"Him (Jesus) we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me" (Col. 1:28-29).
As a minister of Christ, Paul toiled to proclaim the gospel and disciple believers in order to bring them into spiritual maturity. Although he worked hard, he did not do so in his own strength but in the energy and power of the Spirit that was at work in him. There are many Pastors today and other faithful believers that are involved in the work of making disciples that must be careful not to get burned out by striving and toiling in their own strength. Pastors and other Christian workers must strive in His strength--in the energy and power of the Spirit. Pastors and other Christian workers can get so involved in doing good things that they neglect the nourishing of their own spiritual lives. In addition to burning ourselves out what we do in our own strength will not make an eternal difference in this world. Paul wrote, "Now unto him who can do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that worketh in us" (Eph. 3:20). Only God through the power that works in us can give us the wisdom and ability to teach the word of God and bring others into spiritual maturity.
How did Paul access the power of God that he relied on to do God's work? Notice how Paul prayed, "For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness" (Col. 1:9-12). Prayer was not only how Paul relied upon God, but he believed that through prayer the power of God was release in the lives of believers to accomplish in them and through them what only God can do. Paul not only prayed for the power of the Spirit to be released in the lives of other believers but he counted on the prayers of others that the Spirit would mightily work in and through his life.
Thank the Lord for Pastor and others spiritual leaders that strive in God's strength that they may help others grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus. Take time to thank your Pastor and others that are laboring in the work of the Lord. Like Paul they need your encouragement, support and most of all your prayers.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Rather than criticizing try agonizing in prayer for your Pastor
"For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philip 1:19-21).
During the writing of Paul's epistle to the Philippian church he was in prison and facing a trial. Most people under the same circumstance would probably begin to feel sorry for themselves, especially if they were in prison unjustly. But even under these circumstances Paul never lost hope and never lost sight of his calling. It didn't matter if Paul was free, in prison or standing before Roman authorities, his greatest desire was for Christ to be magnified through him "whether it be by life or by death"(Philippians 1:20). While in prison Paul was confident that the prayers of the Philippians would lead to his salvation. Now Paul was not counting on the prayers of others to obtain salvation in the sense of the forgiveness of sins and the gift eternal life. Instead, he is speaking of being delivered from shame, fear or anything that would hinder him from boldly proclaiming the gospel and glorifying the Lord Jesus. Let me remind you again that he was counting on the prayers of others to bring about this deliverance through the empowering of the Spirit. Paul was more concerned with the glory of Christ and the advancement of his kingdom rather than escaping prison or even death. Does your prayer life consist of more than just bringing God your grocery list? How often do you pray that God through the power of His Spirit would make you into a bold and compelling witness of the life changing power of Jesus Christ? God’s Spirit working mightily in Paul to bring glory to Christ was what he wanted others to be praying for on his behalf even while he was in prison.
The Apostle Paul was arguably the greatest Christian and missionary that ever lived. Paul never lost sight of why he was on this earth. He lived and died to spread and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. When Paul was giving his testimony of salvation to King Agrippa he said, “At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me. And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision” (Acts 26:13-19).
Paul was not disobedient to the Heavenly call to take the gospel to the gentile world. The impact that Paul had is still powerfully felt today. But Paul didn’t accomplish all that he did for the gospel by relying on his own strength. Paul relied totally on the grace and power of God. And his dependence on God was most evident in the fact that he was a man of considerable prayer. His epistles reveal that he sought God continually in prayer for himself and for others. In addition, he counted on the prayers of others to bring the supply of the Spirit upon his life that he might magnify Jesus in every circumstance.
When I read about how much Paul believed in the power of prayer and particularly intercessory prayer, I have to asked myself, “If Paul was a man of prayer and he coveted the prayers of others how much more do I need to be and man of prayer—and how much more do I need to urge others to pray for me. “The world has yet to see a Christ-like, victorious , fruitful believer who was not a person of considerable prayer” (Jim Cymbala). If we are going to accomplish what God has us on this earth to accomplish as believers, namely to be witnesses of the saving power of Jesus, we need to be men and women of considerable prayer. I've heard it said that if believers in the church did as much agonizing in prayer as they do criticizing revival would break out. If the Apostle Paul was counting on the prayers of others to do God's work our spiritual leaders need to be able to count on us. Pray regularly that God would empower your Pastor by the Spirit to fulfill his calling and glorify the Lord Jesus Christ.
During the writing of Paul's epistle to the Philippian church he was in prison and facing a trial. Most people under the same circumstance would probably begin to feel sorry for themselves, especially if they were in prison unjustly. But even under these circumstances Paul never lost hope and never lost sight of his calling. It didn't matter if Paul was free, in prison or standing before Roman authorities, his greatest desire was for Christ to be magnified through him "whether it be by life or by death"(Philippians 1:20). While in prison Paul was confident that the prayers of the Philippians would lead to his salvation. Now Paul was not counting on the prayers of others to obtain salvation in the sense of the forgiveness of sins and the gift eternal life. Instead, he is speaking of being delivered from shame, fear or anything that would hinder him from boldly proclaiming the gospel and glorifying the Lord Jesus. Let me remind you again that he was counting on the prayers of others to bring about this deliverance through the empowering of the Spirit. Paul was more concerned with the glory of Christ and the advancement of his kingdom rather than escaping prison or even death. Does your prayer life consist of more than just bringing God your grocery list? How often do you pray that God through the power of His Spirit would make you into a bold and compelling witness of the life changing power of Jesus Christ? God’s Spirit working mightily in Paul to bring glory to Christ was what he wanted others to be praying for on his behalf even while he was in prison.
The Apostle Paul was arguably the greatest Christian and missionary that ever lived. Paul never lost sight of why he was on this earth. He lived and died to spread and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. When Paul was giving his testimony of salvation to King Agrippa he said, “At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me. And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision” (Acts 26:13-19).
Paul was not disobedient to the Heavenly call to take the gospel to the gentile world. The impact that Paul had is still powerfully felt today. But Paul didn’t accomplish all that he did for the gospel by relying on his own strength. Paul relied totally on the grace and power of God. And his dependence on God was most evident in the fact that he was a man of considerable prayer. His epistles reveal that he sought God continually in prayer for himself and for others. In addition, he counted on the prayers of others to bring the supply of the Spirit upon his life that he might magnify Jesus in every circumstance.
When I read about how much Paul believed in the power of prayer and particularly intercessory prayer, I have to asked myself, “If Paul was a man of prayer and he coveted the prayers of others how much more do I need to be and man of prayer—and how much more do I need to urge others to pray for me. “The world has yet to see a Christ-like, victorious , fruitful believer who was not a person of considerable prayer” (Jim Cymbala). If we are going to accomplish what God has us on this earth to accomplish as believers, namely to be witnesses of the saving power of Jesus, we need to be men and women of considerable prayer. I've heard it said that if believers in the church did as much agonizing in prayer as they do criticizing revival would break out. If the Apostle Paul was counting on the prayers of others to do God's work our spiritual leaders need to be able to count on us. Pray regularly that God would empower your Pastor by the Spirit to fulfill his calling and glorify the Lord Jesus Christ.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
For the love of Jesus who will pray with me?
"Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power" (Eph. 1:16-19).
It's clear from Paul prayers for the believers in Ephesus that you can be saved but not fully enlighten to the hope and glorious riches of our salvation. For these same Ephesian believers Paul also prayed, "For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God" (Eph. 3:14-19).
Notice what Paul is praying for on behalf of the Ephesian believers. He prays for the Holy Spirit to strengthen these believer in the inner person in such a way that they would come to know the love of God in a far deeper and intimate way. This greater intimacy with God that Paul is praying for will also lead the Ephesians to be filled with a greater fullness of God's presence and power at work in and through their lives.
Once again, these prayers that Paul prayed on behalf of other believers reveal that not only is there a need for greater enlightenment among believers, but a greater experience of God in their lives. If Paul prayed this way for the Ephesian believers; there is no reason that we should not be praying this way for ourselves and on behalf of others. In fact I believe that the things that Paul was praying for should be the greatest longing and desire of every child of God. To be enlighten to the glorious riches and hope of our salvation and know God more intimately is the greatest need of every believer. If we are going to make an impact upon this world for Jesus we must know his love in such a way that we can say like David, "Because his love is better than life my lips shall praise him (Psalm 63:3).
The more we understand the hope of salvation and the love of God the greater burden and anguish we will have for the lost. The more we know the love and fullness of God the more we will desire for others to have what we have in the Lord. I've read enough about how deeply and intimately others have known God and his power at work in their lives. I don’t just want to read about it anymore. I want more of God in my own life. Who’s with me? Who will covenant to pray for me and with me? Who will pray that God would pour out his Spirit and grant us, (and our youth) such a greater awareness of who he is that it will produce in us a greater love for him, a greater burden for the lost, a greater hunger for his word, a greater hatred for sin and greater passion to pray to a God who "can do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that worketh in us" (Eph. 3:20).
God loves to do and is pleased to do what only he can do in answer to the effectual and fervent prayer's of those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. Let it not be said of us, "And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee..." (Isaiah 64:7). Who will call upon God, who will stir up himself to take a hold of Him and not let go until he blesses us with the fullness of his hope and steadfast love? May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
It's clear from Paul prayers for the believers in Ephesus that you can be saved but not fully enlighten to the hope and glorious riches of our salvation. For these same Ephesian believers Paul also prayed, "For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God" (Eph. 3:14-19).
Notice what Paul is praying for on behalf of the Ephesian believers. He prays for the Holy Spirit to strengthen these believer in the inner person in such a way that they would come to know the love of God in a far deeper and intimate way. This greater intimacy with God that Paul is praying for will also lead the Ephesians to be filled with a greater fullness of God's presence and power at work in and through their lives.
Once again, these prayers that Paul prayed on behalf of other believers reveal that not only is there a need for greater enlightenment among believers, but a greater experience of God in their lives. If Paul prayed this way for the Ephesian believers; there is no reason that we should not be praying this way for ourselves and on behalf of others. In fact I believe that the things that Paul was praying for should be the greatest longing and desire of every child of God. To be enlighten to the glorious riches and hope of our salvation and know God more intimately is the greatest need of every believer. If we are going to make an impact upon this world for Jesus we must know his love in such a way that we can say like David, "Because his love is better than life my lips shall praise him (Psalm 63:3).
The more we understand the hope of salvation and the love of God the greater burden and anguish we will have for the lost. The more we know the love and fullness of God the more we will desire for others to have what we have in the Lord. I've read enough about how deeply and intimately others have known God and his power at work in their lives. I don’t just want to read about it anymore. I want more of God in my own life. Who’s with me? Who will covenant to pray for me and with me? Who will pray that God would pour out his Spirit and grant us, (and our youth) such a greater awareness of who he is that it will produce in us a greater love for him, a greater burden for the lost, a greater hunger for his word, a greater hatred for sin and greater passion to pray to a God who "can do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that worketh in us" (Eph. 3:20).
God loves to do and is pleased to do what only he can do in answer to the effectual and fervent prayer's of those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. Let it not be said of us, "And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee..." (Isaiah 64:7). Who will call upon God, who will stir up himself to take a hold of Him and not let go until he blesses us with the fullness of his hope and steadfast love? May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Monday, September 27, 2010
The Law of the Harvest
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Gal. 6:7-9).
God has ordained certain unchanging laws to govern that universe and our spiritual lives. In the above passage the Apostle Paul explains how the laws of the harvest have vital implications not only in our physically world but more importantly in our spiritual lives as well. First of all Paul wrote, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting” (Ga. 6:7-8).
The soil of a farmer’s field will not produce a harvest unless the farmer invests seeds in his field. Everyday a Christian is sowing seeds through our thoughts, actions, and the decisions that they make. These seed sowing decisions can involve things like who we choose to spend time with, how we spend our money and what we choose to view on the internet. The seeds that we sow can also be what our minds choose to dwell on. What we reap as a result of our thoughts, actions and decision will be determined by where we sow these seeds. If we sow to the flesh—if we make decision that are contrary to God’s will for our lives, if we choose to view pornography on the internet, if we choose to entertain impure thoughts we will reap corruption. It’s been said that if we sow a thought we will reap an action. If we sow an action we will reap a habit. If we sow a habit we will reap a character. If we sow a character we will reap a destiny. Every sin that we commit begins with a thought that we sow—that we choose to entertain. These sinful suggestions that we do not arrest with the truth but instead choose to dwell on will produce desires. These desires will become intentions and these intentions will turn into actions and these actions will become stored memories. These stored memories (seeds) can continue to feed this cycle of sowing that will continue to reap more and more misery and corruption in our lives.
Thankfully this law of reaping and sowing also applies to our spiritual lives. If we sow to the Spirit—if we invest our time, energies, and money in the things of the Spirit of God that he has provided us to strengthen our spiritual lives, we will reap life everlasting. Life everlasting is more than knowing that you’re going to heaven when you die. Jesus said, “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” (John 17:3). To reap life everlasting means developing a deeper walk with God and enjoying more of his fullness in our lives. To reap life everlasting also means that the fruit of the Spirit (Christlikeness) is being produced in a believer’s life (Gal. 6:22-23). If we do not sow to the things of the Spirit like the word of God we will not reap spiritual dividends. That is the law of sowing and reaping—that is a promise that you can bank on.
The second essential law of the harvest that Paul refers to has to do with patience and perseverance. Paul wrote, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not" (Gal. 6:9). When a farmer sows good seeds he does not immediately reap a harvest. He must patiently wait and persevere. “…Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.” (James 5:7b). In order to reap a fruitful harvest we must not only sow some good seed but we must patiently wait. Spiritual growth and fruitfulness does not happen overnight. “Sometimes the things that count the most seem to take the longest to get here. Some giant sequoias in California are 300 feet tall—that’s the height of a 30 story building! And each one began with the smallest of seeds that began growing and maturing since before the time of Christ! That’s a long time! You may be saying that you’re going to serve God. And you start to do something. But when you don’t reap a harvest immediately, you get discouraged. Don’t try to hurry the harvest. In due season, you will reap" (Adrian Rogers).
The following is a well known poem entitled “Don’t Quit that has encouraged many who have felt like throwing in the towel that remind me of this harvest principle of patience and perseverance:
“When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, When the road you're trudging seems all up hill, When the funds are low, and the debts are high, And you want to smile, but you have to sigh, When care is pressing you down a bit, Rest if you must, but don't u quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns, as everyone of us sometimes learns, And many a failure turns about, When he might have won had he stuck it out. Don't give up though the pace seems slow, you may succeed with another blow.
Success is failure turned inside out, The silver tint of the clouds of doubt, And you never can tell how close you r, It may be near when it seems so far, So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit, It's when things seem worse, That u must not quit."
Don’t get discouraged if you’ve been faithfully sowing the good seed—if you’ve been investing in the things of the spirit of God. Remember that the law of the harvest is more than a law it’s God’s promise. You will reap if you faint not.
God has ordained certain unchanging laws to govern that universe and our spiritual lives. In the above passage the Apostle Paul explains how the laws of the harvest have vital implications not only in our physically world but more importantly in our spiritual lives as well. First of all Paul wrote, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting” (Ga. 6:7-8).
The soil of a farmer’s field will not produce a harvest unless the farmer invests seeds in his field. Everyday a Christian is sowing seeds through our thoughts, actions, and the decisions that they make. These seed sowing decisions can involve things like who we choose to spend time with, how we spend our money and what we choose to view on the internet. The seeds that we sow can also be what our minds choose to dwell on. What we reap as a result of our thoughts, actions and decision will be determined by where we sow these seeds. If we sow to the flesh—if we make decision that are contrary to God’s will for our lives, if we choose to view pornography on the internet, if we choose to entertain impure thoughts we will reap corruption. It’s been said that if we sow a thought we will reap an action. If we sow an action we will reap a habit. If we sow a habit we will reap a character. If we sow a character we will reap a destiny. Every sin that we commit begins with a thought that we sow—that we choose to entertain. These sinful suggestions that we do not arrest with the truth but instead choose to dwell on will produce desires. These desires will become intentions and these intentions will turn into actions and these actions will become stored memories. These stored memories (seeds) can continue to feed this cycle of sowing that will continue to reap more and more misery and corruption in our lives.
Thankfully this law of reaping and sowing also applies to our spiritual lives. If we sow to the Spirit—if we invest our time, energies, and money in the things of the Spirit of God that he has provided us to strengthen our spiritual lives, we will reap life everlasting. Life everlasting is more than knowing that you’re going to heaven when you die. Jesus said, “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” (John 17:3). To reap life everlasting means developing a deeper walk with God and enjoying more of his fullness in our lives. To reap life everlasting also means that the fruit of the Spirit (Christlikeness) is being produced in a believer’s life (Gal. 6:22-23). If we do not sow to the things of the Spirit like the word of God we will not reap spiritual dividends. That is the law of sowing and reaping—that is a promise that you can bank on.
The second essential law of the harvest that Paul refers to has to do with patience and perseverance. Paul wrote, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not" (Gal. 6:9). When a farmer sows good seeds he does not immediately reap a harvest. He must patiently wait and persevere. “…Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.” (James 5:7b). In order to reap a fruitful harvest we must not only sow some good seed but we must patiently wait. Spiritual growth and fruitfulness does not happen overnight. “Sometimes the things that count the most seem to take the longest to get here. Some giant sequoias in California are 300 feet tall—that’s the height of a 30 story building! And each one began with the smallest of seeds that began growing and maturing since before the time of Christ! That’s a long time! You may be saying that you’re going to serve God. And you start to do something. But when you don’t reap a harvest immediately, you get discouraged. Don’t try to hurry the harvest. In due season, you will reap" (Adrian Rogers).
The following is a well known poem entitled “Don’t Quit that has encouraged many who have felt like throwing in the towel that remind me of this harvest principle of patience and perseverance:
“When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, When the road you're trudging seems all up hill, When the funds are low, and the debts are high, And you want to smile, but you have to sigh, When care is pressing you down a bit, Rest if you must, but don't u quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns, as everyone of us sometimes learns, And many a failure turns about, When he might have won had he stuck it out. Don't give up though the pace seems slow, you may succeed with another blow.
Success is failure turned inside out, The silver tint of the clouds of doubt, And you never can tell how close you r, It may be near when it seems so far, So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit, It's when things seem worse, That u must not quit."
Don’t get discouraged if you’ve been faithfully sowing the good seed—if you’ve been investing in the things of the spirit of God. Remember that the law of the harvest is more than a law it’s God’s promise. You will reap if you faint not.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
We are living epistles of Christ
"Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you? Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart" (2 Cor. 3:2-3).
Paul was a minister of Jesus Christ. His joy and satisfaction was not in receiving from others a letter of recommendation or an endorsement of some sort. The changed lives of those he ministered to was proof enough of the power of Christ at work in the lives. What greater joy and satisfaction can a minister receive than from seeing God at work in the lives of those that he serves? The lives of those that Paul minister to could be read by others like letters that spoke to the wonderful and glorious difference that only Jesus can make in a persons life.
"Paul wrote, "Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God." Do you realize that our lives are the only bible that some people have ever read. D L Moody once said, "More non christians read the christian before they read the bible." What is your life saying to others about God?
Paul was a minister of Jesus Christ. His joy and satisfaction was not in receiving from others a letter of recommendation or an endorsement of some sort. The changed lives of those he ministered to was proof enough of the power of Christ at work in the lives. What greater joy and satisfaction can a minister receive than from seeing God at work in the lives of those that he serves? The lives of those that Paul minister to could be read by others like letters that spoke to the wonderful and glorious difference that only Jesus can make in a persons life.
"Paul wrote, "Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God." Do you realize that our lives are the only bible that some people have ever read. D L Moody once said, "More non christians read the christian before they read the bible." What is your life saying to others about God?
Friday, September 24, 2010
Trash talking death
"O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Cor.15:55-58).
Through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ death has lost its power over those who have trusted Him as Lord and savior of their lives. It just dawned on me that Paul was trash talking death and if you’re saved you can do the same. Those of us who are saved can look death in the face and say, "death, you aint got nothing on." Through the blood that Jesus shed for our sin the sting of death, which is sin, has been removed. And because Jesus conquered death and the grave, one of these days I will rise and be with him in heaven for all eternity. I love the song by Chris Tomlin titled, "I will rise." The lyrics of the song are as follows:
There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say "It is well"
Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead
[Chorus:]
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise
There's a day that's drawing near
When this darkness breaks to light
And the shadows disappear
And my faith shall be my eyes
Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead
[Chorus:]
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise
And I hear the voice of many angels sing,
"Worthy is the Lamb"
And I hear the cry of every longing heart,
"Worthy is the Lamb"
[x2]
[Chorus:]
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise
Soon and very soon we will not just sing that song; we will live it before the presence God. In the mean time we must do the work of God. We must labor to bring the lost to Christ knowing that it will be worth it all when we see Jesus.
Through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ death has lost its power over those who have trusted Him as Lord and savior of their lives. It just dawned on me that Paul was trash talking death and if you’re saved you can do the same. Those of us who are saved can look death in the face and say, "death, you aint got nothing on." Through the blood that Jesus shed for our sin the sting of death, which is sin, has been removed. And because Jesus conquered death and the grave, one of these days I will rise and be with him in heaven for all eternity. I love the song by Chris Tomlin titled, "I will rise." The lyrics of the song are as follows:
There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say "It is well"
Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead
[Chorus:]
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise
There's a day that's drawing near
When this darkness breaks to light
And the shadows disappear
And my faith shall be my eyes
Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead
[Chorus:]
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise
And I hear the voice of many angels sing,
"Worthy is the Lamb"
And I hear the cry of every longing heart,
"Worthy is the Lamb"
[x2]
[Chorus:]
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise
Soon and very soon we will not just sing that song; we will live it before the presence God. In the mean time we must do the work of God. We must labor to bring the lost to Christ knowing that it will be worth it all when we see Jesus.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
What's love got to do with it? Everything!
"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing" (1 Cor. 13:1-3).
The love of Jesus must be the prevailing virtue in the life of a Christian and the church if we are to impact the world for Christ. Paul describes the kind of love we must possess: "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth." Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."
This passage of scripture is one of the most well known in all the bible. It's been said that familiarity breeds contempt. I’m afraid that some people have allowed their familiarity with this passage of the bible to minimize the impact it ought to have on them. We need to meditate on this passage of scripture and allow what Paul is saying to sink in. Paul said that it doesn’t matter how eloquent you are, it doesn’t matter if you have the power to predict future events, it doesn’t matter if you have the book of Revelations all figured out, it doesn’t matter if you have the faith to believe that God can do the impossible, and it doesn’t matter if you are willing to strap a bomb to your body and blow yourself up, if you don’t possess the kind of Love that Paul describes here you are bankrupt spiritually—you have gained absolutely nada, zero, nothing. This selfless, sacrificial and supernatural love is why our Savior endured the cross for you and for me. This is the love that we must pursue and possess if we are to be used of God to draw men to Jesus. Jesus said, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35). There is a major “if” in Jesus words. If you have the love that Paul describes then others will know that you are the real deal. If not we are no different than an unbeliever. Jesus said, “For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?” (Matthew 5:46).
This love is not a love that we can work up on our own. This love is produced by the Spirit and flows out of an intimate love relationship with Jesus Christ (John 15:1-8). The world will not be changed by flowery speech or great knowledge, but by the love that flows out of a close walk with Jesus.
The love of Jesus must be the prevailing virtue in the life of a Christian and the church if we are to impact the world for Christ. Paul describes the kind of love we must possess: "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth." Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."
This passage of scripture is one of the most well known in all the bible. It's been said that familiarity breeds contempt. I’m afraid that some people have allowed their familiarity with this passage of the bible to minimize the impact it ought to have on them. We need to meditate on this passage of scripture and allow what Paul is saying to sink in. Paul said that it doesn’t matter how eloquent you are, it doesn’t matter if you have the power to predict future events, it doesn’t matter if you have the book of Revelations all figured out, it doesn’t matter if you have the faith to believe that God can do the impossible, and it doesn’t matter if you are willing to strap a bomb to your body and blow yourself up, if you don’t possess the kind of Love that Paul describes here you are bankrupt spiritually—you have gained absolutely nada, zero, nothing. This selfless, sacrificial and supernatural love is why our Savior endured the cross for you and for me. This is the love that we must pursue and possess if we are to be used of God to draw men to Jesus. Jesus said, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35). There is a major “if” in Jesus words. If you have the love that Paul describes then others will know that you are the real deal. If not we are no different than an unbeliever. Jesus said, “For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?” (Matthew 5:46).
This love is not a love that we can work up on our own. This love is produced by the Spirit and flows out of an intimate love relationship with Jesus Christ (John 15:1-8). The world will not be changed by flowery speech or great knowledge, but by the love that flows out of a close walk with Jesus.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Talk is cheap apart from the evidences of a change life
"I urge you, then, be imitators of me. That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church. Some are arrogant, as though I were not coming to you. But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the talk of these arrogant people but their power. For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power" (1 Cor. 4:18-20).
The Apostle Paul powerfully advanced the kingdom of God not by being a smooth talking, motivational speaker, but by being a reflection of Jesus Christ. Regarding the term “Kingdom of God” Jesus said, “And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: 21Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:20-22). The term kingdom of God does not just refer to a realm but a rule—not just a place but a person. The kingdom of God speaks of the reign of Christ not only in Heaven but in the hearts of men. Paul wrote, “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost” (Romans 14:17). “We tend to think of a kingdom as a place. But for Jesus and for Paul it almost never has that meaning. Rather it means the reign or the rule of God. You can see that here: Where the Holy Spirit is bringing about righteousness and peace and joy, the kingdom (that is, the reign of God) is being manifested” (Piper).
Paul could say, "Be imitators of me" (1 Cor. 4:18) because he was a genuine imitator of Christ (1 Cor. 11:1). When Paul wrote, “For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power" He meant that when Christ is genuinely at work in a person life it will be evident not just in his talk but in his life. When Jesus is at work in the heart of a believer through the power of the Spirit there will be a visible and supernatural manifestation of that work. There will be righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost—there will be a compelling likeness to Jesus. Talk is cheap apart from the evidences of a change life that glorifies Jesus Christ (makes Jesus look good). In a letter to a newly ordained missionary, R. M. McCheyne wrote, "It is not great talents God blesses so much as great likeness to Jesus. A holy minister is an awful weapon in the hand of God."
It’s been said that the best argument for Christianity is a Christian and the best argument against Christianity is also a Christian. On one of his campaigns, Alexander the Great received a message that one of his soldiers had been continually, and seriously, misbehaving and thereby shedding a bad light on the character of all the Greek troops. And what made it even worse was that this soldier`s name was also Alexander. When the commander learned this, he sent word that he wanted to talk to the errant soldier in person. When the young man arrived at the tent of Alexander the Great, the commander asked him, “What is your name?” The reply came back, “Alexander, sir”. The commander looked him straight in the eye and said forcefully, “soldier, either change your behavior or change your name.”
It’s our likeness to Jesus that will open the hearts of others and allow us to authoritatively share the hope of Jesus with them. But when our walk doesn’t match our talk we can cause others to further harden their hearts to the message of the cross. Christian, change your name or change your conduct. Strive to share Jesus with your lips and show him with your life.
The Apostle Paul powerfully advanced the kingdom of God not by being a smooth talking, motivational speaker, but by being a reflection of Jesus Christ. Regarding the term “Kingdom of God” Jesus said, “And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: 21Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:20-22). The term kingdom of God does not just refer to a realm but a rule—not just a place but a person. The kingdom of God speaks of the reign of Christ not only in Heaven but in the hearts of men. Paul wrote, “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost” (Romans 14:17). “We tend to think of a kingdom as a place. But for Jesus and for Paul it almost never has that meaning. Rather it means the reign or the rule of God. You can see that here: Where the Holy Spirit is bringing about righteousness and peace and joy, the kingdom (that is, the reign of God) is being manifested” (Piper).
Paul could say, "Be imitators of me" (1 Cor. 4:18) because he was a genuine imitator of Christ (1 Cor. 11:1). When Paul wrote, “For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power" He meant that when Christ is genuinely at work in a person life it will be evident not just in his talk but in his life. When Jesus is at work in the heart of a believer through the power of the Spirit there will be a visible and supernatural manifestation of that work. There will be righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost—there will be a compelling likeness to Jesus. Talk is cheap apart from the evidences of a change life that glorifies Jesus Christ (makes Jesus look good). In a letter to a newly ordained missionary, R. M. McCheyne wrote, "It is not great talents God blesses so much as great likeness to Jesus. A holy minister is an awful weapon in the hand of God."
It’s been said that the best argument for Christianity is a Christian and the best argument against Christianity is also a Christian. On one of his campaigns, Alexander the Great received a message that one of his soldiers had been continually, and seriously, misbehaving and thereby shedding a bad light on the character of all the Greek troops. And what made it even worse was that this soldier`s name was also Alexander. When the commander learned this, he sent word that he wanted to talk to the errant soldier in person. When the young man arrived at the tent of Alexander the Great, the commander asked him, “What is your name?” The reply came back, “Alexander, sir”. The commander looked him straight in the eye and said forcefully, “soldier, either change your behavior or change your name.”
It’s our likeness to Jesus that will open the hearts of others and allow us to authoritatively share the hope of Jesus with them. But when our walk doesn’t match our talk we can cause others to further harden their hearts to the message of the cross. Christian, change your name or change your conduct. Strive to share Jesus with your lips and show him with your life.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Repairing the Altar of God
"And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt (limp) ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word...And Elijah said unto all the people, Come near unto me. And all the people came near unto him. And he repaired the altar of the LORD that was broken down" (1 Kings 18:21,30).
The prophet Elijah, who was a mighty man of prayer, rebuked the people for their lack of true devotion to God. The Israelites began to run after the gods of the nations that surrounded them. As a result, a great drought had come upon the land. One of the evidences that they were conforming to the ways of the nations around them was that the altar of God had fallen in disrepair. Elijah repaired this altar, prayed and the fire of God fell. The altar of God was the place where they worshiped God and offered sacrifices to showed their love and devotion to him. But sadly the children of Israel neglected the altar of God and allowed their hearts to be drawn away after false gods. The church today is in a similar state. It has no real influence upon the world. The church has so neglected the altar of prayer to go after worldly methods, that it no longer has any power to do God's bidding. Rather than influencing the world the world has infiltrated the church. "Elijah was a man skilled in the art of prayer, who altered the course of nature, strangled the economy of a nation, prayed and the fire fell, prayed and rain fell. We need rain, rain, rain! The churches are so parched that seed cannot germinate. Our altars are dry, with no hot tears of penitents. Oh for an Elijah" (Ravnehill).
The Apostle Paul wrote, "I beseech ye therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind that ye may prove what is that good, acceptable and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:1-2). Are you limping around with a half hearted devotion to God wondering why your life feels so dry and barren? Repair the altar of God, present yourself wholly to Him, and pray fervently for the rain of renewal to fall upon your life.
The prophet Elijah, who was a mighty man of prayer, rebuked the people for their lack of true devotion to God. The Israelites began to run after the gods of the nations that surrounded them. As a result, a great drought had come upon the land. One of the evidences that they were conforming to the ways of the nations around them was that the altar of God had fallen in disrepair. Elijah repaired this altar, prayed and the fire of God fell. The altar of God was the place where they worshiped God and offered sacrifices to showed their love and devotion to him. But sadly the children of Israel neglected the altar of God and allowed their hearts to be drawn away after false gods. The church today is in a similar state. It has no real influence upon the world. The church has so neglected the altar of prayer to go after worldly methods, that it no longer has any power to do God's bidding. Rather than influencing the world the world has infiltrated the church. "Elijah was a man skilled in the art of prayer, who altered the course of nature, strangled the economy of a nation, prayed and the fire fell, prayed and rain fell. We need rain, rain, rain! The churches are so parched that seed cannot germinate. Our altars are dry, with no hot tears of penitents. Oh for an Elijah" (Ravnehill).
The Apostle Paul wrote, "I beseech ye therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind that ye may prove what is that good, acceptable and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:1-2). Are you limping around with a half hearted devotion to God wondering why your life feels so dry and barren? Repair the altar of God, present yourself wholly to Him, and pray fervently for the rain of renewal to fall upon your life.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Intercessory prayer can be your greatest act of love
"Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me" (Rom. 15:30).
Paul makes an appeal to believers, asking that they intercede in prayer to God on his behalf. When he makes this appeal he makes it by our Lord Jesus and the love of the Spirit. Why does Paul make his appeal for prayer in this way? His appeal for prayer is by Jesus because it's through Him and for His glory that we have access to God. We don't have access to God because of our righteousness, but by the blood that Jesus shed for our redemption we can come boldly before God's throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16). Secondly, Paul appealed to the brethren to pray from him by the love of the Spirit." This could mean that Paul was appealing to the love that the Holy Spirit produces in the hearts of the brethren to motivate them to pray for him. In other words he's asking that his brethren fulfill his earnest appeal through the love that they have for him through the Holy Spirit.
It's been said that our greatest asset is our access to God. I believe that Paul would say Amen to that statement. I believe that Paul would also say that one of the greatest acts of love that you can bestow on others is to pray for them. A. J. Gordon said, "You can do more than pray, but you can't do more than pray until you have prayed." Unless you are God's answer to someones prayer you can demonstrate no greater act of love than to pray for that someone that God had laid on your heart. God moves in answer to prayer.
The great Apostle Paul was mightily used of God because he did not trust in his strength but in the love and power of the Spirit. Even in how he appealed to others to pray for him, his reliance and dependence upon the Lord Jesus and the love of the Spirit is clearly apparent. Prayer is our declaration of dependence. I appeal to you by the Lord Jesus and by the love of the Spirit that you pray to God on my behalf and for each other.
Paul makes an appeal to believers, asking that they intercede in prayer to God on his behalf. When he makes this appeal he makes it by our Lord Jesus and the love of the Spirit. Why does Paul make his appeal for prayer in this way? His appeal for prayer is by Jesus because it's through Him and for His glory that we have access to God. We don't have access to God because of our righteousness, but by the blood that Jesus shed for our redemption we can come boldly before God's throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16). Secondly, Paul appealed to the brethren to pray from him by the love of the Spirit." This could mean that Paul was appealing to the love that the Holy Spirit produces in the hearts of the brethren to motivate them to pray for him. In other words he's asking that his brethren fulfill his earnest appeal through the love that they have for him through the Holy Spirit.
It's been said that our greatest asset is our access to God. I believe that Paul would say Amen to that statement. I believe that Paul would also say that one of the greatest acts of love that you can bestow on others is to pray for them. A. J. Gordon said, "You can do more than pray, but you can't do more than pray until you have prayed." Unless you are God's answer to someones prayer you can demonstrate no greater act of love than to pray for that someone that God had laid on your heart. God moves in answer to prayer.
The great Apostle Paul was mightily used of God because he did not trust in his strength but in the love and power of the Spirit. Even in how he appealed to others to pray for him, his reliance and dependence upon the Lord Jesus and the love of the Spirit is clearly apparent. Prayer is our declaration of dependence. I appeal to you by the Lord Jesus and by the love of the Spirit that you pray to God on my behalf and for each other.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Praying in the Spirit
"Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words" (Rom. 8:26).
Do you struggle to know how to pray and what to pray for? I have good news for you; God has given you a helper. When we pray the Holy Spirit is there in our weakness to not only help us to know how to pray and what to pray for, but to intercede for us--to pray for us. Too often we rush into prayer without any thought that we need the Spirit's help to pray. In fact when we pray Paul exhorts us to do so in the Spirit(Eph 6:18).
Through the Spirit we can pray prayers without words. When we're burdened down with the cares of this life and we pray in the Spirit even the groanings that we utter and the tears we shed before God are interpreted by him. There are times when I have fallen on my knees in prayer with a great burden on my heart and all I could do was groan and cry. Although I didn't speak a word the Spirit brought me into the arms of my heavenly father and allowed me to hear him say, "Its all right son. You don't have to say a word. I'm here and I love you and I'm going to get you through this." I've heard it said, "It's better to pray prayers with heart and no words than with words and no heart." When you pray don't just rush into it. Wait on the Spirit to prompt you and help you.
Do you struggle to know how to pray and what to pray for? I have good news for you; God has given you a helper. When we pray the Holy Spirit is there in our weakness to not only help us to know how to pray and what to pray for, but to intercede for us--to pray for us. Too often we rush into prayer without any thought that we need the Spirit's help to pray. In fact when we pray Paul exhorts us to do so in the Spirit(Eph 6:18).
Through the Spirit we can pray prayers without words. When we're burdened down with the cares of this life and we pray in the Spirit even the groanings that we utter and the tears we shed before God are interpreted by him. There are times when I have fallen on my knees in prayer with a great burden on my heart and all I could do was groan and cry. Although I didn't speak a word the Spirit brought me into the arms of my heavenly father and allowed me to hear him say, "Its all right son. You don't have to say a word. I'm here and I love you and I'm going to get you through this." I've heard it said, "It's better to pray prayers with heart and no words than with words and no heart." When you pray don't just rush into it. Wait on the Spirit to prompt you and help you.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Strong Faith
"And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform." (Rom. 4:19-21).
While on his way to work a business man noticed a young boy who appeared to be waiting for a bus. The man noticed also that the bus stop was across the street from where the boy was standing and he asked the boy, "Are you waiting for the bus?" The boy replied, "I sure am." "Well, the bus stop is across the street," said the business man. The boy said, "I know, but I have faith that the bus is going to stop here." The man shot back, "I don't care how much faith you have the bus isn't going to stop here." But sure enough when the bus came down the road it stopped right where the boy was standing. As the man stood there in amazement he heard the boy saying to the bus driver as he climbed on the bus, "Hi daddy."
Strong faith is not faith in faith or positive thinking. It’s not; believe it and you can achieve it. Faith is as good as its object. Concerning Abraham Paul wrote, "And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform" (Romans 4:21). Do you want to have strong faith? Strong faith comes from getting to know God in such a way that your heart is fully persuaded that he is infinitely trustworthy, that his promise are sure and his word will never fail. "Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17). Do you want to increase your faith? Don't just get into the word of God, but let the word of God get into you. Get into the bible not so that you can get to know the word of God but in order that you might get to know the God of the word.
While on his way to work a business man noticed a young boy who appeared to be waiting for a bus. The man noticed also that the bus stop was across the street from where the boy was standing and he asked the boy, "Are you waiting for the bus?" The boy replied, "I sure am." "Well, the bus stop is across the street," said the business man. The boy said, "I know, but I have faith that the bus is going to stop here." The man shot back, "I don't care how much faith you have the bus isn't going to stop here." But sure enough when the bus came down the road it stopped right where the boy was standing. As the man stood there in amazement he heard the boy saying to the bus driver as he climbed on the bus, "Hi daddy."
Strong faith is not faith in faith or positive thinking. It’s not; believe it and you can achieve it. Faith is as good as its object. Concerning Abraham Paul wrote, "And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform" (Romans 4:21). Do you want to have strong faith? Strong faith comes from getting to know God in such a way that your heart is fully persuaded that he is infinitely trustworthy, that his promise are sure and his word will never fail. "Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17). Do you want to increase your faith? Don't just get into the word of God, but let the word of God get into you. Get into the bible not so that you can get to know the word of God but in order that you might get to know the God of the word.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
What we do in secret can cause the greatest damage in our lives or bring the greatest blessing
"The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good" (Proverbs 15:3).
Many in our world live by the philosophy, "What they don't know won't hurt them." But nothing could be farther from the truth. The sinful things you do in secret are not only hurting others they are hurting you and worse of all they grieve the heart of God. In fact, its the sinful things people do in secret like for example, viewing pornography, or an inappropriate relationship with someone at work, that is causing the most hurt in our lives. God's word is clear, "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy" (Proverbs 28:13). If you're strugggling with a secret sin in your life confess it to God immediately and seek his cleansing and forgivness. Sin thrives in darkness. Expose your secret sin by confessing it to a trusted brother or sister in Christ that will help you and hold you accountable.
There's another side to this coin. Jesus said, "But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly" (Matthew 6:6). Your secret sins are doing the greatest damage in your life, but the good things you do in secret for God's eyes only will bring the greatest blessings.
Many in our world live by the philosophy, "What they don't know won't hurt them." But nothing could be farther from the truth. The sinful things you do in secret are not only hurting others they are hurting you and worse of all they grieve the heart of God. In fact, its the sinful things people do in secret like for example, viewing pornography, or an inappropriate relationship with someone at work, that is causing the most hurt in our lives. God's word is clear, "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy" (Proverbs 28:13). If you're strugggling with a secret sin in your life confess it to God immediately and seek his cleansing and forgivness. Sin thrives in darkness. Expose your secret sin by confessing it to a trusted brother or sister in Christ that will help you and hold you accountable.
There's another side to this coin. Jesus said, "But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly" (Matthew 6:6). Your secret sins are doing the greatest damage in your life, but the good things you do in secret for God's eyes only will bring the greatest blessings.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Are you a soul conscious Christian?
"And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not" (Acts 28:27-28).
When Paul arrived in Rome he sought opportunities to share the hope of Christ with others. He was able to arrange a meeting with the religious leaders and spoke to them about Christ. The religious leaders agreed to hear more and an appointment date was set for another meeting. Paul kept this divine appointments and some of those religious leaders became blievers. These divne appointments that Paul kept in order to share the gospel with others were the reason why God delivered Paul from many dangers, toils and snares and brought him safely to Rome. If you're saved and on this earth breathing God's air you have some appointments God wants you to make. Like Paul we need to be soul conscious and look for opportunities to share Jesus with those that are in our area of influence.
Have you had any appointments to share Christ with the lost? Are you soul conscious and looking for opportunities to share Jesus with those around you? Paul was and one of the reason why was because he made it a matter of prayer. Paul wrote."Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ..." (Col. 4:3). To the church of Ephesus Paul made this prayer request, "And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel" (Eph. 6:19). Pray everyday and ask others to pray that God would open doors for you to share the hope of Christ and give you the boldness to walk through it. And for me, that I too would have opportunities to share the gospel with others and that I will do so in the power and boldness of the Holy Spirit.
When Paul arrived in Rome he sought opportunities to share the hope of Christ with others. He was able to arrange a meeting with the religious leaders and spoke to them about Christ. The religious leaders agreed to hear more and an appointment date was set for another meeting. Paul kept this divine appointments and some of those religious leaders became blievers. These divne appointments that Paul kept in order to share the gospel with others were the reason why God delivered Paul from many dangers, toils and snares and brought him safely to Rome. If you're saved and on this earth breathing God's air you have some appointments God wants you to make. Like Paul we need to be soul conscious and look for opportunities to share Jesus with those that are in our area of influence.
Have you had any appointments to share Christ with the lost? Are you soul conscious and looking for opportunities to share Jesus with those around you? Paul was and one of the reason why was because he made it a matter of prayer. Paul wrote."Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ..." (Col. 4:3). To the church of Ephesus Paul made this prayer request, "And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel" (Eph. 6:19). Pray everyday and ask others to pray that God would open doors for you to share the hope of Christ and give you the boldness to walk through it. And for me, that I too would have opportunities to share the gospel with others and that I will do so in the power and boldness of the Holy Spirit.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Jesus is the captain of my soul
"But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me" (Acts 27:21-25).
While Paul was in the custody of Roman authorities, on a ship caught in a perfect storm, he got alone with God. During that time God didn't stop the storm. Instead, the Lord reassured Paul of something that we must never forget especial when we encounter storms in our own lives. As the storm was raging around Paul, God reminded him of his sovereign control not only over the seas, but in the affairs of men.
God is so big that he used Paul's captors to bring Paul to Rome without them even realizing that they were cooperating with God. Even though foolish men might appear to be in charge of the sailing ship that your on, God is in charge of the wind. William Ernest Henley, ended his famous poem entitled, "Invictus" with these words, "I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul." But I'm sure the Apostle Paul would have preferred Dorthy Day's version: "Jesus is the master of my fate, Jesus is the captain of my soul."
Invictus
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
William Ernest Henley
Invictus rewritten by Dorothy Day
Out of the night that dazzles me,
Bright as the sun from pole to pole,
I thank the God I know to be
For Christ the conqueror of my soul.
Since His the sway of circumstance,
I would not wince nor cry aloud.
Under that rule which men call chance
My head with joy is humbly bowed.
Beyond this place of sin and tears
That life with Him! And His the aid,
Despite the menace of the years,
Keeps, and shall keep me, unafraid.
I have no fear, though strait the gate,
He cleared from punishment the scroll.
Christ is the Master of my fate,
Christ is the Captain of my soul
While Paul was in the custody of Roman authorities, on a ship caught in a perfect storm, he got alone with God. During that time God didn't stop the storm. Instead, the Lord reassured Paul of something that we must never forget especial when we encounter storms in our own lives. As the storm was raging around Paul, God reminded him of his sovereign control not only over the seas, but in the affairs of men.
God is so big that he used Paul's captors to bring Paul to Rome without them even realizing that they were cooperating with God. Even though foolish men might appear to be in charge of the sailing ship that your on, God is in charge of the wind. William Ernest Henley, ended his famous poem entitled, "Invictus" with these words, "I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul." But I'm sure the Apostle Paul would have preferred Dorthy Day's version: "Jesus is the master of my fate, Jesus is the captain of my soul."
Invictus
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
William Ernest Henley
Invictus rewritten by Dorothy Day
Out of the night that dazzles me,
Bright as the sun from pole to pole,
I thank the God I know to be
For Christ the conqueror of my soul.
Since His the sway of circumstance,
I would not wince nor cry aloud.
Under that rule which men call chance
My head with joy is humbly bowed.
Beyond this place of sin and tears
That life with Him! And His the aid,
Despite the menace of the years,
Keeps, and shall keep me, unafraid.
I have no fear, though strait the gate,
He cleared from punishment the scroll.
Christ is the Master of my fate,
Christ is the Captain of my soul
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Procrastination is opportunities deadliest assassin
"And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee" (Acts 24:25).
Felix was lost and on his way to hell when Paul witnessed to him about judgment to come in the hope that he might turn to Christ and be saved. Although Felix trembled as he listened to Paul, in the end he made this statement to Paul, "Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee." How foolish he was to put off dealing with the matter of his eternal destiny. James wrote, "Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: 14Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. 15For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that" (James 4:13-15).
Like Felix, many of us are counting on having another opportunity some other time to do what we should do today. But tomorrow is not guaranteed and therefore we might not have another opportunity. In addition we are often less likely to do tomorrow what we are willing to put off today. Someone has wisely said, “Procrastination is opportunities deadliest assassin. Procrastination is not only an opportunity killer, it's a sin against our Lord who holds our breath in his hand. We sin not only when we do what we shouldn't do, but when we fail to do or put off doing what we should do today. Procrastination is a sin of disobedience. The best time to do what God wants you to do is now. Don't put off for tomorrow what you should be doing today.
Felix was lost and on his way to hell when Paul witnessed to him about judgment to come in the hope that he might turn to Christ and be saved. Although Felix trembled as he listened to Paul, in the end he made this statement to Paul, "Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee." How foolish he was to put off dealing with the matter of his eternal destiny. James wrote, "Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: 14Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. 15For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that" (James 4:13-15).
Like Felix, many of us are counting on having another opportunity some other time to do what we should do today. But tomorrow is not guaranteed and therefore we might not have another opportunity. In addition we are often less likely to do tomorrow what we are willing to put off today. Someone has wisely said, “Procrastination is opportunities deadliest assassin. Procrastination is not only an opportunity killer, it's a sin against our Lord who holds our breath in his hand. We sin not only when we do what we shouldn't do, but when we fail to do or put off doing what we should do today. Procrastination is a sin of disobedience. The best time to do what God wants you to do is now. Don't put off for tomorrow what you should be doing today.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
When we are standing for God we can trust that he will stand with us.
"And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome" (Acts 23:11).
When there arose great dissension among the religious Jews against Paul, the chief captain of the Roman army apprehended him fearing that he would be killed. The soldiers brought Paul into the barracks where he would spend the night. The following day 40 men would take an oath that they would not eat or drink anything until they had killed Paul. But while Paul spent the night in the barracks facing an uncertain future, "the Lord stood with him and said, be of good cheer, for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome." Due to God's sovereign control in the affairs of man, Paul did make it to Rome and He provided Him a Roman military escort to get him there. Be assured that no matter how uncertain and bleak your future may appear, if you're living your life to fulfill God's will he will stand with you.
When there arose great dissension among the religious Jews against Paul, the chief captain of the Roman army apprehended him fearing that he would be killed. The soldiers brought Paul into the barracks where he would spend the night. The following day 40 men would take an oath that they would not eat or drink anything until they had killed Paul. But while Paul spent the night in the barracks facing an uncertain future, "the Lord stood with him and said, be of good cheer, for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome." Due to God's sovereign control in the affairs of man, Paul did make it to Rome and He provided Him a Roman military escort to get him there. Be assured that no matter how uncertain and bleak your future may appear, if you're living your life to fulfill God's will he will stand with you.
Gossip is a deadly virus that is killing the church
"But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected (poisoned their minds) against the brethren" (Acts 14:2).
The sin that is poisoning and destroying Churches today is not the sins that we are most scandalized by like adultery and drug use. The sin that is most killing our churches today is the socially acceptable sin of gossip. When we perceive that there's a problem in our churches and in the lives of others we resort too talking about others rather than talking to them. Gossip is like a virus that spreads quickly and sickens the body. Sadly, its a sin that we not only easily justify, but that we've accepted.
Coming out of church, Mrs. Smith asked her husband, "Did you see that piercing that the Johnson's daughter is parading around with?" "I didn't even see her," admitted Mr. Smith. "And that dress Mrs. Davis was wearing," continued Mrs. Smith, "Really, don't tell me you think that's the proper outfit for a mother of two." "I'm afraid I didn't notice that either," said Mr. Smith. "Oh, for heaven's sake," snapped Mrs. Smith. "A lot of good it does you to go to church."
Kill the gossip and the body will live.
The sin that is poisoning and destroying Churches today is not the sins that we are most scandalized by like adultery and drug use. The sin that is most killing our churches today is the socially acceptable sin of gossip. When we perceive that there's a problem in our churches and in the lives of others we resort too talking about others rather than talking to them. Gossip is like a virus that spreads quickly and sickens the body. Sadly, its a sin that we not only easily justify, but that we've accepted.
Coming out of church, Mrs. Smith asked her husband, "Did you see that piercing that the Johnson's daughter is parading around with?" "I didn't even see her," admitted Mr. Smith. "And that dress Mrs. Davis was wearing," continued Mrs. Smith, "Really, don't tell me you think that's the proper outfit for a mother of two." "I'm afraid I didn't notice that either," said Mr. Smith. "Oh, for heaven's sake," snapped Mrs. Smith. "A lot of good it does you to go to church."
Kill the gossip and the body will live.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Are you worth your salt?
"And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and he had called together his kinsmen and near friends. And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him" (Acts 10:24-25).
Cornelius, a commander in the Roman army, was a man who feared God and sought him continually in prayer. God heard his prayer and sent Peter to his house to share the gospel of Jesus Christ so that Cornelius and his house would be saved. While Cornelius waited for Peter to arrive, he gathered together his relatives and close friends. Cornelius didn't know Jesus at the time, but when God revealed to him that he was going to send someone to his house to share his word with him, he used his influence to invite others close to him to be a part of this meeting. The result was that his whole house was saved and rescued from eternal damnation.
The reason that many people today, including people you know don't come to church is because they haven't been invited. When was the last time you invited someone in your circle of influence to come to Jesus or your church to hear the words of life? If your saved God has you on this earth so that you can be a witness to the saving power of Jesus Christ. God saved you not only so that you can know that you're going to heaven when you die. God saved you so that you would be salt and light in your world. Cornelius wasn't even saved and God used him to bring others to Christ. What about you? Are you worth your salt?
Cornelius, a commander in the Roman army, was a man who feared God and sought him continually in prayer. God heard his prayer and sent Peter to his house to share the gospel of Jesus Christ so that Cornelius and his house would be saved. While Cornelius waited for Peter to arrive, he gathered together his relatives and close friends. Cornelius didn't know Jesus at the time, but when God revealed to him that he was going to send someone to his house to share his word with him, he used his influence to invite others close to him to be a part of this meeting. The result was that his whole house was saved and rescued from eternal damnation.
The reason that many people today, including people you know don't come to church is because they haven't been invited. When was the last time you invited someone in your circle of influence to come to Jesus or your church to hear the words of life? If your saved God has you on this earth so that you can be a witness to the saving power of Jesus Christ. God saved you not only so that you can know that you're going to heaven when you die. God saved you so that you would be salt and light in your world. Cornelius wasn't even saved and God used him to bring others to Christ. What about you? Are you worth your salt?
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Be an encourager
"And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus" (Acts 9:26-27).
After Saul (Paul) the persecutor was converted he began to increase in strength and boldly preach Jesus. But when he attempted to go up to Jerusalem the disciple were afraid of him and were reluctant to embrace him as a disciple. But Barnabas stood up on Paul's behalf and encouraged the disciples in Jerusalem to believe in him. Barnabas, which was the nick name given to him by the Apostles, meant son of encouragement. He believed in others when no one else would.
Years later when Barnabas and Paul were ready to go on a second missionary journey, Barnabas wanted to take Mark with them, but Paul did not agree. On an earlier missionary journey Mark had jumped ship. No doubt Paul believed that Mark was not qualified for the new work due to his previous lack of faithfulness. But Barnabas stood true to his nature and decided to give Mark a second chance. The future writings of Paul would indicate that Mark got his act together a became very profitable in the ministry. Perhaps its was the encouragement from Barnabas, who believe in him that was a key turning point in his life. Do you know someone that needs you to believe in them? Be an encourager
After Saul (Paul) the persecutor was converted he began to increase in strength and boldly preach Jesus. But when he attempted to go up to Jerusalem the disciple were afraid of him and were reluctant to embrace him as a disciple. But Barnabas stood up on Paul's behalf and encouraged the disciples in Jerusalem to believe in him. Barnabas, which was the nick name given to him by the Apostles, meant son of encouragement. He believed in others when no one else would.
Years later when Barnabas and Paul were ready to go on a second missionary journey, Barnabas wanted to take Mark with them, but Paul did not agree. On an earlier missionary journey Mark had jumped ship. No doubt Paul believed that Mark was not qualified for the new work due to his previous lack of faithfulness. But Barnabas stood true to his nature and decided to give Mark a second chance. The future writings of Paul would indicate that Mark got his act together a became very profitable in the ministry. Perhaps its was the encouragement from Barnabas, who believe in him that was a key turning point in his life. Do you know someone that needs you to believe in them? Be an encourager
"And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus" (Acts 9:26-27).
After Saul (Paul) the persecutor was converted he began to increase in strength and boldly preach Jesus. But when he attempted to go up to Jerusalem the disciple were afraid of him and were reluctant to embrace him as a disciple. But Barnabas stood up on Paul's behalf and encouraged the disciples in Jerusalem to believe in him. Barnabas, which was the nick name given to him by the Apostles, meant son of encouragement. He believed in others when no one else would.
Years later when Barnabas and Paul were ready to go on a second missionary journey, Barnabas wanted to take Mark with them, but Paul did not agree. On an earlier missionary journey Mark had jumped ship. No doubt Paul believed that Mark was not qualified for the new work due to his previous lack of faithfulness. But Barnabas stood true to his nature and decided to give Mark a second chance. The future writings of Paul would indicate that Mark got his act together a became very profitable in the ministry. Perhaps its was the encouragement from Barnabas, who believe in him that was a key turning point in his life. Do you know someone that needs you to believe in them? Be an encourager
After Saul (Paul) the persecutor was converted he began to increase in strength and boldly preach Jesus. But when he attempted to go up to Jerusalem the disciple were afraid of him and were reluctant to embrace him as a disciple. But Barnabas stood up on Paul's behalf and encouraged the disciples in Jerusalem to believe in him. Barnabas, which was the nick name given to him by the Apostles, meant son of encouragement. He believed in others when no one else would.
Years later when Barnabas and Paul were ready to go on a second missionary journey, Barnabas wanted to take Mark with them, but Paul did not agree. On an earlier missionary journey Mark had jumped ship. No doubt Paul believed that Mark was not qualified for the new work due to his previous lack of faithfulness. But Barnabas stood true to his nature and decided to give Mark a second chance. The future writings of Paul would indicate that Mark got his act together a became very profitable in the ministry. Perhaps its was the encouragement from Barnabas, who believe in him that was a key turning point in his life. Do you know someone that needs you to believe in them? Be an encourager
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
God is more concern with our character than he is our reputation.
"But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things." (Acts 5:1-5).
After Peter rebuked Ananias, he fell down and died. His wife also suffered the same fate for the same reason. Why was their sin judged so severely?
1. The Specifics of their sin:(v.3-4) It was the sin of Hypocrisy. The sin of Ananias and Sapphira wasn’t that they didn’t give all the money from the sale of their property but that they wanted it to appear as if they gave it all. They were spiritual pretenders and their sin was first and foremost the sin of hypocrisy.
2. The Source of their sin: The Holy Spirit had revealed to Peter that Satan was the source of their sin. These Church members had given place to the devil (Eph. 4:27) not only in the beginning of the new period of the church age but during a period of revival. “If Satan cannot defeat the church by attacks from the outside, he will get on the inside and go to work. (Acts 20:28-31) He knows how to lie to the minds and hearts of Christians and get them to follow his orders.” (Warren Wiersbe)
When a Christian harbors sin in their lives this can give place to the devil and allow him to fill their hearts with his lies and use them to accomplish his evil plans.
3. The Seriousness of their sin:
a. They lied to the Holy Spirit: This was a premeditated lie against God and the Holy Spirit. They resisted the Holy Spirit who was saying to them, "don’t do that" but they said, "no" to the Spirit. They were more concerned with what others thought than what God thought.
b. This sin was motivated by pride: They desired more the praises of men than the praises of God (John 12:43). Pride is a sin that God especially hates (Proverbs 8:13). Pride is what turned Lucifer the anointed Cherub into Satan the father of lies.
c. They sinned against God’s Church: “God loves His Church and is jealous over it, for the Church was purchased with His own blood (Acts 20:28; Ephesians 5:25) and has been put on earth to glorify Him and do His work. Satan wants to destroy the Church, and the easiest way to do that is to use those who are within the fellowship.” (Warren Wiersbe)
d. They sinned during a period of revival: Not only was this a period of new beginnings in the Church age, but God the Holy Spirit was moving in a powerful way. During this important period of Church history they allowed the devil to hinder the work of God.
Remember, Ananias and Sapphira's sin was a sin of pretense. He wanted to appear spiritual in the eyes of man by saying that he gave all the proceeds from the sale of his land when in fact he kept some of it for himself. He wasn't judged for not giving it all, but for pretending that he did. God is more concerned with our character than he is our reputation. Our reputation is who we are in the eyes of men. Our character is who we are in the eyes of God. What God sees should be the only things that matter to us. Don't be a fake. Let’s be real with God and one another.
After Peter rebuked Ananias, he fell down and died. His wife also suffered the same fate for the same reason. Why was their sin judged so severely?
1. The Specifics of their sin:(v.3-4) It was the sin of Hypocrisy. The sin of Ananias and Sapphira wasn’t that they didn’t give all the money from the sale of their property but that they wanted it to appear as if they gave it all. They were spiritual pretenders and their sin was first and foremost the sin of hypocrisy.
2. The Source of their sin: The Holy Spirit had revealed to Peter that Satan was the source of their sin. These Church members had given place to the devil (Eph. 4:27) not only in the beginning of the new period of the church age but during a period of revival. “If Satan cannot defeat the church by attacks from the outside, he will get on the inside and go to work. (Acts 20:28-31) He knows how to lie to the minds and hearts of Christians and get them to follow his orders.” (Warren Wiersbe)
When a Christian harbors sin in their lives this can give place to the devil and allow him to fill their hearts with his lies and use them to accomplish his evil plans.
3. The Seriousness of their sin:
a. They lied to the Holy Spirit: This was a premeditated lie against God and the Holy Spirit. They resisted the Holy Spirit who was saying to them, "don’t do that" but they said, "no" to the Spirit. They were more concerned with what others thought than what God thought.
b. This sin was motivated by pride: They desired more the praises of men than the praises of God (John 12:43). Pride is a sin that God especially hates (Proverbs 8:13). Pride is what turned Lucifer the anointed Cherub into Satan the father of lies.
c. They sinned against God’s Church: “God loves His Church and is jealous over it, for the Church was purchased with His own blood (Acts 20:28; Ephesians 5:25) and has been put on earth to glorify Him and do His work. Satan wants to destroy the Church, and the easiest way to do that is to use those who are within the fellowship.” (Warren Wiersbe)
d. They sinned during a period of revival: Not only was this a period of new beginnings in the Church age, but God the Holy Spirit was moving in a powerful way. During this important period of Church history they allowed the devil to hinder the work of God.
Remember, Ananias and Sapphira's sin was a sin of pretense. He wanted to appear spiritual in the eyes of man by saying that he gave all the proceeds from the sale of his land when in fact he kept some of it for himself. He wasn't judged for not giving it all, but for pretending that he did. God is more concerned with our character than he is our reputation. Our reputation is who we are in the eyes of men. Our character is who we are in the eyes of God. What God sees should be the only things that matter to us. Don't be a fake. Let’s be real with God and one another.
Monday, September 6, 2010
The name of Jesus is not a magic formula
"Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole" (Acts 4:10).
There's a song that I love to sing about the name of Jesus that goes like this: "Jesus your name is power…Jesus your name is might…Jesus your name will break every strong hold…Jesus your name is life." Oh how I love that name. It is the name that is above all names. Peter said, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).
Sadly, there are many today who tag on the name of Jesus at the end of a prayer and use it like a magician wielding a magic wand saying, "abracadabra". When we pray in his name we are not just standing on his authority. When we pray in the name of Jesus we are seeking his authorization, approval and acclaim (glory). The name of Jesus should not even be spoken by us unless our ultimate desire is to bring glory to His worthy name. James wrote, "Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?" (James 2:7). The name of Jesus is not a magic formula for us to get what we want from God. The name of Jesus should bring us to our knees in worship, submission and adoration. When we speak it in praise or in prayer may it cause us to ask ourselves, "Am I living my life in a way that brings honor to the worthy name of Jesus." Glory to His name!
There's a song that I love to sing about the name of Jesus that goes like this: "Jesus your name is power…Jesus your name is might…Jesus your name will break every strong hold…Jesus your name is life." Oh how I love that name. It is the name that is above all names. Peter said, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).
Sadly, there are many today who tag on the name of Jesus at the end of a prayer and use it like a magician wielding a magic wand saying, "abracadabra". When we pray in his name we are not just standing on his authority. When we pray in the name of Jesus we are seeking his authorization, approval and acclaim (glory). The name of Jesus should not even be spoken by us unless our ultimate desire is to bring glory to His worthy name. James wrote, "Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?" (James 2:7). The name of Jesus is not a magic formula for us to get what we want from God. The name of Jesus should bring us to our knees in worship, submission and adoration. When we speak it in praise or in prayer may it cause us to ask ourselves, "Am I living my life in a way that brings honor to the worthy name of Jesus." Glory to His name!
Saturday, September 4, 2010
The two great pillars of our lives
"And he set up the pillars in the porch of the temple: and he set up the right pillar, and called the name thereof Jachin: and he set up the left pillar, and called the name thereof Boaz" (1 Kings 7:21-22).
When Solomon built the Temple he also constructed 2 massive pillars and had them set on the porch of the Temple. He names one pillar Jachin and the other Boaz. These pillars obviously represented something to the children of Israel. In Hebrew the name Jachin means "he will establish." The name Boaz maeans "strength." Boaz was also the great-grandfather of King David who was the most prominent ancestor of Jesus Christ. One commentator suggest that as the children of Israel approached the temple for worship the massive pillars represented their dependence on the strength of God to establish and preserve the nation of Israel. Why the reminder?
When things were going well, the Israelites had a tendency to forget about God. When the children of Israel came out of Egypt Moses warned, "Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day: 12Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein; 13And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied; 14Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage; 15Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint; 16Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not, that he might humble thee, and that he might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end; 17And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth. 18But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day" (Deut. 8:11-18).
The failure to depend upon God was always the beginning of spiritual decline for Israel. Prayer and God's word are the 2 great pillars of the Christian life that are essential to establishing and strengthing us in the Lord. If you're not resting hard on these 2 pillars you're headed for a fall. Give yourselves wholly to prayer and meditation upon God's word and these two pillars will hold you up.
When Solomon built the Temple he also constructed 2 massive pillars and had them set on the porch of the Temple. He names one pillar Jachin and the other Boaz. These pillars obviously represented something to the children of Israel. In Hebrew the name Jachin means "he will establish." The name Boaz maeans "strength." Boaz was also the great-grandfather of King David who was the most prominent ancestor of Jesus Christ. One commentator suggest that as the children of Israel approached the temple for worship the massive pillars represented their dependence on the strength of God to establish and preserve the nation of Israel. Why the reminder?
When things were going well, the Israelites had a tendency to forget about God. When the children of Israel came out of Egypt Moses warned, "Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day: 12Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein; 13And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied; 14Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage; 15Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint; 16Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not, that he might humble thee, and that he might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end; 17And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth. 18But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day" (Deut. 8:11-18).
The failure to depend upon God was always the beginning of spiritual decline for Israel. Prayer and God's word are the 2 great pillars of the Christian life that are essential to establishing and strengthing us in the Lord. If you're not resting hard on these 2 pillars you're headed for a fall. Give yourselves wholly to prayer and meditation upon God's word and these two pillars will hold you up.
Don't let Satan get in your head
"And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel. And Joab answered, The LORD make his people an hundred times so many more as they be: but, my lord the king, are they not all my lord's servants? why then doth my lord require this thing? why will he be a cause of trespass to Israel?" (1 Chron. 21:1-3).
Why did David desire for a census to be taken? I believe it had something to do with pride. He wanted to know how big and strong his kingdom was and therefore he commanded Joab to number the people. In the Psalms David wrote, "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God" (Psalm 20:7). Well, it appears that there was a period in David's life when he forgot that the greatness of his kingdom was not found in his military might, but in the power of God. The word of the Lord declares, "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts" (Zec.4:6). Notice that it was Satan that provoked David to number Israel. I'm sure at the time it seem to David as a harmless thought but actually it was a demonic suggestion. We need to be on guard and watch out for the thoughts that come into our minds. Someone said, "Whatever captures the mind captures the man." In David's case he was captured by Satan. He wasn't possessed by Satan and yet his action were inspired by Satan. Satan doesn't have to possess us to influence the way we live our lives. Instead, all he has to do is get us to believe one of his lies so that we will act independently of God. An act of independence from God is the essence of sin. Any thought that you have that would suggest in any way that you act independently of God is of the evil one. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths" (Prov. 3:5). In good times and bad times let us not forget to trust in the name of the Lord our God.
Why did David desire for a census to be taken? I believe it had something to do with pride. He wanted to know how big and strong his kingdom was and therefore he commanded Joab to number the people. In the Psalms David wrote, "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God" (Psalm 20:7). Well, it appears that there was a period in David's life when he forgot that the greatness of his kingdom was not found in his military might, but in the power of God. The word of the Lord declares, "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts" (Zec.4:6). Notice that it was Satan that provoked David to number Israel. I'm sure at the time it seem to David as a harmless thought but actually it was a demonic suggestion. We need to be on guard and watch out for the thoughts that come into our minds. Someone said, "Whatever captures the mind captures the man." In David's case he was captured by Satan. He wasn't possessed by Satan and yet his action were inspired by Satan. Satan doesn't have to possess us to influence the way we live our lives. Instead, all he has to do is get us to believe one of his lies so that we will act independently of God. An act of independence from God is the essence of sin. Any thought that you have that would suggest in any way that you act independently of God is of the evil one. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths" (Prov. 3:5). In good times and bad times let us not forget to trust in the name of the Lord our God.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
If our Christianity is worth something it's costing us something
"And the king said...Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing" (2 Sam. 24:24).
David's high view of God was such that when he did something for God he wanted it to cost him something. I read recently that a Pastor from the U.S. was visiting an underground house church overseas. A woman from the area asked, "I have a T.V. and every once in a while I am able to watch church services from the U.S. I see the preachers, and they are dressed in very nice clothes, and they are preaching in very nice buildings. Some of them even tell me that if I have faith, I too can have nice things." Knowing that most of her fellow church members were very poor and came to church at great risk she asked, "Does this mean we do not have enough faith?" On the contrary, it was exemplified in that they were willing for their faith to cost them. Jesus said, "And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me" (Matthew 10:38). Is the life you’re living worth Jesus dying for? If our Christianity is worth something it's costing us something and we should not want it any other way. Jesus is worthy of our very best.
David's high view of God was such that when he did something for God he wanted it to cost him something. I read recently that a Pastor from the U.S. was visiting an underground house church overseas. A woman from the area asked, "I have a T.V. and every once in a while I am able to watch church services from the U.S. I see the preachers, and they are dressed in very nice clothes, and they are preaching in very nice buildings. Some of them even tell me that if I have faith, I too can have nice things." Knowing that most of her fellow church members were very poor and came to church at great risk she asked, "Does this mean we do not have enough faith?" On the contrary, it was exemplified in that they were willing for their faith to cost them. Jesus said, "And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me" (Matthew 10:38). Is the life you’re living worth Jesus dying for? If our Christianity is worth something it's costing us something and we should not want it any other way. Jesus is worthy of our very best.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Dead noses smell no roses
"And the king said unto Cushi, Is the young man Absalom safe? And Cushi answered, The enemies of my lord the king, and all that rise against thee to do thee hurt, be as that young man is. And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!" (2 Sam. 18:32-33).
David's son was dead. Although he had tried to overthrow his own father, David's heart was filled with grief and anguish over the death of his son. While Absalom lived, David did not have a close relationship with him. Perhaps part of the reason why David wept was that he felt responsible to some degree for his son’s rebellion and was filled with regret. Have you ever known someone who drifted away from God, and later died suddenly? I have and I couldn't help but think that I wish I would have done more to try to reach out to them. I know that God doesn't want (me) us to beat ourselves up about something like this. Ultimately we are all responsible for the decisions and choices that we make.
Although God does not want us to ever be overwhelmed with guilt and condemn ourselves, he does want us to learn from life. We often feel anguish over the death of a friend or loved one. We feel like we could have done more or wish we would have spent more time with them. Dead noses smell no roses. Why don't we feel that same anguish or sense of urgency to do something for those who are alive? One of the reasons is that we have a tendency of sacrificing the eternal for the immediate. We neglect the most important things for what we have to do right now. We think that we have plenty of time, but we don't. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Oh how we need that anguish and sense of urgency for those who are still alive today and headed for a Christ-less eternity. With the same anguish that David had when he wept for Absalom, we ought to cry out to God in prayer for those we know that are without Christ. Is God moving you to reach out to someone you know? Don't put it off. Tomorrow might be too late.
David's son was dead. Although he had tried to overthrow his own father, David's heart was filled with grief and anguish over the death of his son. While Absalom lived, David did not have a close relationship with him. Perhaps part of the reason why David wept was that he felt responsible to some degree for his son’s rebellion and was filled with regret. Have you ever known someone who drifted away from God, and later died suddenly? I have and I couldn't help but think that I wish I would have done more to try to reach out to them. I know that God doesn't want (me) us to beat ourselves up about something like this. Ultimately we are all responsible for the decisions and choices that we make.
Although God does not want us to ever be overwhelmed with guilt and condemn ourselves, he does want us to learn from life. We often feel anguish over the death of a friend or loved one. We feel like we could have done more or wish we would have spent more time with them. Dead noses smell no roses. Why don't we feel that same anguish or sense of urgency to do something for those who are alive? One of the reasons is that we have a tendency of sacrificing the eternal for the immediate. We neglect the most important things for what we have to do right now. We think that we have plenty of time, but we don't. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Oh how we need that anguish and sense of urgency for those who are still alive today and headed for a Christ-less eternity. With the same anguish that David had when he wept for Absalom, we ought to cry out to God in prayer for those we know that are without Christ. Is God moving you to reach out to someone you know? Don't put it off. Tomorrow might be too late.
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