THE DISQUIETING MESSAGE FROM BETHLEHEM'S STABLE
The world tolerates the Baby in the manger--to some degree. Oh, they would do away with Him altogether, if they could--maybe gradually phasing Him out by placing a creche in the middle of a holiday display from various religions and secular traditions--but being rid of Him entirely, eventually, or altered so much as to be unrecognizable. Yet, if the world must recognize Him at all, they will consign Him to a cradle of straw as a cherubic infant. That is not particularly threatening, nor intimidating.
The problem rises when they consider what the Baby grew up to be! The life that He lived, the words that He spoke, the death that He died, the resurrection He experienced, the authority He claims, and the judgment He will decree--that is the disquieting message from Bethlehem's stable. The world would ignore or be slightly amused if only He only came as the Babe of Bethlehem, but they are not very happy with One who is coming again as King of kings and Lord of lords!
When Jesus came the first time, the world shoved Him off into a stable and shoved His crucified corpse into a sepulchre sealed with a stone. But, He wouldn't stay dead, so that when He comes the second time, He will do the shoving--into the Lake of Fire--the judgment of all who reject Him. That's what the world hates about Him. They just want to be left alone, and He will not permit it. If they could just stow Him away as an Infant in a manger scene, along with all the other decorations hidden in a box in the attic, only to drag out on special occasions!
That cannot be done. It isn't an option. One day every eye shall see Him, every knee will bow to Him and every tongue confess He is Lord. He has conquered. He will reign. That is the disquieting message from Bethlehem's stable.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
HARVEST TIME
It’s that wonderful time of year when the harvest is gathered. Summer has come to an end and fall has begun. The last of the crops must be claimed or they will be lost when the first blast of cold air comes to the mountains. There is no time to delay—it’s harvest time!
That is true in the spiritual realm also. Listen to these sad words:
“The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved!” (Jeremiah 8:20)
How tragic—the horror of missed opportunity! Jesus intimated that one soul is more valuable than the entire world--and some of those lost souls are our family, friends, fellow workers and classmates.
It’s harvest time!
This verse from the prophet Jeremiah, reminds us of:
• THE PRIORITY OF THE HARVEST “The harvest is past…” It’s all about the harvest! There are many things we do on earth that are important—singing God’s praises; communicating with Him; being with His people; serving Him, and the like. While not minimizing any of those activities, we will be able to do those in heaven. Something we won’t be able to do is to lead a lost soul to faith in Christ. Shouldn’t we make this a priority while we have opportunity?
• THE PRESERVATION OF THE HARVEST “the summer is ended…” There is a deadline and if the harvest of souls is not completed, they are lost—forever. We must gather them while we can. Is there someone you know who needs Christ? What are you doing to reach them?
• THE PERIL TO THE HARVEST “we are not saved!” Not saved! Not saved! Not saved! Too late! There is no second chance beyond this world. When we are called out to meet God—and that call can come without warning—we must be ready to meet Him. Heaven or hell—eternal joy or everlasting judgment—await that decision.
Sunday, November 7, is “Harvest Time” at Pole Creek! It is the Sunday the time changes and we roll the clock back an hour, for an extra hour of sleep. Statistics show that other than Easter it is the Sunday of the year with the highest attendance. It is a great Sunday for you to invite lost souls you know to come, pray for them, cultivate them, and bring them in to hear the Gospel. Jesus is still mighty to save! Now is the time to get to work in the field!
It’s HARVEST TIME!
It’s that wonderful time of year when the harvest is gathered. Summer has come to an end and fall has begun. The last of the crops must be claimed or they will be lost when the first blast of cold air comes to the mountains. There is no time to delay—it’s harvest time!
That is true in the spiritual realm also. Listen to these sad words:
“The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved!” (Jeremiah 8:20)
How tragic—the horror of missed opportunity! Jesus intimated that one soul is more valuable than the entire world--and some of those lost souls are our family, friends, fellow workers and classmates.
It’s harvest time!
This verse from the prophet Jeremiah, reminds us of:
• THE PRIORITY OF THE HARVEST “The harvest is past…” It’s all about the harvest! There are many things we do on earth that are important—singing God’s praises; communicating with Him; being with His people; serving Him, and the like. While not minimizing any of those activities, we will be able to do those in heaven. Something we won’t be able to do is to lead a lost soul to faith in Christ. Shouldn’t we make this a priority while we have opportunity?
• THE PRESERVATION OF THE HARVEST “the summer is ended…” There is a deadline and if the harvest of souls is not completed, they are lost—forever. We must gather them while we can. Is there someone you know who needs Christ? What are you doing to reach them?
• THE PERIL TO THE HARVEST “we are not saved!” Not saved! Not saved! Not saved! Too late! There is no second chance beyond this world. When we are called out to meet God—and that call can come without warning—we must be ready to meet Him. Heaven or hell—eternal joy or everlasting judgment—await that decision.
Sunday, November 7, is “Harvest Time” at Pole Creek! It is the Sunday the time changes and we roll the clock back an hour, for an extra hour of sleep. Statistics show that other than Easter it is the Sunday of the year with the highest attendance. It is a great Sunday for you to invite lost souls you know to come, pray for them, cultivate them, and bring them in to hear the Gospel. Jesus is still mighty to save! Now is the time to get to work in the field!
It’s HARVEST TIME!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
STARVING THE FLESH
SHAPE UP!
Listen to the Apostle Paul’s demand to get in shape, “Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy” (Romans 10:13). There are things that will be detrimental to your physical health, and the things listed here will be deleterious to your spiritual health.
Revelry is a word for a wild party. Sadly, some folks don’t make it to the celebration of worship with the saints on Sunday morning because of the carousing in wantonness with the sinful on Saturday night! It’s hard to focus on God Sunday morning if your eyes are bloodshot from the night before.
Drunkenness is another danger Paul warns about. Alcohol will make you see double and think half! It is easy for liquor to become your lord. It mastered me at one time, but I don’t need it; I’ve found Jesus to give boundless joy—and you don’t have a hangover the next day!
Then there is lewdness and lust—nakedness and nastiness. The first term has to do with sexual acts and the latter with sensual attitudes. Sex within marriage is a wonderful gift of God, but outside it become defiling and destructive. Hollywood doesn’t set the standard for the child of God—heaven does! We are called to holiness!
Then there is strife and envy. Some of us who may not consume alcohol and commit adultery may excuse our failure to control anger! We may not be a drunk, or debauched, but if we are divisive that is defiling too! And what about envy? What about wanting what others have—jealousy and covetousness—vile vices of the heart!
I hope for the sake of your physical health that you are in good condition. It is beneficial. But, above all, listen to this, “exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having a promise of the life that now is and that which is to come” (1 Timothy 4:7b-8).
Shape up!
SHAPE UP!
Listen to the Apostle Paul’s demand to get in shape, “Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy” (Romans 10:13). There are things that will be detrimental to your physical health, and the things listed here will be deleterious to your spiritual health.
Revelry is a word for a wild party. Sadly, some folks don’t make it to the celebration of worship with the saints on Sunday morning because of the carousing in wantonness with the sinful on Saturday night! It’s hard to focus on God Sunday morning if your eyes are bloodshot from the night before.
Drunkenness is another danger Paul warns about. Alcohol will make you see double and think half! It is easy for liquor to become your lord. It mastered me at one time, but I don’t need it; I’ve found Jesus to give boundless joy—and you don’t have a hangover the next day!
Then there is lewdness and lust—nakedness and nastiness. The first term has to do with sexual acts and the latter with sensual attitudes. Sex within marriage is a wonderful gift of God, but outside it become defiling and destructive. Hollywood doesn’t set the standard for the child of God—heaven does! We are called to holiness!
Then there is strife and envy. Some of us who may not consume alcohol and commit adultery may excuse our failure to control anger! We may not be a drunk, or debauched, but if we are divisive that is defiling too! And what about envy? What about wanting what others have—jealousy and covetousness—vile vices of the heart!
I hope for the sake of your physical health that you are in good condition. It is beneficial. But, above all, listen to this, “exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having a promise of the life that now is and that which is to come” (1 Timothy 4:7b-8).
Shape up!
Monday, September 13, 2010
STARVING THE FLESH
DRESS UP!
Once you get up, you don’t go out until you dress up. It’s time to get out of your pajamas and put on your uniform. Paul says in Romans 13:12b, “cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.” You’re going to war! You’re headed into hostile territory and you need to be clothed for combat.
What is this armor of light? It is being clothed with Christ, “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ,” (v.14a).
Clothes adorn us—they are visible. Everywhere we go, we have them on. So, others should see Christ on display as we move through the world. When people look at you and me, do they see Jesus?
Dress up!
DRESS UP!
Once you get up, you don’t go out until you dress up. It’s time to get out of your pajamas and put on your uniform. Paul says in Romans 13:12b, “cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.” You’re going to war! You’re headed into hostile territory and you need to be clothed for combat.
What is this armor of light? It is being clothed with Christ, “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ,” (v.14a).
Clothes adorn us—they are visible. Everywhere we go, we have them on. So, others should see Christ on display as we move through the world. When people look at you and me, do they see Jesus?
Dress up!
Thursday, September 09, 2010
STARVING THE FLESH
GET UP!
You can wake up, but then reach over, hit the snooze alarm and go back to sleep! It’s important to wake up, but then you need to get up! “The night is far spent, the day is at hand.” So, Paul wrote with urgency in Romans 13:12.
There are some days that it’s exciting to get up and get with it, but some others it’s a chore. It can be that way on Sunday morning. There was a fellow whose wife called to him, “Sweetheart, time to get up and get ready for church.” He grunted and said, “I don’t feel like it.” She said, “Come on now, you’ve got to get ready.” He groaned and pulled the blanket over his head, “Tell me one reason why!” She said, “Because you’re the pastor!”
I believe we have had some members lose the battle of the blankets and have been mastered by the mattress on Sunday mornings! You won’t get up because you feel like it, but it is an act of the will. It is a discipline. Time to go to work!
Old Vance Havner said, “There is anarchy in the world, apostasy in the church and apathy in the pew.” How true! I’ve had to shake my kids to get them up. I’m trying to do that to you today.
GET UP! NOW!
GET UP!
You can wake up, but then reach over, hit the snooze alarm and go back to sleep! It’s important to wake up, but then you need to get up! “The night is far spent, the day is at hand.” So, Paul wrote with urgency in Romans 13:12.
There are some days that it’s exciting to get up and get with it, but some others it’s a chore. It can be that way on Sunday morning. There was a fellow whose wife called to him, “Sweetheart, time to get up and get ready for church.” He grunted and said, “I don’t feel like it.” She said, “Come on now, you’ve got to get ready.” He groaned and pulled the blanket over his head, “Tell me one reason why!” She said, “Because you’re the pastor!”
I believe we have had some members lose the battle of the blankets and have been mastered by the mattress on Sunday mornings! You won’t get up because you feel like it, but it is an act of the will. It is a discipline. Time to go to work!
Old Vance Havner said, “There is anarchy in the world, apostasy in the church and apathy in the pew.” How true! I’ve had to shake my kids to get them up. I’m trying to do that to you today.
GET UP! NOW!
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
STARVING THE FLESH
WAKE UP!
In 1775, the British troops intended to board boats and under cover of darkness slip across the river and attack Concord and Lexington. But someone was awake and alert—Paul Revere! Away he sped on horseback, sounding the alarm, “The regulars are coming out!” meaning that the regular British army was on the march. The colonial militia turned back the Redcoats. It was a critical moment in America’s march to freedom.
We are in such a critical hour today. The battle we face is spiritual in nature and against the forces of hell. I want to be a spiritual Paul Revere, calling you to wake up! That’s what another Paul, the Apostle said in Romans 13:11, “And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.”
He says, “knowing the time” that is, to have spiritual perception. When I was a teenager, the pop music group, Chicago had a hit song that asked the question, “Does anybody really know what time it is? Does anybody really care?” Well, we better know and we better care that, “now it is high time to awake out of sleep!”
There was an old farm couple, that went to sleep one night and something went wrong with the grandfather clock. It chimed thirteen! The old fellow yelled, “Get up Martha, it’s later than it’s ever been before!” It is! That’s what Paul says, “for now is our salvation nearer than when we first believed.”
He’s talking about the consummation of salvation—when we all get to heaven. I believe things are winding up in this world and what we do for Christ is an urgent matter! But even if Christ doesn’t return in our lifetime, we have a limited allotment of days and we can’t afford to be sleeping when we out to be serving! We’ve snuggled down in our padded pews and the devil has sung us a lullaby of deception.
I heard of a man called on to pray at the end of the service. He was a shy guy and he panicked. It seemed an eternity and he couldn’t say a word—just petrified. His wife whispered, “Just pray something” and he said, “Now, I lay me down to sleep.” Apparently the church has got that prayer down pat!
Wake up!
WAKE UP!
In 1775, the British troops intended to board boats and under cover of darkness slip across the river and attack Concord and Lexington. But someone was awake and alert—Paul Revere! Away he sped on horseback, sounding the alarm, “The regulars are coming out!” meaning that the regular British army was on the march. The colonial militia turned back the Redcoats. It was a critical moment in America’s march to freedom.
We are in such a critical hour today. The battle we face is spiritual in nature and against the forces of hell. I want to be a spiritual Paul Revere, calling you to wake up! That’s what another Paul, the Apostle said in Romans 13:11, “And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.”
He says, “knowing the time” that is, to have spiritual perception. When I was a teenager, the pop music group, Chicago had a hit song that asked the question, “Does anybody really know what time it is? Does anybody really care?” Well, we better know and we better care that, “now it is high time to awake out of sleep!”
There was an old farm couple, that went to sleep one night and something went wrong with the grandfather clock. It chimed thirteen! The old fellow yelled, “Get up Martha, it’s later than it’s ever been before!” It is! That’s what Paul says, “for now is our salvation nearer than when we first believed.”
He’s talking about the consummation of salvation—when we all get to heaven. I believe things are winding up in this world and what we do for Christ is an urgent matter! But even if Christ doesn’t return in our lifetime, we have a limited allotment of days and we can’t afford to be sleeping when we out to be serving! We’ve snuggled down in our padded pews and the devil has sung us a lullaby of deception.
I heard of a man called on to pray at the end of the service. He was a shy guy and he panicked. It seemed an eternity and he couldn’t say a word—just petrified. His wife whispered, “Just pray something” and he said, “Now, I lay me down to sleep.” Apparently the church has got that prayer down pat!
Wake up!
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
STARVING THE FLESH
Several months ago, my wife Marilyn and I decided it was time to modify our lifestyle. We went on the South Beach diet. Over a period of time, the excess pounds went away. But, we’ve lost weight on diets before, only to go back to eating and putting the pounds back on.
This time, we’ve learned a discipline of three things: we weigh regularly so the pounds don’t creep back, adjust by cutting back when needed and keeping track of carbohydrates. If a food is high in carbs, we either don’t eat it, or take a small portion. We watch sugar intake—no sweet drinks—and I used to insist that my tea would ooze out of the pitcher like syrup!
But, this message isn’t about that kind of weight loss—it’s about the spiritual disciplines needed to live the transformed life; not about high impact aerobics, but high-impact spirituality. It’s about starving the fleshly, sinful appetites, so as not to become spiritually flabby. What kinds of disciplines are needed for that?
These are suggested in Paul’s thirteenth chapter of his letter to the Romans, verses eight through fourteen:
That will be our formula for starving the flesh and nourishing the spirit within, which we will set on the table before you, God willing, this week.
Several months ago, my wife Marilyn and I decided it was time to modify our lifestyle. We went on the South Beach diet. Over a period of time, the excess pounds went away. But, we’ve lost weight on diets before, only to go back to eating and putting the pounds back on.
This time, we’ve learned a discipline of three things: we weigh regularly so the pounds don’t creep back, adjust by cutting back when needed and keeping track of carbohydrates. If a food is high in carbs, we either don’t eat it, or take a small portion. We watch sugar intake—no sweet drinks—and I used to insist that my tea would ooze out of the pitcher like syrup!
But, this message isn’t about that kind of weight loss—it’s about the spiritual disciplines needed to live the transformed life; not about high impact aerobics, but high-impact spirituality. It’s about starving the fleshly, sinful appetites, so as not to become spiritually flabby. What kinds of disciplines are needed for that?
These are suggested in Paul’s thirteenth chapter of his letter to the Romans, verses eight through fourteen:
8 Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.
9 For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
10 Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
11 And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.
12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.
13 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in
lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy.
14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.
That will be our formula for starving the flesh and nourishing the spirit within, which we will set on the table before you, God willing, this week.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
GOD AND GOVERNMENT
THE REASON FOR GOVERNMENT
God has instituted human government for two primary reasons: to restrain the wicked and to reward the worthy. Paul has written:
The negative dimension for God ordained government is TO RESTRAIN THE WICKED. There is an argument over whether you can or cannot legislate morality. There are points to be made on each side. Every law is a legislation of morality in the sense that it says there is a conduct that is bad, and therefore, a conduct that is good. But the other side is, that such laws cannot impose morality, but really are legislation against immorality. Law cannot make us good—only God can make us good, but law can help restrain the evil. A law can’t make you love your neighbor, but it can tell you not to kill them. A law can’t make you honest, but it can tell you not to steal. The government authority has powers of punishment to enforce those laws. Sadly, our legal system has become a place for coddling criminals rather than convicting them! Such government has abandoned the reason it exists!
The positive dimension of God appointed government is TO REWARD THE WORTHY. While it is true that government can’t make us good, it can provide motivation for good behavior by rewarding it. Our military gives medals for those who distinguish themselves in service. The Congress has special citations for those who contribute much to the well-being of society. One of the ways government rewards productivity is financial incentive. But ours is doing just the opposite, punishing the successful and bailing out the failing!
Government works best when it does these two things—when it is limited in scope and laser-like in focus. When it goes beyond those bounds, it becomes an oppressive system. Our founders said it well in the preamble to the United States Constitution, that government exists to, “provide for the common defense” and to “promote the general Welfare.” The founding fathers were so wise—they didn’t say, to “provide the general welfare” but to “promote” it. We have become a nation bogged down and bankrupted by bureaucracy in the attempt to provide welfare for every citizen—an impossibility! The common defense is provided by restraining those who do wickedly and the general welfare is promoted by rewarding those who do well. That’s reasonable—and it’s biblical! Too bad most politicians don’t understand that today, and the tragedy is that too few American voters know enough to vote those in who do understand and vote out those who don’t.
THE REASON FOR GOVERNMENT
God has instituted human government for two primary reasons: to restrain the wicked and to reward the worthy. Paul has written:
2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.
4 For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. (Romans 13:2-4)
The negative dimension for God ordained government is TO RESTRAIN THE WICKED. There is an argument over whether you can or cannot legislate morality. There are points to be made on each side. Every law is a legislation of morality in the sense that it says there is a conduct that is bad, and therefore, a conduct that is good. But the other side is, that such laws cannot impose morality, but really are legislation against immorality. Law cannot make us good—only God can make us good, but law can help restrain the evil. A law can’t make you love your neighbor, but it can tell you not to kill them. A law can’t make you honest, but it can tell you not to steal. The government authority has powers of punishment to enforce those laws. Sadly, our legal system has become a place for coddling criminals rather than convicting them! Such government has abandoned the reason it exists!
The positive dimension of God appointed government is TO REWARD THE WORTHY. While it is true that government can’t make us good, it can provide motivation for good behavior by rewarding it. Our military gives medals for those who distinguish themselves in service. The Congress has special citations for those who contribute much to the well-being of society. One of the ways government rewards productivity is financial incentive. But ours is doing just the opposite, punishing the successful and bailing out the failing!
Government works best when it does these two things—when it is limited in scope and laser-like in focus. When it goes beyond those bounds, it becomes an oppressive system. Our founders said it well in the preamble to the United States Constitution, that government exists to, “provide for the common defense” and to “promote the general Welfare.” The founding fathers were so wise—they didn’t say, to “provide the general welfare” but to “promote” it. We have become a nation bogged down and bankrupted by bureaucracy in the attempt to provide welfare for every citizen—an impossibility! The common defense is provided by restraining those who do wickedly and the general welfare is promoted by rewarding those who do well. That’s reasonable—and it’s biblical! Too bad most politicians don’t understand that today, and the tragedy is that too few American voters know enough to vote those in who do understand and vote out those who don’t.
GOD AND GOVERNMENT
THE ROOT OF GOVERNMENT
Clearly, human government is rooted in God’s design and decree. This is taught from Genesis to Revelation in direct precept and implied principle. One such instance is Romans 13:1, which states, “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.” So, God has appointed human government. As I have been appointed by God to direct the affairs of this church as your minister, so government has been ordained by God to direct the affairs of state as your minister. Three times in Romans 13:4-6, the Apostle declares that government is our minister for good.
Even though there are various kinds of government, and some of these are better than others, any government is better than no government, for that is anarchy! Anarchy is the most horrible condition—no rules, no restraint, utter chaos—a catastrophe beyond all description. The government Paul called on Christians to submit to was led by the depraved despot Nero, seated upon the throne of world empire, and yet, the Apostle commanded Christians to honor him as one appointed to his place by God. In fact, we are told that there is none in power except by the sovereign choice of God. He raises rulers, replaces rulers, reforms rulers, and rejects rulers. God rules the rulers!
Consider what the Bible says concerning the Pharaoh of Egypt during Moses’ day, “For the Scripture says to the Pharaoh, ‘For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth.’ ” (Romans 9:17). Then, we have these statements concerning Nebuchadnezzar, the tyrant of Babylon,
THE ROOT OF GOVERNMENT
Clearly, human government is rooted in God’s design and decree. This is taught from Genesis to Revelation in direct precept and implied principle. One such instance is Romans 13:1, which states, “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.” So, God has appointed human government. As I have been appointed by God to direct the affairs of this church as your minister, so government has been ordained by God to direct the affairs of state as your minister. Three times in Romans 13:4-6, the Apostle declares that government is our minister for good.
Even though there are various kinds of government, and some of these are better than others, any government is better than no government, for that is anarchy! Anarchy is the most horrible condition—no rules, no restraint, utter chaos—a catastrophe beyond all description. The government Paul called on Christians to submit to was led by the depraved despot Nero, seated upon the throne of world empire, and yet, the Apostle commanded Christians to honor him as one appointed to his place by God. In fact, we are told that there is none in power except by the sovereign choice of God. He raises rulers, replaces rulers, reforms rulers, and rejects rulers. God rules the rulers!
Consider what the Bible says concerning the Pharaoh of Egypt during Moses’ day, “For the Scripture says to the Pharaoh, ‘For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth.’ ” (Romans 9:17). Then, we have these statements concerning Nebuchadnezzar, the tyrant of Babylon,
37 You, O king, are a king of kings. For the God of heaven has given you a kingdom, power,strength, and glory;
38 and wherever the children of men dwell, or the beasts of the field and the birds of the heaven, He has given them into your hand, and has made you ruler over them all— you are this head of gold.
39 But after you shall arise another kingdom inferior to yours; then another, a third kingdom of bronze, which shall rule over all the earth.
40 And the fourth kingdom shall be as strong as iron, inasmuch as iron breaks in pieces and shatters everything; and like iron that crushes, that kingdom will break in pieces and crush all the others.
41 Whereas you saw the feet and toes,partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; yet the strength of the iron shall be in it, just as you saw the iron mixed with ceramic clay.
42 And as the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile.
43 As you saw iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay.
44 And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.
45 Inasmuch as you saw that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold—the great God has made known to the king what will come to pass after this. The dream is certain, and its interpretation is sure.” (Daniel 2:37-45)
Further, we have the case of Christ on trial before the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. As you recall, the ruler is baffled that Jesus refuses to defend himself, and the accusations are met only with silence. Exasperated, Pilate cries, “Do you not know that I have the power to crucify You, and power to release You?” (John 19:10), but Christ answers, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above.” (John 19:11).
Sin in its basic and basest form is a rejection of authority and embracing of autonomy. In the garden, Adam rejected the authority placed over him because he wanted to be a god himself. In the first empire, Babel, the people sought to bring themselves up to heaven by building a tower. This spirit marks the sinful heart of man. But, the child of God has repented of this and shows it by subjection to authority. A Christian is to be a model citizen. Even government leaders are under God’s authority and better not forget!
Monday, August 23, 2010
GOD AND GOVERNMENT
A Christian is a citizen of two kingdoms. Our ultimate allegiance is to Christ as our Lord, but as an expression of that we give allegiance to our country and its laws. We are in the world, but not of the world. That is, we are not to be corrupted by the world through living according to the warped views of sinful man, but we are to be connected to the world to impact the culture with the righteous Word of God. All humanity needs the salt and light which believers are to bring to bear on life—permeating the society, touching every realm of experience.
Jesus told us to, “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and unto God, the things that are God’s.” Be careful how you read that. We tend to compartmentalize life—to separate the secular and the sacred—when these two are integrated. All of life for the child of God is sacred—and this would include the political. Paul tells us the relationship of God and government in his teaching found in the opening verses of the thirteenth chapter of Romans. Here’s what he wrote:
We will explore these truths further throughout this week, God willing.
A Christian is a citizen of two kingdoms. Our ultimate allegiance is to Christ as our Lord, but as an expression of that we give allegiance to our country and its laws. We are in the world, but not of the world. That is, we are not to be corrupted by the world through living according to the warped views of sinful man, but we are to be connected to the world to impact the culture with the righteous Word of God. All humanity needs the salt and light which believers are to bring to bear on life—permeating the society, touching every realm of experience.
Jesus told us to, “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and unto God, the things that are God’s.” Be careful how you read that. We tend to compartmentalize life—to separate the secular and the sacred—when these two are integrated. All of life for the child of God is sacred—and this would include the political. Paul tells us the relationship of God and government in his teaching found in the opening verses of the thirteenth chapter of Romans. Here’s what he wrote:
1 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.
2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.
4 For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.
5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake.
6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing.
7 Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. (Romans 13:1-7)
We will explore these truths further throughout this week, God willing.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
GETTING ALONG WITH DIFFICULT PEOPLE
OUR RESPONSIBILITY TOWARD ALL HUMANITY AND OUR RESTRAINT THROUGH OUR HOPE
It has been said,
That is so true. In fact, the Christian life is even more difficult that that—as hard as that may seem. We have a responsibility to get along with even the wicked of the world! Look at Paul’s words in Romans 12:18-21,
There is then, OUR RESPONSIBILITY TOWARD ALL HUMANITY (v.18)
Make every effort to get along with others—whether in the church or in the community, among the Christian or the carnal. The reality is that you cannot guarantee others will respond peaceably to you. But, you can do all that you can do. This doesn’t mean we compromise our standards or doctrines, but even when we must take a stand we speak the truth in love. Too many church folk are “pugnacious.” They are always looking for a fight.
Further, we find, OUR RESTRAINT THROUGH OUR HOPE (v.19-21)
Have you ever heard this, “Don’t get mad—get even!”? That appeals to our flesh. It is not the way of God. There is to be restraint rather than retaliation. Such restraint rests in the hope that God sees all, is in control and will take care of it.
This is:
• HOPE IN THE VENGEANCE OF GOD (v.19) God can handle it better than you—and He will—because He is a just God.
• HOPE IN THE VIRTUE OF GRACE (v.20) God gives us grace. We don’t get what we deserve. That’s the same virtue we are to display.
• HOPE IN THE VICTORY OF GOOD (v.21) We may choose to compromise with evil and become part of it; or contend with evil and act like the world; or—and here’s the Christian response—conquer it with good!
There are some difficult problems coming your way—and, some difficult people! But God has promised His grace is sufficient for us.
OUR RESPONSIBILITY TOWARD ALL HUMANITY AND OUR RESTRAINT THROUGH OUR HOPE
It has been said,
“To live up above with saints that we love—that will be glory;
But to dwell here below, with saints that we know—that’s another story!”
That is so true. In fact, the Christian life is even more difficult that that—as hard as that may seem. We have a responsibility to get along with even the wicked of the world! Look at Paul’s words in Romans 12:18-21,
18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.
20 Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a
drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
There is then, OUR RESPONSIBILITY TOWARD ALL HUMANITY (v.18)
Make every effort to get along with others—whether in the church or in the community, among the Christian or the carnal. The reality is that you cannot guarantee others will respond peaceably to you. But, you can do all that you can do. This doesn’t mean we compromise our standards or doctrines, but even when we must take a stand we speak the truth in love. Too many church folk are “pugnacious.” They are always looking for a fight.
Further, we find, OUR RESTRAINT THROUGH OUR HOPE (v.19-21)
Have you ever heard this, “Don’t get mad—get even!”? That appeals to our flesh. It is not the way of God. There is to be restraint rather than retaliation. Such restraint rests in the hope that God sees all, is in control and will take care of it.
This is:
• HOPE IN THE VENGEANCE OF GOD (v.19) God can handle it better than you—and He will—because He is a just God.
• HOPE IN THE VIRTUE OF GRACE (v.20) God gives us grace. We don’t get what we deserve. That’s the same virtue we are to display.
• HOPE IN THE VICTORY OF GOOD (v.21) We may choose to compromise with evil and become part of it; or contend with evil and act like the world; or—and here’s the Christian response—conquer it with good!
There are some difficult problems coming your way—and, some difficult people! But God has promised His grace is sufficient for us.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
GETTING ALONG WITH DIFFICULT PEOPLE
OUR RELATIONSHIP TO THE HUMBLE AND REGARD FOR THE HONORABLE
There are difficulties in life—there’s no denying it! Sometimes there are difficult problems, and sometimes there are difficult people. The church is immune from neither and so Scripture addresses both. Paul is directly speaking to the matter of getting along with difficult people in Romans 12:14-21. Consider these words:
Two kinds of people we will deal with according to verses sixteen and seventeen are the humble and the honorable. Several related truths are connected to these central principles.
OUR RELATIONSHIP TO THE HUMBLE (v.16)
In America, we love celebrity. We want to read about the lifestyles of the rich and famous. Do you know a “name-dropper,” someone who has met or is related to some famous person, and they have to tell you all about it? Scripture challenges us to do just the opposite—to seek out the humble. It is what God does. Notice these verses:
Jesus picked a motley crew of fishermen, a tax-collector—riff-raff. In fact, God despises arrogance—it is the very spirit of the devil!
Self-promotion leads to schism. The undercurrent here is a church in Rome composed of citizens and slaves; Jewish and Gentile converts. Harmony was to be the goal. Conceit and an inflated view of one’s own opinion sounds a discordant note.
OUR REGARD FOR THE HONORABLE (v.17)
A bulldog can win a fight with a skunk, but it’s not worth it! Trying to get even with others only pulls us down with them. The way to invest your time and energy is in lifting others up and in the process you are blessed as well.
Concentrate on that which is good and honorable. Spend time doing the good things and you’ll have no time left for doing the evil things. If you look for good in someone long enough you can generally find it.
Note this important last phrase, “in the sight of all men.” The world is watching—and our credibility as a Christian is at stake by how we treat our fellowman. Dealing with difficult people in a godly way is a powerful testimony to God’s grace.
OUR RELATIONSHIP TO THE HUMBLE AND REGARD FOR THE HONORABLE
There are difficulties in life—there’s no denying it! Sometimes there are difficult problems, and sometimes there are difficult people. The church is immune from neither and so Scripture addresses both. Paul is directly speaking to the matter of getting along with difficult people in Romans 12:14-21. Consider these words:
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.
17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.
18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.
20 Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Two kinds of people we will deal with according to verses sixteen and seventeen are the humble and the honorable. Several related truths are connected to these central principles.
OUR RELATIONSHIP TO THE HUMBLE (v.16)
In America, we love celebrity. We want to read about the lifestyles of the rich and famous. Do you know a “name-dropper,” someone who has met or is related to some famous person, and they have to tell you all about it? Scripture challenges us to do just the opposite—to seek out the humble. It is what God does. Notice these verses:
26 For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.
27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;
28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are,
29 that no flesh should glory in His presence.
30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption—
31 that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:26-31)
Jesus picked a motley crew of fishermen, a tax-collector—riff-raff. In fact, God despises arrogance—it is the very spirit of the devil!
Self-promotion leads to schism. The undercurrent here is a church in Rome composed of citizens and slaves; Jewish and Gentile converts. Harmony was to be the goal. Conceit and an inflated view of one’s own opinion sounds a discordant note.
OUR REGARD FOR THE HONORABLE (v.17)
A bulldog can win a fight with a skunk, but it’s not worth it! Trying to get even with others only pulls us down with them. The way to invest your time and energy is in lifting others up and in the process you are blessed as well.
Concentrate on that which is good and honorable. Spend time doing the good things and you’ll have no time left for doing the evil things. If you look for good in someone long enough you can generally find it.
Note this important last phrase, “in the sight of all men.” The world is watching—and our credibility as a Christian is at stake by how we treat our fellowman. Dealing with difficult people in a godly way is a powerful testimony to God’s grace.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
GETTING ALONG WITH DIFFICULT PEOPLE
OUR REJOICING WITH THE HAPPY AND OUR RESPONSE TO THE HURTING
Paul shows us the way to get along with difficult people in Romans 12:14-21. We all need the help because we all know difficult people—and sometimes we are those difficult people! Today, we consider two types of people that may give us difficulty: the happy and the hurting. With these we are commanded to, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep” (v.15).
OUR REJOICING WITH THE HAPPY: “Rejoice with those who rejoice…” (v.15a).
That sounds simple enough compared to the previously stated expectation of responding with love to the hateful (v.14), but actually it is not quite as easy as it seems. Again, it is our nature to rejoice when something makes us happy, but can we rejoice with others who have found happiness? Aren’t we tempted to think, “Why did they get that job promotion, when I’m more deserving?” “Why did God answer their prayer, but He doesn’t answer mine?” Covetousness can soon capture our heart and instead of rejoicing with those who rejoice, we seek a reason to find fault and criticize. Rejoicing can give way to resentment.
OUR RESPONSE TO THE HURTING: “weep with those who weep” (v.15b).
We don’t like to hear crying. It makes us uncomfortable. It reminds us of our own pain. But we are to weep with those that weep. This is what we call empathy—putting ourselves into the shoes of another and feeling what they feel—their tears to mingle with ours. Life is full of heartaches and when another weeps with us, that sorrow seems half as heavy, because another is helping bear that burden. Notice it isn’t so much what we express with words, but weeping that is called for.
Job faced a tidal wave of trouble. At first, his friends came and just sat with him—and that was good. But then in the midst of his misery and unanswered perplexity, Job’s friends tried to defend God and explain it all, winding up blaming Job for the calamity. Job then called them, “miserable comforters.” They were! Weep with the weeping—that’s the best thing you can do—the ministry of your presence and pity. They don’t need your profundity—at least not then.
The shortest verse in Scripture is no less powerful for its brevity. It simply states, “Jesus wept.” Here is the Son of God at the graveside of his dear friend Lazarus and alongside the beloved sisters Mary and Martha. What does He do in their grief? He joins them. He weeps with the weepers. So should we.
Several weeks ago, I visited with my eldest son, Chris, wife Amber and family. One evening we went to Applebee’s for supper and a lady came by with balloons that she would make into animals. Spotting the kiddos—and grandpa—at the table, she made sure to stop by, and I saw pinned to her shirt a button, “I make balloon animals for tips!” Here was some easy money for her. What’s a Papa to do? Every child had to have an animal. Makayla, granddaughter, age 10, got a dog; Jacob, grandson, age 5, an orange tiger, and Sam, grandson, age 3, a tiger—a blue tiger. After the meal, we headed to Walmart and the balloon animals were left in the car, since Mom knew they would be either lost or popped in the store. Despite the good intentions, when we came back to the car—the dog was fine, the orange tiger intact, but the blue tiger was deflated, except for its head. Little Sam was upset, of course. But then, the sweetest thing happened. Jacob reached over to his younger sibling and said, “I’m sorry Sam, you can play with my balloon.” It melted my heart—such pure love!
That’s how Christians need to care for each other. Learn to say with a child’s sincerity to someone who has experienced loss, “I’m sorry. You can play with my balloon.”
OUR REJOICING WITH THE HAPPY AND OUR RESPONSE TO THE HURTING
Paul shows us the way to get along with difficult people in Romans 12:14-21. We all need the help because we all know difficult people—and sometimes we are those difficult people! Today, we consider two types of people that may give us difficulty: the happy and the hurting. With these we are commanded to, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep” (v.15).
OUR REJOICING WITH THE HAPPY: “Rejoice with those who rejoice…” (v.15a).
That sounds simple enough compared to the previously stated expectation of responding with love to the hateful (v.14), but actually it is not quite as easy as it seems. Again, it is our nature to rejoice when something makes us happy, but can we rejoice with others who have found happiness? Aren’t we tempted to think, “Why did they get that job promotion, when I’m more deserving?” “Why did God answer their prayer, but He doesn’t answer mine?” Covetousness can soon capture our heart and instead of rejoicing with those who rejoice, we seek a reason to find fault and criticize. Rejoicing can give way to resentment.
OUR RESPONSE TO THE HURTING: “weep with those who weep” (v.15b).
We don’t like to hear crying. It makes us uncomfortable. It reminds us of our own pain. But we are to weep with those that weep. This is what we call empathy—putting ourselves into the shoes of another and feeling what they feel—their tears to mingle with ours. Life is full of heartaches and when another weeps with us, that sorrow seems half as heavy, because another is helping bear that burden. Notice it isn’t so much what we express with words, but weeping that is called for.
Job faced a tidal wave of trouble. At first, his friends came and just sat with him—and that was good. But then in the midst of his misery and unanswered perplexity, Job’s friends tried to defend God and explain it all, winding up blaming Job for the calamity. Job then called them, “miserable comforters.” They were! Weep with the weeping—that’s the best thing you can do—the ministry of your presence and pity. They don’t need your profundity—at least not then.
The shortest verse in Scripture is no less powerful for its brevity. It simply states, “Jesus wept.” Here is the Son of God at the graveside of his dear friend Lazarus and alongside the beloved sisters Mary and Martha. What does He do in their grief? He joins them. He weeps with the weepers. So should we.
Several weeks ago, I visited with my eldest son, Chris, wife Amber and family. One evening we went to Applebee’s for supper and a lady came by with balloons that she would make into animals. Spotting the kiddos—and grandpa—at the table, she made sure to stop by, and I saw pinned to her shirt a button, “I make balloon animals for tips!” Here was some easy money for her. What’s a Papa to do? Every child had to have an animal. Makayla, granddaughter, age 10, got a dog; Jacob, grandson, age 5, an orange tiger, and Sam, grandson, age 3, a tiger—a blue tiger. After the meal, we headed to Walmart and the balloon animals were left in the car, since Mom knew they would be either lost or popped in the store. Despite the good intentions, when we came back to the car—the dog was fine, the orange tiger intact, but the blue tiger was deflated, except for its head. Little Sam was upset, of course. But then, the sweetest thing happened. Jacob reached over to his younger sibling and said, “I’m sorry Sam, you can play with my balloon.” It melted my heart—such pure love!
That’s how Christians need to care for each other. Learn to say with a child’s sincerity to someone who has experienced loss, “I’m sorry. You can play with my balloon.”
Monday, August 16, 2010
GETTING ALONG WITH DIFFICULT PEOPLE
OUR RESPONSE TO THE HATEFUL
Diamonds are formed when a lump of coal is subjected to prolonged heat and pressure. God is in the business of shaping His children into precious gems that will sparkle both now and for eternity. He does this the same way as forming a diamond—in this pressure cooker world—and often the source of that heat and pressure is difficult people. People can be so abrasive, but we need to think of them as heavenly sandpaper meant to polish us! Paul the Apostle speaks to the subject of getting along with difficult people in Romans 12:14-21. Here’s what he says,
Paul was one who had learned how to deal with difficult people and so is uniquely qualified to help us.
Consider first, OUR RESPONSE TO THE HATEFUL, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” (v.14) All Paul is doing here is echoing our Lord’s teaching from the Sermon on the Mount. There Jesus said, “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven…” (Matt.5:44-45a).
You see, in my natural state, as a son of Adam, my response to hateful people is to return that hatred. If someone curses me, it is instinctive to curse them back. But, if I am indeed a son of God, my response is to be like that of the Heavenly Father—to be merciful and forgiving, loving and kind. This is how the perfect Son of God lived and I am to become more and more like Him. See Him hanging in agony on the cross, His tormentors lathering Him with spittle and covering Him with curses, as they tread underfoot His precious blood. Hear Him speaking in mercy from the cross concerning these cruel mockers, “Father, forgive them!” This is to be our response to the hateful and by the indwelling of Christ’s life, it can be done!
OUR RESPONSE TO THE HATEFUL
Diamonds are formed when a lump of coal is subjected to prolonged heat and pressure. God is in the business of shaping His children into precious gems that will sparkle both now and for eternity. He does this the same way as forming a diamond—in this pressure cooker world—and often the source of that heat and pressure is difficult people. People can be so abrasive, but we need to think of them as heavenly sandpaper meant to polish us! Paul the Apostle speaks to the subject of getting along with difficult people in Romans 12:14-21. Here’s what he says,
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.
17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.
18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.
20 Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Paul was one who had learned how to deal with difficult people and so is uniquely qualified to help us.
Consider first, OUR RESPONSE TO THE HATEFUL, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” (v.14) All Paul is doing here is echoing our Lord’s teaching from the Sermon on the Mount. There Jesus said, “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven…” (Matt.5:44-45a).
You see, in my natural state, as a son of Adam, my response to hateful people is to return that hatred. If someone curses me, it is instinctive to curse them back. But, if I am indeed a son of God, my response is to be like that of the Heavenly Father—to be merciful and forgiving, loving and kind. This is how the perfect Son of God lived and I am to become more and more like Him. See Him hanging in agony on the cross, His tormentors lathering Him with spittle and covering Him with curses, as they tread underfoot His precious blood. Hear Him speaking in mercy from the cross concerning these cruel mockers, “Father, forgive them!” This is to be our response to the hateful and by the indwelling of Christ’s life, it can be done!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
CAN YOU SPOT A CHRISTIAN?
PATIENT HOPE
You can spot a Christian by the hope that exudes from them. Peter writes, “always be ready to give defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15b). That conveys the expectation that a true child of God will exhibit such a patient hope that others demand an explanation. Peter’s fellow Apostle, Paul, put it like this, “rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer” (Romans 12:12).
What is so incredible about this hope that it can only be found in one who is born-again?
There is the action of “rejoicing in hope.” Rejoicing is a verb—an act of the will bringing an activity of worship. It springs from the well of hope inside that recognizes that no matter how bad things may be, there is always the promise of better days, and no matter how wonderful things may be, that the best is yet to come! This isn’t mere wishful thinking, but confident assurance rooted in the character of God. In the midst of trials, one stands upon the promises and lifts the hands and heart to heaven with a resounding, “Hallelujah!”
This hope is incredibly supernatural, in that there is the attitude of being “patient in tribulation.” Jesus said in John 16:33, “In this world you will have tribulation” (and who can deny that?) “but be of good cheer” (and how can we do that?) “I have overcome the world” (and thus we can declare that!). Jesus said it; believe it and embrace it! That kind of hope will generate a patient endurance of trials, much like a woman in labor, who though not enjoying but enduring the birth pains, does so in anticipation of the joyful deliverance!
Such hope is strengthened in the application of “continuing steadfastly in prayer.” A consistent time spent in the presence of God, staying until heartache dissipates and hope radiates, in the environment of prayer. There we gaze into the face of God, we abide in the presence of Christ, we are aided by the Comforter, and having knelt in weakness, we rise in power—the very hope of glory flooding our being!
Is this statement true of you, “our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3)? Is that hope alive in you?
That is how you spot a Christian!
PATIENT HOPE
You can spot a Christian by the hope that exudes from them. Peter writes, “always be ready to give defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15b). That conveys the expectation that a true child of God will exhibit such a patient hope that others demand an explanation. Peter’s fellow Apostle, Paul, put it like this, “rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer” (Romans 12:12).
What is so incredible about this hope that it can only be found in one who is born-again?
There is the action of “rejoicing in hope.” Rejoicing is a verb—an act of the will bringing an activity of worship. It springs from the well of hope inside that recognizes that no matter how bad things may be, there is always the promise of better days, and no matter how wonderful things may be, that the best is yet to come! This isn’t mere wishful thinking, but confident assurance rooted in the character of God. In the midst of trials, one stands upon the promises and lifts the hands and heart to heaven with a resounding, “Hallelujah!”
This hope is incredibly supernatural, in that there is the attitude of being “patient in tribulation.” Jesus said in John 16:33, “In this world you will have tribulation” (and who can deny that?) “but be of good cheer” (and how can we do that?) “I have overcome the world” (and thus we can declare that!). Jesus said it; believe it and embrace it! That kind of hope will generate a patient endurance of trials, much like a woman in labor, who though not enjoying but enduring the birth pains, does so in anticipation of the joyful deliverance!
Such hope is strengthened in the application of “continuing steadfastly in prayer.” A consistent time spent in the presence of God, staying until heartache dissipates and hope radiates, in the environment of prayer. There we gaze into the face of God, we abide in the presence of Christ, we are aided by the Comforter, and having knelt in weakness, we rise in power—the very hope of glory flooding our being!
Is this statement true of you, “our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3)? Is that hope alive in you?
That is how you spot a Christian!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
CAN YOU SPOT A CHRISTIAN?
PASSIONATE SERVICE
Christians are servants of God. That is a clear mark that enables us to spot a true Christian. It is unthinkable that someone could have repented of their sin and experienced regeneration without submission to Christ’s service. What do we think it means for Christ to be our Lord? The Apostle Paul says this in Romans 12:11, “not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.”
The service we render is to be passionate. It isn’t to be viewed as drudgery, but as delightful. What a privilege we have to serve the Lord! Diligence is called for—a meticulous devotion to whole-hearted obedience. We are to be careful not to have lackadaisical attitudes or lagging actions, but to plunge zealously into Kingdom business.
This means to be fervent in spirit. That is, not mere outward conformity—going through the motions—doing our duty. It is an inward compulsion—a spark that ignites one with fire to get the job done and to do it right and to get it right the first time. This service means to spend and be spent to the glory of God.
In heaven, there will be an extension and elevation of our service, “His servants shall serve Him” (Revelation 22:3). If we don’t begin to serve God down here, what makes us think that we are going to up there?
PASSIONATE SERVICE
Christians are servants of God. That is a clear mark that enables us to spot a true Christian. It is unthinkable that someone could have repented of their sin and experienced regeneration without submission to Christ’s service. What do we think it means for Christ to be our Lord? The Apostle Paul says this in Romans 12:11, “not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.”
The service we render is to be passionate. It isn’t to be viewed as drudgery, but as delightful. What a privilege we have to serve the Lord! Diligence is called for—a meticulous devotion to whole-hearted obedience. We are to be careful not to have lackadaisical attitudes or lagging actions, but to plunge zealously into Kingdom business.
This means to be fervent in spirit. That is, not mere outward conformity—going through the motions—doing our duty. It is an inward compulsion—a spark that ignites one with fire to get the job done and to do it right and to get it right the first time. This service means to spend and be spent to the glory of God.
In heaven, there will be an extension and elevation of our service, “His servants shall serve Him” (Revelation 22:3). If we don’t begin to serve God down here, what makes us think that we are going to up there?
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
CAN YOU SPOT A CHRISTIAN?
PERSONAL AFFECTION
If you have attended church for very long, it is likely you have heard this, “If you were on trial for being a Christian, is there enough evidence to convict you?” It is a cliché—but still worth considering. This is the point Paul is making in Romans 12:9-13:
PERSONAL AFFECTION
If you have attended church for very long, it is likely you have heard this, “If you were on trial for being a Christian, is there enough evidence to convict you?” It is a cliché—but still worth considering. This is the point Paul is making in Romans 12:9-13:
9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.
10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;
11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;
12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;
13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
As we noted in our last lesson, you can identify a Christian by five “spots:”
- PURE LOVE
- PERSONAL AFFECTION
- PASSIONATE SERVICE
- PATIENT HOPE
- PRACTICAL HELP
We have discussed the first spot of PURE LOVE and now move to the second: PERSONAL AFFECTION. Here’s how it’s framed in Romans 12:10, “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.”
The milk of human kindness has curdled in most folks. People are caustic and not compassionate; hot-headed rather than coolly collected. Crudeness and rudeness—abrasiveness and anger—mark so many in the world today. Yet, the child of God is to exhibit kindness and affection. When people think of you, would the word, “kind” come to mind?
Love compels us to be caring for others. This is called, “brotherly love” as there is nothing sensual or sexual suggested here. Men and women are to love each other with this kind of affection—as brothers and sisters in the household of faith.
This kind of love means that we honor others. We see them as God sees them, as people of value, created in His image. Instead of being self-seeking, we give others preferential treatment.
When I express these qualities, a portrait comes to mind. I see Jesus. This is how He lived, and served, bled and died—and if I am His follower, then His example should be evident in me.
Is it?
CAN YOU SPOT A CHRISTIAN?
PERSONAL AFFECTION
If you have attended church for very long, it is likely you have heard this, “If you were on trial for being a Christian, is there enough evidence to convict you?” It is a cliché—but still worth considering. This is the point Paul is making in Romans 12:9-13:
PERSONAL AFFECTION
If you have attended church for very long, it is likely you have heard this, “If you were on trial for being a Christian, is there enough evidence to convict you?” It is a cliché—but still worth considering. This is the point Paul is making in Romans 12:9-13:
9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.
10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;
11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;
12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;
13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
As we noted in our last lesson, you can identify a Christian by five “spots:”
- PURE LOVE
- PERSONAL AFFECTION
- PASSIONATE SERVICE
- PATIENT HOPE
- PRACTICAL HELP
We have discussed the first spot of PURE LOVE and now move to the second: PERSONAL AFFECTION. Here’s how it’s framed in Romans 12:10, “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.”
The milk of human kindness has curdled in most folks. People are caustic and not compassionate; hot-headed rather than coolly collected. Crudeness and rudeness—abrasiveness and anger—mark so many in the world today. Yet, the child of God is to exhibit kindness and affection. When people think of you, would the word, “kind” come to mind?
Love compels us to be caring for others. This is called, “brotherly love” as there is nothing sensual or sexual suggested here. Men and women are to love each other with this kind of affection—as brothers and sisters in the household of faith.
This kind of love means that we honor others. We see them as God sees them, as people of value, created in His image. Instead of being self-seeking, we give others preferential treatment.
When I express these qualities, a portrait comes to mind. I see Jesus. This is how He lived, and served, bled and died—and if I am His follower, then His example should be evident in me.
Is it?
Monday, August 09, 2010
CAN YOU SPOT A CHRISTIAN?
PURE LOVE
If it were possible to put a group of church members into a barrel with a group of unbelievers, shake them up and pour them all out—would it be possible to spot the Christians? I’m afraid that there is little appreciable difference in worldview, actions and attitudes, and sorting one out from the other would be exceedingly difficult. Such a thing ought never be! There should be some distinguishing marks of a genuine Christian. Several of these are suggested in a list of commands given by the Apostle Paul in Romans 12:9-13,
PURE LOVE
If it were possible to put a group of church members into a barrel with a group of unbelievers, shake them up and pour them all out—would it be possible to spot the Christians? I’m afraid that there is little appreciable difference in worldview, actions and attitudes, and sorting one out from the other would be exceedingly difficult. Such a thing ought never be! There should be some distinguishing marks of a genuine Christian. Several of these are suggested in a list of commands given by the Apostle Paul in Romans 12:9-13,
9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.
10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;
11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;
12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;
13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
As you can tell a leopard by his spots, so there are five “spots” that identify the Christian:
- PURE LOVE
- PERSONAL AFFECTION
- PASSIONATE SERVICE
- PATIENT HOPE
- PRACTICAL HELP
Today, let’s focus on PURE LOVE. Paul says, “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.” (Romans 12:9)
Love can be feigned. Sometimes spouses find their mate has been going through the motions of fidelity, when it is a fraud. Their love has been given to another. Many Old Testament prophets charged the people of God with spiritual adultery—with their lips claiming love for God while their hearts were far from Him. Judas was such a hypocrite. He was numbered with the Apostles. He placed a kiss on the Master’s cheek—but it was the foulest treachery. He abhorred the cross and clung to the coins.
Pure love is without hypocrisy. It is real. It is exclusive. This is the most important commandment of all Jesus said—to love God with all our being. If we love Him, then we will loathe evil. All that is good will become our great obsession, for all that is good is of God, and when we find that good, we will hold onto it tenaciously.
Can you spot this pure love in your life—and would others affirm it?
Thursday, August 05, 2010
BUILDING UP THE BODY
THE SERVICE OF BODY BUILDING GIFTS
Paul introduces the section on these body building gifts by stressing, “Having then gifts…let us use them” (Romans 12:6). He gets right to the practical nature of the gifts—not something of mysticism, but something of ministry. Our attitude must transform from demanding our rights that the church serve us, to accepting our responsibilities in church service.
THERE IS OBEDIENCE.
In calling us to get to work, the Lord isn’t offering a suggestion, but giving a commandment. It is simply a matter of deciding whether you are going to live for service or live for self and sin! If you don’t have a ministry in and through the church—why not?
There are certain expectations that I have as a father for our children. There are chores to do around the house. Now, while the kids would rather play and goof around than work, I have told them that our house isn’t a democracy but a dictatorship! This is true of the church—and, of course, I am not speaking of the pastor being a dictator! Jesus Christ is THE head of HIS church. Utilizing our gifts in the service of building up the body is strictly a matter of obedience.
THERE IS OPPORTUNITY.
If you are born-again into the family of God, you have received one of the gifts listed in Romans 12:6-8.
There is the gift of prophecy—not about foretelling the future, but forth-telling the truth. Members of the body with this gift are like the immune system detecting the invasion of unsound doctrine or immoral conduct.
There’s the gift of ministry, and these people are the hands of the body. They use their gifts in practical acts of service. These see what needs to be done, roll up their sleeves and just do it.
Then, there is the gift of teaching. Here are members who are disciplined students of the Word—systematic in preparation and presentation. They are the mouths of the body, who communicate to us so we may understand God’s Word.
Further, there’s the gift of exhortation. These are the nerves of the body that stimulate activity and get the members to respond. These are motivators in the church. This is my primary spiritual gift. So, if I get on your nerves—I’m only doing my job!
Paul lists the gift of giving. These usually have the ability to make money and always have the willingness to share it. These are the eyes and ears of the body that see need and hear hurt that must be met.
He also writes of the gift of leadership. These have an administrative gift, being the mind of the body. They know how all the other members need to work together and direct them as a unit for the good of the whole. These are big-picture folks who can organize ministry.
There’s the gift of mercy. Such have great compassion. They are the heart of the body.
The late Dr. Adrian Rogers gave a classic illustration of how this works in a practical way at a church fellowship meal. Someone, carrying a big tray of food, drops it.
The prophet immediately says, “You need to be careful. I knew that was going to happen.”
The one with the gift of ministry responds, “Let me help you clean that up.”
The teacher states, “Here’s why that happened.”
The exhorter declares, “Next time I’m sure you’ll get it right!”
The one with the gift of giving says, “Food is expensive. Let’s chip in and pay for that.”
The leader quickly decrees, “Bob, grab a mop. Sally, get some more food from the kitchen.”
Then the one with the gift of mercy sympathetically states, “Oh, I’m so sorry, you spilled that! You must feel terrible!”
Which of those gifted people were needed? Everyone! All of them together enable the body to function in a healthy way.
So—have you discovered your spiritual gift? Are you developing your spiritual gift? Have you deployed your spiritual gift? Christ is watching, the church is waiting, but are you working?
THE SERVICE OF BODY BUILDING GIFTS
Paul introduces the section on these body building gifts by stressing, “Having then gifts…let us use them” (Romans 12:6). He gets right to the practical nature of the gifts—not something of mysticism, but something of ministry. Our attitude must transform from demanding our rights that the church serve us, to accepting our responsibilities in church service.
THERE IS OBEDIENCE.
In calling us to get to work, the Lord isn’t offering a suggestion, but giving a commandment. It is simply a matter of deciding whether you are going to live for service or live for self and sin! If you don’t have a ministry in and through the church—why not?
There are certain expectations that I have as a father for our children. There are chores to do around the house. Now, while the kids would rather play and goof around than work, I have told them that our house isn’t a democracy but a dictatorship! This is true of the church—and, of course, I am not speaking of the pastor being a dictator! Jesus Christ is THE head of HIS church. Utilizing our gifts in the service of building up the body is strictly a matter of obedience.
THERE IS OPPORTUNITY.
If you are born-again into the family of God, you have received one of the gifts listed in Romans 12:6-8.
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith;
7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching;
8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
There is the gift of prophecy—not about foretelling the future, but forth-telling the truth. Members of the body with this gift are like the immune system detecting the invasion of unsound doctrine or immoral conduct.
There’s the gift of ministry, and these people are the hands of the body. They use their gifts in practical acts of service. These see what needs to be done, roll up their sleeves and just do it.
Then, there is the gift of teaching. Here are members who are disciplined students of the Word—systematic in preparation and presentation. They are the mouths of the body, who communicate to us so we may understand God’s Word.
Further, there’s the gift of exhortation. These are the nerves of the body that stimulate activity and get the members to respond. These are motivators in the church. This is my primary spiritual gift. So, if I get on your nerves—I’m only doing my job!
Paul lists the gift of giving. These usually have the ability to make money and always have the willingness to share it. These are the eyes and ears of the body that see need and hear hurt that must be met.
He also writes of the gift of leadership. These have an administrative gift, being the mind of the body. They know how all the other members need to work together and direct them as a unit for the good of the whole. These are big-picture folks who can organize ministry.
There’s the gift of mercy. Such have great compassion. They are the heart of the body.
The late Dr. Adrian Rogers gave a classic illustration of how this works in a practical way at a church fellowship meal. Someone, carrying a big tray of food, drops it.
The prophet immediately says, “You need to be careful. I knew that was going to happen.”
The one with the gift of ministry responds, “Let me help you clean that up.”
The teacher states, “Here’s why that happened.”
The exhorter declares, “Next time I’m sure you’ll get it right!”
The one with the gift of giving says, “Food is expensive. Let’s chip in and pay for that.”
The leader quickly decrees, “Bob, grab a mop. Sally, get some more food from the kitchen.”
Then the one with the gift of mercy sympathetically states, “Oh, I’m so sorry, you spilled that! You must feel terrible!”
Which of those gifted people were needed? Everyone! All of them together enable the body to function in a healthy way.
So—have you discovered your spiritual gift? Are you developing your spiritual gift? Have you deployed your spiritual gift? Christ is watching, the church is waiting, but are you working?
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
BUILDING UP THE BODY
THE SPHERE OF BODY BUILDING GIFTS
A key phrase, that is found in Romans 12:5, and indeed throughout the New Testament, helps us understand the operation of spiritual gifts, “so we, being many, are one body in Christ.” The local church is the visible expression of Christ’s body to the world. It is how He accomplishes His work. Participation in a local church is the sphere where God builds you up in maturity and sends you out in ministry.
Consider how IN THE BODY WE HAVE DIVERSITY, “For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function…” (Romans 12:4).
So the church is one body, but many members. Just as our physical body has different organs and systems that work together to insure the health of the whole, so God has designed the body of Christ. The value and contribution of each member must be acknowledged. Diversity must be embraced and differences must not bring dissension or the body’s health deteriorates, strength dissipates and death may culminate. This happens in churches all the time—how tragic!
Furthermore IN THE BODY WE HAVE DEPENDENCY, “so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.” (Romans 12:5)
The parts of my physical body cannot survive independently of one another. We need each other! My body can adapt when some organs are missing, but it doesn’t function as well. Pole Creek will never be all that God wants it to be unless you are involved—each member doing their share.
If not you—who? If not now—when?
THE SPHERE OF BODY BUILDING GIFTS
A key phrase, that is found in Romans 12:5, and indeed throughout the New Testament, helps us understand the operation of spiritual gifts, “so we, being many, are one body in Christ.” The local church is the visible expression of Christ’s body to the world. It is how He accomplishes His work. Participation in a local church is the sphere where God builds you up in maturity and sends you out in ministry.
Consider how IN THE BODY WE HAVE DIVERSITY, “For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function…” (Romans 12:4).
So the church is one body, but many members. Just as our physical body has different organs and systems that work together to insure the health of the whole, so God has designed the body of Christ. The value and contribution of each member must be acknowledged. Diversity must be embraced and differences must not bring dissension or the body’s health deteriorates, strength dissipates and death may culminate. This happens in churches all the time—how tragic!
Furthermore IN THE BODY WE HAVE DEPENDENCY, “so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.” (Romans 12:5)
The parts of my physical body cannot survive independently of one another. We need each other! My body can adapt when some organs are missing, but it doesn’t function as well. Pole Creek will never be all that God wants it to be unless you are involved—each member doing their share.
If not you—who? If not now—when?
DOG DAYS
Are you familiar with the expression?
"Dog Days" are the hottest, most sultry days of summer. In the northern hemisphere, they usually fall between early July and early September…. Dog Days can also define a time period or event that is very hot or stagnant, or marked by dull lack of progress. The name comes from the ancient belief that Sirius, also called the Dog Star, was somehow responsible for the hot weather.
We are in the “Dog Days” literally and figuratively! It’s time to shake out of the doldrums and get back to making some progress. Spiritual stagnation can never be the will of God. As a mariner comes into dead calm, and prays for a fresh wind to blow, so we must set our sails and cry out to God for the wind of heaven to come!
I understand that it is hard to build any momentum in the life of the church during summer. It can be a season to catch your breath and God is not opposed to that—after all He designed the concept of Sabbath! We need a vacation from time to time. I’ve taken one myself.
But now, the summer is nearly spent and it’s time for what comes at the end of summer—the season of harvest! There is work to do in the Lord’s field and it is now time to roll up our sleeves and let scriptural inspiration move us to spiritual perspiration!
I want to challenge you to reconnect to your church family. Don’t let a time of being away become a trend of being absent. Habits of worship, Bible study, prayer, witnessing and giving are holy habits—spiritual disciplines that need consistency if there is to be maturity. Bad habits can become ingrained easily, too, if we let them. We are creatures of habit, aren’t we?
The Lord Jesus who walked the weary way to Calvary, wounded and bleeding, to die for us, deserves our absolute allegiance and affections. His mission to the world calls us to give and go that all may hear the good news that Jesus saves.
God has done, is doing and will do great things through Pole Creek, but that means that each of us needs to do what we can. A little lad’s lunch—only five loaves and two fish—placed in the hands of Christ can feed thousands!
Let’s seek God’s blessing in unprecedented ways! I’m dog-tired of dog days!
Are you familiar with the expression?
"Dog Days" are the hottest, most sultry days of summer. In the northern hemisphere, they usually fall between early July and early September…. Dog Days can also define a time period or event that is very hot or stagnant, or marked by dull lack of progress. The name comes from the ancient belief that Sirius, also called the Dog Star, was somehow responsible for the hot weather.
We are in the “Dog Days” literally and figuratively! It’s time to shake out of the doldrums and get back to making some progress. Spiritual stagnation can never be the will of God. As a mariner comes into dead calm, and prays for a fresh wind to blow, so we must set our sails and cry out to God for the wind of heaven to come!
I understand that it is hard to build any momentum in the life of the church during summer. It can be a season to catch your breath and God is not opposed to that—after all He designed the concept of Sabbath! We need a vacation from time to time. I’ve taken one myself.
But now, the summer is nearly spent and it’s time for what comes at the end of summer—the season of harvest! There is work to do in the Lord’s field and it is now time to roll up our sleeves and let scriptural inspiration move us to spiritual perspiration!
I want to challenge you to reconnect to your church family. Don’t let a time of being away become a trend of being absent. Habits of worship, Bible study, prayer, witnessing and giving are holy habits—spiritual disciplines that need consistency if there is to be maturity. Bad habits can become ingrained easily, too, if we let them. We are creatures of habit, aren’t we?
The Lord Jesus who walked the weary way to Calvary, wounded and bleeding, to die for us, deserves our absolute allegiance and affections. His mission to the world calls us to give and go that all may hear the good news that Jesus saves.
God has done, is doing and will do great things through Pole Creek, but that means that each of us needs to do what we can. A little lad’s lunch—only five loaves and two fish—placed in the hands of Christ can feed thousands!
Let’s seek God’s blessing in unprecedented ways! I’m dog-tired of dog days!
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
BUILDING UP THE BODY
THE SOURCE OF BODY BUILDING GIFTS
Paul, an Apostle of Jesus Christ, tells us in Romans 12:3, that God Himself is the source of spiritual gifts that build up the Body of Christ, His church, “For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.” Give attention to the phrase, “God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.”
This means:
NO ROOM FOR BOASTING: IT’S GRACE!
None of us deserve the gifts we have—that’s what makes it grace. They are, after all, gifts! We aren’t to boast about our gifts. There’s no room for spiritual swagger. Some gifts are more visible than others, but none is more vital than the others. Our service isn’t about building our ego, but building the body!
Further, we find:
NO REASON FOR BELITTLING: YOU’RE GIFTED!
Every child of God is a gifted child! That’s not bragging--it’s a fact. While Paul warns us about thinking too highly of ourselves, there is a way we ought to think of ourselves. It’s wrong to be proud, but it is also wrong to poormouth! Many of us limit what God wants to do through us because we focus on our puny ability rather than God’s powerful availability.
THE SOURCE OF BODY BUILDING GIFTS
Paul, an Apostle of Jesus Christ, tells us in Romans 12:3, that God Himself is the source of spiritual gifts that build up the Body of Christ, His church, “For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.” Give attention to the phrase, “God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.”
This means:
NO ROOM FOR BOASTING: IT’S GRACE!
None of us deserve the gifts we have—that’s what makes it grace. They are, after all, gifts! We aren’t to boast about our gifts. There’s no room for spiritual swagger. Some gifts are more visible than others, but none is more vital than the others. Our service isn’t about building our ego, but building the body!
Further, we find:
NO REASON FOR BELITTLING: YOU’RE GIFTED!
Every child of God is a gifted child! That’s not bragging--it’s a fact. While Paul warns us about thinking too highly of ourselves, there is a way we ought to think of ourselves. It’s wrong to be proud, but it is also wrong to poormouth! Many of us limit what God wants to do through us because we focus on our puny ability rather than God’s powerful availability.
Monday, August 02, 2010
BUILDING UP THE BODY
A little girl overheard a discussion in church about the difference between the clergy and the laity. She said, “I know the difference! The clergy get paid for doing good and the laity are good for nothing!” I suspect that’s true in a lot of churches—and the problem isn’t necessarily lazy laity—though it might be—but much of the problem could be confused clergy. They don’t know what they are supposed to be doing and they are doing that very efficiently! It shouldn’t surprise us that a lot of local bodies of believers are very sick, for the pastors are guilty of spiritual malpractice.
The Bible is to govern the way we do church—are we agreed?
Here’s a dramatic illustration of how the church is to be organized to do the ministry:
The leadership base was expanded and exponential growth ensued. With this, there would be even more need for more ministries and God’s directive to that end was given through the pen of the Apostle Paul, “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ…” (Ephesians 4:11-12).
The “clergy” are not the professionals hired to do the work of the ministry, but are called and gifted of God to equip the members to do their ministry. Here is how Paul puts it in Romans 12:3-8:
The New Testament teaches throughout that the body of Christ is built as believers discover, develop and deploy their spiritual gifts. Do you know your gift? Are your using it?
A little girl overheard a discussion in church about the difference between the clergy and the laity. She said, “I know the difference! The clergy get paid for doing good and the laity are good for nothing!” I suspect that’s true in a lot of churches—and the problem isn’t necessarily lazy laity—though it might be—but much of the problem could be confused clergy. They don’t know what they are supposed to be doing and they are doing that very efficiently! It shouldn’t surprise us that a lot of local bodies of believers are very sick, for the pastors are guilty of spiritual malpractice.
The Bible is to govern the way we do church—are we agreed?
Here’s a dramatic illustration of how the church is to be organized to do the ministry:
1 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.
2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.
3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business;
4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch,
6 whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.
7 Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith. (Acts 6:1-7)
The leadership base was expanded and exponential growth ensued. With this, there would be even more need for more ministries and God’s directive to that end was given through the pen of the Apostle Paul, “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ…” (Ephesians 4:11-12).
The “clergy” are not the professionals hired to do the work of the ministry, but are called and gifted of God to equip the members to do their ministry. Here is how Paul puts it in Romans 12:3-8:
3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.
4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function,
5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith;
7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching;
8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
The New Testament teaches throughout that the body of Christ is built as believers discover, develop and deploy their spiritual gifts. Do you know your gift? Are your using it?
Thursday, July 29, 2010
TRANSFORMERS
THE DEFINITE DEMONSTRATION
The will of God can be known—if we seek to find it and follow it. God is delighted to reveal His will for us, if we only delight to be ruled by it. It is a mark of the transformed life. Paul underscored this in Romans 12:2, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (emphasis added).
THE WILL OF GOD IS PROVABLE “that you may prove…”
The Greek word is dokimazo which means “to recognize as genuine after examination.” As we say it, “the proof of the pudding is in the eating.” A true inner transformation will always be proven by an outer demonstration.
THE WILL OF GOD IS PALATABLE “good...”
Why do we think the will of God a bitter pill to swallow? The Psalmist exhorted, “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!” Dare we think that an infinitely wise and utterly loving God would be capable of willing anything for us other than our good?
THE WILL OF GOD IS POSSIBLE “acceptable...”
God would only ask us to accept the possible. It may well be difficult, but it is doable. He will give you the grace to do what you ought to do.
God’s will is found in His Word. Start there. We always wonder about, “Should I marry and whom should I marry?” “Should I go to college and where?” “Should I take this job or that job?” We get bogged down in a myriad of minutia—and I am not saying that any detail of our life shouldn’t be scrutinized for God’s desire in it. Rather, I am saying that if we aren’t careful, we lose sight of the forest for the trees. God has many clear principles to guide us in His Word—a roadmap for the essential matters of life. Get it into your mind so you can have renewed thinking and you’ll be amazed at the clarity concerning God’s will you’ll discover.
THE WILL OF GOD IS PERFECT “perfect will of God.”
The word means to be brought to completion. It is that which Jesus declared from the cross, “It is finished!” Flawlessly and faithfully, Christ fully accomplished His mission from His Father. Although we will not always do it impeccably, we can finish well. This was Paul’s testimony. He would write, just before his martyrdom, “I have fought a good fight; I have finished my course; I have kept the faith.” Now, we can do likewise. By the way, God’s will is perfectly suited for you—as He has designed you.
Scripture calls us to be transformed into Christ’s likeness. According to Romans 12:2, this requires a decisive denial, a deliberate discipline and a definite demonstration. Are you right now proving what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God?
THE DEFINITE DEMONSTRATION
The will of God can be known—if we seek to find it and follow it. God is delighted to reveal His will for us, if we only delight to be ruled by it. It is a mark of the transformed life. Paul underscored this in Romans 12:2, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (emphasis added).
THE WILL OF GOD IS PROVABLE “that you may prove…”
The Greek word is dokimazo which means “to recognize as genuine after examination.” As we say it, “the proof of the pudding is in the eating.” A true inner transformation will always be proven by an outer demonstration.
THE WILL OF GOD IS PALATABLE “good...”
Why do we think the will of God a bitter pill to swallow? The Psalmist exhorted, “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!” Dare we think that an infinitely wise and utterly loving God would be capable of willing anything for us other than our good?
THE WILL OF GOD IS POSSIBLE “acceptable...”
God would only ask us to accept the possible. It may well be difficult, but it is doable. He will give you the grace to do what you ought to do.
God’s will is found in His Word. Start there. We always wonder about, “Should I marry and whom should I marry?” “Should I go to college and where?” “Should I take this job or that job?” We get bogged down in a myriad of minutia—and I am not saying that any detail of our life shouldn’t be scrutinized for God’s desire in it. Rather, I am saying that if we aren’t careful, we lose sight of the forest for the trees. God has many clear principles to guide us in His Word—a roadmap for the essential matters of life. Get it into your mind so you can have renewed thinking and you’ll be amazed at the clarity concerning God’s will you’ll discover.
THE WILL OF GOD IS PERFECT “perfect will of God.”
The word means to be brought to completion. It is that which Jesus declared from the cross, “It is finished!” Flawlessly and faithfully, Christ fully accomplished His mission from His Father. Although we will not always do it impeccably, we can finish well. This was Paul’s testimony. He would write, just before his martyrdom, “I have fought a good fight; I have finished my course; I have kept the faith.” Now, we can do likewise. By the way, God’s will is perfectly suited for you—as He has designed you.
Scripture calls us to be transformed into Christ’s likeness. According to Romans 12:2, this requires a decisive denial, a deliberate discipline and a definite demonstration. Are you right now proving what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God?
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
TRANSFORMERS
THE DELIBERATE DISCIPLINE
Scripture calls us to be transformed into Christ’s likeness. According to Romans 12 :2, this requires a decisive denial, “And do not be conformed to this world…” and a deliberate discipline, “but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
It has been said that nature abhors a vacuum. Something is going to fill the space between your ears. Something is going to fill the void in your heart. It isn’t enough to try to keep out the world’s garbage—you must welcome the truth that will transform your life.
There is THE POTENTIAL OF LIFE CHANGE to be “transformed.”
You know, they seem to be making kids brighter these days. At least, my grandchildren are particularly brilliant! My little six year old, Josie, the other day popped up and said, “Nana, I know a word that means change—metamorphosis.” Then she went on to explain the metamorphosis of an ugly old caterpillar wriggling across the ground, becoming a beautiful butterfly flitting through the air. That word comes from the Greek word used by Paul, “transformed.”
Another time it is used in the New Testament is the transfiguration of Jesus—it is the same word. You recall the story, don’t you? Jesus takes Peter, James and John onto a high mountain where what He was on the inside manifests itself on the outside—the hidden glory radiating from Him. Looking at Jesus during the days of His earthly pilgrimage was not to detect anything imposing or unusual about His appearance. He looked like the typical Jewish man of His era. There was no halo or anything of that nature. Jesus was 100% man—but, He was also 100% God! It is just that His deity was often hidden behind the veil of flesh. On the mountain of transfiguration, that changed, and for a brief shining moment, the veil was pulled back and His glory shone out.
There is the potential for Christ in you, to be seen from you—His life manifest in our flesh. A father was explaining to his little boy about what it meant to be a Christian. He mentioned that it means Jesus comes to live in you. The lad asked, “Isn’t Jesus bigger than me?” “Oh, yes,” his father replied. To which the youngster in wide-eyed wonder asked, “But, Daddy, if Jesus comes to live inside me, won’t He stick out?” He sure will! If Christ is in you, then He should be evident.
Further there is THE PROCESS FOR LIFE CHANGE in the “renewing of your mind.”
God has given us a fabulous computer called the mind. That is where life change takes place. Recently I experienced the crash of my hard drive on my laptop. All I could do to fix it was to run System Restore. When completed, I had to begin to download files and reload programs. We are born with a defective hard drive. At salvation, God does System Restore. But then we can allow the world’s malware and Satan’s viruses to infect our computer. What we need is the ant-virus software of Scripture and the firewall of prayer to guard our minds! As we read, meditate on and yield to God’s Word, our mind is renewed—like optimizing the performance and defragmenting your hard disk on the computer. Regular maintenance is required!
Whatever you program into that computer is what you are going to get out of it. You cannot continually look at the world’s movies, listen to the world’s music and love the world’s manner without being squeezed into the world’s mold. It is such a gradual process: like the way water in a riverbed wears away a rock, or the frog in a kettle. Have you heard that? Place a frog in a kettle of hot water and he’ll jump out. But let him be in cool water and gradually turn up the heat and he’ll sit there and cook!
Are you a Trekkie (a devotee of Star Trek for the uninitiated)? In the series, there is an alien race called the Borg. They all look the same, talk the same, serve the same goals—all part of the collective consciousness. Their stated intent is, “Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated.” Their objective is to assimilate every being into the Borg, to conform them to the Collective. That’s science fiction, but the reality is that this is what the world system is doing.
Resistance is demanded, however! It will not be futile! There are places a child of God shouldn’t go and things he shouldn’t look at or listen to. You say, “I have the right!” Do you? Again I remind you of the context, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans12:1). Then, weigh this, “For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (1 Corinthians 6:20) We must instead take into the windows of the soul (our eyes and ears) the Word of God—that will renew us and transform us. This is a process too! It won’t happen overnight. It involves effort—discipline and devotion. It’s not about conforming to a set of rules, however; it’s about genuine transformation from the inside out. The third time this Greek word is used in describing this spiritual metamorphosis is in 2 Corinthians 3:18, “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
Is Jesus sticking out?
THE DELIBERATE DISCIPLINE
Scripture calls us to be transformed into Christ’s likeness. According to Romans 12 :2, this requires a decisive denial, “And do not be conformed to this world…” and a deliberate discipline, “but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
It has been said that nature abhors a vacuum. Something is going to fill the space between your ears. Something is going to fill the void in your heart. It isn’t enough to try to keep out the world’s garbage—you must welcome the truth that will transform your life.
There is THE POTENTIAL OF LIFE CHANGE to be “transformed.”
You know, they seem to be making kids brighter these days. At least, my grandchildren are particularly brilliant! My little six year old, Josie, the other day popped up and said, “Nana, I know a word that means change—metamorphosis.” Then she went on to explain the metamorphosis of an ugly old caterpillar wriggling across the ground, becoming a beautiful butterfly flitting through the air. That word comes from the Greek word used by Paul, “transformed.”
Another time it is used in the New Testament is the transfiguration of Jesus—it is the same word. You recall the story, don’t you? Jesus takes Peter, James and John onto a high mountain where what He was on the inside manifests itself on the outside—the hidden glory radiating from Him. Looking at Jesus during the days of His earthly pilgrimage was not to detect anything imposing or unusual about His appearance. He looked like the typical Jewish man of His era. There was no halo or anything of that nature. Jesus was 100% man—but, He was also 100% God! It is just that His deity was often hidden behind the veil of flesh. On the mountain of transfiguration, that changed, and for a brief shining moment, the veil was pulled back and His glory shone out.
There is the potential for Christ in you, to be seen from you—His life manifest in our flesh. A father was explaining to his little boy about what it meant to be a Christian. He mentioned that it means Jesus comes to live in you. The lad asked, “Isn’t Jesus bigger than me?” “Oh, yes,” his father replied. To which the youngster in wide-eyed wonder asked, “But, Daddy, if Jesus comes to live inside me, won’t He stick out?” He sure will! If Christ is in you, then He should be evident.
Further there is THE PROCESS FOR LIFE CHANGE in the “renewing of your mind.”
God has given us a fabulous computer called the mind. That is where life change takes place. Recently I experienced the crash of my hard drive on my laptop. All I could do to fix it was to run System Restore. When completed, I had to begin to download files and reload programs. We are born with a defective hard drive. At salvation, God does System Restore. But then we can allow the world’s malware and Satan’s viruses to infect our computer. What we need is the ant-virus software of Scripture and the firewall of prayer to guard our minds! As we read, meditate on and yield to God’s Word, our mind is renewed—like optimizing the performance and defragmenting your hard disk on the computer. Regular maintenance is required!
Whatever you program into that computer is what you are going to get out of it. You cannot continually look at the world’s movies, listen to the world’s music and love the world’s manner without being squeezed into the world’s mold. It is such a gradual process: like the way water in a riverbed wears away a rock, or the frog in a kettle. Have you heard that? Place a frog in a kettle of hot water and he’ll jump out. But let him be in cool water and gradually turn up the heat and he’ll sit there and cook!
Are you a Trekkie (a devotee of Star Trek for the uninitiated)? In the series, there is an alien race called the Borg. They all look the same, talk the same, serve the same goals—all part of the collective consciousness. Their stated intent is, “Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated.” Their objective is to assimilate every being into the Borg, to conform them to the Collective. That’s science fiction, but the reality is that this is what the world system is doing.
Resistance is demanded, however! It will not be futile! There are places a child of God shouldn’t go and things he shouldn’t look at or listen to. You say, “I have the right!” Do you? Again I remind you of the context, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans12:1). Then, weigh this, “For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (1 Corinthians 6:20) We must instead take into the windows of the soul (our eyes and ears) the Word of God—that will renew us and transform us. This is a process too! It won’t happen overnight. It involves effort—discipline and devotion. It’s not about conforming to a set of rules, however; it’s about genuine transformation from the inside out. The third time this Greek word is used in describing this spiritual metamorphosis is in 2 Corinthians 3:18, “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
Is Jesus sticking out?
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
TRANSFORMERS
THE DECISIVE DENIAL
That Christians are to be transformed is clear, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” That’s what the Bible commands in Romans 12:2. But how to do it, may not be as understandable.
The first component is what I call, THE DECISIVE DENIAL. Paul writes, “do not be conformed to this world.” That requires a decisive act and it results in a denial of self.
Yet, we must underscore that sheer willpower alone is insufficient. We can commit all we want and all we have and that commitment will falter almost immediately due to our own frailty. The Christian life demands the very life of Christ and His grace and power to enable us to live obediently. Our human resolve isn’t enough. We need heavenly resources. Thank God, we have them in His indwelling Spirit!
Still, the flip-side to this is that God will not transform us apart from our willingness to yield to Him. His transforming touch is available, but must be appropriated by our surrender. You dare not isolate this verse from the context of Romans 12:1, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”
Yesterday, we introduced this concept of transformers by talking about Transformers—the robots of the old cartoon series and recent movie sequels. The fact is: we are not robots! God doesn’t program us, push a button and, suddenly, we are transformed. There must be a decision and that is to stand tall against the world, by leaning all upon the Lord. If you do not make a decisive denial of the world’s standards, you will be conformed to the world.
This is due to THE PERIL TO CONFORM WE WILL FACE. It is vital to know what we mean by “the world.” Literally, it means the “age” and refers to this present evil age of rebellion against God, where Satan is called, “The god of this world (age)” (2 Cor.4:4). John MacArthur says that the world is “the sum of the demonic-human philosophy of life.” The Apostle John helps define the world in 1 John 2:15-18:
The world is marked by hedonism: the love of pleasure, “the lust of the flesh”; by materialism: the love of possessions, “the lust of the eyes”; by egotism: the love of position, “the pride of life”—an unholy trinity of money, sex and power. Many have surrendered to this foe.
So, there will be THE PRESSURE TO CONFORM WE MUST FIGHT. The Greek term suggests an external pressure like squeezing something into a mold. That’s what the world is constantly seeking to do—to twist your mind into accepting its warped values, to bend your heart to pursuing its wicked vices, to shape your life into a mangled moral mess of no use to God. The world is pressuring you to spend your time on carnal pleasure, to spend your treasure on material possessions, and to spend your talent on egotistical promotion of self. You must say, “No!” in the power of the Holy Spirit.
THE DECISIVE DENIAL
That Christians are to be transformed is clear, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” That’s what the Bible commands in Romans 12:2. But how to do it, may not be as understandable.
The first component is what I call, THE DECISIVE DENIAL. Paul writes, “do not be conformed to this world.” That requires a decisive act and it results in a denial of self.
Yet, we must underscore that sheer willpower alone is insufficient. We can commit all we want and all we have and that commitment will falter almost immediately due to our own frailty. The Christian life demands the very life of Christ and His grace and power to enable us to live obediently. Our human resolve isn’t enough. We need heavenly resources. Thank God, we have them in His indwelling Spirit!
Still, the flip-side to this is that God will not transform us apart from our willingness to yield to Him. His transforming touch is available, but must be appropriated by our surrender. You dare not isolate this verse from the context of Romans 12:1, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”
Yesterday, we introduced this concept of transformers by talking about Transformers—the robots of the old cartoon series and recent movie sequels. The fact is: we are not robots! God doesn’t program us, push a button and, suddenly, we are transformed. There must be a decision and that is to stand tall against the world, by leaning all upon the Lord. If you do not make a decisive denial of the world’s standards, you will be conformed to the world.
This is due to THE PERIL TO CONFORM WE WILL FACE. It is vital to know what we mean by “the world.” Literally, it means the “age” and refers to this present evil age of rebellion against God, where Satan is called, “The god of this world (age)” (2 Cor.4:4). John MacArthur says that the world is “the sum of the demonic-human philosophy of life.” The Apostle John helps define the world in 1 John 2:15-18:
15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.
17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
18 Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour.
The world is marked by hedonism: the love of pleasure, “the lust of the flesh”; by materialism: the love of possessions, “the lust of the eyes”; by egotism: the love of position, “the pride of life”—an unholy trinity of money, sex and power. Many have surrendered to this foe.
So, there will be THE PRESSURE TO CONFORM WE MUST FIGHT. The Greek term suggests an external pressure like squeezing something into a mold. That’s what the world is constantly seeking to do—to twist your mind into accepting its warped values, to bend your heart to pursuing its wicked vices, to shape your life into a mangled moral mess of no use to God. The world is pressuring you to spend your time on carnal pleasure, to spend your treasure on material possessions, and to spend your talent on egotistical promotion of self. You must say, “No!” in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Monday, July 26, 2010
TRANSFORMERS
It was 1984 and my oldest son, Chris, was six years old at the time. He became mesmerized by a new cartoon, imported from Japan, called, “Transformers.” The show began with, “Transformers, more than meets the eye! Transformers, robots in disguise.” In the show, the Transformers were giant robots from space that looked like cars, trucks or planes, but then would transform into Autobots to fight the evil Decepticons that were trying to take over the earth.
But, that’s kid’s stuff. What I am talking about this week is the serious business of what you are on the inside, as a Christian, transforming you, so that becomes the expression of your life on the outside. Consider these words from the pen of the Apostle Paul, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what it that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2)
Something or someone is going to shape your life, and Paul tells us in this text that we will either be conformed to the world or transformed by the Word. The choice is ours. How can we be transformed? Stay tuned for tomorrow’s episode of Transformers!
It was 1984 and my oldest son, Chris, was six years old at the time. He became mesmerized by a new cartoon, imported from Japan, called, “Transformers.” The show began with, “Transformers, more than meets the eye! Transformers, robots in disguise.” In the show, the Transformers were giant robots from space that looked like cars, trucks or planes, but then would transform into Autobots to fight the evil Decepticons that were trying to take over the earth.
But, that’s kid’s stuff. What I am talking about this week is the serious business of what you are on the inside, as a Christian, transforming you, so that becomes the expression of your life on the outside. Consider these words from the pen of the Apostle Paul, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what it that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2)
Something or someone is going to shape your life, and Paul tells us in this text that we will either be conformed to the world or transformed by the Word. The choice is ours. How can we be transformed? Stay tuned for tomorrow’s episode of Transformers!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
SURRENDERED TO THE SAVIOR
THE RESULTS OF SURRENDER
According to the Apostle Paul we are to surrender our all to the Savior. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1) To make a claim that one is surrendered to the Savior is relatively easy. Talk is a cheap thing. To demonstrate it is the chief thing! There are at least three results that follow absolute surrender to Christ which are found in this verse.
There will be acceptable WORK FOR GOD “service.”
Surrender means we report for duty. We will serve God doing anything, anywhere, anytime He directs us. In the language of the current sports season, we get out of the dugout and onto the diamond. Are you sitting on the bench or are you in the game? Surrender yields service!
There will be acceptable WORSHIP OF GOD “spiritual worship” (ESV)
The words can also be translated this way. The OT saints brought their sacrifices as an act of worship. Presenting our bodies to Him is the ultimate in worship. He gets our minds engaged in meditating on Him and His Word, our mouths open in prayer and praise, our hearts filled with love and joy, and our hands ready to respond in giving and serving. Worship is never about just taking in, but having freely received, to freely give.
There will be acceptable WITNESS TO GOD “living sacrifice...”
The world will take notice of such a life. It cannot fail to impact the world. By this we bear testimony of our estimation of the worth of Christ’s sacrifice. We judge the worth of something, by what a person is willing to pay. When my faith costs me nothing, it isn’t credible. Such has no power to transform a life.
Are there tangible proofs that you are surrendered to the Savior?
THE RESULTS OF SURRENDER
According to the Apostle Paul we are to surrender our all to the Savior. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1) To make a claim that one is surrendered to the Savior is relatively easy. Talk is a cheap thing. To demonstrate it is the chief thing! There are at least three results that follow absolute surrender to Christ which are found in this verse.
There will be acceptable WORK FOR GOD “service.”
Surrender means we report for duty. We will serve God doing anything, anywhere, anytime He directs us. In the language of the current sports season, we get out of the dugout and onto the diamond. Are you sitting on the bench or are you in the game? Surrender yields service!
There will be acceptable WORSHIP OF GOD “spiritual worship” (ESV)
The words can also be translated this way. The OT saints brought their sacrifices as an act of worship. Presenting our bodies to Him is the ultimate in worship. He gets our minds engaged in meditating on Him and His Word, our mouths open in prayer and praise, our hearts filled with love and joy, and our hands ready to respond in giving and serving. Worship is never about just taking in, but having freely received, to freely give.
There will be acceptable WITNESS TO GOD “living sacrifice...”
The world will take notice of such a life. It cannot fail to impact the world. By this we bear testimony of our estimation of the worth of Christ’s sacrifice. We judge the worth of something, by what a person is willing to pay. When my faith costs me nothing, it isn’t credible. Such has no power to transform a life.
Are there tangible proofs that you are surrendered to the Savior?
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
SURRENDERED TO THE SAVIOR
THE REQUIREMENTS OF SURRENDER
How can we look at the cross and consider all that God has done for us and fail to surrender ourselves to Him? But, you may be wondering what does it mean to surrender to Him? There are four requirements suggested implied in Paul’s exhortation in Romans 12:1, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”
A COMPLETE SACRIFICE "present your bodies"
We yield our entire being, particularly our body as an instrument in God’s hands to accomplish His work in the world. Christ didn’t die only to save our souls, but to redeem the total person. He wants to use your eyes to see hurting humanity, your ears to hear their cries, your heart to care for them, your feet to go to them, your hands to help them and your lips to tell them why.
A CONSTANT SACRIFICE “a living sacrifice…”
This is a commitment from which there is no turning back—it is living, ongoing. Constantly we surrender—a thousand times a day; when faced with God’s will or our will, we choose to follow Him. “Present” is a definite act—once for all never to return to self-centered living, but “living” is a daily attitude.—ongoing in keeping all on the altar in self-sacrifice.
A CONSECRATED SACRIFICE “holy...”
The sacrifices God demanded in the Old Testament were to be without blemish. They were not acceptable if they were not holy. Repentance from sin is to accompany resignation in sacrifice. I’ll give you an example of what I’m talking about. Last Saturday night, we went to Flat Rock Grille with a couple of our fine church members, Alan and Monica Young. Let’s suppose that as the waiter brought the order, I noticed that I didn’t have any silverware. Now, I am quite capable of eating food with my fingers, but my wife frowns on that in public! So, I request some utensils from our server. He reaches over to the table beside us, where a family has just left eating, picks up a fork, holds it up and says, “This one has some food on it—I’ll wipe it off” and he wipes it on his pant leg and hands it to me! My response is, “I don’t just want a fork—I want a clean one!” God doesn’t want a sacrifice contaminated by sin, but consecrated in sanctification.
A COMMENDABLE SACRIFICE “acceptable to God…”
The Pharisees brought offerings to God, but they were motivated by the applause of man. Rather than commend them, Christ condemned them. God doesn’t just judge us by the outward appearance. He looks at the heart. What is the motive for our surrender? God doesn’t just judge the outward expression of devotion, but the inward motivation. It isn’t just actions, but attitudes that He evaluates. Our service isn’t to be about our glory, but His. We aren’t out to make a name for ourselves, but to magnify the name of Christ.
This is what God requires. Offer yourself today as a living sacrifice—complete, constant, consecrated and commendable.
THE REQUIREMENTS OF SURRENDER
How can we look at the cross and consider all that God has done for us and fail to surrender ourselves to Him? But, you may be wondering what does it mean to surrender to Him? There are four requirements suggested implied in Paul’s exhortation in Romans 12:1, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”
A COMPLETE SACRIFICE "present your bodies"
We yield our entire being, particularly our body as an instrument in God’s hands to accomplish His work in the world. Christ didn’t die only to save our souls, but to redeem the total person. He wants to use your eyes to see hurting humanity, your ears to hear their cries, your heart to care for them, your feet to go to them, your hands to help them and your lips to tell them why.
A CONSTANT SACRIFICE “a living sacrifice…”
This is a commitment from which there is no turning back—it is living, ongoing. Constantly we surrender—a thousand times a day; when faced with God’s will or our will, we choose to follow Him. “Present” is a definite act—once for all never to return to self-centered living, but “living” is a daily attitude.—ongoing in keeping all on the altar in self-sacrifice.
A CONSECRATED SACRIFICE “holy...”
The sacrifices God demanded in the Old Testament were to be without blemish. They were not acceptable if they were not holy. Repentance from sin is to accompany resignation in sacrifice. I’ll give you an example of what I’m talking about. Last Saturday night, we went to Flat Rock Grille with a couple of our fine church members, Alan and Monica Young. Let’s suppose that as the waiter brought the order, I noticed that I didn’t have any silverware. Now, I am quite capable of eating food with my fingers, but my wife frowns on that in public! So, I request some utensils from our server. He reaches over to the table beside us, where a family has just left eating, picks up a fork, holds it up and says, “This one has some food on it—I’ll wipe it off” and he wipes it on his pant leg and hands it to me! My response is, “I don’t just want a fork—I want a clean one!” God doesn’t want a sacrifice contaminated by sin, but consecrated in sanctification.
A COMMENDABLE SACRIFICE “acceptable to God…”
The Pharisees brought offerings to God, but they were motivated by the applause of man. Rather than commend them, Christ condemned them. God doesn’t just judge us by the outward appearance. He looks at the heart. What is the motive for our surrender? God doesn’t just judge the outward expression of devotion, but the inward motivation. It isn’t just actions, but attitudes that He evaluates. Our service isn’t to be about our glory, but His. We aren’t out to make a name for ourselves, but to magnify the name of Christ.
This is what God requires. Offer yourself today as a living sacrifice—complete, constant, consecrated and commendable.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
SURRENDERED TO THE SAVIOR
THE REASONS FOR SURRENDER
The Apostle Paul calls us to surrender to the Savior in Romans 12:1. He says, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” I believe that he is suggesting three reasons for absolute surrender.
The first reason is BECAUSE IT IS REQUESTED “I beseech you…” Although Paul might have spoken with the authority of an Apostle and demanded it, instead he stoops as a beggar and pleads for it. He knew that love cannot be coerced. It must be freely given. Christ will knock at your heart’s door and plead with you, but He won’t break it down. How can you shut up your heart from surrender to Him?
The second reason is BECAUSE IT IS RESPONSIVE “therefore…by the mercies of God…” This verse marks a transition in the thrust of Paul’s letter. The Apostle has for eleven chapters directed us to the manifold mercies of God. He has spoken of the greatness of God’s grace in saving wretched sinners like we are! Now, we can respond to those mercies. We love Him for He first loved us!
The third reason is BECAUSE IT IS RATIONAL “your reasonable service.” Do we think God is asking too much? Do we respond to the call to absolute surrender with, “Lord, be reasonable!” The Lord is not being unreasonable in demanding we surrender all. Don’t you know that you have nothing apart from Him? Don’t you understand that He surrendered everything to give you eternal life? The only rational thing to do is to surrender everything to Him!
The time to do it is today—right NOW!
THE REASONS FOR SURRENDER
The Apostle Paul calls us to surrender to the Savior in Romans 12:1. He says, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” I believe that he is suggesting three reasons for absolute surrender.
The first reason is BECAUSE IT IS REQUESTED “I beseech you…” Although Paul might have spoken with the authority of an Apostle and demanded it, instead he stoops as a beggar and pleads for it. He knew that love cannot be coerced. It must be freely given. Christ will knock at your heart’s door and plead with you, but He won’t break it down. How can you shut up your heart from surrender to Him?
The second reason is BECAUSE IT IS RESPONSIVE “therefore…by the mercies of God…” This verse marks a transition in the thrust of Paul’s letter. The Apostle has for eleven chapters directed us to the manifold mercies of God. He has spoken of the greatness of God’s grace in saving wretched sinners like we are! Now, we can respond to those mercies. We love Him for He first loved us!
The third reason is BECAUSE IT IS RATIONAL “your reasonable service.” Do we think God is asking too much? Do we respond to the call to absolute surrender with, “Lord, be reasonable!” The Lord is not being unreasonable in demanding we surrender all. Don’t you know that you have nothing apart from Him? Don’t you understand that He surrendered everything to give you eternal life? The only rational thing to do is to surrender everything to Him!
The time to do it is today—right NOW!
Monday, July 19, 2010
SURRENDERED TO THE SAVIOR
It was the early 1700’s, when a young aristocrat named Nikolas Zinzendorf viewed a painting by Domenico Feti called “Ecce Homo” (“Behold the Man”). He read the words beneath, “I have done this for you; what have you done for me?” As his gaze was transfixed on the painting, his heart was transformed by the message. He committed his life to Christ and started a great missions movement, which still has an impact today.
Over a century later, a young lady, Frances Havergal, saw the same picture with similar effect. Having the heart of a poet, her expression of gratitude became a hymn that still challenges us today,
That is the point Paul presents in Romans 12:1, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”
“I have done this for you; what have you done for me?”
It was the early 1700’s, when a young aristocrat named Nikolas Zinzendorf viewed a painting by Domenico Feti called “Ecce Homo” (“Behold the Man”). He read the words beneath, “I have done this for you; what have you done for me?” As his gaze was transfixed on the painting, his heart was transformed by the message. He committed his life to Christ and started a great missions movement, which still has an impact today.
Over a century later, a young lady, Frances Havergal, saw the same picture with similar effect. Having the heart of a poet, her expression of gratitude became a hymn that still challenges us today,
“I gave my life for thee,
My precious blood I shed,
That thou might’st ransomed be,
And quickened from the dead;
I gave, I gave my life for thee,
What hast thou given for me?”
That is the point Paul presents in Romans 12:1, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”
“I have done this for you; what have you done for me?”
Saturday, July 17, 2010
NO ONE LIKE GOD
AN INCOMPREHENSIBLE WAY and AN INFINITE WEIGHT
There is no one like God! That is the conclusion of a man who likely had more insight into God than any mere mortal—who had been blinded by that glory—Paul, the Apostle. Meditate on these remarkable words,
AN INCOMPREHENSIBLE WAY “His ways past finding out!” (v.33)
The Greek language paints a picture of a hound losing the scent of its prey or a guide losing the sight of the path. Thus we cannot fully trace the footprints of God’s sovereign steps. You cannot understand all the ways of God.
• HE NEEDS THE COUNSEL OF NONE (v.34) We think we are so smart—we are as fleas trying to understand calculus. Who do we think we are to give God advice? What hubris! How pompous! To claim to fully understand God is to show how little we do understand Him! Job’s friends tried to explain to Job the inexplicable and although Job had greater insight, his thoughts and speech eventually crossed the line as well. This godly man demanded an audience with God, and when he got it, he had to shut up as God said, “Who is this who darkens counsel by words without knowledge. Now prepare yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer Me.” (Job 38:2-3) God doesn’t answer to us—but we answer to Him!
• HE NEEDS THE CONTRIBUTION OF NONE (v.35) If you had to buy Bill Gates a birthday present, what could you give him? Tough task! So, what can you give God? God needs nothing. He owns it all. He owes us nothing. He doesn’t need us, but we need Him. God without us is still God, but without God we’re nothing! God identifies Himself as “I AM THAT I AM.” He is all; He is everything—self-existent, self-sufficient, self-sustaining. God isn’t into hand-wringing! If God doesn’t come through, we’re through, but He isn’t desperately waiting for our service or our tithe. He, in His grace, extends an invitation for us to join Him in His work. That is in order to bless us with the privilege, not to enable God to do that which He could not do Himself!
AN INFINITE WEIGHT “to whom be glory forever.” (v.36)
All the universe exists and moves to this end—the glory (Greek: doxa, from which we get doxology) of God and God alone. The Hebrew term is kabod, the word for “weight” and speaks to the gravity of His being. Don’t take God lightly! But that’s much of what contemporary church culture does! We get too chummy with God. He’s not the “man upstairs” and Jesus isn’t your “buddy.” How flip and glib we can be when we speak of the thrice Holy One!
• HE IS THE SOURCE OF ALL THINGS “of Him…” Nothing exists apart from Him. He called it all into being by a spoken word! Imagine grace like a river—God is the fountain from which it springs.
• HE IS THE SUSTAINER OF ALL THINGS “through Him…” He is also the channel through which grace flows. He holds all things together by the word of His power, and apart from His sustaining glory, everything would fly apart!
• HE IS THE SUM OF ALL THINGS “to Him are all things…” God is the boundless sea into which all things flow. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:28, “that God may be all in all.” Since His glory is the primary purpose of all things, then His glory should be our preeminent passion.
And all God’s people must joyfully join with Paul’s final word in this chapter, “Amen!”
AN INCOMPREHENSIBLE WAY and AN INFINITE WEIGHT
There is no one like God! That is the conclusion of a man who likely had more insight into God than any mere mortal—who had been blinded by that glory—Paul, the Apostle. Meditate on these remarkable words,
33 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!
34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counselor?”
35 “Or who has first given to Him And it shall be repaid to him?”
36 For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen. (Romans 11:33-36)
AN INCOMPREHENSIBLE WAY “His ways past finding out!” (v.33)
The Greek language paints a picture of a hound losing the scent of its prey or a guide losing the sight of the path. Thus we cannot fully trace the footprints of God’s sovereign steps. You cannot understand all the ways of God.
• HE NEEDS THE COUNSEL OF NONE (v.34) We think we are so smart—we are as fleas trying to understand calculus. Who do we think we are to give God advice? What hubris! How pompous! To claim to fully understand God is to show how little we do understand Him! Job’s friends tried to explain to Job the inexplicable and although Job had greater insight, his thoughts and speech eventually crossed the line as well. This godly man demanded an audience with God, and when he got it, he had to shut up as God said, “Who is this who darkens counsel by words without knowledge. Now prepare yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer Me.” (Job 38:2-3) God doesn’t answer to us—but we answer to Him!
• HE NEEDS THE CONTRIBUTION OF NONE (v.35) If you had to buy Bill Gates a birthday present, what could you give him? Tough task! So, what can you give God? God needs nothing. He owns it all. He owes us nothing. He doesn’t need us, but we need Him. God without us is still God, but without God we’re nothing! God identifies Himself as “I AM THAT I AM.” He is all; He is everything—self-existent, self-sufficient, self-sustaining. God isn’t into hand-wringing! If God doesn’t come through, we’re through, but He isn’t desperately waiting for our service or our tithe. He, in His grace, extends an invitation for us to join Him in His work. That is in order to bless us with the privilege, not to enable God to do that which He could not do Himself!
AN INFINITE WEIGHT “to whom be glory forever.” (v.36)
All the universe exists and moves to this end—the glory (Greek: doxa, from which we get doxology) of God and God alone. The Hebrew term is kabod, the word for “weight” and speaks to the gravity of His being. Don’t take God lightly! But that’s much of what contemporary church culture does! We get too chummy with God. He’s not the “man upstairs” and Jesus isn’t your “buddy.” How flip and glib we can be when we speak of the thrice Holy One!
• HE IS THE SOURCE OF ALL THINGS “of Him…” Nothing exists apart from Him. He called it all into being by a spoken word! Imagine grace like a river—God is the fountain from which it springs.
• HE IS THE SUSTAINER OF ALL THINGS “through Him…” He is also the channel through which grace flows. He holds all things together by the word of His power, and apart from His sustaining glory, everything would fly apart!
• HE IS THE SUM OF ALL THINGS “to Him are all things…” God is the boundless sea into which all things flow. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:28, “that God may be all in all.” Since His glory is the primary purpose of all things, then His glory should be our preeminent passion.
And all God’s people must joyfully join with Paul’s final word in this chapter, “Amen!”
Friday, July 16, 2010
NO ONE LIKE GOD
AN INDESCRIBABLE WORK
Paul the Apostle breathlessly testified of God, “How unsearchable are His judgments…” (Romans 11:33). This has to do with the decisions, decrees and deeds of God. It speaks of His activity—an indescribable work!
God issues a decree and none can thwart it. His intentions will be fulfilled though men fail, though wickedness seems to prevail, though all the hosts of hell assail. God renders a judgment and His will cannot be altered.
Everything He does is right because He can do no other. Should God act in a way that is not right then He would not be God! So, you want me to explain all that God does, and why? I cannot! No one can! If we could, then we would be God!
Spurgeon had to right when he stated, "God is too good to be unkind, too wise to be mistaken and, when you cannot trace His hand, you can always trust His heart." Faith rests in this promise, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).
AN INDESCRIBABLE WORK
Paul the Apostle breathlessly testified of God, “How unsearchable are His judgments…” (Romans 11:33). This has to do with the decisions, decrees and deeds of God. It speaks of His activity—an indescribable work!
God issues a decree and none can thwart it. His intentions will be fulfilled though men fail, though wickedness seems to prevail, though all the hosts of hell assail. God renders a judgment and His will cannot be altered.
Everything He does is right because He can do no other. Should God act in a way that is not right then He would not be God! So, you want me to explain all that God does, and why? I cannot! No one can! If we could, then we would be God!
Spurgeon had to right when he stated, "God is too good to be unkind, too wise to be mistaken and, when you cannot trace His hand, you can always trust His heart." Faith rests in this promise, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).
Thursday, July 15, 2010
THE PARABLE OF THE TALENTS REVISITED—A FRACTURED FAIRY TALE
There was a President, who newly elected, took a long journey from Chicago to Washington, D.C. He called his fellow Americans to tune in to his State of the Union speech that he might speak of all the bounty with which they had been blessed, but had squandered during the previous administration, through lack of government regulation and programs.
One citizen was a white collar owner of a small family business, another was a blue collar worker trying to meet his family’s needs, and yet another, though poor, was healthy and blessed with the opportunity to make something of his life.
The small businessman invested wisely, worked diligently and became the owner of a Fortune 500 company.
The blue-collar worker scrimped and saved and worked overtime in order to start his own business.
The other man frittered away his opportunity and decided that society was mistreating him, the rich were taking advantage of him and government owed him a living, so he sat around and did nothing—except when he wanted to party, which he always seemed to have time and money to do.
After many days and several trips to the golf course, the President had a press conference from the Oval Office.
He chided the man who had become successful in building a large corporation as being greedy and unconcerned for the poor—not giving his fair share to the government. “I will place you in a higher tax bracket until we bring you to the level of the poor man,” said the all-wise, all-caring President.
Likewise, he scolded the middle class worker who had struggled so long to begin his own little business, for he too had so much more than the poor man and was self-centered according to the President—not giving his fair share to the government, either. “I will raise your taxes also (though not as high as the wealthy man) until we bring you to the level of the poor man,” said the all-wise, all-caring President.
Turning to the poor man, the compassionate President heard him say, “Life has been unfair to me. My welfare check doesn’t go as far as it used to. Gas prices from greedy oil companies make it expensive to fill up my Mercedes. It is hard to make ends meet when big screen TV’s and cable bills are so expensive, not to mention the cost of liquor. I worked for a rich man for a few days and he expected me to be on time and work hard and it was just more than my nervous condition could bear. If I have to work, a government job would be much better.”
To the man who wasted his days in lethargy and his nights with lotteries, liquor and ladies, the President said, “Life has indeed been unfair to you. The educational system has failed you. Greedy corporations have taken advantage of you. Society owes you, but has neglected you. Even if you had a government job, the wealthy bankers where you deposit your money would take it and stuff their own pockets with profits. We will take from the rich and the middle class and give it to you, so there may truly be equality in America at last. We will also remember the plight of the poor in oppressed nations around the world and do all we can to destroy the businesses of America so we can become a third-world country also. At the end of the day, it’s all about equality.” Thus spoke the all-wise, all-caring President as he flawlessly read his teleprompter before the fawning media.
“For to everyone who has, more will be taken, and he will have little; but from him who produces little, we will give a little more,” thus said the all-wise, all-caring President as he departed for another vacation.
“And put the profitable citizen into prison. I’m sure he is abusing the system.”
Then across the once-fruited plain, there was weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth.
(With apologies to Saint Matthew and the Rocky and Bullwinkle Show)
DISCLAIMER:
The views expressed are those of Dennis Thurman and are not intended to represent the opinions and viewpoints of Pole Creek Baptist Church. Neither should these be construed as a benediction on the rich and condemnation of the poor. There are greedy rich people and honorable poor people. Some of God’s special saints live on meager funds—disabled, disadvantaged—doubtless the case. Others may prosper materially and be bankrupt morally and spiritually. Also, there is not disrespect intended for the office of the Presidency which God has commanded Christians to honor and obey, as well as pray for—which I have done this morning already. What is intended is to show how this parable of Christ has been turned on its head by the current administration.
There was a President, who newly elected, took a long journey from Chicago to Washington, D.C. He called his fellow Americans to tune in to his State of the Union speech that he might speak of all the bounty with which they had been blessed, but had squandered during the previous administration, through lack of government regulation and programs.
One citizen was a white collar owner of a small family business, another was a blue collar worker trying to meet his family’s needs, and yet another, though poor, was healthy and blessed with the opportunity to make something of his life.
The small businessman invested wisely, worked diligently and became the owner of a Fortune 500 company.
The blue-collar worker scrimped and saved and worked overtime in order to start his own business.
The other man frittered away his opportunity and decided that society was mistreating him, the rich were taking advantage of him and government owed him a living, so he sat around and did nothing—except when he wanted to party, which he always seemed to have time and money to do.
After many days and several trips to the golf course, the President had a press conference from the Oval Office.
He chided the man who had become successful in building a large corporation as being greedy and unconcerned for the poor—not giving his fair share to the government. “I will place you in a higher tax bracket until we bring you to the level of the poor man,” said the all-wise, all-caring President.
Likewise, he scolded the middle class worker who had struggled so long to begin his own little business, for he too had so much more than the poor man and was self-centered according to the President—not giving his fair share to the government, either. “I will raise your taxes also (though not as high as the wealthy man) until we bring you to the level of the poor man,” said the all-wise, all-caring President.
Turning to the poor man, the compassionate President heard him say, “Life has been unfair to me. My welfare check doesn’t go as far as it used to. Gas prices from greedy oil companies make it expensive to fill up my Mercedes. It is hard to make ends meet when big screen TV’s and cable bills are so expensive, not to mention the cost of liquor. I worked for a rich man for a few days and he expected me to be on time and work hard and it was just more than my nervous condition could bear. If I have to work, a government job would be much better.”
To the man who wasted his days in lethargy and his nights with lotteries, liquor and ladies, the President said, “Life has indeed been unfair to you. The educational system has failed you. Greedy corporations have taken advantage of you. Society owes you, but has neglected you. Even if you had a government job, the wealthy bankers where you deposit your money would take it and stuff their own pockets with profits. We will take from the rich and the middle class and give it to you, so there may truly be equality in America at last. We will also remember the plight of the poor in oppressed nations around the world and do all we can to destroy the businesses of America so we can become a third-world country also. At the end of the day, it’s all about equality.” Thus spoke the all-wise, all-caring President as he flawlessly read his teleprompter before the fawning media.
“For to everyone who has, more will be taken, and he will have little; but from him who produces little, we will give a little more,” thus said the all-wise, all-caring President as he departed for another vacation.
“And put the profitable citizen into prison. I’m sure he is abusing the system.”
Then across the once-fruited plain, there was weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth.
(With apologies to Saint Matthew and the Rocky and Bullwinkle Show)
DISCLAIMER:
The views expressed are those of Dennis Thurman and are not intended to represent the opinions and viewpoints of Pole Creek Baptist Church. Neither should these be construed as a benediction on the rich and condemnation of the poor. There are greedy rich people and honorable poor people. Some of God’s special saints live on meager funds—disabled, disadvantaged—doubtless the case. Others may prosper materially and be bankrupt morally and spiritually. Also, there is not disrespect intended for the office of the Presidency which God has commanded Christians to honor and obey, as well as pray for—which I have done this morning already. What is intended is to show how this parable of Christ has been turned on its head by the current administration.
NO ONE LIKE GOD
AN INEXHAUSTIBLE WISDOM
The other day, at the conclusion of my message, one of our members tried to tell me something. I say “tried” because I wasn’t getting it. The problem wasn’t with them—it was with me! I said to them what I have told others, “By the end of my sermon every brain cell I have is exhausted!” That will never approach being said of God! Paul exclaims in Romans 11:33a, “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!”
Knowledge is the information God possesses and wisdom is the application of what He knows. One may have knowledge and use it as cunning to do evil. God not only has knowledge but out of His righteous character can only apply that knowledge in doing right—and that is wisdom.
God is omniscient. He has never learned anything. He has never discovered anything. He has never been surprised by anything.
I am convinced this is one reason many try to avoid thinking about God—you cannot fool Him. He knows all about you. If you are living in sin, this is a disquieting thought!
But, it is also a comforting thing. He knows what you need before you ask—even before the need arises. He sees the tears that dampen your pillow in the dark. He documents the work done for Him that no one else may notice or reward. He can guide you in the right way for He is flawless in His knowledge and wisdom. Drink deeply of that knowledge and wisdom—it is an inexhaustible supply!
AN INEXHAUSTIBLE WISDOM
The other day, at the conclusion of my message, one of our members tried to tell me something. I say “tried” because I wasn’t getting it. The problem wasn’t with them—it was with me! I said to them what I have told others, “By the end of my sermon every brain cell I have is exhausted!” That will never approach being said of God! Paul exclaims in Romans 11:33a, “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!”
Knowledge is the information God possesses and wisdom is the application of what He knows. One may have knowledge and use it as cunning to do evil. God not only has knowledge but out of His righteous character can only apply that knowledge in doing right—and that is wisdom.
God is omniscient. He has never learned anything. He has never discovered anything. He has never been surprised by anything.
I am convinced this is one reason many try to avoid thinking about God—you cannot fool Him. He knows all about you. If you are living in sin, this is a disquieting thought!
But, it is also a comforting thing. He knows what you need before you ask—even before the need arises. He sees the tears that dampen your pillow in the dark. He documents the work done for Him that no one else may notice or reward. He can guide you in the right way for He is flawless in His knowledge and wisdom. Drink deeply of that knowledge and wisdom—it is an inexhaustible supply!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
NO ONE LIKE GOD
AN INCALCULABLE WEALTH
Paul has spoken in Romans of the riches of God’s goodness—even to sinners, “Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?” (2:4, emphasis added). The Apostle has written about the riches of God’s glory—to the saved, “and that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand for glory” (9:23, emphasis added). He has told of the riches of God’s grace—to all who believe, “For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him.” (10:12, emphasis added). Further, Paul underscored the riches of God’s government—His plan for Jews and Gentiles, “Now if their fall is riches for the world, and their failure riches for the Gentiles, how much more their fullness!” (11:12, emphasis added). These are the incalculable riches of redemption that Paul would have us gaze upon as he opens the treasure chest of truth in Romans 11:33, and breathtakingly comments, “Oh, the depth of the riches…!” (emphasis added)
How can you place a dollar value on that? It is ours through Christ! The Apostle’s extensive vocabulary failed in its ability to calculate its worth and said this,
Worship is my response to the worth of God. It is a worth so incalculable that it will require all eternity to declare it. Why don’t we get started today?
AN INCALCULABLE WEALTH
Paul has spoken in Romans of the riches of God’s goodness—even to sinners, “Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?” (2:4, emphasis added). The Apostle has written about the riches of God’s glory—to the saved, “and that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand for glory” (9:23, emphasis added). He has told of the riches of God’s grace—to all who believe, “For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him.” (10:12, emphasis added). Further, Paul underscored the riches of God’s government—His plan for Jews and Gentiles, “Now if their fall is riches for the world, and their failure riches for the Gentiles, how much more their fullness!” (11:12, emphasis added). These are the incalculable riches of redemption that Paul would have us gaze upon as he opens the treasure chest of truth in Romans 11:33, and breathtakingly comments, “Oh, the depth of the riches…!” (emphasis added)
How can you place a dollar value on that? It is ours through Christ! The Apostle’s extensive vocabulary failed in its ability to calculate its worth and said this,
8 To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
9 and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ;
10 to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places,
11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord (Eph.3:8-11, emphasis added)
Worship is my response to the worth of God. It is a worth so incalculable that it will require all eternity to declare it. Why don’t we get started today?
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
NO ONE LIKE GOD
AN IMMEASURABLE WONDER
Paul—this brilliant thinker—is overwhelmed at the thought of God’s greatness as He considers it in Romans 11:33-36. He ecstatically utters, “Oh, the depth….” The Apostle is swept away. We ought to be!
Spurgeon, likewise a superior intellect, whose sermons are still read centuries after their delivery, declared, “The highest science, the loftiest speculation, the mightiest philosophy, which can ever engage the attention of the child of God, is the name, the nature, the person, the work, the doings, and the existence of the great God whom he calls his Father.”
Paul has jumped into a boundless ocean of grace, and plunged into the lowest depth where the mercy of God reaches the vilest sinner, and marvels that God’s glory and love is an unfathomable sea. This is the experience of one who encounters God as He truly is, rather than a false God we design with our futile philosophy.
There is a point of penetrating the depths of the ocean beyond which a human cannot dive—the pressure becomes more than the body can stand. That is true in our understanding of God—we can go so far and no farther. God told Moses, “No man can see my face and live.” Our humanity would wither before the brightness of His full glory. It is inexpressible! It is immeasurable!
My son, Caleb, asked me the other day to imagine a color outside the spectrum of light. I would not have even thought to consider such a thing, but that is the way his mind works! I cannot envision a color like that, and neither can you. Thus it is with the immeasurable wonder of God. Our highest and noblest thoughts cannot imagine all that He is. He goes beyond that—far beyond. While I can’t fully come to grips in my head with all that He is, I can be gripped in my heart by the truth of His greatness! May it be so, for each of us today!
Be reminded:
“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” (A.W.Tozer).
AN IMMEASURABLE WONDER
Paul—this brilliant thinker—is overwhelmed at the thought of God’s greatness as He considers it in Romans 11:33-36. He ecstatically utters, “Oh, the depth….” The Apostle is swept away. We ought to be!
Spurgeon, likewise a superior intellect, whose sermons are still read centuries after their delivery, declared, “The highest science, the loftiest speculation, the mightiest philosophy, which can ever engage the attention of the child of God, is the name, the nature, the person, the work, the doings, and the existence of the great God whom he calls his Father.”
Paul has jumped into a boundless ocean of grace, and plunged into the lowest depth where the mercy of God reaches the vilest sinner, and marvels that God’s glory and love is an unfathomable sea. This is the experience of one who encounters God as He truly is, rather than a false God we design with our futile philosophy.
There is a point of penetrating the depths of the ocean beyond which a human cannot dive—the pressure becomes more than the body can stand. That is true in our understanding of God—we can go so far and no farther. God told Moses, “No man can see my face and live.” Our humanity would wither before the brightness of His full glory. It is inexpressible! It is immeasurable!
My son, Caleb, asked me the other day to imagine a color outside the spectrum of light. I would not have even thought to consider such a thing, but that is the way his mind works! I cannot envision a color like that, and neither can you. Thus it is with the immeasurable wonder of God. Our highest and noblest thoughts cannot imagine all that He is. He goes beyond that—far beyond. While I can’t fully come to grips in my head with all that He is, I can be gripped in my heart by the truth of His greatness! May it be so, for each of us today!
Be reminded:
“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” (A.W.Tozer).
Monday, July 12, 2010
NO ONE LIKE GOD
“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” (A.W.Tozer).
What comes into your mind when you think about God? I am afraid that many of us try to shape God in our image. We take human attributes and raise them to a superior level—which is what people have done from antiquity in pagan worship. That is what the Bible calls idolatry.
While we are made in God’s image, to turn that on its head and try to make God in our image is to first of all degrade God and then likewise ourselves, for we become like that which we worship. Listen to these words,
So, if God isn’t just a highly exalted man, how are we to think of Him?
It is hard to describe God, because He is indescribable. There is no one like God. He defies explanation. It is impossible to fully know Him. It is the height of arrogance to suppose that we can fully comprehend all that an infinite Being is—someone so “other than” we are—so far above and beyond. But, we are to think of Him, and think of Him as He truly is, for in so doing our thoughts are elevated and we become more like Him. Worship is our response to our thoughts of God.
For eleven chapters, Paul has presented us the most comprehensive and systematic theology to be found in the New Testament. In today’s church we want to give doctrine a wink and leap to the practical—doing stuff. We don’t meditate on truth, and because we don’t think deeply, our work for God, rather ends up in self-glory and has no eternal value and spiritual power. In contrast, when we are gripped with God’s glory, we see Him—even though as Paul said in 1 Corinthians 13, it is through a dark glass—and the spirit of worship is first kindled in us and then follows work! Don’t jump into Romans 12 and the following chapters of practical application, until you first are grounded in doctrinal education, with the pivot point being worshipful adoration.
Here’s where theology becomes doxology! Now by doxology we don’t just mean the hymn that begins, “Praise God from whom all blessings flow…” as wonderful as that doxology is. The Greek word for glory is doxa and combined with logos meaning “word” you have the term doxology, defined as speaking of God’s glory! Paul does that in Romans 11:33-36,
This is where theology becomes doxology!
“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” (A.W.Tozer).
What comes into your mind when you think about God? I am afraid that many of us try to shape God in our image. We take human attributes and raise them to a superior level—which is what people have done from antiquity in pagan worship. That is what the Bible calls idolatry.
While we are made in God’s image, to turn that on its head and try to make God in our image is to first of all degrade God and then likewise ourselves, for we become like that which we worship. Listen to these words,
4 Their idols are silver and gold, The work of men’s hands.
5 They have mouths, but they do not speak; Eyes they have, but they do not see;
6 They have ears, but they do not hear; Noses they have, but they do not smell;
7 They have hands, but they do not handle; Feet they have, but they do not walk;
Nor do they mutter through their throat.
8 Those who make them are like them; So is everyone who trusts in them. (Psalm 115:4-8, emphasis added)
So, if God isn’t just a highly exalted man, how are we to think of Him?
It is hard to describe God, because He is indescribable. There is no one like God. He defies explanation. It is impossible to fully know Him. It is the height of arrogance to suppose that we can fully comprehend all that an infinite Being is—someone so “other than” we are—so far above and beyond. But, we are to think of Him, and think of Him as He truly is, for in so doing our thoughts are elevated and we become more like Him. Worship is our response to our thoughts of God.
For eleven chapters, Paul has presented us the most comprehensive and systematic theology to be found in the New Testament. In today’s church we want to give doctrine a wink and leap to the practical—doing stuff. We don’t meditate on truth, and because we don’t think deeply, our work for God, rather ends up in self-glory and has no eternal value and spiritual power. In contrast, when we are gripped with God’s glory, we see Him—even though as Paul said in 1 Corinthians 13, it is through a dark glass—and the spirit of worship is first kindled in us and then follows work! Don’t jump into Romans 12 and the following chapters of practical application, until you first are grounded in doctrinal education, with the pivot point being worshipful adoration.
Here’s where theology becomes doxology! Now by doxology we don’t just mean the hymn that begins, “Praise God from whom all blessings flow…” as wonderful as that doxology is. The Greek word for glory is doxa and combined with logos meaning “word” you have the term doxology, defined as speaking of God’s glory! Paul does that in Romans 11:33-36,
33 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!
34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counselor?”
35 “Or who has first given to Him And it shall be repaid to him?”
36 For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.
This is where theology becomes doxology!
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