A frequent reader asked that I consider Psalm 116, it's her favorite Scripture. That will not happen today. I will get to that Sarah S., thank-you for the suggestion.
My wife and I have been church shopping. I'm sure many of you out there know what that's like. We settled on a church and started attending on a regular basis. The pastor was a good speaker. The music was good. The people were friendly. We already had some friends that were attending there. We were looking at their ministries and considering where we could fit in. We were content, until God intervened.
We had received some mailings from a church that was just starting up. My wife talked about visiting there but I wanted to go online and check it out. I did and for whatever reason wasn't overly impressed so we stayed where we were.
Because of an advertising gimmick that I won't get into (because of length) a friend of mine posted a picture and some comments on Facebook about that same church. He was concerned about the message that was being conveyed. Frankly, I thought he had reason to be concerned.
It turns out that my sister, because of a friend's recommendation, had attended that church the previous Sunday. She was blown away by what she experienced. She thought my wife and I should check it out and we did.
Have you ever gone to a church and known right away that it was the place where you belonged? Until this year, it only happened to me once. Now, it's twice. After attending the first Sunday, we have not returned to the other church.
What was the attraction? They meet in a movie theatre. I can't say that I'm crazy about that, it's dark. The worship music is current. I'm not too familiar with today's worship music. I like hymns and worship music of the 80's and 90's. The pastor is young and so is the average age of the congregation. The average age increased quite a bit when I showed up. So, what's the attraction?
The church has a vision. They are not just interested in growing a congregation with transfers from other churches (which is not growth but redistribution). Their goal is to reach the lost with the gospel. They have a heart not only for the neighborhood but for the whole metropolitan area. They are willing to partner with other congregations to achieve that goal. There's action behind their words!
The pastor is not content with believers showing up, filling seats, and watching others do the work. He wants to know what your gifts are and get you plugged into ministry. He expects everyone to be involved, as I like to say, get their hands dirty. He challenges and encourages his congregation to be ministers of the gospel. He will do whatever it takes to make sure that everyone's full potential is reached. The Sunday teaching comes straight from the Scriptures. There's no guessing where the message comes from. He's not interested in the latest fads. He's energized and it transfers to the congregation.
There is a ministry team that intentionally moved into this area to help plant the church! They are not casting a net out the front door hoping that some fish will jump in or playing cool music hoping that someone driving by might hear it and stop in. They are going out and seeking the lost!
Most important is that Jesus is lifted up. It's all about Him. It's all for His glory and His honor. Jesus is the foundation of all that takes place in that fellowship.
What's the attraction? I think you can see it. God bless y'all real good.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Sunday, May 9, 2010
The Call To Suffer
"For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name." Acts 9:16. These were the Lord's words to Annanias about Saul. (Also called Paul, Acts 13:9) How would you like that to be your call to ministry?
Peter, who denied Jesus three times (John 18) also received some words from Jesus. He was told, "I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.” Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.” (John 21:18, 19) The death He was referring to was crucifixion.
Paul tells of his sufferings in 2 Corinthians 11:24-30, "Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm. Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak without my feeling that weakness? Who is led astray, and I do not burn with anger? If I must boast, I would rather boast about the things that show how weak I am."
1 Peter 4:12,13 says, "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed."
Peter was crucified around AD 64 when Nero was the emperor of Rome. Paul would eventually be beheaded in Rome.
The mother of disciples James and John asks that her sons sit at Jesus' right and left hands. Jesus' reply is, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?”
They said to Him, “We are able.” So He said to them, “You will indeed drink My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father.” (Matthew 20:21-23)
They did drink the cup as Jesus said. James was beheaded in 44 A.D. John was imprisoned on the island of Patmos and later died in Ephesus.
Mark 8:34-37 says, "When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?"
Through all these trials there was great joy too! "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." (James 1:2-4)
In Acts 5, the apostles are arrested and brought before the council. They are told not to teach in the name of Jesus and beaten. What is their response? Verse 41 says, "Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name."
Paul writes in Phillipians 4:1, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say Rejoice." With all the suffering you would think there wouldn't be much joy or rejoicing. The Christian faith is a paradox, the last shall be first, the least will be the greatest, those that lose their lives will save it, and rejoice in your suffering.
"If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours." (John 15:18-20)
In Hebrews 11 in speaking of Abel, Enoch, Noah, and Abraham, the author writes, "These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city."
As Christians we cannot expect to be treated fairly in this world. We don't belong here. We are strangers and aliens. As servants, we are not greater than our Master. We desire a better country, a heavenly one.
I once heard a preacher say that the Church prospers where there's persecution. God knows what He's doing. How else can the gospel spread from an upper room in Jerusalem to the four corners of the world. The call has been made. Would you be willing to suffer for the sake of the gospel? To die? AM I??!!
God bless y'all real good.
Peter, who denied Jesus three times (John 18) also received some words from Jesus. He was told, "I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.” Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.” (John 21:18, 19) The death He was referring to was crucifixion.
Paul tells of his sufferings in 2 Corinthians 11:24-30, "Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm. Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak without my feeling that weakness? Who is led astray, and I do not burn with anger? If I must boast, I would rather boast about the things that show how weak I am."
1 Peter 4:12,13 says, "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed."
Peter was crucified around AD 64 when Nero was the emperor of Rome. Paul would eventually be beheaded in Rome.
The mother of disciples James and John asks that her sons sit at Jesus' right and left hands. Jesus' reply is, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?”
They said to Him, “We are able.” So He said to them, “You will indeed drink My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father.” (Matthew 20:21-23)
They did drink the cup as Jesus said. James was beheaded in 44 A.D. John was imprisoned on the island of Patmos and later died in Ephesus.
Mark 8:34-37 says, "When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?"
Through all these trials there was great joy too! "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." (James 1:2-4)
In Acts 5, the apostles are arrested and brought before the council. They are told not to teach in the name of Jesus and beaten. What is their response? Verse 41 says, "Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name."
Paul writes in Phillipians 4:1, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say Rejoice." With all the suffering you would think there wouldn't be much joy or rejoicing. The Christian faith is a paradox, the last shall be first, the least will be the greatest, those that lose their lives will save it, and rejoice in your suffering.
"If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours." (John 15:18-20)
In Hebrews 11 in speaking of Abel, Enoch, Noah, and Abraham, the author writes, "These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city."
As Christians we cannot expect to be treated fairly in this world. We don't belong here. We are strangers and aliens. As servants, we are not greater than our Master. We desire a better country, a heavenly one.
I once heard a preacher say that the Church prospers where there's persecution. God knows what He's doing. How else can the gospel spread from an upper room in Jerusalem to the four corners of the world. The call has been made. Would you be willing to suffer for the sake of the gospel? To die? AM I??!!
God bless y'all real good.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Luke 24 - A Couple of Good Questions
Resurrection Sunday has come and gone. No doubt that in the next few weeks every fellowship will hear, read, or sing about about the events of Luke chapter 24. This chapter of the Bible contains some questions that stir my heart when I consider them.
The first comes in verse five. "Why do you seek the living among the dead?" This question is posed by an angel to the women who go to Jesus' tomb. The angel goes on to say, "He is not here , but has risen." In other words, why come to a place of death to find life or the living?
Isn't that what we did before we were saved, looking for "life" in all the wrong places? Thinking that wealth, education, a good job, or sex could fulfill our days on earth. Ephesians 2:1-9 says, " And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience
among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Jesus said in John 10:10, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy: I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." True life, true living comes through Jesus.
The next question comes in verse thirty-two. "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?"
"That same day two of Jesus’ followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem. As they walked along they were talking about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them. But God kept them from recognizing him.
He asked them, “What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?”
They stopped short, sadness written across their faces. Then one of them, Cleopas, replied, “You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard about all the things that have happened there the last few days.”
“What things?” Jesus asked.
“The things that happened to Jesus, the man from Nazareth,” they said. “He was a prophet who did powerful miracles, and he was a mighty teacher in the eyes of God and all the people. But our leading priests and other religious leaders handed him over to be condemned to death, and they crucified him. We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel. This all happened three days ago.
“Then some women from our group of his followers were at his tomb early this morning, and they came back with an amazing report. They said his body was missing, and they had seen angels who told them Jesus is alive! Some of our men ran out to see, and sure enough, his body was gone, just as the women had said.”
Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
By this time they were nearing Emmaus and the end of their journey. Jesus acted as if he were going on, but they begged him, “Stay the night with us, since it is getting late.” So he went home with them. As they sat down to eat,he took the bread and blessed it. Then he broke it and gave it to them. Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared!
They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:13-32)
This reminds me of the day that I became a Christian. Although I had heard (with my ears) the Scriptures many times, one day I heard them with my heart. In my deadness the Scriptures were just words. On that day the Scriptures came alive! My heart "burned within"!
Since that day I have had many, many moments of "heartburn". (Sorry, I couldn't resist!) As I grow in my faith, God reveals more and more of Himself to me. After 30 years of walking with Jesus, I'm still learning new things, still being amazed by the awesomeness of God.
Look for life beyond the dead things. Allow the Word of God to burn in your heart. I will close with a quote from Ravi Zacharias that I have referred to in other articles, "Jesus didn't come to make bad people good, He came to make dead people live."
1 John 1:1-4 says, "We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life. This one who is life itself was revealed to us, and we have seen him. And now we testify and proclaim to you that he is the one who is eternal life. He was with the Father, and then he was revealed to us. We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy."
God bless y'all real good.
The first comes in verse five. "Why do you seek the living among the dead?" This question is posed by an angel to the women who go to Jesus' tomb. The angel goes on to say, "He is not here , but has risen." In other words, why come to a place of death to find life or the living?
Isn't that what we did before we were saved, looking for "life" in all the wrong places? Thinking that wealth, education, a good job, or sex could fulfill our days on earth. Ephesians 2:1-9 says, " And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience
among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Jesus said in John 10:10, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy: I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." True life, true living comes through Jesus.
The next question comes in verse thirty-two. "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?"
"That same day two of Jesus’ followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem. As they walked along they were talking about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them. But God kept them from recognizing him.
He asked them, “What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?”
They stopped short, sadness written across their faces. Then one of them, Cleopas, replied, “You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard about all the things that have happened there the last few days.”
“What things?” Jesus asked.
“The things that happened to Jesus, the man from Nazareth,” they said. “He was a prophet who did powerful miracles, and he was a mighty teacher in the eyes of God and all the people. But our leading priests and other religious leaders handed him over to be condemned to death, and they crucified him. We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel. This all happened three days ago.
“Then some women from our group of his followers were at his tomb early this morning, and they came back with an amazing report. They said his body was missing, and they had seen angels who told them Jesus is alive! Some of our men ran out to see, and sure enough, his body was gone, just as the women had said.”
Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
By this time they were nearing Emmaus and the end of their journey. Jesus acted as if he were going on, but they begged him, “Stay the night with us, since it is getting late.” So he went home with them. As they sat down to eat,he took the bread and blessed it. Then he broke it and gave it to them. Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared!
They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:13-32)
This reminds me of the day that I became a Christian. Although I had heard (with my ears) the Scriptures many times, one day I heard them with my heart. In my deadness the Scriptures were just words. On that day the Scriptures came alive! My heart "burned within"!
Since that day I have had many, many moments of "heartburn". (Sorry, I couldn't resist!) As I grow in my faith, God reveals more and more of Himself to me. After 30 years of walking with Jesus, I'm still learning new things, still being amazed by the awesomeness of God.
Look for life beyond the dead things. Allow the Word of God to burn in your heart. I will close with a quote from Ravi Zacharias that I have referred to in other articles, "Jesus didn't come to make bad people good, He came to make dead people live."
1 John 1:1-4 says, "We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life. This one who is life itself was revealed to us, and we have seen him. And now we testify and proclaim to you that he is the one who is eternal life. He was with the Father, and then he was revealed to us. We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy."
God bless y'all real good.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
The WNG - A Part of the Body
I love the Wednesday Night Group. We're "A small group of Jesus' disciples encouraging one another as we learn what it means to follow Him." Our core Bible verse is Acts 2:42, "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers."
The group has been meeting in different forms and different places for over twenty-five years. The past thirteen years we have been meeting in my house. I shepherd the group now. Before me it was Joe G. Before him it was John and Stephanie. Before them it was Pastor Joe. The Lord always provides the leadership we need.
It started out as a prayer meeting. It eventually became a church Bible study. Today it is a fellowship that is not tied to any one church. Many different churches are represented there.
Over the years many folks have come and gone. People come for a season and then leave. On occasion one of the original members still pays us a visit. The group has had as many as twenty members at one time and as little as six. The numbers don't matter to me.
We study the Scriptures. As far as I know none of the current members is seminary trained. We rely on the Holy Spirit to guide our study. If there is error in our understanding I believe the Spirit can lead us to truth. I am more than willing to seek the wisdom of others outside the group.
We are in fellowship together. I always thought of fellowship as a social gathering. I recently learned that it is more like a working together for a common purpose, a communion, partners with Jesus.
One of my favorite things to do with the group is breaking bread together. Yeah, eating together is great. It is a time of openness and honesty. I think we tend to drop our defenses when we gather to eat. We laugh a lot too!
Praying for one another is extremely important. We need to lift each other up in prayer. I try to encourage that more than anything else. I have to be honest though, it is difficult.
Why should I think that anyone would even care about all this? Frankly? I don't know. I guess that I hope it encourages you. The group was started by the Lord and it is sustained by Him.
The Wednesday Night Group is a part of the Body."Church" isn't just on Sunday morning. It is not one denomination over another. The church is the Body of Christ. It is the "saints who are also faithful in Christ Jesus." (Eph.1:2 RSV) Stop in for a visit, stay a while if you like. God bless y'all real good.
The group has been meeting in different forms and different places for over twenty-five years. The past thirteen years we have been meeting in my house. I shepherd the group now. Before me it was Joe G. Before him it was John and Stephanie. Before them it was Pastor Joe. The Lord always provides the leadership we need.
It started out as a prayer meeting. It eventually became a church Bible study. Today it is a fellowship that is not tied to any one church. Many different churches are represented there.
Over the years many folks have come and gone. People come for a season and then leave. On occasion one of the original members still pays us a visit. The group has had as many as twenty members at one time and as little as six. The numbers don't matter to me.
We study the Scriptures. As far as I know none of the current members is seminary trained. We rely on the Holy Spirit to guide our study. If there is error in our understanding I believe the Spirit can lead us to truth. I am more than willing to seek the wisdom of others outside the group.
We are in fellowship together. I always thought of fellowship as a social gathering. I recently learned that it is more like a working together for a common purpose, a communion, partners with Jesus.
One of my favorite things to do with the group is breaking bread together. Yeah, eating together is great. It is a time of openness and honesty. I think we tend to drop our defenses when we gather to eat. We laugh a lot too!
Praying for one another is extremely important. We need to lift each other up in prayer. I try to encourage that more than anything else. I have to be honest though, it is difficult.
Why should I think that anyone would even care about all this? Frankly? I don't know. I guess that I hope it encourages you. The group was started by the Lord and it is sustained by Him.
The Wednesday Night Group is a part of the Body."Church" isn't just on Sunday morning. It is not one denomination over another. The church is the Body of Christ. It is the "saints who are also faithful in Christ Jesus." (Eph.1:2 RSV) Stop in for a visit, stay a while if you like. God bless y'all real good.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
MARY
"Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: "Behold the virgin will conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14)
I never gave Mary a lot of thought until I saw the movie, "The Nativity Story". Now, I think of her often. For me, the Christmas story will now have a new dimension to it.
Her life from the time of the angel's visit to the Day of Pentecost was bittersweet. She was truly blessed. In Luke 1:48 she says, "For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed." Yet Simeon in Luke 2:35 says to her, "yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also".
Imagine how Mary felt when after the angel's visit she goes to see her relative Elizabeth and hears, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!" Mary responds with what is referred to as "the Magnificant", beginning with the words, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my Spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior." (Luke 1:46-56) Imagine now, after three months with Elizabeth, she goes home to face her parents (I am assuming this. It is not in Scripture.) and/or Joseph. By this time her pregnancy is beginning to show. How do you think the news was received knowing the penalty for adultery? It took an angel to convince Joseph to take Mary as his wife. Her life was spared.
There is so much to consider. The words of the shepherds that she pondered in her heart. The blessing of Simeon. The Feast of the Passover when Jesus was twelve years old where He turns up missing. His response when asked where He was, "Did you not know that I must be about my Father's business?" The wedding feast in Cana. How about her confusion when she hears Jesus ask, "Who is My mother, or My brothers?"
Did you ever see the scene from "The Passion" when Jesus falls under the weight of the cross? www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZeN6kdgM2Y (Copy and paste) I sob like a child when I watch this. Mary was there to witness the crucifixion of her Son.
It doesn't end there. Where was she when He rose from the grave? She was with John (John 19:27). She was in the upper room with the disciples (Acts 1:14). Based on that, I'm going to assume she was present on the Day of Pentecost. This must have been a time of great joy for her!
In my Wednesday Night Group blog, referring to the Book of Acts, I wrote the following:
"One thing I would like to note is the presence of Jesus' mother, Mary, in chapter one. She has been a part of God's plan and a witness from the visit by the angel (announcing the birth of Jesus) to the birth of the church (the body of Christ). There was obviously much pain involved but she was truly blessed. She was chosen by the Father, gave birth to the Son, and witnessed the coming of the Holy Spirit."
I have a new found admiration for Mary. She must have been a very strong women. Her life shows me that obedience to the Lord is far from easy but it is a blessing. Her life was a roller coaster of emotion. Should mine be any different? God bless y'all real good.
I never gave Mary a lot of thought until I saw the movie, "The Nativity Story". Now, I think of her often. For me, the Christmas story will now have a new dimension to it.
Her life from the time of the angel's visit to the Day of Pentecost was bittersweet. She was truly blessed. In Luke 1:48 she says, "For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed." Yet Simeon in Luke 2:35 says to her, "yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also".
Imagine how Mary felt when after the angel's visit she goes to see her relative Elizabeth and hears, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!" Mary responds with what is referred to as "the Magnificant", beginning with the words, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my Spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior." (Luke 1:46-56) Imagine now, after three months with Elizabeth, she goes home to face her parents (I am assuming this. It is not in Scripture.) and/or Joseph. By this time her pregnancy is beginning to show. How do you think the news was received knowing the penalty for adultery? It took an angel to convince Joseph to take Mary as his wife. Her life was spared.
There is so much to consider. The words of the shepherds that she pondered in her heart. The blessing of Simeon. The Feast of the Passover when Jesus was twelve years old where He turns up missing. His response when asked where He was, "Did you not know that I must be about my Father's business?" The wedding feast in Cana. How about her confusion when she hears Jesus ask, "Who is My mother, or My brothers?"
Did you ever see the scene from "The Passion" when Jesus falls under the weight of the cross? www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZeN6kdgM2Y (Copy and paste) I sob like a child when I watch this. Mary was there to witness the crucifixion of her Son.
It doesn't end there. Where was she when He rose from the grave? She was with John (John 19:27). She was in the upper room with the disciples (Acts 1:14). Based on that, I'm going to assume she was present on the Day of Pentecost. This must have been a time of great joy for her!
In my Wednesday Night Group blog, referring to the Book of Acts, I wrote the following:
"One thing I would like to note is the presence of Jesus' mother, Mary, in chapter one. She has been a part of God's plan and a witness from the visit by the angel (announcing the birth of Jesus) to the birth of the church (the body of Christ). There was obviously much pain involved but she was truly blessed. She was chosen by the Father, gave birth to the Son, and witnessed the coming of the Holy Spirit."
I have a new found admiration for Mary. She must have been a very strong women. Her life shows me that obedience to the Lord is far from easy but it is a blessing. Her life was a roller coaster of emotion. Should mine be any different? God bless y'all real good.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Heaven Invades Earth
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.
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.
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.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Merry Christmas!
I'm sure I'm not the only person who has many fond memories of Christmas as a child. I'm probably not the only person who would like for the joy of those times to return. Do I just accept that it is because I'm an adult that the emotions of Christmas will never be the same? Should I feel guilty because the anticipation isn't the same as when I was a child?
Maybe it's because I worship Jesus all year round that the Christmas season is no different from any other time of year. Do we pressure each other to have a certain response when Christmas comes?
With all these questions, am I too self focused? Maybe that's the problem.
Let me say this. I am truly thankful that Jesus came. I'm sorry He had to endure what He did but I'm thankful He did it. Hebrews 12:2 says, "...who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross..." I'm thankful that the Lord sought me, revealed Himself to me, and gave me the faith to believe.
After having said that, my attitude is changing. It takes a reminder. I had to remind myself why we celebrate Jesus' birth. It was His death and resurrection that makes His birth worth celebrating. I'm no longer focused on me but on Him. It's not about ME!
In the midst of all your Christmas shopping and preparations, remind yourself why we celebrate Jesus' birth. Have a wonderful, blessed, joyous Christmas! God bless y'all real good.
Maybe it's because I worship Jesus all year round that the Christmas season is no different from any other time of year. Do we pressure each other to have a certain response when Christmas comes?
With all these questions, am I too self focused? Maybe that's the problem.
Let me say this. I am truly thankful that Jesus came. I'm sorry He had to endure what He did but I'm thankful He did it. Hebrews 12:2 says, "...who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross..." I'm thankful that the Lord sought me, revealed Himself to me, and gave me the faith to believe.
After having said that, my attitude is changing. It takes a reminder. I had to remind myself why we celebrate Jesus' birth. It was His death and resurrection that makes His birth worth celebrating. I'm no longer focused on me but on Him. It's not about ME!
In the midst of all your Christmas shopping and preparations, remind yourself why we celebrate Jesus' birth. Have a wonderful, blessed, joyous Christmas! God bless y'all real good.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Well, DUH!!
I really appreciate how God prompts me to stay focused on the Scriptures. Okay, I'm humbled by it too.
I recently read "The Shack" by William P. Young. It's a controversial book. Basically it is about a man who meets with the Trinity. He learns that he needs to forgive two people in his life that caused him great pain, his father, and the man who murdered his daughter. I won't go into details but I will point you to a review that I found to be really good.
http://www.challies.com/archives/book-reviews/the-shack-by-william-p-young.php
I have friends who love it and I have friends who refuse to read it. Even though the book is fiction, the author portrays God (the Trinity) and makes statements about God that I assume he believes to be true. The bottom line is that they are not Scriptural.
In my reading there were times when I would shake my head and say, "That's not right!"
I continued to read constantly reminding myself that it was fiction. The conclusion about unforgiveness, it's control on our lives, and the importance of forgiveness could have been reached using Truth. The author's ideas about the relationship between the Father, Son, and Spirit needs to be reviewed with a Bible.
It wasn't until I read the review that I mentioned above that I realized something. There were little subtleties that I missed. Had I known (or remembered) Scripture they wouldn't have slipped by me unnoticed.
That's the point of my post. Christians need to know the Scriptures! I know what you're thinking, WELL DUH!
I can't stress enough that Christians need to know their Bible. They need to be under good teaching. They need to be able to discern what is right. They need to be in constant communication with God. They need to be lead by the Spirit.
Read 2 Timothy. It is Pauls's last letter. I refer to it in my post from September
14th. You will see the importance of knowing Scripture. Also read Hebrews 5:11-14.
I am thankful that the Lord has lead me to good instruction. He has put wonderful brothers and sisters in my life that encourage me to study the Bible. He has put me in the presence of many good teachers. Even though I might wander off course at times, He is faithful to guide me back to the narrow way. God bless y'all real good.
I recently read "The Shack" by William P. Young. It's a controversial book. Basically it is about a man who meets with the Trinity. He learns that he needs to forgive two people in his life that caused him great pain, his father, and the man who murdered his daughter. I won't go into details but I will point you to a review that I found to be really good.
http://www.challies.com/archives/book-reviews/the-shack-by-william-p-young.php
I have friends who love it and I have friends who refuse to read it. Even though the book is fiction, the author portrays God (the Trinity) and makes statements about God that I assume he believes to be true. The bottom line is that they are not Scriptural.
In my reading there were times when I would shake my head and say, "That's not right!"
I continued to read constantly reminding myself that it was fiction. The conclusion about unforgiveness, it's control on our lives, and the importance of forgiveness could have been reached using Truth. The author's ideas about the relationship between the Father, Son, and Spirit needs to be reviewed with a Bible.
It wasn't until I read the review that I mentioned above that I realized something. There were little subtleties that I missed. Had I known (or remembered) Scripture they wouldn't have slipped by me unnoticed.
That's the point of my post. Christians need to know the Scriptures! I know what you're thinking, WELL DUH!
I can't stress enough that Christians need to know their Bible. They need to be under good teaching. They need to be able to discern what is right. They need to be in constant communication with God. They need to be lead by the Spirit.
Read 2 Timothy. It is Pauls's last letter. I refer to it in my post from September
14th. You will see the importance of knowing Scripture. Also read Hebrews 5:11-14.
I am thankful that the Lord has lead me to good instruction. He has put wonderful brothers and sisters in my life that encourage me to study the Bible. He has put me in the presence of many good teachers. Even though I might wander off course at times, He is faithful to guide me back to the narrow way. God bless y'all real good.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Article From The Simple Church Journal
The following article is from the Simple Church Journal aka House Church Blog. It is from a book titled "The Simple/House Church Revolution" by Roger Thoman.
My intention for posting it is not to continue the argument of house church vs. traditional church. For me that has been resolved by my understanding of "one body, many parts". I think it is a simple reminder of what the church is.
Read it and be reminded and encouraged. Let me know what you think.
Chapter 2: Defining "Church" (Webster Has It Wrong)
From "The Simple/House Church Revolution" Book. The entire book can still be downloaded here.
Church according to Miriam-Webster’s online dictionary:
1: a building for public and especially Christian worship
2: the clergy or officialdom of a religious body
3: a body or organization of religious believers: as a: the whole body of Christians b: denomination c: congregation
4: a public divine worship
Webster defines church according to the way this word is used today. I was taught this same definition as a little boy when I would put my hands together and recite the rhyme: “Here is the church, and here is the steeple; open the door and here are all the people.”
Jesus, however, introduced the term “church” with a very different meaning in mind. He used a word “ekklesia” that simply described a group or assembly of people. This is the original definition of the word. He described “church” as those people who were following Him—people walking in allegiance to him. People. His followers. Nothing more than that.
Jesus did not spend much time describing how to organize his people together or how to do meetings. Rather, his focus was on a lifestyle of loving others and obeying Him: “Go into all the world…” “Let your light shine…” “Do what you see the Father doing…” “Love one another…” Church, as defined by Jesus, was simply his followers living life for and with him.
Over the years, however, the word “church” began to include the many structures and forms that we added to the original meaning:
• Public meeting places (buildings or storefronts)
• Organizations of believers who get together to be led by a worship team and preached to by a pastor
• Denominations that we join
But, as John Eldredge reminds us:
Church is not a building. Church is not an event that takes place on Sundays. I know, it's how we've come to think of it. ‘I go to First Baptist.’ ‘We are members of St. Luke's.’ ‘Is it time to go to church?’ Much to our surprise, that is not how the Bible uses the term. Not at all.
No. Not at all. Church is God’s people—those who are choosing to live life with Jesus… 24/7. That is it. Nothing more.
But don’t God’s people gather together? Yes. We do see gatherings take place in Scripture. Many gatherings. Most often informal and simple. Normally in homes (Romans 16:5). Everyone participated (1 Corinthians 14:26). They functioned as spiritual families that cared deeply for one another (Romans 12:10). Yet the focus of the church (God’s people) was a lifestyle of Jesus-following, rather than organizing events, attending programs, or joining organizations.
Perhaps the best way to describe the church of the New Testament is as small, vibrant, caring families of believers who are loving others and reproducing themselves into every corner of the world.
The Things I Learned About Church From Bible College
I attended a Bible College as a brand new Christian hungry to live a life useful to God. I loved reading the stories of the disciples following Jesus, traveling with him, ministering with him, doing miracles alongside of Jesus as he poured out his life for others. I thought it was fantastic. I enjoyed studying the book of Acts and seeing God’s people going throughout the world, filled by the Spirit, walking in God’s purposes and power. But, as a subtext, I was also taught to “do church” in Bible college. It was not a specific class. There was no text book. I simply learned to follow “how it was done” by those around me. Frankly, the way I learned to “do church” did not look much at all like the lives of the early disciples that I was studying and wanting to be like.
Nevertheless, by the time I felt called to pastor a church, I no longer questioned how church was done. We started with a building and a core group of Christians. We invited, and planned, and organized, and put together Sunday events. We built more buildings and started more services to invite people to. We developed programs for young and old, men and women, married and divorced. We hired staff and we organized ministry teams.
Without realizing it, we were following human traditions for church life that were developed over the centuries: cathedrals, pulpit-led services, pews, order-of-service, etc. All of these things may be useful in their place (God can use anything), but they have no place in the basic definition of “church.”
Sadly, as the church has adopted more and more traditions and become more and more institutionalized, it has become largely ineffective in its impact on earth. In the western world, where we have created the best organizational church systems that exist, Christianity is declining. In contrast, in parts of India and China where the expression of church is largely organic, simple, and fluid, the church is flourishing.
Our longing is to see the church restored to its essence of life and vitality so that she becomes the full expression of Christ’s power and love on earth. This is the great hope of God’s kingdom coming to influence, save, and redeem a lost planet. Priscilla Shirer made this comment:
In the first century in Palestine Christianity was a community of believers. Then Christianity moved to Greece and became a philosophy. Then it moved to Rome and became an institution. Then it moved to Europe and became a culture. And then it moved to America and became a business. We need to get back to being a healthy, vibrant community of true followers of Jesus.
Being Church.
My Filipino friend, Molong Nacua, wrote an excellent article entitled “Being Church” that reminds us of the true meaning of “church:”
Church is where Christ lives, not the place where we meet. It is Christ-empowered people, a kingdom of priests for the purpose of winning against the works of the devil and establishing God's Kingdom (1 Cor. 3:17; Matt. 18:19; Ex. 19:6)… Christianity is not about doing church, but being the church. Church is not some place to go to participate in, but it is about being who you are in Christ and thus experiencing His real life in you. Your Christianity was never defined by attending a particular church. It is defined by Christ in you. In other words, you are a Christian 24/7, not because you participate in a two-hour worship service, but because Christ lives in you every minute of every day.
Again, my intention is not to step on toes. If anyone is offended please forgive me. I was encouraged as I read this article that I am a part of the church. It excites me to see the bigger picture. God bless y'all real good.
My intention for posting it is not to continue the argument of house church vs. traditional church. For me that has been resolved by my understanding of "one body, many parts". I think it is a simple reminder of what the church is.
Read it and be reminded and encouraged. Let me know what you think.
Chapter 2: Defining "Church" (Webster Has It Wrong)
From "The Simple/House Church Revolution" Book. The entire book can still be downloaded here.
Church according to Miriam-Webster’s online dictionary:
1: a building for public and especially Christian worship
2: the clergy or officialdom of a religious body
3: a body or organization of religious believers: as a: the whole body of Christians b: denomination c: congregation
4: a public divine worship
Webster defines church according to the way this word is used today. I was taught this same definition as a little boy when I would put my hands together and recite the rhyme: “Here is the church, and here is the steeple; open the door and here are all the people.”
Jesus, however, introduced the term “church” with a very different meaning in mind. He used a word “ekklesia” that simply described a group or assembly of people. This is the original definition of the word. He described “church” as those people who were following Him—people walking in allegiance to him. People. His followers. Nothing more than that.
Jesus did not spend much time describing how to organize his people together or how to do meetings. Rather, his focus was on a lifestyle of loving others and obeying Him: “Go into all the world…” “Let your light shine…” “Do what you see the Father doing…” “Love one another…” Church, as defined by Jesus, was simply his followers living life for and with him.
Over the years, however, the word “church” began to include the many structures and forms that we added to the original meaning:
• Public meeting places (buildings or storefronts)
• Organizations of believers who get together to be led by a worship team and preached to by a pastor
• Denominations that we join
But, as John Eldredge reminds us:
Church is not a building. Church is not an event that takes place on Sundays. I know, it's how we've come to think of it. ‘I go to First Baptist.’ ‘We are members of St. Luke's.’ ‘Is it time to go to church?’ Much to our surprise, that is not how the Bible uses the term. Not at all.
No. Not at all. Church is God’s people—those who are choosing to live life with Jesus… 24/7. That is it. Nothing more.
But don’t God’s people gather together? Yes. We do see gatherings take place in Scripture. Many gatherings. Most often informal and simple. Normally in homes (Romans 16:5). Everyone participated (1 Corinthians 14:26). They functioned as spiritual families that cared deeply for one another (Romans 12:10). Yet the focus of the church (God’s people) was a lifestyle of Jesus-following, rather than organizing events, attending programs, or joining organizations.
Perhaps the best way to describe the church of the New Testament is as small, vibrant, caring families of believers who are loving others and reproducing themselves into every corner of the world.
The Things I Learned About Church From Bible College
I attended a Bible College as a brand new Christian hungry to live a life useful to God. I loved reading the stories of the disciples following Jesus, traveling with him, ministering with him, doing miracles alongside of Jesus as he poured out his life for others. I thought it was fantastic. I enjoyed studying the book of Acts and seeing God’s people going throughout the world, filled by the Spirit, walking in God’s purposes and power. But, as a subtext, I was also taught to “do church” in Bible college. It was not a specific class. There was no text book. I simply learned to follow “how it was done” by those around me. Frankly, the way I learned to “do church” did not look much at all like the lives of the early disciples that I was studying and wanting to be like.
Nevertheless, by the time I felt called to pastor a church, I no longer questioned how church was done. We started with a building and a core group of Christians. We invited, and planned, and organized, and put together Sunday events. We built more buildings and started more services to invite people to. We developed programs for young and old, men and women, married and divorced. We hired staff and we organized ministry teams.
Without realizing it, we were following human traditions for church life that were developed over the centuries: cathedrals, pulpit-led services, pews, order-of-service, etc. All of these things may be useful in their place (God can use anything), but they have no place in the basic definition of “church.”
Sadly, as the church has adopted more and more traditions and become more and more institutionalized, it has become largely ineffective in its impact on earth. In the western world, where we have created the best organizational church systems that exist, Christianity is declining. In contrast, in parts of India and China where the expression of church is largely organic, simple, and fluid, the church is flourishing.
Our longing is to see the church restored to its essence of life and vitality so that she becomes the full expression of Christ’s power and love on earth. This is the great hope of God’s kingdom coming to influence, save, and redeem a lost planet. Priscilla Shirer made this comment:
In the first century in Palestine Christianity was a community of believers. Then Christianity moved to Greece and became a philosophy. Then it moved to Rome and became an institution. Then it moved to Europe and became a culture. And then it moved to America and became a business. We need to get back to being a healthy, vibrant community of true followers of Jesus.
Being Church.
My Filipino friend, Molong Nacua, wrote an excellent article entitled “Being Church” that reminds us of the true meaning of “church:”
Church is where Christ lives, not the place where we meet. It is Christ-empowered people, a kingdom of priests for the purpose of winning against the works of the devil and establishing God's Kingdom (1 Cor. 3:17; Matt. 18:19; Ex. 19:6)… Christianity is not about doing church, but being the church. Church is not some place to go to participate in, but it is about being who you are in Christ and thus experiencing His real life in you. Your Christianity was never defined by attending a particular church. It is defined by Christ in you. In other words, you are a Christian 24/7, not because you participate in a two-hour worship service, but because Christ lives in you every minute of every day.
Again, my intention is not to step on toes. If anyone is offended please forgive me. I was encouraged as I read this article that I am a part of the church. It excites me to see the bigger picture. God bless y'all real good.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
I Need Them! They Need Me!
I see the church differently today than I did twenty-nine years ago. I was twenty-one years old when I became a believer. I was "saved" in the Lutheran church, Missouri Synod. After two years I joined the Wisconsin Synod which was more conservative. Later I spent time in a non-denominational church and eventually ended up in a pentecostal church.
I held different positions from youth leader to worship leader. I was on a pastoral search committee and lead a small group.
At one time I thought of church as only the people that belonged to my group. Church was confined to everyone within the four walls of the building. I was only seeing a part of the picture. The building had windows but I thought they were for letting in light not looking out into the world. I'm glad God is bigger than that. I am thankful that He began a good work in me. (Philippians 1:6)
I am no longer a member of a particular church body. I meet with a group of people on Sunday morning for coffee, bagels, Bible study, and encouragement. I still lead a small group. I am a part of the body of Christ! I always was! Today I have a fresh perspective on what that means.
Does this mean that believers who gather in different places with different forms are not a part of the body? NO! That's the point! We're all a part of the body! I need them! They need me! Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-30. One body, many parts!
When another part of the body has a need and I can help, I should. When another part of the body needs encouragement, I should speak up. When another part of the body needs prayer, I pray. Should I not fellowship with other parts of the body because I'm not a member of their church? Should they keep me from fellowship because I'm not a member? 1 Corinthians 12:26 says, "If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad."
This world has enough challenges. We need Jesus and we need each other. How healthy is a body with missing parts? God bless y'all real good.
I held different positions from youth leader to worship leader. I was on a pastoral search committee and lead a small group.
At one time I thought of church as only the people that belonged to my group. Church was confined to everyone within the four walls of the building. I was only seeing a part of the picture. The building had windows but I thought they were for letting in light not looking out into the world. I'm glad God is bigger than that. I am thankful that He began a good work in me. (Philippians 1:6)
I am no longer a member of a particular church body. I meet with a group of people on Sunday morning for coffee, bagels, Bible study, and encouragement. I still lead a small group. I am a part of the body of Christ! I always was! Today I have a fresh perspective on what that means.
Does this mean that believers who gather in different places with different forms are not a part of the body? NO! That's the point! We're all a part of the body! I need them! They need me! Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-30. One body, many parts!
When another part of the body has a need and I can help, I should. When another part of the body needs encouragement, I should speak up. When another part of the body needs prayer, I pray. Should I not fellowship with other parts of the body because I'm not a member of their church? Should they keep me from fellowship because I'm not a member? 1 Corinthians 12:26 says, "If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad."
This world has enough challenges. We need Jesus and we need each other. How healthy is a body with missing parts? God bless y'all real good.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Thoughts on 2 Timothy
This past Sunday we touched on 2 Timothy at B & B Fellowship. As the day progressed I felt the need to look at it further. I then decided to look at it with our Wednesday night group. We read the whole book out loud from the Message Remix Bible. As an old friend used to say, "The Lord blessed me down to my shoes!"
2 Timothy is Paul's last letter. What was on his mind? What would you want to say to someone if it was your last letter?
I see it as a letter of encouragement, speaking of Timothy's "honest faith" and his "special gift of ministry". Paul says, "So keep at your work, this faith and love rooted in Christ, exactly as I set it out for you. It's as sound as the day you first heard it from me. Guard this precious thing placed in your custody by the Holy Spirit who works in us." He goes on, "throw yourself into this work for Christ. Pass on what you heard from me.."
Timothy is warned to "stay clear of pious talk" (his words must be backed by a godly life) and to "run away from infantile indulgence" (run after mature righteousness).
"Refuse to get involved in inane discussions, they always end up in fights. God's servant must not be argumentative, but a gentle listener and a teacher who keeps cool..."
It wouldn't be easy though. He would have to "take your share of the suffering for the Message". He says, "When the going gets rough, take it on the chin with the rest of us, the way Jesus did." Paul was writing this letter from prison having been abandoned by many of his followers (2 Timothy 1:15). Timothy should not expect anything better, neither should we.
There's so much more. Get your Bible out and read 2 Timothy. 2 Timothy 3:15-17 (NLT) says, "You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work." Read it and let me know what stands out to you.
Finally Paul says in chapter four, verse two (NLT), "Preach the word of God. Be prepared whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching."
God bless y'all real good.
2 Timothy is Paul's last letter. What was on his mind? What would you want to say to someone if it was your last letter?
I see it as a letter of encouragement, speaking of Timothy's "honest faith" and his "special gift of ministry". Paul says, "So keep at your work, this faith and love rooted in Christ, exactly as I set it out for you. It's as sound as the day you first heard it from me. Guard this precious thing placed in your custody by the Holy Spirit who works in us." He goes on, "throw yourself into this work for Christ. Pass on what you heard from me.."
Timothy is warned to "stay clear of pious talk" (his words must be backed by a godly life) and to "run away from infantile indulgence" (run after mature righteousness).
"Refuse to get involved in inane discussions, they always end up in fights. God's servant must not be argumentative, but a gentle listener and a teacher who keeps cool..."
It wouldn't be easy though. He would have to "take your share of the suffering for the Message". He says, "When the going gets rough, take it on the chin with the rest of us, the way Jesus did." Paul was writing this letter from prison having been abandoned by many of his followers (2 Timothy 1:15). Timothy should not expect anything better, neither should we.
There's so much more. Get your Bible out and read 2 Timothy. 2 Timothy 3:15-17 (NLT) says, "You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work." Read it and let me know what stands out to you.
Finally Paul says in chapter four, verse two (NLT), "Preach the word of God. Be prepared whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching."
God bless y'all real good.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
The Meeting Place Doesn't Manifest God's Kingdom
I entered the house church verses traditional church debate about two or three years ago. My wife attends a traditional church. I attend a fellowship that meets in a house on Sunday morning.
For those of you that might be concerned because my wife and I don't worship at the same place on Sunday morning, don't be. We have a small group that meets in our home on Wednesday nights. On occasional Sunday afternoons we meet with other believers for singing, prayer, Scripture reading, and fellowship. We are "not forsaking our own assembling together".
My two Sunday meetings are not defined. By that I mean they are less structured. Wednesday night is a little more structured. We have a Bible study, either a book of the Bible or a topical study. The folks that attend the Wednesday meeting have a pretty good idea what to expect.
The different meetings mentioned above are a part of God's kingdom. "Where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am among them." Mat.18:20.
Because of my situation, I feel I have more freedom to serve where I'm needed. I can help a friend with music ministry at his church. I can fill in for a youth pastor who's on vacation at another church. Guess what? When I'm doing those things, I get to fellowship with other members of God's kingdom!
Others are called to serve one particular assembly. My wife fits that category. She's a treasurer and board member. She's made a commitment to serve the Lord at the church she attends. Hey! We're all a part of God's kingdom!
Luke 9:49,50 says, "John answered, 'Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow us.' But Jesus said to him, 'Do not stop him, for the one who is not against you is for you."
The kingdom is manifest when people that are "for Him" gather. Where they gather is not important. It can be in a cathedral or a cafeteria, in a building or at a bus stop. I am really excited by what the Lord has been showing me concerning His kingdom! God bless y'all real good.
For those of you that might be concerned because my wife and I don't worship at the same place on Sunday morning, don't be. We have a small group that meets in our home on Wednesday nights. On occasional Sunday afternoons we meet with other believers for singing, prayer, Scripture reading, and fellowship. We are "not forsaking our own assembling together".
My two Sunday meetings are not defined. By that I mean they are less structured. Wednesday night is a little more structured. We have a Bible study, either a book of the Bible or a topical study. The folks that attend the Wednesday meeting have a pretty good idea what to expect.
The different meetings mentioned above are a part of God's kingdom. "Where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am among them." Mat.18:20.
Because of my situation, I feel I have more freedom to serve where I'm needed. I can help a friend with music ministry at his church. I can fill in for a youth pastor who's on vacation at another church. Guess what? When I'm doing those things, I get to fellowship with other members of God's kingdom!
Others are called to serve one particular assembly. My wife fits that category. She's a treasurer and board member. She's made a commitment to serve the Lord at the church she attends. Hey! We're all a part of God's kingdom!
Luke 9:49,50 says, "John answered, 'Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow us.' But Jesus said to him, 'Do not stop him, for the one who is not against you is for you."
The kingdom is manifest when people that are "for Him" gather. Where they gather is not important. It can be in a cathedral or a cafeteria, in a building or at a bus stop. I am really excited by what the Lord has been showing me concerning His kingdom! God bless y'all real good.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
The Church (What Do You Think)
THE CHURCH. If I were to gather my Christian friends in a room and open a discussion about the church, it would probably release a set of fireworks that would make the Y2K New York harbor fireworks look like a sparkler in the hands of a 3-year old. The opinions (all based in Scripture) would be diverse to say the least.
What I would like to do is hear from you. How would you define "church"? I read a quote basically saying that we have replaced the "Kingdom of God" with "church" therefore losing the meaning of both. What do you think about that? Let's see some fireworks! (If this stirs up anger in you please count to ten before responding)
What I would like to do is hear from you. How would you define "church"? I read a quote basically saying that we have replaced the "Kingdom of God" with "church" therefore losing the meaning of both. What do you think about that? Let's see some fireworks! (If this stirs up anger in you please count to ten before responding)
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