The position in life for the child of God should and must be found in his/her union with Christ.  Jesus came that we might have life and that we may have it more abundantly.  Characteristically in the abundant life of the Christian, there are Biblical “Put Offs” and “Put Ons.”  In Colossians 3:8, we have a listing of character traits that as Christians we must put off.

 The Apostle begins with the destructive trait of anger.  The Bible tells us to:  “Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.”  (Psalm 37:8)  Wrath or rage is physiologically destructive.  Heart problems, high blood pressure can certainly be associated with rage.

 The Apostle continues with the listing of “Put Offs”.    Malice or malicious behavior is borne out of a heart of unbelief.  Put off blasphemy or slander.  Jesus in Matthew 15:19, equates blasphemy with other symptoms of Spiritual heart disease.  Slander is destructive in the body of Christ.

 Lastly, put off filthy (dirty language) communications out of your mouth.  Enough said.  Put off the old man with his deeds and put on the new man that is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him.

 Beginning in verse twelve, we have a listing of “Put Ons.”  Here is that listing without editorializing.

•  As holy people of God, put on tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Forbearing one another (to make allowance for each other’s faults) and forgive the person who offends you.
•  Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. And most importantly, you must put on love, and it will lead us into full development and growth into the maturity of godliness.

 Be blessed as you walk in Him.

 Pastor J. Amos Jones

This Pastor believes in our young men.  That is why he has a passion for the concept and the benefits that can be derived from “Caleb’s Crusaders.”

 There are many reasons why we find the negative perceptions associated with young men of color.  Admittedly, there are those who leave a lot to be desired, however, there are many fine, productive, young men.

 Many of the former share a regrettable trait acquired during the despicable time of slavery.  That trait is irresponsibility.  During that period, men were not expected to be faithful husbands and good fathers, to the contrary, they were encouraged to be irresponsible.  It is most unfortunate that for many of our young men, irresponsibility is alive and not doing well.   The Holy Writ tells us that “Death and life are in the power of the tongue:”  (Proverbs 18:21a). 

 We have the power to speak life into the lives of our young men, but all too often we speak death into their lives.  How unfortunate.  Hear how the Angel of the Lord spoke life into the life of Gideon:  “The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valour” (Judges 6:12b).  What a word for a man who is hiding from his enemy. 

 Lastly, Paul tells Timothy to be an example to all the believers.  Men, we are to model Christ in every aspect of our lives so that those who follow us can see Him.  Dear ones, give us some feedback.  Tell us how we can be the most effective in our pursuit of bringing the fruition “Caleb’s Crusaders.” Take the time to list five things you would like to have come to pass.

 Pastor J. Amos Jones

This Pastor believes in our young men.  That is why he has a passion for the concept and the benefits that can be derived from “Caleb’s Crusaders.”

There are many reasons why we find the negative perceptions associated with young men of color.  Admittedly, there are those who leave a lot to be desired, however, there are many fine, productive, young men.

Many of the former share a regrettable trait acquired during the despicable time of slavery.  That trait is irresponsibility.  During that period, men were not expected to be faithful husbands and good fathers, to the contrary, they were encouraged to be irresponsible.  It is most unfortunate that for many of our young men, irresponsibility is alive and not doing well.   The Holy Writ tells us that “Death and life are in the power of the tongue:”  (Proverbs 18:21a). 

We have the power to speak life into the lives of our young men, but all too often we speak death into their lives.  How unfortunate.  Hear how the Angel of the Lord spoke life into the life of Gideon:  “The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valour” (Judges 6:12b).  What a word for a man who is hiding from his enemy. 

Lastly, Paul tells Timothy to be an example to all the believers.  Men, we are to model Christ in every aspect of our lives so that those who follow us can see Him.  Dear ones, give us some feedback.  Tell us how we can be the most effective in our pursuit of bringing the fruition “Caleb’s Crusaders.” Take the time to list five things you would like to have come to pass.

 Pastor J. Amos Jones