Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Carnival Churches
Read Galatians 3:1-9
Oh, foolish Galatians! What magician has cast an evil spell on you? For you used to see the meaning of Jesus Christ's death as clearly as though I had shown you a signboard with a picture of Christ dying on the cross. Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the Holy Spirit by keeping the law? Of course not, for the Holy Spirit came upon you only after you believed the message you heard about Christ. Have you lost your senses? After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort? (Gal. 3:1-3 NLT)
In this section of scripture, Paul tells the Galatians that they had been duped, tricked or deceived by someone who proclaimed something other than the Gospel of grace. For them in Galatia, they were being lead back into bondage to the Law. Judizers (Jews who had become Christians, yet remained tied into the tradition and ceremony of Judaism) were telling them that they had to fulfill the requirements of Judaism before they could really become a Christian. They were being lead from grace into law, with all of its short comings and failure to be able to control the hearts of man. Today we have a different problem, yet with just as deadly results. It’s not the Gospel message; it’s not preaching the Law; it’s some sort of warm fuzzy feeling wrapped around the pretense of truth.
It is interesting to me to hear that there are so many churches who continue to preach a “feel good” message, watered down by homespun half-truths and slight scriptural reference (often taken out of context to make the point). Their “gospel message” never speaks of sin, therefore there is no need for a Savior. They never speak of repentence, because "man is basically good". Their messages speak of all those things in life that make us feel better about ourselves when the Word of God declares that within me there dwells no good thing (Romans 7:18).
The message pulls Scripture from the context, therefore watering down the power of the Word of God to change lives. They reach a little from here and there to help make a point that many times the Scripture does not even remotely pertain to.
Oh Beloved, don’t be duped or deceived by the trickery of man. The message of the Word of God many times causes discomfort – until there is repentance. It sometimes causes doubt – until we come to the One who is Truth. It many times calls, even demands that we look beyond ourselves and our comfort in order that Christ might be glorified, even in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:10).
Paul, in dealing with the early church (and it remains true today), went about “strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith, "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God," as Paul declared to them (Acts 14:22).
As we enter into these last days, how much truer that is for us today. This may not be a “warm, fuzzy” gospel, but it is the true message of the Gospel. "You shall know the Truth, and the Truth shall set you free."
Friday, July 10, 2009
Tupperware Christians
2 Timothy 2:20-21
But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.
If Paul were teaching us today, he may have said, “But in an executive mansion there are not only vessels of gold, silver and precious china, but also of stainless steel, stoneware and Tupperware®, some for honor and some for dishonor.” He was making a metaphorical point that there are a variety of uses for individuals in the church depending upon their usefulness. He further made the statement that it was the responsibility of the vessel (the individual) to be rid of things in their lives that would cause them to be vessels of dishonor.
2 Timothy 2:22-26
Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.
From what Paul and other New Testament writers declare, the usefulness of my life for the work of the Kingdom of God depends upon my willingness and consistency to set aside, lay aside, forsake, put off and flee from (Eph. 4:22; Col. 3:8; 2 Tim. 2:22; Heb. 12:1; James 1:21; 1 Peter 2:1) the works of my flesh. If we want to be vessels of honor, used powerfully by the Hand of God, we must be diligent in our desire and actions to please the Master of our souls. In 1 Corinthians 9:27 Paul further speaks of the personal discipline he himself endures in order that he would be useful for the Kingdom and not disqualified.
But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.
Discipline covers a multitude of areas and I believe that our entire life – physically and emotionally (as well as spiritually) – is a demonstration of the reality of the discipline of the spirit. I have known men and women who were very disciplined in all areas of their lives and have been amazed at how they were able to see the Lord Jesus use them in so many areas. I have also seen men and women who love the Lord, yet fail in areas of personal discipline, miss or mess up the work of the Lord in their lives. Neither of these is 100% in either direction, but it does appear to be a good general rule for the Christian. A disciplined life will result in a disciplined spirit -- an undisciplined life usually also has an undisciplined spirit.
Tupperware® had a use in our house, But my mother always put it away when there was a special occasion and for the use of special guests. Am I satisfied being Tupperware® or do I want to be used as fine china by the Master?
How is the personal discipline in your life?
What do you do to extend or strengthen personal areas of discipline in the physical? Emotional? Spiritual?
What daily routines, structure or habits do you use to help in those areas?
But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.
If Paul were teaching us today, he may have said, “But in an executive mansion there are not only vessels of gold, silver and precious china, but also of stainless steel, stoneware and Tupperware®, some for honor and some for dishonor.” He was making a metaphorical point that there are a variety of uses for individuals in the church depending upon their usefulness. He further made the statement that it was the responsibility of the vessel (the individual) to be rid of things in their lives that would cause them to be vessels of dishonor.
2 Timothy 2:22-26
Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.
From what Paul and other New Testament writers declare, the usefulness of my life for the work of the Kingdom of God depends upon my willingness and consistency to set aside, lay aside, forsake, put off and flee from (Eph. 4:22; Col. 3:8; 2 Tim. 2:22; Heb. 12:1; James 1:21; 1 Peter 2:1) the works of my flesh. If we want to be vessels of honor, used powerfully by the Hand of God, we must be diligent in our desire and actions to please the Master of our souls. In 1 Corinthians 9:27 Paul further speaks of the personal discipline he himself endures in order that he would be useful for the Kingdom and not disqualified.
But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.
Discipline covers a multitude of areas and I believe that our entire life – physically and emotionally (as well as spiritually) – is a demonstration of the reality of the discipline of the spirit. I have known men and women who were very disciplined in all areas of their lives and have been amazed at how they were able to see the Lord Jesus use them in so many areas. I have also seen men and women who love the Lord, yet fail in areas of personal discipline, miss or mess up the work of the Lord in their lives. Neither of these is 100% in either direction, but it does appear to be a good general rule for the Christian. A disciplined life will result in a disciplined spirit -- an undisciplined life usually also has an undisciplined spirit.
Tupperware® had a use in our house, But my mother always put it away when there was a special occasion and for the use of special guests. Am I satisfied being Tupperware® or do I want to be used as fine china by the Master?
How is the personal discipline in your life?
What do you do to extend or strengthen personal areas of discipline in the physical? Emotional? Spiritual?
What daily routines, structure or habits do you use to help in those areas?
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Israel 2009
Land of the Patriarchs, Land of the Promise, Land of the Covenants (old and new). What a blessed time it is to be in Israel. Israel in the Spring in particular. All of the fields, hills and mountains of Galilee are alive with the multitude of colors that declare springtime. The wild life is active and visible every day. The Sea of Galilee can be beautiful and calm in the morning and raging in the afternoon, as a Spring storm comes rushing in from the Mediterranean Sea.
In the mornings we are wearing layers and in the afternoon the layers are coming off. We visit sights such as Capernaum, Caesarea Maritima, Mt. Carmel. We open the Bible and teach at the locations that the events took place 2-3000 years ago. It is so amazing. We are in the land where Jesus walked.
Sharing teachings with pastors Mark Martin (Calvary Community Church, Phoenix) and Ken Merrihew (Calvary Chapel Oklahoma City, OK) has been a delight. These two brothers have opened the Word of God and their hearts as we minister together on this trip.
After five days in the Galilee region we spent a day in the Dead Sea area, spending one night in Eilat -- the southern most point of the Dead Sea. During our time there we visited En Gedi, where David hid in the caves from Saul as he sought David's life; Qumran, where the Dead Sea scrolls were found -- proving the accuracy of the Old Testament with scrolls over 2000 years old; and Masada, the Roman fortress on a mountain top in this arrid region. It was here that large group of Jews over-took the fortress following the fall of Jerusalem and were able to hold on to their occupation for three years before taking their own lives rather than become the slaves of the Romans and face the perverseness of the Roman society and forced into their idol worship.
Today we began our visit in the city of Jerusalem: so much to write and so little time. More on the blog and this tour later.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Looking For A City
How easy it is for us to become so focused on the “here and now” that we forget about the “bye and bye”. This is an old phrase but it speaks of that which is yet to come, after our time on the earth is complete and after this age has run its course. So much of what we do, work at, dream about, plan for and even hope for deals with the short period of time we find ourselves “on this terrestrial ball”. We focus on economy, politics, health, relationships, pleasure, success and our own self-esteem. Although some of these things are important to consider, all of them are destined to parish with their use.
Economics fluctuate with the whims of a relatively small group of the super wealthy (and might I add, super greedy) few.
Politics can change at a moments notice depending upon the favor of the party in power. Then every two to four years the best can become worst and the worst can be seen as good.
We can do all that we possibly can to maintain our bodies in great healthy and strong shape only to have a heart give out or a disease take its toll.
Relationships are only as good as the commitment made by the parties, “for better or worse”. This is true rather in marriage, friendship or even church relations.
Seeking after pleasure becomes a fleeting target along with success. What is deemed to be the ideal for today grows weary tomorrow and a greater high or a bigger bank account becomes the target not quite reached.
Self-esteem is so focused on, well, self, that it often comes to the point of excluding the needs of others around us; only to find that we are rejected by those who surround us thus bringing our self-esteem down. When I focus on self I have very narrow vision and my heart is not open to the needs around me.
My maternal grandmother died at the young age of 101 years old. That seems like a long time and for the average of human life it is a long time. But in view of eternity it is but a vapor. No matter what your current age or your current health or your current economic condition, there is not one person reading this Blog that will still be around 100 years from now. This mortal body is destined for decay. Eternity awaits each one of us. For the Believer we know that the next life will be that which lasts forever. It is when this mortal puts on immortality, when this corruptible puts on incorruption. It is that time when we will no longer know in part, but we shall see all things as they really are and we will finally see Jesus face to face.
Two songs, one old and one relatively new speak of that time:
What a day that will be, when my Jesus I shall see.
When I look upon His face,
The one who saved my by His grace.
And,
Surrounded by Your glory,
What will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus
Or in awe of you be still
Will I stand in your presence
Or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah,
Will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine
Abraham understood this idea as he sought for a city whose builder and maker is God (Hebrews 11:10) (“Oh that I would have that same heart and not be so easily distracted”). Yet, in the midst of his faith Abraham had issues and problems. There were real battles that Abraham had to fight. There were family relationships that were in absolute turmoil that Abraham had to deal with. There were choices he had to make that allowed him, to leave Ur and the gods of his fathers to seek out the one true God that called Him to a new home. He could have let physical limitations keep him from experiencing all that God had for him, yet he believed God and it was accounted to him as righteousness.
The Bible tells us that because of that type of mindset, “God was not ashamed to be called their God (Hebrews 11:16).” I am personally struck by that verse. I have to wonder, not if God is, but rather how often God is “ashamed to be called” my God.
“Lord, help me keep my eyes on You. Help me to focus upon the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Help me not to be such a whiner about the little things”
Economics fluctuate with the whims of a relatively small group of the super wealthy (and might I add, super greedy) few.
Politics can change at a moments notice depending upon the favor of the party in power. Then every two to four years the best can become worst and the worst can be seen as good.
We can do all that we possibly can to maintain our bodies in great healthy and strong shape only to have a heart give out or a disease take its toll.
Relationships are only as good as the commitment made by the parties, “for better or worse”. This is true rather in marriage, friendship or even church relations.
Seeking after pleasure becomes a fleeting target along with success. What is deemed to be the ideal for today grows weary tomorrow and a greater high or a bigger bank account becomes the target not quite reached.
Self-esteem is so focused on, well, self, that it often comes to the point of excluding the needs of others around us; only to find that we are rejected by those who surround us thus bringing our self-esteem down. When I focus on self I have very narrow vision and my heart is not open to the needs around me.
My maternal grandmother died at the young age of 101 years old. That seems like a long time and for the average of human life it is a long time. But in view of eternity it is but a vapor. No matter what your current age or your current health or your current economic condition, there is not one person reading this Blog that will still be around 100 years from now. This mortal body is destined for decay. Eternity awaits each one of us. For the Believer we know that the next life will be that which lasts forever. It is when this mortal puts on immortality, when this corruptible puts on incorruption. It is that time when we will no longer know in part, but we shall see all things as they really are and we will finally see Jesus face to face.
Two songs, one old and one relatively new speak of that time:
What a day that will be, when my Jesus I shall see.
When I look upon His face,
The one who saved my by His grace.
And,
Surrounded by Your glory,
What will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus
Or in awe of you be still
Will I stand in your presence
Or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah,
Will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine
Abraham understood this idea as he sought for a city whose builder and maker is God (Hebrews 11:10) (“Oh that I would have that same heart and not be so easily distracted”). Yet, in the midst of his faith Abraham had issues and problems. There were real battles that Abraham had to fight. There were family relationships that were in absolute turmoil that Abraham had to deal with. There were choices he had to make that allowed him, to leave Ur and the gods of his fathers to seek out the one true God that called Him to a new home. He could have let physical limitations keep him from experiencing all that God had for him, yet he believed God and it was accounted to him as righteousness.
The Bible tells us that because of that type of mindset, “God was not ashamed to be called their God (Hebrews 11:16).” I am personally struck by that verse. I have to wonder, not if God is, but rather how often God is “ashamed to be called” my God.
“Lord, help me keep my eyes on You. Help me to focus upon the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Help me not to be such a whiner about the little things”
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