In the United States fully 90% of our population professes to believe in God. According to the bible, if we have faith, a heartfelt belief in God(Jesus Christ), certain things will have happened to us. Scripture says we have passed from death to life. We have been born again, not a natural birth, but a spiritual new birth from heaven. We have become a new creation "in Christ." When these things happen, according to the bible, the Holy Spirit, God Himself, indwells us, comes to live within us. So the question must be asked; if God now lives within us, can we remain the same, or will their be radical change in our lives?
In the gospel of Luke, in chapter 18:18-25 and 19:1-10 we see a portrait of 2 men. Both of these men share a common characteristic, they are rich. The first man we encounter in Luke 18 is called "the rich young ruler." He comes to Jesus believing he is righteous, and asks Jesus how he can inherit eternal life. Jesus asks him; have you committed adultery? Honored your father and mother? Committed murder? Stolen from anyone? The young man responds, "all these things I have kept from my youth."
This young man believes he has met God's standard of living by the law. He believes himself to be a believer in God. But Jesus is going to expose his hypocrisy. Jesus tells him in v. 22, he has just one other thing to do. Jesus tells him to sell all he has and give it to the poor, and once he does this he will have treasure in heaven and can follow Jesus. The biblical record shows that the young man became very sorrowful. He had kept most of the law, but his money was more important to him than following God.
James tells us in his epistle if we break one part of the law, we are as guilty as if we had broken all of it. This young man had broken the first commandment; "You shall have no other God's before Me." Money, possessions, wealth were his god. He could not separate himself from that which ruled his life. Money is a powerful god. Jesus said of the rich, "it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle that for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." This young man professed God, yet worshipped money. He was not changed.
The second rich man we meet in Luke 19, and his name is Zacchaeus. He is filthy rich, a chief tax collector. Tax collectors were despised in Israel. They were Jews who had sold their soul for riches. And they made their money by cheating others. They were outcasts in the Jewish culture who could not even come to the temple for worship. Zacchaeus also worships money, not God.
He also desires to see Jesus. He wants to see Jesus, so when Jesus comes to his hometown of Jericho, he fights the crowd to get a glimpse of Him, but being a small man he cannot overcome the crowd. So Zacchaeus rushes ahead of Jesus and climbs a tree, so he can see over the crowd when Jesus passes.
Much to Zacchaeus's surprise, Jesus sees him in the tree and calls him by name, saying he needs to stay with him tonight. The bible says Zacchaeus comes down the tree and received Jesus "joyfully." The religious Jews condemn Jesus for consorting with such a grievous sinner. While the bible does not state it, the 2 clearly go to Zacchaeus's home, and something amazing happens there.
In Luke 19:8 we see Zacchaeus tell Jesus that he will give half his goods, half his wealth, to the poor. And everyone he cheated of money he will restore what he has taken with interest, according to Mosaic law in Leviticus 6:5-6. Basically, he is giving away everything he has, just as Jesus had instructed the rich young ruler to do. Their has been a radical change in Zacchaeus, why?
Luke 19:9 has Jesus saying, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham." Zacchaeus has been saved. He has been "born again" a "new creation" in Jesus Christ. He is changed and their is no going back. This is the evidence of salvation. Zacchaeus has repented of his sins because he has turned to Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 1:9 tells us of what repentance is. Here Paul recognizes these believers for their repentance, as they have "turned to God from idols." They have turned to God from sin. This is the first act of a saved person. This is the evidence the Holy Spirit indwells them and salvation has occurred. You cannot turn from your sinful nature until you first turn to God. Friends, if we claim to be saved, change will occur. There is no way God can be inside of us and we not be radically changed. In your life, is their this evidence of salvation?
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Where Are We 9 Years After 9/11?
I was still asleep when my phone rang 9 years ago and my dad told me to turn on the TV, we were under attack as a nation. I remember tuning in as the first twin tower burned in time to see the second plane, or rather missile, collide with the second tower. The rest of that day and really the next week is a blur. 24/7 news coverage ratings soared as all of us as Americans anxiously awaited news from the site of the greatest mass murder in our history. 9 years have passed since then, so where exactly are we?
Are we safer, or more at risk? We're still engaged in a seemingly endless war in Afghanistan. We have ended so-called military operations in Iraq although 50,000 of our troops remain there. Radical Islam is still radical and their stated aim is to destroy us, Israel and our culture. Iran appears within grasp of a nuclear weapon. The Palestinian people say they will not recognize the Jewish state of Israel dooming any potential agreement in the middle east. Islam is quickly becoming a prominent and in some cases dictating minority in many European nations. While we have avoided Islamic attacks, Europe has not. Pakistan, already a nuclear power, appears ripe for Islamic takeover. If you draw a cartoon of Mohamed your are an infidel worthy of death. If you burn a Koran, worldwide violence is threatened it is so offensive, yet if you build an Islamic mosque where Muslims attacked us in the name of Allah it is not. Bibles are burned by our military and no one whispers a peep in Afghanistan. Where exactly are we, better off or worse off?
We have not endured a major attack by Islam in the United States since 9/11. We have had a Muslim army officer gun down innocents, and several bombers and other plots that have been foiled. Usama Bin Laden still is free, Saddam Hussein is dead. Attempts to appease Islam have been greeted with even greater boldness on the religions part. They are not the problem, we are, in spite of their refusal to distance themselves from the so-called radicals in their ranks. So where exactly are we?
Well, 9 years after 9/11/01, we are pretty much exactly where we were then. Islam is still the greatest physical threat to our existence and way of life. And you know what, we need to accept this. This is not going to change. You cannot negotiate with or appease someone who says their goal is to destroy you. There is no peace to be had. Until Jesus Christ returns for His own we will be in a battle, both physical and spiritual, with Islam. Will we publicly acknowledge this, no. Will that change the fact it is the truth, no. For as long as we are alive or on this earth, Islam, all of it until the so-called moderates officially distance themselves publicly and consistently from the "radicals," will be our enemy. Pessimistic, maybe. Realistic, yes.
Jesus tells us to love our enemies, so we must love them as God loves us. But we also must remain prepared and proactive in our own self defense. Where are we after 9 years? Exactly where we were on 9/11/01. At war with a belief system that has sworn to destroy us. That's not going to change, no matter how much we give. Will we as a nation ever accept this? Probably not, but that does not change the truth.
Are we safer, or more at risk? We're still engaged in a seemingly endless war in Afghanistan. We have ended so-called military operations in Iraq although 50,000 of our troops remain there. Radical Islam is still radical and their stated aim is to destroy us, Israel and our culture. Iran appears within grasp of a nuclear weapon. The Palestinian people say they will not recognize the Jewish state of Israel dooming any potential agreement in the middle east. Islam is quickly becoming a prominent and in some cases dictating minority in many European nations. While we have avoided Islamic attacks, Europe has not. Pakistan, already a nuclear power, appears ripe for Islamic takeover. If you draw a cartoon of Mohamed your are an infidel worthy of death. If you burn a Koran, worldwide violence is threatened it is so offensive, yet if you build an Islamic mosque where Muslims attacked us in the name of Allah it is not. Bibles are burned by our military and no one whispers a peep in Afghanistan. Where exactly are we, better off or worse off?
We have not endured a major attack by Islam in the United States since 9/11. We have had a Muslim army officer gun down innocents, and several bombers and other plots that have been foiled. Usama Bin Laden still is free, Saddam Hussein is dead. Attempts to appease Islam have been greeted with even greater boldness on the religions part. They are not the problem, we are, in spite of their refusal to distance themselves from the so-called radicals in their ranks. So where exactly are we?
Well, 9 years after 9/11/01, we are pretty much exactly where we were then. Islam is still the greatest physical threat to our existence and way of life. And you know what, we need to accept this. This is not going to change. You cannot negotiate with or appease someone who says their goal is to destroy you. There is no peace to be had. Until Jesus Christ returns for His own we will be in a battle, both physical and spiritual, with Islam. Will we publicly acknowledge this, no. Will that change the fact it is the truth, no. For as long as we are alive or on this earth, Islam, all of it until the so-called moderates officially distance themselves publicly and consistently from the "radicals," will be our enemy. Pessimistic, maybe. Realistic, yes.
Jesus tells us to love our enemies, so we must love them as God loves us. But we also must remain prepared and proactive in our own self defense. Where are we after 9 years? Exactly where we were on 9/11/01. At war with a belief system that has sworn to destroy us. That's not going to change, no matter how much we give. Will we as a nation ever accept this? Probably not, but that does not change the truth.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Desperate for God
As we look across the landscape of our nation today, are we desperate for God? Is He the place where we look for our answers exclusively? Is He the solution to anything that burdens our soul? Are we leaning upon Him alone for our sustenance and provision? Are we trusting in His word and His will? The answer to me is obvious; no we are not. We look to political, or economic, or self-improvement, believing we can solve the problems in our lives. What we lack is a true desperation for God in our lives. We live in the most blessed, prosperous, affluent nation in the history of planet earth and so we are self sufficient. What we need is the attitude of the psalmist in Psalm 42:1-5. Does this describe us?
Spiritual Desperation
Psalm 42:1-2, "As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the Living God. When shall I come and appear before God?"
The psalmist here is in a desperate place. He compares himself to a deer being hunted, out of breath, scorched with thirst, fleeing from danger, and in verse 2 he cries out to God. But notice something here; the psalmist checks himself. He does not cry out to just God, but to the Living God. The One True God. The only One who can answer his plea of desperation. He longs to appear before God in the temple, have his sins cleansed and forgiven. He thirsts for the Living Water, the word, and the safety of God's protection and provision. Does this describe us? On any given Sunday only 20% of the population of the United States is in a Christian church.
Spiritual Embarrassment
Psalm 42:3, "My tears have been my food day and night, while they continually say to me, where is your God?
Have you ever been in a place before God where your only answer was to bitterly weep? Peter knew this, after he denied Christ for the third time. These are tears of repentance. The psalmist hears the cry of the world; Hebrew! Where is your God! Your God! Who calls you His chosen people, yet continually has to discipline you because of disobedience and idolatry. Your God! Who has you taken into captivity and slavery, as you have not followed Him and His Law.
Is the cry not the same today; Church! Where is your God? Your God! Who created humanity in His image, yet your nation kills the unborn in the millions every year. Your God! Who says that divorce apart from adultery is sin, yet the church has as high a divorce rate as the world. Your God! Who gave you His completed word the bible, the word in the flesh Jesus Christ, yet false teachings are not only tolerated but often embraced in the name of unity. Your God! Who says "I alone am God", yet we are a nation and people of idols. Where is He! Why does He not show Himself! Where is His power and strength! His righteousness and goodness! Does this describe us? Are we as ashamed as the psalmist regarding God's lack of apparent power due to His dead and lukewarm body and our darkened nation?
Spiritual Nostalgia
Psalm 42:4, "When I remember these things, I pour out my soul within me. For I used to go with the multitude; I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept a pilgrim feast."
The psalmist longs for the day when God's people and His nation followed Him in joy and obedience. His soul is poured out with the desire to see a return to these days. Is ours? Do we sincerely long for the days when America was undoubtedly a Christian nation? Founded upon the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob and His Son Jesus Christ. When one's social life revolved around fellow believers who surrounded us. When going to church was the norm, instead of the exception. When God was preeminent in our lives? Do we want a return to those days?
Spiritual Hope
Psalm 42:5, "Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him! For the help of His countenance."
The psalmist has turned to the only place he could, and thus, the desperation is turned to hope. He knows that with God, "all things are possible." He knows, God's will, will be done. Doubt has become confidence, and helplessness, hope. Does this describe us? If we as God's church are to impact our nation in a true return to God, let us ask 4 questions from these verses:
v.1-2: Are we willing to acknowledge before God that we are helpless without Him, and turn from our sin and idols, recognizing Jesus Christ as the only answer?
v. 3: Are we willing to acknowledge that the only thing standing between a true movement of God is us, through our disobedience, sin and compromise?
v. 4: Do we long for the days when God was lifted up as the foundation for our beliefs, and we were unashamed, steadfastly proclaiming Him and Him only?
v. 5: Are we willing to place our hope in the blessed hope, Jesus Christ, and only Him?
Do we truly desire a heaven sent revival? Or are our hearts hardened due to self sufficiency and selfishness? Let us heed the words of psalmist. Let us be desperate for Jesus knowing confidently He is the answer to every problem we and our nation face.
Spiritual Desperation
Psalm 42:1-2, "As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the Living God. When shall I come and appear before God?"
The psalmist here is in a desperate place. He compares himself to a deer being hunted, out of breath, scorched with thirst, fleeing from danger, and in verse 2 he cries out to God. But notice something here; the psalmist checks himself. He does not cry out to just God, but to the Living God. The One True God. The only One who can answer his plea of desperation. He longs to appear before God in the temple, have his sins cleansed and forgiven. He thirsts for the Living Water, the word, and the safety of God's protection and provision. Does this describe us? On any given Sunday only 20% of the population of the United States is in a Christian church.
Spiritual Embarrassment
Psalm 42:3, "My tears have been my food day and night, while they continually say to me, where is your God?
Have you ever been in a place before God where your only answer was to bitterly weep? Peter knew this, after he denied Christ for the third time. These are tears of repentance. The psalmist hears the cry of the world; Hebrew! Where is your God! Your God! Who calls you His chosen people, yet continually has to discipline you because of disobedience and idolatry. Your God! Who has you taken into captivity and slavery, as you have not followed Him and His Law.
Is the cry not the same today; Church! Where is your God? Your God! Who created humanity in His image, yet your nation kills the unborn in the millions every year. Your God! Who says that divorce apart from adultery is sin, yet the church has as high a divorce rate as the world. Your God! Who gave you His completed word the bible, the word in the flesh Jesus Christ, yet false teachings are not only tolerated but often embraced in the name of unity. Your God! Who says "I alone am God", yet we are a nation and people of idols. Where is He! Why does He not show Himself! Where is His power and strength! His righteousness and goodness! Does this describe us? Are we as ashamed as the psalmist regarding God's lack of apparent power due to His dead and lukewarm body and our darkened nation?
Spiritual Nostalgia
Psalm 42:4, "When I remember these things, I pour out my soul within me. For I used to go with the multitude; I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept a pilgrim feast."
The psalmist longs for the day when God's people and His nation followed Him in joy and obedience. His soul is poured out with the desire to see a return to these days. Is ours? Do we sincerely long for the days when America was undoubtedly a Christian nation? Founded upon the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob and His Son Jesus Christ. When one's social life revolved around fellow believers who surrounded us. When going to church was the norm, instead of the exception. When God was preeminent in our lives? Do we want a return to those days?
Spiritual Hope
Psalm 42:5, "Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him! For the help of His countenance."
The psalmist has turned to the only place he could, and thus, the desperation is turned to hope. He knows that with God, "all things are possible." He knows, God's will, will be done. Doubt has become confidence, and helplessness, hope. Does this describe us? If we as God's church are to impact our nation in a true return to God, let us ask 4 questions from these verses:
v.1-2: Are we willing to acknowledge before God that we are helpless without Him, and turn from our sin and idols, recognizing Jesus Christ as the only answer?
v. 3: Are we willing to acknowledge that the only thing standing between a true movement of God is us, through our disobedience, sin and compromise?
v. 4: Do we long for the days when God was lifted up as the foundation for our beliefs, and we were unashamed, steadfastly proclaiming Him and Him only?
v. 5: Are we willing to place our hope in the blessed hope, Jesus Christ, and only Him?
Do we truly desire a heaven sent revival? Or are our hearts hardened due to self sufficiency and selfishness? Let us heed the words of psalmist. Let us be desperate for Jesus knowing confidently He is the answer to every problem we and our nation face.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Labor Day
Luke 10:2, "Then He(Jesus) said to them, 'The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.'"
Labor Day in America is a day when we salute the working man and woman. It's a holiday from work for the one who works hard for a living. It's the opening of college football season, the last unofficial weekend of the summer, a much needed and appreciated day off. But in the work of the Lord, is their a break?
For many Christians the work of the Lord is simply passed over because of our work in the world, or simple neglect. In Luke 10:2, Jesus tells us that the harvest, the reaping of souls for the kingdom of God, is truly great. However, their is a problem. God's kingdom does now have enough workers to bring in all that could be harvested.
Bill Bright, the late founder of Campus Crusade for Christ, after years of study revealed some alarming figures. In his research, Bright found that only 2% of Christians are actively involved in sharing their faith. Only 2 in 100 Christians are burdened with the lost to the point they will tell people of Jesus as a regular part of their life. The harvest is indeed "great," but the "laborers are few."
It's been said many times regarding witnessing, we are God's chosen instrument to fulfil this work. Their is no plan B. We are the one's commanded by God to "go" and "make disciples." Sadly, few of us are actually going. And thus few disciples are being made. The harvest sits in the field awaiting to be brought to the storehouse. Souls who need to hear the gospel of Christ, are decaying in the field that is the world. And many simply seem not to care.
Their will come a day when this time of harvest is over. One of the more haunting verses in the bible to me is Jeremiah 8:20. Here the Lord tells us, "The harvest is past, the summer is ended. And we are not saved." This verse seems to communicate the cry of those who are left after the harvest, who because of the lack of workers, were never brought in from the field.
So what is the answer for this? Well, we speak of this problem alot. In my denomination, the Southern Baptist Convention, we have a new denominational focus upon reaching the lost called the "Great Commission Resurgence." We as a denomination have decided upon many structural changes and spending more money in areas that are less permeated by the gospel. But should not the first step be to follow Jesus's instructions in Luke 10:2?
The first thing that is needed for the harvest to be great, are the workers to bring it in. Jesus tells us we are to ask the "Lord of the harvest," the Father Himself, to provide workers. We can talk about evangelism and discipleship all we want, but until we earnestly lift up this request to God in prayer, will we ever have the workers needed to truly reach the whole world?
Over the last few weeks I've heard many of my peers stating something I've been saying for months now. That we will never have a "Great Commission Resurgence" until we first have a "Greatest Commandment" resurgence. Until we love God first, and are able to love "others" as ourselves, we will never have the burden for the lost we should have.
In Luke 19:10 Jesus explains His mission here on earth. He says that "The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." We must come to the realization that Jesus no longer walks this earth, and that we are the body of Christ. This is our mission. Will we embrace it out of our love for God and each other, or continue to see the harvest rot in the field? A lost world is waiting for our decision.
Labor Day in America is a day when we salute the working man and woman. It's a holiday from work for the one who works hard for a living. It's the opening of college football season, the last unofficial weekend of the summer, a much needed and appreciated day off. But in the work of the Lord, is their a break?
For many Christians the work of the Lord is simply passed over because of our work in the world, or simple neglect. In Luke 10:2, Jesus tells us that the harvest, the reaping of souls for the kingdom of God, is truly great. However, their is a problem. God's kingdom does now have enough workers to bring in all that could be harvested.
Bill Bright, the late founder of Campus Crusade for Christ, after years of study revealed some alarming figures. In his research, Bright found that only 2% of Christians are actively involved in sharing their faith. Only 2 in 100 Christians are burdened with the lost to the point they will tell people of Jesus as a regular part of their life. The harvest is indeed "great," but the "laborers are few."
It's been said many times regarding witnessing, we are God's chosen instrument to fulfil this work. Their is no plan B. We are the one's commanded by God to "go" and "make disciples." Sadly, few of us are actually going. And thus few disciples are being made. The harvest sits in the field awaiting to be brought to the storehouse. Souls who need to hear the gospel of Christ, are decaying in the field that is the world. And many simply seem not to care.
Their will come a day when this time of harvest is over. One of the more haunting verses in the bible to me is Jeremiah 8:20. Here the Lord tells us, "The harvest is past, the summer is ended. And we are not saved." This verse seems to communicate the cry of those who are left after the harvest, who because of the lack of workers, were never brought in from the field.
So what is the answer for this? Well, we speak of this problem alot. In my denomination, the Southern Baptist Convention, we have a new denominational focus upon reaching the lost called the "Great Commission Resurgence." We as a denomination have decided upon many structural changes and spending more money in areas that are less permeated by the gospel. But should not the first step be to follow Jesus's instructions in Luke 10:2?
The first thing that is needed for the harvest to be great, are the workers to bring it in. Jesus tells us we are to ask the "Lord of the harvest," the Father Himself, to provide workers. We can talk about evangelism and discipleship all we want, but until we earnestly lift up this request to God in prayer, will we ever have the workers needed to truly reach the whole world?
Over the last few weeks I've heard many of my peers stating something I've been saying for months now. That we will never have a "Great Commission Resurgence" until we first have a "Greatest Commandment" resurgence. Until we love God first, and are able to love "others" as ourselves, we will never have the burden for the lost we should have.
In Luke 19:10 Jesus explains His mission here on earth. He says that "The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." We must come to the realization that Jesus no longer walks this earth, and that we are the body of Christ. This is our mission. Will we embrace it out of our love for God and each other, or continue to see the harvest rot in the field? A lost world is waiting for our decision.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Faith, Hope and Charity(Love)
1 Corinthians 13:13, "And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love."
This is one of the most well known, beloved verses in the bible. How many couples have had their wedding vows sealed with this verse? How many sermons preached? How many Christians discipled? It is a verse that speaks of our existence here on earth, and also in eternity with God. But does it speak of our nation?
God has truly pressed upon my heart the emergence of Glenn Beck as our nations most visible spokesman on behalf of God. Beck, who made his name as a political commentator for conservative issues has now moved into the realm of religion with his self proclaimed rally in the name of God on August 28. He has gathered together various faiths who espouse vastly contradictory views of God, in fact different gods, to call America back to God. And this past Saturday half a million people rallied to this cry. I believe it shows that America, maybe for the first time in my life, is actually open to a true revival occurring. Their is a sense of desperation in our nation where people are actually seeking spiritual answers. This is a good thing! But can true revival occur calling upon the names of many gods, or must we show people the One True God? Let's look at this verse for our answer.
Beck has used the mantra, "Faith, Hope and Charity(Love)" as his shows theme since the beginning of the year. He has used it as a call for our nation to return to our Judeo-Christian roots. On his show daily we see this message with the words prominently displayed with pictures of our founding fathers underneath the words. But is this proper use of this scripture?
Let's look at them one-by-one. First faith: The bible teaches us that our faith is to be in the God of the bible alone. Not in another god. Not in a political or social movement. Not in mankind. Our faith is demonstrated by our trusting Jesus Christ, the Jesus of the bible, the only Jesus that is real, as our Lord and Savior. We trust Him as Savior believing from our heart that His blood is our only avenue to God's grace to experience His forgiveness. That through Jesus's sacrifice on the cross, we are cleansed from all unrighteousness and viewed through Him as righteous in God's eyes. If He is our Lord it means that we will fully surrender to Him, denying ourselves, and follow Him and His word in obedience.
It does not mean we place our faith in the founding fathers. I do not intend to minimize the profound effect these men had on our nation. But as beautiful and important as the U.S. Constitution is, it is not the inspired word of God. Only the Holy Bible meets that criteria. We are not to place our faith in our constitution, and a return to it's biblically based values, over the actual word of God.
Next is hope: Our hope, according to the bible, is not a return for our nation to the roots it was founded upon. According to scripture, our hope is Jesus Christ. Once again, only the Jesus of the bible, not "another Jesus" who has the same name but when compared side-by-side is totally different. Titus 2:13 tells us that we are to be "looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ." We are not to look with hope to men, as they will always disappoint. We are not to look with hope to political leaders, as they are men. Their is no hope in the things of this earth, only in Jesus.
Finally Love: Why is love the greatest? Well, when we get to heaven, we'll have no need for faith, as we will be with God, our faith will have been verified. We'll have no need for hope, our hope will have been granted. But forever and ever we will bathe in the love(agape) of God, and "being changed and like Him," able to actually give God that type of love we could not fully muster on earth.
The bible teaches love(agape) is the Greatest Commandment. To love God "with all" our heart, mind, soul and strength. And then to "love" others as ourselves. Love is evidenced by our obedience to Christ and His word. Jesus told us the world would know "us(Christians)," by our "love" for one another. He said we should "love" each other as He loved us. Sacrificially, totally focused upon the Fathers will instead of ours.
Is it permissible to love our nation. Absolutely, but not above God and His commands. We can love many things, but their is nothing, not even our families, which should come above our love for God. Jesus stated that if our love for our families did not appear as hate compared to our love for Him, we are not worthy to follow Him. The fate of our nation is nothing in God's eyes compared to our obedience in loving Him above all things.
What we have here in preacher talk, is a case of Beck using isegesis in applying scripture. This means, we formulate an idea, and then apply scripture to that idea. It is a dangerous practice for it does not truly communicate what God is trying to say, but rather what we want to say. The proper method is known as exegesis. This is where we take the scripture and attempt to communicate exactly what God is trying to say to us. Can we apply scripture to modern events? Absolutely. But we cannot do so in changing the meaning of what God is trying to communicate.
So, is God trying to communicate through Beck? Possibly, but I believe it's a warning, not the signal for revival. The warning is, God's church is the one who should be sending out the cry for a return to God, not a member of a false religion. The fact that the American church is so dead that no Christian could come close to gathering the support of Beck, a Mormon, should be a wake up call to us all. "Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand!" Will we turn to God, or man?
The most famous revival verse in the bible is 2 Chronicles 7:14. It reads, "If My people who are called by My name(not Allah, or the Mormon Jesus, or Buddah, or Krishna) will humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then, I will hear their prayer in heaven, and I will forgive their sins, and heal their land." If our land, our nation, is to be healed, it will be a work of the One True and Living God. It will not be the work of any man or governmental system. In regards to Beck, where are we placing our faith? In the True and Living God as he commands, or a political movement in the name of many gods? Where are we placing our hope? In our nations ability to get things straight, or the return of Jesus, the only One who can accomplish this? Who are we loving more? Political allegiance or God Almighty?
Is Barack Obama's view of government good for our nation. I don't think so. But the bible tells us that God "raises up kings, and removes kings." He has allowed Obama to come to power for a reason. Could it be to turn us in repentance back to God? I believe it could be. Will that return come when we join together with other religions and gods in God's name? I fear not. Galatians 6:7 reads, "God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that also he shall reap." Unless we are gathered together in Jesus Christ's name, not some generic god, how will God honor that?
This is one of the most well known, beloved verses in the bible. How many couples have had their wedding vows sealed with this verse? How many sermons preached? How many Christians discipled? It is a verse that speaks of our existence here on earth, and also in eternity with God. But does it speak of our nation?
God has truly pressed upon my heart the emergence of Glenn Beck as our nations most visible spokesman on behalf of God. Beck, who made his name as a political commentator for conservative issues has now moved into the realm of religion with his self proclaimed rally in the name of God on August 28. He has gathered together various faiths who espouse vastly contradictory views of God, in fact different gods, to call America back to God. And this past Saturday half a million people rallied to this cry. I believe it shows that America, maybe for the first time in my life, is actually open to a true revival occurring. Their is a sense of desperation in our nation where people are actually seeking spiritual answers. This is a good thing! But can true revival occur calling upon the names of many gods, or must we show people the One True God? Let's look at this verse for our answer.
Beck has used the mantra, "Faith, Hope and Charity(Love)" as his shows theme since the beginning of the year. He has used it as a call for our nation to return to our Judeo-Christian roots. On his show daily we see this message with the words prominently displayed with pictures of our founding fathers underneath the words. But is this proper use of this scripture?
Let's look at them one-by-one. First faith: The bible teaches us that our faith is to be in the God of the bible alone. Not in another god. Not in a political or social movement. Not in mankind. Our faith is demonstrated by our trusting Jesus Christ, the Jesus of the bible, the only Jesus that is real, as our Lord and Savior. We trust Him as Savior believing from our heart that His blood is our only avenue to God's grace to experience His forgiveness. That through Jesus's sacrifice on the cross, we are cleansed from all unrighteousness and viewed through Him as righteous in God's eyes. If He is our Lord it means that we will fully surrender to Him, denying ourselves, and follow Him and His word in obedience.
It does not mean we place our faith in the founding fathers. I do not intend to minimize the profound effect these men had on our nation. But as beautiful and important as the U.S. Constitution is, it is not the inspired word of God. Only the Holy Bible meets that criteria. We are not to place our faith in our constitution, and a return to it's biblically based values, over the actual word of God.
Next is hope: Our hope, according to the bible, is not a return for our nation to the roots it was founded upon. According to scripture, our hope is Jesus Christ. Once again, only the Jesus of the bible, not "another Jesus" who has the same name but when compared side-by-side is totally different. Titus 2:13 tells us that we are to be "looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ." We are not to look with hope to men, as they will always disappoint. We are not to look with hope to political leaders, as they are men. Their is no hope in the things of this earth, only in Jesus.
Finally Love: Why is love the greatest? Well, when we get to heaven, we'll have no need for faith, as we will be with God, our faith will have been verified. We'll have no need for hope, our hope will have been granted. But forever and ever we will bathe in the love(agape) of God, and "being changed and like Him," able to actually give God that type of love we could not fully muster on earth.
The bible teaches love(agape) is the Greatest Commandment. To love God "with all" our heart, mind, soul and strength. And then to "love" others as ourselves. Love is evidenced by our obedience to Christ and His word. Jesus told us the world would know "us(Christians)," by our "love" for one another. He said we should "love" each other as He loved us. Sacrificially, totally focused upon the Fathers will instead of ours.
Is it permissible to love our nation. Absolutely, but not above God and His commands. We can love many things, but their is nothing, not even our families, which should come above our love for God. Jesus stated that if our love for our families did not appear as hate compared to our love for Him, we are not worthy to follow Him. The fate of our nation is nothing in God's eyes compared to our obedience in loving Him above all things.
What we have here in preacher talk, is a case of Beck using isegesis in applying scripture. This means, we formulate an idea, and then apply scripture to that idea. It is a dangerous practice for it does not truly communicate what God is trying to say, but rather what we want to say. The proper method is known as exegesis. This is where we take the scripture and attempt to communicate exactly what God is trying to say to us. Can we apply scripture to modern events? Absolutely. But we cannot do so in changing the meaning of what God is trying to communicate.
So, is God trying to communicate through Beck? Possibly, but I believe it's a warning, not the signal for revival. The warning is, God's church is the one who should be sending out the cry for a return to God, not a member of a false religion. The fact that the American church is so dead that no Christian could come close to gathering the support of Beck, a Mormon, should be a wake up call to us all. "Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand!" Will we turn to God, or man?
The most famous revival verse in the bible is 2 Chronicles 7:14. It reads, "If My people who are called by My name(not Allah, or the Mormon Jesus, or Buddah, or Krishna) will humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then, I will hear their prayer in heaven, and I will forgive their sins, and heal their land." If our land, our nation, is to be healed, it will be a work of the One True and Living God. It will not be the work of any man or governmental system. In regards to Beck, where are we placing our faith? In the True and Living God as he commands, or a political movement in the name of many gods? Where are we placing our hope? In our nations ability to get things straight, or the return of Jesus, the only One who can accomplish this? Who are we loving more? Political allegiance or God Almighty?
Is Barack Obama's view of government good for our nation. I don't think so. But the bible tells us that God "raises up kings, and removes kings." He has allowed Obama to come to power for a reason. Could it be to turn us in repentance back to God? I believe it could be. Will that return come when we join together with other religions and gods in God's name? I fear not. Galatians 6:7 reads, "God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that also he shall reap." Unless we are gathered together in Jesus Christ's name, not some generic god, how will God honor that?
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