1 Peter 1:15-16, "but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, 'Be holy, for I am holy.'"
As I have read and studied the bible over the years, I have yet to encounter a verse where God is concerned about the number of people who are in church. In fact, we do not know whether the church in Ephesus had 50 or 50,000 people. The same can be said for the churches in all the other areas where the gospel spread. In fact, the only place in the New Testament where an attendance figure is given is in Acts chapters 1-2 where we are told that the number of disciples who prayed for the Holy Spirit to come in an upper room after Jesus ascended to heaven was 120, and that when the Holy Spirit came and Peter preached at Pentacost about 3,000 were added to that number. Yet across the landscape of the visible church today, we speak of numbers probably more than anything else.
Many want to be a member or pastor of that next mega-church and find their picture on the cover of Christianity Today. To have people talking of how they have grown their church through creative methods and worship styles, or preaching that promises the world and teaches self improvement over the true gospel of Christ. In fact "growing" our churches is the number one concern for most pastors. Yet God does not speak of "church growth." God does not say that this style of worship or this method or this activity is the way to add to the numbers attending our churches. He does not mention coffee bars or video palaces for our youth. He does not concern Himself with where we go to church or the type of building. He does not mention "family life centers" or catchy slogans. He does however say, "Be holy, for I am holy."
You see, if we are going to view our churches through the eyes of God, He is far more concerned with holiness than impressive attendance figures. He would much rather have 25 holy people gathering to worship Him in "Spirit and truth" than 2,500 who live in carnality and follow the world instead of Him. Their is a way to "grow" a church that is not biblical, just as their is a way God will add to His church that is biblical. If a church looks more like a circus than a holy gathering, is it really God's way of adding to His church? So how do we distinguish between a church growing through the ways of the world, and God adding people to His church?
Acts 2:40-47 tells us exactly what God's church will look like. I will just cite some of the words used to describe the church that is described as God adding to it. V. 40-"Saved" from a "perverse generation." Meaning they have exhibited true change from their former, worldly lives by truly receiving Christ and His Holy Spirit. V.41-Receiving his(Peter's proclamation of God's)word. They recognized the truth of God's ways and turned from their own. V. 42-Continuing "steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship," in the Lord's Supper and "prayers." They followed the leaders God had anointed before them as they taught God's word and doctrine. They submitted to the ways of God. V.43-They feared God and God moved miraculously. V.44-They had "all things in common." Not that they agreed with each other all the time, but that they agreed with God and lived obediently to Him.
V.45-They gave to the poor and those in need from their own hearts and possessions. They exhibited true Christ like, agape love for each other and others. V.46-They practiced these things daily not just in the temple, in church, but in the community. V.47-God Himself added people to His church. Does this describe the church that we attend. If our church is growing in numbers of people is it because these things are going on? If God is not adding people to His church, is it not clear as to why?
Holiness is practiced in this church shown us in Acts. God Himself will add to a church that lives as He shows us. So where you go to church, is the focus on numbers and growing, or is it on holiness. As you read the bible, where do you believe He says our focus should be? Do you believe God will add true converts to a church that does not mirror His church in Acts? If we truly want God's church to see "growth," we'll focus more upon living a holy, self-sacrificial life than how many were in attendance last Sunday. Are we willing to do that? Methods are great. Creativity is needed. But holiness is the only way in which God will add to His church. "Be holy, for I am holy," and watch God add to His church.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
What Would Paul Do?
Galatians 1:11-12, "But I make known to you brethren that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ."
If the apostle Paul were to visit the church you attend, how would he view it? Would he observe the things he wrote of in Galatians 5:22-23, deemed by the Holy Spirit as the "fruit of the Spirit;" love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control? Would he see the brethren focused on the kingdom of God above all, denying themselves for the sake of Christ? Would he see a zeal for witnessing and missions? Would he see Christlike people? Or.......
Would he see what the Holy Spirit calls the lusts and works of the flesh, which are "evident" to the one walking in the Spirit: immorality, idolatry(anything in our life that comes before God is an idol), wickedness, hatred, contentions, wrath, selfishness, dissensions, heresies(actions and words contradicting God's word, false teaching), envy, murders(anyone who has anger in his heart has already committed murder in his heart according to Jesus), and many other things listed in Galatians 5:19-21? What would Paul see? What would Paul do?
Paul is the person Christ revealed and established the church through. The verse from Galatians 1 above has Paul saying this information came directly from Christ. It was Christ who instituted what we call church discipline(Matt 18:16-20, 1 Cor 5:1-13, Gal 6:1-2). It was Christ who would not tolerate hypocrisy in His midst. It was Christ who told us how to correctly judge(Matt 7:1-5). It was Christ who said you would know His, "by their fruit."
Well, if we read the letters of Paul, it's clear what he would do. If he encountered a church body that truly worshipped and walked in the Spirit, he would praise them and encourage them to continue to fight the good fight, in spite of the hatred and persecution anyone who desires to live that Spiritual life will encounter. Worldly, carnal people will despise the word and things of God, as they condemn them and their lives.
If Paul encountered a church body that exhibited the lusts and works of the flesh, it's equally clear what he would do. Paul would do everything he could to rebuke this spirit of the world and encourage repentance to return to a right relationship with God. He would do so toughly, but in love, exercising self control but also condemning hypocrisy, just as Jesus did.
If Paul were to walk into the church you attend, what would he do? Chances are if the church you attend is a carnal church, and let's be honest people, many if not most of our churches are carnal churches, they would not tolerate Paul. In fact, if Paul were pastor he'd be run off as a troublemaker. It happened to Paul many times in his day. The apostle Paul was: chased out of Thessolanica, called a fool in Corinth, laughed at in Athens, lowered over a wall in Berea, jailed in Philippi and Jerusalem, caused a riot in Ephesus, stoned in Galatia and eventually beheaded in Rome. By the worlds standards he was a troublemaker, because anyone who stands for God and upon His word amongst worldly and carnal people will cause troubles. He was hated, persecuted, he suffered. If he were called to the church you attend he'd last about 3 days. Why?
Well, because of what Paul would do. Paul would not tolerate carnal people and unrepentant sin in the body of Christ. Paul would not suffer easily people satisfied with salvation with no visible fruit in their faith. Paul would not compromise the word of God. Paul would not go along to get along. Paul would expect and exhort you to holiness. And remember the words of Paul, "imitate me, for I imitate Christ."
Jesus was a troublemaker too. You don't get crucified while innocent of all charges if you were not. Our Lord Jesus, and men like Paul, Peter, John, Timothy, and many other saints we read of in the bible caused trouble wherever they went, why? Well as Jesus said, "If the world hated Me, it will hate you also...the servant is not greater than the Master." As Paul writes to Timothy, "Anyone who desires to live a Godly life will suffer persecution." Their is a cost for being a disciple and follower of Christ.
So, if you were to honestly evaluate the church you attend, which would it be? Living in the Spirit or lusting and working in the flesh? If it is the former, praise God!!! You are few and far between, but chances are, you had to fight a battle to get to that point. If you attend a carnal church, what will you do? Will you go along to get along? Will you simply say, well...that's just the way so and so is, what can I do? Will you stand on the word of God, or compromise to avoid conflict? What will you do?
Ask yourself this question, what would Paul do? Jude 3 tells us that we as the church are to "earnestly contend for the faith." And while it is not a natural instinct for a sheep, a lamb of God, to fight; sometimes it is necessary. Far more is at stake than your personal comfort, Christ's body, His bride is! What will you do? Friends, the Christian life is a life of conflict. Conflict with the world and worldly people, many of whom may be in the church you attend. What will you do? If you claim to be a follower of Christ, there's only one real answer from scripture. If you want a true, spiritual church, you'll do what Paul would do.
If the apostle Paul were to visit the church you attend, how would he view it? Would he observe the things he wrote of in Galatians 5:22-23, deemed by the Holy Spirit as the "fruit of the Spirit;" love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control? Would he see the brethren focused on the kingdom of God above all, denying themselves for the sake of Christ? Would he see a zeal for witnessing and missions? Would he see Christlike people? Or.......
Would he see what the Holy Spirit calls the lusts and works of the flesh, which are "evident" to the one walking in the Spirit: immorality, idolatry(anything in our life that comes before God is an idol), wickedness, hatred, contentions, wrath, selfishness, dissensions, heresies(actions and words contradicting God's word, false teaching), envy, murders(anyone who has anger in his heart has already committed murder in his heart according to Jesus), and many other things listed in Galatians 5:19-21? What would Paul see? What would Paul do?
Paul is the person Christ revealed and established the church through. The verse from Galatians 1 above has Paul saying this information came directly from Christ. It was Christ who instituted what we call church discipline(Matt 18:16-20, 1 Cor 5:1-13, Gal 6:1-2). It was Christ who would not tolerate hypocrisy in His midst. It was Christ who told us how to correctly judge(Matt 7:1-5). It was Christ who said you would know His, "by their fruit."
Well, if we read the letters of Paul, it's clear what he would do. If he encountered a church body that truly worshipped and walked in the Spirit, he would praise them and encourage them to continue to fight the good fight, in spite of the hatred and persecution anyone who desires to live that Spiritual life will encounter. Worldly, carnal people will despise the word and things of God, as they condemn them and their lives.
If Paul encountered a church body that exhibited the lusts and works of the flesh, it's equally clear what he would do. Paul would do everything he could to rebuke this spirit of the world and encourage repentance to return to a right relationship with God. He would do so toughly, but in love, exercising self control but also condemning hypocrisy, just as Jesus did.
If Paul were to walk into the church you attend, what would he do? Chances are if the church you attend is a carnal church, and let's be honest people, many if not most of our churches are carnal churches, they would not tolerate Paul. In fact, if Paul were pastor he'd be run off as a troublemaker. It happened to Paul many times in his day. The apostle Paul was: chased out of Thessolanica, called a fool in Corinth, laughed at in Athens, lowered over a wall in Berea, jailed in Philippi and Jerusalem, caused a riot in Ephesus, stoned in Galatia and eventually beheaded in Rome. By the worlds standards he was a troublemaker, because anyone who stands for God and upon His word amongst worldly and carnal people will cause troubles. He was hated, persecuted, he suffered. If he were called to the church you attend he'd last about 3 days. Why?
Well, because of what Paul would do. Paul would not tolerate carnal people and unrepentant sin in the body of Christ. Paul would not suffer easily people satisfied with salvation with no visible fruit in their faith. Paul would not compromise the word of God. Paul would not go along to get along. Paul would expect and exhort you to holiness. And remember the words of Paul, "imitate me, for I imitate Christ."
Jesus was a troublemaker too. You don't get crucified while innocent of all charges if you were not. Our Lord Jesus, and men like Paul, Peter, John, Timothy, and many other saints we read of in the bible caused trouble wherever they went, why? Well as Jesus said, "If the world hated Me, it will hate you also...the servant is not greater than the Master." As Paul writes to Timothy, "Anyone who desires to live a Godly life will suffer persecution." Their is a cost for being a disciple and follower of Christ.
So, if you were to honestly evaluate the church you attend, which would it be? Living in the Spirit or lusting and working in the flesh? If it is the former, praise God!!! You are few and far between, but chances are, you had to fight a battle to get to that point. If you attend a carnal church, what will you do? Will you go along to get along? Will you simply say, well...that's just the way so and so is, what can I do? Will you stand on the word of God, or compromise to avoid conflict? What will you do?
Ask yourself this question, what would Paul do? Jude 3 tells us that we as the church are to "earnestly contend for the faith." And while it is not a natural instinct for a sheep, a lamb of God, to fight; sometimes it is necessary. Far more is at stake than your personal comfort, Christ's body, His bride is! What will you do? Friends, the Christian life is a life of conflict. Conflict with the world and worldly people, many of whom may be in the church you attend. What will you do? If you claim to be a follower of Christ, there's only one real answer from scripture. If you want a true, spiritual church, you'll do what Paul would do.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Political Correctness Run Amuck
Yesterday news broke of liberal political commentator Juan Williams being dismissed by NPR(National Public Radio). Williams, who is also a regular on Fox News, had appeared on The O'Reilly Factor 2 nights beforehand and had made this comment, paraphrasing: "If I get on a plane and I see someone dressed in Muslim garb identifying themselves first and foremost as a Muslim I feel nervous." This discussion stemmed from an incident that occurred on another TV program, The View, where Bill O'Reilly had stated truthfully that we were attacked by Muslims on 9/11/01, instigating a blow up of epic proportions with co-hosts of the show Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Bahar. What does this say about the current level of discourse and freedom of speech in our nation today?
Well, it is symptomatic of a slowly growing but now widely held belief called political correctness in our society. Apparently, we have reached a point in our culture where we now feel we have a right not to be offended by someone else's words. And that if we disagree with those words we have a right to silence the person who spoke what we found offensive. Sadly, this standard, seems to cut only one way.
I wonder if the same uproar would have been manifested if Williams had said he feels worried if a person wearing a Nazi armband or a KKK hood had been around him? Now I'm not defending these 2 despicable organizations but in America, we do have the right to state our opinion, whether anyone agrees with it or not. But in some liberal circles apparently any words that do not fit their template is now an offense worthy of termination. To the credit of many of my liberal citizens, the uproar over this issue has come from both sides of the political spectrum. Even Whoopi Goldberg condemned this act by NPR. So what has led us down this road where any organization, even an employer, has a right to supersede the constitutional right of freedom of speech?
I believe it is symptomatic of the personal selfishness that exists throughout our culture. We live in a world of me, me, me, and if you disagree with me, your rights do not matter, only what I believe is valid. When I am focused wholly on myself, others don't matter. Any Christian knows that this type of behavior is the exact opposite of God's order of how our lives should be prioritized; God, others, us. Yet even Christians are guilty of this selfishness and arrogance where only their beliefs or opinions carry weight.
As Christians, if this type of intolerant and disrespectful slide continues in our country, we will feel the brunt of it. Flammable issues such as abortion or gay marriage, which the bible clearly condemns, could at some point be off the table as far as differing with the accepted law of our land. You say this cannot happen in America, well this attitude already exists in many European nations and Canada where scripture such as Romans 1 which clearly identifies homosexuality as unnatural and sin are considered hate speech. I do not agree with legalized abortion or gay marriage, but I do recognize that with abortion it is settled law and thus legal in our nation. Will we reach a point where I no longer have a right to voice my view that while settled national law, this act still violates God's law, "thall shall not murder."
I believe this is a key point in this cultural shift called "political correctness." Juan Williams is now the point man in this discussion. Polls show most Americans are tired of this attitude where if you disagree with someone, their voice has no place in the discussion. But, will we stand up for ourselves and recognize all peoples right to speak their mind, without the threat of the silencing of their voice?
Nehemiah 4 tells us of how the Jewish remnant when they returned to Jerusalem from the Babylonian captivity faced enemies on the outside, and enemies on the inside. In our nations political discussion both sides of the isle have parties that would silence the other, though only the liberal intolerance is embraced. The people were faced with a choice in Nehemiah, they could either join with him and fight, or they could give in too the enemies. While no one desires a fight, desires conflict, many times it is necessary. Will we as a nation choose to fight against any who would silence us, or simply slink into the background of personal selfishness. We are at a crossroads my friends, which direction will we choose?
Well, it is symptomatic of a slowly growing but now widely held belief called political correctness in our society. Apparently, we have reached a point in our culture where we now feel we have a right not to be offended by someone else's words. And that if we disagree with those words we have a right to silence the person who spoke what we found offensive. Sadly, this standard, seems to cut only one way.
I wonder if the same uproar would have been manifested if Williams had said he feels worried if a person wearing a Nazi armband or a KKK hood had been around him? Now I'm not defending these 2 despicable organizations but in America, we do have the right to state our opinion, whether anyone agrees with it or not. But in some liberal circles apparently any words that do not fit their template is now an offense worthy of termination. To the credit of many of my liberal citizens, the uproar over this issue has come from both sides of the political spectrum. Even Whoopi Goldberg condemned this act by NPR. So what has led us down this road where any organization, even an employer, has a right to supersede the constitutional right of freedom of speech?
I believe it is symptomatic of the personal selfishness that exists throughout our culture. We live in a world of me, me, me, and if you disagree with me, your rights do not matter, only what I believe is valid. When I am focused wholly on myself, others don't matter. Any Christian knows that this type of behavior is the exact opposite of God's order of how our lives should be prioritized; God, others, us. Yet even Christians are guilty of this selfishness and arrogance where only their beliefs or opinions carry weight.
As Christians, if this type of intolerant and disrespectful slide continues in our country, we will feel the brunt of it. Flammable issues such as abortion or gay marriage, which the bible clearly condemns, could at some point be off the table as far as differing with the accepted law of our land. You say this cannot happen in America, well this attitude already exists in many European nations and Canada where scripture such as Romans 1 which clearly identifies homosexuality as unnatural and sin are considered hate speech. I do not agree with legalized abortion or gay marriage, but I do recognize that with abortion it is settled law and thus legal in our nation. Will we reach a point where I no longer have a right to voice my view that while settled national law, this act still violates God's law, "thall shall not murder."
I believe this is a key point in this cultural shift called "political correctness." Juan Williams is now the point man in this discussion. Polls show most Americans are tired of this attitude where if you disagree with someone, their voice has no place in the discussion. But, will we stand up for ourselves and recognize all peoples right to speak their mind, without the threat of the silencing of their voice?
Nehemiah 4 tells us of how the Jewish remnant when they returned to Jerusalem from the Babylonian captivity faced enemies on the outside, and enemies on the inside. In our nations political discussion both sides of the isle have parties that would silence the other, though only the liberal intolerance is embraced. The people were faced with a choice in Nehemiah, they could either join with him and fight, or they could give in too the enemies. While no one desires a fight, desires conflict, many times it is necessary. Will we as a nation choose to fight against any who would silence us, or simply slink into the background of personal selfishness. We are at a crossroads my friends, which direction will we choose?
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Idols in Our Midst
1 John 5:21, "Little children, keep yourselves from idols."
When we think of sin in our lives today, idolatry is not one we consider often. In the bible an idol is an image made of wood or stone, and unless we are in a very primitive part of the world, we do not see this type of religion practiced often anymore. But today, idolatry may be the most common unrealized form of sin.
Defined biblically, idolatry is anything in our lives we place ahead of God. In the 10 Commandments, idolatry is the first transgression God warns us of. The first and second commandments tell us to have "no other gods" before Him and to make "no graven images" representing God. What is there in our lives that we may have placed before God?
We live in a world with more idols than ever. A brief list includes money, work, hobbies, friends, sports, TV, computers, possessions, ourselves and our families. Our families and ourselves you say, well yes. Jesus Himself stated that "if any man does not hate his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea and his own life, he cannot be my disciple." Jesus does not mean we are to hate our loved ones, but rather, our love for Him should be greater than even our love for our blood relatives. Once again, anything that comes before God is an idol.
We can even make our own gods today, even though we don't use wood or stone. If our perception of God does not mirror what the bible says of God, we have created our own god in our mind. Someone who says, "God loves us all so He would not judge us and send us to hell" has created their own god in their mind. Someone who denies that Jesus is the only way "to the Father" has created their own God. You see, idolatry is rampant today, and most of us don't even realize it.
I'm a huge Clemson fan, and I know their are many USC, Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina fans in our area. But on several Saturdays every fall, an idol is set up in Clemson, or Columbia, or Athens, or Knoxville for many. They place their fanhood of a school above God. Their is a reason God made idolatry the focus of the first two of the 10 Commandments, He knew, idolatry would plague mankind for as long as we are on this earth.
Does this mean we cannot have quality family time, hobbies, interests? Does this mean we cannot enjoy our work or strive for financial success? No, it simply means that if those things take the place of God in our lives, we have an idol we need to rid ourselves of. So how do we do this?
1 Thessalonians 1:9 tells us of the believers in that church, and how they "turned to God from idols." Their is only one way to turn from idols, or any other sin, and that is to turn to God. It is through the power of the Holy Spirit that we practice Christ's mandate for His disciples to "deny ourselves, pick up our cross and follow" Him. To turn from sin, we must first turn to God. And if we have truly turned to God, we will automatically be turning from our sin, whatever it is.
What is their in our lives that we may be placing ahead of God? That is keeping us from prayer and the study of His word? That keeps us from attending church and the fellowship of believers? What is their we need give up in our lives so that we can love God "with all of our heart." I am convinced that we all struggle with idols from time to time. What is their in our lives right now we need to give up so that we can give all to God?
When we think of sin in our lives today, idolatry is not one we consider often. In the bible an idol is an image made of wood or stone, and unless we are in a very primitive part of the world, we do not see this type of religion practiced often anymore. But today, idolatry may be the most common unrealized form of sin.
Defined biblically, idolatry is anything in our lives we place ahead of God. In the 10 Commandments, idolatry is the first transgression God warns us of. The first and second commandments tell us to have "no other gods" before Him and to make "no graven images" representing God. What is there in our lives that we may have placed before God?
We live in a world with more idols than ever. A brief list includes money, work, hobbies, friends, sports, TV, computers, possessions, ourselves and our families. Our families and ourselves you say, well yes. Jesus Himself stated that "if any man does not hate his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea and his own life, he cannot be my disciple." Jesus does not mean we are to hate our loved ones, but rather, our love for Him should be greater than even our love for our blood relatives. Once again, anything that comes before God is an idol.
We can even make our own gods today, even though we don't use wood or stone. If our perception of God does not mirror what the bible says of God, we have created our own god in our mind. Someone who says, "God loves us all so He would not judge us and send us to hell" has created their own god in their mind. Someone who denies that Jesus is the only way "to the Father" has created their own God. You see, idolatry is rampant today, and most of us don't even realize it.
I'm a huge Clemson fan, and I know their are many USC, Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina fans in our area. But on several Saturdays every fall, an idol is set up in Clemson, or Columbia, or Athens, or Knoxville for many. They place their fanhood of a school above God. Their is a reason God made idolatry the focus of the first two of the 10 Commandments, He knew, idolatry would plague mankind for as long as we are on this earth.
Does this mean we cannot have quality family time, hobbies, interests? Does this mean we cannot enjoy our work or strive for financial success? No, it simply means that if those things take the place of God in our lives, we have an idol we need to rid ourselves of. So how do we do this?
1 Thessalonians 1:9 tells us of the believers in that church, and how they "turned to God from idols." Their is only one way to turn from idols, or any other sin, and that is to turn to God. It is through the power of the Holy Spirit that we practice Christ's mandate for His disciples to "deny ourselves, pick up our cross and follow" Him. To turn from sin, we must first turn to God. And if we have truly turned to God, we will automatically be turning from our sin, whatever it is.
What is their in our lives that we may be placing ahead of God? That is keeping us from prayer and the study of His word? That keeps us from attending church and the fellowship of believers? What is their we need give up in our lives so that we can love God "with all of our heart." I am convinced that we all struggle with idols from time to time. What is their in our lives right now we need to give up so that we can give all to God?
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Seeking God's Will
Perhaps their is no question I am asked more as a pastor than how do I seek God's will on something? Issues and decisions arise in our lives that as a Christian we are unclear in regards to how to proceed. As a Christian, our hearts desire should be to be in the will of God in all aspects of our lives, but how do we find that place when we are unsure. In order to seek and to find God's will about something, we must learn how to listen to God. Here are some ways we can be more confident we are seeking His will and listening to what God has to say. Charles Stanley wrote a wonderful book many years ago entitled "How to Listen to God." Here are a few of his insights on seeking and finding God's will:
God's Word: The simplest and most direct way to seek and find God's will is in His word. If in anyway one side of a decision or issue contradicts God's word, we can be sure it is not God's will. God's word should always be the place where we begin, but what if the issue we are struggling with is not clearly spelled out in the bible? How should we discern God's voice and His will?
What does the world say? If the world says it's permissible, it's probably not OK with God. The world and the flesh are at odds with the ways of God. Even if it's not clearly spelled out in the bible, if the world says go, chances are, we should stop.
Compromising our faith: If in any way we would be compromising what we believe, we should understand it's probably not the will of God. We can compromise on many things in life, but our faith is not one of them. The bible exhorts us to "earnestly contend" for the faith, not find ways to undermine it. Compromising our faith is never the will of God.
Courage: God's way is rarely the easy way. In most instances the choice to follow God will require courage. If the decision is seemingly the easy way, we need to ask is this really God's will?
How will my decision impact others? God's way is to always put anothers needs over our own. If the decision is best for us but may have adverse effects on others in our life, is it really God's will?
Patience: God often requires us to wait for His will to be revealed. He does this to grow us and increase our trust in Him. Tough decisions normally come with much prayer and even fasting. Do we have peace when we pray? Have we taken the time to examine the decision from God's point of view? God often makes us wait on Him.
Seek Godly Counsel: It is always appropriate to seek the counsel of mature Christians in regards to difficult circumstances. God often communicates His wisdom to us through others.
Our circumstances: What do the circumstances in your life say? It could be financial, personal, a family concern; do we believe we see God's hand in something. God speaks through our circumstances.
Our peace: After much meditation in the word and prayer. After carefully seeking to find God's will, do we have peace. If we do not, we can be pretty sure, it is not God's will.
When we believe we have found God's will, their is only one question left: will we obey? Many times God's will conflicts with ours. For the Christian their is only one place we can be and be an effective servant for Him, in His will. will we take the step of faith that is often necessary to be where He intends us to be?
God's Word: The simplest and most direct way to seek and find God's will is in His word. If in anyway one side of a decision or issue contradicts God's word, we can be sure it is not God's will. God's word should always be the place where we begin, but what if the issue we are struggling with is not clearly spelled out in the bible? How should we discern God's voice and His will?
What does the world say? If the world says it's permissible, it's probably not OK with God. The world and the flesh are at odds with the ways of God. Even if it's not clearly spelled out in the bible, if the world says go, chances are, we should stop.
Compromising our faith: If in any way we would be compromising what we believe, we should understand it's probably not the will of God. We can compromise on many things in life, but our faith is not one of them. The bible exhorts us to "earnestly contend" for the faith, not find ways to undermine it. Compromising our faith is never the will of God.
Courage: God's way is rarely the easy way. In most instances the choice to follow God will require courage. If the decision is seemingly the easy way, we need to ask is this really God's will?
How will my decision impact others? God's way is to always put anothers needs over our own. If the decision is best for us but may have adverse effects on others in our life, is it really God's will?
Patience: God often requires us to wait for His will to be revealed. He does this to grow us and increase our trust in Him. Tough decisions normally come with much prayer and even fasting. Do we have peace when we pray? Have we taken the time to examine the decision from God's point of view? God often makes us wait on Him.
Seek Godly Counsel: It is always appropriate to seek the counsel of mature Christians in regards to difficult circumstances. God often communicates His wisdom to us through others.
Our circumstances: What do the circumstances in your life say? It could be financial, personal, a family concern; do we believe we see God's hand in something. God speaks through our circumstances.
Our peace: After much meditation in the word and prayer. After carefully seeking to find God's will, do we have peace. If we do not, we can be pretty sure, it is not God's will.
When we believe we have found God's will, their is only one question left: will we obey? Many times God's will conflicts with ours. For the Christian their is only one place we can be and be an effective servant for Him, in His will. will we take the step of faith that is often necessary to be where He intends us to be?
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
What Does a True Church Look Like?
We are in the midst of revival services at Oakland this week. I have determined in my own mind not to call it "Revival" as is the tradition in our church and many others, as a series of meetings and true biblical revival are two separate things. We have been praying for that spark of true revival to be lit at Oakland, but that decision to pursue God's way is on us, so that He may send it. But I do find these meetings useful, as a different voice can echo things that have been taught, and sometimes the impact can be felt more through another than through the pastor.
Last night Rev. Chuck McKnight delivered a Spirit led message on what a true church looks like, and I thought I'd share his outline with you. The text is First Thessalonians 1:1-10:
The Appearance of a True Church
1) A true church is ENLIGHTENED: v. 4 speaks of a church grounded in the things of God. They have the knowledge of the truth and their sure election. They have a faith grounded in the word of God, and confidence in the promises of God.
2) A true church is EMPOWERED: v. 5 speaks of how a true church impacts the world, not through methods, or music or man-centered things, but rather through the power of God and the Holy Spirit. We are incapable of accomplishing anything for God apart from Christ(John 15).
3) A true church is ENERGETIC: v. 3 speaks of the church at Thessalonica's works of faith and labor of love. If a church is truly living for God it will not be lazy, but rather, excited and eager to do the work of God. They will look to serve, not be served.
4) A true church is EVOLVING: v. 9 tells us of repentance. Their is no way we can claim to be children of God indwelt and filled by the Holy Spirit and their not be radical change in our lives. The true church will continually turn from the things of the flesh and the world and become more Christlike.
5) A true church is an EXAMPLE: v. 7 says this clearly. When we leave the 4 walls of our church building we will live like a Christian, not like the world. Hypocrisy is one of the biggest sins in the church, as we often do not practice what we preach and claim to believe.
6) A true church is EVANGELISTIC: v. 8 praises this church for sounding the gospel not only locally but to "every place." A true church will have a deep burden to see others come to the same saving faith that they have. They will be actively engaging the world planting the seeds of faith. A true church does not reside comfortably within itself, it goes and makes "disciples." A church that does not do this is merely a gathering place for like minded people.
7) A true church is ENDURING: v. 10 says they wait and look expectantly to the coming of Jesus Christ. But in the meantime they faithfully do the work of the Lord. Their is no quit, just determined grit.
Does your church meet these expectations? I must admit as Oakland heard these words last night we do not. If a church does not mirror these qualities a change of heart is definitely needed. For you see, these things, are totally dependent upon us. Are we willing to live, worship and witness as Christ has commanded. Will we show true biblical love for God and others? If we do, revival can come. If we are not, well.......we can continue to have meetings every Sunday and Wednesday, but in God's eyes, we are not a true church.
Last night Rev. Chuck McKnight delivered a Spirit led message on what a true church looks like, and I thought I'd share his outline with you. The text is First Thessalonians 1:1-10:
The Appearance of a True Church
1) A true church is ENLIGHTENED: v. 4 speaks of a church grounded in the things of God. They have the knowledge of the truth and their sure election. They have a faith grounded in the word of God, and confidence in the promises of God.
2) A true church is EMPOWERED: v. 5 speaks of how a true church impacts the world, not through methods, or music or man-centered things, but rather through the power of God and the Holy Spirit. We are incapable of accomplishing anything for God apart from Christ(John 15).
3) A true church is ENERGETIC: v. 3 speaks of the church at Thessalonica's works of faith and labor of love. If a church is truly living for God it will not be lazy, but rather, excited and eager to do the work of God. They will look to serve, not be served.
4) A true church is EVOLVING: v. 9 tells us of repentance. Their is no way we can claim to be children of God indwelt and filled by the Holy Spirit and their not be radical change in our lives. The true church will continually turn from the things of the flesh and the world and become more Christlike.
5) A true church is an EXAMPLE: v. 7 says this clearly. When we leave the 4 walls of our church building we will live like a Christian, not like the world. Hypocrisy is one of the biggest sins in the church, as we often do not practice what we preach and claim to believe.
6) A true church is EVANGELISTIC: v. 8 praises this church for sounding the gospel not only locally but to "every place." A true church will have a deep burden to see others come to the same saving faith that they have. They will be actively engaging the world planting the seeds of faith. A true church does not reside comfortably within itself, it goes and makes "disciples." A church that does not do this is merely a gathering place for like minded people.
7) A true church is ENDURING: v. 10 says they wait and look expectantly to the coming of Jesus Christ. But in the meantime they faithfully do the work of the Lord. Their is no quit, just determined grit.
Does your church meet these expectations? I must admit as Oakland heard these words last night we do not. If a church does not mirror these qualities a change of heart is definitely needed. For you see, these things, are totally dependent upon us. Are we willing to live, worship and witness as Christ has commanded. Will we show true biblical love for God and others? If we do, revival can come. If we are not, well.......we can continue to have meetings every Sunday and Wednesday, but in God's eyes, we are not a true church.
Monday, October 18, 2010
The Problem with Pride
Isaiah 14:13-14, "You have said in your heart, 'I will ascend unto heaven, I will raise my throne above the stars of God. I will sit enthroned on the mount of the assembly, on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.'"
When we think of original sin, we most often go to the garden at Eden, and Adam and Eve. Eve is deceived and eats of the forbidden "tree of the knowledge of good and evil." Adam then chooses to join her in the transgression. But original sin occurred long before this, in the glories of heaven. It was here in eternity past that Satan, as described in these verses from Isaiah, decided in his heart that he would be God. Satan's sin, pride. And if we take a long look at most sins in our lives, pride can be found at the root of them all.
Pride is simply defined for the Christian as ourselves and our wants coming before God and others. What Jesus calls the greatest commandment instructs us to "love the Lord God with all of your heart, and all of your soul, and all of your mind, and all of your strength, and to love others as yourself." When pride enters the picture we come first. What we want matters most, and the things of God are shuttled to the side. When we have this attitude, we are just like Satan. We place ourselves above God and others. God's order of priority is Him, others, us. When we are prideful, we come first, and we make ourselves an idol. We take the place of God.
The bible tells us in Proverbs 11:2, "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom." Pride closes our minds to the things and ways of God. It is the root of selfishness, a lack of love, unforgiveness and the desire to be served instead of being a servant. Whenever we believe we are entitled to something simply because of who we are, we are behaving pridefully. If we look at things and we have a my way or the highway attitude, we are guilty of pride. As a Christian, its is not our call to do things our way, or even our churches way, but rather, to do it God's way. When we look at any decision or situation, our question must always be 'what would God want here." Not what I want.
I am convinced that everyone on some level deals with the pride problem. We all have areas of our life where we are vulnerable to the same temptations Satan was. But as a child of God, with the power of the Holy Spirit within us, if we are truly seeking God's will, our prideful ways will be revealed so that we can repent. If we spend the time we should in God's word, God's will is almost always revealed. If we seek His face in prayer in a humble spirit, not giving Him a list of the things we want, He will speak to us through that same Holy Spirit, who will convict us of our sin.
The bible tells us "God detests the proud, but gives grace to the humble." Do we want His grace, or His scorn. If we desire His grace, we must come to Him as He says, and our lives should reflect His order; Him, others, us. Unless that is our mind and heartset, pride has entered our life. In Isaiah 14:15 we see the result of Satan's pride, "But you are brought down to Sheol(the grave), to the depths of the pit." Satan would not repent of his sin of pride, will we? We must ask ourselves one simple question: Is my focus on myself, or God's kingdom? It we want what we want no matter what, pride has overtaken us.
When we think of original sin, we most often go to the garden at Eden, and Adam and Eve. Eve is deceived and eats of the forbidden "tree of the knowledge of good and evil." Adam then chooses to join her in the transgression. But original sin occurred long before this, in the glories of heaven. It was here in eternity past that Satan, as described in these verses from Isaiah, decided in his heart that he would be God. Satan's sin, pride. And if we take a long look at most sins in our lives, pride can be found at the root of them all.
Pride is simply defined for the Christian as ourselves and our wants coming before God and others. What Jesus calls the greatest commandment instructs us to "love the Lord God with all of your heart, and all of your soul, and all of your mind, and all of your strength, and to love others as yourself." When pride enters the picture we come first. What we want matters most, and the things of God are shuttled to the side. When we have this attitude, we are just like Satan. We place ourselves above God and others. God's order of priority is Him, others, us. When we are prideful, we come first, and we make ourselves an idol. We take the place of God.
The bible tells us in Proverbs 11:2, "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom." Pride closes our minds to the things and ways of God. It is the root of selfishness, a lack of love, unforgiveness and the desire to be served instead of being a servant. Whenever we believe we are entitled to something simply because of who we are, we are behaving pridefully. If we look at things and we have a my way or the highway attitude, we are guilty of pride. As a Christian, its is not our call to do things our way, or even our churches way, but rather, to do it God's way. When we look at any decision or situation, our question must always be 'what would God want here." Not what I want.
I am convinced that everyone on some level deals with the pride problem. We all have areas of our life where we are vulnerable to the same temptations Satan was. But as a child of God, with the power of the Holy Spirit within us, if we are truly seeking God's will, our prideful ways will be revealed so that we can repent. If we spend the time we should in God's word, God's will is almost always revealed. If we seek His face in prayer in a humble spirit, not giving Him a list of the things we want, He will speak to us through that same Holy Spirit, who will convict us of our sin.
The bible tells us "God detests the proud, but gives grace to the humble." Do we want His grace, or His scorn. If we desire His grace, we must come to Him as He says, and our lives should reflect His order; Him, others, us. Unless that is our mind and heartset, pride has entered our life. In Isaiah 14:15 we see the result of Satan's pride, "But you are brought down to Sheol(the grave), to the depths of the pit." Satan would not repent of his sin of pride, will we? We must ask ourselves one simple question: Is my focus on myself, or God's kingdom? It we want what we want no matter what, pride has overtaken us.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
A Living Sacrifice
Romans 12:1, "I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service."
After weeks without a computer, I'm able to blog again, and this verse has been speaking rather loudly to me. I've come to the conclusion that if the church is to begin again to live as Christ intended us too, we must begin practicing what Paul preaches here. So let's take a closer look:
Paul uses the word beseech here. It means to exhort or counsel, but can also mean to beg. I find it ironic that even in Paul's day preachers were having to beg God's people to live as God tells us too. Paul beseeches, he begs us, by the mercies of God. What are the mercies of God? Well Paul lays these out in the first 11 chapters of Romans. They include God's love, as demonstrated through the gift of His Son and His death on the cross while we were yet sinners(Rom 5:8). God's grace is clearly part of His mercies(Rom 5:15) as is His imputed righteousness(Rom 5:17).
Basically, what Paul is telling us is, look: I should not have to beg you but I will, and I implore you by citing all that God has done for you, the sacrifice that He has made for you, the mercy He has bestowed on you, to listen to what I have to say. You can never repay God for all He has done for you, but God does have expectations of you, so listen.
Paul says our entire body; heart, mind, soul, arms, legs, mouths, ears, all of it. Every part of our being should be presented to God as a living sacrifice; an ongoing, continual, giving of everything you have freely given to God. When we see the word sacrifice, we think of the giving of a life, as in the ceremonial sacrifices of animals in the Old Testament for the forgiveness of sin. Paul says we should view ourselves as that sacrificial lamb, willing to surrender every part of our lives, to our Lord and Savior. Paul did this, read 2 Corinthians 11:22-33.
Jesus said the same thing when He spoke of the cost of discipleship, "deny yourself, pick up your cross and follow Me." When the bible speaks of being "crucified with Christ" and "dying to Christ," it speaks of a living sacrifice. This is the path to being holy, and acceptable to God.
Can we be holy? Well, the bible says "Be holy, for I am holy." It is a command of God. But none of us are capable of perfect holy living. So we must understand we are made holy through faith in Jesus Christ. Through His blood and His sacrifice His holiness is imputed(credited to our account) to us and we are seen as holy by the Father when we are in the Son. But that does not exempt us from living holy lives. This is where living our lives as a living sacrifice comes in.
And we need to understand, as Paul says, this is our reasonable service, our reasonable act of worship. This is not exceptional, but expected, and should describe the lives of the everyday, average Christian. Remember the words of Jesus: Anyone who is not willing to "deny" themselves, "pick up their cross and follow Him," is not "worthy" to be His "disciple."
Does this type of sacrificial life describe you? I must admit as this verse has permeated my soul, I have found myself falling short of this standard. I am not as holy as I should be. So my reasonable act of service is to become holier. As we look at the state of Christianity and the church, while we know we may fall short, can we all surrender to Him more fully and resolve to become holier every day? If we can, there is hope still for Christ's body impacting this wicked, lost world. If we cannot...hell will become more full everyday. The choice is ours.
After weeks without a computer, I'm able to blog again, and this verse has been speaking rather loudly to me. I've come to the conclusion that if the church is to begin again to live as Christ intended us too, we must begin practicing what Paul preaches here. So let's take a closer look:
Paul uses the word beseech here. It means to exhort or counsel, but can also mean to beg. I find it ironic that even in Paul's day preachers were having to beg God's people to live as God tells us too. Paul beseeches, he begs us, by the mercies of God. What are the mercies of God? Well Paul lays these out in the first 11 chapters of Romans. They include God's love, as demonstrated through the gift of His Son and His death on the cross while we were yet sinners(Rom 5:8). God's grace is clearly part of His mercies(Rom 5:15) as is His imputed righteousness(Rom 5:17).
Basically, what Paul is telling us is, look: I should not have to beg you but I will, and I implore you by citing all that God has done for you, the sacrifice that He has made for you, the mercy He has bestowed on you, to listen to what I have to say. You can never repay God for all He has done for you, but God does have expectations of you, so listen.
Paul says our entire body; heart, mind, soul, arms, legs, mouths, ears, all of it. Every part of our being should be presented to God as a living sacrifice; an ongoing, continual, giving of everything you have freely given to God. When we see the word sacrifice, we think of the giving of a life, as in the ceremonial sacrifices of animals in the Old Testament for the forgiveness of sin. Paul says we should view ourselves as that sacrificial lamb, willing to surrender every part of our lives, to our Lord and Savior. Paul did this, read 2 Corinthians 11:22-33.
Jesus said the same thing when He spoke of the cost of discipleship, "deny yourself, pick up your cross and follow Me." When the bible speaks of being "crucified with Christ" and "dying to Christ," it speaks of a living sacrifice. This is the path to being holy, and acceptable to God.
Can we be holy? Well, the bible says "Be holy, for I am holy." It is a command of God. But none of us are capable of perfect holy living. So we must understand we are made holy through faith in Jesus Christ. Through His blood and His sacrifice His holiness is imputed(credited to our account) to us and we are seen as holy by the Father when we are in the Son. But that does not exempt us from living holy lives. This is where living our lives as a living sacrifice comes in.
And we need to understand, as Paul says, this is our reasonable service, our reasonable act of worship. This is not exceptional, but expected, and should describe the lives of the everyday, average Christian. Remember the words of Jesus: Anyone who is not willing to "deny" themselves, "pick up their cross and follow Him," is not "worthy" to be His "disciple."
Does this type of sacrificial life describe you? I must admit as this verse has permeated my soul, I have found myself falling short of this standard. I am not as holy as I should be. So my reasonable act of service is to become holier. As we look at the state of Christianity and the church, while we know we may fall short, can we all surrender to Him more fully and resolve to become holier every day? If we can, there is hope still for Christ's body impacting this wicked, lost world. If we cannot...hell will become more full everyday. The choice is ours.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)