Matters of Faith

A practical application of the Word of God for everyday issues.

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James ‘Loren’ Russell was born in Harlem, New York, and raised in the Bronx, where he and his wife (Evelyn) of thirty-eight years currently reside. Loren began his professional career as a life insurance agent, quickly rising to sales manager and then senior management. To fulfill his entrepreneurial ambitions, Loren established The JLR Company/J Loren Consulting, LLC to provide financial planning services in general, “Biblical Economics” services to the religious community, and motivational and developmental seminars and workshops. He served 7 years with the Southern Baptist Convention as the Northeast Strategy Coordinator, Regional Church Finance Consultant, and Church Planting Coordinator for NYC. Loren earned the Master of Divinity degree from Drew Theological Seminary and received an Honorary Doctor of Ministry from the Virginia University of Lynchburg. Through J Loren R Consulting, LLC, Loren provides financial, strategic planning, and business consultations to churches, not-for-profit organizations, and businesses nationally, with a specialization in urban church strategies. Loren’s spiritual and civic commitment keeps him busy. He is currently providing pastoral leadership to The Evangelical Church of God and continues as an Associate Minister and former Sunday School teacher at his home church, Goodwill Baptist Church. He is the founder of the Back In Stride Ministry, a ministry designed to help ex-offenders to establish their businesses; past President of the John L. Scott Associate Ministers Auxiliary of the United Missionary Baptist Association; founder and Chief Chaplain of the New York State Chaplains Workers Task Force, Inc; President of the 42nd Precinct Community Council, Clergy Liaison, and Moderator for the Ceasefire Initiative all for the New York Police Department; President of the Home/Simpson Street Homeowners Association, Bronx, NY; Board member of Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement (HCCI); 3 times past President of the Yonkers-East Yonkers Rotary Club, NY, and past District Governor for Rotary District 7230. Loren has a chapter capturing parts of his life in the book, Children of the Dream – The Psychology of Black Success by Audrey Edwards and Dr. Craig Polite. He also helped establish and provided voice-overs for the Speaking Community Calendar at Bronx Net Cable, Bronx, NY. Rev. Dr. Russell is an author who writes a weekly column called “Matters of Faith” that appear in several publications, Yonkers Insider, Better Mag magazine, Positve Community Magazine, and Pamela’s Big Heart Newsletter, and on his social media outlets. In addition, he hosts a weekly internet radio talk show, “Matters of Faith: The Radio Show” (Matters of Faith YouTube channel), and authored and published Matters of Faith: The Book. Loren is a frequently sought-after preacher, keynote speaker, motivational instructor, workshop leader, and Master of Ceremonies for a variety of programs. Loren’s favorite quote is by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. which epitomizes his philosophy on life. It states, “We must all learn to live together as brothers, or we will all perish together as fools.”

Take A Stand

“TAKE A STAND !”

Reverend J. Loren Russell

2 Thessalonians 2:15 NKJV, TLB

“Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.”

 “With all these things in mind, dear brothers, stand firm and keep a strong grip on the truth that we taught you in our letters and during the time we were with you.” (TLB)

To stand is not exceptional for a Christian. It is not exceptional for the Christian to stand firm in his or her faith; to boldly go where others dare not; to speak what those who know not the Lord are afraid to say; to be a visible ambassador for Christ. 

Paul writes to the Thessalonian church and presents a challenge. The challenge he presented to the Thessalonian church also challenges believers today. He says that we must take a stand. Paul argues that “God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth (2:13), “therefore” they were told to take a stand. 

This is an in-your-face faith. In order to get in someone’s face, you must take a stand. Paul says, “Therefore, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle,” or, as the TLB translation says,” stand firm and keep a strong grip on the truth that we taught you in our letters and during the time we were with you.”This  means we also are to stand faithfully, clinging to the Word of God as our source of accuracy and power.

Moses told the Children of Israel when they were on the precipice of the Red Sea and in the cross hairs of the Egyptian army, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today” (Exodus 14:13). During times of trouble, of trial, of suffering, of persecution, of poverty, of unemployment and underemployment, of broken heartedness and break ups, through unusual circumstances and overwhelming situations, in cases of sickness and heartache, we are charged to stand firm or to stand still.

The Lord expects His followers to take a stand for their faith. Stand firm and stand still in your faith and you will “see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today.”

Be Blessed!

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