“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” - 2 Timothy 1:7
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. -Jeremiah 29:11
What a great God we serve.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
“Compromise”
What is compromise?
Is it always a good thing?
First, let us take a look at what it means.
Compromise:
1 a : settlement of differences by arbitration or by consent reached by mutual concessions
2 : a concession to something derogatory or prejudicial <a compromise of principles>
(http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compromise)
We hear this word used quite a bit today. I believe in most cases, it is a good thing. We should teach our children to “compromise” with their friends when they fight over a toy, or turn on the slide. If co-workers have different ideas about a thing, they can usually “compromise” and come to an agreeable, productive solution. Divorced parents really need to “compromise” on such things as visitation for the weekends and holidays, etc.
What about our integrity? Is it ever okay to “compromise” here?
Once again, let us look at what Mirriam-Webster has to say on integrity.
Integrity:
1 : firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values : incorruptibility
2 : an unimpaired condition : soundness
3 : the quality or state of being complete or undivided : completeness
(http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/integrity?show=0&t=1298734317)
For application here, we will use “firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values : incorruptibility “.
“Firm adherence” and “incorruptibility,” I really like the way that sounds.
It gives the impression of finality, strength, never changing-stability.
We hear today that one should do whatever necessary for the boss and/or company. “After all, they sign our paycheck,” or “everyone does it.” The excuses may run into how we have four hungry mouths to feed, and the list goes on. We can rationalize anything; sometimes justifiably so; but the question we must address is, is it the right thing to do?
Let me issue a serious warning here; if we ever “compromise” our “integrity” in our workplace or dealings with others, we will be asked time and time again to do so. If we do it once, it will be hard to argue that we won’t do it again. We have lost our “integrity.”
Think about the collapse of Enron, and so many other respected companies, banks, and people. Businessmen and corporations are not the only ones. How many politicians have been burned because they “compromised” their “integrity?”
If we question whether this behavior is acceptable, let us take a look at the scriptures to see what God says about “compromise” and “integrity.”
1 Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho
8 Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.”
9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; 10 for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” -Luke 19:1-10
8 Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.”
9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; 10 for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” -Luke 19:1-10
Zacchaeus could have said, “from now on, I will not over charge anyone.” He was repentant for what he had done and sought to not only change his business practice, but restore to those he had wronged.
The following verses (11-27) also address “compromise” and “integrity.”
Of course I cannot conclude without looking at Jesus response to paying taxes.
24 When they had come to Capernaum
25 He said, “Yes.”
And when he had come into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take customs or taxes, from their sons or from strangers?”
26 Peter said to Him, “From strangers.”
Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. 27 Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you.” –Matthew 17:24-27
25 He said, “Yes.”
And when he had come into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take customs or taxes, from their sons or from strangers?”
26 Peter said to Him, “From strangers.”
Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. 27 Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you.” –Matthew 17:24-27
20 So they watched Him, and sent spies who pretended to be righteous, that they might seize on His words, in order to deliver Him to the power and the authority of the governor.
21 Then they asked Him, saying, “Teacher, we know that You say and teach rightly, and You do not show personal favoritism, but teach the way of God in truth: 22 Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
23 But He perceived their craftiness, and said to them, “Why do you test Me? 24 Show Me a denarius. Whose image and inscription does it have?”
They answered and said, “Caesar’s.”
25 And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
26 But they could not catch Him in His words in the presence of the people. And they marveled at His answer and kept silent. –Luke 20:20-26
21 Then they asked Him, saying, “Teacher, we know that You say and teach rightly, and You do not show personal favoritism, but teach the way of God in truth: 22 Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
23 But He perceived their craftiness, and said to them, “Why do you test Me? 24 Show Me a denarius. Whose image and inscription does it have?”
They answered and said, “Caesar’s.”
25 And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
26 But they could not catch Him in His words in the presence of the people. And they marveled at His answer and kept silent. –Luke 20:20-26
We desperately need to look for God’s way in everything we do. Jesus “compromised” on the paying of taxes (He should not have had to pay taxes), but
He never “compromised” His “integrity.”
When it comes to God’s Word and salvation, there is no “compromise”-EVER!
We need to follow the example Christ lay before us.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Do You Ever Doubt? Part II
Yesterday we looked at John’s concern while he was in prison. If I may, let me go off subject for a quick second. John was in prison but his concern was not about his physical state but rather if Jesus was the Messiah.
Some of us have cancer, others of us may be in prison, or on the brink of homelessness. A tough question to ask oneself, is my physical state more important than my knowledge and faith in Christ?
Every single aspect of our life falls into one of two categories: does it have temporal value, or eternal value? Will it matter a hundred years from now?
Okay, back to our subject:
4 Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: 5 The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he who is not offended because ofMe.
7 As they departed, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. 9 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. 10 For this is he of whom it is written:
‘ Behold, I send My messenger before Your face,
Who will prepare Your way before You.’
11 “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. - Matthew 11:2-11
What a testimony about John. Jesus could have let it go since John had even asked but He didn’t. He gave John His “stamp of approval.”
Some of us have cancer, others of us may be in prison, or on the brink of homelessness. A tough question to ask oneself, is my physical state more important than my knowledge and faith in Christ?
Every single aspect of our life falls into one of two categories: does it have temporal value, or eternal value? Will it matter a hundred years from now?
Okay, back to our subject:
4 Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: 5 The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he who is not offended because of
7 As they departed, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. 9 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. 10 For this is he of whom it is written:
‘ Behold, I send My messenger before Your face,
Who will prepare Your way before You.’
11 “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. - Matthew 11:2-11
What a testimony about John. Jesus could have let it go since John had even asked but He didn’t. He gave John His “stamp of approval.”
Even the most faithful servant of the Lord struggles with questions, even doubt. There is hope yet for you and I. We must accept Jesus as He is and we must be willing to suffer whatever life throws at us and persevere. Let us concern ourselves with the will of God and not the will of ourselves. But know this one thing; whatever we go through, He is with us in it. He will either deliver us from it, through it, or perfect us (in death) in it. Whatever the trial, it is temporary. Consider the eternal ramifications.
God bless~
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Do You Ever Doubt? Part I
2 And when John (the Baptist) had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples 3 and said to Him, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?”
Have you ever struggled with doubt? Even John the Baptist had second thoughts despite his declaration when he baptized Jesus (John 1:29-34;John 3:25-36). Satan is very cunning; he is the master of deception and the father of lies. He can do much damage by casting an ounce of doubt. John knew what he witnessed at the beginning but when things didn’t work out as he thought they would, he began to question if he was mistaken.
He, like all the others, thought the Messiah would come like His forefather David; A mighty, conquering King. They believed He would set up His kingdom inJerusalem
Is Jesus what you expect? Can you accept Him just the way He is?
If you, like I, have ever struggled with this, don’t worry; there is hope. If we truly want to know and believe, God is faithful and will reveal Himself to us. All we need do is pray and step out in faith. He loves you enough that “He sent His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have eternal life (John ).” If He loves us that much, even the craftiness of the Devil himself can’t stop the love relationship between Almighty God and His child.
Have you ever struggled with doubt? Even John the Baptist had second thoughts despite his declaration when he baptized Jesus (John 1:29-34;John 3:25-36). Satan is very cunning; he is the master of deception and the father of lies. He can do much damage by casting an ounce of doubt. John knew what he witnessed at the beginning but when things didn’t work out as he thought they would, he began to question if he was mistaken.
He, like all the others, thought the Messiah would come like His forefather David; A mighty, conquering King. They believed He would set up His kingdom in
Is Jesus what you expect? Can you accept Him just the way He is?
If you, like I, have ever struggled with this, don’t worry; there is hope. If we truly want to know and believe, God is faithful and will reveal Himself to us. All we need do is pray and step out in faith. He loves you enough that “He sent His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have eternal life (John ).” If He loves us that much, even the craftiness of the Devil himself can’t stop the love relationship between Almighty God and His child.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Light of Hope in a Dark World by Adrian Rogers
"The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined." Isaiah 9:2
Imagine being in a cave without a flashlight. Can you see any shadows? You cannot even see your hand! Shadows are only visible in the presence of light.
Regardless of how dark, how large, how absolutely ominous a shadow appears, it is only there because there is light.
David says, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil." Why? Because "Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me" (Psalm 23:4).
Jesus has taken the sting out of sin and the fear out of the grave. He has empowered us with the Holy Spirit to give us confidence that He will always be with us and watch over us.
There are many today who are grieving because of a loss—the loss of a loved one, a job, a wayward child. Pray for them. Send them a note of hope and include 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17.
Imagine being in a cave without a flashlight. Can you see any shadows? You cannot even see your hand! Shadows are only visible in the presence of light.
Regardless of how dark, how large, how absolutely ominous a shadow appears, it is only there because there is light.
David says, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil." Why? Because "Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me" (Psalm 23:4).
Jesus has taken the sting out of sin and the fear out of the grave. He has empowered us with the Holy Spirit to give us confidence that He will always be with us and watch over us.
There are many today who are grieving because of a loss—the loss of a loved one, a job, a wayward child. Pray for them. Send them a note of hope and include 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17.
Be of Good Cheer
33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” -John 16:33
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
The Authority of Scripture
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. -II Timothy 3:16-17
Monday, February 21, 2011
“Warning – Warning – Warning”
4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. -2 Timothy 2:4
There appear to be as many various biblical teachings today as there are verses in the Bible. Turn on the TV or radio and you may hear five teachers teaching from the same passage but from five extremely different interpretations.
Many teach the “Health and Wealth-Prosperity” doctrine. It appears that many listen and hang onto every word. But is this doctrine really scriptural?
Today’s passages are all found in the book of II Timothy. Paul is giving counsel to Timothy who is a young pastor. Paul is giving him what he believes are his last instructions before his death. He is “laying it on the line” so to speak. Although Paul is instructing Timothy in his preaching and ministry, it would do us good to see what Paul instructs a young pastor to teach. We can hold our pastor (or those we listen to on TV/radio) to this standard to see if the are teaching truth.
1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. -2 Timothy 3:1-7
Is this not what we see happening today? Each of us will one day stand before God and give an account of what we did. That will include our time and effort in our worship and our daily dealings as well as what we desired in return. Do we choose our teachers based on what they promise us? (health and wealth in this life) Our passion should not be “ME” focused, but rather “what does God desire of me, regardless of the cost.”
10 But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, 11 persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. -2 Timothy 3:10-13
Did Paul say “ALL” who seek to live Godly lives will suffer?
12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
We best heed this warning. I am in no way suggesting that it is not worth it. I can testify to the fact that it is. What I am trying to show is that if a preacher/teacher tells you any other thing, he is not preaching truth. Obviously, following Christ is not about a miserable existence; it is about accepting God’s truth and experiencing a blessed life, despite the sufferings in this world.
1 I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 2 Timothy 4:1-5
2 Preach the word! I think that is pretty clear.
“He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose.”
Jim Elliot
Saturday, February 19, 2011
1 John 4:11-12
11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.12 No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Why do people leave the church Part VII
What can we do about it?
First of all, let me say to you if you have been hurt, I am sorry for your pain.
The first thing you need to realize is that God loves you. He would never do anything to cause you pain unless it was vital to your best interests.
We would do well to understand that the pain and suffering we experience are direct results of sin. God warned Adam and Eve not to eat of the tree in the garden but they did. There was no reason to eat that fruit as their every need was provided by God. Today we suffer as a result of sin. Let us not accuse God or blame everything on Adam and Eve. Every one of us sins. Yes, it is in our nature, but are we not able to decide for ourselves what we will do?
If none of us were sinners we would all join together as one big, happy family within the body of Christ. God is not the problem, we are; God is the solution. If we truly want happiness, we must submit to Jesus Christ. If we do, we will experience His joy, His peace, His comfort.
I would like to add one more reason people leave the church. It is because God becomes meaningless in our lives. Maybe as a child we believed; maybe we had great hope in a Heavenly Father; but as we grow older, the Bible stories become just that-stories. God may not seem personal; He may seem like a distant, un-caring deity out there, somewhere. This attitude or thought would be listed under the lies of the Devil. God is personal, He cares deeply.
If you have strayed away from Him or if you have never received Him, I beg you to just pray and ask Him to reveal Himself to you; He will. It may not be what you expect, or the way you want Him to, but I can assure you, you will never regret it.
In Closing;
As believers, what is our charge? In II Timothy, Paul charged Timothy as a preacher to “Preach the Word.” Every believer should follow this to the degree possible.
1 I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. –II Timothy 4:1-5
As the arms and legs of the body of Christ, we need to commit ourselves to growing in Christ. That means we are to act as He did/does. In “everything” we do, we need to do it in love! Then the world will see His light shine through us and they will be drawn to the light.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Why do people leave the church Part VI
They are distracted by the cares of this world.
Work, fishing, football, golf, or yard work, become a Sunday morning ritual for many. I have known people who only attend during the winter months, freeing them up to enjoy their summer. Of course there are those who attend Christmas and/or Easter but no other time. Many of us abandon church when going off to college or going into the military. The reasons and excuses are countless.
When I went into the military, I had my first real taste of freedom; or so I thought. When I got to my first duty station, I didn’t go to church. I had a lot of great reasons; the truth was, I stayed out late and was living in sin. My conscience made me want to avoid God. How could I go to church while living this way. (see earlier post about rebellion)
When I came back to the states, I had this horrible sense of guilt. I felt I was lost. How could I ask God to forgive me? Why should He? It was if I could hear Satan accusing me before God; reminding Him of every single sin I had committed.
I loathed myself. My sense of freedom had turned into a twenty thousand pound weight around my ankles as I stood on a creaking board at the end of a rickety old pier, waiting to be pushed into the ocean. But God was merciful; He sent a group of young men who convinced me God still loved me. If He could forgive me, I had to forgive myself. If I didn’t, it was as though I was rejecting Him again.
It took months of these young men working with me for me to quit reliving my sins.
If you are outside the will of God and you know you need to get right with Him, don’t put it off. Cry out to Him today. He is anxiously waiting~
18 Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, 19 and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. –Mark -19
11 Then He said: “A certain man had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So he divided to them his livelihood. 13 And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. 14 But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want. 15 Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. 16 And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything.
17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, 19 and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’
20 “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. 23 And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; 24 for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry. –Luke 15:11-24
17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, 19 and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’
20 “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. 23 And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; 24 for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry. –Luke 15:11-24
Why do people leave the church Part V
They have been misled by false doctrine and/or other lies of the devil.
This can take many forms. There are countless cults and other false churches out there. The apostle Paul warned Timothy (II Timothy -19, 3:1-9) about false teachers. Many times throughout the New Testament, Paul and others warned of those who would mislead a portion of the flock.
Today there are those who claim that Jesus was not from the beginning;
that we can, or will become gods; that we are presently a part of God. The false teachings go on and on.
I believe because of the division within the evangelical church, many think to themselves “if they can’t agree when they read from the same book, how would I know, or how could I know what is right? All they do is fight and I want no part of it.” I heard the other day of a man who was fed up with hearing about tithes and offerings. He went home and sat down to watch TV. A couple of people came to his door and said they didn’t believe in tithes and offerings so he invited them in.
If we wrap our message in a pretty package, it is more appealing. Just remember, how many people have opened a pretty package only to have received a bomb or some other harmful item.
Unfortunately, many people get in the habit of watching televised worship services or programs. Many of these TV evangelists would prefer you stay home and send them your tithes or gifts.
Many beg you to send in your money, often times with threats that if you don’t, God won’t bless you, or they may have to go off the air, or in one case, God would kill the preacher if he didn’t receive a million dollars.
I would warn everyone, “compare” what is said to scripture. If it doesn’t agree, get away from that teaching. The bible clearly instructs us to be part of a local body of believers.
God does not require anything of us, except to submit to Jesus, to be blessed. There is nothing we can do to earn God’s favor.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Why do people leave the church? Part IV
They have not seen Christ in the church.
Today, many people are un-churched. Every Sunday morning as I travel to and from church, I see people mowing their yards, getting the boat ready to hit the lake, sleeping in after a night out, or doing any number of things -except getting ready for church. When I talk to un-churched people who profess to be Christians, I hear a common excuse, “I can’t find a church that’s not full of hypocrites.” They each have a story, or stories, of how things were at the last twelve churches they attended.
I have talked to numerous people (including pastors) who have left the church I attended and they say they are convinced God’s Spirit is no longer there.
I am not trying to shame anyone, nor make any personal attacks. What I seek to accomplish is address whether it is scriptural to refrain from attending church
(meaning the gathering of fellow believers).
A friend of mine who left the church I now attend told me he believed God had removed His lampstand from out of our midst and he had been pondering whether to leave or not. I suggested he give much prayer to the matter.
This is the advice I would give to anyone before leaving your current place of worship. Granted, if your pastor is not preaching truth, or he is engaged in a sinful lifestyle and the congregation excuses the behavior, go to the Lord and He may tell you to leave; or, The Lord may remove him- His way. If adultery or other sins are overlooked and not dealt with, it may be time to move.
I believe many of us take church membership way to lightly. It’s like changing our favorite restaurant, or cars, or our shirt. It is based on our own emotions and not on what God wants. I view my church family as exactly that; family. We may have disagreements at times but the thought of cutting ties with them grieves me. We have been through too much for me to get huffy and walk away. How many of us would leave our spouse and kids, or parents just because we got upset? We are commanded to love one another and I haven’t read where it makes exception.
Even if the church you attended, and the last ten churches you have visited are not scripturally and/or spiritually right, or you truly believe they are not the right one (after much prayer), is this an acceptable reason to give up on church?
“NO!”
We should not forsake the assembling of ourselves:
23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. -Hebrews 10:23-25
The King James Study Bible says in reference to vs. 25:
This admonition involves more than erratic attendance. It involves the entire worship of Christ and is an outward indication of an inner condition. The assembling of God’s people provides opportunity for reciprocal encouragement, strengthening, and the stirring up that can be gained from one another (cf. Col. 3:12 -16). It consists of participation in worship and fellowship. The church is a body interacting (1 Cor. -27): it is not merely a dispensary of spiritual food and medicine.
We rob ourselves when we hold back from the rest of the body. A body without a hand can function, but not to the full extent it could if the hand were present. So it is with the church body.
Throughout the New Testament, Peter, Paul, etc. wrote letters addressing problems within the church. Nowhere do they condone the separation from a local body.
If we feel God has removed His lampstand from the church we are now attending, and we just do not feel His presence there, we should pray earnestly.
Maybe God has put us there for such a time as this. Maybe we are the reason God has not dealt a deathblow to that local body. We need to pray earnestly, and much about what is the Fathers will.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Why do people leave the church? Part III
They have been deeply hurt by people they trust.
Many people within the church will get their feelings hurt with other members. It may even be a family member who is well respected in the church body. We are so hurt, we can’t get over it. We may even look at everyone as hypocrites. Anything that is said is taken as a personal attack. We no longer experience the joy of the Lord within the presence of our church family. Many times we may even criticize and attack the body every chance we are given.
I myself recall many painful experiences from my youth. I won’t divulge the details at this time but I want to make something perfectly clear, there are many ravenous wolves within the church. Just because a person acts like they are devoted to God and hold prominence within the church does not make them a Christian anymore than standing in a garage makes you a car. Jesus himself warned of those who would offend.
The Pharisee’s and other religious teachers hated Jesus, but where was He each sabbath? He was in the temple or a synagogue. In short, this is what I get from the scriptures; Jesus set the example He wanted us to follow. He went to the temple, synagogue, and the streets. Wherever there were people who needed to hear the gospel, whether they received Him or not, He was there. The apostles followed His lead and did the same. They encouraged every believer to join with other believers to experience cohesion[a] and support as well as to meet the needs of the widow, orphan, and the poor.
I can’t help but think of the Chinese church; under such persecution, yet they are thriving. They risk their very lives to be a part of the body of Christ. I wish we could have more of these Chinese Christians come and share what life is like for them. I wonder how many of us would argue with them that we can’t find a good church. Could we persuade them that being a part of the body is not needed?
Every new visitor could turn them in to the authorities, but yet they thrive. Why?
Because they can’t help but share the gospel and bring lost souls into the body so that they too might be fed the truth of God’s word and find support among fellow believers.
Paul addressed many times the problems within the early church, but no where in all of scripture does it say we are excused from being a part of the body. Obviously there are those who cannot attend in person, but as stated before, there is a way we can all be connected.
Friend, if it is at all possible, make every effort to join with other believers this Sunday. Pray that the Lord would guide you to the place He wants you. I can assure you He will answer your prayer. May He heal your broken heart, and give you His peace, His joy, His grace, and His love.
[a] Cohesion: 1. joining or working together: the state or condition of joining or working together to form a united whole, or the tendency to do this.
Encarta ® World English Dictionary © & (P) 1998-2005 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Why Do People Leave The Church? Part II
They are in rebellion against God.
When a person is living outside the will of God, we find it hard to come into the church (building and presence of other believers). This is a reminder of the un-confessed sin in our life and the power of conviction makes us uncomfortable. Like Jonah, we seek to get away from the presence of God. The longer we run from God, the further we get away from Him. That over whelming feeling of conviction lessens, and we began to get comfortable in our sin. Any mention of God or going to church invokes that deep feeling of guilt and we become unsettled.
Then there are those of us who lose a loved one, go through a divorce, or experience some other catastrophic event in our life. We blame God and act out. We may even seek to get even. Our heart hardens and we just pull farther and farther away. We may even seek to discourage others in their walk. Some may claim to be atheists or agnostic.
Is there hope for the rebellious, wayward soul?
The Lost Son [Luke -24]
11 Then He said: “A certain man had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So he divided to them his livelihood. 13 And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. 14 But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want. 15 Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. 16 And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything.
17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, 19 and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’
20 “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. 23 And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; 24 for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry.
17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, 19 and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’
20 “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. 23 And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; 24 for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry.
If you are living in rebellion, please come back to the Father today. I promise you He will receive you with open arms.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Why do people leave the church?
We are in rebellion against God.
We have been deeply hurt by people we trust.
We have not seen Christ in the church.
We have been misled by false doctrine and/or other lies of the devil.
We are distracted by the cares of this world.
We should consider why we do not attend church services.
In the scriptures, we are clearly commanded to join with other believers.Take a moment and consider the reason you do not attend.
I will speak more about this later.
For granted, there are those who are disabled or can no longer drive
and have no transportation. If a person can't physically be there, consider
contacting a local pastor and see if someone can visit you. You can relate
by phone or email. You can receive prayer list and pray and/or make phone calls.
You may even be able to have a bible study in your home or if in a retirement
community in the rec. center. "You" have somthing to offer others and receive
a blessing in the process.
The important thing is to be plugged in. Do not rob yourself of the blessing
of being a part of the body of Christ.
I was glad when they said to me,“Let us go into the house of the LORD.” -Psalm 122:1
Saturday, February 5, 2011
What If?
What if you were arrested and put in prison for the rest of your life? What if this life sentence was to be in isolation? No contact with anyone but a guard, and only when he brought your food. No personal items like deodorant, toothpaste, nail clippers, hair brush, and especially no Bible. So here you sit; alone, smelly, itching, cold, damp, and you have nothing to do but sit on a cold, hard floor 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for the rest of your life. Take a moment and let this sink in.
This scenario plays out everyday in countries like North Korea China Iran
Would your current knowledge of the Bible be enough to sustain you?
Would remembering the story of Jonah, Job, David, and Jesus be enough?
I believe you would hunger more for God’s word than you would for food. Here in America
But what if you were on vacation, or a business trip overseas and your plane was hi-jacked? What if you were kidnapped at the mall?
What if you were imprisoned as described above? It could happen.
I remember hearing of a Vietnamese man after the fall of Saigon who was put in a prison camp. His daily job was to scrub the filthy latrine (rest room). He was a Christian, but after being put in this prison camp he began to question God. He prayed that if God really did exist to show him. One day he found some paper fragments in the latrine that the camp commander had used to wipe himself with. He noticed that it was the torn pages out of a Bible. He washed the feces and urine off the ragged pages and smuggled them back to his cell. He was actually excited the next day to clean the latrine in hopes that he would find more pages. He did indeed and over time was able to piece back together the entire Bible.
Years later he got out and made it to America
Can you imagine yourself in this situation? Would you be willing to wash human excrement off the pages just to have a copy of God’s word? This was his most prized possession while in prison.
Why take a chance and wait? Please consider learning God’s word and storing it in your heart. None of us know what tomorrow may bring.
As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. -Psalm 42:1
You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah -Psalm 32:7
Lead me, O LORD, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make Your way straight before my face. -Psalm 5:8
Friday, February 4, 2011
The Discipline of God
3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. 4 You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. 5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons:
“ My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD,
Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;
6 For whom the LORD loves He chastens,
And scourges every son whom He receives.” (from Proverbs 3:11, 12)
7 If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? 8 But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. 9 Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. 11 Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. –Hebrews 12:3-11
As a parent, I have had to discipline my children. I did this because I love them and seek their best interests. I absolutely hated to, but I understood/understand that it is my responsibility to teach them right from wrong. If I don’t teach them, I neglect my great responsibility and they will suffer in the long run.
I personally do not like to be rebuked or punished; however, knowing myself as I do, and knowing the Lord, I realize to become what I need to be and want to be, I need God to chastise me. I pray that He would do whatever He needs to do to get me in right standing with Him. Only then will I see Him more clearly and experience His goodness at the next level.
“ My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD,
Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;
6 For whom the LORD loves He chastens,
And scourges every son whom He receives.” (from Proverbs 3:11, 12)
7 If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? 8 But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. 9 Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. 11 Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. –Hebrews 12:3-11
As a parent, I have had to discipline my children. I did this because I love them and seek their best interests. I absolutely hated to, but I understood/understand that it is my responsibility to teach them right from wrong. If I don’t teach them, I neglect my great responsibility and they will suffer in the long run.
I personally do not like to be rebuked or punished; however, knowing myself as I do, and knowing the Lord, I realize to become what I need to be and want to be, I need God to chastise me. I pray that He would do whatever He needs to do to get me in right standing with Him. Only then will I see Him more clearly and experience His goodness at the next level.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Consider...
Consider the Universe…
Consider the human body…
Consider the human eye…
Consider the human brain…
Consider DNA…
Consider birth…
Can these miracles be brought about by chance?
Consider this: how many years would it take for “chance” to produce a jigsaw puzzle of a meadow? I don’t think anyone would believe this to be possible; yet the very meadow, complete with all the many flowers, and bee’s, and birds, etc, that the puzzle is a copy of, can evolve from simple, un-living matter?
Is it just me, or does this seem un-thinkable? Maybe my mind is too simple.
Evolutionists generally try to make you feel stupid if you don’t agree with them.
But why do they avoid the hard questions? Why do they take offense to questions?
After all, they profess to look for truth. If they truly believe what they claim to be truth, they should not take offense to questions about what they claim.
If the questions coincide with their beliefs they are fine, but ask a question that challenges their belief and they blow up.
I am not scientifically qualified to give all the answers; but I listen to scientists that truly understand science, look at all the information available to all other scientists, and show how science actually supports scripture. We hear the word “facts” thrown around quite a bit, but to my mind, the “facts” support “Creation” as found in scripture.
I think it best to leave the explanations up to God through His Word.
The following is from Genesis chapter one:
1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
3 Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.
9 Then God said, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear”; and it was so. 10 And God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering together of the waters He called Seas. And God saw that it was good.
26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
I know I skipped several verses (for the sake of time and space), but we can go back and read the entire account for ourselves.
The following verses are taken from Psalm 19:
1 The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.
In considering this opening statement, how can David not end with the following:
In considering this opening statement, how can David not end with the following:
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.
I also recommend searching Louie Giglio on youtube.
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Tuesday, February 1, 2011
God and Computers
I have a computer. I know many things about my computer. I know what brand it is; I know what model; I even know how to use it; well, partially. I must confess, I am not the most computer savvy person. I can see my computer and do many things with it, but I have absolutely no idea how it works. I know it has a processor, hard-drive etc., but I cannot explain how these parts actually function. How so much information can be stored on a tiny little piece of plastic and wires, no bigger than a finger nail boggles my mind. I could say, well, because I can’t see how it works nor do I understand it, I won’t believe in it. Would that make it so? Of course not, it would make me ignorant.
We see the world around us. We see animals and plants, air (which we cannot see) and water. We get sick and believe we have a virus or a bacterial infection, although we can’t see them. We accept all these things and we believe whether we understand them or not.
What about God? We see the handy work of His creation. In recent years we have learned about DNA and our own unique genetic codes. We have been able to see things in the universe never seen by human eye before. We seek to know more and explain these things through scientific study.
How can we see and experience all of the wonder that surrounds us and not accept that none of these things are by random chance? A computer did not just evolve by random chance. An automobile did not evolve by random chance. The human body did not evolve by random chance. Consider the human eye. Neither did life evolve by random chance.
No, all that we see is created. Complicated, amazing, and all things working in unison to co-exist, benefiting one another. A well oiled machine, so to speak.
Just as if I didn’t believe in a computer, or believe that it was created to work the way it does, does not make it so.
As I consider all the great and amazing things I see, I cannot help but “KNOW” that these things were created by something, or someone greater than I. I don’t have to understand it, I just know some things about it, and I accept the most plausible explanation; “God created!”
4 For You, LORD, have made me glad through Your work; I will triumph in the works of Your hands. 5 O LORD, how great are Your works! Your thoughts are very deep. 6 A senseless man does not know, nor does a fool understand this. –Psalm 92:4-6
8 “ For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. 9 “ For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. –Isaiah 55:8-9
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