Sunday, December 26, 2010
Saturday, December 18, 2010
unto us a Son is given
In case you don’t know it, the famous Christmas song Handle’s Messiah written in 1742 takes most of it’s great verses directly from scripture. For instance, you probably will recognize Isaiah 9:6 as it is quoted in the song. “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
For unto us a Child is born. You know, Jesus could have come to earth with ten thousand angels, fully formed as a mature man. But the fact that He chose to come as a baby speaks not only to the humanity of Christ, but also the humility. There is nothing more humble than a baby. Jesus subjected Himself to all that a baby goes through, their utter dependence, for our sake, and also, I believe, as an example of what is required from us that would enter His kingdom.
And the government will be upon His shoulder. Jesus Christ will rule the earth as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, two other titles that appear many times in scripture.
Jesus is Wonderful. When we really understand who He is and what He has done for us it should fill us with wonder and amazement.
Jesus is our Counselor. Jesus can help you with your problems because He was one of us and went through what we are going through. “Tempted in all points like we are, yet without sin.” (Heb. 4:15)
Jesus is Mighty God. Equal with God in all aspects. Co author of all creation, the Lord who reigns in heaven, able to speak into being all of creation.
Jesus is the Everlasting Father: The idea in these Hebrew words is that Jesus is the source or author of all eternity, that He is the Creator Himself. “All things were made by Him…” (John 1)
Jesus is the Prince of Peace: He is the One who makes peace between God and man. When we were at enmity with God, Jesus became the arbiter of our peace.
Jesus was a common name in the first century for a Jewish male. It was the common Greek version of the Hebrew names Joshua, Jehoshua, and Jeshua. It means "The Lord (Yahweh) saves" or "The Lord "(Yahweh) is my help. He was named before He was born by the angel who was sent to Joseph. “She will bear a son; and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).
The word Christ is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew word for "Messiah" or "anointed one." Christ was the title given to Jesus. Therefore He was Jesus the Christ—Jesus the Messiah. “The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, "We have found the Messiah" (that is, the Christ) (John 1:41).
There is also the title "Lord Jesus Christ." When the word "Lord" is added to Jesus Christ it means, "Yahweh (Jehovah) Jesus the Messiah. " It is speaking of His Deity as God as well as His human name and His title.
There are a number of other names for Jesus as well. The Word. “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1)
The Lamb. “Behold the Lamb of God, who comes to take away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29) Savior. (Luke 2:11)”For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”
But the name I want to dwell on for a minute is the name Son. In God calling Jesus Son we see evidence of His deity, but there is another aspect that really hit me the other day. The name Son reveals something about God’s love. God loved the Son. I remember when Susie got pregnant with my son and the overwhelming love that I had for that little baby when he was born. The absolute pride and joy that having a son brings to a father is just something that has to be experienced to be understood.
And so we get a glimpse of God’s love for Jesus in the title of Son being given to Jesus. Twice the Bible recounts God’s voice bursting out of heaven saying, “This is my beloved Son!” God had all the love and pride in His Son that we have in our children.
But not only did God love the Son with this great, unfathomable love, but wonder of wonders, He loved us also. John 3:16 says, that “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes on Him shall be saved.” Not only did God love the Son, but He loves us also and wants us to be His sons and daughters. It’s like He came to an orphanage and fell in love with you and said I love you so much I will pay whatever price is necessary to make you my child. And so He goes through all the legalities and requirements to adopt you and then gives you all the privileges of being His child.
Do you ever doubt that God loves you? Well, here is the proof of just how much God loved us when we were orphans and outcasts of heaven. He loved us so much that He watched His own Son be beaten, tortured, crucified and murdered in order that He might be able to adopt us. The price of our redemption was the death and punishment of His Son, and God gladly paid it, because His love for us was so great.
Christmas is a time for gift giving and celebration. But let’s always remember that the thing we are celebrating is that God loved us, choose to make us His sons and daughters, and Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice to purchase us for the Father, so that we might have eternal, abundant, real life with God in heaven.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
cleaning house
In Matthew 21, there is the story of Jesus entering Jerusalem riding on the colt of a donkey, being proclaimed by a huge crowd of people, possibly numbering in the many thousands as the Messiah, the son of David. His entourage, however, wasn’t exactly made up of the cream of Israeli society. It was the rabble of Galilee, the downtrodden, past prostitutes, once beggars, people who had been healed from every sort of debilitating disease which had left them lying worthless at some city gate until Jesus had come along. He was attended by the homeless, the destitute, people once afflicted by demons who had now become clean. People who previously had no value to society were the ones whom he chose to attend his coronation.
And there standing on the steps of the temple were the chief priests and scribes, the religious leaders, indignant at the cries of the people. They were the epitome of righteousness and religious fervor. Who was this man that had risen outside of their ranks, without their approval, without attending their school of divinity? They scoffed at Him, His lack of pedigree and the mob of sinners that attended Him.
Jesus was the picture of humility. Riding into town upon this little beast of burden with the rabble throwing old clothes in his path certainly didn’t meet the expectation of the religious leaders that the Messiah would over throw the yoke of bondage of Rome and vanquish the enemies of Israel. No, Jesus was more concerned with religious reform than He was with social reform. He was more concerned about slavery to self and sin than He was worried about physical enslavement to government.
And so Jesus gets off this donkey and walks into the temple and begins to clean house – literally. He kicks over tables and drives out the vendors and the money changers. The Jews had taken what was supposed to be God’s house and made it into a money making business. Jesus said, “It is written, My house shall be called a house of prayer but you have made it a robber’s den.”
In just three or four days Jesus would be nailed to a cross. His anger and rebuke was the last warning to a religious system that had run amuck. I can’t help but wonder what Jesus would do if He were to ride up on his donkey to the front door of some churches today. Would He find a house of prayer? It’s noteworthy that Jesus had to remind the religious leaders that “It is written…” Would He find the church studying His word?
1Pe 4:17 says, “For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” Before God sends a revival to the world, He must first have a revival in the church.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Saturday, December 4, 2010
who do you say that I am...really?
What do you think God is like… really? Most people seem to have this vague image of a beneficent, benevolent being beaming at the world like a ray of sunshine giving everyone a warm and fuzzy feeling. Others perhaps see some judgmental father figure that condemns them and makes them feel guilty. The truth is though that how we may think about God is irrelevant to the reality of God. In other words, my perception of God does not change who God really is. If He is just a figment of our imagination then it’s fine to have your own view point of what you may think God is like, or what you think He may be capable of. But if He really exists, if He really is the God of the universe, then we better figure out exactly what He is like and what He expects from us.
While the Bible says that the heavens declare the glory of God, and the creation teaches us about God, those are only signposts that point in His direction. They cannot teach us much more than that there has to be a Creator to design all this wonder. But yet we know that man has for years strived to find a way of reasoning to circumvent that obvious conclusion, and it is in fact being taught today as evolution.
The only real source of truth then about God has to be God’s word. Not man’s speculation, not man’s revelations, nor any other contrivance of man can comprehend God and declare it to man. God chose His word, and wrote it down, by which He would manifest Himself to the world.
John says in chapter one that Jesus was the Word. That the Word was with God and that the Word was God. And that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. When He became 30 years of age He began a three year pilgrimage to teach the world about God and manifest Himself to the world, which culminated in a final march into Jerusalem during the Passover to offer Himself as the sacrificial Lamb who takes away the sin of the world.
But in spite of everything He said about Himself and why He had come to earth and what the purpose of His kingdom would have, people were unable to accept the reality of His mission. They were so focused on what they wanted God to be like that they completely zoned out on the real message. They were looking for a fix for their earthly problems and He looked like He could be the guy to take care of them. But Jesus came to take care of the problem of eternity and the problem of sin. He was focused on the spiritual, and they were focused on the physical.
Unfortunately, not much has changed in the last 2000 years. We’re still focused on the physical. Jesus came to destroy the stranglehold that the ruler of this world had on mankind and to set his captives free, taking them into the kingdom of heaven. But most of us seem to have difficulty abandoning the physical and living in the spiritual. We’re trying to have the best of both kingdoms. But if you’re really a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven then you must concur with the final answer that Jesus gave Pilate just before His crucifixion. “My kingdom is not of this world.”
While the Bible says that the heavens declare the glory of God, and the creation teaches us about God, those are only signposts that point in His direction. They cannot teach us much more than that there has to be a Creator to design all this wonder. But yet we know that man has for years strived to find a way of reasoning to circumvent that obvious conclusion, and it is in fact being taught today as evolution.
The only real source of truth then about God has to be God’s word. Not man’s speculation, not man’s revelations, nor any other contrivance of man can comprehend God and declare it to man. God chose His word, and wrote it down, by which He would manifest Himself to the world.
John says in chapter one that Jesus was the Word. That the Word was with God and that the Word was God. And that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. When He became 30 years of age He began a three year pilgrimage to teach the world about God and manifest Himself to the world, which culminated in a final march into Jerusalem during the Passover to offer Himself as the sacrificial Lamb who takes away the sin of the world.
But in spite of everything He said about Himself and why He had come to earth and what the purpose of His kingdom would have, people were unable to accept the reality of His mission. They were so focused on what they wanted God to be like that they completely zoned out on the real message. They were looking for a fix for their earthly problems and He looked like He could be the guy to take care of them. But Jesus came to take care of the problem of eternity and the problem of sin. He was focused on the spiritual, and they were focused on the physical.
Unfortunately, not much has changed in the last 2000 years. We’re still focused on the physical. Jesus came to destroy the stranglehold that the ruler of this world had on mankind and to set his captives free, taking them into the kingdom of heaven. But most of us seem to have difficulty abandoning the physical and living in the spiritual. We’re trying to have the best of both kingdoms. But if you’re really a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven then you must concur with the final answer that Jesus gave Pilate just before His crucifixion. “My kingdom is not of this world.”
Saturday, November 27, 2010
love story
Mercy is one of the great characteristics of God. Mercy and grace are like twin sisters. Mercy has to do with delivering one from their misery, grace has to do with delivering one from their sin. Sometimes they are independent. Sometimes one is the result of the other. But if grace and mercy are twin sisters, then their mother is Love. Love is supreme over all the spiritual gifts and love is the motive behind mercy and grace. God is a God of love, mercy and grace and no passage in the Bible illustrates it more than the first few chapters of Hosea.
In Hosea chapter one God commands a young preacher named Hosea to get a wife of harlotry, and have children, as an example to the Israelites which had committed flagrant harlotry, forsaking the Lord. So Hosea went and took a wife by the name of Gomer. He loved her very much. Maybe he didn’t understand the harlotry part at the time. I believe the indication in scripture is that she wasn’t a harlot when he married her. We can assume that it was a mutual love, and soon she had a male child. God said name him Jezreel which means “cast away”, and referred to the atrocities of Jezebel and King Ahab. God was prophesying through the name of this child that He is going to put an end to the kingdom of Israel.
After a while, another child. a daughter, was born to Hosea’s wife. This one was named Loruhamah which means “not pitied”. God would no longer have pity or compassion on Israel. And after she had been weaned, she had another child, and it is likely that it was apparent by this time that Gomer had begun to fool around. God said to name this boy Lo Ammi, which means “you are not my people”. She was already being unfaithful to Hosea, and you can only imagine the anguish of knowing his wife was a harlot and knowing that this child wasn’t his.
God had said that he would name these children as a sign to his people, but also foretold a day of restoration: "And I will have pity on Not-Pitied, and I will say to Not-My-People, 'You are my people;' and he shall say, 'Thou art my God.'" So that even in this time when God was announcing judgment his mercy also was being shown.
Soon Gomer’s running around went from adultery to actually leaving Hosea and then moving in with another man. Over time, it seems Gomer was passed around from man to man, moving ever lower on the social ladder until at last she fell into the hands of a man who was unable to even pay for her food and her clothing. As she became more and more degraded in her adultery, she had become less desirable, eventually ending up with the worst sort of man who was unable to even take care of her. But Hosea had never stopped loving Gomer and was always watching to make sure that she was ok. And so Hosea sought out the man one day and gave him money to make sure that his former wife was fed and clothed. Even though he couldn’t be with her, he still loved her and wanted her to be cared for and provided for. But it’s doubtful that the man she was living with gave Hosea any credit for the provisions, because the passage says that she praised the man she was living with for providing her with food and clothing. And that is another picture of God’s mercy towards us, in that even while we were living in adultery away from Him, He continued to provide and watch out for us, even though we praised our idols and the works of our hands for our provision.
Finally though the day came when the man’s lifestyle had indebted him so much - or maybe he felt Gomer wasn’t desirable to him anymore - and so he put her up for auction, to be sold as a slave, which was often done in that day to satisfy a debt. And somehow Hosea found out about it and made his way to the auction. We can imagine Gomer standing there on the auction block, stripped of all her beauty, just a shell of the beautiful woman she had once been. But somehow, Hosea still loved her. The going price for a slave in those days was 30 pieces of silver and Hosea paid 15, plus a homer and a half of barley. She was no longer desirable for anything other than the lowest sort of slave, and yet Hosea still loved her and desired her. He gladly paid the price required and reclaimed her as his own.
Though over 2000 years old, the story of Gomer is my story and your story. We too have played the harlot and gone after our old lovers of the world. We give our love and attention to those things that once enslaved us, spurning the love of God, and end up used and bruised and just about worthless. Yet God never stops loving us, and while we were yet sinners running from Him, sent Jesus to purchase us. He was faithful, even when we were not.
In Hosea chapter one God commands a young preacher named Hosea to get a wife of harlotry, and have children, as an example to the Israelites which had committed flagrant harlotry, forsaking the Lord. So Hosea went and took a wife by the name of Gomer. He loved her very much. Maybe he didn’t understand the harlotry part at the time. I believe the indication in scripture is that she wasn’t a harlot when he married her. We can assume that it was a mutual love, and soon she had a male child. God said name him Jezreel which means “cast away”, and referred to the atrocities of Jezebel and King Ahab. God was prophesying through the name of this child that He is going to put an end to the kingdom of Israel.
After a while, another child. a daughter, was born to Hosea’s wife. This one was named Loruhamah which means “not pitied”. God would no longer have pity or compassion on Israel. And after she had been weaned, she had another child, and it is likely that it was apparent by this time that Gomer had begun to fool around. God said to name this boy Lo Ammi, which means “you are not my people”. She was already being unfaithful to Hosea, and you can only imagine the anguish of knowing his wife was a harlot and knowing that this child wasn’t his.
God had said that he would name these children as a sign to his people, but also foretold a day of restoration: "And I will have pity on Not-Pitied, and I will say to Not-My-People, 'You are my people;' and he shall say, 'Thou art my God.'" So that even in this time when God was announcing judgment his mercy also was being shown.
Soon Gomer’s running around went from adultery to actually leaving Hosea and then moving in with another man. Over time, it seems Gomer was passed around from man to man, moving ever lower on the social ladder until at last she fell into the hands of a man who was unable to even pay for her food and her clothing. As she became more and more degraded in her adultery, she had become less desirable, eventually ending up with the worst sort of man who was unable to even take care of her. But Hosea had never stopped loving Gomer and was always watching to make sure that she was ok. And so Hosea sought out the man one day and gave him money to make sure that his former wife was fed and clothed. Even though he couldn’t be with her, he still loved her and wanted her to be cared for and provided for. But it’s doubtful that the man she was living with gave Hosea any credit for the provisions, because the passage says that she praised the man she was living with for providing her with food and clothing. And that is another picture of God’s mercy towards us, in that even while we were living in adultery away from Him, He continued to provide and watch out for us, even though we praised our idols and the works of our hands for our provision.
Finally though the day came when the man’s lifestyle had indebted him so much - or maybe he felt Gomer wasn’t desirable to him anymore - and so he put her up for auction, to be sold as a slave, which was often done in that day to satisfy a debt. And somehow Hosea found out about it and made his way to the auction. We can imagine Gomer standing there on the auction block, stripped of all her beauty, just a shell of the beautiful woman she had once been. But somehow, Hosea still loved her. The going price for a slave in those days was 30 pieces of silver and Hosea paid 15, plus a homer and a half of barley. She was no longer desirable for anything other than the lowest sort of slave, and yet Hosea still loved her and desired her. He gladly paid the price required and reclaimed her as his own.
Though over 2000 years old, the story of Gomer is my story and your story. We too have played the harlot and gone after our old lovers of the world. We give our love and attention to those things that once enslaved us, spurning the love of God, and end up used and bruised and just about worthless. Yet God never stops loving us, and while we were yet sinners running from Him, sent Jesus to purchase us. He was faithful, even when we were not.
Friday, November 19, 2010
talent vs gifts
In I Corinthians 12 we have been studying the very difficult passage of scripture regarding spiritual gifts. There is no other area of scripture short of eschatology that I believe is more misunderstood than the area of spiritual gifts. And in studying this fact, I think it stems from a basic confusion of talents for spiritual gifts. So many people in the church today are judging things according to the way that they seem from the natural perspective. But the Bible tells us in 1Cr 2:14 that “a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised”.
Furthermore, the Bible says that the things of the flesh and the things of the Spirit are diametrically opposed. Rom. 8:6 “For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.” It’s important to understand this: that when you were born in the flesh, you inherited the color of your eyes, and hair and many characteristics of your body and natural abilities from your parents. You undoubtedly have natural talents that you inherited. You may be a great singer, or a superb athlete, and these are natural talents that you were born with. But those are natural talents and the Bible says that they cannot please God. Remember – no one is born a Christian. You were born dead in your trespasses and sin. Spiritually you needed to be reborn. You did not have the natural capacity for being restored to God, so God had to supernaturally indwell you by the Spirit of Christ and cause you to be born again, not of the flesh, but of the Spirit. You now are alive in your spirit because of the indwelling of the Spirit of God.
That’s why Paul says in Gal 3:3 “Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?” You see, our natural talents and abilities are not necessarily gifts of God. In fact, they may be an impediment to serving God. But God will supernaturally provide each of us with the gifts of the spirit as needed for the building up of the body of Christ. Not for our personal edification, but for service to the body. Consequently, our natural talents and abilities may not be acceptable for God’s purposes. Because in most cases, it is impossible for us to do so without including our pride in it as well. God says He will not share His glory with man.
Martha may have thought she was exercising her spiritual gift of service in her serving Jesus and the disciples. It was what she was good at. She may have been an accomplished cook and was working hard to prepare this meal for Jesus. And yet, Jesus rebuked her for being concerned about earthly things, when the spiritual things of Mary were so much better. Our churches today look oftentimes at the methods, means and talents of the world and try to apply these things to the church. But they are often diametrically opposed. We hire pastors and youth leaders and promote elders in the church the same way we would hire someone for a secular position. We hire professional musicians to entertain in an attempt to draw people to the church. And as a result our church services resemble a night club and we add more and more entertainment features in order to satisfy the desires of the flesh.
In reality, I think God calls us to do the things we are not comfortable doing, that we have no natural ability to do, that doesn’t match our personality assessment worksheet, and yet He promises that He will supply all our needs to accomplish His will according to His riches in glory. In physical weakness, then am I strong by the power of the Spirit. God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the wise. Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord. I Cor. 1:31
Furthermore, the Bible says that the things of the flesh and the things of the Spirit are diametrically opposed. Rom. 8:6 “For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.” It’s important to understand this: that when you were born in the flesh, you inherited the color of your eyes, and hair and many characteristics of your body and natural abilities from your parents. You undoubtedly have natural talents that you inherited. You may be a great singer, or a superb athlete, and these are natural talents that you were born with. But those are natural talents and the Bible says that they cannot please God. Remember – no one is born a Christian. You were born dead in your trespasses and sin. Spiritually you needed to be reborn. You did not have the natural capacity for being restored to God, so God had to supernaturally indwell you by the Spirit of Christ and cause you to be born again, not of the flesh, but of the Spirit. You now are alive in your spirit because of the indwelling of the Spirit of God.
That’s why Paul says in Gal 3:3 “Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?” You see, our natural talents and abilities are not necessarily gifts of God. In fact, they may be an impediment to serving God. But God will supernaturally provide each of us with the gifts of the spirit as needed for the building up of the body of Christ. Not for our personal edification, but for service to the body. Consequently, our natural talents and abilities may not be acceptable for God’s purposes. Because in most cases, it is impossible for us to do so without including our pride in it as well. God says He will not share His glory with man.
Martha may have thought she was exercising her spiritual gift of service in her serving Jesus and the disciples. It was what she was good at. She may have been an accomplished cook and was working hard to prepare this meal for Jesus. And yet, Jesus rebuked her for being concerned about earthly things, when the spiritual things of Mary were so much better. Our churches today look oftentimes at the methods, means and talents of the world and try to apply these things to the church. But they are often diametrically opposed. We hire pastors and youth leaders and promote elders in the church the same way we would hire someone for a secular position. We hire professional musicians to entertain in an attempt to draw people to the church. And as a result our church services resemble a night club and we add more and more entertainment features in order to satisfy the desires of the flesh.
In reality, I think God calls us to do the things we are not comfortable doing, that we have no natural ability to do, that doesn’t match our personality assessment worksheet, and yet He promises that He will supply all our needs to accomplish His will according to His riches in glory. In physical weakness, then am I strong by the power of the Spirit. God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the wise. Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord. I Cor. 1:31
Saturday, November 6, 2010
the first shall be last, and the last first
When the rich young ruler asked Jesus what he needed to do to obtain eternal life, Jesus answered that he was to sell all his possessions, give the money to the poor, and come and follow Him. But the Bible says in Matthew 19 that the young man went away sorrowful, because he had many possessions. He counted the cost and decided it was more than he was willing to pay.
Not long before, Jesus had said to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matt. 16:24-26
After the rich young ruler left, Peter, as the spokesman for the twelve, said to Jesus, “What about us? We left everything and followed you.” And the answer Jesus gave him was a promise that in the regeneration they would sit on thrones with Christ. The Jewish world that disdained them and scorned them, would one day be judged by them.
But money or possessions are only a symptom of a greater problem that keeps us from really following God. And that greater problem that all of us are guilty of is pride. It is at the root of every sin. It was the original sin of Satan, (I will be like God), Eve, Cain, and all the way down through history to the rich young ruler. At the center of “pride” is the letter “I”. And it is also at the center of “sin”.
Like the rich young ruler, how much of our efforts in religion are founded in pride? How much of our works are for others to see our righteousness? How much is our desire for spiritual prominence or even spiritual gifts rooted in pride?
Many of us today are suffering in one way or another. But rather than looking at our trials as something we need to manipulate God to deliver us from, perhaps we need to rejoice, that God has counted us worthy to endure suffering. Let God’s pruning in us “have it’s perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” What we lose on earth we gain in heaven. “But let the brother of humble circumstances glory in his high position, and let the rich man glory in his humiliation.” James 1:9. Jesus said the humble shall inherit the earth, and the poor in spirit, or those without pride, belong to the kingdom of heaven. But many who are first shall be last, and the last, first.
Not long before, Jesus had said to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matt. 16:24-26
After the rich young ruler left, Peter, as the spokesman for the twelve, said to Jesus, “What about us? We left everything and followed you.” And the answer Jesus gave him was a promise that in the regeneration they would sit on thrones with Christ. The Jewish world that disdained them and scorned them, would one day be judged by them.
But money or possessions are only a symptom of a greater problem that keeps us from really following God. And that greater problem that all of us are guilty of is pride. It is at the root of every sin. It was the original sin of Satan, (I will be like God), Eve, Cain, and all the way down through history to the rich young ruler. At the center of “pride” is the letter “I”. And it is also at the center of “sin”.
Like the rich young ruler, how much of our efforts in religion are founded in pride? How much of our works are for others to see our righteousness? How much is our desire for spiritual prominence or even spiritual gifts rooted in pride?
Many of us today are suffering in one way or another. But rather than looking at our trials as something we need to manipulate God to deliver us from, perhaps we need to rejoice, that God has counted us worthy to endure suffering. Let God’s pruning in us “have it’s perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” What we lose on earth we gain in heaven. “But let the brother of humble circumstances glory in his high position, and let the rich man glory in his humiliation.” James 1:9. Jesus said the humble shall inherit the earth, and the poor in spirit, or those without pride, belong to the kingdom of heaven. But many who are first shall be last, and the last, first.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
unable to find the door
Jesus said in Matthew 11:12 the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and violent men take it by force. Men and women throughout the world are seeking after heaven, or eternal life and striving to gain it through means that are contrary to God’s way. In effect, they are struggling violently to push their way into heaven by their own strength or virtue or good deeds.
Yet Jesus said in Matthew 7:13, 14 that we have to "Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” When you combine these two pictures presented in the scripture, you can imagine the people of the world blinded by sin, struggling to find the door, and perhaps even fighting to enter, only to discover too late that they entered the wrong door, the door that leads to destruction.
The rich young ruler typifies the approach that many are taking to reach the door. He came thinking he was keeping some standard of righteousness acceptable to his social status, puffed up in his religious fervor, perhaps earnestly seeking eternal life, only to be rebuffed by Jesus who demanded that first he forsake his riches and give them to the poor and then follow Him. The Bible says that he went away grieving because he had a lot of possessions.
The door to the kingdom of heaven is too narrow to bring anything with you. You have to be willing to leave everything on the other side. Jesus said in John 10:9 "I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture". Many are seeking the kingdom and think they have found the door. But we need to be careful not to be attracted to the biggest, shiniest, most popular door. The door that Jesus offers is the least popular, the narrowest, the unattractive door, yet it is the one to the greatest spiritual blessings.
There is only one way into the kingdom of heaven, only one door and that is Jesus Christ. And there is only one way through that door. Naked, poor in spirit, beggars who realize that they have nothing to offer or barter with. “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name’s sake, shall receive many times as much, and shall inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last and the last, first.” Matt. 19:29,30 No matter where you are in your walk with the Lord, be sure you are seeking the right door. There are many doors, but only one leads to life.
Yet Jesus said in Matthew 7:13, 14 that we have to "Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” When you combine these two pictures presented in the scripture, you can imagine the people of the world blinded by sin, struggling to find the door, and perhaps even fighting to enter, only to discover too late that they entered the wrong door, the door that leads to destruction.
The rich young ruler typifies the approach that many are taking to reach the door. He came thinking he was keeping some standard of righteousness acceptable to his social status, puffed up in his religious fervor, perhaps earnestly seeking eternal life, only to be rebuffed by Jesus who demanded that first he forsake his riches and give them to the poor and then follow Him. The Bible says that he went away grieving because he had a lot of possessions.
The door to the kingdom of heaven is too narrow to bring anything with you. You have to be willing to leave everything on the other side. Jesus said in John 10:9 "I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture". Many are seeking the kingdom and think they have found the door. But we need to be careful not to be attracted to the biggest, shiniest, most popular door. The door that Jesus offers is the least popular, the narrowest, the unattractive door, yet it is the one to the greatest spiritual blessings.
There is only one way into the kingdom of heaven, only one door and that is Jesus Christ. And there is only one way through that door. Naked, poor in spirit, beggars who realize that they have nothing to offer or barter with. “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name’s sake, shall receive many times as much, and shall inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last and the last, first.” Matt. 19:29,30 No matter where you are in your walk with the Lord, be sure you are seeking the right door. There are many doors, but only one leads to life.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
the cost of eternal life
A few years ago I was working outside on a pool and heard a noise which sounded like a pumpkin hitting the ground. Looking back across the street, I noticed an older man that had been working on a scaffold on a house had fallen off backwards and was lying on the driveway. As I rushed over and began assisting him, the lady of the house called 911 as it was apparent the man was in a bad way. A few minutes later, he became unconscious. Soon after that, he stopped breathing, his eyes rolled back in his head and I could find no pulse. He was dead. We were shouting at him to stay with us, but he was gone. I began CPR, praying aloud that God would bring him back, but with a rising panic that this man was gone. Just when I was ready to stop chest compressions and give up, he coughed, and suddenly he began to breathe again. I really believe that for a while there the guy was dead. No amount of shouting or pleading would make him respond. He could not feel me pounding on his chest. But when his life finally returned, by the time the rescue squad arrived he was able to converse with the responders.
I am reminded of that story whenever I think of the verse found in Ephesians 2:1. “And you were dead in your trespasses and sins…” From birth, I believe the Bible teaches us that we inherited the sinful nature from our parents, going all the way back to Adam. And as a result, we were estranged from God, without hope, dead in our sins. Like the man laying there in that front yard, we are incapable of having a relationship with God because spiritually we are dead. Jesus said that He came so that we might have life and have it more abundantly. A lot of people want to think that means that once saved we get to enjoy all the best things this world has to offer. But really it means that this dead body receives spiritual life and that is true life as it was really intended to be. We get back what was lost in the garden when Adam and Eve sinned - a spiritual relationship with the Father.
The rich young ruler in Matthew 19 realized that he was lacking something and came to Jesus asking “what good thing shall I do to obtain eternal life?” He had the right idea. But eternal life isn’t just the idea of living forever, it means becoming spiritually alive. He recognized that in spite of keeping all the commandments he still didn’t have it, and he was hoping that Jesus had the answer. In our churches today, we hear a lot about having a relationship with Jesus Christ. And the seeker friendly model that most churches employ seems to convey the idea that all you really need to do is have a desire to go to heaven and live forever. But the answer that Jesus gave to the rich young ruler is definitely not in keeping with the seeker friendly handbook. Matt. 19:23 Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor , and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come and follow Me.” But before you think that only applies to rich people, look at Luke 14:33, “So therefore, no one of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions.”
There is a cost to eternal life, to having a spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ. And the cost of that life is everything you hold dear. “What will a man give in exchange for his soul?” The answer is everything.
I am reminded of that story whenever I think of the verse found in Ephesians 2:1. “And you were dead in your trespasses and sins…” From birth, I believe the Bible teaches us that we inherited the sinful nature from our parents, going all the way back to Adam. And as a result, we were estranged from God, without hope, dead in our sins. Like the man laying there in that front yard, we are incapable of having a relationship with God because spiritually we are dead. Jesus said that He came so that we might have life and have it more abundantly. A lot of people want to think that means that once saved we get to enjoy all the best things this world has to offer. But really it means that this dead body receives spiritual life and that is true life as it was really intended to be. We get back what was lost in the garden when Adam and Eve sinned - a spiritual relationship with the Father.
The rich young ruler in Matthew 19 realized that he was lacking something and came to Jesus asking “what good thing shall I do to obtain eternal life?” He had the right idea. But eternal life isn’t just the idea of living forever, it means becoming spiritually alive. He recognized that in spite of keeping all the commandments he still didn’t have it, and he was hoping that Jesus had the answer. In our churches today, we hear a lot about having a relationship with Jesus Christ. And the seeker friendly model that most churches employ seems to convey the idea that all you really need to do is have a desire to go to heaven and live forever. But the answer that Jesus gave to the rich young ruler is definitely not in keeping with the seeker friendly handbook. Matt. 19:23 Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor , and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come and follow Me.” But before you think that only applies to rich people, look at Luke 14:33, “So therefore, no one of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions.”
There is a cost to eternal life, to having a spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ. And the cost of that life is everything you hold dear. “What will a man give in exchange for his soul?” The answer is everything.
Friday, October 15, 2010
funny how time slips away
The older I get the heavier my watch seems on my wrist. When you’re young, time is your friend. “Oh, Mom, I’ll do it later. I have plenty of time.” Time, for a while, seems to be almost standing still. You’re always looking ahead and tomorrow never comes. But when you get older, time starts to become your enemy. “There is just not enough hours in the day” is a popular expression. We can never find the time to do so many things we intend to do.
A recent conversation between a few of us older surfers the other day reminded me of how time is slipping away and how as we get older we try desperately to hold on to the illusion that there will always be more time. All of us had crossed that dreaded half century threshold and we were debating how many more years we might have left that we might be able to surf and still be relatively decent at it. Knowing how bad I am already, I was probably the least optimistic of the bunch. Whether I want to admit it or not, there will come a time, sooner than I would like, when I will find that though “the spirit is willing, the flesh is weak”.
All around us, signposts show how fleeting time is. Babies are born, children grow up and marry, friends and relatives pass away. Still, we think we have got plenty of time left. Plenty of time to get serious about our faith. Plenty of time to speak to that person about the Lord. Plenty of time to get to work for the Kingdom of Heaven. The devil only has to whisper in our ear to put it off for just a little while longer, and before we know it, it’s too late. Our opportunity is gone. Maybe that person that you meant to speak to has moved away to college. Maybe that opportunity you had to share your faith at work disappeared when you procrastinated. One of the saddest lines in the Bible is found in Jeremiah 8:20 “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.”
We need to make the most of our time. We don’t know what tomorrow holds. But we have been given today. Let’s not waste it. James said, “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.’ Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.” James 4:13,14
Speaking of the summer passing, we have moved our Sunday services indoors here at Surfers Fellowship for the winter months. We will continue meeting at 8am in Bethany Beach, at the Christian Conference Center behind the playground in the center of town. We rent the octagonal building. Hope you will plan on joining us this week.
A recent conversation between a few of us older surfers the other day reminded me of how time is slipping away and how as we get older we try desperately to hold on to the illusion that there will always be more time. All of us had crossed that dreaded half century threshold and we were debating how many more years we might have left that we might be able to surf and still be relatively decent at it. Knowing how bad I am already, I was probably the least optimistic of the bunch. Whether I want to admit it or not, there will come a time, sooner than I would like, when I will find that though “the spirit is willing, the flesh is weak”.
All around us, signposts show how fleeting time is. Babies are born, children grow up and marry, friends and relatives pass away. Still, we think we have got plenty of time left. Plenty of time to get serious about our faith. Plenty of time to speak to that person about the Lord. Plenty of time to get to work for the Kingdom of Heaven. The devil only has to whisper in our ear to put it off for just a little while longer, and before we know it, it’s too late. Our opportunity is gone. Maybe that person that you meant to speak to has moved away to college. Maybe that opportunity you had to share your faith at work disappeared when you procrastinated. One of the saddest lines in the Bible is found in Jeremiah 8:20 “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.”
We need to make the most of our time. We don’t know what tomorrow holds. But we have been given today. Let’s not waste it. James said, “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.’ Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.” James 4:13,14
Speaking of the summer passing, we have moved our Sunday services indoors here at Surfers Fellowship for the winter months. We will continue meeting at 8am in Bethany Beach, at the Christian Conference Center behind the playground in the center of town. We rent the octagonal building. Hope you will plan on joining us this week.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
the greatest deception
Lately, I have become convinced more than ever before, that the greatest danger in Christianity today is the belief that there is some other authority in addition to the inspired Word of God. False teaching is taking the place of sound doctrine at an alarming rate. Everywhere we turn, we are confronted with false revelations, convoluted theologies, and flat out lies masquerading as truth.
In almost every case it’s because someone has lifted themselves or someone else up in authority equal to or greater than Scripture. Think about it. Every cult is the result of someone believing that they received some revelation in addition to the Bible. Every false teaching is the result of someone coming up with their own prophecy or doctrine and then twisting Scripture around out of context in order to justify it. There are more people running around saying “Thus sayeth the Lord” than you can shake a stick at. Everybody it seems, wants to be a prophet. But the Bible tells us that we are to be discerning, testing every spirit, because many false prophets are in the world. 1John 4:1
Jude 1:8 says “Yet in the same way these men, also by dreaming, defile the flesh, and reject authority, and revile angelic majesties.” Sounds like their visions resulted in rejecting the authority of Scripture.
2Peter 2:1,2 “ But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies… Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned;” The truth will be maligned means to slander or defame the Word.
Ezekiel 22:28 "Her prophets have smeared whitewash for them, seeing false visions and divining lies for them, saying, 'Thus says the Lord GOD,' when the LORD has not spoken."
There is only one reliable source of truth. Jesus, praying to the Father said, “Your word is truth.” John 17:17. There is only one source of inspiration. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. “ 2 Tim. 3:16
Inspired means God breathed. He breathed every word of Scripture to the prophets and writers of the Bible. It’s His words and He doesn’t appreciate people putting words in His mouth. John warns in Rev 22:18,19 “I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book.”
Finally, the Old Testament tells us that a false prophet will be judged by whether or not his words are true. And the punishment for prophesying something that did not come true was stoning to death. Unfortunately, perhaps, we don’t stone false prophets anymore. But we certainly need to be aware that they are out there and as the time grows closer, the Bible says they will increase. Be vigilant, for your adversary the Devil goes about like a roaring lion seeking who he can devour. And Satan is a master at making a lie look like the truth.
October 10 is our last service on the beach this season. We hope you will join us if you can as we study God’s word. Of course, we will also be continuing all winter indoors in the octagonal building in the Christian Conference Center behind the playground.
In almost every case it’s because someone has lifted themselves or someone else up in authority equal to or greater than Scripture. Think about it. Every cult is the result of someone believing that they received some revelation in addition to the Bible. Every false teaching is the result of someone coming up with their own prophecy or doctrine and then twisting Scripture around out of context in order to justify it. There are more people running around saying “Thus sayeth the Lord” than you can shake a stick at. Everybody it seems, wants to be a prophet. But the Bible tells us that we are to be discerning, testing every spirit, because many false prophets are in the world. 1John 4:1
Jude 1:8 says “Yet in the same way these men, also by dreaming, defile the flesh, and reject authority, and revile angelic majesties.” Sounds like their visions resulted in rejecting the authority of Scripture.
2Peter 2:1,2 “ But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies… Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned;” The truth will be maligned means to slander or defame the Word.
Ezekiel 22:28 "Her prophets have smeared whitewash for them, seeing false visions and divining lies for them, saying, 'Thus says the Lord GOD,' when the LORD has not spoken."
There is only one reliable source of truth. Jesus, praying to the Father said, “Your word is truth.” John 17:17. There is only one source of inspiration. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. “ 2 Tim. 3:16
Inspired means God breathed. He breathed every word of Scripture to the prophets and writers of the Bible. It’s His words and He doesn’t appreciate people putting words in His mouth. John warns in Rev 22:18,19 “I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book.”
Finally, the Old Testament tells us that a false prophet will be judged by whether or not his words are true. And the punishment for prophesying something that did not come true was stoning to death. Unfortunately, perhaps, we don’t stone false prophets anymore. But we certainly need to be aware that they are out there and as the time grows closer, the Bible says they will increase. Be vigilant, for your adversary the Devil goes about like a roaring lion seeking who he can devour. And Satan is a master at making a lie look like the truth.
October 10 is our last service on the beach this season. We hope you will join us if you can as we study God’s word. Of course, we will also be continuing all winter indoors in the octagonal building in the Christian Conference Center behind the playground.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
How not to build a church
There is a lot of attention today focused on the best way to build a church. Many books have been written and many studies have been made. One of the most popular methods is known as the “seeker friendly” church model. Then there is the “purpose driven church” model and along those lines comes the newest addition to man’s attempts known as the “new emergent church”. The result in church growth across America is phenomenal. Today there are mega churches on every other street corner. You’re not considered relevant (no pun intended) unless you have at least a couple of services, and some churches have as many as five or six services on Sunday mornings. I almost get discouraged just driving to our service on Sunday as I witness a couple of the big ones in the area and the people pouring into the parking lots. While I’m just hoping someone shows up on the beach, they need a traffic cop.
A lot of times the early church of Acts is held up as an example of the ideal church, and I believe it should be. They too had phenomenal growth. But it wasn’t because of the worship band, or the drama team, or their magnificent buildings. The power of God was there. That’s a good thing, but it’s also a fearsome thing. In Acts 5 the story is told of Ananias and Sapphira, who sold a piece of property. Many new believers were selling all that they had and bringing in the proceeds to give to the Lord. Ananias and his wife coveted the kind of recognition that would bring. So they sold this property, but held back some of the money and brought in the rest, claiming it was the full price.
Well, Peter recognized their hypocrisy, declared that they were lying to the Holy Spirit, and they both fell down dead and had to be carried out. Wow. That’s not the way you want to go about building a mega church. If the Holy Spirit started killing off hypocrites today we would have a bunch of empty church parking lots in no time. Verse 13 affirms that by saying, “But none of the rest dared to associate with them”. It was dangerous to go to Peter’s church. But notice the rest of the verse. “However, the people held them in high esteem.” But then the next verse is really a mind blower. “And all the more believers in the Lord, multitudes of men and women, were constantly added to their number.”
In our study this week in Matthew 18 we will be looking at one of the first times Jesus used the term church in talking to the disciples. In this passage He is laying down the foundation of church discipline. In verse 20 Jesus reveals that the churches attitude towards sin is foundational for building a church where Christ will be in the midst. “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there I will be in their midst.” I don’t know about you, but that’s where I want to be. I want to be where Christ is going to be glorified in the truth, whether or not it’s popular.
A lot of times the early church of Acts is held up as an example of the ideal church, and I believe it should be. They too had phenomenal growth. But it wasn’t because of the worship band, or the drama team, or their magnificent buildings. The power of God was there. That’s a good thing, but it’s also a fearsome thing. In Acts 5 the story is told of Ananias and Sapphira, who sold a piece of property. Many new believers were selling all that they had and bringing in the proceeds to give to the Lord. Ananias and his wife coveted the kind of recognition that would bring. So they sold this property, but held back some of the money and brought in the rest, claiming it was the full price.
Well, Peter recognized their hypocrisy, declared that they were lying to the Holy Spirit, and they both fell down dead and had to be carried out. Wow. That’s not the way you want to go about building a mega church. If the Holy Spirit started killing off hypocrites today we would have a bunch of empty church parking lots in no time. Verse 13 affirms that by saying, “But none of the rest dared to associate with them”. It was dangerous to go to Peter’s church. But notice the rest of the verse. “However, the people held them in high esteem.” But then the next verse is really a mind blower. “And all the more believers in the Lord, multitudes of men and women, were constantly added to their number.”
In our study this week in Matthew 18 we will be looking at one of the first times Jesus used the term church in talking to the disciples. In this passage He is laying down the foundation of church discipline. In verse 20 Jesus reveals that the churches attitude towards sin is foundational for building a church where Christ will be in the midst. “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there I will be in their midst.” I don’t know about you, but that’s where I want to be. I want to be where Christ is going to be glorified in the truth, whether or not it’s popular.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Dealing with consequences
One of the most often quoted verses of the Bible is Romans 8:28 which says, “And we know that all things work together for good to those that love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” It’s a great verse, offering all sorts of comfort to us in our times of trial.
But unfortunately, it also is often misunderstood and misapplied. Too often we interpret that verse to be a blanket guarantee that “everything is going to work out fine”. God is somehow going to take whatever mess or situation we have managed to get ourselves into and unravel all our mistakes and make things hunky dory again.
But that’s not what the verse promises. The promise that all things will work together for good is conditional to a couple of key elements. One, it is for those that love God. To truly love God is not to have some warm and fuzzy feeling about God from time to time - especially when in distress - but to be obedient to God. It is to mirror the kind of love God has for us - agape love - a self sacrificing love for the things He loves.
Secondly, the promise is conditional to them that are called according to His purpose. If we love God, we will keep His commandments (obedience) and we will do the will of God. If we’re doing the will of God then God says He will cause it to work together for good. If we’re doing our will, then there isn’t that sort of guarantee. If I resolutely put my will above God’s will, then I can’t expect God to undo all that I have done. I may pay the price for my willfulness.
For instance, there are a lot of Christians out there spending time in prison due to some willful desire that they put above God’s will. There are a lot of divorcees and their children out there paying the price of breaking their marriage vows. There are a lot of Christians out there paying the price of addiction to substance abuse because of feeding their fleshly appetites.
That’s why Paul sternly warns the Corinthian church in 2 Cor. 13: 5, “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test?” We need to guard against the flesh everyday. It isn’t dead, it’s just supposed to be submitted to the Spirit. But we can let it have the upper hand any time we want. And when we find ourselves serving the lusts of the flesh and the pride of life again, then we put ourselves out of the will of God and consequently, the protection of God.
By the way, we’re still meeting on the beach on Sundays until mid October. Come out and worship with us this week and enjoy viewing the waves from Hurricane Igor.
But unfortunately, it also is often misunderstood and misapplied. Too often we interpret that verse to be a blanket guarantee that “everything is going to work out fine”. God is somehow going to take whatever mess or situation we have managed to get ourselves into and unravel all our mistakes and make things hunky dory again.
But that’s not what the verse promises. The promise that all things will work together for good is conditional to a couple of key elements. One, it is for those that love God. To truly love God is not to have some warm and fuzzy feeling about God from time to time - especially when in distress - but to be obedient to God. It is to mirror the kind of love God has for us - agape love - a self sacrificing love for the things He loves.
Secondly, the promise is conditional to them that are called according to His purpose. If we love God, we will keep His commandments (obedience) and we will do the will of God. If we’re doing the will of God then God says He will cause it to work together for good. If we’re doing our will, then there isn’t that sort of guarantee. If I resolutely put my will above God’s will, then I can’t expect God to undo all that I have done. I may pay the price for my willfulness.
For instance, there are a lot of Christians out there spending time in prison due to some willful desire that they put above God’s will. There are a lot of divorcees and their children out there paying the price of breaking their marriage vows. There are a lot of Christians out there paying the price of addiction to substance abuse because of feeding their fleshly appetites.
That’s why Paul sternly warns the Corinthian church in 2 Cor. 13: 5, “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test?” We need to guard against the flesh everyday. It isn’t dead, it’s just supposed to be submitted to the Spirit. But we can let it have the upper hand any time we want. And when we find ourselves serving the lusts of the flesh and the pride of life again, then we put ourselves out of the will of God and consequently, the protection of God.
By the way, we’re still meeting on the beach on Sundays until mid October. Come out and worship with us this week and enjoy viewing the waves from Hurricane Igor.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
A parent's perspective
Believe it or not, I’ve been accused of being an over protective dad from time to time. As a parent, there is nothing that can get me riled up like something that I perceive as a threat to my kids. Their well being is so important to me. When they were really little, it seemed I constantly worried about them. And even now that they are older, their safety and welfare is still one of my primary concerns. I can take a certain amount of ridicule or attack towards me personally perhaps, but let someone threaten my children in even the slightest way and the bear rises up in me.
You know, as children of God, our heavenly Father has the same attitude towards us. He is very jealous of His children. We saw in our study last week that in order to enter the kingdom of heaven we have to become like children. And then once we become part of His family, Jesus tells us in Matthew 18 the dire consequences of those that mess with His children.
Number one, He says those that mess with My kids, messes with Me. “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives Me.” In other words, the way we treat a child of God is the way we treat God. In Matthew 25 the picture is given of those that will stand before God’s judgment throne and give an account for the way they treated Christ. “Truly I say to you, that to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.”
Then secondly, He gives a warning. Back in Matthew 18 again, “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believes in Me to stumble, it would be better for him that a heavy millstone be hung around his neck and that he be drowned in the depth of the sea.” You better think seriously about causing a child of God to stumble. Those that trespass in that way are going to bring down the wrath of God upon themselves.
Then thirdly, He gives a promise. “For I say to you, that their[these little ones] angels in heaven continually behold the face of My Father who is in heaven.” In other words, we are the apple of God’s eye. And He is watching us constantly and has given His angels charge over us, to protect us and keep us. They are vigilantly watching for the signal from God to step in and deliver us, or punish those that would hurt us. We have the promise from God He will protect us with all the resources of heaven. It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of an angry God.
And as a child of God, I take refuge in that. My Father is vigilant. My Father loves me. And because of that, I don’t have to take revenge for myself, “for vengeance is Mine, says the Lord, I will repay”. I’ll let my Father take care of it. But all of us need to be careful not to cause another child of God to stumble.
You know, as children of God, our heavenly Father has the same attitude towards us. He is very jealous of His children. We saw in our study last week that in order to enter the kingdom of heaven we have to become like children. And then once we become part of His family, Jesus tells us in Matthew 18 the dire consequences of those that mess with His children.
Number one, He says those that mess with My kids, messes with Me. “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives Me.” In other words, the way we treat a child of God is the way we treat God. In Matthew 25 the picture is given of those that will stand before God’s judgment throne and give an account for the way they treated Christ. “Truly I say to you, that to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.”
Then secondly, He gives a warning. Back in Matthew 18 again, “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believes in Me to stumble, it would be better for him that a heavy millstone be hung around his neck and that he be drowned in the depth of the sea.” You better think seriously about causing a child of God to stumble. Those that trespass in that way are going to bring down the wrath of God upon themselves.
Then thirdly, He gives a promise. “For I say to you, that their[these little ones] angels in heaven continually behold the face of My Father who is in heaven.” In other words, we are the apple of God’s eye. And He is watching us constantly and has given His angels charge over us, to protect us and keep us. They are vigilantly watching for the signal from God to step in and deliver us, or punish those that would hurt us. We have the promise from God He will protect us with all the resources of heaven. It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of an angry God.
And as a child of God, I take refuge in that. My Father is vigilant. My Father loves me. And because of that, I don’t have to take revenge for myself, “for vengeance is Mine, says the Lord, I will repay”. I’ll let my Father take care of it. But all of us need to be careful not to cause another child of God to stumble.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Pharisee Book
Around my house I sometimes jokingly refer to Facebook as Pharisee Book. Among Christians especially, this internet tool seems to lend itself particularly well to self promotion. The Pharisees as you know, were adept at performing their works of righteousness for the world to see. And while I realize not everyone is doing that, on those rare occasions when I have to go on there I can’t help but see the similarities.
Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? This age old question seems to be just as much an issue with us today as we compare ourselves among ourselves as it was with the disciples during Jesus day. In fact, it seemed like the disciples were constantly squabbling about it, positioning themselves to reap the benefits of the earthy rewards they hoped to get after He established His throne. James and John even got their mother to try to influence Jesus on their behalf. In fact, right up until the night He died they were all still competing with each other.
In Matthew 18, Jesus was asked again who was the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. It should have been obvious to them that He was. But the humility of Jesus was shown by taking a very young child and sitting him on His lap. Jesus said, “Whoever humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
Mark 10:43,44 tells us that after James and John’s mother approached Jesus, that He said, “”Whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all.” Then He says, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and give His life a ransom for many.”
There is a crucial need for this message today in Christianity. In this new era of self service, self promotion, and self improvement, we need a little bit more self sacrifice. Jesus taught us that we show our love for Him by serving others. Our reward is not from earthly recognition, but we lay up our treasure in heaven. We don’t do our good works for the world to see, but our Father in heaven sees those things that are done in secret and He knows our motives. One day He will disclose those things which are hidden, and reward those that were faithful, “but many who are first will be last, and the last, first” when our deeds are judged in eternity.
Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? This age old question seems to be just as much an issue with us today as we compare ourselves among ourselves as it was with the disciples during Jesus day. In fact, it seemed like the disciples were constantly squabbling about it, positioning themselves to reap the benefits of the earthy rewards they hoped to get after He established His throne. James and John even got their mother to try to influence Jesus on their behalf. In fact, right up until the night He died they were all still competing with each other.
In Matthew 18, Jesus was asked again who was the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. It should have been obvious to them that He was. But the humility of Jesus was shown by taking a very young child and sitting him on His lap. Jesus said, “Whoever humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
Mark 10:43,44 tells us that after James and John’s mother approached Jesus, that He said, “”Whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all.” Then He says, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and give His life a ransom for many.”
There is a crucial need for this message today in Christianity. In this new era of self service, self promotion, and self improvement, we need a little bit more self sacrifice. Jesus taught us that we show our love for Him by serving others. Our reward is not from earthly recognition, but we lay up our treasure in heaven. We don’t do our good works for the world to see, but our Father in heaven sees those things that are done in secret and He knows our motives. One day He will disclose those things which are hidden, and reward those that were faithful, “but many who are first will be last, and the last, first” when our deeds are judged in eternity.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
preparing for the counter attack
Last Sunday we were looking at Matthew 17 in the passage dealing with the transfiguration. There were several theological applications to be learned from the event. For instance, the testimony of the law and the prophets were personified by the appearance of Moses and Elijah. The significance of God speaking through the cloud, “This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased” being the second occasion of the Father’s verbal confirmation. And many other things were significant, not the least of which the conversation between Jesus and Moses and Elijah about His approaching exodus, or His crucifixion, revealing that everything was going according to plan.
For the disciples, this was the epitome of the mountain top experience. They saw Christ in all His glory as a preview of the second coming, dispelling all their doubts and fears. They heard God audibly speak from a shining cloud. When they finally were able to get their faces off the ground they must have been stoked out of their minds. They must have glowed like Moses at Mt. Sinai as they came down from the mountain.
But when they came to the disciples left behind at the bottom of the mountain the devil was there to meet them. That’s how it often is when we have a mountain top experience. Satan is waiting at the bottom of the hill, waiting to knock our legs out from under us, waiting to humiliate us, waiting to undermine all that we just learned. It’s a counter attack in a spiritual battle, and we need to be ready for it.
The scripture says the scribes and the Pharisees were there, the old enemies of Jesus and His disciples. They were gloating because the rest of the disciples had been shown to be impotent to cast out a powerful demon from a boy that was severely possessed. The Bible says that as the boy was brought to them, the demon cast him to the ground and began to throw him into convulsions. The disciples were confronted with the full power of Satan and were overwhelmed. Jesus didn’t seem to be around. They were left alone to deal with one of the most dreadful things they had ever faced. And their fear overwhelmed their faith.
The disciples are a good picture of us, aren’t they? We have a mountain top experience with God, we confirm our faith, and resolve to serve Him with all our strength, and then the next day or even a few hours later, Satan comes along with the old crowd, the old friends, some old temptation that you thought you had victory over, and down we go. Our faith was too weak. Our strength was too frail.
Jesus said, “Because of the littleness of your faith… if you have faith as a mustard seed, you shall say to this mountain, move from here to there, and it shall move; and nothing is impossible with God. But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” A mustard seed may be small, but it grows into one of the largest plants in the garden. Faith grows. Yet the strength of our faith doesn’t come from our reliance upon the size of our faith, but on the size of our God. The God who made the mountains can move the mountains. What we can see and touch and feel is replaced through our spiritual strength: prayer and fasting. Fasting is reducing the dependence on the physical to increase the dependence of the spiritual. That’s the secret to all things being possible. Learning the principle that what we see isn’t as important as who we believe in. What we can do isn’t as important as what He can do. Knowing that greater is He that is in us, than he that is in the world.
For the disciples, this was the epitome of the mountain top experience. They saw Christ in all His glory as a preview of the second coming, dispelling all their doubts and fears. They heard God audibly speak from a shining cloud. When they finally were able to get their faces off the ground they must have been stoked out of their minds. They must have glowed like Moses at Mt. Sinai as they came down from the mountain.
But when they came to the disciples left behind at the bottom of the mountain the devil was there to meet them. That’s how it often is when we have a mountain top experience. Satan is waiting at the bottom of the hill, waiting to knock our legs out from under us, waiting to humiliate us, waiting to undermine all that we just learned. It’s a counter attack in a spiritual battle, and we need to be ready for it.
The scripture says the scribes and the Pharisees were there, the old enemies of Jesus and His disciples. They were gloating because the rest of the disciples had been shown to be impotent to cast out a powerful demon from a boy that was severely possessed. The Bible says that as the boy was brought to them, the demon cast him to the ground and began to throw him into convulsions. The disciples were confronted with the full power of Satan and were overwhelmed. Jesus didn’t seem to be around. They were left alone to deal with one of the most dreadful things they had ever faced. And their fear overwhelmed their faith.
The disciples are a good picture of us, aren’t they? We have a mountain top experience with God, we confirm our faith, and resolve to serve Him with all our strength, and then the next day or even a few hours later, Satan comes along with the old crowd, the old friends, some old temptation that you thought you had victory over, and down we go. Our faith was too weak. Our strength was too frail.
Jesus said, “Because of the littleness of your faith… if you have faith as a mustard seed, you shall say to this mountain, move from here to there, and it shall move; and nothing is impossible with God. But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” A mustard seed may be small, but it grows into one of the largest plants in the garden. Faith grows. Yet the strength of our faith doesn’t come from our reliance upon the size of our faith, but on the size of our God. The God who made the mountains can move the mountains. What we can see and touch and feel is replaced through our spiritual strength: prayer and fasting. Fasting is reducing the dependence on the physical to increase the dependence of the spiritual. That’s the secret to all things being possible. Learning the principle that what we see isn’t as important as who we believe in. What we can do isn’t as important as what He can do. Knowing that greater is He that is in us, than he that is in the world.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Give me liberty or give me death
As Christians, we’ve been set free by Christ from the sin that once enslaved us. Yet the Apostle Peter put it this way, "Don't use your liberty as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God. " 1 Peter 2:16. Yes you’ve been set free, but a Christian has given up his freedom to serve Christ. We serve Christ by serving others, not ourselves. So our freedom is always couched in the aspect of someone else being more important than ourselves. Some aspects of our Christian walk can be gray areas where the Bible doesn’t spell out specifics, especially in the realm of social customs and things that aren’t morally wrong. In determining the extent of our liberty in those areas, I suggest you run them through the following filters.
Number one, excess. First guideline I ask myself about a gray area is do I need it, or is it excess baggage? Hebrews 12:1 says, "Seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight…" Some things may not be a sin, but are an unnecessary weight that will slow us down in the race we’ve been called to run.
Second, expedience. First Corinthians 6:12, it says, "All things are lawful unto Me, but all things are not expedient." That means useful. Not only does it not have a negative effect, but does it have a positive effect? If I do this, is it going to help me? Is this something I need to be a better man of God, a better woman of God?
A third principle is the principle of emulation. 1 John 2:6, "If we say we abide in Him we ought also to walk, even as He walked." The principle of emulation is this. Is this something that Christ would do?
A fourth. Evangelism. If I do this, is it going to enhance my testimony to an unbeliever? Colossians 4:5 says, "Walk in wisdom toward them that are outside." So if I do this, will it create a better evangelistic platform for me?
A fifth one, edification. Will it build me up? Having done this, will I be stronger in Christ? First Corinthians 10:23, "All things are lawful, yes; but all things edify not." Not everything builds me up. It might be lawful to do it, but it won't build me up.
Sixth, Exaltation. If I do it, will it exalt the Lord? And 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, "Whatever you do, whether you eat or drink do it all to the glory of God." If I do this, will it exalt the Lord?
Seventh, Example. If I do this will it set the right pattern of righteousness for my weaker brother? Will it be an act of love toward him? Romans 14:13 says, "Don't do anything to make him stumble." First Corinthians 8:13 says the same thing, "I'll eat no meat while the world stands, because I might make my brother offend." Here is the principle of setting a loving example.
Paul says that he wouldn’t do something he had every right to do, if it would cause his brother to stumble. We love God by loving one another and serving one another in agape, or self sacrificing love. Putting their needs above your own. Even forsaking your liberty for the brother or sister who is weak in that area. True Christianity is dying to yourself.
Number one, excess. First guideline I ask myself about a gray area is do I need it, or is it excess baggage? Hebrews 12:1 says, "Seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight…" Some things may not be a sin, but are an unnecessary weight that will slow us down in the race we’ve been called to run.
Second, expedience. First Corinthians 6:12, it says, "All things are lawful unto Me, but all things are not expedient." That means useful. Not only does it not have a negative effect, but does it have a positive effect? If I do this, is it going to help me? Is this something I need to be a better man of God, a better woman of God?
A third principle is the principle of emulation. 1 John 2:6, "If we say we abide in Him we ought also to walk, even as He walked." The principle of emulation is this. Is this something that Christ would do?
A fourth. Evangelism. If I do this, is it going to enhance my testimony to an unbeliever? Colossians 4:5 says, "Walk in wisdom toward them that are outside." So if I do this, will it create a better evangelistic platform for me?
A fifth one, edification. Will it build me up? Having done this, will I be stronger in Christ? First Corinthians 10:23, "All things are lawful, yes; but all things edify not." Not everything builds me up. It might be lawful to do it, but it won't build me up.
Sixth, Exaltation. If I do it, will it exalt the Lord? And 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, "Whatever you do, whether you eat or drink do it all to the glory of God." If I do this, will it exalt the Lord?
Seventh, Example. If I do this will it set the right pattern of righteousness for my weaker brother? Will it be an act of love toward him? Romans 14:13 says, "Don't do anything to make him stumble." First Corinthians 8:13 says the same thing, "I'll eat no meat while the world stands, because I might make my brother offend." Here is the principle of setting a loving example.
Paul says that he wouldn’t do something he had every right to do, if it would cause his brother to stumble. We love God by loving one another and serving one another in agape, or self sacrificing love. Putting their needs above your own. Even forsaking your liberty for the brother or sister who is weak in that area. True Christianity is dying to yourself.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Who do you say that I am?
Last week I was out surfing one evening with my daughter and another guy was out that I knew from a past job. As we chatted in between waves, I felt compelled to tell him about our church and invite him out to our beach service. At that point he confessed that he was a lay minister of sorts in a religious organization that most conservatives would consider a cult. Immediately, he began to question me about end time prophecy and how I would interpret certain passages in Revelation. I told him that I didn’t really want to get too worked up over millennial prophecy that obviously God intended to be somewhat of a mystery, predicting possibly thousands of years in the future. There are too many things that I know from Scripture that God is clear about right now that I need to be focused on. I believe correct Biblical interpretation requires obedience to what we have been clearly shown, and then God will reveal more wisdom as needed.
But then I asked him, “Who do you say that Jesus Christ is? Do you think He is God?” And his answer was as I suspected. No, Jesus isn’t God, He is a son of God. Their cult believes that Jesus is the brother of Lucifer, and a created being. They ignore John 3:16 that says that Jesus is the only begotten Son of God.
Jesus Himself asked the disciples this same question one day. “Who do men say that I am?” And they replied, some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah and some say Jeremiah. In every case, men said that Jesus was a man, a prophet, a good teacher, but still a man. And then Jesus asked His disciples again, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered as the spokesman for the group, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Christ is the Greek word for Messiah. The King of kings. THE Son of God. And there wasn’t anyone in Israel that did not understand that in human terms, the fullness of the father dwelt in the son. In their world, it was the same position. You remember the Jews had taken up stones to stone Him because He said - God was His Father - making Himself equal with God, in John 5:17,18? And so they are saying - You are equal with God. You are the Messiah...the Savior.
Consider more evidence: John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” In that passage it is clear that Jesus is the Word and He was God from the beginning. John 14:7 Jesus said to him, "Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father…” Isa 9:6 “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” John 10:30 "I and the Father are one."
I think a lot of people out there can’t seem to see who Jesus really is because they are more interested in what some other person says Jesus is. They are blind, because they have rejected God’s revelation for some human revelation. They have rejected divine revelation in favor of a man’s interpretation. You know, almost every false cult has come about by some man or woman having a vision that supposedly was given by an angel or something, which led them to “discover” a new theology, which then led them to a new set of writings, which then led them to reinterpret the Holy Bible to fit the paradigm of their new theology. And the result is that they become blind to the fact that Jesus is God. They believe Jesus to be a prophet, they believe him to be a great teacher, but they fall short of believing that Jesus is God and so they come short of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Today this is still the most important question that you will ever be asked; who do you say that I am? And then the obvious next question is, What will you do with Him?
But then I asked him, “Who do you say that Jesus Christ is? Do you think He is God?” And his answer was as I suspected. No, Jesus isn’t God, He is a son of God. Their cult believes that Jesus is the brother of Lucifer, and a created being. They ignore John 3:16 that says that Jesus is the only begotten Son of God.
Jesus Himself asked the disciples this same question one day. “Who do men say that I am?” And they replied, some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah and some say Jeremiah. In every case, men said that Jesus was a man, a prophet, a good teacher, but still a man. And then Jesus asked His disciples again, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered as the spokesman for the group, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Christ is the Greek word for Messiah. The King of kings. THE Son of God. And there wasn’t anyone in Israel that did not understand that in human terms, the fullness of the father dwelt in the son. In their world, it was the same position. You remember the Jews had taken up stones to stone Him because He said - God was His Father - making Himself equal with God, in John 5:17,18? And so they are saying - You are equal with God. You are the Messiah...the Savior.
Consider more evidence: John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” In that passage it is clear that Jesus is the Word and He was God from the beginning. John 14:7 Jesus said to him, "Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father…” Isa 9:6 “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” John 10:30 "I and the Father are one."
I think a lot of people out there can’t seem to see who Jesus really is because they are more interested in what some other person says Jesus is. They are blind, because they have rejected God’s revelation for some human revelation. They have rejected divine revelation in favor of a man’s interpretation. You know, almost every false cult has come about by some man or woman having a vision that supposedly was given by an angel or something, which led them to “discover” a new theology, which then led them to a new set of writings, which then led them to reinterpret the Holy Bible to fit the paradigm of their new theology. And the result is that they become blind to the fact that Jesus is God. They believe Jesus to be a prophet, they believe him to be a great teacher, but they fall short of believing that Jesus is God and so they come short of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Today this is still the most important question that you will ever be asked; who do you say that I am? And then the obvious next question is, What will you do with Him?
Friday, July 30, 2010
The truth, and nothing but the truth
Today, nothing sets off most people more than someone claiming that there is absolute truth. Christians often bear the brunt of that resentment. Just claiming Christianity is enough to make you an enemy of the world. Jesus told us that would happen in John 15:20 “Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.”
But the reality is if God absolutely exists, then there must be absolute truth. Jesus said in John 4:24 that “God is Spirit, and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth. Worshipping a god of our own creation just isn’t going to cut it.
So where do we find this absolute truth from God? Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to the Father except by Me.” And then in John 6:63 "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.” So then, the Word is the truth. Absolute truth. The absolute breath of God. The same breath that God breathed into Adam and man became a living soul, was breathed into the writers of Scripture as they penned the words of God, and it is the same breath that the Holy Spirit breathes into us that we might be born again.
But the Bible says that man has exchanged the truth of God for a lie and worships the creation rather than the Creator. They have rejected the truth of God’s word and now believe in something of their own creation. We need to tell them the truth, for that is the only way to salvation. As ambassadors of the Kingdom, it is our responsibility to proclaim it to everyone. 2 Timothy 2 says, "In meekness instructing those that oppose, if God perhaps will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil." Recognizing that they are trapped, ensnared and enslaved by Satan to do his will, we should show compassion towards the world. Only God can change hearts, but we are commanded to proclaim the Word to all the world, praying that God will grant them repentance, that they may acknowledge the truth.
If I believe in absolute truth, and an absolute God, then I must be absolutely obedient to Him and His truth. I can’t pick and chose what or when to obey. I bow my will to His will and lay down my life to serve Him. Fully, absolutely. You’re either serving God or Satan. You can’t serve two masters. If Christians absolutely served God with all their hearts, minds and souls, in accordance with the truth of God’s word, then all the world would come to know the truth, and the truth would set them free.
But the reality is if God absolutely exists, then there must be absolute truth. Jesus said in John 4:24 that “God is Spirit, and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth. Worshipping a god of our own creation just isn’t going to cut it.
So where do we find this absolute truth from God? Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to the Father except by Me.” And then in John 6:63 "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.” So then, the Word is the truth. Absolute truth. The absolute breath of God. The same breath that God breathed into Adam and man became a living soul, was breathed into the writers of Scripture as they penned the words of God, and it is the same breath that the Holy Spirit breathes into us that we might be born again.
But the Bible says that man has exchanged the truth of God for a lie and worships the creation rather than the Creator. They have rejected the truth of God’s word and now believe in something of their own creation. We need to tell them the truth, for that is the only way to salvation. As ambassadors of the Kingdom, it is our responsibility to proclaim it to everyone. 2 Timothy 2 says, "In meekness instructing those that oppose, if God perhaps will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil." Recognizing that they are trapped, ensnared and enslaved by Satan to do his will, we should show compassion towards the world. Only God can change hearts, but we are commanded to proclaim the Word to all the world, praying that God will grant them repentance, that they may acknowledge the truth.
If I believe in absolute truth, and an absolute God, then I must be absolutely obedient to Him and His truth. I can’t pick and chose what or when to obey. I bow my will to His will and lay down my life to serve Him. Fully, absolutely. You’re either serving God or Satan. You can’t serve two masters. If Christians absolutely served God with all their hearts, minds and souls, in accordance with the truth of God’s word, then all the world would come to know the truth, and the truth would set them free.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
good soldiers
2 Timothy 2:3,4 Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.
At the onset of the Civil War, one of the greatest frustrations of President Abraham Lincoln was the unwillingness of his generals to engage the enemy. Repeatedly, Lincoln sent dispatches to General McClellan, the chief of staff of the Union Army, to attack the Confederates. But McClellan didn’t really have a plan and seemingly no intention of actually fighting. He continually built up his army and his arsenal into far superior numbers than the Confederates, but never engaged the enemy, prompting Lincoln to remark that “if he isn’t going to use his army, perhaps he won’t mind if we borrow it a while.”
Today, one of the greatest temptations facing the church is to never really go into battle. We never preach against sin, and rarely even identify sin. We never preach separation from the enemy’s camp. Our strategy seems to be to win over the world by making them feel comfortable and not offending them. Unfortunately, not only does the world end up missing the point of salvation, but our own fellow citizens of the Kingdom become complacent as well and squander the blood that was shed at so dear a cost for the sake of our freedom.
There is a war going on out there and we have been saved and called to be soldiers in the service of the King. Our struggle is “not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” It says in James that “whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” We haven’t been called to be spectators to the battle or friends of the world. Like the Apostle Paul said, let it be said of us that we fought the good fight, and defended the faith.
At the onset of the Civil War, one of the greatest frustrations of President Abraham Lincoln was the unwillingness of his generals to engage the enemy. Repeatedly, Lincoln sent dispatches to General McClellan, the chief of staff of the Union Army, to attack the Confederates. But McClellan didn’t really have a plan and seemingly no intention of actually fighting. He continually built up his army and his arsenal into far superior numbers than the Confederates, but never engaged the enemy, prompting Lincoln to remark that “if he isn’t going to use his army, perhaps he won’t mind if we borrow it a while.”
Today, one of the greatest temptations facing the church is to never really go into battle. We never preach against sin, and rarely even identify sin. We never preach separation from the enemy’s camp. Our strategy seems to be to win over the world by making them feel comfortable and not offending them. Unfortunately, not only does the world end up missing the point of salvation, but our own fellow citizens of the Kingdom become complacent as well and squander the blood that was shed at so dear a cost for the sake of our freedom.
There is a war going on out there and we have been saved and called to be soldiers in the service of the King. Our struggle is “not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” It says in James that “whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” We haven’t been called to be spectators to the battle or friends of the world. Like the Apostle Paul said, let it be said of us that we fought the good fight, and defended the faith.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
marriage
One of the greatest battles that Satan is waging today is agains the family. And the sacred bond of the family is marriage. In Ephesians chapter 5 we see that human marriage is the spiritual picture of Christ's relationship to the church. So obviously, God has a high regard for marriage. Furthermore, in Malichi 2 God says that He hates divorce. Yet the divorce rate is rampant in our country and is not limited to the unsaved. Sadly, statistics show that it is just as high in the church. Those of you that follow the news know that marriage is being attacked in the courtroom as well, as the traditional marriage between a man and a woman is being expanded to cover homosexual marriage alsol. In our Wednesday evening study this week we will be looking at marriage and what God has to say about it. 2000 years ago the church at Corinth had the same problems, and the Holy Spirit has some important things to show us as we look at 1 Corinthians 7 in this mid week study. Hope you will join us at 6pm.
Over the last couple of weeks we've really seen a great outpouring of God's blessing at our Sunday morning services. Now that we are in our fourth year at the beach we are happy to see so many old friends come back year after year, and all the new people God is sending our way as well. As I've said repeatedly at this service lately, God has set us as a spectacle to the world, and a testimony that the town of Bethany cannot ignore. It is awesome to see what God is doing here as we simply focus on the study of His word, without fanfare. Hope to see you there this Sunday at 8am.
And for you women, it's that time of year again. The women of Surfers Fellowship are planning their retreat on August 2, at 6pm. It will be held at Jere Stephano's house again. There will be dinner, Bible study and a sunset kayak trip. If you want to bring some food or have a kayak to share please contact Susie Harrell at the number below. Call or email for directions if you weren't there last year.
Over the last couple of weeks we've really seen a great outpouring of God's blessing at our Sunday morning services. Now that we are in our fourth year at the beach we are happy to see so many old friends come back year after year, and all the new people God is sending our way as well. As I've said repeatedly at this service lately, God has set us as a spectacle to the world, and a testimony that the town of Bethany cannot ignore. It is awesome to see what God is doing here as we simply focus on the study of His word, without fanfare. Hope to see you there this Sunday at 8am.
And for you women, it's that time of year again. The women of Surfers Fellowship are planning their retreat on August 2, at 6pm. It will be held at Jere Stephano's house again. There will be dinner, Bible study and a sunset kayak trip. If you want to bring some food or have a kayak to share please contact Susie Harrell at the number below. Call or email for directions if you weren't there last year.
Friday, June 25, 2010
whole lotta shaking going on
Many people today are seeing the things that they once counted on, the things that they trusted in, become worthless. Investments have lost their value. Business ventures have soured or gone upside down. Political winds have changed. Jobs have been lost. Our good health may be gone. For some, even our homes have been lost.
The uncertainty, chaos and confusion of today is not unlike another time described in the book of Isaiah. Chapter 6 tells us that King Uzziah died. He had ruled as a great king of Israel for 52 years. Israel’s enemies were ready to invade. Uncertainty and even chaos ensued. At that time, Isaiah had a vision as described in chapter 6. And what he saw and experienced holds many truths for us in these parallel and perilous times as well.
Number one: “I saw the Lord sitting on the throne, lofty and exalted…” In spite of what is going on in the world, God is still on the throne. God is in charge. God wants us to get our eyes off the circumstances of this world and get our eyes on Him.
Number two: “Woe is me, for I am ruined. Because I am a man of unclean lips.” Seeing the holiness of God opened Isaiah’s eyes to his own sinfulness. Recognizing our sinful state should convict us, bringing us to repentance.
Number three: “Behold, this [the burning coal] has touched your lips; and your iniquity has been taken away, and your sin is forgiven.” God needs to refine you with fire before He can use you. When we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Number four: “Whom shall I send?” God calls out to the church for people to be consecrated to the Kingdom, purified, set apart for service, willing to forsake all to follow Him and stand up for Him.
Number five: “Here am I, send me.” There is no greater aspiration or privilege in life than to be used by God. As the Apostle Paul said, We are exhibited as a spectacle to the world. We are to be an unwavering witness and a testimony to the things we have seen and heard and experienced.
It is the last days. God is allowing those things which can be shaken to be shaken, that those things which cannot be shaken will remain.
Hebrews 12:26 And His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, "YET ONCE MORE I WILL SHAKE NOT ONLY THE EARTH, BUT ALSO THE HEAVEN." This expression, "Yet once more," denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire.
What is your answer to God’s question, “Whom shall I send?”
The uncertainty, chaos and confusion of today is not unlike another time described in the book of Isaiah. Chapter 6 tells us that King Uzziah died. He had ruled as a great king of Israel for 52 years. Israel’s enemies were ready to invade. Uncertainty and even chaos ensued. At that time, Isaiah had a vision as described in chapter 6. And what he saw and experienced holds many truths for us in these parallel and perilous times as well.
Number one: “I saw the Lord sitting on the throne, lofty and exalted…” In spite of what is going on in the world, God is still on the throne. God is in charge. God wants us to get our eyes off the circumstances of this world and get our eyes on Him.
Number two: “Woe is me, for I am ruined. Because I am a man of unclean lips.” Seeing the holiness of God opened Isaiah’s eyes to his own sinfulness. Recognizing our sinful state should convict us, bringing us to repentance.
Number three: “Behold, this [the burning coal] has touched your lips; and your iniquity has been taken away, and your sin is forgiven.” God needs to refine you with fire before He can use you. When we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Number four: “Whom shall I send?” God calls out to the church for people to be consecrated to the Kingdom, purified, set apart for service, willing to forsake all to follow Him and stand up for Him.
Number five: “Here am I, send me.” There is no greater aspiration or privilege in life than to be used by God. As the Apostle Paul said, We are exhibited as a spectacle to the world. We are to be an unwavering witness and a testimony to the things we have seen and heard and experienced.
It is the last days. God is allowing those things which can be shaken to be shaken, that those things which cannot be shaken will remain.
Hebrews 12:26 And His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, "YET ONCE MORE I WILL SHAKE NOT ONLY THE EARTH, BUT ALSO THE HEAVEN." This expression, "Yet once more," denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire.
What is your answer to God’s question, “Whom shall I send?”
Saturday, June 19, 2010
A special fathers day message for every Christian
Without a doubt, the breakdown of the human family is one of the biggest contributors to moral decline and the depravity of modern society. Divorce rates now exceed 50%, and it’s devastating effect on the world is seen as children are left without the positive role models that God intended. One of the most important things missing in most kids lives today is the example of a godly father or mother.
The Apostle Paul addresses this issue with leadership, or what might be better described as discipleship, with the church in Corinth in 1 Corinthians 4 starting in verse 14, as he figuratively uses the metaphor of himself as a spiritual father. In this passage, we can find truth to guide us, whether we are earthly fathers, or earthly mothers or in the spiritual realm as we disciple others. And whether or not you even have children, all of us are instructed to “go into all the world and make disciples”. Just like there is a need for human role models in our physical lives, there is also a desperate need for spiritual role models in the church as well. There are a whole lot of spiritual orphans out there that need someone to take them under their wing, or adopt them as a son or daughter or big brother or sister.
Number one, the mark of a spiritual father is that he has children. Verse 15, "Though you have ten thousand instructors in Christ, you have a lot of teachers, not many fathers. No, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel."
A spiritual father reproduces. God wants us to bear fruit.
Secondly, a spiritual father not only has children but he loves his children. Jesus said they will know you are my disciples by your love for one another.
Third, a spiritual father admonishes. Paul exposes their sin, not to shame them, but to correct them. As a father sees a child engaging in something harmful, he will admonish, or correct them out of love. Revelation 3: those whom I love I rebuke and discipline.
Fourth, a spiritual father not only has children and loves and admonishes, but he sets the example. And maybe this is the most important thing at all. Verse 16, "Wherefore I beseech you, be imitators of me”. To disciple someone speaks not of just teaching them, but showing them by example.
Fifthly, he teaches. And here we come to the fact that there has to be the giving of principles, the end of verse 17. He will remind you of my ways, which are actually Christ’s ways, which I teach everywhere, in every church. Matt. 28 again, “Go and make disciples, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you.”
Finally, a spiritual father disciplines. Sometimes it is necessary to use the rod and a characteristic of a godly spiritual father is that they will use it when necessary. An even bigger danger than abuse of this principle is the opposite extreme which is neglect. So many Christians are being neglected by spiritual fathers that are either too busy or too self centered, to be much earthly or spiritual good. The need has never been greater or more urgent. I pray you will answer the challenge.
The Apostle Paul addresses this issue with leadership, or what might be better described as discipleship, with the church in Corinth in 1 Corinthians 4 starting in verse 14, as he figuratively uses the metaphor of himself as a spiritual father. In this passage, we can find truth to guide us, whether we are earthly fathers, or earthly mothers or in the spiritual realm as we disciple others. And whether or not you even have children, all of us are instructed to “go into all the world and make disciples”. Just like there is a need for human role models in our physical lives, there is also a desperate need for spiritual role models in the church as well. There are a whole lot of spiritual orphans out there that need someone to take them under their wing, or adopt them as a son or daughter or big brother or sister.
Number one, the mark of a spiritual father is that he has children. Verse 15, "Though you have ten thousand instructors in Christ, you have a lot of teachers, not many fathers. No, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel."
A spiritual father reproduces. God wants us to bear fruit.
Secondly, a spiritual father not only has children but he loves his children. Jesus said they will know you are my disciples by your love for one another.
Third, a spiritual father admonishes. Paul exposes their sin, not to shame them, but to correct them. As a father sees a child engaging in something harmful, he will admonish, or correct them out of love. Revelation 3: those whom I love I rebuke and discipline.
Fourth, a spiritual father not only has children and loves and admonishes, but he sets the example. And maybe this is the most important thing at all. Verse 16, "Wherefore I beseech you, be imitators of me”. To disciple someone speaks not of just teaching them, but showing them by example.
Fifthly, he teaches. And here we come to the fact that there has to be the giving of principles, the end of verse 17. He will remind you of my ways, which are actually Christ’s ways, which I teach everywhere, in every church. Matt. 28 again, “Go and make disciples, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you.”
Finally, a spiritual father disciplines. Sometimes it is necessary to use the rod and a characteristic of a godly spiritual father is that they will use it when necessary. An even bigger danger than abuse of this principle is the opposite extreme which is neglect. So many Christians are being neglected by spiritual fathers that are either too busy or too self centered, to be much earthly or spiritual good. The need has never been greater or more urgent. I pray you will answer the challenge.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
No appetite for honey
They say one of the most healthy, nutritious foods you can eat is honey. You’ve all seen the advertisements claiming it is a cure for just about every ailment there is. My own grandmother used to take two tablespoons of it every night before she went to bed, claiming it kept her feeling like a 16 year old girl. Though I doubt all the claims made by every bee keeper out there are true, I do suspect there are some great benefits to eating honey. Besides, it tastes good.
Psalms 19 says that God’s word is sweet like honey from a honeycomb. But it says in Proverbs 27:7 that “the full soul loathes a honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.” What that means is that all too often, we have become so full from eating at the feeding trough of this world that we aren’t hungry anymore for anything sweet. We don’t have any appetite left for God’s word.
Paul sarcastically rebuked the Corinthians, the most carnal church of that day and a church not unlike the church today, “You are already filled, you have already become rich….” Jesus Himself rebuked such a church in Revelation chapter 3 when He said, “you say I am rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing and know not that you’re wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked.”
“Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; be zealous therefore and repent.” He said, “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot, so because you are lukewarm, I will spit you out of my mouth.” He urges us to “…buy from Me gold refined by fire that you may become rich.” “To him that overcomes I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My Throne.”
It all starts with the Word, then being obedient to the Word, then overcoming the ensnarement of the world, that we may be found when He returns doing the deeds that the Lord has us here to do. Along the way, expect some trials by fire. But that's a good thing, because it restores our appetite for God's Word.
Psalms 19 says that God’s word is sweet like honey from a honeycomb. But it says in Proverbs 27:7 that “the full soul loathes a honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.” What that means is that all too often, we have become so full from eating at the feeding trough of this world that we aren’t hungry anymore for anything sweet. We don’t have any appetite left for God’s word.
Paul sarcastically rebuked the Corinthians, the most carnal church of that day and a church not unlike the church today, “You are already filled, you have already become rich….” Jesus Himself rebuked such a church in Revelation chapter 3 when He said, “you say I am rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing and know not that you’re wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked.”
“Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; be zealous therefore and repent.” He said, “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot, so because you are lukewarm, I will spit you out of my mouth.” He urges us to “…buy from Me gold refined by fire that you may become rich.” “To him that overcomes I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My Throne.”
It all starts with the Word, then being obedient to the Word, then overcoming the ensnarement of the world, that we may be found when He returns doing the deeds that the Lord has us here to do. Along the way, expect some trials by fire. But that's a good thing, because it restores our appetite for God's Word.
Monday, June 7, 2010
special announcement: Jericho March
Starting this Sunday, June 6, through Saturday evening, June 12, we will begin the Jericho March again for this year. We will meet every evening @ 8pm in the parking lot at Ocean View Parkway and walk around the town of Bethany in silent prayer for our ministry, our community, our friends and neighbors. We will be praying that God will bring down the walls of resistance to the gospel as we preach each Sunday on the beach. We are praying for revival and that it would start with us. We encourage you to join us as you have the opportunity. The walk takes about 30 minutes. We believe that prayer is one of the few weapons at our disposal in this spiritual warfare that we are engaged in and look forward to seeing the walls fall down as we go into this new summer season.
counting the cost
Many people mistake the cost of salvation. Because they received it freely, they think it cheap. However, the cost to Christ was immeasurable. The agony of the cross cannot even be compared to the cost of bearing the weight of the world's sin. We cannot imagine the cost of leaving His throne and glory in heaven where He received the adulation of thousands of angels for the ignominy of taking on human form and all it's weakness and sufferings. There was a cost. It was priceless.
But Christ said that we were to consider the cost as well. He warned the disciple who wanted to follow that the Son of Man had no where to lay His head, indicating the would be disciple would lose the comfort of his home. He showed us that we might lose our friends or loved ones for the sake of the kingdom. He told us to take up our cross and follow Him. There is a cost for us as well. It isn't with wealth or works that we can buy our way into the Kingdom. It is in agreeing that He has paid it all, and that if we want citizenship in His kingdom, we must exchange the self rule of our life, for allegiance to His rule and His will.
Jesus gave two parables which explain this principle to us. In Matthew 13: 44 it says, "The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid, and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has, and buys that field". Vs. 47 " Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great price, he went and sold all he had and bought it."
But Christ said that we were to consider the cost as well. He warned the disciple who wanted to follow that the Son of Man had no where to lay His head, indicating the would be disciple would lose the comfort of his home. He showed us that we might lose our friends or loved ones for the sake of the kingdom. He told us to take up our cross and follow Him. There is a cost for us as well. It isn't with wealth or works that we can buy our way into the Kingdom. It is in agreeing that He has paid it all, and that if we want citizenship in His kingdom, we must exchange the self rule of our life, for allegiance to His rule and His will.
Jesus gave two parables which explain this principle to us. In Matthew 13: 44 it says, "The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid, and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has, and buys that field". Vs. 47 " Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great price, he went and sold all he had and bought it."
Thursday, May 27, 2010
an acceptable service
In Exodus 12 we read the story of how God appeared on Mt. Sinai in the presence of the children of Israel, in a mighty display of power, with smoke and thunder on the mountain. And it says that the people trembled at the thunder and the lightning and the sound of the trumpet. So fearful were they that they asked Moses to speak to God for them. They were afraid to hear God speak and preferred the words of Moses rather than the words of God. So Moses went up on the mountain in the presence of God for forty days and forty nights. During this time God gave Moses the Law. The very words of God were written by His finger in stone tablets.
When Moses finished receiving the word of God, he started to come down the mountain, having been warned by God that the people had defiled themselves. God said, “Go down at once, for your people, whom you brought up from the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves.” They said to Aaron, “Come, make us a god who will go before us, as for this Moses, we do not know what has become of him.” So Aaron asked for their gold and made it into a molten calf. And the Bible says that after they offered sacrifices to the calf, “the people sat down to eat and rose up to play.” Soon, they were out of control. Debauchery reigned in the camp. As Moses came down the mountain he heard the sound of singing and saw them dancing around the golden calf. He smashed the tablets of God’s word to the ground and called out to the people, “Whoever is on the Lord’s side, come to me!” And Moses slew 3000 men that day with the sword for their rebellion against God.
This actual, historical event is also a prophetic picture of the church. We have been redeemed out of slavery to Satan as the chosen people of God. We have received the promise of eternal life in the promised land. But today, the church often finds itself like Israel, drawing back in fear from the holiness of God. We prefer humanness, fleshliness, rather than Godliness and holiness. Like with Israel, God has given to the church His written word, the very breath of God. Yet today the church has exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and prefer to read and listen to the foolishness of man, rather than the pure wisdom of the Word. In this present age, God has commanded us to offer to God the sacrifice of ourselves, taking up our cross, yet we have done like the Israelites and asked our leaders for a god according to our desires, made of what we value, which we can see and feel and touch. We often find we don’t really worship God in spirit, but we worship the spirit of this world, that which enables us to experience the desires of our flesh. And sadly, like ancient Israel, our attempts at fleshing out our worship often results in a corruption that is an offense to God.
“For you have not come to a mountain that may be touched....and the sound of words which sound was such that those who heard begged that no further word should be spoken to them…but you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God…See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking.” Heb. 12:19-25
“Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” Heb. 12:28,29
When Moses finished receiving the word of God, he started to come down the mountain, having been warned by God that the people had defiled themselves. God said, “Go down at once, for your people, whom you brought up from the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves.” They said to Aaron, “Come, make us a god who will go before us, as for this Moses, we do not know what has become of him.” So Aaron asked for their gold and made it into a molten calf. And the Bible says that after they offered sacrifices to the calf, “the people sat down to eat and rose up to play.” Soon, they were out of control. Debauchery reigned in the camp. As Moses came down the mountain he heard the sound of singing and saw them dancing around the golden calf. He smashed the tablets of God’s word to the ground and called out to the people, “Whoever is on the Lord’s side, come to me!” And Moses slew 3000 men that day with the sword for their rebellion against God.
This actual, historical event is also a prophetic picture of the church. We have been redeemed out of slavery to Satan as the chosen people of God. We have received the promise of eternal life in the promised land. But today, the church often finds itself like Israel, drawing back in fear from the holiness of God. We prefer humanness, fleshliness, rather than Godliness and holiness. Like with Israel, God has given to the church His written word, the very breath of God. Yet today the church has exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and prefer to read and listen to the foolishness of man, rather than the pure wisdom of the Word. In this present age, God has commanded us to offer to God the sacrifice of ourselves, taking up our cross, yet we have done like the Israelites and asked our leaders for a god according to our desires, made of what we value, which we can see and feel and touch. We often find we don’t really worship God in spirit, but we worship the spirit of this world, that which enables us to experience the desires of our flesh. And sadly, like ancient Israel, our attempts at fleshing out our worship often results in a corruption that is an offense to God.
“For you have not come to a mountain that may be touched....and the sound of words which sound was such that those who heard begged that no further word should be spoken to them…but you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God…See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking.” Heb. 12:19-25
“Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” Heb. 12:28,29
Saturday, May 8, 2010
This is love
A friend told me about an experience he had while visiting a group foster home recently. He was speaking with a young black girl of 16, who had already had a baby, and tearfully told him how as an orphan she had been bounced from one foster home to another her whole life. She said no one had ever loved her. My friend tried to tell her that God loved her more than a mother or father ever could. As I listened though, I could not help but think that if I were that young girl I would have a hard time believing that statement. In her case, it sounds like a good theory, but not much of a reality.
Most of us don’t really have a biblical understanding of love. To us, it’s a feeling that is given or received by another. In theory, we believe God loves us, and in theory, we love God. In I Cor. 2 it says, “THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD, AND which HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN, ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM." My question is, how do I love God? Is it just some feeling that I have for God?
God wants our love to be more than a feeling, or emotion, or just a theory. He says we don’t really even understand it. “In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” I John 4:10. So Jesus is our example of love. He was our pattern, laying Himself down for others to know the love of God.
So how do we show our love to God? 1Jo 4:11 “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” God is basically saying, Look, I am in heaven, you are on earth. If you say you love me, I want you to show it by serving my people here on earth. He doesn’t just want us to offer up a few praises, flatteries and a “love you God!” as we head merrily out the door about our normal business. He gave us an example of love in Jesus and expects us to follow that, sacrificially showing love to the people around us so that they might come to know the love of God by the love which we have shown them.
1Jo 4:20 If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. 1Jo 4:21 And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also.
True love cannot be a one sided and self centered. As God loves us, we should reciprocate by showing love to others. That is all of the commandments in a nutshell. We should love God, and our love our neighbor as ourselves.
Note: Our first worship on the beach of the season is coming up May 23. We will be meeting there for the next five months or so. This is a weekly outreach that we hope you will be praying for diligently and supporting through your participation as we take the gospel to the beach every week.
Most of us don’t really have a biblical understanding of love. To us, it’s a feeling that is given or received by another. In theory, we believe God loves us, and in theory, we love God. In I Cor. 2 it says, “THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD, AND which HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN, ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM." My question is, how do I love God? Is it just some feeling that I have for God?
God wants our love to be more than a feeling, or emotion, or just a theory. He says we don’t really even understand it. “In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” I John 4:10. So Jesus is our example of love. He was our pattern, laying Himself down for others to know the love of God.
So how do we show our love to God? 1Jo 4:11 “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” God is basically saying, Look, I am in heaven, you are on earth. If you say you love me, I want you to show it by serving my people here on earth. He doesn’t just want us to offer up a few praises, flatteries and a “love you God!” as we head merrily out the door about our normal business. He gave us an example of love in Jesus and expects us to follow that, sacrificially showing love to the people around us so that they might come to know the love of God by the love which we have shown them.
1Jo 4:20 If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. 1Jo 4:21 And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also.
True love cannot be a one sided and self centered. As God loves us, we should reciprocate by showing love to others. That is all of the commandments in a nutshell. We should love God, and our love our neighbor as ourselves.
Note: Our first worship on the beach of the season is coming up May 23. We will be meeting there for the next five months or so. This is a weekly outreach that we hope you will be praying for diligently and supporting through your participation as we take the gospel to the beach every week.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
The foolishness of God
God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise. I Cor. 1: 27.
It almost seems sacrilegious to use foolish and God in the same sentence, doesn’t it? But Paul was trying to make the point to the carnal church of Corinth that what seems foolish to the world, i.e., the message of the cross, is actually the power of God. In that day as well as in these days, the message of the cross has been subverted by a different message. The gospel has been replaced by a social gospel in which Jesus lived an exemplary life to be an example for how society should try to live, or Jesus came to earth so we could have a better, more enjoyable life here on earth, or my own personal favorite, God is love and he loves me just the way I am so I never have to change.
“But the message of the cross is to those who are perishing foolishness, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God”. I Cor. 1:18 Lots of people are seeking power in their Christian lives today, aren’t they? They want some supernatural power to heal people, or they think that some spiritual power they can possess will enable them to live a godly life or show others how godly they are, or they are looking for some special power to be able to accomplish all their goals in life. But the problem with all of that type of thinking is that too often I am the beneficiary of that power. I want it not to build up the kingdom of heaven, but to build my own kingdom right here on earth.
But God said, “not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise and the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong. That no man should boast before God.” I Cor. 27-29 God said He will not share His glory with man.
Jesus was our example. And Jesus considered the glory that was His with the Father in heaven nothing to be held onto, but emptied Himself, taking on the form of a servant, and while being whipped, beaten, spit upon and reviled by His creation, crawled to the cross with his last ounce of strength, to take our place on the cross. So we too, if we want His power to manifest itself in our lives we must first die to our fleshly desires and will. Jesus said we were to take up our cross and follow Him.
Gal 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” Sounds foolish to the world, but that’s where power comes from. Dying to ourselves, not trying to manipulate God to fulfill the lusts of the flesh.
It almost seems sacrilegious to use foolish and God in the same sentence, doesn’t it? But Paul was trying to make the point to the carnal church of Corinth that what seems foolish to the world, i.e., the message of the cross, is actually the power of God. In that day as well as in these days, the message of the cross has been subverted by a different message. The gospel has been replaced by a social gospel in which Jesus lived an exemplary life to be an example for how society should try to live, or Jesus came to earth so we could have a better, more enjoyable life here on earth, or my own personal favorite, God is love and he loves me just the way I am so I never have to change.
“But the message of the cross is to those who are perishing foolishness, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God”. I Cor. 1:18 Lots of people are seeking power in their Christian lives today, aren’t they? They want some supernatural power to heal people, or they think that some spiritual power they can possess will enable them to live a godly life or show others how godly they are, or they are looking for some special power to be able to accomplish all their goals in life. But the problem with all of that type of thinking is that too often I am the beneficiary of that power. I want it not to build up the kingdom of heaven, but to build my own kingdom right here on earth.
But God said, “not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise and the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong. That no man should boast before God.” I Cor. 27-29 God said He will not share His glory with man.
Jesus was our example. And Jesus considered the glory that was His with the Father in heaven nothing to be held onto, but emptied Himself, taking on the form of a servant, and while being whipped, beaten, spit upon and reviled by His creation, crawled to the cross with his last ounce of strength, to take our place on the cross. So we too, if we want His power to manifest itself in our lives we must first die to our fleshly desires and will. Jesus said we were to take up our cross and follow Him.
Gal 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” Sounds foolish to the world, but that’s where power comes from. Dying to ourselves, not trying to manipulate God to fulfill the lusts of the flesh.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
I dream of Genie
Back in the day when I was growing up, a favorite sitcom was the hit show, “I dream of Jeanie”. I guess ever since the tales of Aladdin and the Arabian Nights the idea of a genie that will grant you three wishes has been a popular fantasy for many. Sadly, some of that mentality has crept into our theology as well. We summon our god genie with a ritual or a prayer formula and somehow think that he is obligated to grant us our three wishes; health, wealth and happiness.
The church and many of it’s false teachers have taught us that God’s primary purpose is to serve us. He is supposed to make our lives more pleasant, to provide us with all the things we need for a successful life. His love for us is so great, that it’s easy to take advantage, like getting your mother to do your laundry and clean your room when you were a kid.
The truth is exactly the opposite. The fact of the matter is that we are to serve God. God is the king and we are his servants, called into service to serve His will. We were redeemed out of slavery to a cruel and brutal master, the devil, who was using us and would eventually destroy not only our life here, but eternally. Christ was compassionate towards our fate and offered himself as a payment for us. That purchase price by His blood transferred us from the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of God. We come to God broken, poor and miserable and are given life, freedom and joy. Our response to that freedom should be to give ourselves back as bond servants to God. We should say, “I want to remain a slave forever. I will serve you with my life, for the rest of my days, for eternity”. God says,” Good, if you want to serve me, then start by serving my body. My body is the church, made up of individuals like you. Feed them, serve them, give them even a cup of water in my name and you will be serving me.”
Since we are saints called into service to the King, Paul implores us in Romans 12:1 by saying, “I urge you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.”
The church and many of it’s false teachers have taught us that God’s primary purpose is to serve us. He is supposed to make our lives more pleasant, to provide us with all the things we need for a successful life. His love for us is so great, that it’s easy to take advantage, like getting your mother to do your laundry and clean your room when you were a kid.
The truth is exactly the opposite. The fact of the matter is that we are to serve God. God is the king and we are his servants, called into service to serve His will. We were redeemed out of slavery to a cruel and brutal master, the devil, who was using us and would eventually destroy not only our life here, but eternally. Christ was compassionate towards our fate and offered himself as a payment for us. That purchase price by His blood transferred us from the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of God. We come to God broken, poor and miserable and are given life, freedom and joy. Our response to that freedom should be to give ourselves back as bond servants to God. We should say, “I want to remain a slave forever. I will serve you with my life, for the rest of my days, for eternity”. God says,” Good, if you want to serve me, then start by serving my body. My body is the church, made up of individuals like you. Feed them, serve them, give them even a cup of water in my name and you will be serving me.”
Since we are saints called into service to the King, Paul implores us in Romans 12:1 by saying, “I urge you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.”
Friday, April 16, 2010
You don't need to be dead to be a saint
All too often, the world has the wrong idea of sainthood. Number one, they think you have to live some sort of supernatural, miracle infused life that only one in a hundred million are righteous enough to live, and secondly they think you have to be dead before this title can be conferred on you. But Paul, writing to the most carnal church found in the New Testament , starts off in his letter to the Corinthians reminding them that they were already saints, or literally, true believers. Sainthood doesn’t happen after living some kind of super pious life and performing more good works than everyone else. Sainthood is a gift, conferred at one specific moment in time, the point at which you received grace leading to salvation.
As Paul says in 1 Cor. 1:6, “even as the testimony concerning Christ was confirmed in you”. Testimony refers to the message of the gospel. When was the gospel received or established in you? If you are born again, it’s when you accepted Jesus as your Savior. It’s when you were transferred from the dominion of darkness to the Kingdom of Light. It’s when you were purchased out of slavery and adopted into the family of God. At that moment in time, you were made a saint. “He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit.” Titus 3:5. “We’ve been saved by grace, through faith, and that not of ourselves, it is a gift of God, lest any man should boast”. Eph. 2:8.
Grace is free. Grace is undeserved. Grace transforms a sinner into a saint, not by virtue of their works, but positionally. You have been made holy by the blood of Christ which paid for all your sins in full for all time. As Paul says in verse 8 of 1 Cor., “Christ shall also confirm you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ” (at the judgment).
Wow, what a priceless gift salvation is. We could never buy it ourselves. It had to be given because it was completely beyond our ability to pay for it. It’s almost incomprehensible that I’ve been made righteous enough, by grace, to stand blameless before the perfect, almighty God. Because of His great love for us, I choose to love Him and serve Him the rest of my days.
As Paul says in 1 Cor. 1:6, “even as the testimony concerning Christ was confirmed in you”. Testimony refers to the message of the gospel. When was the gospel received or established in you? If you are born again, it’s when you accepted Jesus as your Savior. It’s when you were transferred from the dominion of darkness to the Kingdom of Light. It’s when you were purchased out of slavery and adopted into the family of God. At that moment in time, you were made a saint. “He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit.” Titus 3:5. “We’ve been saved by grace, through faith, and that not of ourselves, it is a gift of God, lest any man should boast”. Eph. 2:8.
Grace is free. Grace is undeserved. Grace transforms a sinner into a saint, not by virtue of their works, but positionally. You have been made holy by the blood of Christ which paid for all your sins in full for all time. As Paul says in verse 8 of 1 Cor., “Christ shall also confirm you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ” (at the judgment).
Wow, what a priceless gift salvation is. We could never buy it ourselves. It had to be given because it was completely beyond our ability to pay for it. It’s almost incomprehensible that I’ve been made righteous enough, by grace, to stand blameless before the perfect, almighty God. Because of His great love for us, I choose to love Him and serve Him the rest of my days.
Friday, April 9, 2010
The God of restoration
Salvation is from the Lord. Jonah 2:9
Jonah was running from God. Determined to do what he wanted to do. He knew what God wanted, but was stubbornly resisting God, even though it was causing him all kinds of problems. (been there, done that) So God turned up the heat. After spending three days in the belly of a great fish, swishing around in bile and gastric juices, in the dark, in the middle of the ocean, Jonah suddenly got religion. He remembered his God and prayed.
God is in the business of restoration. He could have allowed Jonah to drown when he was thrown off the ship. The fish could have chewed him up before swallowing. If I would have been God, I’m sure I would have terminated him for insubordination. But as Jonah said in chapter 4 verse 2, God is a “gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abundant in loving kindness…” God wants to use us Jonahs in spite of our rebellion and stubborn willfulness.
But as we learn from the lesson of Jonah, we shouldn’t presume upon the mercy of God and use our liberty as a license to sin. Rom 2:4 says, “Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?” Sometimes the kindness of God is a storm or a trial in our life to turn us in the direction He wants us to go.
Repentance is characterized by the response of the Ninevites to the message of coming judgment preached by Jonah. In chapter 3 verse 10 it says, “When God saw their DEEDS, that they TURNED from their wicked way, then God relented concerning the calamity that He had declared…” Repentance means to turn. You’re going your way and then you turn 180 degrees and go the other way. It’s not just feeling sorry for your sin and then going right on your merry way, following the passions of your fleshly nature. It’s turning from your will and recognizing the authority of God’s will and His commission over your life, now that you are the property of God, having been bought out of bondage to the slavery of sin.
Jonah, this reluctant prophet, was instrumental in the greatest revival in Biblical history. An entire city of 600,000 people repented. God knew that the fruit was so ripe it was about to fall off the trees, He just needed someone to proclaim His word. How about you? Are you being faithful to the commission which you have been given to make disciples of the people in your neighborhood, your community, your village and ultimately throughout the world? Or are you being like Jonah, pursuing your will?
Jonah was running from God. Determined to do what he wanted to do. He knew what God wanted, but was stubbornly resisting God, even though it was causing him all kinds of problems. (been there, done that) So God turned up the heat. After spending three days in the belly of a great fish, swishing around in bile and gastric juices, in the dark, in the middle of the ocean, Jonah suddenly got religion. He remembered his God and prayed.
God is in the business of restoration. He could have allowed Jonah to drown when he was thrown off the ship. The fish could have chewed him up before swallowing. If I would have been God, I’m sure I would have terminated him for insubordination. But as Jonah said in chapter 4 verse 2, God is a “gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abundant in loving kindness…” God wants to use us Jonahs in spite of our rebellion and stubborn willfulness.
But as we learn from the lesson of Jonah, we shouldn’t presume upon the mercy of God and use our liberty as a license to sin. Rom 2:4 says, “Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?” Sometimes the kindness of God is a storm or a trial in our life to turn us in the direction He wants us to go.
Repentance is characterized by the response of the Ninevites to the message of coming judgment preached by Jonah. In chapter 3 verse 10 it says, “When God saw their DEEDS, that they TURNED from their wicked way, then God relented concerning the calamity that He had declared…” Repentance means to turn. You’re going your way and then you turn 180 degrees and go the other way. It’s not just feeling sorry for your sin and then going right on your merry way, following the passions of your fleshly nature. It’s turning from your will and recognizing the authority of God’s will and His commission over your life, now that you are the property of God, having been bought out of bondage to the slavery of sin.
Jonah, this reluctant prophet, was instrumental in the greatest revival in Biblical history. An entire city of 600,000 people repented. God knew that the fruit was so ripe it was about to fall off the trees, He just needed someone to proclaim His word. How about you? Are you being faithful to the commission which you have been given to make disciples of the people in your neighborhood, your community, your village and ultimately throughout the world? Or are you being like Jonah, pursuing your will?
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
God of the storms
Last week a fin whale washed up on Fenwick Island. It caused quite a sensation, measuring somewhere around 51 feet or more. Looking in his mouth, it was apparent this thing could easily swallow a man. But perhaps their throats are too small, I don’t know. It made me think of Jonah, and the story of him being swallowed by a great fish. Note that the Bible didn’t call it a whale. Agnostics have long pointed to this story as an example of errors in the Bible. But I don’t have a problem with the story at all. From my perspective, if God can create all the thousands of species of fish in the ocean, then making one large enough to swallow Jonah isn’t a big deal.
In our recent study of 1 & 2 Peter, we read we are all going to suffer hardships in life, but that there are two kinds of hardship. One is as a Christian seeking to serve God and the other is from the result of rebellion against God. Jonah was running from God. Maybe he thought he could serve God just as well in Tarshish. Maybe he was just plain old backslidden and didn’t want to serve God anymore. Whatever the reason, the Bible says that God sent a storm that was so fierce it sent the heathen sailors on board to their knees, calling upon their gods for deliverance.
Well, you know the story. The sailors threw Jonah overboard in hopes that God would relent with the storm. And the Bible says that God provided a great fish to swallow Jonah, and he was in the stomach of the fish three days and three nights. First of all, I believe if Jonah would have gotten down on his knees on the boat and repented, God would have stopped the storm right then. But Jonah would have rather died than do what God wanted him to do. He said “throw me into the sea.” Wow, he really had a hard heart. Secondly, it’s amazing to me that he spent three days in the belly of the whale before he prayed. By that time, even the fish had gotten sick of his attitude.
God is the God of the storms. It’s comforting to know that whether the storm is of our making, or one that we don’t think we had anything to do with, God is always just a prayer away. The disciples experienced fierce storms on the Sea of Galilee. But in every circumstance, we see Jesus coming to meet them. Job experienced a great storm in his life that wasn’t a result of sin. But eventually his righteousness turned to self righteous bitterness against God for allowing those circumstances in his life. When God answered, He answered from a storm, reminding Job that He was God and Job should not question His ways or His purposes. God is sovereign, able to send the storms and stop the storms. We are not to question His will or His ways, only bow our knees to the Sovereign King and recognize His authority over our lives.
In our recent study of 1 & 2 Peter, we read we are all going to suffer hardships in life, but that there are two kinds of hardship. One is as a Christian seeking to serve God and the other is from the result of rebellion against God. Jonah was running from God. Maybe he thought he could serve God just as well in Tarshish. Maybe he was just plain old backslidden and didn’t want to serve God anymore. Whatever the reason, the Bible says that God sent a storm that was so fierce it sent the heathen sailors on board to their knees, calling upon their gods for deliverance.
Well, you know the story. The sailors threw Jonah overboard in hopes that God would relent with the storm. And the Bible says that God provided a great fish to swallow Jonah, and he was in the stomach of the fish three days and three nights. First of all, I believe if Jonah would have gotten down on his knees on the boat and repented, God would have stopped the storm right then. But Jonah would have rather died than do what God wanted him to do. He said “throw me into the sea.” Wow, he really had a hard heart. Secondly, it’s amazing to me that he spent three days in the belly of the whale before he prayed. By that time, even the fish had gotten sick of his attitude.
God is the God of the storms. It’s comforting to know that whether the storm is of our making, or one that we don’t think we had anything to do with, God is always just a prayer away. The disciples experienced fierce storms on the Sea of Galilee. But in every circumstance, we see Jesus coming to meet them. Job experienced a great storm in his life that wasn’t a result of sin. But eventually his righteousness turned to self righteous bitterness against God for allowing those circumstances in his life. When God answered, He answered from a storm, reminding Job that He was God and Job should not question His ways or His purposes. God is sovereign, able to send the storms and stop the storms. We are not to question His will or His ways, only bow our knees to the Sovereign King and recognize His authority over our lives.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Are you tired yet?
The Bible says that before we were born again we were slaves of the kingdom of darkness. True freedom is given to us by Jesus Christ. Yet, so often, the devil uses false teaching to take us back into enslavement. How? By false teachers who "speaking out empty words entice by fleshly desires, by sensuality, those who barely escape from those who live in error, promising them freedom while they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved." 2 Pet. 2:18,19. In other words, false teachers appeal to the flesh, our senses, our feelings, and our desires for things of this world to enslave us once again by getting us to focus on the desires of the flesh and the rat race of acquiring material things.
An even greater danger is indicated in the phrase "those who barely escape from those who live in error". This speaks of two types of people, those that blatantly reject God, like atheists, and those who may be convicted in their hearts about their life, but rather than accept full transformation by the Holy Spirit, have become merely morally reformed. They know about God and recognize that they need "religion" but in their turning to God are diverted by false teachers into a moral reformation rather than salvation. They become church members. They get baptized. They work in the Sunday School. They tithe regularly. And sadly, they are going to find themselves standing before God one day at the judgment and He will say, "Depart from me, you workers of iniquity. I never knew you."
Are you finding yourself feeling like you are becoming enslaved again to the things of this world? Have you been enticed by your desires into things that promised you freedom, but haven't delivered? Satan attempts to burden us so heavily under the weight of this world's "goods" that we become no heavenly good. Jesus says in Matt. 11:28-30, "Come unto Me, all who are weary and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My load is light."
An even greater danger is indicated in the phrase "those who barely escape from those who live in error". This speaks of two types of people, those that blatantly reject God, like atheists, and those who may be convicted in their hearts about their life, but rather than accept full transformation by the Holy Spirit, have become merely morally reformed. They know about God and recognize that they need "religion" but in their turning to God are diverted by false teachers into a moral reformation rather than salvation. They become church members. They get baptized. They work in the Sunday School. They tithe regularly. And sadly, they are going to find themselves standing before God one day at the judgment and He will say, "Depart from me, you workers of iniquity. I never knew you."
Are you finding yourself feeling like you are becoming enslaved again to the things of this world? Have you been enticed by your desires into things that promised you freedom, but haven't delivered? Satan attempts to burden us so heavily under the weight of this world's "goods" that we become no heavenly good. Jesus says in Matt. 11:28-30, "Come unto Me, all who are weary and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My load is light."
Friday, March 12, 2010
Marks of greatness
When you think of greatness, who comes to mind? Perhaps Mohammed Ali, or Kelly Slater, or Lance Armstrong. Maybe it's some political leader like Abraham Lincoln or George Washington. I imagine all of us, to some degree or another, have wished that we could be recognized as being great at something in our lifetime. Jesus, in Matthew 11, says the following about John the Baptist. ""Truly I say to you, among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist!" What made John great? Well, there are five things we find in scripture that characterize his greatness.
1. Humility: John said, "He must increase, but I must decrease." You might become famous without humility, but without it, you will never become truly great.
2. Conviction: Jesus said, "What did you go out to see, a reed shaken with the wind?" John was firm in his convictions, regardless of the culture. He didn't pander to the world.
3. Self Denial: Jesus said, "Those who wear soft clothing are in kings palaces." John renounced the comforts of this world for the sake of Christ.
4. Accepted his calling: John said, "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, make ready the way of the Lord." There is no higher calling than to proclaim Jesus Christ.
5. Delivered his message: John accomplished his mission, even though it cost him his life. "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." It may not be popular, but the message of the gospel is effective, leading people to salvation.
Let's determine to be found faithful when Christ comes back, to be found busy doing the Father's business. And may we hear Christ say, "Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master." Matt. 25:23 I hope you will plan on joining us this Sunday as we continue this study of the marks of greatness as characterized by John the Baptist.
1. Humility: John said, "He must increase, but I must decrease." You might become famous without humility, but without it, you will never become truly great.
2. Conviction: Jesus said, "What did you go out to see, a reed shaken with the wind?" John was firm in his convictions, regardless of the culture. He didn't pander to the world.
3. Self Denial: Jesus said, "Those who wear soft clothing are in kings palaces." John renounced the comforts of this world for the sake of Christ.
4. Accepted his calling: John said, "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, make ready the way of the Lord." There is no higher calling than to proclaim Jesus Christ.
5. Delivered his message: John accomplished his mission, even though it cost him his life. "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." It may not be popular, but the message of the gospel is effective, leading people to salvation.
Let's determine to be found faithful when Christ comes back, to be found busy doing the Father's business. And may we hear Christ say, "Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master." Matt. 25:23 I hope you will plan on joining us this Sunday as we continue this study of the marks of greatness as characterized by John the Baptist.
Friday, March 5, 2010
A lot like Lot
Lot had a choice. Up to now, he had just been following his Uncle Abraham around, reaping the benefits of God’s blessing on Abraham’s life by staying in his shadow. But the day had come when their herds had grown too large to continue traveling together. Abraham graciously offered Lot his choice of which direction he chose. Little did Lot realize then that the consequences of his decision would impact his future in the catastrophic way that it did.
Genesis says that Lot looked towards the well watered plains of Jordan and chose that as the land in which he would settle. Eventually, he moved his tents closer to Sodom and then finally moved into the city itself. He chose the luxuries of the world, pursuing the finer things in life, even though the debauchery of the people living there tormented his righteous soul.
The account in Genesis and 2 Peter reveal that the decision Lot made cost him his career, his home, his wife, his sons and even corrupted his daughters who escaped with him but committed incest in order to raise up children. His grandchildren became known as the cursed Moabites and Edomites, cut off from God’s chosen people. 2 Peter tells us three times that Lot was righteous, presumably because it would be difficult for us to believe it based on his life - but while he may have been saved, he escaped only with the shirt on his back, losing everything he had lived for.
Perhaps you too are at a cross roads today. You may have lived under the protection of your parents and are now ready to set off on your own. Or perhaps you are considering a move, or a different career path, or some other important decision. You might do well to remember the story of Lot. Greener pastures aren’t always in God’s plan.
Isa 55:8 "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," declares the LORD. Don’t trust in your own wisdom or what may seem logical or rational. Pro 3:5,6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.
Genesis says that Lot looked towards the well watered plains of Jordan and chose that as the land in which he would settle. Eventually, he moved his tents closer to Sodom and then finally moved into the city itself. He chose the luxuries of the world, pursuing the finer things in life, even though the debauchery of the people living there tormented his righteous soul.
The account in Genesis and 2 Peter reveal that the decision Lot made cost him his career, his home, his wife, his sons and even corrupted his daughters who escaped with him but committed incest in order to raise up children. His grandchildren became known as the cursed Moabites and Edomites, cut off from God’s chosen people. 2 Peter tells us three times that Lot was righteous, presumably because it would be difficult for us to believe it based on his life - but while he may have been saved, he escaped only with the shirt on his back, losing everything he had lived for.
Perhaps you too are at a cross roads today. You may have lived under the protection of your parents and are now ready to set off on your own. Or perhaps you are considering a move, or a different career path, or some other important decision. You might do well to remember the story of Lot. Greener pastures aren’t always in God’s plan.
Isa 55:8 "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," declares the LORD. Don’t trust in your own wisdom or what may seem logical or rational. Pro 3:5,6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.
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