Anyone who knows me also knows I am not a fan of Joel Osteen. Osteen, the handsome, ever smiling purveyor of a self help, get rich, be the best you can be gospel has been the poster boy for what is wrong with God's church today. Osteen, who refuses to preach on sin, or hell, or anything that the world could perceive as negative, has built his own earthly kingdom by tickling ears and avoiding the true gospel message. As a result of his man-pleasing message Osteen currently "pastor's" the largest "church" in the United States in Houston, Texas and has amassed a huge fortune for himself. But recently, this master of telling people what they want to hear, was cornered into stating a doctrinal truth that offends the sensibilities of the world. Osteen declared on CNN's "Piers Morgan Tonight" that he believes, according to the Scriptures, that homosexuality is sin.
While this truth is plainly evident to anyone who reads the bible and accepts it for what it actually says, for Osteen to actually say this is pleasantly surprising. Osteen avoids doctrinal stands like politicians avoid the truth, but when cornered by Morgan on this CNN show, Osteen turned to scripture for his answer. Osteen's adamant and scriptural response was, "Yes, I've always believed, Peirs, the scriptures show that homosexuality is a sin." Now this is something I never thought I would say, but AMEN! Joel Osteen!
Morgan pressed Osteen, truly attacking his position, and while Osteen did not boldly turn to the Scriptures for proof, he did not however back away from his position. CNN later made this into a huge story that almost surely will continue, as other than Rick Warren, Osteen is the most prominent religious figure in our country right now.
Now I could look to the past and ask why it has taken Osteen this long to state a clear truth, to take a stand on the word of God. I could rightfully and accurately point to his sermons, books, lectures, and previous TV interviews and decry his lack of speaking with biblical authority. I'm not going to do that though. I want to look forward to what the future may hold for Osteen, for this was his moment of truth.
The way I see it, Osteen has 2 options. He can either stand on the word of God, and in doing so, be forced to take other stands that will surely displease his followers and the media that has elevated him to his prominent position, or; he can back track and claim some new revelation like so many other "pastors" today and claim he was wrong. In this moment of truth, we will see just what Osteen is made of.
If he takes this biblical stand, and the others that will surely follow, he will lose church members, TV ratings, media exposure and money. If he backtracks, he can become even more popular in the world he so often seeks to please. At this moment we need to be in sincere prayer for Joel Osteen. He is a man with a large audience and an opportunity that few others have to proclaim the true gospel of Jesus Christ. While finally taking this stand will cost him here on earth, it could mean millions of people hearing the gospel truth. But anyone who truly follows Christ knows their will be a cost here on earth.
Osteen is in a transformational moment. For all of the damage he has done, he has a true chance to repent and return to the God he claims to serve. Is he willing to suffer the cost of doing this? I certainly pray he is. Through the medium of the media that has so promoted Osteen, he is now trapped and must make a choice: Jesus or the world; treasures in heaven or treasures here on earth. If he chooses to truly serve God, oh what an influence he could have.
Paul once persecuted the church. Peter denied Christ 3 times. Many men of God have faced this sort of choice when confronted with the truth. Which direction will Osteen choose? Will he choose to begin calling sin what the bible calls sin? Or will he seek a way out from under this mountain of negativity? As critical as I personally have been of Joel Osteen for what I perceive as his abandonment of the truth, I am with all of my soul praying he takes this stand, and the others that will surely come.
We must acknowledge the truth of the bible, and boldly proclaim it. It is through the "foolishness" of preaching that God has chosen for souls to be converted. We must understand that Christ has not come "to bring peace," but rather to "divide," and God's word is the dividing line. As much as we in our sin may seek to avoid the truth, God has already identified what sin is and the consequences of living in it. It is the kingdom of God that is at stake for the people who reject God's truth. Mr. Osteen, I pray that this moment of truth is your transformational encounter with Christ. In the near future the whole world will know who you serve; the True and Living God, or the world and yourself. My prayers are with you Joel.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
The Study of Prophecy
At the beginning of January we began a study of the book of Daniel at Oakland Baptist Church. Daniel is a remarkable book, teaching doctrine and aspects of Godly, sacrificial living that have excellent application to us today. But Daniel is best known for it's prophecies regarding "latter days," as it paints an allegorical picture of things that will yet unfold on planet earth. But the teaching of prophecy can be a confusing thing. So how should we best go about it?
Their are many so-called prophecy teachers in Christendom today. Many are out and out charlatans. They apply personal opinion and and the world to the bible, instead of applying the bible to their opinion and the world. The result is an amalgamation of views that can be thoroughly misleading. But their are basic principles in interpreting prophecy that can help us avoid all of the confusion.
Allegory is when God uses symbols to communicate a message. Some famous symbols in prophecy are a "woman" riding a "beast" from Revelation 17 and in the book of Daniel, the image that appears to King Nebuchadnezzar in a dream in Daniel chapter 2. So how are we to know what these symbols represent? Well, in many cases God will interpret the symbolism for us. In Daniel 2 Daniel reveals to the king that he is the head of gold on the image, representing the kingdom of Babylon. The kingdoms that are represented by the rest of the image are revealed to us by history, except for the feet of iron and clay which has yet to come. God also gives us the interpretation of Revelation 17 in the text of that chapter. This is an important lesson. Their is only one tool that is essential to interpreting biblical prophecy, and that is the bible. We must let the bible interpret itself for us.
The bible will do this as the symbols will remain consistent. If a certain symbol means one thing in one place of scripture, it will mean the same thing in another place in scripture. Leaven is always a picture of sin and false doctrine when used in allegory. Birds, other than eagles and doves, are a picture of evil and Satan. A woman is a picture of a religious system. If we use this consistent mode of interpretation it reveals exactly what God is trying to reveal to us through the word pictures He is giving us.
One of the best examples of this occurs in Revelation 12 and Genesis 37. In Revelation 12 we see a woman cloaked in the sun, the moon and the stars. Some claim that this woman represents Mary, mother of Jesus. Some cult leaders have claimed that it has represented themselves. But what does the bible say? Well we see the image of the sun, moon and stars in only one other place in scripture, Genesis 37:9. And in Genesis 37 it is Jacob himself who interprets this for us in verse 10, where he says the sun represents Rachel, the moon himself and the stars the brothers of Joseph, which will later become the tribes of Israel. Since we know a woman represents a religious system, and in Revelation 12 she is giving birth to a child(Messiah), this picture in Revelation 12 can only be Israel, who as a nation Jesus comes forth from.
Only the bible can interpret the bible accurately, and we must allow God to tell us what certain symbols mean instead of trying to make them mean what we desire them to mean. Many prophecy teachers are guilty of teaching on things that have yet to occur dogmatically, stating that such things as the European Union is the reformed Roman empire we see pictured by the feet and toes of Daniel chapter 2 and Nebuchadnezzar's dream. Could the EU be this? Yes, it could. But until it happens we cannot be sure. And to state as fact a minute detail that has yet to occur is yet another way some prophecy teachers mislead people. God gives us a general outline in prophecy of things that will occur. He does not go in to minute detail. This is why it is so important to allow Him to tell us what He has chosen too, and not state as fact an opinion we may hold that at the moment may fit the prophecy. We can state it as opinion, but not as fact. Only God truly knows exactly how His plan will eventually take shape.
The study of prophecy is a much needed thing in the church today. It reveals to us through fulfilled prophecy that the bible is the only true word of God, as only God can predict the future without error. It allows us to share with others the fate that awaits those who do not know Jesus Christ as Savior. But we must stay true to what the bible tells us, and not engage in rampant speculation stated as fact. If we will honor God's word and let it tell it's story, we'll find the study of prophecy an exciting journey in our faith. If we do not, we'll wind up confused and disappointed when things we may have heard or believed simply do not transpire. When studying prophecy, let God tell us what He will; apply the bible to the world and not vice versa; and when stating opinion make sure it's known as opinion. If we do that, God's word will speak to us in a revealing and amazing way!
Their are many so-called prophecy teachers in Christendom today. Many are out and out charlatans. They apply personal opinion and and the world to the bible, instead of applying the bible to their opinion and the world. The result is an amalgamation of views that can be thoroughly misleading. But their are basic principles in interpreting prophecy that can help us avoid all of the confusion.
Allegory is when God uses symbols to communicate a message. Some famous symbols in prophecy are a "woman" riding a "beast" from Revelation 17 and in the book of Daniel, the image that appears to King Nebuchadnezzar in a dream in Daniel chapter 2. So how are we to know what these symbols represent? Well, in many cases God will interpret the symbolism for us. In Daniel 2 Daniel reveals to the king that he is the head of gold on the image, representing the kingdom of Babylon. The kingdoms that are represented by the rest of the image are revealed to us by history, except for the feet of iron and clay which has yet to come. God also gives us the interpretation of Revelation 17 in the text of that chapter. This is an important lesson. Their is only one tool that is essential to interpreting biblical prophecy, and that is the bible. We must let the bible interpret itself for us.
The bible will do this as the symbols will remain consistent. If a certain symbol means one thing in one place of scripture, it will mean the same thing in another place in scripture. Leaven is always a picture of sin and false doctrine when used in allegory. Birds, other than eagles and doves, are a picture of evil and Satan. A woman is a picture of a religious system. If we use this consistent mode of interpretation it reveals exactly what God is trying to reveal to us through the word pictures He is giving us.
One of the best examples of this occurs in Revelation 12 and Genesis 37. In Revelation 12 we see a woman cloaked in the sun, the moon and the stars. Some claim that this woman represents Mary, mother of Jesus. Some cult leaders have claimed that it has represented themselves. But what does the bible say? Well we see the image of the sun, moon and stars in only one other place in scripture, Genesis 37:9. And in Genesis 37 it is Jacob himself who interprets this for us in verse 10, where he says the sun represents Rachel, the moon himself and the stars the brothers of Joseph, which will later become the tribes of Israel. Since we know a woman represents a religious system, and in Revelation 12 she is giving birth to a child(Messiah), this picture in Revelation 12 can only be Israel, who as a nation Jesus comes forth from.
Only the bible can interpret the bible accurately, and we must allow God to tell us what certain symbols mean instead of trying to make them mean what we desire them to mean. Many prophecy teachers are guilty of teaching on things that have yet to occur dogmatically, stating that such things as the European Union is the reformed Roman empire we see pictured by the feet and toes of Daniel chapter 2 and Nebuchadnezzar's dream. Could the EU be this? Yes, it could. But until it happens we cannot be sure. And to state as fact a minute detail that has yet to occur is yet another way some prophecy teachers mislead people. God gives us a general outline in prophecy of things that will occur. He does not go in to minute detail. This is why it is so important to allow Him to tell us what He has chosen too, and not state as fact an opinion we may hold that at the moment may fit the prophecy. We can state it as opinion, but not as fact. Only God truly knows exactly how His plan will eventually take shape.
The study of prophecy is a much needed thing in the church today. It reveals to us through fulfilled prophecy that the bible is the only true word of God, as only God can predict the future without error. It allows us to share with others the fate that awaits those who do not know Jesus Christ as Savior. But we must stay true to what the bible tells us, and not engage in rampant speculation stated as fact. If we will honor God's word and let it tell it's story, we'll find the study of prophecy an exciting journey in our faith. If we do not, we'll wind up confused and disappointed when things we may have heard or believed simply do not transpire. When studying prophecy, let God tell us what He will; apply the bible to the world and not vice versa; and when stating opinion make sure it's known as opinion. If we do that, God's word will speak to us in a revealing and amazing way!
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Falling Away-The Abandonment of Sola Scriptura
2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, "Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshipped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God."
Throughout the teachings of the New Testament, the church age is chronicled and an inevitable slide into apostasy is foretold. The bible often refers to the "last days" or "latter days" or "that Day" as a time when the fundamentals of the faith will be denied and replaced by man-centered teachings instead of God-centered teachings. The word apostasy literally means the abandonment or renunciation of a belief or principle. As we survey the condition of what is called Christianity today, it is hard to escape the truth of what the bible tells us would happen right before the return of Christ, and the subsequent appearance of the Antichrist. Their is only one place where we can base our faith, and that is upon the word of God. This is known as sola scriptura. When our teachings stray from God's revelation of Himself to us, we have usurped His teachings and replaced them with our own. This is apostasy.
Dr. Thomas Ice, a renowned teacher of biblical prophecy, gave a scriptural view of what would mark this apostasy in a recent blog. This departure from a biblically based faith will include:
Denial of God: Luke 17:26, 2 Timothy 3:4-5
Denial of Christ: 1 John 2:18, 4:3, 2 Peter 2:6
Denial of Christ's Return: 2 Peter 3:3-4
Denial of the Faith: 1 Timothy 4:1-2, Jude 3
Denial of Sound Doctrine: 2 Timothy 4:3-4
Denial of the Separated Life: 2 Timothy 3:1-7
Denial of Christian Liberty: 1 Timothy 4:3-4
Denial of Morals: 2 Timothy 3:1-8, 13, Jude 18
Denial of Authority: 2 Timothy 3:4
Looking around at what is called Christianity today we see each of these things predicted in the bible already occurring or in the process of coming about. Things that would have been inconceivable a few generations ago as they would have been correctly viewed as sin and heresy, are widely touted by so-called Christians in so-called churches today as a "new Christianity" in an ever evolving faith. A lawless and unbiblical view of the doctrine of grace has replaced sola scriptura and a literal understanding of the bible and propelled us into that age the bible refers to as the "last days."
The doctrine of grace is combined with our faith in the blood atonement and resurrection of Christ is the foundation of our salvation. But many are taking grace beyond biblical teachings on the subject and assigning to it a soft view of sin that is completely repudiated by sound biblical exegesis. Paul writes through the Holy Spirit in Romans 6:1-2, "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?" Yet today, under the guise of an unbiblical view of grace, things clearly identified as sin and false teaching are readily accepted and proclaimed by many who call themselves Christians.
There is only one foundation for being a Christian, and that is the word of God. 2 Peter 1:19-21 tells us; "And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit." God's word proclaims itself as "God breathed." It is His only revelation of Himself to mankind, and the only basis for God-centered teaching. Any teaching that contradicts, changes, adds too or subtracts from God's word is a man-centered false teaching from the pit of hell.
Jesus warns us in Matthew 7:13-27 that His way, revealed through His word, is a "narrow gate". The path to God is through one "gate," one "door," one "way," and that is Jesus Christ as revealed through the bible. Their are other ways, "wide gates," that will be pleasing to the ear and taught by "false prophets" and "teachers." Many of these false teachings will be proclaimed in the name of Jesus. But all of them will lead to "destruction." Jesus tells us many will choose that "wide gate." They will cry to Him in the day of judgment; "Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?" Yet Jesus will reply to them, "I never knew you, depart from Me you who practice lawlessness." The Jesus they proclaimed was not the Jesus of the bible.
Is the gate through which you base your faith wholly founded within the pages of scripture? God has given us a clear presentation of Himself in the pages of scripture. His word is His way. Do not be deceived by the teachings of man that seem so right to the ear, yet completely ignore the word of God. When we stand before Christ in judgment, only one thing will matter. Did we receive into our heart and follow the Jesus of the bible, "God in the flesh." Did we obtain "by grace," "through faith" His salvation as revealed in the bible. Many claim they represent Christ, yet only the bible reveals Him. Do not place your decision for eternal salvation in any other place than the clear revelation of Jesus in the bible!
Throughout the teachings of the New Testament, the church age is chronicled and an inevitable slide into apostasy is foretold. The bible often refers to the "last days" or "latter days" or "that Day" as a time when the fundamentals of the faith will be denied and replaced by man-centered teachings instead of God-centered teachings. The word apostasy literally means the abandonment or renunciation of a belief or principle. As we survey the condition of what is called Christianity today, it is hard to escape the truth of what the bible tells us would happen right before the return of Christ, and the subsequent appearance of the Antichrist. Their is only one place where we can base our faith, and that is upon the word of God. This is known as sola scriptura. When our teachings stray from God's revelation of Himself to us, we have usurped His teachings and replaced them with our own. This is apostasy.
Dr. Thomas Ice, a renowned teacher of biblical prophecy, gave a scriptural view of what would mark this apostasy in a recent blog. This departure from a biblically based faith will include:
Denial of God: Luke 17:26, 2 Timothy 3:4-5
Denial of Christ: 1 John 2:18, 4:3, 2 Peter 2:6
Denial of Christ's Return: 2 Peter 3:3-4
Denial of the Faith: 1 Timothy 4:1-2, Jude 3
Denial of Sound Doctrine: 2 Timothy 4:3-4
Denial of the Separated Life: 2 Timothy 3:1-7
Denial of Christian Liberty: 1 Timothy 4:3-4
Denial of Morals: 2 Timothy 3:1-8, 13, Jude 18
Denial of Authority: 2 Timothy 3:4
Looking around at what is called Christianity today we see each of these things predicted in the bible already occurring or in the process of coming about. Things that would have been inconceivable a few generations ago as they would have been correctly viewed as sin and heresy, are widely touted by so-called Christians in so-called churches today as a "new Christianity" in an ever evolving faith. A lawless and unbiblical view of the doctrine of grace has replaced sola scriptura and a literal understanding of the bible and propelled us into that age the bible refers to as the "last days."
The doctrine of grace is combined with our faith in the blood atonement and resurrection of Christ is the foundation of our salvation. But many are taking grace beyond biblical teachings on the subject and assigning to it a soft view of sin that is completely repudiated by sound biblical exegesis. Paul writes through the Holy Spirit in Romans 6:1-2, "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?" Yet today, under the guise of an unbiblical view of grace, things clearly identified as sin and false teaching are readily accepted and proclaimed by many who call themselves Christians.
There is only one foundation for being a Christian, and that is the word of God. 2 Peter 1:19-21 tells us; "And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit." God's word proclaims itself as "God breathed." It is His only revelation of Himself to mankind, and the only basis for God-centered teaching. Any teaching that contradicts, changes, adds too or subtracts from God's word is a man-centered false teaching from the pit of hell.
Jesus warns us in Matthew 7:13-27 that His way, revealed through His word, is a "narrow gate". The path to God is through one "gate," one "door," one "way," and that is Jesus Christ as revealed through the bible. Their are other ways, "wide gates," that will be pleasing to the ear and taught by "false prophets" and "teachers." Many of these false teachings will be proclaimed in the name of Jesus. But all of them will lead to "destruction." Jesus tells us many will choose that "wide gate." They will cry to Him in the day of judgment; "Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?" Yet Jesus will reply to them, "I never knew you, depart from Me you who practice lawlessness." The Jesus they proclaimed was not the Jesus of the bible.
Is the gate through which you base your faith wholly founded within the pages of scripture? God has given us a clear presentation of Himself in the pages of scripture. His word is His way. Do not be deceived by the teachings of man that seem so right to the ear, yet completely ignore the word of God. When we stand before Christ in judgment, only one thing will matter. Did we receive into our heart and follow the Jesus of the bible, "God in the flesh." Did we obtain "by grace," "through faith" His salvation as revealed in the bible. Many claim they represent Christ, yet only the bible reveals Him. Do not place your decision for eternal salvation in any other place than the clear revelation of Jesus in the bible!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Follow the Leader
Nehemiah 4:17-20, "Those who built on the wall, and those who carried burdens, loaded themselves so that with one hand they worked at construction, and with the other held a weapon. Every one of the builders had his sword girded at his side as he built. And the one who sounded the trumpet was beside me. Then I said to the nobles, the rulers, and the rest of the people. "The work is great and extensive, and we are separated from one another on the wall. Whenever you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us here. Our God will fight for us."
The book of Nehemiah is a wonderful book on leadership. Nehemiah was not a king, or a priest. He was cupbearer to the king. A servant. Yet he was the God anointed leader who rallied the children of Israel in rebuilding the protective wall around Jerusalem.
If you were to google the word leader, you would find a myriad of information and opinions on what a leader and leadership is. But a leader in God's eyes is defined differently. A leader in God's eyes, is just what Nehemiah was. A faithful servant. One who is willing to lay everything on the line, and through his willingness to stand for the things of God, encourages others to follow.
Nehemiah here was willing to stand for God. He left the comfort of his job in a royal palace because His God was calling him to serve, and he faithfully obeyed. When Nehemiah arrives in Jerusalem he finds the wall in shambles and Israel's enemies gathering. What does he do? He does the only thing he can. He goes to the people, all the people; the nobles, rulers and common man, and through his conviction and character, he leads.
Many times in God's economy, God has anointed leaders and they've stood alone. The Old Testament prophets are great examples of this. Jeremiah preached for 45 years yet their is no record of even one convert who followed him. Ezekiel also had few who heeded his cries, "Thus saith the Lord." The Israelites suffered greatly because they would not follow the leader God had sent them. But when God's people hear the cry of the leader, and stand with him, God works in mighty ways. This is what happened with Nehemiah.
When God calls His people to work, a battle is often at hand. Nehemiah's band stood with a sword in one hand and a trowel in the other, ready for work yet prepared to fight. When the call of the trumpet was sounded, they knew it was time to lay down the labor and rush to the battle. They were vigilant, and prepared. They followed the example of their leader. But if they had not stood together as one, if one weak link had existed from among all the people, the battle would be lost.
This common man Nehemiah led the nobles, rulers and regular Joe's as one. They were willing to lay aside titles and status because God had clearly called Nehemiah to lead. They recognized this in Nehemiah's willingness to stand on the commands of God, and to their credit, unlike many of their brethren in Israel's history, they followed God's man. They followed as one people, God's people, in God's call and work. And God accomplished His will through them.
Their's a great lesson here I believe. In this age of church disunity and strife. In this age of dying and stagnant churches. What could be accomplished if we simply rallied around the people God has called out to lead, and are willing to take a stand for Him. What would happen if we would set aside title, names and stature, and with discernment recognize when someone, anyone, is standing for God and leading.
Nehemiah is an example to us that anyone can be a leader for God. The person willing to stand in God's will and not flinch, is one we should recognize and follow. If we are willing to humble ourselves and acknowledge who God is working through, God can rally His people and still accomplish great things. The lessons of the bible are clear. When God's anointed leader is followed by God's people, God moves and His people prosper. When the leader is rejected, God's cause and His people suffer. Are you ready to lead? God may be calling you to do so. But just as important, are you ready to follow if God has called another to head His charge. The kingdom of God needs both leaders and followers. Both are faithful servants of the King!
The book of Nehemiah is a wonderful book on leadership. Nehemiah was not a king, or a priest. He was cupbearer to the king. A servant. Yet he was the God anointed leader who rallied the children of Israel in rebuilding the protective wall around Jerusalem.
If you were to google the word leader, you would find a myriad of information and opinions on what a leader and leadership is. But a leader in God's eyes is defined differently. A leader in God's eyes, is just what Nehemiah was. A faithful servant. One who is willing to lay everything on the line, and through his willingness to stand for the things of God, encourages others to follow.
Nehemiah here was willing to stand for God. He left the comfort of his job in a royal palace because His God was calling him to serve, and he faithfully obeyed. When Nehemiah arrives in Jerusalem he finds the wall in shambles and Israel's enemies gathering. What does he do? He does the only thing he can. He goes to the people, all the people; the nobles, rulers and common man, and through his conviction and character, he leads.
Many times in God's economy, God has anointed leaders and they've stood alone. The Old Testament prophets are great examples of this. Jeremiah preached for 45 years yet their is no record of even one convert who followed him. Ezekiel also had few who heeded his cries, "Thus saith the Lord." The Israelites suffered greatly because they would not follow the leader God had sent them. But when God's people hear the cry of the leader, and stand with him, God works in mighty ways. This is what happened with Nehemiah.
When God calls His people to work, a battle is often at hand. Nehemiah's band stood with a sword in one hand and a trowel in the other, ready for work yet prepared to fight. When the call of the trumpet was sounded, they knew it was time to lay down the labor and rush to the battle. They were vigilant, and prepared. They followed the example of their leader. But if they had not stood together as one, if one weak link had existed from among all the people, the battle would be lost.
This common man Nehemiah led the nobles, rulers and regular Joe's as one. They were willing to lay aside titles and status because God had clearly called Nehemiah to lead. They recognized this in Nehemiah's willingness to stand on the commands of God, and to their credit, unlike many of their brethren in Israel's history, they followed God's man. They followed as one people, God's people, in God's call and work. And God accomplished His will through them.
Their's a great lesson here I believe. In this age of church disunity and strife. In this age of dying and stagnant churches. What could be accomplished if we simply rallied around the people God has called out to lead, and are willing to take a stand for Him. What would happen if we would set aside title, names and stature, and with discernment recognize when someone, anyone, is standing for God and leading.
Nehemiah is an example to us that anyone can be a leader for God. The person willing to stand in God's will and not flinch, is one we should recognize and follow. If we are willing to humble ourselves and acknowledge who God is working through, God can rally His people and still accomplish great things. The lessons of the bible are clear. When God's anointed leader is followed by God's people, God moves and His people prosper. When the leader is rejected, God's cause and His people suffer. Are you ready to lead? God may be calling you to do so. But just as important, are you ready to follow if God has called another to head His charge. The kingdom of God needs both leaders and followers. Both are faithful servants of the King!
Monday, January 10, 2011
White As Snow
Isaiah 1:18, "'Come now, and let us reason together,' says the Lord, 'though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.'"
We don't get many days like this in South Carolina. Near Greenville in the upstate 8-10 inches of snow are already on the ground. Near Columbia 6-8 inches have accumulated. And here in Chesterfield, 5 inches or so already cover the landscape. And more is on the way for most of the day. Snow takes us back to childhood. I can still vividly remember sledding with childhood friend David Pittman down the steep hill on Balfer Drive next to Wade Hampton High School in Greenville. Snow brought an excitement that was rarely matched; well, because, we don't get many days like this in South Carolina. But snow is more than a childhood memory, or joy for a child today. In the bible, snow is a picture of our forgiveness of sin. Though we are sinful by nature, the pure nature of Jesus Christ can make us "white as snow."
Jesus, "God with us," "God in the flesh," lived a life that was pure as the driven snow we see out of our windows today. He was God, perfect and sinless; the lamb without blemish come to forgive the sins of the world. And in his perfect, sinless life he fulfilled the requirements of the law and the prophets. He lived the life only God could, in perfect obedience to the laws and word of God. In doing so, the "One" who was "without sin," "became sin," and took the punishment and penalty for our sin, and the sin of the whole world upon Him on a cross at Calvary some 2000 years ago.
Through heartfelt belief in Him, His righteousness is imputed to us so that in spite of our sins, in spite of our iniquities, in spite of our transgressions, we also can be declared righteous in the eyes of God. The word imputed is an accounting term. It means to credit something to another's account. Like me going to your bank and depositing money that is now yours, Jesus deposited His righteousness in to the hearts of all believers. Instead of being stained by our sin nature, and unacceptable to God because of it, we are now "white as snow." In God's eyes, because we now abide in the body of Christ, His true church made up of those with a genuine faith, we are righteous, we are pure, we are inheritors of the promises of God of eternal life with Him.
This promise is available to anyone. But it is a conditional promise. The condition is, we believe, place our faith in and follow Jesus. That we confess our sins to God, and repent of them. The word confess means to agree with someone. When we confess our sins, we are agreeing with God how offensive they are to Him, and if we do that sincerely from the heart, our desire will be to turn from them, and repent. The fact is if we have truly turned to God in our lives, we will automatically be turning from our sins. If we have truly turned to God in genuine faith, the Holy Spirit now indwells us, God is in us, and He will not allow us to remain in our sin.
We are not speaking of sinless perfection here, as no one other than Jesus was capable of living that life. But as a true believer, we will not "rejoice in iniquity." One of the Holy Spirit's ministries is to convict us of our sin. If He is inside of us, our hearts desire will be to turn from things offensive to God and seek to live a life pleasing to Him.
So on this day when most of us are home, enjoying the beauty of this day the "Lord has made," let us reflect on the sacrifice of the cross, and the opportunity it affords each and every one of us. No matter our sins, they can be forgiven. They can be "cleansed" and all of our "unrighteousness" removed. This promise of God is sure. So, have our sins been cleansed? Have we been forgiven? Have we confessed our sinfulness to God, repented, and received salvation through the power of His blood? If we will come to God sincerely from the heart, and do these things, and ask Him to forgive us He will. From that point forward we will continually become more like Him, and less like our old selves, as we are a "new creation" in Christ, "born again" of the Spirit of God. Will we take this step of faith, and follow Him?
We don't get many days like this in South Carolina. Near Greenville in the upstate 8-10 inches of snow are already on the ground. Near Columbia 6-8 inches have accumulated. And here in Chesterfield, 5 inches or so already cover the landscape. And more is on the way for most of the day. Snow takes us back to childhood. I can still vividly remember sledding with childhood friend David Pittman down the steep hill on Balfer Drive next to Wade Hampton High School in Greenville. Snow brought an excitement that was rarely matched; well, because, we don't get many days like this in South Carolina. But snow is more than a childhood memory, or joy for a child today. In the bible, snow is a picture of our forgiveness of sin. Though we are sinful by nature, the pure nature of Jesus Christ can make us "white as snow."
Jesus, "God with us," "God in the flesh," lived a life that was pure as the driven snow we see out of our windows today. He was God, perfect and sinless; the lamb without blemish come to forgive the sins of the world. And in his perfect, sinless life he fulfilled the requirements of the law and the prophets. He lived the life only God could, in perfect obedience to the laws and word of God. In doing so, the "One" who was "without sin," "became sin," and took the punishment and penalty for our sin, and the sin of the whole world upon Him on a cross at Calvary some 2000 years ago.
Through heartfelt belief in Him, His righteousness is imputed to us so that in spite of our sins, in spite of our iniquities, in spite of our transgressions, we also can be declared righteous in the eyes of God. The word imputed is an accounting term. It means to credit something to another's account. Like me going to your bank and depositing money that is now yours, Jesus deposited His righteousness in to the hearts of all believers. Instead of being stained by our sin nature, and unacceptable to God because of it, we are now "white as snow." In God's eyes, because we now abide in the body of Christ, His true church made up of those with a genuine faith, we are righteous, we are pure, we are inheritors of the promises of God of eternal life with Him.
This promise is available to anyone. But it is a conditional promise. The condition is, we believe, place our faith in and follow Jesus. That we confess our sins to God, and repent of them. The word confess means to agree with someone. When we confess our sins, we are agreeing with God how offensive they are to Him, and if we do that sincerely from the heart, our desire will be to turn from them, and repent. The fact is if we have truly turned to God in our lives, we will automatically be turning from our sins. If we have truly turned to God in genuine faith, the Holy Spirit now indwells us, God is in us, and He will not allow us to remain in our sin.
We are not speaking of sinless perfection here, as no one other than Jesus was capable of living that life. But as a true believer, we will not "rejoice in iniquity." One of the Holy Spirit's ministries is to convict us of our sin. If He is inside of us, our hearts desire will be to turn from things offensive to God and seek to live a life pleasing to Him.
So on this day when most of us are home, enjoying the beauty of this day the "Lord has made," let us reflect on the sacrifice of the cross, and the opportunity it affords each and every one of us. No matter our sins, they can be forgiven. They can be "cleansed" and all of our "unrighteousness" removed. This promise of God is sure. So, have our sins been cleansed? Have we been forgiven? Have we confessed our sinfulness to God, repented, and received salvation through the power of His blood? If we will come to God sincerely from the heart, and do these things, and ask Him to forgive us He will. From that point forward we will continually become more like Him, and less like our old selves, as we are a "new creation" in Christ, "born again" of the Spirit of God. Will we take this step of faith, and follow Him?
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