I was recently reading through the book of Ruth. While there are numerous worthwhile themes in the book, I ended up pondering how God used Ruth in a way that she could never have expected. God took a woman who was outside of Israel and through the deaths of her husband and father in law, through a famine, and through a time of needing a kinsman redeemer…He places her in to the lineage of Jesus Christ. How could Ruth have ever known that God would work through tragedy, pain and loss to bring her to a place that her name would be spoken of thousands of years later?
God does these sorts of things in the lives of His people.
It made me wonder how God will use hurt, loss, pain and tragedy in my life to move me to the place He would have me? Will I be prepared to be obedient and submissive to God even when it seems that all hope is lost? What I am doing today to be prepared to be obedient and submissive to God when that difficult day comes? Being faithful to God in the stormy days comes because we prepare for them during the calm days.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Working for The Kingdom
I heard a phrase the other day that has intrigued me, and I have been thinking about it ever since. It was used in a sentence about the church and it is a call for the church to reach its “redemptive potential”. There is the phrase to consider, “redemptive potential”. I had never heard it before and there was no clear definition offered so I have been thinking about its meaning. This will probably show how postmodernism has affected me as I try to attach a meaning to a phrase that is not mine, and I do not know the author’s clear intent in its meaning, but why should that stop me.
To reach our redemptive potential seems to mean that we as individual followers of Jesus and as the church should be joining with Christ to redeem the culture around us. This should flow out of the context of the local church, and affect our family life, our jobs, our community and, to the extent we have opportunity to reach out, the rest of the world. Does that make sense? Our redemptive potential is, then, our ability as followers of Jesus to redeem the world around us.
What does that mean?
In looking at Jesus’ prayer in Matthew 6:7-15, we hear Him say, “Thy (God’s) kingdom come on earth as it is in Heaven.” We are to be praying that God’s kingdom will come to earth so that earth will look like Heaven. In addition, it seems implied that we are to be praying for the strength, desire and ability to work toward this goal. Now, this is not a works based faith. This only happens when Christ, first, redeems us and then through the power of Holy Spirit begins to work in our lives. As we are made alive to Christ then we are to long for Christ to be glorified in every corner of our heart, life…and in every corner of the world around us.
Think of it this way, as followers of Jesus our desire should be to pull Heaven down to earth. That is not to cheapen or lessen Heaven, but it is to have the earth flooded with Heavenly things. Those Heavenly things are what Paul has in mind over in the first part of Ephesians where he says that God has lavished on us every spiritual blessing through Christ. That is, we have access to every spiritual blessing, but it is only through Jesus. For overview sake, those spiritual blessings poured out through Christians to the world would resemble a life that reflects the fruit of the Spirit: love, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, kindness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23) These qualities, then, are to be used to point people to the glory of God.
This seems to be the Kingdom that Jesus has in mind when He says in Mark 1 that we are to repent because the Kingdom of God is at hand. This means that we are to turn from the former way of life, which is rebellion against God, and to turn to a new way of life in Christ which leads us to living for the glory of God in every area of life.
The practical question is this – how are you, as a follower of Jesus Christ – living this out? How are working by God’s grace to bring the Kingdom of God to your workplace? How are you working by God’s grace to bring the Kingdom of God to your home? How are you working by God’s grace to bring the Kingdom of God to your church? Then, how are you working to help it flow out of all of those places? How is your outward focus? How are you joining with God in redeeming this culture? Will the Kingdom of God every fully come to earth? Not until God works completely to make a new Heaven and a new Earth, but in obedience to Christ let us spend every ounce of energy we have during this life working to reach our redemptive potential.
To reach our redemptive potential seems to mean that we as individual followers of Jesus and as the church should be joining with Christ to redeem the culture around us. This should flow out of the context of the local church, and affect our family life, our jobs, our community and, to the extent we have opportunity to reach out, the rest of the world. Does that make sense? Our redemptive potential is, then, our ability as followers of Jesus to redeem the world around us.
What does that mean?
In looking at Jesus’ prayer in Matthew 6:7-15, we hear Him say, “Thy (God’s) kingdom come on earth as it is in Heaven.” We are to be praying that God’s kingdom will come to earth so that earth will look like Heaven. In addition, it seems implied that we are to be praying for the strength, desire and ability to work toward this goal. Now, this is not a works based faith. This only happens when Christ, first, redeems us and then through the power of Holy Spirit begins to work in our lives. As we are made alive to Christ then we are to long for Christ to be glorified in every corner of our heart, life…and in every corner of the world around us.
Think of it this way, as followers of Jesus our desire should be to pull Heaven down to earth. That is not to cheapen or lessen Heaven, but it is to have the earth flooded with Heavenly things. Those Heavenly things are what Paul has in mind over in the first part of Ephesians where he says that God has lavished on us every spiritual blessing through Christ. That is, we have access to every spiritual blessing, but it is only through Jesus. For overview sake, those spiritual blessings poured out through Christians to the world would resemble a life that reflects the fruit of the Spirit: love, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, kindness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23) These qualities, then, are to be used to point people to the glory of God.
This seems to be the Kingdom that Jesus has in mind when He says in Mark 1 that we are to repent because the Kingdom of God is at hand. This means that we are to turn from the former way of life, which is rebellion against God, and to turn to a new way of life in Christ which leads us to living for the glory of God in every area of life.
The practical question is this – how are you, as a follower of Jesus Christ – living this out? How are working by God’s grace to bring the Kingdom of God to your workplace? How are you working by God’s grace to bring the Kingdom of God to your home? How are you working by God’s grace to bring the Kingdom of God to your church? Then, how are you working to help it flow out of all of those places? How is your outward focus? How are you joining with God in redeeming this culture? Will the Kingdom of God every fully come to earth? Not until God works completely to make a new Heaven and a new Earth, but in obedience to Christ let us spend every ounce of energy we have during this life working to reach our redemptive potential.
Saturday, November 04, 2006
We Must Be Served Before We Can Really Serve
Do you ever think that it takes humility to be served? I’m talking about a deeper level than just ignoring the full trash can. I’m talking about the times we put off going to the Doctor or a counselor because we don’t want to admit that something is wrong.
Just as much as we should serve others, we must also be served. There is a real give and take here.
Listen to Jesus in Matthew 20:25-28, “But Jesus called them to him and said, ‘You know the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and who would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
You see, the truth is that we need to be served. In fact, our service will be of no glory to God if we are not served by God first. It is only when we admit that we have a problem – sin, and that we need His help in forgiving us, restoring us and redirecting us.
That is what we celebrate in the Lord’s Supper. It is through Jesus’ broken body and shed blood that we are served by God. It is there that our sins can be forgiven. As we receive the bread and the cup, let us praise God for serving us in our time of great need. And may that be our motivation for serving God and others.
Just as much as we should serve others, we must also be served. There is a real give and take here.
Listen to Jesus in Matthew 20:25-28, “But Jesus called them to him and said, ‘You know the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and who would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
You see, the truth is that we need to be served. In fact, our service will be of no glory to God if we are not served by God first. It is only when we admit that we have a problem – sin, and that we need His help in forgiving us, restoring us and redirecting us.
That is what we celebrate in the Lord’s Supper. It is through Jesus’ broken body and shed blood that we are served by God. It is there that our sins can be forgiven. As we receive the bread and the cup, let us praise God for serving us in our time of great need. And may that be our motivation for serving God and others.
Friday, November 03, 2006
Podcast and more...
Distinctions Between Islam and Christianity
The following is a letter to the Editor that I sent to the Bowling Green Daily News:
While I am thankful that Imam Bilal Merdan of Bowling Green’s Islamic Center desires peace and harmony for the world, I disagree with some of his statements made in the Daily News article, “The Light of Heaven and Earth”, published on Friday, October 27, 2006. In Christianity, the New Testament of the Bible teaches Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy as he is both Savior and Lord. Jesus Christ claims that he and God the Father are one (John 14:9-11). The New Testament also claims that Jesus is more than a prophet, he is the only one to forgive the sins of the world (John 1:29) and the only way to be at peace with God (John 14:6).
Imam Merdan says, “We believe in the Torah, which was revealed to Moses, we believe in Psalms, which was revealed to David, and we believe in the Gospel, which was revealed to Jesus, and we believe in the Quran, which is the final message of God revealed to Muhammad.” This is in direct violation of the writings of the New Testament which teaches that the Bible alone is God’s Word to humanity (Romans 10:5-17, 2 Timothy 3:10-17). If Christianity and Islam were the same, how could the Qu’ran (written in the 7th Century) supersede the Bible which was completed centuries earlier?
Though there are some similarities, the biggest area of separation is the authority of Jesus. For Muslims, he was a mere human that served as a prophet and teacher. For Christians, he is God and the ruler of Heaven and earth. Again, while I am thankful that the Imam and many Muslims desire peace and harmony in the world, we must note that Christianity and Islam differ tremendously.
While I am thankful that Imam Bilal Merdan of Bowling Green’s Islamic Center desires peace and harmony for the world, I disagree with some of his statements made in the Daily News article, “The Light of Heaven and Earth”, published on Friday, October 27, 2006. In Christianity, the New Testament of the Bible teaches Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy as he is both Savior and Lord. Jesus Christ claims that he and God the Father are one (John 14:9-11). The New Testament also claims that Jesus is more than a prophet, he is the only one to forgive the sins of the world (John 1:29) and the only way to be at peace with God (John 14:6).
Imam Merdan says, “We believe in the Torah, which was revealed to Moses, we believe in Psalms, which was revealed to David, and we believe in the Gospel, which was revealed to Jesus, and we believe in the Quran, which is the final message of God revealed to Muhammad.” This is in direct violation of the writings of the New Testament which teaches that the Bible alone is God’s Word to humanity (Romans 10:5-17, 2 Timothy 3:10-17). If Christianity and Islam were the same, how could the Qu’ran (written in the 7th Century) supersede the Bible which was completed centuries earlier?
Though there are some similarities, the biggest area of separation is the authority of Jesus. For Muslims, he was a mere human that served as a prophet and teacher. For Christians, he is God and the ruler of Heaven and earth. Again, while I am thankful that the Imam and many Muslims desire peace and harmony in the world, we must note that Christianity and Islam differ tremendously.
Friday, October 13, 2006
The Depths of Pride
An argument broke out between Jesus’ disciples because of a request made by the mother of James and John. She asks that her sons be able to sit at the right and left hand of Jesus as He is ruling over His kingdom. This is a bold move as it is one of asking for her sons to be granted places of authority in the kingdom of God.
The other disciples were not pleased with her or with James and John. Yet, because of what is in me, I suspect their displeasure was not out of humility, but because this move conflicted with their own proud desires to sit in those places of honor beside Christ. Jesus’ response to them is staggering. Ultimately, He turns this discussion into a lesson on how His followers will become great as they serve others. Jesus Himself says in Matthew 20:28 that He has come not to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many. The very One that deserved to be served says His priority is to serve.
There are two lessons that followers of Jesus should learn here. First, the obvious lesson is that we are to be looking for ways to serve others. We should be striving to sacrifice and look for ways to place others and their needs before our own needs. That is a very introspective question. Examine your heart, do you think most often about yourself or do you think most of serving others…not for what you will gain from it…but out of a love for Christ and a desire to serve others around you.
The second perspective is a little different. Are you willing to allow others to serve you? Why would I ask this question? It’s because I believe our pride often keeps us from letting other people serve us. When someone else meets a need for us it shows that we are needy. I don’t like for people to think I am needy or have weaknesses. It takes humility and dependence to allow people to serve me. My pride calls me to do things my way and to take care of my own problems. It’s interesting that both wanting other people to serve me and letting people serve me reveals areas of pride in my life.
When we are humble and faithful to God, I believe He will direct our minds to places of serving others. At the same time, when we are humble and faithful to God, I believe He will teach us how to depend on Him as we learn to depend on others and let others serve us. No matter where you are today, are you learning to depend on this wonderful Savior that came to serve? Ask Him to show you areas of pride in your life and then help you put it to death.
The other disciples were not pleased with her or with James and John. Yet, because of what is in me, I suspect their displeasure was not out of humility, but because this move conflicted with their own proud desires to sit in those places of honor beside Christ. Jesus’ response to them is staggering. Ultimately, He turns this discussion into a lesson on how His followers will become great as they serve others. Jesus Himself says in Matthew 20:28 that He has come not to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many. The very One that deserved to be served says His priority is to serve.
There are two lessons that followers of Jesus should learn here. First, the obvious lesson is that we are to be looking for ways to serve others. We should be striving to sacrifice and look for ways to place others and their needs before our own needs. That is a very introspective question. Examine your heart, do you think most often about yourself or do you think most of serving others…not for what you will gain from it…but out of a love for Christ and a desire to serve others around you.
The second perspective is a little different. Are you willing to allow others to serve you? Why would I ask this question? It’s because I believe our pride often keeps us from letting other people serve us. When someone else meets a need for us it shows that we are needy. I don’t like for people to think I am needy or have weaknesses. It takes humility and dependence to allow people to serve me. My pride calls me to do things my way and to take care of my own problems. It’s interesting that both wanting other people to serve me and letting people serve me reveals areas of pride in my life.
When we are humble and faithful to God, I believe He will direct our minds to places of serving others. At the same time, when we are humble and faithful to God, I believe He will teach us how to depend on Him as we learn to depend on others and let others serve us. No matter where you are today, are you learning to depend on this wonderful Savior that came to serve? Ask Him to show you areas of pride in your life and then help you put it to death.
Monday, October 02, 2006
A Holy and Blameless Life
What is it that should make the Christian life distinct? Is it the fact that Christians claim to be the only people that will call Heaven home for eternity? Is it the fact that our Savior, Jesus Christ, claims to be the only way to have peace with God? The answer is yes, but there is more. A real distinction for the Christian life is that we have been called to be holy and blameless before God, the church and the world around us. God has called us to do more than just become Christians and wait for our entry to Heaven.
Listen to what Paul says in Ephesians 1:3-4, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him." There is a purpose in our salvation. Before the foundation of the world, God desired to have a people that would be holy and blameless as they live their lives before Him. What a remarkable thought! Christians are fulfilling the desire of God as they grow in their love and obedience to Him.
Think for a moment about something that you really wanted. Think about that toy that you wanted all year as a child , and then think about how sweet the moment was when you unwrapped it on Christmas morning. Think about how long you wanted to marry that special someone, and then how wonderful it was to see her coming down the aisle or him waiting in the front of the chapel. Think about how wonderful it is to see a friend that you have been separated from for far too long. There is a joy that is stored up in us that just waits for these moments to be unleashed.
Christians have the wonderful opportunity of bringing that joy to the heart of God. He has given His Son to bring this about and He has given us His Spirit to live this way. That is what Paul means when he says that God has given us "every spiritual blessing". God has given us the ability to do what He desires for us to do. Yes, it requires hard work on our part to turn away from sin and to live for the glory of God, but we can find amazing encouragement and help from God who desires to see us succeed in living holy and blamelessly for His glory and our joy!
Turn from sin today to delight our great Gift-giver!
Listen to what Paul says in Ephesians 1:3-4, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him." There is a purpose in our salvation. Before the foundation of the world, God desired to have a people that would be holy and blameless as they live their lives before Him. What a remarkable thought! Christians are fulfilling the desire of God as they grow in their love and obedience to Him.
Think for a moment about something that you really wanted. Think about that toy that you wanted all year as a child , and then think about how sweet the moment was when you unwrapped it on Christmas morning. Think about how long you wanted to marry that special someone, and then how wonderful it was to see her coming down the aisle or him waiting in the front of the chapel. Think about how wonderful it is to see a friend that you have been separated from for far too long. There is a joy that is stored up in us that just waits for these moments to be unleashed.
Christians have the wonderful opportunity of bringing that joy to the heart of God. He has given His Son to bring this about and He has given us His Spirit to live this way. That is what Paul means when he says that God has given us "every spiritual blessing". God has given us the ability to do what He desires for us to do. Yes, it requires hard work on our part to turn away from sin and to live for the glory of God, but we can find amazing encouragement and help from God who desires to see us succeed in living holy and blamelessly for His glory and our joy!
Turn from sin today to delight our great Gift-giver!
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Ending a Godless Life
I suppose that we are all filled with wonder as to what the last few moments of life will be like for us. When I hear the news that people were killed "instantly", I wonder what that was like. How could someone be living and breathing at one moment and entered into eternity in the next second. I also wonder if I'll have the chance to say anything memorable for my last words like movie actors do just before their dying breath.
A few years ago, I was gripped by the lines of the hymn, My Jesus, I Love Thee, that say, "I'll love Thee in life, I will love Thee in death, and praise Thee as long as Thou lendest me breath, then say when the death dew lies cold on my brow, if ever I loved Thee my Jesus 'tis now." What a vivid image of loving and praising Christ in those last moments of life on the Earth.
The psalmist wrote in Psalm 116:15, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." What comfort and joy that brings to the heart of the believer as they find confidence and hope in this promise of God. When a saint, a follower of Jesus Christ, gets close to death...God is closer.
Yet, the other side of the coin is this -- if you live a Godless life, you will die a Godless death. What a pity and how sad it is for people to enter those final and uncertain moments of life apart from God's help and protection. How humbling that last breath on Earth and first breath in eternity must be for a person when they realize that the God they rejected and rebelled against is the One they needed most. I hope that will stir your heart and soul to go and join with God in helping people surrender their pride and arrogance so that they will see their greatest need is God.
Thank you, Heavenly Father, for being nearest at all moments, especially, in those moments of greatest need. Help us to love you in life and in death.
A few years ago, I was gripped by the lines of the hymn, My Jesus, I Love Thee, that say, "I'll love Thee in life, I will love Thee in death, and praise Thee as long as Thou lendest me breath, then say when the death dew lies cold on my brow, if ever I loved Thee my Jesus 'tis now." What a vivid image of loving and praising Christ in those last moments of life on the Earth.
The psalmist wrote in Psalm 116:15, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." What comfort and joy that brings to the heart of the believer as they find confidence and hope in this promise of God. When a saint, a follower of Jesus Christ, gets close to death...God is closer.
Yet, the other side of the coin is this -- if you live a Godless life, you will die a Godless death. What a pity and how sad it is for people to enter those final and uncertain moments of life apart from God's help and protection. How humbling that last breath on Earth and first breath in eternity must be for a person when they realize that the God they rejected and rebelled against is the One they needed most. I hope that will stir your heart and soul to go and join with God in helping people surrender their pride and arrogance so that they will see their greatest need is God.
Thank you, Heavenly Father, for being nearest at all moments, especially, in those moments of greatest need. Help us to love you in life and in death.
Friday, July 28, 2006
Living in Turbulent Times
Some months ago I put together a list of sermons that we would work through this summer here at Smiths Grove Baptist Church. We've spent quite a while working through the Gospel of Mark. This week we are going to tackle Mark 13. This is a passage where Jesus talks to the Disciples about things to look for as this age comes to an end. It has been a bit overwhelming. I will admit that I have been a bit squeemish reading through this passage, then checking news-sites on the Internet and listening to news on the radio and TV. It's hard not to believe that we are living right in the middle of the time that Jesus is speaking of.
However, as I have studied, it occurs to me that there have been wars and rumors of wars since the time Jesus walked the Earth. It also seems that God's people have been targets of persecution in one way or another even before Jesus was crucified 2,000 years ago. So, I have been left to think of this passage from a different perspective. Instead of trying to think about this passage as being a "what are we supposed to be looking for" passage, I have approached it by thinking about how Christians should live when being a Christian is hard. Because of the battle against sin that rages within me, I find it is always hard to be a Christian. Yet, there are times when external pressures are greater than others. This passage is filled with encouraging words aimed at helping Christians with life and faith during turbulent times.
There are three things, that I would like to briefly note, that Christians should remember in Mark 13. First, for the sake of God's elect, He will cut short the days of suffering. The problems of the world all basically boil down to sin and its effects. Therefore, unless God puts an end to man's sin on Earth, this world will continue to spiral downward. Christians can find hope in the fact that God is not going to allow this behavior to continue forever. He will end it one day.
Second, the turmoil of this world will come to an end when Christ returns in the clouds with great power and glory. (verse 26) Scholars believe that Jesus uses this phrase concerning power and glory to connect the Disciples thinking about Him with the thinking of the Israelites in the Old Testament. You might remember in the Old Testement that God is so glorious that no one can look upon Him and live. While Jesus is very humble, and seemingly approachable during his time on the Earth, He is telling them that when He returns things will be different. His radiance will be bright and He will come with power to crush sin and the enemies of God. This is another reason that Christians should not lose hope during turbulent times!
Finally, there is a call by Jesus to Christians to, "...be on guard," in verse 23, and, "Stay awake," in verse 37. It ocurred to me that I have a job to be doing this week...and it is not listening to news every day so I can worry about the turmoil in the world. Christians have been called to be preparing for the return of our King! To do so, we need to invite everyone we meet to prepare to celebrate His return and we need to be joining with Him in the purification of our own hearts so that we will be the radiant Bride He desires (Ephesians 5).
Christian, there is more to be doing that worrying or dreading what will happen next. We are to be looking forward to a glorious Savior who will return to rescue His own. Come, Lord Jesus! And let us prepare as we wait!
However, as I have studied, it occurs to me that there have been wars and rumors of wars since the time Jesus walked the Earth. It also seems that God's people have been targets of persecution in one way or another even before Jesus was crucified 2,000 years ago. So, I have been left to think of this passage from a different perspective. Instead of trying to think about this passage as being a "what are we supposed to be looking for" passage, I have approached it by thinking about how Christians should live when being a Christian is hard. Because of the battle against sin that rages within me, I find it is always hard to be a Christian. Yet, there are times when external pressures are greater than others. This passage is filled with encouraging words aimed at helping Christians with life and faith during turbulent times.
There are three things, that I would like to briefly note, that Christians should remember in Mark 13. First, for the sake of God's elect, He will cut short the days of suffering. The problems of the world all basically boil down to sin and its effects. Therefore, unless God puts an end to man's sin on Earth, this world will continue to spiral downward. Christians can find hope in the fact that God is not going to allow this behavior to continue forever. He will end it one day.
Second, the turmoil of this world will come to an end when Christ returns in the clouds with great power and glory. (verse 26) Scholars believe that Jesus uses this phrase concerning power and glory to connect the Disciples thinking about Him with the thinking of the Israelites in the Old Testament. You might remember in the Old Testement that God is so glorious that no one can look upon Him and live. While Jesus is very humble, and seemingly approachable during his time on the Earth, He is telling them that when He returns things will be different. His radiance will be bright and He will come with power to crush sin and the enemies of God. This is another reason that Christians should not lose hope during turbulent times!
Finally, there is a call by Jesus to Christians to, "...be on guard," in verse 23, and, "Stay awake," in verse 37. It ocurred to me that I have a job to be doing this week...and it is not listening to news every day so I can worry about the turmoil in the world. Christians have been called to be preparing for the return of our King! To do so, we need to invite everyone we meet to prepare to celebrate His return and we need to be joining with Him in the purification of our own hearts so that we will be the radiant Bride He desires (Ephesians 5).
Christian, there is more to be doing that worrying or dreading what will happen next. We are to be looking forward to a glorious Savior who will return to rescue His own. Come, Lord Jesus! And let us prepare as we wait!
Friday, July 21, 2006
What Does Your Giving Prove?
This week I have been thinking through Mark 12:41-44. In this passage, we find Jesus sitting across from the place where the tithes and gifts are collected in the temple courts. It is Passover in Jerusalem and the place is really busy. It is a big week of collection for the Priests.
As He is sitting there, He is watching how much individual people give to the collection. This leads to the place where I've been dwelling this week. How would our giving be different if we knew that Jesus was sitting across from us in the pew this week and He saw how much we placed in the offering plate. Would our giving be more than what we typically give?
There's more to it than this, though. Would your motivation for giving change? Think about this...if Jesus knows everything, then He also knows how much is in your checking account, savings account, money market account, portfolio, retirement fund, etc. He even knows your net worth when you combine everything you own with everything you earn. Therefore, He knows the proportion in which you are giving. And, this is a clear indicator as to what you are treasuring in life.
When you give to the local church along with other charities that benefit those in need, do you use that as a time to examine your heart? Do you use that time of writing a check to examine what it is you really treasure in life? Perhaps we should take advantage of opportunities to recalculate our treasure more often?
As He is sitting there, He is watching how much individual people give to the collection. This leads to the place where I've been dwelling this week. How would our giving be different if we knew that Jesus was sitting across from us in the pew this week and He saw how much we placed in the offering plate. Would our giving be more than what we typically give?
There's more to it than this, though. Would your motivation for giving change? Think about this...if Jesus knows everything, then He also knows how much is in your checking account, savings account, money market account, portfolio, retirement fund, etc. He even knows your net worth when you combine everything you own with everything you earn. Therefore, He knows the proportion in which you are giving. And, this is a clear indicator as to what you are treasuring in life.
When you give to the local church along with other charities that benefit those in need, do you use that as a time to examine your heart? Do you use that time of writing a check to examine what it is you really treasure in life? Perhaps we should take advantage of opportunities to recalculate our treasure more often?
Monday, July 03, 2006
James Sermon Series
Earlier in 2006, we worked our way through the entire book of James at Smiths Grove Baptist Church. The entire series of sermons are available here at covenantlifetoday.org. This is a wonderful book for spiritual growth and practical insight. May God increase your joy in Him through these messages!
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Lasting Treasure
The rich, young ruler in Mark 10 loved his wealth more than anything else in the world. He couldn’t possibly think of giving it up to follow Jesus Christ. It wasn’t that Jesus scolded him for having money; his problem was that he loved his money more than he loved God.
A few verses later, the Apostle Peter says, “See, we have left everything and followed you.” Peter still didn’t understand that Jesus was after more than what is on the surface. Jesus wants to capture our hearts. He does speak of family, houses and lands as things that will have to be given up to follow Him, but, even more, from His dealing with this young man we see that He is after our motivation for why those things are so important to us. It is only there that we are able to see how much we love tangible things and intangible things.
Earlier in the Gospel of Mark, the disciples had one of many arguments as to who would ultimately be the greatest in the Kingdom of God. This discussion was rooted in pride and self-centeredness. Rather than cooperating with God to raise up Jesus as the greatest in the Kingdom, they were trying to figure out how they could find their way to that spot. My point is that we hold on to more than just stuff. We hold on to ideas, methods, desires, motivations, reputation, etc., which cannot be touched but can certainly be idols.
Won’t you ask God to help you see what you love more than Him? Why not ask Christ to help you love Him above everything else? Ask Him to show you the idols in your life and grant you the grace to surrender them to Him. Then act…turn over your temporary treasures to Christ…for One that will last forever and bring peace and joy to your heart!
A few verses later, the Apostle Peter says, “See, we have left everything and followed you.” Peter still didn’t understand that Jesus was after more than what is on the surface. Jesus wants to capture our hearts. He does speak of family, houses and lands as things that will have to be given up to follow Him, but, even more, from His dealing with this young man we see that He is after our motivation for why those things are so important to us. It is only there that we are able to see how much we love tangible things and intangible things.
Earlier in the Gospel of Mark, the disciples had one of many arguments as to who would ultimately be the greatest in the Kingdom of God. This discussion was rooted in pride and self-centeredness. Rather than cooperating with God to raise up Jesus as the greatest in the Kingdom, they were trying to figure out how they could find their way to that spot. My point is that we hold on to more than just stuff. We hold on to ideas, methods, desires, motivations, reputation, etc., which cannot be touched but can certainly be idols.
Won’t you ask God to help you see what you love more than Him? Why not ask Christ to help you love Him above everything else? Ask Him to show you the idols in your life and grant you the grace to surrender them to Him. Then act…turn over your temporary treasures to Christ…for One that will last forever and bring peace and joy to your heart!
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Your Heart's Anchor
In preparation for a sermon this coming Sunday, I am studying Mark 10:17-31. I am struck by the question the disciples ask Jesus in the passage, "Who then can be saved?" When they listened to the interaction of Jesus and the rich, young ruler they were shocked to see the young man leave dejected over Jesus' statement. Then, they were even more shocked when Jesus says it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than it was for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God.
Why is it so difficult for the rich man to enter the Kingdom? What if you don't have much money, is it still difficult for you?
The point of the interaction is not necessarily about money, but about what the young man loved. What is in your life that you love more than Christ? It might be people, a place or stuff, but it might be ideas, accolades or accomplishments as well. What is your heart anchored to that is keeping you from loving and following Christ supremely?
Think through this to begin, then, join me later this week as we think about the graciousness of God in saving us.
Why is it so difficult for the rich man to enter the Kingdom? What if you don't have much money, is it still difficult for you?
The point of the interaction is not necessarily about money, but about what the young man loved. What is in your life that you love more than Christ? It might be people, a place or stuff, but it might be ideas, accolades or accomplishments as well. What is your heart anchored to that is keeping you from loving and following Christ supremely?
Think through this to begin, then, join me later this week as we think about the graciousness of God in saving us.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
The Gospel Influence
When we influence someone we are pushing them in a direction. Whether it’s a celebrity trying to use their sway to push someone toward a particular product or brand, or a spouse trying to influence their mate toward a particular decision – our influence is used to push another person in a specific direction. As Christians, then, we need to understand what our primary influence should be. It should be to direct people to the Gospel. The Gospel is the good news that Jesus Christ has come to be the sacrifice for our offenses to God. Even more, the Gospel is the fact that God has called us and enables us to love Him more than we love our sin.
Mark 9:42-50 (ESV)
Mark 9:42-50 (ESV)
“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. 43 And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. 45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell. 47 And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, 48 ‘where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’ 49 For everyone will be salted with fire. 50 Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.
Because of His death on the cross and resurrection from the grave, God has made Jesus Christ the One that can offer forgiveness and life. Repentance of sin is our asking Jesus to forgive us of our sins, the acceptance of His substitutionary death for us, and the living of a new life in Him that is lived for His glory while we turn away from sin. When we trust Jesus, the punishment of death for our offensiveness toward God, that we rightly deserve, is fulfilled by Jesus Christ. Therefore, we have now been freed to live a new life that honors God and shows that our greatest delight is in Him.
This is where our influence comes into play. Our lives are to influence people so that they see our greatest hope, dependence and joy is in Jesus Christ. Since He has restored us, the Christian life is one of turning away from sin and turning to Him. This should be very influential as it should be reflected in anything and everything we do. Our turning away from sin and turning to Christ should be seen in the way we talk, how we work, in the way we treat people, how we plan for the future, how we spend our money, and on and on. Being a follower of Jesus soaks into every part of our life because we love Him and long to obey Him and honor Him.
The other component of this life and our influence in it is what we won’t do. We are called to hate our sin and to do everything within our power to resist it. That is new life! We don’t live this way because we are trying to jump-through-the-hoops and earn our salvation; we turn from our sin because we know there is something sweeter and better – Jesus.
Now, Christian, perhaps you should make some plans for today. How will you influence people with your life? The greatest way is to live in a way that proves you love Jesus Christ more than you love sin (or anything else for that matter).
Because of His death on the cross and resurrection from the grave, God has made Jesus Christ the One that can offer forgiveness and life. Repentance of sin is our asking Jesus to forgive us of our sins, the acceptance of His substitutionary death for us, and the living of a new life in Him that is lived for His glory while we turn away from sin. When we trust Jesus, the punishment of death for our offensiveness toward God, that we rightly deserve, is fulfilled by Jesus Christ. Therefore, we have now been freed to live a new life that honors God and shows that our greatest delight is in Him.
This is where our influence comes into play. Our lives are to influence people so that they see our greatest hope, dependence and joy is in Jesus Christ. Since He has restored us, the Christian life is one of turning away from sin and turning to Him. This should be very influential as it should be reflected in anything and everything we do. Our turning away from sin and turning to Christ should be seen in the way we talk, how we work, in the way we treat people, how we plan for the future, how we spend our money, and on and on. Being a follower of Jesus soaks into every part of our life because we love Him and long to obey Him and honor Him.
The other component of this life and our influence in it is what we won’t do. We are called to hate our sin and to do everything within our power to resist it. That is new life! We don’t live this way because we are trying to jump-through-the-hoops and earn our salvation; we turn from our sin because we know there is something sweeter and better – Jesus.
Now, Christian, perhaps you should make some plans for today. How will you influence people with your life? The greatest way is to live in a way that proves you love Jesus Christ more than you love sin (or anything else for that matter).
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Using Your Influence
Is someone watching you? Are people looking over your shoulder when you don’t know it? Most likely, they are. They probably aren’t watching you with bad intentions, but there is a great chance that people are taking notice of your words and actions today.
Jesus had this in mind in Mark 9:42-50,
“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. 43 And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. 45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell. 47 And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, 48 ‘where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’ 49 For everyone will be salted with fire. 50 Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.” (ESV)
In this passage He is speaking to the disciples about some false teachers that are doing miracles, by using His name, for their own fame. The motivation of these false teachers is misguided as they are helping people for their own glory instead of working for the glory of God. While these false teachers doing miracles is an interesting issue, Jesus seems most concerned with the influence we have over other people.
From the context of Mark 9 we can see that Jesus had just been holding some small children as He spoke to the disciples. Most likely, then, He has them in view as those who are being influenced by the adults around them. However, we need to realize that we influence people of all ages every day by our words and actions.
Jesus offers a stiff penalty for those that would use their influence to encourage sin and ungodly behavior. I pray that you will take this warning seriously. I also pray that you would live your life with this warning and encouragement in view. Too often, we live as if what we say and do actually matter very little. This is not the way Jesus lived and it is not the way He expects His followers to act.
Today, you are influencing people. What are they learning from you?
Friday, June 16, 2006
God's Declaration of Glory
A solar flare erupts from the sun in this image taken by NASA's SOHO satellite Monday, July 1, 2002. The solar eruption is what astronomers call an eruptive prominence, a loop of magnetic fields that trap hot gas inside. Scientists note that the sun is experiencing ``solar max,'' a period of strong activity that happens about every 11 years and lasts for about three or four years. These disturbances on the sun blast radiation and particles out into space, some of which can affect Earth. The planet's magnetic field channels the radiation around the Earth, funneling some of it to the poles to produce the most commonly noticed effect, the glowing auroras. The powerful electromagnetic pulses also can affect satellites and communications and can even disrupt electrical service over long distances. (AP Photo/NASA)Psalm 19:1-6
1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
2 Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.
3 There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard.
4 Their measuring line goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun, 5 which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.
6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat. The Holy Bible : English Standard Version. Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001.
Isn't God amazing?
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
A Man of Sorrows
What if Jesus had never known sorrows? What if He never knew pain or grief; would He be a Savior that is really able to bring comfort? I sat through a funeral this week; and as I watched the family grieve, I prayed for them and also prayed a prayer of thanksgiving because Jesus does know the pain of our broken hearts.
But even more than knowing the pain of our hearts, He has suffered through that pain. Isaiah 53 calls Jesus a "man of sorrows" who is "acquainted with grief." The word acquainted is there to help us understand that Jesus knows grief well. It is an emotion He has experienced often and in great depth.
Jesus knows grief well because of His own life with us, as God takes on flesh and lives among His creation. He knows the pain of being separated from a close friend in his greatest time of need and, consequently, losing that friend, the pain of being doubted and misunderstood by his closest followers and of being betrayed into the hands of the chief priests by one He called His friend. He has seen hunger, frustration and broken hearts. He is very familiar with sorrow.
Yet, there's more to the story than this. He is familiar with sorrow because He knows the pain that only God knows. That is, He has felt the agony of facing an inevitable and overwhelming burden on behalf of not only those who love and serve with him, but also those who mock Him and deny His identity. Jesus willingly bore the pain and humiliation of our sin. God poured out His wrath and righteous anger on Jesus at the cross. The punishment for sin that will, ultimately without Jesus, cost us our life was absorbed by Him for all those that will place their trust in Him.
Jesus knows the pain of being a Creator that is rejected by His creation, and He knows the pain felt by the creation because of the consequence of rejecting their Messiah. Let us find great hope and rest in Him as we place our burdens in His strong but loving hands. His shoulders are broad, and His heart is tender. He is always ready to help us carry our load of sorrows, and as He tells us in Matt. 11:30 His yoke is easy and His burden is light.
But even more than knowing the pain of our hearts, He has suffered through that pain. Isaiah 53 calls Jesus a "man of sorrows" who is "acquainted with grief." The word acquainted is there to help us understand that Jesus knows grief well. It is an emotion He has experienced often and in great depth.
Jesus knows grief well because of His own life with us, as God takes on flesh and lives among His creation. He knows the pain of being separated from a close friend in his greatest time of need and, consequently, losing that friend, the pain of being doubted and misunderstood by his closest followers and of being betrayed into the hands of the chief priests by one He called His friend. He has seen hunger, frustration and broken hearts. He is very familiar with sorrow.
Yet, there's more to the story than this. He is familiar with sorrow because He knows the pain that only God knows. That is, He has felt the agony of facing an inevitable and overwhelming burden on behalf of not only those who love and serve with him, but also those who mock Him and deny His identity. Jesus willingly bore the pain and humiliation of our sin. God poured out His wrath and righteous anger on Jesus at the cross. The punishment for sin that will, ultimately without Jesus, cost us our life was absorbed by Him for all those that will place their trust in Him.
Jesus knows the pain of being a Creator that is rejected by His creation, and He knows the pain felt by the creation because of the consequence of rejecting their Messiah. Let us find great hope and rest in Him as we place our burdens in His strong but loving hands. His shoulders are broad, and His heart is tender. He is always ready to help us carry our load of sorrows, and as He tells us in Matt. 11:30 His yoke is easy and His burden is light.
Monday, June 12, 2006
Leadership in the Church
Recently, the Kentucky Baptist newspaper, The Western Recorder, featured an article on leadership in the church. It dealt specifically with the issue of elder leadership in a church and how it affects the congregational polity that Baptist churches try to represent. I hope you'll go and read the article. Below is a Letter to the Editor that I sent them with some questions concerning the article.
Dear Editor,
Thank you for the article, “Who Rules?” by David Winfrey that was featured in the June 6, 2006 edition. As a Pastor in a church that has recently transitioned to being elder led, I would like to ask some questions of the article.
First, is being elder led and congregational mutually exclusive? If we study Scripture, don’t we see both of these ideas? We hear Paul call Titus to appoint Elders in every town (Titus 1:5) and we see Paul working with a group of Elders in Ephesus (20:17). At the same time, we hear the words of Christ calling for the church’s authority in Matthew 18:17 and Paul echoes this in 1 Corinthians 5:1-5. It seems that a church can be and should be elder led and congregational at the same time.
Second, is moving toward elder leadership really a step away from historical precedent as the article presented? While the article referenced the 1963 and 2000 Baptist Faith and Message stating that the word “elders” does not appear there, it did not point out that the 1925 Baptist Faith and Message says of “The Gospel Church”, “Its Scriptural officers are bishops, or elders, and deacons.” (http://www.sbc.net/bfm/bfmcomparison.asp) Therefore, it was less than 100 years ago that the SBC recognized elders as leaders in the local church. Perhaps some churches moving this way is not much of an historical shift after all.
Finally, shouldn’t we be concerned about what Scripture says rather than what we have done in the past or even what we are doing now? Before we start labeling ideas as Calvinist and Arminian, or conservative and liberal, for the glory of God and the building up of the church, let us seek to be Biblical above all.
Grace, Brandon Porter
Pastor, Smiths Grove Baptist Church
Dear Editor,
Thank you for the article, “Who Rules?” by David Winfrey that was featured in the June 6, 2006 edition. As a Pastor in a church that has recently transitioned to being elder led, I would like to ask some questions of the article.
First, is being elder led and congregational mutually exclusive? If we study Scripture, don’t we see both of these ideas? We hear Paul call Titus to appoint Elders in every town (Titus 1:5) and we see Paul working with a group of Elders in Ephesus (20:17). At the same time, we hear the words of Christ calling for the church’s authority in Matthew 18:17 and Paul echoes this in 1 Corinthians 5:1-5. It seems that a church can be and should be elder led and congregational at the same time.
Second, is moving toward elder leadership really a step away from historical precedent as the article presented? While the article referenced the 1963 and 2000 Baptist Faith and Message stating that the word “elders” does not appear there, it did not point out that the 1925 Baptist Faith and Message says of “The Gospel Church”, “Its Scriptural officers are bishops, or elders, and deacons.” (http://www.sbc.net/bfm/bfmcomparison.asp) Therefore, it was less than 100 years ago that the SBC recognized elders as leaders in the local church. Perhaps some churches moving this way is not much of an historical shift after all.
Finally, shouldn’t we be concerned about what Scripture says rather than what we have done in the past or even what we are doing now? Before we start labeling ideas as Calvinist and Arminian, or conservative and liberal, for the glory of God and the building up of the church, let us seek to be Biblical above all.
Grace, Brandon Porter
Pastor, Smiths Grove Baptist Church
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
The Great Gift of Scripture
God has given us such a special gift in His Word. It is sad how often we take it for granted by neglecting the truths for life that God has given us there. This can happen when we do not read the Bible very often, when we read it too fast or when we do not thinking through a passage after getting up from our time of reading.
Whether we hear the words of Jesus, the wisdom of the Proverbs, the heart cries for God in the Psalms, the direction and theology of the New Testament letters or the many narrative lessons of the Old Testament there are thousands of places we can find insight for every day of our lives. What a treasure we overlook so often!
I would encourage you to read the Word of God now. Stop reading this blog and go pick up your Bible and get lost in it so that you might find the grace of God that leads to life abundant!
Whether we hear the words of Jesus, the wisdom of the Proverbs, the heart cries for God in the Psalms, the direction and theology of the New Testament letters or the many narrative lessons of the Old Testament there are thousands of places we can find insight for every day of our lives. What a treasure we overlook so often!
I would encourage you to read the Word of God now. Stop reading this blog and go pick up your Bible and get lost in it so that you might find the grace of God that leads to life abundant!
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Our Relationship with God
I'm working on a project where I have to discuss the Christian's relationship with God. To do this, I've been thinking about John 17 where Jesus asks God to make His followers one with Him even as they (the Father and Son) are one. From this, then, if we are to be one with God just as Christ is one with God we should find some ways to model Christ's relationship with the Father. Make sense?
Here's what I've come up with so far in their relationship...
Jesus was --
-- Obedient and Submissive to the Will of God (Matt. 4:1)
-- Constant in Prayer (and Fasting) (Matt. 4:2)
-- Well Learned in Scripture (Matt. 4:4)
-- Aligned in the Understanding of Real Treasures (Matt. 6:19-21)
-- Concerned with Glorifying God (John 17:1)
-- Consistent with Serving Others (Matt. 20:28)
-- Passionate about the Salvation of People (Matt. 23:37-39)
-- Generous to People, Even His Enemies (Matt. 5:38-42)
That's my quick list. Think through these and compare your life to them.
Then, leave a comment and add to this list if you like.
Here's what I've come up with so far in their relationship...
Jesus was --
-- Obedient and Submissive to the Will of God (Matt. 4:1)
-- Constant in Prayer (and Fasting) (Matt. 4:2)
-- Well Learned in Scripture (Matt. 4:4)
-- Aligned in the Understanding of Real Treasures (Matt. 6:19-21)
-- Concerned with Glorifying God (John 17:1)
-- Consistent with Serving Others (Matt. 20:28)
-- Passionate about the Salvation of People (Matt. 23:37-39)
-- Generous to People, Even His Enemies (Matt. 5:38-42)
That's my quick list. Think through these and compare your life to them.
Then, leave a comment and add to this list if you like.
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