Though in context this is not necessarily true biblical blasphemy, it is however a call to unbelievers alike to stand together and to verbally confess that they do not believe in the Triune Deity. This movement has been sparked by an atheist organization called the Rational Response Squad. Throughout Youtube you can see the videos of individuals who have taken this verbal challenge. Though the challenge is verbal, the heart speaks for itself that they do not believe in an Almighty God. As a matter of fact these self-proclaimed “antitheists” and/or “nontheists” will be conducting a rally in March of 2012 called the Reason Rally. Their main purpose for this rally is the following (copied and pasted from Reason Rally website’s “About” tab):

What do you hope to achieve from this Rally? We have three main goals:

• To encourage attendees (and those who can’t make it) to come out of the closet as an atheist, or at least a supporter of secular values.
• To dispel stereotypes – there is no one “True Atheist” no matter what your pastor or parent may tell you.  We will have non-theists from all political persuasions, ethnicities, genders, and backgrounds.  We will show that there are atheists in every American demographic.
• Legislative equality.  We want to show the country that atheists can run for office and adequately represent theists, just as theists in office can represent atheists proudly and openly.  We deserve a seat at the table just like theists, and we hope this rally can put our values in the radar of American voters, who may one day elect an atheist to public office.

What I find interesting is that there has been a “calling out” for atheists, skeptics, etc to come out of the closet and to make their stand. Though I am in complete disagreement with their beliefs, I cannot help but to respect their tenacity. In retrospect what I find rather encouraging is that as the unbeliever is “coming out” and becoming more vocal, the followers of Jesus are taking a stand and are not only verbalizing their belief in the Triune God but they are also uniting as the universal church! We are beginning to see how the one time “denominational line” is now being stepped over for the sake of the preaching of the Gospel. If the church wants to make a true and powerful statement, the body of Christ must unite and take a stand together!

Jesus states in John 13:35 “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” The “one another” Jesus is referring to is not the world, but His church, your brother and sister in Christ. Therefore as believers in Jesus we are living in such an awesome season. Unbelievers may not realize that making bold statements that they deny the existence of the Holy Spirit is actually sounding an alarm that will soon wake up the sleeping giant (the Church)! It’s time to take your stand and pick your side. Therefore I am presenting to each of you a challenge brought to you by the IStand Movement and Reaction Ministries. We want to challenge all students and adults to make a quick video of yourself as to why “I Stand For Jesus”. After you have made your video you can post it on the IStand Facebook Page  or my Facebook Page. In turn we will post it up on Youtube for you. Or feel free to post it on Youtube yourself if you have an account by making the subject “In Response To The Blasphemy Challenge” and/or “Re: The Blasphemy Challenge”.

Thus far there have been over hundreds of students across America that are taking the stand. I ask that you join us in this evangelistic outreach. If you are a pastor, youth director, parent or a student, I encourage you to challenge your students of your church, school friends, etc to take the IStand Challenge with you. The purpose of this challenge is to unite the body and effectively reach out to the unbeliever. We must keep in mind, that though we are taking a “stand” verbally on video, we must take an even greater stand by living a consistent lifestyle of holiness and righteous, knowing that people are watching.

I look forward to seeing your videos and am excited to connect with you as we verbally and with lifestyle declare that “I Stand for Jesus Christ”!

Hasten The Day- Pastor Sammy (2 Peter 3:12)

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Basically, it boils down to one specific person- Jesus. Ever wonder why people have an issue with Jesus? People don’t necessarily have an issue towards God or an issue with spirituality, however their issue is with the person of Jesus Christ. Mainly because Jesus claimed things about Himself that no other “god/philosophy” could ever claim for themselves. For example: Jesus said He was “The Way the Truth and the Life” and that NO ONE could ever get to His Father (God) except through Him (John 14:6). Most people would find that statement arrogant, intolerant and down right wrong. Yet Jesus’ claim of Himself never shifted nor changed. Jesus goes on to say that He was the “Resurrection and the Life” and whoever believes in Him, even though he would die, he was going to live (John 11:25)! Do you see why Jesus was controversial?

Even to this day people have an issue with the fact that Jesus is truly the Son of the living God. People may say, “there are many ways to heaven”, or ”all roads lead to the same place”. Yet Jesus has not and will not share His throne with no one. He is the only Way to salvation, He is the only Way to a true abundant life, He is the only Way to forgiveness of sins, and He is the only Way to eternal life with Him. Though many may consider other devices, other religions, and other philosophies, still one cannot reject the fact that Jesus is in fact who He say’s He is and is still the most controversial figure in 2011.

He didn’t say “Me plus so and so equals salvation”. On the contrary, He claimed to be the only way and non-other. In other words He didn’t say, “Me plus my earthly mother Mary equal salvation”. Sadly enough it was the vatican that declared that, not Jesus. (You can see more here) Again, despite our religious and/or denominational background or religious and “spiritual” teachings, Jesus is still in fact the Way to salvation no matter who claims otherwise. This is why Jesus came to the world, “to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10).

So it really doesn’t matter if major retails stores rejects using the word Christmas, or if a towns city hall takes down the traditional nativity display or if a governor calls it a holiday tree and not a Christmas tree, we must remember as believers in Christ, “for the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Cor 1:18). Hence knowing this fact we must preach the gospel, walk in the love and truth of Christ and not water down the absolute truth and fact that Jesus is still the Way in the manger!

Finally, I leave you with this politically correct holiday greeting, enjoy!

“Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit my best wishes for an  environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low stress, non-addictive, gender neutral, celebration of the winter solstice holiday(tm), practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the   religious/secularpersuasions and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all . . . and a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling, and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2011,  but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great, (not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country or is the only “AMERICA” in the western hemisphere), and without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical   ability, religious faith, choice of computer platform, or sexual orientation of the wishee.

By accepting this greeting, you are accepting these terms: This greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal. It is freely transferable with no alteration to the original greeting. It implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for her/himself or others, and is void where prohibited by law, and is revocable at the sole discretion oft he wisher. This wish is warranted to perform as expected within the usual  application of good tidings for a period of one year, or until the issuance of a subsequent  holiday greeting, whichever comes first, and warranty is limited to replacement of this wish or issuance of a new wish at the sole discretion of the wisher.”- Author Unknown

Proclaiming Jesus as King- Pastor Sammy

Our show will be covering several things: We will discuss youth ministry, interviews with pastors, youth pastors, local and national ministries, interviews with professional athletes, actors, national recording artists, and much more! We are excited to see what the Lord is doing as well as encouraged to see what this show will mold into.

We just filmed our first episode yesterday (Thursday), which is now being edited for programing for the next week or so. If you are into media, creative writing, prop design, costume, lighting, filming, etc, and are interested in the possibilities of being an intern for Reaction T.V., email us your resume at reaction.sanantonio@gmail.com.

Finally, we at Reaction are excited and honored to have been officially made partners with God Belongs In My City! We will be the “go to” for the West Coast part of the nation for everything concerning God Belongs In My City. Also, we at God Belongs In My City (East Coast and West Coast) are in the process of making a kingdom partnership with the ministry I AM SECOND. We are definitely looking forward to seeing what the Lord is cooking up there!

As you can see the Lord is orchestrating some amazing things for Reaction and God Belongs In My City. Please be in prayer for us as our desire is to be obedient to the Lord for the purpose of ministry, kingdom building, and reaching the lost with the gospel of Jesus Christ!

Be Blessed!- Pastor Sammy

We are living in a very unique time in our nations history. From the falling of the economy, the lack of employment, political fighting between the left and right, and the major drought throughout Texas and other parts of the nation. We are in that “moment” of time where we must recognize that the God of heaven and earth must be called upon, that we must repent of our sins, turn from our wicked ways, so that the Lord who spoke this world into existence can speak to this nation and bring her back to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob!

I am encouraging and asking that all Believers in Christ come join us this Saturday morning at Milam Park (Between El Mercado and the Santa Rosa mural-downtown) at 9:00am as we prepare to march at 10:00am to the Hemisphere Park as we pray over the city of San Antonio. This is a time you do not want to miss. For more information go to the Reaction website for more detailed information as well as watching the video that is posted on the site.

May the Lord bless you and looking forward to connecting with you this Saturday.

The Time Is Now- Pastor Sammy

Here in the Great State of Texas, Governor Rick Perry called the state of Texas for a time of prayer and fasting for the purpose of calling on the Lord to bring revival and spiritual awakening to this country. The event was called “The Response”. Sadly enough, many Christians and others immediately “jumped the gun” and made their own opinions and conclusions as to why Perry would do such a thing. Some said it was a publicity stunt, while others stated that it was to promote Perry’s possible 2012 presidential run. Yet others immediately called for a separation of church and state while tooting the horn of “politics and Christianity don’t mix.”

What amazes me is how instead of looking into the fact(s) of the event with the anticipation and excitement that 50(k) plus would have the opportunity  to come together under one roof to worship, pray and cry out before the living God that revival would hit America, they immediately make brash generalizations, without knowing the insights to the event and  miss an incredible opportunity to connect with other believers in Christ due to a lack of knowledge.

I don’t know what is more sad; that a governor has to call the church to pray for revival, or that the church wouldn’t respond to
a call to prayer because it was a governor? I was not able to attend this prayer meeting in Houston but was able to watch it live on the internet. Not once did I see nor hear anyone promote a political agenda, nor promote the Perry 2012 for President Campaign (or any other candidate for that matter), nor did I see or hear anyone bad mouth this current presidential administration. What I did hear was men, women and teens cry out for personal holiness, revival, prayer against the slaughter of unborn babies, prayers for pastors, leaders, the church and the president of the United States.

Like I mentioned, I think the church is ready for revival, but not the Christian. I pray that an opportunity would come again for
the church to rise to the occasion with the opportunities that the Lord grants us, and cry out once more that America and the world would come to Christ! September 10, 2011, the city of San Antonio will have that opportunity to do so, as we anticipate thousands of people of all ages, denominations and races come together and march through downtown San Antonio and proclaim that “God Belongs In My City”. It’s time that the Christian put aside their political hang-ups, their biases and opinions and realize that we are a people that are lead by a King and that our kingdom is with God! It’s also time for the Christian to have  some spiritual discernment and recognize an opportunity for revival when they see it. The Bible tells us in Psalm 33:12 “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” Therefore how much more should we pray for this amazing country we live in?

I pray that the church would arise from her slumber, and not listen to the “elephant” in the room nor the “donkey” in the room, but listen to the Lamb that is calling His people! Was it Perry’s right to call the church to prayer? Sure it was. It is also our right  to call for prayer as Children of the Living God! Let’s make prayer our motive, revival our mission and salvation of the lost our purpose, and let’s see the church arise, God glorified, as we await His return.

I pray you all enjoy the rest of your summer as you prepare to go back to school, teach or whatever it is you do. Also, don’t forget about our reACTION RELOADed Rally this August 26th at Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, TX (Pastor John Hagee’s church). You don’t want to miss this event as we prepare for 9-10-11 God Belongs In My City prayer march in downtown San Antonio! For more info you can go to the REACTION website. If you would like to be on our emailing list and stay in the loop for things to come (i.e; God Belongs In My City, events, camps, conferences, etc) make sure you give us you info on the website and we will keep you updated.

May the Lord bless you as we move forward to making an impact in our city, state and this nation. To God be the glory!

Pastor Sammy

More Info To Come….

Please keep us in your prayers as we invest in the lives of hundreds of students this week.  I am excited to see the Lord raise up a generation unashamed and bold!  Stay tuned for more updates…

Becasue of Calvary… Pastor Sammy

Of course I praise the Lord that He has allowed me the greatest calling, blessing and privilege to do what He does- Shepherd.  I am honored to be called “pastor’, but even greater to be called a child of the Most High God.  Last Sunday (June 5th), my family and I had our first Sunday as pastor of Mighty Fortress Christian Fellowship.  The excitement on that day was incredible, the worship from the hearts of the people was powerful, and the vision and direction of the church was laid out as simple as possible.  What was that vision? Love God and love your neighbor.  After all, those two things are the greatest commandments given to us from our Lord.  No hype, no extravagant presentation, just  God’s word coming alive to a hungry people!

I’m looking forward to our ministry at Mighty Fortress Christian Fellowship and thank everyone for your prayers, support and encouraging words.  If you live in or around the San Antonio area and are not attending a church, come and worship with us.  Or if you happen to be in town and looking for a church to worship with while your here in beautiful San Antonio, we would love to have you as our guests.  God is doing some amazing things in this congregation.  Come and see that the Lord is good!

Never Say Never- Pastor Sammy  

A year and a half ago, my friend and then pastor of Mighty Fortress Christian Fellowship, Jerry Salinas, went home to be with the Lord.  Unfortunately it came as a shock to the body.  Prior to his death, pastor Jerry and I were not only partners in ministry but we were friends.  He and his wife were a big blessing to Judy and I as we would periodically come to San Antonio and preach at Mighty Fortress.  Thus when he went to be with Jesus, I would come to San Antonio to assist in any way I could.  Whether it would be to preach or to meet with congregants as they were going through mourning.

In December of 2010, I was approached by the leaders of Mighty Fortress if I would consider being a candidate to pastor Mighty Fortress.  My initial response was “no”.  Again, my family and I just came to San Antonio and pastoring was not on our minds.  However, as the months went by and the Lord was restoring my spirit, He also began to shift my direction.  It was in April of this year that the Lord began to confirm some things to my wife, daughter and me as we prayed about pastoring once again.  It was as if the Lord changed my thought and direction in “mid-air”!  We knew by the end of April that pastoring is what He wanted us to do, again.

So it is with great pleasure and prayer that my family and I were confirmed Sunday May 22nd as the pastors of Mighty Fortress Christian Fellowship.  We will be having an official service on June 5th, 2011 as this would be my first Sunday as pastor.  If you are in and or around the San Antonio area, come join us for this special day at Mighty Fortress Christian Fellowship at 4302 SW Loop 410 San Antonio, TX 78227.  My family and I covet your prayers and thank you all for your support.

A Mighty God- A Mighty Fellowship,

Pastor Sammy