Q&A with Charles Ambroselli author of Be The One!

 

Q: How can we find what you refer to as “divine perspective” on life’s purpose?

A: I believe deep down everyone questions and hungers to know why they were created. I also believe God does not create things in vain. Everything He creates has a purpose. The Scriptures are very clear on our purpose in life. Whether it is obeying the great commission to make disciples or God's instruction to be productive and to multiply, the Word of God has the answers every time. Not only is the Word supposed to be a light unto our path, but it is also profitable for instruction in righteousness.  I believe a person will never know their divine purpose and assignment unless they take time to read God's Word and follow His instructions. Jesus, put it this way, "man cannot survive by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God."  We can pursue the various things that the world system has to offer, but the truth is we were created to serve the living God. Only the things that we do for Him truly matter.

Q: Do you think that Christians have lost hope for our country today?

A: No! Not at all. But many Christians are not fighting for a Christian nation either. And I am not talking about the men and women in the military. I am talking about the millions of American Christians that are allowing the Biblical foundation of this country to be uprooted, disregarded, and replaced with a belief system that denies the Lordship and deity of Jesus Christ.  For example, the Bible and prayer have been removed from our schools, the 10 commandments from the courthouses, gay marriage has been legalized, mosques and Muslims are increasing in number throughout the United States. Instead of spreading the Gospel and defending truth, many churches have evolved to entertainment and even suppressing the truth. If Christians in America do not begin to stand up for God's Truth and for what they believe, Christianity will be suppressed just like it was suppressed in Bethlehem and we will be the minority instead of standing with God's authority. Its time to wake up America!

Q: Do you believe that most Christians are not achieving their goals and purposes?

A: Unfortunately, yes.  We could look at the number of divorces within the Christian community, the number of foreclosures, the number of church failures, the number of bankruptcies, the number of church scandals, the amount of illness within the body of Christ. But those are just the headlines. Most Christians do not know how to hear the voice of God. Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice." If you are not hearing the voice of God, chances are you are not fulfilling His purposes. Most Christians are not applying Biblical principles in the management of their relationships, their finances, and their physical health. We buy houses we cannot afford, we buy new cars every five years on borrowed money, and instead of obeying God's command to be productive, we consume everything the world is offering. At the end of the day, the world system has robbed us of our time, our talent, and our treasure and the strength and resources we need to fulfill our God given goals and purposes. 

Q: Describe for us some the activities and behaviors that prevent personal growth.

A: Unfortunately, there are a lot of them. The Bible puts it this way "Broad is the path that leads unto destruction, but narrow is the path that leads to life and very few are they that find it.”  There are numerous behaviors and activities that lead us down the wrong path. For many Christians, it is an incorrect belief system, which ultimately determines their behavior. We incorrectly believe that we can just eat what ever we want, that we can spend our money however we want without taking into considerations both the temporal and eternal consequences of such behavior. For other Christians, it’s a lack of knowledge. The Apostle Peter instructed us to "add to our faith, knowledge", the prophet Hosea said "My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge". What you do not know about the Bible, the world system, and even the enemy’s devices can definitely hurt you. For yet other Christians, it’s a lack of application of Biblical principles. Whether it’s poor stewardship, excessive consumption, or lack of productivity due to TV, games, or other forms of socialization and entertainment, these behaviors all hinder our productivity and personal growth.

Q: You indicated that you believe there is a plan to re-establish our nation’s Christian foundation and preeminence. What is that?

A: The plan is called "Be the One!"  You see this book is not about me. It’s about you and the needs of this nation. The need for each one of us to do our part and accept for responsibility for our behavior, our future, our finances, and even our nation! The Bible says that 'Righteousness exalts a nation! (Proverbs 14:34). Righteousness is being in right relationship with God.  The world would have you believe that the economy, the financial sector, or the political party of the president is the most important issues facing America. But the truth is the most important 21st century issue facing our country is America's relationship with God. And unless each of us our willing to standup for what we believe in and align our lives according to God's Truth, then America will continue to be humbled globally and decline spiritually.  The Bible says in 8th chapter of Deuteronomy:

But you shall remember the LORD your God: for it is he that gives you power to get wealth that He may establish his covenant which he swore to your fathers, as it is this day. 19And it shall be, if you do at all forget the LORD your God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that you shall surely perish. 20As the nations which the LORD destroys before your face, so shall you perish; because you would not be obedient to the voice of the LORD your God. Deut 8:18-20.

God is the one that blessed and protected this country. God is the only one that can enable us to eliminate our debts. He is the only one that can give us the power to be productive and the wisdom for creative ideas to produce wealth. But if we continue to deny Him or disregard His principles, then we will suffer the consequences. 

Q: What is necessary for an individual to change their future?

A: The best way for an individual to change their future is to passionately pursue a practical understanding of God's truth and a strong personal relationship with God. Change is not easy, but change is constant. And if we’re not prepared for the changes that come at us, then we may not fulfill our unique purpose. Yes we may be saved and have our seat reserved in heaven, but we may miss out on some of the great things that God wants to do in our lives. But for God to do those great things, we have to be willing to go through that transformation process. The Bible says to be transformed by the renewing of your mind so that you may prove and know what the perfect will of God is. The transformation occurs not only through the meditation of His Word, but through a person relationship with Him. God has everything we need to change our future. He has the provision, the wisdom, the contacts, the enablement, the talents, and its pleasure to prosper His people. But it requires a relationship with Him. We cannot do it in our own strength. We need His empowerment, His grace, and His favor.  

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Charles R. Ambroselli, CPA, CFP®, is the founder pastor of Kingdom at Mount Zion Family Church in Marietta, Georgia, and is happily married and the proud father of three beautiful girls and a newborn son. He is a certified financial planner, a certified public accountant, and a Qualified Kingdom Advisor™. Charles earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in business administration from Saint Bonaventure University. Both degrees are concentrated in accounting and finance. Currently, Ambroselli is a doctoral student at Christian Leadership University. He also has completed academic programs at the College for Financial Planning and at the Christian Living Bible Institute.