BTZ Blog

In Acts 11:25 we are told that the disciples were first called Christians at Antioch. We are not told whether the term carried negative or positive connotations. If it was used negatively then it may have meant something similar to being called a “Jesus Freak” today. If it was used positively then it meant that they were “Christlike” in character and action. But, what does the word mean today? I would suggest that it depends on your culture and religious beliefs as to how you interpret its meaning. To some it means those who are the scum of the earth, to others it means anybody who is not Muslim, Buddhist or Islam etc. To some it means those who attend some church on a regular basis. To some it means that one time they repeated what is known as the sinner's prayer regardless of their lifestyle now. Depending on where they live or what their religious experience is, it means different things to different people. In spite of what we think any particular word should mean, it actually...

Many believers have said, “I just can't live the Christian life, I try to reach a certain expectation and I succeed for a time and then I fall flat on my face again. It seems that God is a God of expectations that demands perfection.” In one way or another most Christians are trapped in this endless cycle of attaining and failing to maintain or perform up to the expectations they have been told that God expects of them. Far to often these expectations are set because leaders are distorting such scriptures that teach we should "be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect." In Mark 10:17, we encounter a scene that shows us the futility of expectations. We find out that God is not a God of expectations! This young man had always been able to defined himself by his being able to measure up to the standards expected of him. He was successful when measured with the measuring stick of talent and performance. It was a scale he did well on, and one he also relied on to define hi...

By Dr. Richard J. Krejci "Faithful to my Lord’s commands, I still would chose the better part; Serve with careful Martha’s hands And loving Mary’s heart." John Wesley Romans 12:1-3 1. SPEAK TO PEOPLE. There is nothing as nice as a cheerful word of greeting! 2. SMILE AT PEOPLE . It takes seventy-two muscles to frown, only fourteen to smile. (Besides, you may be on ‘Spy TV’) 3. CALL PEOPLE BY NAME . The sweetest music to anyone's ear is the sound of ones own name! 4. BE FRIENDLY AND HELPFUL . If you would like to have friends, then, be friendly! 5. BE CORDIAL . Speak and act as if everything you do were a genuine pleasure! (If it is right and good, it really should be.) 6. BE GEUINEIY INTERESTED IN PEOPLE . Empathy means involvement! 7. BE GENEROUS WITH PRAISE and cautious with criticism! 8. BE CONSIDERATE WITH THE FEELINGS OF OTHERS . It will be appreciated. 9. BE THOUGHTFUL OF THE OPINIONS OF OTHERS . There are three sides to controversy--yours-'--...