Tag: Religion

This Thing Called Faith

On By Dr. William James Carter, IIn Christendom, Faith, lifeLeave a comment

We now live in a society wherein every one of every creed is declaring they have faith. The problem is that it becomes increasingly difficult to determine wherein the faith of these lies. Some seem to have faith in their jobs. Others have faith in their own abilities while even more have faith in false gods. The idea of faith seems to have ends only in the minds of those declaring they have faith.

Scripture is not so vague when it comes to faith. Jesus is found admonishing Peter in Mark 11:22 with the simple words, “Have faith in God.” This faith that Jesus spoke of was not a mere knowledge that God is able to perform as He said. It is the confidence that God will do just what He says. Having faith in God is o have so much trust in God that there is no consideration of Him going against His Word. The idea of God not performing what was said does not come to mind. Having faith in God is knowing that there is no way that God’s Word will return void. God said it. End of discussion.

Hebrews 10:38 declares, “Now the just shall live by faith.” This text appears to make a division in different people. It specifies the “just” are the ones to live by faith. This brings about the question as to who the just are. Now, the just are those who are righteous. It is those who are in right standing with God. The just are those who seek to please God with their lives. This means that those that love and honor God with their lives are required to have a lifestyle of faith.

The idea of a required lifestyle is noted with the word “shall.” This word “shall” seems to mandate that those who are upright and living a life pleasing to God have a duty to live by faith. It is not optional. There is no suggestion. This thing called faith is not a choice of apathy. Rather, this thing called faith is an absolute must and required of those that are just. It is not apathetic; it is active. Therefore, the mandate for the just to have lifestyles of faith is not shown to be hidden in a closet. It is one that is presented in day-to-day activities.

James 2:17 expounds on the activity of faith. The text reads, “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” This means that confidence in God requires action on the part of the just. One cannot have faith and do nothing to show that faith. Faith requires action. This thing called faith means that one acts on God’s Word. If there is no action the matter of faith becomes questionable. Therefore, the just are not merely encouraged, the just are mandated to get up and show some signs of faith. Holding God respectfully to His Word is active faith. This thing called faith is mandated for the just and the just must walk in faith.

In Case You Did Not Know

On By Dr. William James Carter, IIn Uncategorized1 Comment

It’s true and I know I don’t mention it much but other than being an author and blogger I am also a public speaker. Yes, I have been know to get behind the mike espousing truths to all that will hear.

Now, while I often speak at church services in forums that include revivals, anniversaries and the like I answer to just good old-fashioned preaching and teaching. I also provide lectures, workshops and many other speaking venues. But my services are not for churches alone. If your company needs a speaker on such issues as diversity and ethics I will do my all to answer the call.

And if you want to know more about me I will be brief but you can learn more about me on my website. Even so I was saved at the age of seventeen, worked in the church in nearly every position to my present associate pastor. Further academia has found its way on my resume. I hold an A.A. in Business, a B.S. in Religion, M.A.R. in Biblical Studies and an M.Div in Pastoral Ministries. It is my hope one to to acquire that elusive doctorate.

Now, you know how to contact me and you know that all my work is premised upon the Word of God so I am on the standby to aid you in that I can.

The Matter of Giving

On By Dr. William James Carter, IIn Uncategorized4 Comments

I find this text in Exodus 30 interesting: 14 Every one that passeth among them that are numbered, from twenty years old and above, shall give an offering unto the Lord.

15 The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel, when they give an offering unto the Lord, to make an atonement for your souls.

Everyone seems to have been required to give the same amount no matter how much they had or did not have. Everyone was required to contribute. I wonder what would happen if we, as a nation, followed this simple godly principle. No, it is not merely a principle rather a mandate.

Raising Godly Children

On By Dr. William James Carter, IIn Uncategorized1 Comment

Yea, it’s true. I have been watching very carefully over the years. I have been watching how parents raise their children. More specifically I have been watching how “Christian” parents raise their children.  I have also noticed how Jews raise their children and how Muslims raise their children. It strikes me as odd that the ones that declare that they truly trust in the Most High God don’t even bother to teach their children the virtues of Christendom rather they think it wise to let the children make their own decisions. I wonder if this is wise and wonder if this is the way God intended it to be.

I find it interesting that the children of God were taught to teach their children in a number of instances as enumerated in Deuteronomy.  Chapter six speaks to teaching children in this fashion:  “And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” It should be noted that these are not mere suggestions but a requirement of God to keep His statutes before the people so that when they become of age the children will be able to continue in the way of the Lord as they pass on the mandate to their children.

If God is the same yesterday, today and forever why have many that call themselves Christians forsaken to teach their children? Why do they allow them to participate in ungodly ventures under the guises of allow them to be children? Is it because these parents are not themselves Christians and are not certain of how to teach their children? These are the questions that need to be posed when parents choose not to teach their children the way of the Lord.

Yet the problem is far from difficult to resolve. The first step to teach children the virtues of Christendom is that the parents themselves must be Christians. If this first step is implemented the godly parents will by nature raise godly children. Parents need to raise their children in the way that they should go not allow them to make their own decisions. I can speak first hand because I was once a teenager and some of the things I did were very ungodly. But I am thankful for salvation at an early age. Yet this does not mean that parent should neglect their own salvation.

No, children should not be left to their own vices but should be taught the Word of God in every possible way at every opportunity. But this cannot be done of the parents are far from godly.