Ah yes, it's the most wonderful time of the year. Not because of kids jingle-belling,
much mistletoe-ing, or scary ghost stories, but because we remember the time when Heaven invaded Earth. Heaven invading Earth...I've heard that before. However it never struck me as it did this past Wednesday at our group meeting.
Since it's the Christmas season I asked the members of our group to come to our meeting with a memory, song, or Bible verse that helps them focus on why we celebrate. Mine comes from "Charlie Brown Christmas", it's Linus' speech. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZw06AbW6Vw)
His speech is based on Luke 2:8-20.It reads, " And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"
When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them."
While I was reading this verse, I was reminded of Revelation 4:6-11. It reads,
"And around the throne, on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind: the first living creature like a lion, the second living creature like an ox, the third living creature with the face of a man, and the fourth living creature like an eagle in flight. And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say,
"Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty,
who was and is and is to come!"
And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
"Worthy are you, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they existed and were created."
This is where I thought about the term "Heaven invades Earth". The glory of heaven is seen in the earthly realm! THE GLORY OF HEAVEN IS SEEN IN THE EARTHLY REALM!! That just blew me away! Can you imagine what it must have been like for the shepherds to witness such glory? ANGELS! HEAVENLY HOSTS!
Even more they were announcing the birth of the Savior, Christ the Lord! Emanuel! God with us! Wonderful Counselor! Mighty God! Everlasting Father! Prince of Peace! The Word had become flesh and was going to dwell with mankind! HEAVEN INVADES EARTH!
The Creator of the world enters the world not like a conquering king but as a humble servant. Phillipians 2:5-11 says, " Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
The invasion was a mission of mercy. God sacrificing His Son. (Isaiah 53:5 says he was crushed for our iniquities.) But it doesn't end there. Romans 10:10 says, "For the death He died he died to sin, once for all, but the life He lives he lives to God." It sounds horrible. How can a loving God choose to redeem us that way? Hebrews 12:2 says, "...looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the JOY (emphasis mine) that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
The Savior of the earth is born in a manger not a palace. Who are one of the first to see Him? Shepherds... not kings... not royalty... not rulers of nations... humble shepherds. 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 says, " Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God." I am humbled.
Merry Christmas. God bless y'all real good.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
Out Of Their Sight and Control
In the introduction to The Message Bible we read, "The Message was paraphrased over a period of ten years, straight from the Bible's original languages (Greek and Hebrew). The idea of The Message isn't to water down the Bible, making it easier to digest. The idea is to make it readable - to put those ancient words that their users spoke and wrote every day into words that you speak and write everyday."
I guess I felt the need to write that because I enjoy quoting The Message Bible. It is truly readable. I like to use it occasionally at our Wednesday Night Group meetings. It is there that we have been looking at John chapters 13-17 and having completed that moved on to Isaiah.
In John 16:8-11, the Message Bible reads, "When he comes, he'll expose the error of the godless world's view of sin, righteousness, and judgment: He'll show them that their refusal to believe in me is their basic sin; that righteousness comes from above, where I am with the Father, out of their sight and control; that judgment takes place as the ruler of this godless world is brought to trial and convicted."
In Isaiah 1:26, the Message Bible reads, "God's right ways will put Zion right again. God's right actions will restore her penitents."
The phrases "out of their sight and control" and "God's right actions will restore her penitents" jumped out at me like a cat pouncing on an unsuspecting mouse. They are added in the Message Bible translation to aid in understanding the verses. However, they speak to me in my understanding of God and His work.
In Genesis 3:22-24 (ESV) we read, "Then the LORD God said, "Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat, and live forever—" therefore the LORD God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken. He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life."
Because of sin man would have to die. God didn't want man to live forever in his fallen state. He had a plan, a plan to redeem man. It was totally His idea. The work of redemption happened outside of man.
Isaiah 53: 10-12 says, "Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him;
he has put him to grief;
when his soul makes an offering for guilt,
he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days;
the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied;by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant,
make many to be accounted righteous,
and he shall bear their iniquities.
Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many,
and he shall divide the spoil with the strong,
because he poured out his soul to death
and was numbered with the transgressors;
yet he bore the sin of many,
and makes intercession for the transgressors."
God's plan was to send His Son to be the suffering servant, to "bear their iniquities". Again God even provides the sacrifice, just as He provided a lamb for Abraham before he was about to offer up his son Isaac. (Genesis 22)
We are justified by faith (Romans 4). Romans 3:27 asks, "Then what becomes of our boasting?" There is no boasting! There can't be! We had nothing to do with it!
Romans 5:6-11 says "For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation., "
Can you see why those words, "out of their sight and control" and "God's right actions will restore her penitents" jumped out at me? Salvation, redemption was God's idea. It was His plan. It was done out of our sight and control. It was God's right actions that restored us. That just blows me away. God bless y'all real good.
I guess I felt the need to write that because I enjoy quoting The Message Bible. It is truly readable. I like to use it occasionally at our Wednesday Night Group meetings. It is there that we have been looking at John chapters 13-17 and having completed that moved on to Isaiah.
In John 16:8-11, the Message Bible reads, "When he comes, he'll expose the error of the godless world's view of sin, righteousness, and judgment: He'll show them that their refusal to believe in me is their basic sin; that righteousness comes from above, where I am with the Father, out of their sight and control; that judgment takes place as the ruler of this godless world is brought to trial and convicted."
In Isaiah 1:26, the Message Bible reads, "God's right ways will put Zion right again. God's right actions will restore her penitents."
The phrases "out of their sight and control" and "God's right actions will restore her penitents" jumped out at me like a cat pouncing on an unsuspecting mouse. They are added in the Message Bible translation to aid in understanding the verses. However, they speak to me in my understanding of God and His work.
In Genesis 3:22-24 (ESV) we read, "Then the LORD God said, "Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat, and live forever—" therefore the LORD God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken. He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life."
Because of sin man would have to die. God didn't want man to live forever in his fallen state. He had a plan, a plan to redeem man. It was totally His idea. The work of redemption happened outside of man.
Isaiah 53: 10-12 says, "Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him;
he has put him to grief;
when his soul makes an offering for guilt,
he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days;
the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied;by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant,
make many to be accounted righteous,
and he shall bear their iniquities.
Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many,
and he shall divide the spoil with the strong,
because he poured out his soul to death
and was numbered with the transgressors;
yet he bore the sin of many,
and makes intercession for the transgressors."
God's plan was to send His Son to be the suffering servant, to "bear their iniquities". Again God even provides the sacrifice, just as He provided a lamb for Abraham before he was about to offer up his son Isaac. (Genesis 22)
We are justified by faith (Romans 4). Romans 3:27 asks, "Then what becomes of our boasting?" There is no boasting! There can't be! We had nothing to do with it!
Romans 5:6-11 says "For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation., "
Can you see why those words, "out of their sight and control" and "God's right actions will restore her penitents" jumped out at me? Salvation, redemption was God's idea. It was His plan. It was done out of our sight and control. It was God's right actions that restored us. That just blows me away. God bless y'all real good.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Can You Make The Connection?
I'm at a loss for words. I have a severe case of writer's block. Maybe you can help me.
I'm going to list some things that I've been reading and contemplating. I know it all fits together but I can't put it into words. That's where you come in.
2 Corinthians 11:21-30 says, " But whatever anyone else dares to boast of—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast of that. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they offspring of Abraham? So am I. Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant? If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying."
From the "faith" chapter, Hebrews 11:32-38, "And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— of whom the world was not worthy— wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth."
In the article, "A Jesus Manifesto For The 21st Century Church", Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola write:
"Jesus Christ cannot be separated from His teachings. Aristotle says to his disciples, "Follow my teachings." Socrates says to his disciples, Follow my teachings." Buddha says to his disciples, "Follow my meditations." Confucius says to his disciples, Follow my sayings." Muhammad says to his disciples, "Follow my noble pillars." Jesus says to His disciples"Follow me." In all other religions, a follower can follow the teachings of it's founder without having a relationship with that founder. Not so with Jesus Christ. The teachings of Jesus cannot be separated from Jesus himself. Jesus Christ is still alive and he embodies his teachings. It is a profound mistake, therefore, to treat Christ as simply the founder of a set of moral, ethical, or social teaching. The Lord Jesus and His teaching are one. The Medium and the Message are One. Christ is the incarnation of the Kingdom of God and the Sermon on the Mount."
Roger Thoman writes in his review of Steve Addison's book, "Movements That Change the World":
"The Baptists and the Methodists developed strategies that made it easy for gifted and committed laypeople to take up leadership and go where the people and the opportunities were. Deployment was rapid because very little upfront investment of resources and education was required. Methodist preachers, many of whom were teenagers, were trained on the job as “apprentices” by more experienced workers. They were expected to be continually studying as they traveled. They practiced lifelong learning and graduated the day they died."
In the book, "The Forgotten Ways", Alan Hirsch writes:
"The explicit aim of the Cultural Revolution was to obliterate Christianity (and all religion) from China. At the end of the reign of Mao and his system in the late seventies, and the subsequent lifting of the so-called Bamboo Curtain in the early eighties, foreign missionaries and church officials were allowed back in the country, albeit under strict supervision. They expected to find the church decimated and the disciples a weak and battered people. On the contrary, they discovered that Christianity had flourished beyond all imagination. The estimates then were about 60 million Christians in China, and counting! And it has grown significantly since then. David Aikman, former Beijing bureau chief for Time magazine, suggests in his book "Jesus in Beijing" that Christians may number as many as 80 million. If anything, in the Chinese phenomenon we are witnessing the most significant transformational Christian movement in the history of the church. And remember, not unlike the early church, these people had very few Bibles (At times they shared only one page to a house church and then swapped that page with another house group). They had no professional clergy, no official leadership structures, no central organization, no mass meetings, and yet they grew like mad. How is this possible? How did they do it?"
Let me close with Scripture. 2 Corinthians 4:7 says, "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not us."
Can you connect all this information? If so, let me know what you come up with. If not, I hope that the Lord uses a portion to bless you, encourage you, and help you to grow. God bless y'all real good.
I'm going to list some things that I've been reading and contemplating. I know it all fits together but I can't put it into words. That's where you come in.
2 Corinthians 11:21-30 says, " But whatever anyone else dares to boast of—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast of that. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they offspring of Abraham? So am I. Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant? If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying."
From the "faith" chapter, Hebrews 11:32-38, "And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— of whom the world was not worthy— wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth."
In the article, "A Jesus Manifesto For The 21st Century Church", Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola write:
"Jesus Christ cannot be separated from His teachings. Aristotle says to his disciples, "Follow my teachings." Socrates says to his disciples, Follow my teachings." Buddha says to his disciples, "Follow my meditations." Confucius says to his disciples, Follow my sayings." Muhammad says to his disciples, "Follow my noble pillars." Jesus says to His disciples"Follow me." In all other religions, a follower can follow the teachings of it's founder without having a relationship with that founder. Not so with Jesus Christ. The teachings of Jesus cannot be separated from Jesus himself. Jesus Christ is still alive and he embodies his teachings. It is a profound mistake, therefore, to treat Christ as simply the founder of a set of moral, ethical, or social teaching. The Lord Jesus and His teaching are one. The Medium and the Message are One. Christ is the incarnation of the Kingdom of God and the Sermon on the Mount."
Roger Thoman writes in his review of Steve Addison's book, "Movements That Change the World":
"The Baptists and the Methodists developed strategies that made it easy for gifted and committed laypeople to take up leadership and go where the people and the opportunities were. Deployment was rapid because very little upfront investment of resources and education was required. Methodist preachers, many of whom were teenagers, were trained on the job as “apprentices” by more experienced workers. They were expected to be continually studying as they traveled. They practiced lifelong learning and graduated the day they died."
In the book, "The Forgotten Ways", Alan Hirsch writes:
"The explicit aim of the Cultural Revolution was to obliterate Christianity (and all religion) from China. At the end of the reign of Mao and his system in the late seventies, and the subsequent lifting of the so-called Bamboo Curtain in the early eighties, foreign missionaries and church officials were allowed back in the country, albeit under strict supervision. They expected to find the church decimated and the disciples a weak and battered people. On the contrary, they discovered that Christianity had flourished beyond all imagination. The estimates then were about 60 million Christians in China, and counting! And it has grown significantly since then. David Aikman, former Beijing bureau chief for Time magazine, suggests in his book "Jesus in Beijing" that Christians may number as many as 80 million. If anything, in the Chinese phenomenon we are witnessing the most significant transformational Christian movement in the history of the church. And remember, not unlike the early church, these people had very few Bibles (At times they shared only one page to a house church and then swapped that page with another house group). They had no professional clergy, no official leadership structures, no central organization, no mass meetings, and yet they grew like mad. How is this possible? How did they do it?"
Let me close with Scripture. 2 Corinthians 4:7 says, "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not us."
Can you connect all this information? If so, let me know what you come up with. If not, I hope that the Lord uses a portion to bless you, encourage you, and help you to grow. God bless y'all real good.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Church and State
I love Jesus. My desire is to serve Him while I am here. I want to serve others in His name and encourage my brothers and sisters as they live out their Christian faith. I want to be a disciple.
I love my country. Many men and women have shed their blood for the freedoms that I enjoy. I have been blessed beyond all understanding to be a citizen here.
Hearing the decisions that are coming from our government in Washington D.C. today is alarming. Seeing the direction that the United States is moving is unbelievable. It's like watching a slow motion train wreck. If Jesus was incarnate in 21st century America, would He be concerned?
What does the Bible say about government or politics? What is our role? What did Jesus say about government?
Romans 13:1-7 - 1Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. 6For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.
Titus 3:1 - 1Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work
1 Peter 2:13, 14 - 13 Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.
I don't think that Jesus was concerned with politics. I only know of a few instances where Jesus spoke of anything that resembled a political statement. The first one is Matthew 22:17-22, "17Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?" 18But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, "Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? 19Show me the coin for the tax." And they brought him a denarius. 20And Jesus said to them, "Whose likeness and inscription is this?" 21They said, "Caesar’s." Then he said to them, "Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s." 22When they heard it, they marveled. And they left him and went away."
The other is Luke 13:31,32, "31At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, "Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you." 32And he said to them, "Go and tell that fox, 'Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course."
The last being John 18:33-38, "33 So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" 34Jesus answered, "Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?" 35Pilate answered, "Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?" 36Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world." 37Then Pilate said to him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world— to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice." 38Pilate said to him, "What is truth?"
Based on the previous verses I had to come to a conclusion. I am concerned about the direction of the United States. God has put in place our current form of government I will involve myself in the voting process. As of now, I have a right to speak and petition our government. I will do so when necessary. However, I will not do so at the expense of my ministry or the great commission! 2 Timothy 2:3,4, says, "3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him."
Barak Obama, Nancy Pelossi, Newt Gingrich, and Ron Paul are powerless in God's Kingdom, just as Pilate was powerless.
My aim is to please the one who enlisted me. God bless y'all real good.
I love my country. Many men and women have shed their blood for the freedoms that I enjoy. I have been blessed beyond all understanding to be a citizen here.
Hearing the decisions that are coming from our government in Washington D.C. today is alarming. Seeing the direction that the United States is moving is unbelievable. It's like watching a slow motion train wreck. If Jesus was incarnate in 21st century America, would He be concerned?
What does the Bible say about government or politics? What is our role? What did Jesus say about government?
Romans 13:1-7 - 1Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. 6For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.
Titus 3:1 - 1Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work
1 Peter 2:13, 14 - 13 Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.
I don't think that Jesus was concerned with politics. I only know of a few instances where Jesus spoke of anything that resembled a political statement. The first one is Matthew 22:17-22, "17Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?" 18But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, "Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? 19Show me the coin for the tax." And they brought him a denarius. 20And Jesus said to them, "Whose likeness and inscription is this?" 21They said, "Caesar’s." Then he said to them, "Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s." 22When they heard it, they marveled. And they left him and went away."
The other is Luke 13:31,32, "31At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, "Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you." 32And he said to them, "Go and tell that fox, 'Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course."
The last being John 18:33-38, "33 So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" 34Jesus answered, "Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?" 35Pilate answered, "Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?" 36Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world." 37Then Pilate said to him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world— to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice." 38Pilate said to him, "What is truth?"
Based on the previous verses I had to come to a conclusion. I am concerned about the direction of the United States. God has put in place our current form of government I will involve myself in the voting process. As of now, I have a right to speak and petition our government. I will do so when necessary. However, I will not do so at the expense of my ministry or the great commission! 2 Timothy 2:3,4, says, "3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him."
Barak Obama, Nancy Pelossi, Newt Gingrich, and Ron Paul are powerless in God's Kingdom, just as Pilate was powerless.
My aim is to please the one who enlisted me. God bless y'all real good.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Let Christ Be Seen
Christ within me
Christ before me
Christ behind me
Christ above me
Christ beneath me
To my left and my right
Christ where I lie
And where I arise
Christ in the hearts of all who think of me
Christ on the lips of all who speak of me
Christ in the eyes of all who see me
Make me Your instrument Lord
- from "Make Me An Instrument" written by Rick Elias
The above could have been taken from the Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi or St. Patrick's Breastplate as noted in the liner notes from the CD, Prayers Of A Ragamuffin.
I find those words to be powerful. Not only that we be so consumed by Jesus but all who see us, speak to us, or think of us would experience Jesus too. That blows me away!
I would always want it to be that way. However not everyone wants to see Christ in us. 2 Corinthians verses 14-16 says, "But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance of death to death, to the other a fragrance of life to life."
The "aroma of Christ to God" is a stench to those who are perishing. That can lead to our suffering that Paul talks about in 2 Corinthians. In chapter 4 verses 7-10 says, "But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies."
As I mentioned in my last blog, suffering is not a bad thing. Joseph told his brothers in Genesis 50:20, "But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive."
Paul goes on to say in verses 16-18, "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Whether Christ being seen in us is an encouragement to those being saved or a conviction to those who are lost, He needs to be seen either way. Christ within me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ above me, Christ beneath me, to my left and my right but most of all Christ in my life to the glory of God. God bless y'all real good.
Christ before me
Christ behind me
Christ above me
Christ beneath me
To my left and my right
Christ where I lie
And where I arise
Christ in the hearts of all who think of me
Christ on the lips of all who speak of me
Christ in the eyes of all who see me
Make me Your instrument Lord
- from "Make Me An Instrument" written by Rick Elias
The above could have been taken from the Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi or St. Patrick's Breastplate as noted in the liner notes from the CD, Prayers Of A Ragamuffin.
I find those words to be powerful. Not only that we be so consumed by Jesus but all who see us, speak to us, or think of us would experience Jesus too. That blows me away!
I would always want it to be that way. However not everyone wants to see Christ in us. 2 Corinthians verses 14-16 says, "But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance of death to death, to the other a fragrance of life to life."
The "aroma of Christ to God" is a stench to those who are perishing. That can lead to our suffering that Paul talks about in 2 Corinthians. In chapter 4 verses 7-10 says, "But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies."
As I mentioned in my last blog, suffering is not a bad thing. Joseph told his brothers in Genesis 50:20, "But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive."
Paul goes on to say in verses 16-18, "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Whether Christ being seen in us is an encouragement to those being saved or a conviction to those who are lost, He needs to be seen either way. Christ within me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ above me, Christ beneath me, to my left and my right but most of all Christ in my life to the glory of God. God bless y'all real good.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
We Despaired Of Life Itself
There's always something going on. I know I'm no different than anyone else. I could fill every night of the week with "stuff". Even with all that's going on, the Lord can still reach me with Scripture. Last week our Wednesday Night Group started looking at 2 Corinthians. As I read the first chapter out loud, I heard many grunts, gasps, and sighs as I read verse eight.
2 Corinthians 1:8 says, "For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of the affliction we experienced in Asia; for we were so utterly, unbearably crushed that we despaired of life itself."
Paul despaired of life itself? This pillar of faith? How could he be so honest? He's in leadership! Isn't that a sign of weakness? Doesn't he realize he could lose his position? Wasn't that the issue? How could an apostle be suffering so much affliction if he's called by God to be an apostle? My question is, how could he not?
Jesus had a few things to say about this. Matthew 5:10, 11 says, "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you." Later in chapter 10 verse 24 He says, "A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master;" and verse 28, "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul;". Mark 8:34 says, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."
Peter knew suffering too. 1 Peter 4:12-14 says, "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal which comes upon you to prove you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice in so far as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, you are blessed because the spirit of glory and of God rests upon you."
What can result from suffering? 2 Corinthians 1:9,10 says, "Why, we felt we had received the sentence of death; but that was to make us RELY NOT ON OURSELVES BUT ON GOD WHO RAISES THE DEAD (emphasis mine); he delivered us from so deadly a peril, and he will deliver us; on him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again." That's not a bad result is it? Also in verse four of 2 Corinthians Paul says, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comforts, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to COMFORT THOSE WHO ARE IN ANY AFFLICTION (emphasis mine), with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."
I think Richard Wurmbrand who suffered fourteen years for his faith in a Romanian prison could offer more comfort and encouragement than I could to a persecuted believer. Someone who has experienced cancer and it's treatments is much better able to comfort another cancer patient than one who has not experienced it. The same goes for divorce or the death of a spouse. You get the picture.
[Just as a side note, we pray for the Church in China, that the persecution would end there. I heard that they are praying that we in the United States would be persecuted for our faith! (I cannot confirm or deny that statement.) The point is this, look how much the Church in China is growing. Now look at the Church in the U.S. Many believe that the United States is now a post Christian nation. Look at the persecution of the early Church. What were the results? I once heard a preacher say, "The Church prospers where there is persecution."]
If you are suffering, know that you are in good company. For many have walked this road before you, Stephen (the first martyr), Richard Wurmbrand, and many, many others that I cannot name (the Lord knows their names). Let the Lord be your comfort and strength. Anticipate how you can be used by the Lord as a result of your trial. God bless y'all real good.
2 Corinthians 1:8 says, "For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of the affliction we experienced in Asia; for we were so utterly, unbearably crushed that we despaired of life itself."
Paul despaired of life itself? This pillar of faith? How could he be so honest? He's in leadership! Isn't that a sign of weakness? Doesn't he realize he could lose his position? Wasn't that the issue? How could an apostle be suffering so much affliction if he's called by God to be an apostle? My question is, how could he not?
Jesus had a few things to say about this. Matthew 5:10, 11 says, "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you." Later in chapter 10 verse 24 He says, "A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master;" and verse 28, "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul;". Mark 8:34 says, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."
Peter knew suffering too. 1 Peter 4:12-14 says, "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal which comes upon you to prove you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice in so far as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, you are blessed because the spirit of glory and of God rests upon you."
What can result from suffering? 2 Corinthians 1:9,10 says, "Why, we felt we had received the sentence of death; but that was to make us RELY NOT ON OURSELVES BUT ON GOD WHO RAISES THE DEAD (emphasis mine); he delivered us from so deadly a peril, and he will deliver us; on him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again." That's not a bad result is it? Also in verse four of 2 Corinthians Paul says, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comforts, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to COMFORT THOSE WHO ARE IN ANY AFFLICTION (emphasis mine), with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."
I think Richard Wurmbrand who suffered fourteen years for his faith in a Romanian prison could offer more comfort and encouragement than I could to a persecuted believer. Someone who has experienced cancer and it's treatments is much better able to comfort another cancer patient than one who has not experienced it. The same goes for divorce or the death of a spouse. You get the picture.
[Just as a side note, we pray for the Church in China, that the persecution would end there. I heard that they are praying that we in the United States would be persecuted for our faith! (I cannot confirm or deny that statement.) The point is this, look how much the Church in China is growing. Now look at the Church in the U.S. Many believe that the United States is now a post Christian nation. Look at the persecution of the early Church. What were the results? I once heard a preacher say, "The Church prospers where there is persecution."]
If you are suffering, know that you are in good company. For many have walked this road before you, Stephen (the first martyr), Richard Wurmbrand, and many, many others that I cannot name (the Lord knows their names). Let the Lord be your comfort and strength. Anticipate how you can be used by the Lord as a result of your trial. God bless y'all real good.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
The Power of God's Word
God's word is alive. Hebrews 4:12 says, "For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires." This truth was made real to me the other night when I was out with a group of friends.
We visited a home, garden, and craft show at the local fairgrounds. One of our friends had a display there. He told us that the amount of visitors was down from previous shows. Current economic conditions being what they are, the amount of people looking for his services has dropped off.
Later that evening we met some more friends at a restaurant. I discovered that someone else is going through a rough time with a client that supplies his company with a lot of business. This has created a severe problem.
We had a good size group at the restaurant. I was at one end of the table and these two men sat across from each other at the other end. There was a lot of conversation going on. All of a sudden my ears were tuned into their conversation. They were talking about their businesses and what they were facing. The next thing I hear is Scripture! These two men were encouraging each other with the Word of God! I WAS BLESSED! Their conversation stuck with me the whole evening! It still inspires me!
That's the power of the Word! Deuteronomy 8:3 says, "Yes, he humbled you by letting you go hungry and then feeding you with manna, a food previously unknown to you and your ancestors. He did it to teach you that people do not live by bread alone; rather, we live by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord."
My two friends know this. They know the power of God's Word. They also know the power of prayer. Please pray for them, lift up their families and their businesses. Please pray that their faith would be strengthened, that their patience is long, and that their friends are many.
I remember the words of the men Jesus talked to on the road to Emmaus when they realized who He was (Luke 24:13-34). "Didn't our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?"
May your heart burn within you. God bless y'all real good.
We visited a home, garden, and craft show at the local fairgrounds. One of our friends had a display there. He told us that the amount of visitors was down from previous shows. Current economic conditions being what they are, the amount of people looking for his services has dropped off.
Later that evening we met some more friends at a restaurant. I discovered that someone else is going through a rough time with a client that supplies his company with a lot of business. This has created a severe problem.
We had a good size group at the restaurant. I was at one end of the table and these two men sat across from each other at the other end. There was a lot of conversation going on. All of a sudden my ears were tuned into their conversation. They were talking about their businesses and what they were facing. The next thing I hear is Scripture! These two men were encouraging each other with the Word of God! I WAS BLESSED! Their conversation stuck with me the whole evening! It still inspires me!
That's the power of the Word! Deuteronomy 8:3 says, "Yes, he humbled you by letting you go hungry and then feeding you with manna, a food previously unknown to you and your ancestors. He did it to teach you that people do not live by bread alone; rather, we live by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord."
My two friends know this. They know the power of God's Word. They also know the power of prayer. Please pray for them, lift up their families and their businesses. Please pray that their faith would be strengthened, that their patience is long, and that their friends are many.
I remember the words of the men Jesus talked to on the road to Emmaus when they realized who He was (Luke 24:13-34). "Didn't our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?"
May your heart burn within you. God bless y'all real good.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Correction
There will always be setbacks on this journey. The important thing is how they are handled. One month things are looking great then a month later I find myself ready to throw in the towel and just revert to keeping my thoughts to myself. In the end, I'm just not going to give up that easy. The apostles dealt with much worse than I am facing. I guess this is just another growth oppotunity.
2 Timothy 4:5 says, "But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill you ministry." This is exactly what I'm going to do, fulfill my ministry. I can't do it by myself. I need the help of the Body.
I need correction like everyone else. Sometimes I might fight it. I might exasperate or even infuriate my teacher. That does not change the fact that I need correction. The Holy Spirit will convict. The Scriptures will correct. But if my brother remains silent, how can I grow?
Proverbs 23:13, 14 says, "Apply your heart to instruction, And your ears to words of knowledge. Do not withhold correction from a child, For if you beat him with a rod, he will not die. You shall beat him with a rod, And deliver his soul from hell."
Hebrews 12:5-8 says, "And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as sons: 'My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every one whom He receives.' If you endure chastening, God deals with you as sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons."
I ask you my brothers, do not keep silent when you see that I am in error. I may not like it, it's humiliating. Guess what, it's not about me! God's honor and Truth are more important than my feelings. I want Him to be glorified. God bless (and correct) y'all real good.
2 Timothy 4:5 says, "But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill you ministry." This is exactly what I'm going to do, fulfill my ministry. I can't do it by myself. I need the help of the Body.
I need correction like everyone else. Sometimes I might fight it. I might exasperate or even infuriate my teacher. That does not change the fact that I need correction. The Holy Spirit will convict. The Scriptures will correct. But if my brother remains silent, how can I grow?
Proverbs 23:13, 14 says, "Apply your heart to instruction, And your ears to words of knowledge. Do not withhold correction from a child, For if you beat him with a rod, he will not die. You shall beat him with a rod, And deliver his soul from hell."
Hebrews 12:5-8 says, "And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as sons: 'My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every one whom He receives.' If you endure chastening, God deals with you as sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons."
I ask you my brothers, do not keep silent when you see that I am in error. I may not like it, it's humiliating. Guess what, it's not about me! God's honor and Truth are more important than my feelings. I want Him to be glorified. God bless (and correct) y'all real good.
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