"Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know
that they breed quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome
but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil,
correcting his opponents with gentleness." - 2 Timothy 2:23
Have you ever been at work and witnessed the phenomenon that occurs
when some trivial issue separates most of the staff into factions? Two
people get in a disagreement and it starts out as something relatively
private, but before long everyone at work is somehow a part of it.
It starts out as something silly and simple:
"I can't believe they're dating. I think that's unprofessional."
"Did you hear about the new boss? I heard that she's changing the way we're doing everything."
Then, it snowballs...
"They
have the right to date if they want to! Their personal life is their
own business as long as it doesn't affect their work." "Yeah, but I
still think it's unprofessional. What happens if they break up and it
gets messy?" "That's none of our business. If I were in that
situation..." etc.
"She is the new boss and we may have to do
things differently. That's just part of it." "Yeah, well I've done
things in this particular way for years and I'm not gonna change because
some new idealist happens to take a position above me." "If you don't,
you'll be fired!" "I won't get caught..." etc.
You get
what I'm saying. Something that's honestly not worth debating becomes
the latest and greatest staff drama. I really hate listening to it, but I
even get sucked into it sometimes.
The saddest thing
about this situation is that it occurs between Christians all the time.
Somebody does or teaches something that somebody else disagrees with, so
the offended party goes and talks to someone else about it. Then, a few
days or weeks of gossip and debating later, the whole congregation has
taken a side on the issue that really wasn't a big deal to begin with.
We all know how it feels to be sucked into this type of drama.
When
Paul wrote 2 Timothy 2:23, 24, he was attempting to give Timothy advice
on how to deal with drama that happens in the church (see vs. 4, 14,
16, etc.). Apparently some of the members at the congregation where
Timothy was teaching were bickering about things which didn't really
matter in the long run and Paul wanted it to stop. He wanted it to stop
because it was a distraction and because it divided the members. As
we've all heard before, "a house divided against itself cannot stand."
Next
time drama comes your way, stop and ask yourself "Is it really any of
my business? Is this really worth debating?" and try to put an end to
the drama. Make sure that the quarreling stops at you. When someone
leans over and says "So, what do you think about ______?" don't be
afraid to say "It's none of our business, really." We're all trying to
go to the same place - be the glue that holds the staff, the family, the
congregation, or the group of friends together. Be the solution, not
the problem.
- In Christian love,
Ethan
Saturday, August 30, 2014
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Can I Know God?
The Bible teaches that God is knowable. While God can never be exhaustively understood, He can be known truly, personally, and sufficiently. God is personal, has definite characteristics, and has personally revealed Himself so that He can be truly known. The multiplication of grace and peace in our lives is dependent on knowing God (2 Peter 1:2-3), and this knowledge provides sufficient resources for life and for becoming the people God wants us to be.
Knowledge of God in Christ should be our greatest delight (Jeremiah 9:23-24; 1 Cor. 2:2; Gal. 6:14). It is the basis of attaining eternal life (John 17:3); it is at the heart of life in the new covenant (Heb. 8:11-12); it was Paul’s primary goal (Phil. 3:10); and it leads to godly love (1 John 4:7-8). God will never be known absolutely, but we can know things about Him that are absolutely true, so much that we can be willing to live and die for those beliefs (as were many of the early church martyrs).
God has provided knowledge of Himself that is personal, relational, and sufficient for fruitful, faithful, godly living. No one will ever be able to say he lacked the necessary revelation to know God and to start living as God intends.
What are the implications of the knowability of God? Well, God’s personal and sufficient revelation of Himself should foster solid conviction among believers. We need not to live in ambiguity and uncertainty about who God is and what He demands of His creatures. This increasing influence of Eastern religions on the West, certain postmodern views of truth, and religious pluralism all emphasize God’s incomprehensibility so much that He is eventually made to seem unknowable. It then becomes impossible to say anything definitively true or false about Him, and people then think that the only heresy is claiming that there is heresy at all! On the contrary, because of His gracious revelation and illumination, God can indeed be known.
God’s knowability should lead to eager, diligent, devoted study of God’s Word so we can understand Him as He has revealed Himself and avoid any false view of God that will dishonor Him. We should never grow apathetic in seeking to know God because we are in fact able and equipped to know Him and please Him with our lives.
Bro. Brandon
Knowledge of God in Christ should be our greatest delight (Jeremiah 9:23-24; 1 Cor. 2:2; Gal. 6:14). It is the basis of attaining eternal life (John 17:3); it is at the heart of life in the new covenant (Heb. 8:11-12); it was Paul’s primary goal (Phil. 3:10); and it leads to godly love (1 John 4:7-8). God will never be known absolutely, but we can know things about Him that are absolutely true, so much that we can be willing to live and die for those beliefs (as were many of the early church martyrs).
God has provided knowledge of Himself that is personal, relational, and sufficient for fruitful, faithful, godly living. No one will ever be able to say he lacked the necessary revelation to know God and to start living as God intends.
What are the implications of the knowability of God? Well, God’s personal and sufficient revelation of Himself should foster solid conviction among believers. We need not to live in ambiguity and uncertainty about who God is and what He demands of His creatures. This increasing influence of Eastern religions on the West, certain postmodern views of truth, and religious pluralism all emphasize God’s incomprehensibility so much that He is eventually made to seem unknowable. It then becomes impossible to say anything definitively true or false about Him, and people then think that the only heresy is claiming that there is heresy at all! On the contrary, because of His gracious revelation and illumination, God can indeed be known.
God’s knowability should lead to eager, diligent, devoted study of God’s Word so we can understand Him as He has revealed Himself and avoid any false view of God that will dishonor Him. We should never grow apathetic in seeking to know God because we are in fact able and equipped to know Him and please Him with our lives.
Bro. Brandon
Monday, August 25, 2014
Anger is for Fools
Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart of fools. (Ecclesiastes 7:9 ESV)
If you remember from last week we talked about how we should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. This weeks mini devo falls inline with that. In Ecclesiastes the writes states that we should NOT be quick to become angry, (so instead be slow to anger).
But this writer doesn't just stop there. Thats what I love about this verse. In life we have rules. Parents tell their children to do something, child asks why, and parents doesn't give a reason, they just respond DO IT!
God doesn't owe us a reason for anything, but here He chooses to give us a reason. He says that anger is foolish, that it only belongs in the hearts of fools.
We have a choice everyday, to live in a way that blesses the Lord (grateful for His mercy) or to live in anger, ignoring God's blessings and mercy. My question for you (and myself) how do you want to live your life?
Bro. Austin
Saturday, August 23, 2014
A Scripture About Grace
Today, I just want to share a section of scripture with you - just think about it next time you're struggling with your faith or struggling to understand why things are the way they are.
Ephesians 2:1-10 ESV
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Our salvation is a gift - we should always be mindful that we can't earn it and we can't deny it. It's there regardless. All we have to do is live for Christ and we can have it. For free. Make sure you thank God tonight for everything he's done for you.
In Christian love,
Ethan
Ephesians 2:1-10 ESV
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Our salvation is a gift - we should always be mindful that we can't earn it and we can't deny it. It's there regardless. All we have to do is live for Christ and we can have it. For free. Make sure you thank God tonight for everything he's done for you.
In Christian love,
Ethan
Friday, August 22, 2014
Stop Living for Jesus
Recently, I have come to the realization that I have had something backwards. I have found myself guilty of uttering a phrase so subtly wrong, so "almost-right," that I didn't notice it. But I can't do that anymore.
You see, I've told people to "Go out and live for Jesus." That's wrong. I can't do it anymore. I repent.
"Live for Jesus." "You may be the only Bible people ever read." "Go out and be Jesus to people."
It's subtle, but it's wrong. And I'm sick of it. I hope you'll forgive me.
Why is it wrong? Because the phrase itself implies that I have the ability to live a righteous life. It gives the connotation that I can actually change a person's heart by my lifestyle. Sure, I wrap it up in "Christianese," but it's simply good old-fashioned moralism.
Truth be told, a majority of Christian preaching and teaching is simply moralism in disguise. It is. You may disagree, but it's true. We spend a whole lot of time telling people to be good and be "like Jesus." We even throw in a comment about "our witness." Something along the lines of "You don't want to ruin your witness." "People are watching you."
Or, my personal favorite, "After all that Jesus did for you, how can you not live for him?"
Here's the honest truth. You're not good enough to get someone to turn from their sin. You're not holy enough to fill the shoes of the Holy One. You're not a Bible. You're a screwed-up, messed up sinner.
This... should actually be comforting. You see, I'm taking some pressure off of you.
The fate of eternity doesn't hinge on whether someone hears you say a four-letter-word when you hit your thumb with a hammer. Christendom won't collapse because you didn't boycott the latest restaurant or share that "Share if you love Jesus" Facebook status.
It's not about you. Quit acting like it is.
What's it about?
Check out Galatians 2:19-20 -
For through the law I have died to the law, so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Do you see the difference? Christ lives in me. Say it with me. Christ lives in me. It's a subtle difference, but it's a big one. It's not you "living for Jesus." It's Christ living in you. That's the truth. And when you realize the difference, you'll realize it's not about your performance. It's actually about His.
It was about His performance when He died for you. It was about His performance when He lived the sinless life that you couldn't live. It was about His performance when you trusted Him to save you. You made it a matter of grace then, so why now are you trying to live by works? Hmm, I think Paul asked this very question in Galatians 3:3. Go read it and come back. I'll wait.
You see, Christ living in you makes all the difference. Christ living in you acknowledges that it's still about Him. He's the one who promised to grow you (Philippians 1:6). He's the one who promised to never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). It's about Him.
You're job is to abide in Jesus (John 15). To stick close to Him. To rest in His finished work and allow Him to do what He already promised to do - glorify Himself if you look to Him. That's where obedience is found. It's where "being a witness" is found.
So stop living for Jesus. Hasn't worked, has it? Change your perspective. Let Jesus do the work. Let Him live through you.
Do as Paul said... "live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."
Some of you are still a little afraid God doesn't approve of you. You walk on spiritual egg shells. Stop it. Live by faith in Jesus, that He loves you unconditionally and forgave you completely. You know... do what the verse says to do. It's been there for quite a while.
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
The Incompatibility of Loving God and Sin
"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him" (1 John 2:15).
John commands his readers against loving the world. But why? Why would it be a problem to love the world? The first reason John says not to love the world is because love for the world is incompatible with love for God (v. 15). "Do not love the world because you cannot love God at the same time," says John. He presents a possibility here and says, “If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” If that’s a possibility to happen, who would be the one John is describing as the one who could love the world? The latter part of v. 15 tells us: it’s the person who doesn’t have the love of the Father in him.
What does John mean by “the love of the Father?” It does not mean God’s love for the believer—God is going to love you whether you love the world or not—He’s going to love you no matter what you’ve done or haven’t done: His love endures forever. What John does mean here is your love for God. He must mean that because he isn’t talking about God’s love for the world at all in this passage. He is talking to believers (like you and me) who were susceptible to falling in-love with the world, when they should be falling in love with God. If Christians could not love the world, then John wouldn’t have written this letter. He was writing to people just like us—they loved their brothers and sisters—they loved fellowship with one another, and fellowship with God. But they, just like anyone else, can easily fall into the death trap of loving the world that promises us nothing.
Love for God is incompatible with love for God. James writes an interesting statement about that truth: “You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God” (James 4:4). James says that if you love the world, you put yourself over here in the category of the God-haters who are His enemies. Loving God and loving the world is like fire and water—they don’t mix. Either you’ve allowed the world to water down you love for God, or you love for God is so fiery hot that it has evaporated the love for the world. Don’t you be deceived into thinking that you can fully love God and love the world at the same time, because that is not true according to v. 15: “If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” Love for the world will push out love for God, or love for God will push out love for the world.
If your love for God has grown cold, then you have allowed other temporary things to creep in and choke your love for God. You have been allowing yourself to eat the crums at the floor of the world instead of feasting at the table of our God who gives spiritual satisfaction to all who seek Him.
Bro. Brandon
From "The Biblical Command Not to Love" by Brandon Bramlett. Listen/read the full sermon here.
John commands his readers against loving the world. But why? Why would it be a problem to love the world? The first reason John says not to love the world is because love for the world is incompatible with love for God (v. 15). "Do not love the world because you cannot love God at the same time," says John. He presents a possibility here and says, “If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” If that’s a possibility to happen, who would be the one John is describing as the one who could love the world? The latter part of v. 15 tells us: it’s the person who doesn’t have the love of the Father in him.
What does John mean by “the love of the Father?” It does not mean God’s love for the believer—God is going to love you whether you love the world or not—He’s going to love you no matter what you’ve done or haven’t done: His love endures forever. What John does mean here is your love for God. He must mean that because he isn’t talking about God’s love for the world at all in this passage. He is talking to believers (like you and me) who were susceptible to falling in-love with the world, when they should be falling in love with God. If Christians could not love the world, then John wouldn’t have written this letter. He was writing to people just like us—they loved their brothers and sisters—they loved fellowship with one another, and fellowship with God. But they, just like anyone else, can easily fall into the death trap of loving the world that promises us nothing.
Love for God is incompatible with love for God. James writes an interesting statement about that truth: “You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God” (James 4:4). James says that if you love the world, you put yourself over here in the category of the God-haters who are His enemies. Loving God and loving the world is like fire and water—they don’t mix. Either you’ve allowed the world to water down you love for God, or you love for God is so fiery hot that it has evaporated the love for the world. Don’t you be deceived into thinking that you can fully love God and love the world at the same time, because that is not true according to v. 15: “If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” Love for the world will push out love for God, or love for God will push out love for the world.
If your love for God has grown cold, then you have allowed other temporary things to creep in and choke your love for God. You have been allowing yourself to eat the crums at the floor of the world instead of feasting at the table of our God who gives spiritual satisfaction to all who seek Him.
Bro. Brandon
From "The Biblical Command Not to Love" by Brandon Bramlett. Listen/read the full sermon here.
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
A call to endurance
Hebrews 12:1-2
"Therefore since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside ever weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of God's throne."
Let's look at the background of this passage. Hebrews chapter 11 is called the Heroes of Faith, or the the Hall of Faith. Here is a short list of chapter 11. I encourage you to read the whole chapter, it is really encouraging.
Abel- By faith he offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain did.
Enoch- By faith he was taken away so that he did not experience death.
Noah- By faith after being warned about what was not yet seen, in reverence built an ark to deliver his family.
Abraham- By faith was called, obeyed, and went out to a place he was going to receive as an inheritance. When he was tested, he offered up Isaac.
Sarah- By faith when she was barren, received power to conceive offspring, even though she was past the age, since she considered that the One who had promised was faithful.
Isaac- By faith he blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
Jacob- By faith he blessed each of the sons of Joseph, when he was dying.
Moses- By faith he chose to suffer with the people of God, rather than to enjoy the short-lived pleasure of sin. He left Egypt behind, not being afraid of the king's anger. He instituted the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood. He crossed the Red Sea as though they were on dry land.
Several others as well.
What I want all of us to remember is that there is absolutely no difference between these people and us. All of us can do all of that stuff, if we have only one thing. Faith. By/through faith these people did these things.
With these people listed, and countless others still alive right now, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of God's throne.
Even if it feels like every human on this great earth is against us, we are not alone. If we are a child of the King, then we are never alone, amen. Run with endurance the race before us. Never give up, never quit. Don't let the enemy win a battle.
Bro. Michael
"Therefore since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside ever weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of God's throne."
Let's look at the background of this passage. Hebrews chapter 11 is called the Heroes of Faith, or the the Hall of Faith. Here is a short list of chapter 11. I encourage you to read the whole chapter, it is really encouraging.
Abel- By faith he offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain did.
Enoch- By faith he was taken away so that he did not experience death.
Noah- By faith after being warned about what was not yet seen, in reverence built an ark to deliver his family.
Abraham- By faith was called, obeyed, and went out to a place he was going to receive as an inheritance. When he was tested, he offered up Isaac.
Sarah- By faith when she was barren, received power to conceive offspring, even though she was past the age, since she considered that the One who had promised was faithful.
Isaac- By faith he blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
Jacob- By faith he blessed each of the sons of Joseph, when he was dying.
Moses- By faith he chose to suffer with the people of God, rather than to enjoy the short-lived pleasure of sin. He left Egypt behind, not being afraid of the king's anger. He instituted the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood. He crossed the Red Sea as though they were on dry land.
Several others as well.
What I want all of us to remember is that there is absolutely no difference between these people and us. All of us can do all of that stuff, if we have only one thing. Faith. By/through faith these people did these things.
With these people listed, and countless others still alive right now, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of God's throne.
Even if it feels like every human on this great earth is against us, we are not alone. If we are a child of the King, then we are never alone, amen. Run with endurance the race before us. Never give up, never quit. Don't let the enemy win a battle.
Bro. Michael
Monday, August 18, 2014
Becoming a Man/Woman of God
Micah 6:8 NKJV
He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?
James 1:19 NKJV
So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.
Both of these verses show us three elements, characteristics of being a man (or woman) of God.
In Micah, it says we should (1) Act Justly, (2) Love Mercy, (3) Walk Humbly with God.
1. Act Justly: meaning to live according to God's Law. Do as Christ has done. Simple enough yet something we all struggle with daily.
2. Love Mercy: meaning (a) to be grateful for God's mercy towards us, but also (b) to generously share mercy with others, as Christ did with us.
3. Walk Humbly: meaning we shouldn't live a "proud" or "boastful" life. We must understand that we are nothing without God's power. Live humbly, giving all glory to God, not ourselves.
In James, it says we should be (1) Quick to Hear, (2) Slow to Speak, (3) Slow to become Angry.
1. Quick to Hear: meaning we (a) should take time to listen to the Lord's Will for us. Also meaning (b) we should listen to the concerns of others, hear them out in arguments to avoid unnecessary conflicts.
2. Slow to Speak: meaning literally to think before you speak. Don't say something you'll live to reret in the future. As humans, we make this mistake often.
3. Slow to become Angry: meaning stop and think about what you're about to get fired up about. Ask yourself if it will matter in 10 years? 10 months? 10 days? or even in 10 minutes? 9 times out of 10 it won't matter, we just want to throw a fit and get mad.
My wife and I have been married for just over a year now. If you ask any married couple they'll tell you the first years are the hardest. I can testify to it. It's not a bad thing, but during this time you really learn who your spouse is. You'll fight over meaningless things (toilet paper, window curtains, which side of the bed is "yours", etc.) To me I think its a power thing. Neither person wants to give up power, they both want to be "in charge." But guess what? It doesn't matter, it should all be 50/50 with GOD in CONTROL!
He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?
James 1:19 NKJV
So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.
Both of these verses show us three elements, characteristics of being a man (or woman) of God.
In Micah, it says we should (1) Act Justly, (2) Love Mercy, (3) Walk Humbly with God.
1. Act Justly: meaning to live according to God's Law. Do as Christ has done. Simple enough yet something we all struggle with daily.
2. Love Mercy: meaning (a) to be grateful for God's mercy towards us, but also (b) to generously share mercy with others, as Christ did with us.
3. Walk Humbly: meaning we shouldn't live a "proud" or "boastful" life. We must understand that we are nothing without God's power. Live humbly, giving all glory to God, not ourselves.
In James, it says we should be (1) Quick to Hear, (2) Slow to Speak, (3) Slow to become Angry.
1. Quick to Hear: meaning we (a) should take time to listen to the Lord's Will for us. Also meaning (b) we should listen to the concerns of others, hear them out in arguments to avoid unnecessary conflicts.
2. Slow to Speak: meaning literally to think before you speak. Don't say something you'll live to reret in the future. As humans, we make this mistake often.
3. Slow to become Angry: meaning stop and think about what you're about to get fired up about. Ask yourself if it will matter in 10 years? 10 months? 10 days? or even in 10 minutes? 9 times out of 10 it won't matter, we just want to throw a fit and get mad.
My wife and I have been married for just over a year now. If you ask any married couple they'll tell you the first years are the hardest. I can testify to it. It's not a bad thing, but during this time you really learn who your spouse is. You'll fight over meaningless things (toilet paper, window curtains, which side of the bed is "yours", etc.) To me I think its a power thing. Neither person wants to give up power, they both want to be "in charge." But guess what? It doesn't matter, it should all be 50/50 with GOD in CONTROL!
My wife and I have tried something new and its been working so far. Before we get mad we stop and think "will this matter in __ years? If no then we just drop it. It has saved us multiple useless arguments.
I encourage you to review these characteristics from Micah and James. Use them as a model for your own life.
In Christ,
Bro. Austin
Saturday, August 16, 2014
Praying for Rain
Turn in your Bible to Acts 8:20. This verse is the conclusion of a longer story - the story of Simon the Sorcerer and Peter. If you'd like to read the rest of the story, just backtrack a few verses and you can read the whole thing; for now, I'd just like for us to focus on verse 20. Peter says several things in this verse, but specifically, he says "thou hast thought to obtain the gift of God with money." Let's talk about this for a few moments.
I remember when I was younger, I used to think that having a lot of money would give me the power to help people in the world - that being someone significant would give me the key to changing the world. As I got older, however, I realized that bringing the gifts of salvation and completion to the people in the world don't even require money to begin with. How shortsighted I was to think that having money would give me the means to help others!
We can help others every day - whether we have money, whether we don't; it doesn't matter. We have all been given gifts that we can use to help others. For those who have money, that's great! Use it to serve others and spread the good news about Christ. If you don't have money, I guarantee you that you have something else you can use to help people. For example, I have extreme patience - it comes in handy when having lengthy debates about spiritual topics. I also possess a certain degree of musical talent - I can use that to create music with good moral messages and uplift people when they're struggling. Any talent is useful!
Whatever you're good at - use that. Use that like crazy and get out there. Make a difference in the world. Millions of people are counting on you. God gave you that talent and trusted you to use it to make a difference. See Matthew 25 for an example of how God views your talents. It's up to you and me to use our talents to bring glory to God. Let's get out there and put ourselves on the line, praying to God to give us strength.
Plant the seeds and pray for rain. Show God you'll do your part and that you'll trust him to do the rest.
With Christian love,
Ethan
I remember when I was younger, I used to think that having a lot of money would give me the power to help people in the world - that being someone significant would give me the key to changing the world. As I got older, however, I realized that bringing the gifts of salvation and completion to the people in the world don't even require money to begin with. How shortsighted I was to think that having money would give me the means to help others!
We can help others every day - whether we have money, whether we don't; it doesn't matter. We have all been given gifts that we can use to help others. For those who have money, that's great! Use it to serve others and spread the good news about Christ. If you don't have money, I guarantee you that you have something else you can use to help people. For example, I have extreme patience - it comes in handy when having lengthy debates about spiritual topics. I also possess a certain degree of musical talent - I can use that to create music with good moral messages and uplift people when they're struggling. Any talent is useful!
Whatever you're good at - use that. Use that like crazy and get out there. Make a difference in the world. Millions of people are counting on you. God gave you that talent and trusted you to use it to make a difference. See Matthew 25 for an example of how God views your talents. It's up to you and me to use our talents to bring glory to God. Let's get out there and put ourselves on the line, praying to God to give us strength.
Plant the seeds and pray for rain. Show God you'll do your part and that you'll trust him to do the rest.
With Christian love,
Ethan
Friday, August 15, 2014
The Grip
Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. - Isaiah 41:10
Don't fear. Don't be afraid. Don't panic. God is with you. How do you know? Look at what hand He's using.
In ancient culture, the right hand symbolized strength. God promises to uphold you, to sustain you, to never let you go. His right hand is impenetrable.
Jesus continues this theme in John 10:28 -
I give them eternal life, and they will never perish—ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand.His listeners would have immediately recognized the analogy. He was referring to a children's game of that time in which one child would place a rock or other small object in his hand. The second child would attempt to snatch or pry it from his hand. Jesus is definitively asserting the complete and total ability to hold onto His own.
God beckons that we respond to this strength with rest. With comfort. With a lack of fear and worry. He will be with you. He will uphold you.
I remember a preacher saying once, "Quit acting like you let God down. You weren't holding Him up anyway." Good advice, that. He's the Sustainer. The upholder. The One with the mighty right hand.
His grip is strong. Trust it.
By His Grace,
Adam
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
What Happens to Someone Who Never Hears About Jesus?
The Bible teaches that people can only experience God’s salvation through Jesus Christ: “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). The Bible also teaches that everlasting judgment awaits those who reject Christ: “The one who believes in the Son has eternal life, but the one who refuses to believe in the Son will not see life; instead, the wrath of God remains on him” (John 3:36). But what about the people who have never heard the gospel? Are they without hope? Will God judge them anyway?
Some people suggest that those who never hear the gospel might still receive salvation if they respond to God’s ‘spiritual light’ in nature. That since God has revealed Himself through creation (Rom. 1:19-20), people who never hear the gospel can still be saved because there is evidence of God in creation. While it is true that God has revealed Himself generally through creation, the Bible gives no indication whatsoever that creation is of salvific value to sinners. The Bible gives no indication of any other way of salvation but through Jesus Christ. “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). But if we are going to answer this question, we need to keep a few things in mind:
Salvation by works is impossible. If we can earn our salvation, then Christ did not need to die (Gal. 2:21; 3:21).
God has indeed revealed His power and being through the beauty and order of creation. However, people suppress that truth and choose sin instead (Rom. 1:18-23). All of mankind, whether they be in North America or some undiscovered tribe, have a sense of what God requires and a knowledge of God (Rom. 2:14-15). So the problem is that they have rejected the knowledge of God that they already have, not that they have no knowledge of God at all.
The Scriptures assert that Christ is the only way to God and salvation (John 14:6; Acts 4:12), and that rejection of God is to subject yourself under God’s divine curse and wrath (John 3:36; 1 Cor. 16:22).
Our concern for the lost should drive us to reach the unreached with the message of the gospel. Rather than dwelling on “what ifs,” let’s get busy!
Finally, we are not ultimately in a position to judge God’s actions as fair or unfair. Some think it is unfair to express judgment on sinners who have never heard of Jesus. What’s more, some people would consider it unfair that they were “force-fed” Christianity their whole lives, while others could say it was “unfair” to hear the gospel from Christians who tainted the message by being abusive or hypocritical. In other words, even those who hear about Jesus may hypothetically complain that they didn’t have a fair chance! In the end, however, we know that God is just and that no sinner will be able to honestly protest to God that he wanted to know Him but was not allowed.
Bro. Brandon
Some people suggest that those who never hear the gospel might still receive salvation if they respond to God’s ‘spiritual light’ in nature. That since God has revealed Himself through creation (Rom. 1:19-20), people who never hear the gospel can still be saved because there is evidence of God in creation. While it is true that God has revealed Himself generally through creation, the Bible gives no indication whatsoever that creation is of salvific value to sinners. The Bible gives no indication of any other way of salvation but through Jesus Christ. “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). But if we are going to answer this question, we need to keep a few things in mind:
Salvation by works is impossible. If we can earn our salvation, then Christ did not need to die (Gal. 2:21; 3:21).
God has indeed revealed His power and being through the beauty and order of creation. However, people suppress that truth and choose sin instead (Rom. 1:18-23). All of mankind, whether they be in North America or some undiscovered tribe, have a sense of what God requires and a knowledge of God (Rom. 2:14-15). So the problem is that they have rejected the knowledge of God that they already have, not that they have no knowledge of God at all.
The Scriptures assert that Christ is the only way to God and salvation (John 14:6; Acts 4:12), and that rejection of God is to subject yourself under God’s divine curse and wrath (John 3:36; 1 Cor. 16:22).
Our concern for the lost should drive us to reach the unreached with the message of the gospel. Rather than dwelling on “what ifs,” let’s get busy!
Finally, we are not ultimately in a position to judge God’s actions as fair or unfair. Some think it is unfair to express judgment on sinners who have never heard of Jesus. What’s more, some people would consider it unfair that they were “force-fed” Christianity their whole lives, while others could say it was “unfair” to hear the gospel from Christians who tainted the message by being abusive or hypocritical. In other words, even those who hear about Jesus may hypothetically complain that they didn’t have a fair chance! In the end, however, we know that God is just and that no sinner will be able to honestly protest to God that he wanted to know Him but was not allowed.
Bro. Brandon
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Watch the tongue
It is good to be back with y'all. I would appreciate your prayers for me and my family. I'll explain next week.
Proverbs 10:11-14, 19-21
"The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. Hatred stirs up conflicts, but love covers all offenses. wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of the one who lacks sense. The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of the fool hastens destruction."
"When there are many words, sin is unavoidable, but the one who controls his lips is wise. The tongue of the righteous is pure silver; the heart of the wicked is of little value. The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of sense."
I don't really have to explain very much here. It is pretty self-explanatory. The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life. The mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
Bro. Michael
Proverbs 10:11-14, 19-21
"The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. Hatred stirs up conflicts, but love covers all offenses. wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of the one who lacks sense. The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of the fool hastens destruction."
"When there are many words, sin is unavoidable, but the one who controls his lips is wise. The tongue of the righteous is pure silver; the heart of the wicked is of little value. The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of sense."
I don't really have to explain very much here. It is pretty self-explanatory. The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life. The mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
Bro. Michael
Sunday, August 10, 2014
It's So Easy, Even A Caveman Could Do It
Romans 10:9-15 NKJV
9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” 14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!”
Salvation is simple. It's easy. So easy even a caveman could do it.
But if it's really that easy why isn't everyone saved?
Because they haven’t heard?
Because they “want to get right with God first?”
Because they are waiting for someone to share with them?
We (as Believers) have a simple task. Romans says that in order for someone to hear & be saved
Someone must preach (share) the Word. That someone is me, you us! That’s us Church!
Paul says “how could they believe in something they've never heard of?"
Paul puts the blame on us. We can’t wait for them to come to us, we have to go get them.
In Matthew Jesus says to drop everything and follow Him and He will make us fishers of men.
Because they are waiting for someone to share with them?
We (as Believers) have a simple task. Romans says that in order for someone to hear & be saved
Someone must preach (share) the Word. That someone is me, you us! That’s us Church!
Paul says “how could they believe in something they've never heard of?"
Paul puts the blame on us. We can’t wait for them to come to us, we have to go get them.
In Matthew Jesus says to drop everything and follow Him and He will make us fishers of men.
Matthew 28:16-20 NKJV
16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
This passage shares exactly what we are to do.
We are to GO, MAKE DISCIPLES, BAPTIZE THEM, and TEACH HIM.
We will go into more detail on these commandments in the Great Commission in the weeks to come. Until then, I ask that you pray for the Inflamed Ministers. We need encouragement and need to be spiritually refueled just as much as you guys do. Thank you for reading.
Bro. Austin
Saturday, August 9, 2014
Love and Sacrifice
Let's talk about love. Sometimes, when we approach others about the gospel, we talk to them with our own opinionated judgments first in our minds. I'm not talking about Biblical judgments, I'm talking about stereotypes. I don't need to give any examples - you know what I'm talking about.
We all judge others, whether we are Christians or non-Christians. In the world that we live in, the word "judge" means something different than it did years ago. Years ago, to judge someone meant to form opinions about that individual. In that sense, everyone judges. Now, however, to judge means to discriminate (i.e. "don't judge me").
We all judge, regardless of religious background. That's fine. That's how we're wired. Without opinions, we would be robots. The problem lies with discrimination. We shouldn't treat others as any less than fellow human beings who have the potential to be saved by the blood of Jesus Christ. We have flaws, they have flaws. The beautiful thing is - everyone can change. We don't have to live in slavery to our flaws, and neither do they.
Turn to Matthew 9. Read verses 1 through 13. Jesus and his disciples were eating with tax collectors and sinners. They were eating and reclining, hanging out with those who were considered to be "undesirables" by the majority religion in the area at that time: Judaism. Jesus' statement in verses 12 and 13 is nothing short of incredible: "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.' For I came not to call the righteous, but the sinners."
Wow.
Let's stop and think. Who are the people in our society that most make the religious majority uncomfortable? Gays, alcoholics, drug addicts, and thugs are just a few of those who are looked down upon by the religious majority. Let's not be afraid to spread the word to them. Jesus and his disciples hung out with "sinners" (which implies a constant state of sinfulness) - in public! I feel that it's safe to assume that they talked about God and religion and sin - Jesus was God. It's kinda hard to ignore that.
See Mark 2:16 and Luke 5:30 - the religious majority complained to Jesus and his disciples. "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?" They're people too. They have a soul that needs to be saved just like you or I do. They want someone to understand them just like you or I do. It's amazing what kind of a difference you can make in someone's life if you're understanding but persistent.
You don't have to accept someone's lifestyle in order to talk to them about Jesus. You don't have to help someone do wrong or condone their sin in order to be friends with them. Make friends with a gay person and eventually talk to them about their sexuality. Be a good listener! Let him or her talk. Don't force them to talk about it if they don't want to. Then, once you do, use your newfound knowledge and talk to them about why you disagree with it. Take him or her to church with you even, if they're willing to go.
Or, for another example, become friends with a substance addict, and eventually talk to them about how they can be freed from it through the power of Jesus. You don't have to drink, party, or buy an alcoholic some alcohol in order to be close to him or her. Once again, be a good listener! Ask the person to worship with you. Treat everyone like you would want to be treated.
All sin is sin. Even yours and mine. Treat everyone like with that attitude. Whatever sin you struggle with the most - tell them about it! Be open. It's not hard to earn respect as a Christian in modern America if you'll just work for it.
It's okay to be around people who aren't the same as you. We aren't a cult.
Somebody has to spread the word to those people who are overlooked or feel uncomfortable in a church setting; why not let it be you? You may be the only Bible people read - let's make sure that we're taking the time to understand others' opinions and points of view.
If we approach evangelism as "trying to recruit someone with flaws (just like I have flaws) to join the battle with me and be saved from themselves," we won't be able to bring everyone we meet with us on the road to salvation, but we can at least show them all that we, and God, really do care. All some people need from us is to know that we really do love them and that we're not afraid to step out of our comfort zones to show them the path that we walk.
Let's make sure that we're not denying them the opportunity to worship with us and learn about Jesus by treating them like they're any less than human.
One last point: sin is sin. We all do it. We all have insecurities. We all have unanswered questions. The thing is, we know that Jesus forgives the sin, heals our wounds, and answers our questions. They don't know that unless someone helps them find the way. You can help them find the way. Be the mirror that reflects God's light onto the road in front of them. Take a chance.
Take the time this week to get to know someone who does something that makes you uncomfortable and tell them about Jesus. Figure out why they are the way they are and then pray that God helps you find the words to say to help them. Talk about the questions that you have with your brothers and sisters in Christ. Have faith in Him and He will guide you. Be like Jesus.
In Christian love,
Ethan
Friday, August 8, 2014
Unchanging
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. - Hebrews 13:8Such a simple verse, yet powerful. This statement provides the hope of the persecuted, the peace of the cancer-stricken, and the joy of the worshipper.
It provides stability in a world that is characterized by anything but. It makes a declaration, a definitive assertion, that Jesus, our Jesus, will never change.
The addition of his title "Christ" (Anointed One, Messiah) serves to remind us of His continual faithfulness in His mission and work. He's in the saving business, a business that continues without end.
The same Jesus who saved you is the same Jesus who keeps you. The same Jesus who heard the cry of Abraham hears yours. The same Jesus who weeped over Jerusalem weeps with you.
He is the same, yesterday, today, and forever. This means He won't let you down. He won't betray you. He won't forsake you. He won't slip up and forget. His track record is impeccable. He's got an unbroken history of providing for His own.
My friend, take comfort in these simple words today. Read the verse, again, and again, and worship. Worship the One who is constant. Worship the One who is unchanging. Worship Jesus. He loves you, and that's not changing anytime soon.
By His Grace,
Adam
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Do We Really Know What the Bible Says?
First of all, I ask for your forgiveness for not posting last week. Our ministry here in Texas is growing, which is a great thing. The Holy Spirit is also stirring our hearts about a possible transition in ministry, which has created lots of conversations & extra planning. All of the that resulted in exhaustion & a complete loss of what day it actually was. So again, I apologize for that.
This morning, I want us to talk about something that may create some controversy, but the gospel is offensive, so I will let it do its work. As I was preparing for last night's talk for our weekly gathering, I was stirred by the question: do we really know what the Bible says? I'm asking this as a personal question. Not that you recall what other people have set about the Bible, but that you actually know what it says yourself. Our culture has become very shifting when it comes to hard issues. However, this fact doesn't change the truth of Scripture.
Psalm 119:11 says: 'I have stored up Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.' That doesn't say that I have stored up my pastor's word, or my Sunday School teacher's word, or this famous author's word; I think you get the point. Our lack of storing up God's Word has led us to sayings that this:
"When praises go up, blessings come down."
"God helps those who help themselves."
"God will never give you more than you can handle."
The reality is that these statements & many like them are not found in the Bible. Just because they sound good or you have always heard them said doesn't make them Scripture. So, I challenge you to read the Word for yourself. Try to read it without preconceived interpretations of what this passage means, but read it with a fresh mind as if reading it for the first time.
Saved by Grace,
Bro. Eric
This morning, I want us to talk about something that may create some controversy, but the gospel is offensive, so I will let it do its work. As I was preparing for last night's talk for our weekly gathering, I was stirred by the question: do we really know what the Bible says? I'm asking this as a personal question. Not that you recall what other people have set about the Bible, but that you actually know what it says yourself. Our culture has become very shifting when it comes to hard issues. However, this fact doesn't change the truth of Scripture.
Psalm 119:11 says: 'I have stored up Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.' That doesn't say that I have stored up my pastor's word, or my Sunday School teacher's word, or this famous author's word; I think you get the point. Our lack of storing up God's Word has led us to sayings that this:
"When praises go up, blessings come down."
"God helps those who help themselves."
"God will never give you more than you can handle."
The reality is that these statements & many like them are not found in the Bible. Just because they sound good or you have always heard them said doesn't make them Scripture. So, I challenge you to read the Word for yourself. Try to read it without preconceived interpretations of what this passage means, but read it with a fresh mind as if reading it for the first time.
Saved by Grace,
Bro. Eric
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Get the Soap
The Scriptures explicitly command against swearing, cursing (cussing), or even unwholesome language. It is definitely a sin—the apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 4:29, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Similarly, Peter writes, “For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit” (1 Peter 3:10, Peter quoting from Psalm 34:12-16). James 3:9-12 summarizes the issue: “With it [the tongue] we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water” (emphasis mine).
James makes it clear that the lives of Christians—the “brothers”—should not be characterized by evil speech. By making the analogy of both salt water and fresh water coming from the same spring (which is uncharacteristic of springs), he makes the point that it is uncharacteristic for a believer to have both praise and cursing come from his/her mouth. Nor is it characteristic for us to praise God on one hand and curse our brothers on the other. This, too, is uncharacteristic of a true believer.
Similarly, Jesus explained that what comes out of our mouths is that which fills our hearts. Sooner or later, the evil in the heart comes out through the mouth in curses and swearing. But when our hearts are filled with the goodness of God, praise for Him and love for others will pour forth. Our speech will always indicate what is in our hearts. “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45).
Why is it a sin to swear/curse? Sin is a condition of the heart, the mind, and “the inner man” (Romans 7:22), which is manifested in our thoughts, actions and words. When we swear and curse, we are giving evidence of the polluting sin in our hearts that must be confessed and repented of. Thankfully, our great God is “faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). When this happens, we receive a new nature from God (2 Corinthians 5:17), our hearts are transformed, and even our speech reflects the new nature God has created within us.
Bro. Brandon
James makes it clear that the lives of Christians—the “brothers”—should not be characterized by evil speech. By making the analogy of both salt water and fresh water coming from the same spring (which is uncharacteristic of springs), he makes the point that it is uncharacteristic for a believer to have both praise and cursing come from his/her mouth. Nor is it characteristic for us to praise God on one hand and curse our brothers on the other. This, too, is uncharacteristic of a true believer.
Similarly, Jesus explained that what comes out of our mouths is that which fills our hearts. Sooner or later, the evil in the heart comes out through the mouth in curses and swearing. But when our hearts are filled with the goodness of God, praise for Him and love for others will pour forth. Our speech will always indicate what is in our hearts. “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45).
Why is it a sin to swear/curse? Sin is a condition of the heart, the mind, and “the inner man” (Romans 7:22), which is manifested in our thoughts, actions and words. When we swear and curse, we are giving evidence of the polluting sin in our hearts that must be confessed and repented of. Thankfully, our great God is “faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). When this happens, we receive a new nature from God (2 Corinthians 5:17), our hearts are transformed, and even our speech reflects the new nature God has created within us.
Bro. Brandon
Saturday, August 2, 2014
Public Prayer
The other
day, I ate a meal with one of my friends - a fellow believer. Before
meals, I usually pray over the meal - it's tradition, mind you, and not a
command - but I still feel that the habit is as good one for me to
have. Anyway, our food arrived at the table and I looked up at him to
see if he was ready for one of us to say a prayer. I expected him to do
the same, but he didn't even notice me looking up because he was already
devouring his meal. I cleared my throat and got his attention, but when
he looked up at me, all he said was "what?" I mentioned prayer and I
could see the pieces click together in his head. "Oh! I totally forgot
about that. I don't usually do that in public anyway. It makes some
people uncomfortable."
Hmm...
I told him I was in the habit of delivering a prayer before I ate and asked him if he would mind if we prayed before we ate. He replied with "Sure, I guess." I asked him if he wanted me to pray or if he wanted to do it and surprisingly, he volunteered. We bowed our heads and he said "Dear Lord, thank you. Amen." He barely mumbled it, flew through it as quickly as possible, and then began devouring his food again. I'm not even exaggerating when I say that I think he grabbed the fork before the prayer was even over because I opened my eyes and he already had another bite in his mouth.
Is that really how we see public prayer nowadays?
"I don't usually do that in public. It makes some people uncomfortable."
Then say the quickest prayer possible in order to hurry up and get back to the food.
If we do that with public prayer, that's essentially what we're saying about our Christianity. A conversation with someone that has this kind of attitude would probably go something like this:
"What has changed in your everyday life since you became a Christian and decided to start leading the life described in the Bible?"
"Well, I don't usually do that in public. It makes some people uncomfortable."
"What about those times when you have no other choice or someone confronts you with something relating to your Christianity?"
"I just do the quickest and most indiscreet thing I possibly can to get it over with so I can get back to doing whatever I was doing."
Now, as I said, I understand that praying about a meal is just a tradition of mine and that's fine. If you don't practice that same tradition, then that's perfectly okay. The thing I'm asking about, however, is your public prayer life. If you don't pray in public, why don't you?
Now, if we do pray in public, but we do it for show, then we are just as wrong as the hypocrites in Matthew 6. Still, there's nothing wrong with praying in public. Don't be ashamed of your Christianity.
If you just accomplished something great, you're about to undergo a trial, or you're just wanting to remind God that He matters to you and that you're thankful for all he's done, don't be afraid to find a place to pray. Praying silently in your head is just as good as praying out loud, but just don't be afraid to pray. No matter how you do it, don't be afraid to show your Christianity in public. We live in a society where those who are gaining power would love to oppress our Christianity - we live in a society where praying in a public school could get someone suspended. The prosecutor would say that that individual might have possibly offended someone who doesn't have the same religious conviction. It's time for us to stop letting them silence the Word of God.
We don't have to yell at anyone, go beat anyone with a Bible, go picket something, tell people that "you're going to Hell, you know that right?", or anything else like that - that is offensive and usually entirely unnecessary. We can, however, pray in public, casually bring up Jesus in conversations, invite people to church, and have debates about the validity of our beliefs with people who disagree without being unnecessarily rude. People who get offended when we do things like that need to suck it up. Don't be afraid to show the world who you are - Christianity's enemies definitely aren't afraid to show the world who they are.
If you don't already do this, next time you eat a meal, pray before the meal. It'll be good for your relationship with God and it might even open a door for someone you're eating with that might not have been opened otherwise. Someone with you might ask you "Why do you pray before a meal?" and boom - there's your opportunity to share the good news with them. You'll never know until you try.
With Christian love,
Ethan
Hmm...
I told him I was in the habit of delivering a prayer before I ate and asked him if he would mind if we prayed before we ate. He replied with "Sure, I guess." I asked him if he wanted me to pray or if he wanted to do it and surprisingly, he volunteered. We bowed our heads and he said "Dear Lord, thank you. Amen." He barely mumbled it, flew through it as quickly as possible, and then began devouring his food again. I'm not even exaggerating when I say that I think he grabbed the fork before the prayer was even over because I opened my eyes and he already had another bite in his mouth.
Is that really how we see public prayer nowadays?
"I don't usually do that in public. It makes some people uncomfortable."
Then say the quickest prayer possible in order to hurry up and get back to the food.
If we do that with public prayer, that's essentially what we're saying about our Christianity. A conversation with someone that has this kind of attitude would probably go something like this:
"What has changed in your everyday life since you became a Christian and decided to start leading the life described in the Bible?"
"Well, I don't usually do that in public. It makes some people uncomfortable."
"What about those times when you have no other choice or someone confronts you with something relating to your Christianity?"
"I just do the quickest and most indiscreet thing I possibly can to get it over with so I can get back to doing whatever I was doing."
Now, as I said, I understand that praying about a meal is just a tradition of mine and that's fine. If you don't practice that same tradition, then that's perfectly okay. The thing I'm asking about, however, is your public prayer life. If you don't pray in public, why don't you?
Now, if we do pray in public, but we do it for show, then we are just as wrong as the hypocrites in Matthew 6. Still, there's nothing wrong with praying in public. Don't be ashamed of your Christianity.
If you just accomplished something great, you're about to undergo a trial, or you're just wanting to remind God that He matters to you and that you're thankful for all he's done, don't be afraid to find a place to pray. Praying silently in your head is just as good as praying out loud, but just don't be afraid to pray. No matter how you do it, don't be afraid to show your Christianity in public. We live in a society where those who are gaining power would love to oppress our Christianity - we live in a society where praying in a public school could get someone suspended. The prosecutor would say that that individual might have possibly offended someone who doesn't have the same religious conviction. It's time for us to stop letting them silence the Word of God.
We don't have to yell at anyone, go beat anyone with a Bible, go picket something, tell people that "you're going to Hell, you know that right?", or anything else like that - that is offensive and usually entirely unnecessary. We can, however, pray in public, casually bring up Jesus in conversations, invite people to church, and have debates about the validity of our beliefs with people who disagree without being unnecessarily rude. People who get offended when we do things like that need to suck it up. Don't be afraid to show the world who you are - Christianity's enemies definitely aren't afraid to show the world who they are.
If you don't already do this, next time you eat a meal, pray before the meal. It'll be good for your relationship with God and it might even open a door for someone you're eating with that might not have been opened otherwise. Someone with you might ask you "Why do you pray before a meal?" and boom - there's your opportunity to share the good news with them. You'll never know until you try.
With Christian love,
Ethan
Friday, August 1, 2014
The Two Spirits, part 4
Over the last few weeks, we've examined how believers are governed by one of two "spirits" (attitudes).
Here's what Paul tells Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:7 -
One of power. Of ability. Of confidence and boldness.
One of love. The ability to love and forgive, even when it seems impossible.
And finally, one of sound judgment.
The Bible tells us our hearts are deceitful. The Bible tells us we need to be careful with trusting its leadings and inclinations. But God has given us something else… a spirit of sound judgment. Discipline. Self control. The ability to think clearly about what needs to be done. That’s part of the job of the Holy Spirit. Part of His job is to be our counselor… our guide.
What this tells me is that nonbelievers cannot possess sound judgment. I know, you’ve probably known some really wise people who gave you advice that weren’t Christians. And we’ve all met Christians who didn’t seem to have a lick of common sense.
Well, this goes beyond just making decisions about business or jobs or relationships. Everyone makes decisions about those things. The sound judgment, the sound mind given to you by Christ enables you to be self-controlled. You don’t have to be controlled by sinful desires any more. Sin doesn’t have to be your master. You don’t have to be a slave to the need for more wealth. The need for more things. You don’t have to be a slave to an addiction or sexual sin or anything else. Christians do struggle with those things, but the difference is that you don’t have to be controlled by those things anymore.
You’ve been given a sound mind. Sound judgment. The ability, with the Holy Spirit’s guidance, to grow to be more like Christ. To choose not to associate with enslaving desires, behaviors, and decisions, and to choose to make decisions and control yourself in a way that will glorify God.
My friends, that’s who you are. That’s what you get as a child of God.
Take a moment and thank God that you don't have to be controlled by your desires anymore. God has given you the supernatural ability through His Spirit to control yourself and grow to be more like His Son.
By His Grace,
Adam
Here's what Paul tells Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:7 -
For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.He encourages his young friend not to give in to the attitude of fear and timidity. Instead, he reminds Timothy that the Holy Spirit empowers him with a different attitude.
One of power. Of ability. Of confidence and boldness.
One of love. The ability to love and forgive, even when it seems impossible.
And finally, one of sound judgment.
The Bible tells us our hearts are deceitful. The Bible tells us we need to be careful with trusting its leadings and inclinations. But God has given us something else… a spirit of sound judgment. Discipline. Self control. The ability to think clearly about what needs to be done. That’s part of the job of the Holy Spirit. Part of His job is to be our counselor… our guide.
What this tells me is that nonbelievers cannot possess sound judgment. I know, you’ve probably known some really wise people who gave you advice that weren’t Christians. And we’ve all met Christians who didn’t seem to have a lick of common sense.
Well, this goes beyond just making decisions about business or jobs or relationships. Everyone makes decisions about those things. The sound judgment, the sound mind given to you by Christ enables you to be self-controlled. You don’t have to be controlled by sinful desires any more. Sin doesn’t have to be your master. You don’t have to be a slave to the need for more wealth. The need for more things. You don’t have to be a slave to an addiction or sexual sin or anything else. Christians do struggle with those things, but the difference is that you don’t have to be controlled by those things anymore.
You’ve been given a sound mind. Sound judgment. The ability, with the Holy Spirit’s guidance, to grow to be more like Christ. To choose not to associate with enslaving desires, behaviors, and decisions, and to choose to make decisions and control yourself in a way that will glorify God.
My friends, that’s who you are. That’s what you get as a child of God.
Take a moment and thank God that you don't have to be controlled by your desires anymore. God has given you the supernatural ability through His Spirit to control yourself and grow to be more like His Son.
By His Grace,
Adam
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