From the June 28, 2008 entry of Our Daily Bread:

The word amateur has been redefined over the years and has lost the luster of its original meaning. The English word comes from the Latin word amore, which means "to love." An amateur is someone who does something simply for the love of it.

In today's way of thinking, receiving payment moves you into a "higher" category--that of a professional. The reasoning is that if someone is willing to pay for your service, you must be really good. An amateur, therefore, is considered to have less skill or talent.

As I read my Bible, however, I see a different hierarchy of values. During the time of Jesus, the religious professionals were using their position to gain power and prestige for themselves, not to serve the people. Jesus didn't choose those who were wise, mighty, or noble by human standards (1 Cor. 1:26). He sought those willing to follow Him and be trained for loving service.

In today's world, the scene is much the same. God is still looking for "amateurs," those who will serve the Lord for the sheer love of it. Compelled by our love for Jesus, may we, like the disciples and apostles before us, proclaim the love of God for the world by following Christ's example of loving and serving others.

author: Julie Ackerman Link

by Van Robison

Most of us have heard the song I Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb sung by Ray Boltz, which is a very soul touching song about allegiance to Jesus Christ. It can be heard on the Internet by keying into YouTube. It seems somewhat astonishing that the entire "Christian" church world emphasizes going to church, pastors, partners, money and all things having to do with institutional churchianity, as allegiance to Christ. I have to take a few steps backward when I see church leaders idolize themselves and expect Christians to partner with them in their self-idolatry. In the first chapter of 1 Corinthians, Paul chastises folks for saying "I am of Paul" or "I am of Apollos" or I am of Cephas", and again at 1 Corinthians 3:4 "For while one says, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; ARE YOU NOT CARNAL?" Is there any difference today when pastors expect church goers to call them "my pastor" when the real Pastor is Jesus Christ? Read more...

by Van Robsion

Can anyone imagine massive resignations by pastors of churches, due to coming to the truth about the man-made "clergy/laity" system of churchianity? While it is true that pastors do resign, often due to burnout or other reasons, few celebrity pastors would ever willingly step down. Imagine waking up to newspaper headlines such as these:

• Megachurch Pastors Quit--Finally See The Truth--Christ Is The Only Shepherd
• Pastors Resign In Mass For Guilt Over Enforcing False Tithing
• Church Denominations Fold After Seeing That Jesus Christ Is The Way, Truth And Life

Read more...

by Van Robison

The following is a fictional interview with Jesus Christ.

Jesus, I am overwhelmed to have this opportunity as a Gospel News reporter for the common man and woman, and as a personal follower of your Headship of the Body of Christ and as the Creator of the universe, I ask these questions with all respect, honor and humility.

Sir, are modern day pastors really representatives of the Living Jesus Christ, as they proclaim? Read more...

by Van Robison

Two traditions of television ministries are "Call now for prayer" or "Call now and pledge." Very often, when a "pledge" drive is being promoted by "Christian" television preachers or their networks, they will flash a view of several telephone operators sitting at desks, taking pledges or prayer calls. At times, they will show stacks and stacks of "letters" from letter writers, which they pray over, asking God to honor the requests and address the issues of concern. The customs and traditions of many television preachers are not Biblical and will not be found in the teachings of Jesus Christ or in the New Testament anywhere. There is nothing wrong with people praying for one another, and that is not the issue. The issue is that television ministries act like they are the catalyst and mediator between people and God. Chances are, what they are really after is your name and address so they can send you endless mail, wanting financial partners. Read more...