John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (NKJV)
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Monday, December 23, 2013
James White on Secular Anti-Christian Bigotry!
I have not listened to this entire video yet, but I trust James White will do justice to the subject - Enjoy!
Monday, December 16, 2013
Shocking statistics regarding pastors and suicide!
It was sad to see that pastor Isaac Hunter committed suicide this week. Issac is the son of Joel Hunter, a presidential advisor, who is also a past coworker and long time friend of my Mother in law. In reading an article about his death I saw some very shocking statistics from the Schaeffer Institute on the mental/emotional state of pastors.
Here is a link to the original article - Pastors and suicide
Here is segment of the article with the statistics I found so surprising -
"There is no lack of statistics about pastors and depression, burnout, health, low pay, spirituality, relationships and longevity—and none of them are good. According to the Schaeffer Institute, 70 percent of pastors constantly fight depression, and 71 percent are burned out. Meanwhile, 72 percent of pastors say they only study the Bible when they are preparing for sermons; 80 percent believe pastoral ministry has negatively affected their families; and 70 percent say they don’t have a close friend. The Schaeffer Institute also reports that 80 percent of seminary and Bible school graduates will leave the ministry within five years."
I have mixed feelings about these statistics. On one hand I wish the pastorate was not so mentally and emotionally taxing on most. On the other hand, I can relate to these statistics and it is good to know that I am not the only one who feels stressed and burnt out at times. I also must take comfort in the fact that I have some very close friends in the church, and I don't think my church or ministry has been a negative influence on my family.
I was talking to a friend who pastors a church near me recently and he asked if I was encouraged by what I see in my church, I replied that I was very encouraged at the moment, but if he asked me again in a few hours and I may feel differently. I hope I have learned that my own feelings, as up and down as they can be, are not the best way to evaluate the success or failure of anything, especially the church.
One of the main ways I deal with the mental/emotional struggles of ministry is by remembering that this is not heaven and I, like others, must look to the life to come for a stress free life. In the meantime, I hope to continue to do the Lords' work with His help, even with these occasional mental/emotional struggles. I pray that others who suffer in ministry would find people they can share their struggles with and find the encouragement to press on until the Lord calls them home.
Quote above from - Why Are So Many Pastors Committing Suicide?
Here is a link to the original article - Pastors and suicide
Here is segment of the article with the statistics I found so surprising -
"There is no lack of statistics about pastors and depression, burnout, health, low pay, spirituality, relationships and longevity—and none of them are good. According to the Schaeffer Institute, 70 percent of pastors constantly fight depression, and 71 percent are burned out. Meanwhile, 72 percent of pastors say they only study the Bible when they are preparing for sermons; 80 percent believe pastoral ministry has negatively affected their families; and 70 percent say they don’t have a close friend. The Schaeffer Institute also reports that 80 percent of seminary and Bible school graduates will leave the ministry within five years."
I have mixed feelings about these statistics. On one hand I wish the pastorate was not so mentally and emotionally taxing on most. On the other hand, I can relate to these statistics and it is good to know that I am not the only one who feels stressed and burnt out at times. I also must take comfort in the fact that I have some very close friends in the church, and I don't think my church or ministry has been a negative influence on my family.
I was talking to a friend who pastors a church near me recently and he asked if I was encouraged by what I see in my church, I replied that I was very encouraged at the moment, but if he asked me again in a few hours and I may feel differently. I hope I have learned that my own feelings, as up and down as they can be, are not the best way to evaluate the success or failure of anything, especially the church.
One of the main ways I deal with the mental/emotional struggles of ministry is by remembering that this is not heaven and I, like others, must look to the life to come for a stress free life. In the meantime, I hope to continue to do the Lords' work with His help, even with these occasional mental/emotional struggles. I pray that others who suffer in ministry would find people they can share their struggles with and find the encouragement to press on until the Lord calls them home.
Quote above from - Why Are So Many Pastors Committing Suicide?
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Do I get offened when others think my doctrine is flawed?
Recently I watched a video of a discussion by Al Mohler, president of Southern Seminary, and Eric Hankins, pastor of First Baptist Church in Oxford, Miss. They were discussing the recent attempts within the Southern Baptist Church to bring a spirit of cooperation between those who hold to a reformed view of salvation and those who do not. I thought it was a good discussion, but I was most struck by a comment Al Mohler made.
Basically he pointed out that whenever we get offended or defensive because someone with another view is suggesting our doctrine is flawed, we are by definition saying we think their doctrine is flawed.
I like what I have heard John MacArthur say along the same lines - he knows there are flaws in his theology and as soon as he becomes aware of them he will fix them. That surely is a better starting point if we truly want to be able to listen to others and possibly even come to agree with them.
Here is a link to the discussion mentioned above.
Basically he pointed out that whenever we get offended or defensive because someone with another view is suggesting our doctrine is flawed, we are by definition saying we think their doctrine is flawed.
I like what I have heard John MacArthur say along the same lines - he knows there are flaws in his theology and as soon as he becomes aware of them he will fix them. That surely is a better starting point if we truly want to be able to listen to others and possibly even come to agree with them.
Here is a link to the discussion mentioned above.
Monday, December 9, 2013
Wretched Radio tackles a sensitive subject!
Original post found at wretchedradio.com
While I think this video presents a valid biblical argument, I think their may be times when it could be appropriated to disobey the government for purely patriotic reasons. This might include choosing to disobey individuals in authority within the government who are making laws in violation of our own constitution, even if the things involved are not specifically sinful. Not sure, but worth considering I think!
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
OT Israel, were they so bad or are we in denail?
I am finishing preaching through the genealogy of Jesus found in Matthew 1:1-17 this week. I had previously focused on the promises made to Abraham and David and their prominence in the genealogy. This week I will go through the rest of the list and hopefully we will marvel at the ability of God to use and complete His plans through such a bunch of sinners.
Some of their sins do seem unimaginable:
Joseph's treatment by his brothers is taking jealousy to an extreme level.
David's affair is one thing, but killing Bathsheba's husband Uriah is shocking.
Ahaz made his children pass through the fire and then liquidated the articles of worship in the temple to buy protection from pagan nations.
I could list many other heinous acts among those listed in the genealogy, but should we see the list as people to look down on or people to identify with!
If there is anything I have learned in my time in ministry it is that everyone has sin and it is often far worse than we would like to admit to God or share with others! Our situations may not always be as extreme as these listed, but we do plenty that is quite shocking and we may only have the lack of opportunity and cultural changes to thank for not doing exactly what these OT folks did.
The list given in Matt. 1 should have caused Israel then and us now to realize we are a mess and we needed the Messiah Jesus to save and change messes like us!
I think one of the most profound statements of scripture on Israel's history and the need to admit we are sinners is found here:
John 8:31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
33 They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?”
34 Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. 35 And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. 36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. (NKJV)
The genealogy in Matt. points out that Israel had always been in slavery to sin and was often in slavery to other people, but a refusal to admit our slavery means we can never receive Jesus as our deliverer and be truly free.
May God grant us the eyes to see our own history and current lives clearly, such that we might abide in Jesus and His word, and be free indeed!
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
Some of their sins do seem unimaginable:
Joseph's treatment by his brothers is taking jealousy to an extreme level.
David's affair is one thing, but killing Bathsheba's husband Uriah is shocking.
Ahaz made his children pass through the fire and then liquidated the articles of worship in the temple to buy protection from pagan nations.
I could list many other heinous acts among those listed in the genealogy, but should we see the list as people to look down on or people to identify with!
If there is anything I have learned in my time in ministry it is that everyone has sin and it is often far worse than we would like to admit to God or share with others! Our situations may not always be as extreme as these listed, but we do plenty that is quite shocking and we may only have the lack of opportunity and cultural changes to thank for not doing exactly what these OT folks did.
The list given in Matt. 1 should have caused Israel then and us now to realize we are a mess and we needed the Messiah Jesus to save and change messes like us!
I think one of the most profound statements of scripture on Israel's history and the need to admit we are sinners is found here:
John 8:31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
33 They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?”
34 Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. 35 And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. 36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. (NKJV)
The genealogy in Matt. points out that Israel had always been in slavery to sin and was often in slavery to other people, but a refusal to admit our slavery means we can never receive Jesus as our deliverer and be truly free.
May God grant us the eyes to see our own history and current lives clearly, such that we might abide in Jesus and His word, and be free indeed!
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Thankful for the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord!
I, like most people, am thankful for good things that happen to me and those I care about and thankful when bad things that could happen to us don't happen. However, I also tend to undervalue the eternal relationship I have to God by His grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
Rom. 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 As it is written:
Rom. 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 As it is written:
“For Your sake we are killed all day long;
We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”
We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”
37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For
I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor
principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor
height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to
separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NKJV)
When the things I think are good happen and when the things I count as bad occur, I am still blessed beyond measure in Jesus Christ!
Lord help me to remember!
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Imitate Jesus' miracles or obey Jesus' words?
Many people spend their time looking for Jesus to do more miraculous works. Other people try to copy Jesus' miraculous works themselves. Did Jesus want us to focus on seeking more miracles from Him, or doing miracles like Him, or did He do miracles so we would recognize His authority and obey Him?
Some scripture to ponder -
Matt. 9:1 So He got into a boat, crossed over, and came to His own city. 2 Then behold, they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.” 3 And at once some of the scribes said within themselves, “This Man blasphemes!” 4 But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? 5 For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise and walk’? 6 But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—then He said to the paralytic, “Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” 7 And he arose and departed to his house.
Here we see a miracle of physical healing, but why? So we would know that Jesus has the authority to forgive sins!
John 3:1 There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.”
Nicodemus respected Jesus teaching, because He had been convinced by the "signs" Jesus did, that Jesus was from God. Since Nicodemus is convinced of Jesus' authority, he does not ask for more miracles, but for truth!
John 20:30 And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.
Jesus did miracles for what purpose? So we could believe that He is who He says and know we have eternal life in Him!
Acts 2:22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know—23 Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; 24 whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it.
Peter preaches the gospel at Pentecost and says Jesus' identity has been proven by "miracles, signs and wonders", as well as His resurrection! Later Peter will ask we do what in response to this truth -
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”
Did Peter tell the people to go and do miracles? Did he tell the people to ask Jesus to do more miracles? No, Peter called them to repent and be baptized, in response to who Jesus has already proven Himself to be!
The concepts in view in the previous passages, Jesus using His miracles to validate His authority to save and to call us to repent and follow Him, sounds very familiar!
Matt. 28:18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
Jesus did not say He would do more miracles at our request or that we should focus on doing miracles ourselves! Jesus said He had all authority, proven by His miracles and His resurrection, so do as He says! proclaim the gospel, baptise those who believe and then teach those who do believe to obey His teaching!
We see a reminders and warnings to not disregard these things in God's word -
Heb. 2:1 Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. 2 For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, 3 how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, 4 God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?
We should also heed Jesus' words to those who demanded a sign in His time on earth -
Matt. 16:1 Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing Him asked that He would show them a sign from heaven. 2 He answered and said to them, “When it is evening you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red’; 3 and in the morning, ‘It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times. 4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.” And He left them and departed.
Jesus has proven He has all authority! Will you try to copy His miracles, or ask Him for more miracles, or believe upon Him for eternal life, learn what His word says, and seek to obey Him?
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
Some scripture to ponder -
Matt. 9:1 So He got into a boat, crossed over, and came to His own city. 2 Then behold, they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.” 3 And at once some of the scribes said within themselves, “This Man blasphemes!” 4 But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? 5 For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise and walk’? 6 But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—then He said to the paralytic, “Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” 7 And he arose and departed to his house.
Here we see a miracle of physical healing, but why? So we would know that Jesus has the authority to forgive sins!
John 3:1 There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.”
Nicodemus respected Jesus teaching, because He had been convinced by the "signs" Jesus did, that Jesus was from God. Since Nicodemus is convinced of Jesus' authority, he does not ask for more miracles, but for truth!
John 20:30 And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.
Jesus did miracles for what purpose? So we could believe that He is who He says and know we have eternal life in Him!
Acts 2:22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know—23 Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; 24 whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it.
Peter preaches the gospel at Pentecost and says Jesus' identity has been proven by "miracles, signs and wonders", as well as His resurrection! Later Peter will ask we do what in response to this truth -
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”
Did Peter tell the people to go and do miracles? Did he tell the people to ask Jesus to do more miracles? No, Peter called them to repent and be baptized, in response to who Jesus has already proven Himself to be!
The concepts in view in the previous passages, Jesus using His miracles to validate His authority to save and to call us to repent and follow Him, sounds very familiar!
Matt. 28:18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
Jesus did not say He would do more miracles at our request or that we should focus on doing miracles ourselves! Jesus said He had all authority, proven by His miracles and His resurrection, so do as He says! proclaim the gospel, baptise those who believe and then teach those who do believe to obey His teaching!
We see a reminders and warnings to not disregard these things in God's word -
Heb. 2:1 Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. 2 For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, 3 how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, 4 God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?
We should also heed Jesus' words to those who demanded a sign in His time on earth -
Matt. 16:1 Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing Him asked that He would show them a sign from heaven. 2 He answered and said to them, “When it is evening you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red’; 3 and in the morning, ‘It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times. 4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.” And He left them and departed.
Jesus has proven He has all authority! Will you try to copy His miracles, or ask Him for more miracles, or believe upon Him for eternal life, learn what His word says, and seek to obey Him?
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
The priests must spend time examining lepers?
Leviticus 13-14 describes laws concerning leprosy and the priest's role in examining and helping those with this this dreaded and contagious disease. Part of the reason for taking leprosy so serious, was so that the rest of the people could be protected from catching it.
Let's be clear, being given the job of examining/helping lepers is to be put in harms way. It might be nice to think this task is totally irrelevant to anything we deal with in ministry today!
After all -
As believers, we have Jesus as our High priest. Jesus died on the cross to provide a perfect and final sacrifice for our sins. By believing upon Jesus and His work, our sins are forgiven, we are reconciled to God and all the effects of the fall, including diseases like leprosy, will be removed from us when we leave here to go to Him or He returns to rule and reign! Not only does Jesus fulfill the role of priests today, but leprosy has been eradicated from much of the world today through medical advancements.
So how is the OT priest spending time with lepers relevant today? I am sure there is much that could be said, but I was moved as I read it yesterday and realized how those who were to serve as spiritual leaders for Israel were constantly put in harms way for the sake of the people.
Imagine having to spend your day examining lepers! Would you feel afraid at times? Would you be rejected by others, simply because they new you spent time with lepers and could be contagious? What if you decided the risk was too great? What would the cost be for the individuals and the people as a whole?
To truly do ministry as Jesus calls us to do, is to be put in harms way for the good of the people -
John 15:18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 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 keep yours also. 21 But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. (NKJV)
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
Let's be clear, being given the job of examining/helping lepers is to be put in harms way. It might be nice to think this task is totally irrelevant to anything we deal with in ministry today!
After all -
As believers, we have Jesus as our High priest. Jesus died on the cross to provide a perfect and final sacrifice for our sins. By believing upon Jesus and His work, our sins are forgiven, we are reconciled to God and all the effects of the fall, including diseases like leprosy, will be removed from us when we leave here to go to Him or He returns to rule and reign! Not only does Jesus fulfill the role of priests today, but leprosy has been eradicated from much of the world today through medical advancements.
So how is the OT priest spending time with lepers relevant today? I am sure there is much that could be said, but I was moved as I read it yesterday and realized how those who were to serve as spiritual leaders for Israel were constantly put in harms way for the sake of the people.
Imagine having to spend your day examining lepers! Would you feel afraid at times? Would you be rejected by others, simply because they new you spent time with lepers and could be contagious? What if you decided the risk was too great? What would the cost be for the individuals and the people as a whole?
To truly do ministry as Jesus calls us to do, is to be put in harms way for the good of the people -
John 15:18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 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 keep yours also. 21 But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. (NKJV)
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
What would you give for your soul? How about their soul?
It is very biblical to consider what we would give for our own soul. Jesus makes this point -
Matt 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. 26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? (NKJV)
Clearly, to believe what the Bible says about eternal life, either our souls and glorified bodies will experience God's presence forever, because we have been reconciled to God in Christ, or by contrast, if not redeemed, we will spend eternity separated from Him, in a permanent state of spiritual death, separated from God and all goodness. To believe this reality makes the value of our own souls infinitely greater than anything we might possible trade for it.
With this understood, I hope we could answer Jesus' question as to what we would give in exchange for our souls, and our eternal relationship with Him, with a confident NOTHING!
So we would give any earthly cost and suffer any earthly loss for the sake of our eternal life with God in Christ! Amen!
As we finish the a study of the book of James this week another question must be considered, what would we give for the soul of another?
James ends his letter with these words:
James 5:19 Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, 20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins. (NKJV)
First a theological disclaimer:
Those who are bought by the blood of Christ and born again of the Spirit, as all true believers are, can't be finally lost and separated from God. This is true because it is God's work that saves and secures us for His glory!
Eph. 1:13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. (NKJV)
Heb. 12:1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (NKJV)
Phil. 1:3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, 5 for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; (NKJV)
So we can confirm that God is the one who saves and He saves forever! I will assume I have no need to proof text the reality that God uses His word and His Holy Spirit to bring about people's salvation. Yet with all this focus on God's power and salvation being meant to bring Him glory, God still uses human means to bring His word to those He saves.
I believe all who will be saved are predetermined to be so from eternity past, yet these plans of God certainly include the choices we make each day, including the choice to help someone see their sin and come to repentance through sharing God's word with them. Jesus told us to -
Matt. 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (NKJV)
Likewise it makes sense -
Rom. 10:14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? (NKJV)
These passages are aimed at evangelism in general, while James' exhortation that "he who turn a sinner form the error of his way will save a soul from death", seems primarily addressed to those who have lived as believers and have since begun believing error or have fallen into sin. These may be actual saved persons who should repent when we or others take the time to try to turn them back, or they may be people who hung out with the church, but were never saved, and our calling them back to the truth may turn out to be the time of their conversion and salvation!
So, salvation is of the Lord, but He has made it part of His redemptive plan to use us in the salvation process.
So, with that said, what would we give for their soul?
Would we -
Potentially lose them as a friend?
Make our coworkers or classmates uncomfortable with us?
Spend our time and money in ways that help validate or spread the gospel?
Be seen as unloving by a culture who thinks the only real sin is calling anything sin?
What did those who died so the gospel/Bible would be hear for us, give so our souls could benefit from the gospel?
What did Jesus give for our souls?
I ask again -
What will we give for their souls?
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
Matt 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. 26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? (NKJV)
Clearly, to believe what the Bible says about eternal life, either our souls and glorified bodies will experience God's presence forever, because we have been reconciled to God in Christ, or by contrast, if not redeemed, we will spend eternity separated from Him, in a permanent state of spiritual death, separated from God and all goodness. To believe this reality makes the value of our own souls infinitely greater than anything we might possible trade for it.
With this understood, I hope we could answer Jesus' question as to what we would give in exchange for our souls, and our eternal relationship with Him, with a confident NOTHING!
So we would give any earthly cost and suffer any earthly loss for the sake of our eternal life with God in Christ! Amen!
As we finish the a study of the book of James this week another question must be considered, what would we give for the soul of another?
James ends his letter with these words:
James 5:19 Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, 20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins. (NKJV)
First a theological disclaimer:
Those who are bought by the blood of Christ and born again of the Spirit, as all true believers are, can't be finally lost and separated from God. This is true because it is God's work that saves and secures us for His glory!
Eph. 1:13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. (NKJV)
Heb. 12:1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (NKJV)
Phil. 1:3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, 5 for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; (NKJV)
So we can confirm that God is the one who saves and He saves forever! I will assume I have no need to proof text the reality that God uses His word and His Holy Spirit to bring about people's salvation. Yet with all this focus on God's power and salvation being meant to bring Him glory, God still uses human means to bring His word to those He saves.
I believe all who will be saved are predetermined to be so from eternity past, yet these plans of God certainly include the choices we make each day, including the choice to help someone see their sin and come to repentance through sharing God's word with them. Jesus told us to -
Matt. 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (NKJV)
Likewise it makes sense -
Rom. 10:14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? (NKJV)
These passages are aimed at evangelism in general, while James' exhortation that "he who turn a sinner form the error of his way will save a soul from death", seems primarily addressed to those who have lived as believers and have since begun believing error or have fallen into sin. These may be actual saved persons who should repent when we or others take the time to try to turn them back, or they may be people who hung out with the church, but were never saved, and our calling them back to the truth may turn out to be the time of their conversion and salvation!
So, salvation is of the Lord, but He has made it part of His redemptive plan to use us in the salvation process.
So, with that said, what would we give for their soul?
Would we -
Potentially lose them as a friend?
Make our coworkers or classmates uncomfortable with us?
Spend our time and money in ways that help validate or spread the gospel?
Be seen as unloving by a culture who thinks the only real sin is calling anything sin?
What did those who died so the gospel/Bible would be hear for us, give so our souls could benefit from the gospel?
What did Jesus give for our souls?
I ask again -
What will we give for their souls?
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Email, Facebook and the decline of biblical/corporate prayer!
I am not sure other churches are experiencing an increasing dependence on cyberspace sharing/access to people's prayer needs or if they are seeing a decline in attendance at corporate prayer times, but the issues is worth some consideration.
In my church we have recently decided to stop sending out prayer requests, through our official church email, which mention people who have asked to be removed from our church role. It makes much sense that we would honor people's desires to not be associated with the church in an official capacity, by not continuing to mention them in our official church communications. Of course we encourage people to share requests and pray for all people as they feel led personally.
Much to my surprise, some people were outraged by this, especially a few who had asked to be removed form the role in previous years. They had several concerns including: suggesting it means we don't believe in prayer, thinking it may hurt our image in the community and believing it may prevent a person from getting what they want from God, because they did not get enough numbers of people praying for them.
Of course these objections are full of bad theology including the reality that "the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much" (James 5:16). So it is not necessary that we get many people on board to have God's best done for us. God listens to each of us for Christ's sake, if we have been reconciled to God in Christ!
Further we can consider Paul's advice to Timothy in 1 Tim. 5:23 No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities. (NKJV)
Paul never suggests that God will always heal when asked and does not suggest Timothy needs to get more people praying for his frequent illnesses.
This makes sense when you consider Paul's own experience -
2 Cor. 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (NKJV)
God's word does not say all who pray will be healed or getting more people to pray will necessarily move God's hand! Assuming God is doing what is best for Paul, Timothy and us, even when He says no to our prayers, do we really want to get many people to pray in hopes He will do something else? Paul got God's best in learning to depend on God, even while his prayer request met with a firm no!
Further, when we consider how many of the prayer requests we send out have to do with health needs, and the scriptures clearly tell the sick they should do as we read in -
James 5:14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. (NKJV) This is not a prohibition against sharing prayer requests about illnesses, but while one has become an absolute demand of church goers (email/facebook prayer request sharing), the biblical practice outlined in God's word has become almost unheard of! If someone becomes dependent on email/facebook prayer request sharing, are they likely to be confronted about sin, salvation and their need to obey God as they find comfort in Him, even if they are still sick?
OK, but this off-theology of prayer is only part of the problem I see here. The bigger issue is how dependent we have become on cyberspace for communicating prayer needs and how lax we are at attending in person corporate prayer times. Is it easier to communicate by email and facebook? Yes, but what about coming together to share our needs and call out to the Lord for His guidance and the power to carry out His will -
Acts 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. (NKJV)
I would love to see the place where we pray shaken by God, but even more important, I would love to see the people of God coming together in person, to pray for God's power, to go into the world (in cyberspace and in person), sharing the word of God boldly!
What do I see? An incredible amount of emphasis on physical needs and our desire for healing, especially in cyberspace, while corporate prayer times, spiritual needs and people's eternal destinies seem to get very little attention.
What will you do?
You could get mad, or you could come and pray with the body of Christ in person, and expect God to use and change us, for His purposes and glory!
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
In my church we have recently decided to stop sending out prayer requests, through our official church email, which mention people who have asked to be removed from our church role. It makes much sense that we would honor people's desires to not be associated with the church in an official capacity, by not continuing to mention them in our official church communications. Of course we encourage people to share requests and pray for all people as they feel led personally.
Much to my surprise, some people were outraged by this, especially a few who had asked to be removed form the role in previous years. They had several concerns including: suggesting it means we don't believe in prayer, thinking it may hurt our image in the community and believing it may prevent a person from getting what they want from God, because they did not get enough numbers of people praying for them.
Of course these objections are full of bad theology including the reality that "the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much" (James 5:16). So it is not necessary that we get many people on board to have God's best done for us. God listens to each of us for Christ's sake, if we have been reconciled to God in Christ!
Further we can consider Paul's advice to Timothy in 1 Tim. 5:23 No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities. (NKJV)
Paul never suggests that God will always heal when asked and does not suggest Timothy needs to get more people praying for his frequent illnesses.
This makes sense when you consider Paul's own experience -
2 Cor. 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (NKJV)
God's word does not say all who pray will be healed or getting more people to pray will necessarily move God's hand! Assuming God is doing what is best for Paul, Timothy and us, even when He says no to our prayers, do we really want to get many people to pray in hopes He will do something else? Paul got God's best in learning to depend on God, even while his prayer request met with a firm no!
Further, when we consider how many of the prayer requests we send out have to do with health needs, and the scriptures clearly tell the sick they should do as we read in -
James 5:14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. (NKJV) This is not a prohibition against sharing prayer requests about illnesses, but while one has become an absolute demand of church goers (email/facebook prayer request sharing), the biblical practice outlined in God's word has become almost unheard of! If someone becomes dependent on email/facebook prayer request sharing, are they likely to be confronted about sin, salvation and their need to obey God as they find comfort in Him, even if they are still sick?
OK, but this off-theology of prayer is only part of the problem I see here. The bigger issue is how dependent we have become on cyberspace for communicating prayer needs and how lax we are at attending in person corporate prayer times. Is it easier to communicate by email and facebook? Yes, but what about coming together to share our needs and call out to the Lord for His guidance and the power to carry out His will -
Acts 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. (NKJV)
I would love to see the place where we pray shaken by God, but even more important, I would love to see the people of God coming together in person, to pray for God's power, to go into the world (in cyberspace and in person), sharing the word of God boldly!
What do I see? An incredible amount of emphasis on physical needs and our desire for healing, especially in cyberspace, while corporate prayer times, spiritual needs and people's eternal destinies seem to get very little attention.
What will you do?
You could get mad, or you could come and pray with the body of Christ in person, and expect God to use and change us, for His purposes and glory!
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
A truth to meditate on and find peace!
We may spend much time asking why things are the way they are. We may believe God is totally sovereign, but still spend time trying to figure out how specific things going on in the world could ever serve His purposes.
The fact that these things are hard to nail down should not surprise us -
Isaiah 55:8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. (NKJV)
Much more important than figuring out the why of everything God does, is simply believing He is wise, He is powerful and He loves us for Christ's sake! Then we can answer the question Abraham asked -
Gen. 18:25b "Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (NKJV)
And to this we can answer 100% yes and Amen!
This is a source of great peace and comfort to me in a world which seems so out of control.
To Him be the Glory!
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
The fact that these things are hard to nail down should not surprise us -
Isaiah 55:8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. (NKJV)
Much more important than figuring out the why of everything God does, is simply believing He is wise, He is powerful and He loves us for Christ's sake! Then we can answer the question Abraham asked -
Gen. 18:25b "Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (NKJV)
And to this we can answer 100% yes and Amen!
This is a source of great peace and comfort to me in a world which seems so out of control.
To Him be the Glory!
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Something Christians and Mormons do have in common!
This is an article about a recent speech made by Dr. Al Mohler to Mormons at BYU. He does a fantastic job of pointing out the main error in Mormon theology (not seeking justification by faith in Christ alone), but at the same time makes a great point regarding our agreements on many cultural issues. Regarding these differences and those things we have in common Mohler said this: "I do not believe that we are going to heaven together, but I do believe we may go to jail together."
Please take time to read the article and be blessed!
Please take time to read the article and be blessed!
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
A good testimony touching on a timely subject!
This is a testimony of a life radically changed by the gospel - Sermon Audio
I hope it gives both hope and insight!
I hope it gives both hope and insight!
Monday, October 21, 2013
A truly motivational video!
I saw this video posted on Alpha and Omega Ministries and as a graduate of a Southern Baptist Seminary, I found it to be a real blessing. I also think it can be very inspirational if you have ever found yourself called to help bring change to a Christian institution and all the odds seemed against you.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Have I missed something politically?
All I hear from politicians and the media is - "we need to raise the debt ceiling quickly", "we will loose our good credit rating if we don't raise the debt ceiling now" and "we are doomed if we don't raise the debt ceiling straight away!"
I may be simple, but if we have to keep borrowing more money to meet our existing debts, why would anyone give us a good credit rating, and aren't we doomed as a nation financially if this need to borrow more and more does not change?
I hear complaints that one party makes an issue of raisng the debt ceiling every year. I have a proposal, cut the budgeted expenses for next year, by the amount they are having to borrow this year, and next year there will be no reason to raise the debt ceiling!
I may be simple, but if we have to keep borrowing more money to meet our existing debts, why would anyone give us a good credit rating, and aren't we doomed as a nation financially if this need to borrow more and more does not change?
I hear complaints that one party makes an issue of raisng the debt ceiling every year. I have a proposal, cut the budgeted expenses for next year, by the amount they are having to borrow this year, and next year there will be no reason to raise the debt ceiling!
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
“will continue to suffer permanent, severe and irreparable harm and injury"
What is this quote referring to?
Maybe -
Victims of ongoing violent abuse?
Those living without food, shelter or clothing?
Military prisoners at Guantanamo Bay?
People who are being exposed to extremely violent or sexually graphic images?
No, not any of these things.
Prepare yourself for shock and awe!
It describes the harm that will be done to visitors and students at a school in Ohio if they catch a glimpse of a depiction of Jesus in a display of famous historical figures!
The ACLU and the Freedom from Religion Foundation used these words in their law suit against the school which now has to remove the picture (after 60 years on display) and they must pay a fine of $95,000 as well.
Here is a link to an article with more details from Fox News.
Maybe -
Victims of ongoing violent abuse?
Those living without food, shelter or clothing?
Military prisoners at Guantanamo Bay?
People who are being exposed to extremely violent or sexually graphic images?
No, not any of these things.
Prepare yourself for shock and awe!
It describes the harm that will be done to visitors and students at a school in Ohio if they catch a glimpse of a depiction of Jesus in a display of famous historical figures!
The ACLU and the Freedom from Religion Foundation used these words in their law suit against the school which now has to remove the picture (after 60 years on display) and they must pay a fine of $95,000 as well.
Here is a link to an article with more details from Fox News.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Monday, September 30, 2013
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
How many people need to pray for our need, before God will act in the way that we want?
I have done a systematic study of prayer in the Bible before and have found that we often don't pray as taught and patterned in the scriptures. Usually our errors are in the area of thinking God does not know our needs or that He really needs our advice on what would be the best course of action in our particular case.
I think the model prayer Jesus gave us has some good parameters for prayer -
Matt. 6:8 “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. 9 In this manner, therefore, pray:
Phil. 1:9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, 10 that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, 11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (NKJV)
Col. 1:9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. (NKJV)
2 Thess. 1:11 Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, 12 that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. (NKJV)
All of the previous verses are similar in content to Jesus teaching in Matt. 6 passage. The next two are a little different and worth noting -
James 5:13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. (NKJV)
What are we to do when we are suffering? Pray! What are we to do if we are sick? Send an email to everyone so they will pray? Mention it at a prayer service? Make sure we have as many people as possible praying for our healing? Those might be OK, but the thing we are definitely told to do is "call for the elders of the church" to pray/anoint, etc. Why do we not do the one thing we are told we should do?
What should we be sharing with others on a regular basis and praying about, try this -
James 5:16 Confess your trespasses[e] to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. (NKJV)
Why do we want to make our medical needs as public as possible, even as we fail to deal with them biblically, and at the same time keep our sins, which we should be confessing and praying about with each other, as private as possible?
Why do our prayer in person or by other sources such as internet/email, seem to be a million miles away from the biblical teaching and pattern for prayer? We act like getting the most people we possibly can to pray, for our need or that of a loved one, will move God to act in our favor and all the while we neglect almost every aspect of prayer that God's word actually teaches. The Bible says the prayer of even one righteous person avails much. We tend to focus on how many people we can get to pray, rather than if we are praying in accord with God's word.
1 John 5:14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. (NKJV)
Want to pray effectively?
We need to know His word, to know His will, then we can pray with confidence, whether we are one or many!
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
I think the model prayer Jesus gave us has some good parameters for prayer -
Matt. 6:8 “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. 9 In this manner, therefore, pray:
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
13 And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. (NKJV)
Hallowed be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
13 And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. (NKJV)
I am not suggesting there are not other acceptable categories for prayer, but I think it is worth noting some basics Jesus taught:
1. God knows what we need (vs. 6).
2. We should recognize and worship God for who He is (vs. 9).
3. We should want His will, not ours (vs. 10).
4. We should recognize our dependence on Him and ask Him to meet our basic needs (vs. 11).
5. We should ask for forgiveness for our sins (vs. 12).
6. We should forgive or ask for help to forgive those who sin against us (vs. 12).
7. We should pray for God's help in avoiding sin (vs.13).
8. We should acknowledge that God has all power and all is for His glory (vs. 13).
When it comes to prayer in the church, our prayers should certainly be weighted heavily toward these categories. As we read the NT letters to the church there are is much in common with Jesus' previous words on prayer -
Acts 4:24 So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: “Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, 25 who by the mouth of Your servant David[b] have said:
‘Why did the nations rage,
And the people plot vain things?
26 The kings of the earth took their stand,
And the rulers were gathered together
Against the Lord and against His Christ.’[c]
And the people plot vain things?
26 The kings of the earth took their stand,
And the rulers were gathered together
Against the Lord and against His Christ.’[c]
27 “For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together 28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. 29 Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, 30 by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” 31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. (NKJV)
Phil. 1:9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, 10 that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, 11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (NKJV)
Col. 1:9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. (NKJV)
2 Thess. 1:11 Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, 12 that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. (NKJV)
All of the previous verses are similar in content to Jesus teaching in Matt. 6 passage. The next two are a little different and worth noting -
James 5:13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. (NKJV)
What are we to do when we are suffering? Pray! What are we to do if we are sick? Send an email to everyone so they will pray? Mention it at a prayer service? Make sure we have as many people as possible praying for our healing? Those might be OK, but the thing we are definitely told to do is "call for the elders of the church" to pray/anoint, etc. Why do we not do the one thing we are told we should do?
What should we be sharing with others on a regular basis and praying about, try this -
James 5:16 Confess your trespasses[e] to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. (NKJV)
Why do we want to make our medical needs as public as possible, even as we fail to deal with them biblically, and at the same time keep our sins, which we should be confessing and praying about with each other, as private as possible?
Why do our prayer in person or by other sources such as internet/email, seem to be a million miles away from the biblical teaching and pattern for prayer? We act like getting the most people we possibly can to pray, for our need or that of a loved one, will move God to act in our favor and all the while we neglect almost every aspect of prayer that God's word actually teaches. The Bible says the prayer of even one righteous person avails much. We tend to focus on how many people we can get to pray, rather than if we are praying in accord with God's word.
1 John 5:14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. (NKJV)
Want to pray effectively?
We need to know His word, to know His will, then we can pray with confidence, whether we are one or many!
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Another sign persecution is here and increasing!
I really appreciate Wretchedradio for keeping us informed of things like this.
Acts 4:18 So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” 21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done. 22 For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.
23 And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 24 So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: “Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, 25 who by the mouth of Your servant David[b] have said:
31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. (NKJV)
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
May the U.S. church respond as the early church did -
Acts 4:18 So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” 21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done. 22 For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.
23 And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 24 So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: “Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, 25 who by the mouth of Your servant David[b] have said:
‘Why did the nations rage,
And the people plot vain things?
26 The kings of the earth took their stand,
And the rulers were gathered together
Against the Lord and against His Christ.’[c]
And the people plot vain things?
26 The kings of the earth took their stand,
And the rulers were gathered together
Against the Lord and against His Christ.’[c]
27 “For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together 28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. 29 Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, 30 by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”
31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. (NKJV)
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
Monday, September 16, 2013
The Secularization Thesis by Michael Horton
If you have the time and patience, and care about such things, check out this excellent article by Michael Horton on secularization and how we might respond to it.
The Secularization Thesis
The Secularization Thesis
Thursday, September 12, 2013
A most excellent teaching on reaching Muslims with the Gospel!
This is very informative. Notice especially the evangelistic methods used at an Islamic service at the about the 19:30 point in Dr. White's lecture. Look familiar?
Friday, August 30, 2013
Follow up to "How Bazaar" - this is almost beyond comprehension!
So yesterday I was pointing out what looked like an attempt by the Methodist church to "re-think" church by avoiding the gospel. A friend sent me a video which adds further weight to my evaluation of the re-think campaign and I assume all Bible/gospel lovers will find it quite terrible from a content standpoint. This may be hard to believe, but the last blog post I wrote prior to taking up this re-think church topic was called "A High Five from the Devil", which was about what we get for rejecting God, ironically this video is called of all things, A High Five for the Local Church!
I invite you to watch the video and evaluate it based for how focused it is on the work the church is called to do, after being reminded what the church is supposed to be doing from God's word:
Matt. 28:18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
2 Cor. 5:18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
Now that you have been reminded of the church's mission, here is a link to the video- A High Five for the Local Church
A high five from who?
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
I invite you to watch the video and evaluate it based for how focused it is on the work the church is called to do, after being reminded what the church is supposed to be doing from God's word:
Matt. 28:18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
2 Cor. 5:18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
Now that you have been reminded of the church's mission, here is a link to the video- A High Five for the Local Church
A high five from who?
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
Thursday, August 29, 2013
How bazaar?
I know the American church has long been distracted from its primary duty - to be the means by which the Gospel of Jesus Christ is carried to the ends of the earth. Two interesting examples came to me this morning of how we might be off track.
First a new commercial I saw several times during the morning news. It gave several examples of good works the Methodist church has done over its history and then encouraged people to "re-think church" and they could start by visiting their website rethinkchurch.org.
When I visited the website it had a rotating banner at the top declaring these various works, things like "introducing innovative teaching methods into the early 20th century" and "providing education resources to new immigrants in the 1920s". At the bottom of each of these accomplishments it says - "That's church!" Is it really? I'll get back to that in a moment.
OK, the other interesting thing that happened was a person called my office wanting to know when the "bazaar" was. I told the caller I was not entirely sure what a bazaar is, so she explained it was when our church had crafts and chicken. I am sure there is more to it than that, but I had heard enough to let her know she had called the wrong number. She quickly said sorry and I assume went back to searching for the church with the bazaar.
Do I think a church having a "bazaar" is necessarily bad - no. Do I think the Methodist church and other churches have done good and Christ honoring work by meeting the practical needs of people - Yes.
So what is my problem? Well, I hope the church know for its "bazaar", also is known for proclaiming the gospel. The re-think church website is actually free of the gospel as far as I can tell, and that is far more troubling. If you go far enough by following some links listed in the body of their FAQ's section, you can find Jesus mentioned. What I could not find was any mention of sin or our separation from God, or of how Jesus Christ is necessary to solve these problems.
They seem to be very careful to present themselves as a church that is totally open to all and without controversy, they are clear that their focus is on meeting people's needs and helping them find ways to help others. However, I fear that they have left out the most important need people have, to be redeemed by faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ. That is bazaar, sad and certainly not doing Jesus' will.
Consider Jesus' description of how the church would be viewed by the world, as it made proclaiming His words the primary task -
John 15:18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 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 keep yours also. 21 But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.
The re-think church folk seem intent on being loved by the world, and if they are, I hope they would consider if it is because they have done great humanitarian works, because they are so inclusive or is it because they have removed the gospel and the offense Jesus promised it would bring?
It could be they have re-thought church to the point that it should not be called church at all!
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
First a new commercial I saw several times during the morning news. It gave several examples of good works the Methodist church has done over its history and then encouraged people to "re-think church" and they could start by visiting their website rethinkchurch.org.
When I visited the website it had a rotating banner at the top declaring these various works, things like "introducing innovative teaching methods into the early 20th century" and "providing education resources to new immigrants in the 1920s". At the bottom of each of these accomplishments it says - "That's church!" Is it really? I'll get back to that in a moment.
OK, the other interesting thing that happened was a person called my office wanting to know when the "bazaar" was. I told the caller I was not entirely sure what a bazaar is, so she explained it was when our church had crafts and chicken. I am sure there is more to it than that, but I had heard enough to let her know she had called the wrong number. She quickly said sorry and I assume went back to searching for the church with the bazaar.
Do I think a church having a "bazaar" is necessarily bad - no. Do I think the Methodist church and other churches have done good and Christ honoring work by meeting the practical needs of people - Yes.
So what is my problem? Well, I hope the church know for its "bazaar", also is known for proclaiming the gospel. The re-think church website is actually free of the gospel as far as I can tell, and that is far more troubling. If you go far enough by following some links listed in the body of their FAQ's section, you can find Jesus mentioned. What I could not find was any mention of sin or our separation from God, or of how Jesus Christ is necessary to solve these problems.
They seem to be very careful to present themselves as a church that is totally open to all and without controversy, they are clear that their focus is on meeting people's needs and helping them find ways to help others. However, I fear that they have left out the most important need people have, to be redeemed by faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ. That is bazaar, sad and certainly not doing Jesus' will.
Consider Jesus' description of how the church would be viewed by the world, as it made proclaiming His words the primary task -
John 15:18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 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 keep yours also. 21 But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.
The re-think church folk seem intent on being loved by the world, and if they are, I hope they would consider if it is because they have done great humanitarian works, because they are so inclusive or is it because they have removed the gospel and the offense Jesus promised it would bring?
It could be they have re-thought church to the point that it should not be called church at all!
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
A "high five" from the devil?
Ever wonder why we are so naturally rebellious against God and/or what we think we will get for our rebellion? I know the easy answer is because we (in our unconverted state) are by nature haters of God who desire to live free of His rule. The Bible says this in several ways:
Rom. 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
Rom. 3:10 As it is written:
Look at how this anti-God attitude is also a pro-Satan attitude:
Eph. 2:1And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
So, for our rebellion against God we get what? A "high five" from the prince of darkness! We get a pat on the back from the one who desires our constant and eternal misery as we enter into his realm finally, fully and forever.
By contrast, for humbly coming to God by faith in Jesus Christ and becoming His servant, we get what?
Rev. 21:3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
Rom. 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
Rom. 3:10 As it is written:
“There is none righteous, no, not one;
11 There is none who understands;
There is none who seeks after God.
12 They have all turned aside;
They have together become unprofitable;
There is none who does good, no, not one.”
13 “Their throat is an open tomb;
With their tongues they have practiced deceit”;
“The poison of asps is under their lips”;
14 “Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.”
15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood;
16 Destruction and misery are in their ways;
17 And the way of peace they have not known.”
18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”
11 There is none who understands;
There is none who seeks after God.
12 They have all turned aside;
They have together become unprofitable;
There is none who does good, no, not one.”
13 “Their throat is an open tomb;
With their tongues they have practiced deceit”;
“The poison of asps is under their lips”;
14 “Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.”
15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood;
16 Destruction and misery are in their ways;
17 And the way of peace they have not known.”
18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”
Look at how this anti-God attitude is also a pro-Satan attitude:
Eph. 2:1And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
So, for our rebellion against God we get what? A "high five" from the prince of darkness! We get a pat on the back from the one who desires our constant and eternal misery as we enter into his realm finally, fully and forever.
By contrast, for humbly coming to God by faith in Jesus Christ and becoming His servant, we get what?
Rev. 21:3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
Monday, August 26, 2013
Thursday, August 22, 2013
"Get to the next level faster"?
I have received emails from Church Staffing for years. I signed up for it at some point, but have not actually read any of their emails in years. These are the kind of emails I delete without thinking about it and sometimes wonder why I don't take a moment and remove myself from their list.
Today I was both glad and sad that I still receive their emails. Glad because it is good to know what people are thinking in the ministry world and sad, because I got a glimpse of what people are thinking in the ministry world.
The email itself was pretty much an invite to use their services, but the subject line of the email, "get to the next level faster" is troubling. I am not against a pastor moving from a smaller church to a larger church, nor am I against a pastor moving from a larger church to a smaller church, the issue is why would we take a ministry position at any church, how long should we stay at a church and why should we leave one when and if we do?
Now I am sure that pastors with much skill at preaching and good leadership skills will often end up at larger churches and those with less to offer may end up at smaller churches. However, there is something troubling about going to a church that you see as only a stepping stone to the ministry you really want and/or feel you deserve.
I must not cast the first stone, in my flesh I have sometimes thought I deserve a bigger church and sometimes like I am very inadequate for the church I pastor now. When I am thinking rightly about it, I know I am inadequate accept for God's empowerment, and I believe God has brought me to this church in His time and for His own reasons.
Why would a pastor seek to move to the "next level"?
Greater influence? Maybe that is good?
Provide better for my family? That could be reasonable?
It is between the pastor and the Lord to sort out what is right in any given situation, but a passage of scripture suggests great caution before we try to "get to the next level faster".
Jesus said:
John 10:11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. 12 But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. 13 The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. 15 As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.
There is only one "good Shepherd" who "owns the sheep"! However, we, as under-shepherds, need to put the safety of the sheep above our own desrie to "get to the next level faster"!
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
Today I was both glad and sad that I still receive their emails. Glad because it is good to know what people are thinking in the ministry world and sad, because I got a glimpse of what people are thinking in the ministry world.
The email itself was pretty much an invite to use their services, but the subject line of the email, "get to the next level faster" is troubling. I am not against a pastor moving from a smaller church to a larger church, nor am I against a pastor moving from a larger church to a smaller church, the issue is why would we take a ministry position at any church, how long should we stay at a church and why should we leave one when and if we do?
Now I am sure that pastors with much skill at preaching and good leadership skills will often end up at larger churches and those with less to offer may end up at smaller churches. However, there is something troubling about going to a church that you see as only a stepping stone to the ministry you really want and/or feel you deserve.
I must not cast the first stone, in my flesh I have sometimes thought I deserve a bigger church and sometimes like I am very inadequate for the church I pastor now. When I am thinking rightly about it, I know I am inadequate accept for God's empowerment, and I believe God has brought me to this church in His time and for His own reasons.
Why would a pastor seek to move to the "next level"?
Greater influence? Maybe that is good?
Provide better for my family? That could be reasonable?
It is between the pastor and the Lord to sort out what is right in any given situation, but a passage of scripture suggests great caution before we try to "get to the next level faster".
Jesus said:
John 10:11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. 12 But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. 13 The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. 15 As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.
There is only one "good Shepherd" who "owns the sheep"! However, we, as under-shepherds, need to put the safety of the sheep above our own desrie to "get to the next level faster"!
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Sodom and Gomorrah had nothing on the U.S.
I still can't believe this is true - California Gov. Brown signs transgender student bill
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
God's wrath a no no in PCUSA songs!
Follow this link God's wrath to an interesting article on why the Presbyterian Church USA, not to be confused with the more conservative Presbyterian Church in America, has decided to remove the song In Christ Alone from their hymnals, after failing to get the authors to allow them to replace lyrics about God's wrath with less offensive language.
1 Cor. 1:18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written:
1 Cor. 1:18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written:
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.”
And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.”
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
Monday, July 29, 2013
Where did 5 years go?
As of this week I have been the Pastor of Mount Herman Christian Church for five years. It seemed to go by quickly, but much has happened during this time and I can't help but reflect on and evaluate my years here.
Here are some things that have changed:
- Membership and attendance have dropped significantly since I arrived.
- We have fewer programs going on at the church than when I arrived.
- We have less paid staff than when I arrived.
- We have a smaller budget now than when I arrived, although we have adjusted to live within it.
- Closely related to the above facts is that it is much more difficult to maintain our facilities now than when I arrived.
- We have a much more biblically educated congregation than when I arrived.
- We have less conflict than when I arrived, as many people have matured in their faith and handle problems in a more biblical and graceful way.
- We are more equipped and enthused for going into the world to reach the lost than when I arrived.
- We have a greater commitment by parents to disciple their children/youth than when I arrived. Parents no longer see children/youth discipleship as primarily the child/youth leaders job.
- We are far more Gospel centered than when I arrived. Not that the gospel wasn't preached before, but now the person, work and teachings of Jesus Christ are truly at the center of our ministries.
How would I evaluate these past five years? By looking at my job description and seeing if what I have done matches what I was expected to do!
Several scriptures come to mind as I think about my job description:
First, a very general description of the ministry the church is called to carry out, and the leaders (Pastors/Elders) are expected to keep the church focused on:
Matt. 28:18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
Next, a passage with a little more specifics regarding the role of those called to pastor and teach the church:
Eph. 4:11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
Finally, Paul's evaluation of his own ministry:
Acts 20:25 “And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 27 For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.
Have I done what I have been called to do? I have tried, but know I have fallen short in many ways. However, it seems very important that many of the things that could easily be taken as the tests for success, the first five points I mentioned at the beginning for instance, are not really a consideration when evaluating my last five years against the job description I have received from Christ and His word.
Therefore, I can only hope that I have been faithful to the Lord up to this point, and seek to lead and teach the flock at MHCC from His word, to accomplish His purposes as His church in the years to come!
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
Here are some things that have changed:
- Membership and attendance have dropped significantly since I arrived.
- We have fewer programs going on at the church than when I arrived.
- We have less paid staff than when I arrived.
- We have a smaller budget now than when I arrived, although we have adjusted to live within it.
- Closely related to the above facts is that it is much more difficult to maintain our facilities now than when I arrived.
- We have a much more biblically educated congregation than when I arrived.
- We have less conflict than when I arrived, as many people have matured in their faith and handle problems in a more biblical and graceful way.
- We are more equipped and enthused for going into the world to reach the lost than when I arrived.
- We have a greater commitment by parents to disciple their children/youth than when I arrived. Parents no longer see children/youth discipleship as primarily the child/youth leaders job.
- We are far more Gospel centered than when I arrived. Not that the gospel wasn't preached before, but now the person, work and teachings of Jesus Christ are truly at the center of our ministries.
How would I evaluate these past five years? By looking at my job description and seeing if what I have done matches what I was expected to do!
Several scriptures come to mind as I think about my job description:
First, a very general description of the ministry the church is called to carry out, and the leaders (Pastors/Elders) are expected to keep the church focused on:
Matt. 28:18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
Next, a passage with a little more specifics regarding the role of those called to pastor and teach the church:
Eph. 4:11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
Finally, Paul's evaluation of his own ministry:
Acts 20:25 “And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 27 For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.
Have I done what I have been called to do? I have tried, but know I have fallen short in many ways. However, it seems very important that many of the things that could easily be taken as the tests for success, the first five points I mentioned at the beginning for instance, are not really a consideration when evaluating my last five years against the job description I have received from Christ and His word.
Therefore, I can only hope that I have been faithful to the Lord up to this point, and seek to lead and teach the flock at MHCC from His word, to accomplish His purposes as His church in the years to come!
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
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