from one of the many schools represented. I was thoroughly impressed to see the effort put in to every presentation ranging from stewardship, music, entertainment, the use of internet, and how to ramp up your devotional time. It was a great experience.
The weekend ended last night with an appeal to prayerfully consider what things in are getting in the way of the individuals life connecting more thoroughly with God. These items were written down on a piece of paper and then we all went outside. We balled the paper up, then simultaneously threw the paper into the air. As they came to the ground Pastor Bill, the Union Youth Director, asked us to pick up one of the pieces of paper and carry it with us to pray for the person and the things that they wrote down. It is comforting to know that someone is praying for me right now. And for the person who’s paper I picked up, please know that I am praying for you!
Courage to you Atlantic Union Youth!
mwg
Posted by matthew gamble on November 09, 2008 at 07:15 AM
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I hate to admit it, but Paradise, CA is far from paradise to me. Before Susan and I were married, she was visiting her grandparents and aunt who live in Paradise, CA and I decided that I would fly down to see her. One night we ran out of gas driving her grandfathers old car. After reaching them they came by, picked up Susan and headed off to get some fuel for the car. I meanwhile decided to bust out my hacky-sack skills under a near by street light, just outside of an antique store, across the street from the gastroenterologist. Next thing I knew, the owners of the antique store were yelling at me through the glass (please keep in mind that this was around 10pm long after everything had shut down in the town). Next thing I know I am surrounded by not one, but three police cars and am told to put my hands up. Apparently just weeks before this antique store had been vandalized by young people throwing rocks through the glass. I cannot begin to tell you how great it was to be surrounded by cops, but this time as innocent as can be!
I am looking forward to returning to Paradise this weekend. If you are in the area I invite you to attend. You can find out more by going to YoungAdultGroup.com or by checking out the Paradise SDA Church website.
Please join me in praying that God’s will is done this weekend. I cannot begin to tell you how thrilled I am that the young adults in this church have taken the initative to make this weekend a reality.
Prayers ascend!
mwg
Posted by matthew gamble on October 29, 2008 at 07:22 AM
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Es napok - Salgotarjan, Hungary
This week I am speaking at a youth/young adult event in northern Hungary. My good friend Peter Horvath is the Hungarian Union Youth Director and he has invited me back for a second time to preach to the young people starting tonight. After a long night of flying over from the states, I was greeted by Peter at the airport yesterday. It has been great to see both him and his family. Last night (a few hours after I arrived) Peter invited me to speak at one of his churches about an hour from his house here in Gödöllö, just outside of Budapest. Afterwards one of the families invited Peter and I over for some tea and cookies. What a story I heard as the man of the house shared with me that his grandfather had built the house that they were living in.
Tonight is the kick-off to the Singing and Sport Conference where I will be speaking. The event runs Wednesday night to Sunday at noon. Your prayers are solicited as we are praying for continued revival amongst the young people of Hungary. May God’s will be done.
To find out more information on the event, and to freshen up on your Hungarian language skills, check out: http://ifiinfo.hu/esnapok/
Blessings from Budapest!
mwg
Posted by matthew gamble on October 22, 2008 at 12:51 AM
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Florida Public High School Retreat
Tomorrow I am off to Florida to speak at the annual High School Bible Conference. I solicit your prayers for my health as I have been battling a cold and sinus virus for over 10 days and just started antibiotics yesterday. But more important than prayers for me are the prayers for those who will be attending. Here is a message sent out by the organizer of the event:
Hello My Friends,
In one way or another you have helped shaped and will help shape this year’s retreat. For the past 8 years
I’ve had the privilege to lead an outstanding group of volunteers. This year is no exception. I consider
you guys the greatest. I trust that God will use you in a mighty way this weekend.
There are almost 500 youth coming and over 600 in total with sponsors, guests, and staff. This is our
biggest High School Student Bible Retreat ever. I expected less because of the economy and I’ve turned
away over a hundred more.
I believe God will do great things...last year over 30 young people were baptized. That may not happen
this year. It all depends in what journey each young person is in...however, pray that God’s Spirit will
fall upon us in such away that hearts are reformed in turned to Jesus this weekend.
I’ve attached a schedule for your convenience...Thank you so much
for your ministry and work with our youth this weekend.
May God bless you and your family and keep you close to His Heart…
Impassioned by God’s Grace,
Juan M. Rodriguez
High School Student Bible Retreat Team Leader
Posted by matthew gamble on October 08, 2008 at 07:59 AM
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