Recently I was sledding with my niece, nephew, my wife and another family from our church. We were sledding down a short but steep hill. At one point in the hill, you couldn’t help but scream or hold your breath because you were no longer able to maintain control. You had no other choice than to ride it out. Sometimes you crashed and other times you slid gracefully till you came to a stop. My last time down the hill I decided to ride down with my wife, I was in back and my feet hung out the front of the plastic sled. Ideally, I was supposed to keep my legs up but the steepness of the hill caused first my left foot to catch into the snow and pulled the hamstring in my left leg. My right foot caught and twisted my knee, which I heard snap. Needless to say, that hurt!
I couldn’t walk anymore in my own strength. My right knee could no longer support me and whenever it gave out I was in extreme pain. The hamstring muscle in my left leg made moving it almost impossible. I needed help. I could no longer rely upon my own will and determination to make it back up the hill and eventually to our car.
Now it wasn’t that I didn’t have to exert some effort, in fact it took quite a bit of effort on my part but I now had to rely on the support of those around me. Thank God they came to my aid, with their help and support I was able to lean upon them and make it up the hill and to our car. At home I had a knee brace and crutches waiting. We don’t have insurance so I could not go to a doctor.
My wife’s grandmother recently had a heart attack that caused her to go into a hospital and she is now in a rehabilitation facility. When asked how long she expected to be in the facility, she said, “about a week.” She is a strong-willed woman who doesn’t like to rely on others to take care of her. She is 89 and her husband has a similar character trait.
This past week, I listened to the family’s banter about her unwillingness to look to others for help, but I understand. It is difficult to believe that others are really willing to help. Many of our cries for help seem to fall on deaf ears. It seems like people only help because they have to help and so it is easier to just continue to carry the burden alone. It seems that we always respect those that “pull themselves up by their own bootstraps,” maybe that is because it doesn’t cost us any time, energy or expense when someone does.
Which is right? To only tell your burdens to God and pray that He alone will move heaven and earth to provide help, or is it better to let your needs be made known and appear weak? People say that fending for yourself is a pride thing, but then we immortalize great men of silent faith like George Mueller who never told anyone a need but only prayed to God to meet the need. Hudson Taylor, a contemporary to Mueller, believed that his needs and needs of China should be made known. Who was right? Even then it was a controversy.
Personally, I dislike asking for help. Personally, I am a bit wounded by the concept that the modern day church really cares. I have seen very little caring for the needs of others in the modern church. I have grown to believe that people, even in the church, only want to be blessed – not to be a blessing. While I could teach a Bible study as to why this is wrong, I have to admit that I have often let the focus on my own needs distract me from being a blessing to others. This is wrong and it is my determined goal for the upcoming year to change this about myself. I sincerely believe that God didn’t call us merely to be blessed but to be a blessing.
I have come to believe that I will always be in need, so maybe my life can be an example for others. God help us as the church to be who He has called us to be. "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers" (Gal 6:10). Are you needing help? Let me know and I will do all I can till your need is met.
Phil 2:4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Who Speaks For God?
Did you ever wonder how some people speak like God tells them what to do in almost every situation; while you struggle to understand His voice and His will? As a pastor, I have heard far too many times, “God is telling me that I need to _____” (fill in the blank with some ridiculous statement that you KNOW is just what THEY want and not really what God wants).
I call this “pulling the God-card.” When people pull the “God-card” it is meant to trump anything that anyone (especially the pastor) might say to them to give advice in opposition. After all, who can speak against God? I have heard of individuals who so believed that everything they did was a result of a direct pipeline from heaven that they could no longer be spoken to about their attitude, the needs of the congregation, the wisdom and leading of the Sr. Pastor, or if what they did was actually in truth of God.
What is the real problem behind letting every whim of your heart have God’s divine stamp of approval? Is it not essentially the same when prophets speak out in the church? Don’t they merely follow the promptings of their heart and add, “Thus says the Lord?” Indeed the greatest problem from those who say that God tells them to _____; comes from those who speak for God in the church. Out of order, they use their “gift” to trump what the pastor says, what the person who has irked them has done, or to get others to do their bidding-whatever it may be.
What is at the heart of the problem? I would say it is that these people have grown too familiar with God. We teach and sing so much, “I am a friend of God,” and that we have bold access to the throne of grace, that we are no longer afraid to touch the ark of God to give Him a “helping hand.”
This is polar opposite of Isaiah’s reaction when he entered God’s presence. “Yo, yo. G-man waaaaasssup?” didn’t dare be uttered in the presence of the Holy King (who by the way was Jesus according to John 12:41). No, the more common reaction of those who were God’s prophets was that of fear (e.g., Moses, Daniel, Ezekiel, Habakkuk, John, etc.).
There should be a fear of attaching God’s name falsely to our own plans. In the Old Testament, false prophets were to be killed and God spoke very harshly when His people allowed them to speak without rebuke. Here are some examples: The prophets prophesy lies, the priests rule by their own authority, and my people love it this way (Jer 5:31). Then the Lord said to me, "The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them. They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, idolatries and the delusions of their own minds (Jer 14:14). This is what the Lord Almighty says: "Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord (Jer 23:16).
Jesus, our friend, tells us that men will be judged for every careless word spoken (Mt 12:36), and that there will be some who prophesied in His name, to whom He will say, “Depart from me, I never knew you (Mt 7:22-23).” My advice as a pastor and one who has heard God speak; don’t be so quick to say, “God told me…,” without fear of what our Holy God would actually say to you in response.
I call this “pulling the God-card.” When people pull the “God-card” it is meant to trump anything that anyone (especially the pastor) might say to them to give advice in opposition. After all, who can speak against God? I have heard of individuals who so believed that everything they did was a result of a direct pipeline from heaven that they could no longer be spoken to about their attitude, the needs of the congregation, the wisdom and leading of the Sr. Pastor, or if what they did was actually in truth of God.
What is the real problem behind letting every whim of your heart have God’s divine stamp of approval? Is it not essentially the same when prophets speak out in the church? Don’t they merely follow the promptings of their heart and add, “Thus says the Lord?” Indeed the greatest problem from those who say that God tells them to _____; comes from those who speak for God in the church. Out of order, they use their “gift” to trump what the pastor says, what the person who has irked them has done, or to get others to do their bidding-whatever it may be.
What is at the heart of the problem? I would say it is that these people have grown too familiar with God. We teach and sing so much, “I am a friend of God,” and that we have bold access to the throne of grace, that we are no longer afraid to touch the ark of God to give Him a “helping hand.”
This is polar opposite of Isaiah’s reaction when he entered God’s presence. “Yo, yo. G-man waaaaasssup?” didn’t dare be uttered in the presence of the Holy King (who by the way was Jesus according to John 12:41). No, the more common reaction of those who were God’s prophets was that of fear (e.g., Moses, Daniel, Ezekiel, Habakkuk, John, etc.).
There should be a fear of attaching God’s name falsely to our own plans. In the Old Testament, false prophets were to be killed and God spoke very harshly when His people allowed them to speak without rebuke. Here are some examples: The prophets prophesy lies, the priests rule by their own authority, and my people love it this way (Jer 5:31). Then the Lord said to me, "The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them. They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, idolatries and the delusions of their own minds (Jer 14:14). This is what the Lord Almighty says: "Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord (Jer 23:16).
Jesus, our friend, tells us that men will be judged for every careless word spoken (Mt 12:36), and that there will be some who prophesied in His name, to whom He will say, “Depart from me, I never knew you (Mt 7:22-23).” My advice as a pastor and one who has heard God speak; don’t be so quick to say, “God told me…,” without fear of what our Holy God would actually say to you in response.
Friday, November 13, 2009
The Greatest Gift
As we near the Christmas season, our attention begins to focus on gift giving. When we search for gifts we are most generally trying to find a gift that will be appreciated and one that touches the heart of the recipient. We make lists, but we are not trying to just check them off a list.
So I believe it is with God. God didn’t just try to win our affections by a wonderful gift; He gave us the greatest gift He could give us. This gift will be truly appreciated by those who receive it. Notwithstanding listing His Son as the greatest gift – I want to reveal the more personal aspect of this gift.
If you ask people why Jesus came, I think they will respond in the manner that others have spoken to me as to the reason. They generally say, “Jesus came to forgive us by being the sacrifice for our sins.” The promise of the forgiveness of our sins is truly an awesome gift I too admit and I don’t want to negate how truly important it is that God “as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us,” (Ps 103:12). The letter to the Hebrews mentions how important it is to have our conscience cleansed from the guilt of our sin (Heb 10:22).
But consider this: If we went to the closest prison and we told them, “You are all forgiven. You may now all go free.” What do you think will be the eventual outcome of the majority of those prisoners? In other words, will the majority go on to live good and godly lives or will they become repeat offenders and eventually find themselves back in prison? Statistically the latter is true. Why? The reason is because they had no real change of heart and thinking. That is why an understanding of the fullness of God’s gift to us (His grace) is really necessary.
Jesus had a real problem with the religious leaders of His day because, in His words, they were “white-washed graves full of dead men’s bones.” Continuing He declared, “On the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness,” (Matt 23:28). Can you see that forgiveness of sins doesn’t answer the real problem – their hearts were full of sin?
The Bible teaches, “For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ” (Rom 5:17). The greatest gift promised to us is that God says, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws” (Ezek 36:26-27). It is the very promise of the New Covenant (Heb 8:8-10):
“The time is coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant …It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they did not remain faithful to my covenant…This is the covenant I will make…I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts.”
When we live by the Spirit, we will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature (Gal 5:16). That is God’s promise to us. He works in us to will and to act according to His good purpose (Phil 2:13). When we yield ourselves to His Spirit by our continual faith (“daily reckoning upon” – as stated in the 16 fundamentals) we are set free from the dominion of sin and actually preempt the need for forgiveness and deliverance from the consequences of sin.
Which is greater? To say “Your sins are forgiven.” Or to say, “Rise up and walk” free from sins desires in your heart? We are told that we can now walk in “newness of life” sin has no more dominion over us. How do we receive this newness? The Bible says, “For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith," (Rom 1:17). And again, “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him,” (Col 2:6).
p.s. At Hope Springs Church we will begin a series on how to overcome sin and temptation following our current series on resolving conflicts biblically. If you would like more information, you may contact me at (262) 716-1376.
So I believe it is with God. God didn’t just try to win our affections by a wonderful gift; He gave us the greatest gift He could give us. This gift will be truly appreciated by those who receive it. Notwithstanding listing His Son as the greatest gift – I want to reveal the more personal aspect of this gift.
If you ask people why Jesus came, I think they will respond in the manner that others have spoken to me as to the reason. They generally say, “Jesus came to forgive us by being the sacrifice for our sins.” The promise of the forgiveness of our sins is truly an awesome gift I too admit and I don’t want to negate how truly important it is that God “as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us,” (Ps 103:12). The letter to the Hebrews mentions how important it is to have our conscience cleansed from the guilt of our sin (Heb 10:22).
But consider this: If we went to the closest prison and we told them, “You are all forgiven. You may now all go free.” What do you think will be the eventual outcome of the majority of those prisoners? In other words, will the majority go on to live good and godly lives or will they become repeat offenders and eventually find themselves back in prison? Statistically the latter is true. Why? The reason is because they had no real change of heart and thinking. That is why an understanding of the fullness of God’s gift to us (His grace) is really necessary.
Jesus had a real problem with the religious leaders of His day because, in His words, they were “white-washed graves full of dead men’s bones.” Continuing He declared, “On the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness,” (Matt 23:28). Can you see that forgiveness of sins doesn’t answer the real problem – their hearts were full of sin?
The Bible teaches, “For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ” (Rom 5:17). The greatest gift promised to us is that God says, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws” (Ezek 36:26-27). It is the very promise of the New Covenant (Heb 8:8-10):
“The time is coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant …It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they did not remain faithful to my covenant…This is the covenant I will make…I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts.”
When we live by the Spirit, we will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature (Gal 5:16). That is God’s promise to us. He works in us to will and to act according to His good purpose (Phil 2:13). When we yield ourselves to His Spirit by our continual faith (“daily reckoning upon” – as stated in the 16 fundamentals) we are set free from the dominion of sin and actually preempt the need for forgiveness and deliverance from the consequences of sin.
Which is greater? To say “Your sins are forgiven.” Or to say, “Rise up and walk” free from sins desires in your heart? We are told that we can now walk in “newness of life” sin has no more dominion over us. How do we receive this newness? The Bible says, “For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith," (Rom 1:17). And again, “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him,” (Col 2:6).
p.s. At Hope Springs Church we will begin a series on how to overcome sin and temptation following our current series on resolving conflicts biblically. If you would like more information, you may contact me at (262) 716-1376.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Missing Heaven’s Nudge
Currently I am reading the latest book by Bruce Wilkinson titled, “You Were Born For This.” It has inspired many thoughts and examples in my own life in regard to partnering with God for miracles. I would like to share some of those thoughts, but first I want to outline the premise of Bruce’s book, (which I recommend highly).
The first premise follows the popular concept mentioned in Henry Blackaby’s book, “Experiencing God,” namely that God is always at work according to Jesus in John chapter 5. Bruce describes heaven’s agenda as constantly looking to work on the behalf of those whose heart is faithful toward Him (2 Chron 16:9). The belief is that God sees, God cares, and that God wants to answer in miraculous ways in the lives of those whom He loves. How many of have needs? How many of us question if God really cares? How many of us are trying to convince God to act on our behalf?
The second concept is that there are 3 ways in which God performs the miraculous: 1. God acts solely to perform the miracle (e.g., the creation). 2. God sends an angel or angels to provide the miracle (e.g., God’s answer to Daniel’s prayer). 3. God uses humans (us) to deliver the miracle to others (e.g., we lay hands on the sick and they recover – we are His body so I believe God's first desire is to "co-labor" with us. See 1 Cor 3:9 and 2 Cor 6:1).
There is another concept he teaches that I want to mention. That is that our good deeds or acts of service are necessary but NOT miraculous. Acts of service are more appropriately called ministry (to serve is at the heart of the meaning for the word “ministry). Our ministry added to God’s supernatural power results in miracles.
Understanding these things, recently I went through the passage in Numbers where God tells Moses to send heads from each of the tribes of Israel into the Promised Land to spy, or scout out the land. What Moses tells them to look for reminded me of our modern demographic reports when we look at an area we hope to possess for the Lord by planting a church. “Look the land over, see what it is like. Assess the people: Are they strong or weak? Are there few or many? Observe the land: Is it pleasant or harsh? Describe the towns where they live: Are they open camps or fortified with walls? And the soil: Is it fertile or barren? Are there forests? And try to bring back a sample of the produce that grows there — this is the season for the first ripe grapes."(Num 13:18-20 Message).
My paraphrased result of this assessment to the majority was, “We cannot do it. If we try we will fail miserably. It will result in much loss to our assembly (denomination), our families, and our witness.” Notice how the whole congregation missed God using them to perform the miraculous because they only looked naturally. This affirms in my mind the scripture that says, the world by human wisdom cannot know God (1 Cor 1:21). I think it would be fair to also say our wisdom prevents us from experiencing God at times. How many miracles do we miss because in our own logic we are afraid to step out and respond to God’s heart revealed in scripture, or heaven’s nudge upon our hearts?
The Bible teaches there is an exceeding great power that is available to work in us who believe it (Eph 1:19). What happens when we do not believe that God wants us to act? What happens to the prayers of those who have stepped out in faith when God wants to use someone and their ministry gifts to be used to answer that prayer but they doubt?
I think the interaction is similar to that found in the story of Ananias found in Acts chapter 9. God says, “Ananias I want you to go and pray for a man that is praying named Saul so that he can receive his sight.” Ananias responds, “I have heard about this man – he is a bad man who hurts your people and he has come here to do the same.” God again tells him, “Go!”
What if Ananias refused to go? What if God prompted others and they refused to go? What happens to Saul? What happens to his eternal soul? What happens to everyone he was meant to reach by his preaching? You may say, “I would never refuse God. I wouldn’t have even argued with God.” But…let me ask you … is that really so?
How many believe in reaching the world with the gospel? What have you done to accomplish that?
How many believe in church planting? Yet how many of you pastors actually initiate a church plant or support church plants within our fellowship?
How many people believe they have been gifted by God to serve? Yet, how have you used those gifts and resources that God has given you? (I have met many prophets, teachers, and leaders who are merely judges of what another person is doing for God).
How did Phillip feel the nudge of heaven to leave an existing work to minister to a culturally different man leaving his city in a chariot? What if he missed heaven’s nudge?
One morning as I was praying, I felt a nudge, “Go to George Webb’s (restaurant).” I don’t like George Webb’s for a number of reasons: the food, the cigarette smoke, the atmosphere, etc. So when I felt this nudge I pondered if it might be God. So I went to grab my things and continue my devotions at the restaurant. I felt another nudge, “Grab some tracts also, you are going to need them.”
I sat at a table and ordered a cup of coffee and began to read my Bible placed on the table in front of me. I kept my head in the book so to speak, in spite of seeing a man smoking a cigarette at the counter looking at me. He approached my table and declared, “That’s a Bible!” In a somewhat sarcastic tone I responded, “Good job. You’re right!” But then I felt heaven’s nudge again so I changed my tone and asked the man, “Have you any experience reading the Bible?” That opened up a long conversation which resulted in me leading the man in prayer to the Lord for forgiveness and salvation. This man agreed to be discipled and is still in the church today.
Recently I felt the nudge to plant a church in the Oconomowoc area so my wife and I began to reach out into the area. One minister offered to create signs for the church, as a result the signs sat unused during the week at our home just southwest of Oconomowoc. One day I felt the nudge to just stand them out in the yard for the traffic to see. As a result, a man stopped at the house and inquired about the church. He told us how his past experience with churches had made him bitter. But as he drove by going to work day by day, he felt prompted to stop and ask about the church. He was obviously hurting from the lack of concern showed to him by a previous church. We took the time to answer his questions in spite of him seeming antagonistic. We invited him to a study/worship time in our home and a meal afterward and now he is helping to get the word out about our church plant. He believes we are a miracle for his family.
There are many other stories that I have experienced since that time; many involve the church plant where I pastor now. But my question is not just, “what if I had missed heaven’s nudge?” rather, “how many other nudges have I missed?”
The first premise follows the popular concept mentioned in Henry Blackaby’s book, “Experiencing God,” namely that God is always at work according to Jesus in John chapter 5. Bruce describes heaven’s agenda as constantly looking to work on the behalf of those whose heart is faithful toward Him (2 Chron 16:9). The belief is that God sees, God cares, and that God wants to answer in miraculous ways in the lives of those whom He loves. How many of have needs? How many of us question if God really cares? How many of us are trying to convince God to act on our behalf?
The second concept is that there are 3 ways in which God performs the miraculous: 1. God acts solely to perform the miracle (e.g., the creation). 2. God sends an angel or angels to provide the miracle (e.g., God’s answer to Daniel’s prayer). 3. God uses humans (us) to deliver the miracle to others (e.g., we lay hands on the sick and they recover – we are His body so I believe God's first desire is to "co-labor" with us. See 1 Cor 3:9 and 2 Cor 6:1).
There is another concept he teaches that I want to mention. That is that our good deeds or acts of service are necessary but NOT miraculous. Acts of service are more appropriately called ministry (to serve is at the heart of the meaning for the word “ministry). Our ministry added to God’s supernatural power results in miracles.
Understanding these things, recently I went through the passage in Numbers where God tells Moses to send heads from each of the tribes of Israel into the Promised Land to spy, or scout out the land. What Moses tells them to look for reminded me of our modern demographic reports when we look at an area we hope to possess for the Lord by planting a church. “Look the land over, see what it is like. Assess the people: Are they strong or weak? Are there few or many? Observe the land: Is it pleasant or harsh? Describe the towns where they live: Are they open camps or fortified with walls? And the soil: Is it fertile or barren? Are there forests? And try to bring back a sample of the produce that grows there — this is the season for the first ripe grapes."(Num 13:18-20 Message).
My paraphrased result of this assessment to the majority was, “We cannot do it. If we try we will fail miserably. It will result in much loss to our assembly (denomination), our families, and our witness.” Notice how the whole congregation missed God using them to perform the miraculous because they only looked naturally. This affirms in my mind the scripture that says, the world by human wisdom cannot know God (1 Cor 1:21). I think it would be fair to also say our wisdom prevents us from experiencing God at times. How many miracles do we miss because in our own logic we are afraid to step out and respond to God’s heart revealed in scripture, or heaven’s nudge upon our hearts?
The Bible teaches there is an exceeding great power that is available to work in us who believe it (Eph 1:19). What happens when we do not believe that God wants us to act? What happens to the prayers of those who have stepped out in faith when God wants to use someone and their ministry gifts to be used to answer that prayer but they doubt?
I think the interaction is similar to that found in the story of Ananias found in Acts chapter 9. God says, “Ananias I want you to go and pray for a man that is praying named Saul so that he can receive his sight.” Ananias responds, “I have heard about this man – he is a bad man who hurts your people and he has come here to do the same.” God again tells him, “Go!”
What if Ananias refused to go? What if God prompted others and they refused to go? What happens to Saul? What happens to his eternal soul? What happens to everyone he was meant to reach by his preaching? You may say, “I would never refuse God. I wouldn’t have even argued with God.” But…let me ask you … is that really so?
How many believe in reaching the world with the gospel? What have you done to accomplish that?
How many believe in church planting? Yet how many of you pastors actually initiate a church plant or support church plants within our fellowship?
How many people believe they have been gifted by God to serve? Yet, how have you used those gifts and resources that God has given you? (I have met many prophets, teachers, and leaders who are merely judges of what another person is doing for God).
How did Phillip feel the nudge of heaven to leave an existing work to minister to a culturally different man leaving his city in a chariot? What if he missed heaven’s nudge?
One morning as I was praying, I felt a nudge, “Go to George Webb’s (restaurant).” I don’t like George Webb’s for a number of reasons: the food, the cigarette smoke, the atmosphere, etc. So when I felt this nudge I pondered if it might be God. So I went to grab my things and continue my devotions at the restaurant. I felt another nudge, “Grab some tracts also, you are going to need them.”
I sat at a table and ordered a cup of coffee and began to read my Bible placed on the table in front of me. I kept my head in the book so to speak, in spite of seeing a man smoking a cigarette at the counter looking at me. He approached my table and declared, “That’s a Bible!” In a somewhat sarcastic tone I responded, “Good job. You’re right!” But then I felt heaven’s nudge again so I changed my tone and asked the man, “Have you any experience reading the Bible?” That opened up a long conversation which resulted in me leading the man in prayer to the Lord for forgiveness and salvation. This man agreed to be discipled and is still in the church today.
Recently I felt the nudge to plant a church in the Oconomowoc area so my wife and I began to reach out into the area. One minister offered to create signs for the church, as a result the signs sat unused during the week at our home just southwest of Oconomowoc. One day I felt the nudge to just stand them out in the yard for the traffic to see. As a result, a man stopped at the house and inquired about the church. He told us how his past experience with churches had made him bitter. But as he drove by going to work day by day, he felt prompted to stop and ask about the church. He was obviously hurting from the lack of concern showed to him by a previous church. We took the time to answer his questions in spite of him seeming antagonistic. We invited him to a study/worship time in our home and a meal afterward and now he is helping to get the word out about our church plant. He believes we are a miracle for his family.
There are many other stories that I have experienced since that time; many involve the church plant where I pastor now. But my question is not just, “what if I had missed heaven’s nudge?” rather, “how many other nudges have I missed?”
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
The Origin of Faith and Love
At Hope Springs Christian Church, in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, our message is one of Hope. It doesn’t matter where you came from or where you are at, if you don’t have hope for the future you will lose your confidence in the now. Hope affects your confidence because what you hope for affects what you believe now. The Bible says, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see,” (Heb 11:1). You can see how our present confidence is affected by what we hope for.
The word “confidence” comes from two root words -“con” - meaning ‘with’ and “fide” - meaning ‘faith.’ The instability of our current world can cause us to loose confidence in our government, the financial system, our health care system, and large corporations if we have place our faith with them. We can easily loose hope that things will change. That is why faith in the God of Hope is so important. He never changes, His word is an immovable rock, and His promises are a sworn truth so that we can lay hold of the hope that is set before us as and anchor for our souls (Heb. 6:18-19). We only have faith or live life with confidence if we have hope. The Bible says that ‘faith and love’ spring from the hope that is given to us in the word of God (Rom 10:17 and Col 1:5).
Because what we believe affects the way in which we act, we see love comes from faith in God’s word. In fact, our faith is dead if it is not expressing itself by love (Gal 5:6). The Bible goes on to teach that our works of faith are prompted by our love (1 Thes 1:3).
This is the message of hope: “Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions — it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast,” (Eph 2:4-5; 8-9).
The future is bright because God has already caused us to triumph in Christ Jesus, if we will receive it. I challenge you to begin looking at how the Bible teaches what Christ has already done. It is said, "All other religions can be summed up in a single word - 'do.' While Christianity can alone be summed up in the single word - 'done.'"
The word “confidence” comes from two root words -“con” - meaning ‘with’ and “fide” - meaning ‘faith.’ The instability of our current world can cause us to loose confidence in our government, the financial system, our health care system, and large corporations if we have place our faith with them. We can easily loose hope that things will change. That is why faith in the God of Hope is so important. He never changes, His word is an immovable rock, and His promises are a sworn truth so that we can lay hold of the hope that is set before us as and anchor for our souls (Heb. 6:18-19). We only have faith or live life with confidence if we have hope. The Bible says that ‘faith and love’ spring from the hope that is given to us in the word of God (Rom 10:17 and Col 1:5).
Because what we believe affects the way in which we act, we see love comes from faith in God’s word. In fact, our faith is dead if it is not expressing itself by love (Gal 5:6). The Bible goes on to teach that our works of faith are prompted by our love (1 Thes 1:3).
This is the message of hope: “Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions — it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast,” (Eph 2:4-5; 8-9).
The future is bright because God has already caused us to triumph in Christ Jesus, if we will receive it. I challenge you to begin looking at how the Bible teaches what Christ has already done. It is said, "All other religions can be summed up in a single word - 'do.' While Christianity can alone be summed up in the single word - 'done.'"
Thursday, September 17, 2009
My Darling
A large seminar was held for ministers in training. Among the guests were many well-known motivational speakers. One such boldly approached the pulpit and, gathering the entire crowd's attention, said, "The best years of my life were spent in the arms of a woman that wasn't my wife!" The crowd was shocked! He followed up by saying, "And that woman was my mother!" The crowd burst into laughter and he gave his speech, which went over well. About a week later one of the ministers who had attended the seminar decided to use that joke in his sermon. As he shyly approached the pulpit one sunny Sunday, he tried to rehearse the joke in his head. It seemed a bit foggy to him this morning. Getting to the microphone he said loudly, "The greatest years of my life were spent in the arms of another woman that was not my wife!" His congregation sat shocked. After standing there for almost 10 seconds trying to recall the second half of the joke, the pastor finally blurted out,"...and I can't remember who she was!"
A couple of nice songs in the past sang about how their love was still the one they turned to, still the one they loved, and the one they longed to be with. Love is not really romantic if it can be replaced by a fling with someone else. In fact, that infidelity betrays the very concept of love and devotion. It was in my parent’s era that husbands and wives would call each other, “darling.” Darling is an interesting word that is actually used in the Bible to refer to God. The meaning of the word darling is “only one.” You can see why the translators used the word to refer to God. He is the “only one” in so many ways: He is the only one who truly loves us; the only one who saves, the only one that is due our devotion, the only one from whom came all things, etc. You can only have one “only one,” only one darling.
When I first came to faith in Christ, I searched churches for pastors and people that truly knew God and were really Christ-like in their character. To my disappointment, after I got to know them better, I realized that they all came up short in some area of their life. I would pray, “God if there is someone I should follow show them to me and I will follow them.” No matter how sincere I believed them to be there was always some weakness in them. It didn’t matter if it was big or small they all failed and they all were at times oblivious to what seemed to be a huge contradiction. They would act rudely, like invite me to lunch and talk on the phone the whole time. They would miss appointments. They would contradict themselves while preaching. I even heard one pastor preach on the importance of forgiving others who met a man after church that he told, “I will never forgive you, that sermon was not meant for you.”
So what does all of this have to do with finding someone to follow, or what your expectations of a pastor should be? I think the point is that only one should have our full devotion and expectation of never failing – that is Jesus. Every true man of God points away from himself to Christ. Like John the baptizer, a man after God’s own heart proclaims, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” A minister that focuses on his ability to preach and minister will not only fall and hurt himself, but he will fall on others and hurt them.
It is not the oratory skills of a minister that makes a great man of God, rather his or her ability to point others away from themselves to Christ. When the apostles prayed for individuals in the Bible who subsequently were miraculously healed, they didn’t go and begin booking speaking engagements in all the cities for healing revivals. They were quick to say things like, “Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see. (Acts 3:12; 16). I am afraid that many preachers are only trying to make a name for themselves and not make much of the name of Jesus.
Paul said, “My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power,” (1 Cor 2:4-5). Yes, it is important to be “apt to teach,” as it mentions in another place in the Bible, but if that is all one is relying on to see lives changed for Christ they are really doing a disservice to the gospel. When we get people to follow us we are in error. We need people to follow Christ. If people are determined to follow Jesus, they will be more apt to accept the failures of a pastor who says, “I am not the one you need to be devoted to, be devoted to the ‘Darling of Heaven;’ The only Holy One, Jesus Christ.”
A couple of nice songs in the past sang about how their love was still the one they turned to, still the one they loved, and the one they longed to be with. Love is not really romantic if it can be replaced by a fling with someone else. In fact, that infidelity betrays the very concept of love and devotion. It was in my parent’s era that husbands and wives would call each other, “darling.” Darling is an interesting word that is actually used in the Bible to refer to God. The meaning of the word darling is “only one.” You can see why the translators used the word to refer to God. He is the “only one” in so many ways: He is the only one who truly loves us; the only one who saves, the only one that is due our devotion, the only one from whom came all things, etc. You can only have one “only one,” only one darling.
When I first came to faith in Christ, I searched churches for pastors and people that truly knew God and were really Christ-like in their character. To my disappointment, after I got to know them better, I realized that they all came up short in some area of their life. I would pray, “God if there is someone I should follow show them to me and I will follow them.” No matter how sincere I believed them to be there was always some weakness in them. It didn’t matter if it was big or small they all failed and they all were at times oblivious to what seemed to be a huge contradiction. They would act rudely, like invite me to lunch and talk on the phone the whole time. They would miss appointments. They would contradict themselves while preaching. I even heard one pastor preach on the importance of forgiving others who met a man after church that he told, “I will never forgive you, that sermon was not meant for you.”
So what does all of this have to do with finding someone to follow, or what your expectations of a pastor should be? I think the point is that only one should have our full devotion and expectation of never failing – that is Jesus. Every true man of God points away from himself to Christ. Like John the baptizer, a man after God’s own heart proclaims, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” A minister that focuses on his ability to preach and minister will not only fall and hurt himself, but he will fall on others and hurt them.
It is not the oratory skills of a minister that makes a great man of God, rather his or her ability to point others away from themselves to Christ. When the apostles prayed for individuals in the Bible who subsequently were miraculously healed, they didn’t go and begin booking speaking engagements in all the cities for healing revivals. They were quick to say things like, “Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see. (Acts 3:12; 16). I am afraid that many preachers are only trying to make a name for themselves and not make much of the name of Jesus.
Paul said, “My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power,” (1 Cor 2:4-5). Yes, it is important to be “apt to teach,” as it mentions in another place in the Bible, but if that is all one is relying on to see lives changed for Christ they are really doing a disservice to the gospel. When we get people to follow us we are in error. We need people to follow Christ. If people are determined to follow Jesus, they will be more apt to accept the failures of a pastor who says, “I am not the one you need to be devoted to, be devoted to the ‘Darling of Heaven;’ The only Holy One, Jesus Christ.”
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
How Can We See God?
“How many people believe in prayer? How many actually pray? Huh, more than I thought. How many believe that God actually hears your prayers? …About the same number. And how many people believe that God answers your prayers? Okay you all got this great belief and obviously God isn’t too busy to answer you individually. Let’s get him up here. Alright, you ready? Everybody start praying. One, two, three – God come on down; let’s show it to us. (pause as nothing appears on the stage) Surprise, surprise… Why do you believe this? Why didn’t He come down here? That would be my first question to Cliffe (Pastor Cliffe Knechtle). Why didn’t He come up, right? He did it for St. Thomas…why doesn’t He do it for us now?” Michael Newdow, the well known atheist, mocked in what was touted as The Great Debate – Atheism versus Christianity in 2002.
The physical presence of God is described as being so awesome in its brilliance that the Bible calls it “unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see” (1 Tim 6:16). And that God is described as so holy that (His) “eyes are too pure to look on evil” (Hab 1:13). There is most certainly a veil that separates us from God (see Heb. 10:20) at this time – our flesh.
“Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known” (1 Cor 13:12). “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2).
…“Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer” (2 Cor 5:16). Because Jesus is in the heaven making intercession for us, we are now in the day of the Lord’s favor – the day of Grace, or the Day of Atonement when God’s people put their faith and trust in the actions of the High Priest, who alone is able to work. This is the day that the Lord hath made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. To see God will mean certain judgment of ALL sin as the Scripture has said, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief” (2 Peter 3:9-10a).
So how can we see God? Jesus said, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working” (John 5:17). Since the Father is always working, if we learn to understand the character and desire of God, we should be able to recognize His work.
Which leads me to why I think that people don’t see or recognize God’s work; they misunderstand His agenda. This is why people rejected Jesus in the days of His flesh; they misunderstood and at times disagreed with Jesus’ agenda. Certain of the disciples only expected the agenda of Christ to be that of one who would restore the kingdom to Israel. Therefore they couldn’t see Him on the road to Emmaus. Some people only saw Christ only as the son of David so they rejected His claims to be the divine “Son of God” – eternally pre-existing before Abraham, Lord of the Sabbath, able to forgive sin, etc. Others saw Him as one who went about doing good and healing the sick and heard no demand for repentance or live change (Mt 11:21). Pilate proclaimed, “Behold the man,” as Jesus stood before the crowd in a crown of thorns and a purple robe. The crowd rejected what appeared to be a man too weak to be the King.
How many miss seeing God’s works for the very same reason – they don’t recognize His agenda. They see Jesus only as one who cares for our needs and do not see Him as the one who teaches us to care for the needs of others. They only see Jesus as a revolutionary, one who overthrew the then established religion and do not see Him as the peace giver who teaches us the blessing in being a peacemaker. They see Him only as loving full of grace and don’t want to see His wrath. Some people only see Jesus in a manner that is similar to them selves and do not see the man from Galilee who had no form or beauty that we should desire Him, who was despised and rejected of men.
How many see Jesus as the western emasculate image and refuse to see Him as one who was a Middle Eastern Jew, much less as the apostle John saw Him with eyes of fire and hair white as snow with a face brighter than the noon day’s sun? Our preconceptions often lead us into misconceptions that blind us from what God is doing.
Michael Newdow further asked, “What level of evidence do we need to believe in God?” Do we need to see God visibly to know He exists? What would one do with that knowledge? How would it affect our behavior? I would suggest that the greatest evidence for God is found in the Bible by way of learning what God is doing and what God is not doing. Proverbs 2:5 tells us that finding the knowledge of God is linked to our desire to cry out for understanding and the wisdom that comes from God alone. If we assume God do be doing something but we find it to be contrary to His word, we will miss God.
Some how our faith has to move beyond our faith to conviction as Josh McDowell teaches. That we must move from believing about God to believing God as Beth Moore teaches. Notice how Jesus teaches that someone will understand God and have Him reveal Himself to them:
“If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own” (John 7:17).
Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, "But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?" Jesus replied, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him” (John 14:22-23).
Jesus taught that if we will first choose to do God’s will, we will be taught of God. Second, He taught that obedience to His teaching results in a revelation of God in their lives – He will love them and live within that person. Christ in us is the hope of glory. Glory is the manifest presence of God. Too many people miss God because they follow their ever changing feelings and circumstances instead of God's unchanging Word. We are not taught to follow our hearts as the world teaches (our heart's are deceitful and wicked - we don't even know them); we are taught to follow Jesus (who is called the Word of God) because He is the same yesterday, today and forever.
The physical presence of God is described as being so awesome in its brilliance that the Bible calls it “unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see” (1 Tim 6:16). And that God is described as so holy that (His) “eyes are too pure to look on evil” (Hab 1:13). There is most certainly a veil that separates us from God (see Heb. 10:20) at this time – our flesh.
“Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known” (1 Cor 13:12). “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2).
…“Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer” (2 Cor 5:16). Because Jesus is in the heaven making intercession for us, we are now in the day of the Lord’s favor – the day of Grace, or the Day of Atonement when God’s people put their faith and trust in the actions of the High Priest, who alone is able to work. This is the day that the Lord hath made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. To see God will mean certain judgment of ALL sin as the Scripture has said, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief” (2 Peter 3:9-10a).
So how can we see God? Jesus said, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working” (John 5:17). Since the Father is always working, if we learn to understand the character and desire of God, we should be able to recognize His work.
Which leads me to why I think that people don’t see or recognize God’s work; they misunderstand His agenda. This is why people rejected Jesus in the days of His flesh; they misunderstood and at times disagreed with Jesus’ agenda. Certain of the disciples only expected the agenda of Christ to be that of one who would restore the kingdom to Israel. Therefore they couldn’t see Him on the road to Emmaus. Some people only saw Christ only as the son of David so they rejected His claims to be the divine “Son of God” – eternally pre-existing before Abraham, Lord of the Sabbath, able to forgive sin, etc. Others saw Him as one who went about doing good and healing the sick and heard no demand for repentance or live change (Mt 11:21). Pilate proclaimed, “Behold the man,” as Jesus stood before the crowd in a crown of thorns and a purple robe. The crowd rejected what appeared to be a man too weak to be the King.
How many miss seeing God’s works for the very same reason – they don’t recognize His agenda. They see Jesus only as one who cares for our needs and do not see Him as the one who teaches us to care for the needs of others. They only see Jesus as a revolutionary, one who overthrew the then established religion and do not see Him as the peace giver who teaches us the blessing in being a peacemaker. They see Him only as loving full of grace and don’t want to see His wrath. Some people only see Jesus in a manner that is similar to them selves and do not see the man from Galilee who had no form or beauty that we should desire Him, who was despised and rejected of men.
How many see Jesus as the western emasculate image and refuse to see Him as one who was a Middle Eastern Jew, much less as the apostle John saw Him with eyes of fire and hair white as snow with a face brighter than the noon day’s sun? Our preconceptions often lead us into misconceptions that blind us from what God is doing.
Michael Newdow further asked, “What level of evidence do we need to believe in God?” Do we need to see God visibly to know He exists? What would one do with that knowledge? How would it affect our behavior? I would suggest that the greatest evidence for God is found in the Bible by way of learning what God is doing and what God is not doing. Proverbs 2:5 tells us that finding the knowledge of God is linked to our desire to cry out for understanding and the wisdom that comes from God alone. If we assume God do be doing something but we find it to be contrary to His word, we will miss God.
Some how our faith has to move beyond our faith to conviction as Josh McDowell teaches. That we must move from believing about God to believing God as Beth Moore teaches. Notice how Jesus teaches that someone will understand God and have Him reveal Himself to them:
“If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own” (John 7:17).
Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, "But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?" Jesus replied, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him” (John 14:22-23).
Jesus taught that if we will first choose to do God’s will, we will be taught of God. Second, He taught that obedience to His teaching results in a revelation of God in their lives – He will love them and live within that person. Christ in us is the hope of glory. Glory is the manifest presence of God. Too many people miss God because they follow their ever changing feelings and circumstances instead of God's unchanging Word. We are not taught to follow our hearts as the world teaches (our heart's are deceitful and wicked - we don't even know them); we are taught to follow Jesus (who is called the Word of God) because He is the same yesterday, today and forever.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
A NEWd Morality
Everyday, it seems our culture attempts to bombard us and our children with images that are meant to arouse us sexually. Images on television and in the movies push the limits and boundaries of what is proper and inappropriate merely by virtue of their constant use. TV shows catered toward teenagers frequently promote premarital sex as long as the two individuals "know in their heart it is time." Children's cartoons are increasingly alluding to issues of sex. The common Christian response has been one of expurgation and attempting to redeem the valuable morals and lessons recognized within its culture, media, and literature.
Wikipedia defines expurgation as: "a form of censorship by way of purging anything noxious, offensive, or erroneous, usually from an artistic work. It has also been called bowdlerization, after Thomas Bowdler, who in 1818 published an expurgated edition of William Shakespeare's work that he considered to be more appropriate for women and children. He similarly edited Edward Gibbon's Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire."
"Clear Play" technology lets you watch regular DVD's and SKIP the VIOLENCE, NUDITY, and PROFANITY (so) you and your family can safely watch current films is an example of expurgation. The fact is that those outside of the Christian faith or without any religious scruples sees expurgation as censorship. They see freedom as the release from any boundaries and do not see freedom as the release from those things that can bind you. In reality there is no freedom apart from law (parameters that guide our behavior).
Recently we were in the home of a younger couple that we just met. While in their home, my wife noticed in the magazine rack some Playboy magazines. When we discussed this later, we realized that within our culture there is a real change in attitude about morality. That this young man would openly display a magazine that reduces the value of a woman to a mere image to provoke sexual desire surprised me. That his wife would allow such an open display would seem to imply that she has resigned her struggle for sole devotion from her husband, not realizing that he has reduced her value to that of her physical beauty. Neither is love. Love is not selfish; it is not lust (1Cor. 13:5).
Eroticism is certainly a motivational force in this world, but this twist on love based upon physical beauty is not a method of truly building each other up. It debases people, it changes the focus of desire to one's self and away from the other, and it devalues a person by allowing for competing images of desire (whether printed or in the flesh). The paradigm shift in our culture in regard to provocative images should not merely be dismissed as wrong without explaining the real reason for why this behavior is destructive. Yet, the desire for sex is so strong within mankind that Christians also must understand why it is so critical to not only expurgate them from the things we see and allow to influence us and our families (because they can truly tempt us to do things that would harm us and others), but also to explain why it is so harmful to our relationships and our understanding of the value of an individual.
By merely judging by the appearance, we will misjudge the value of people and their gifts. An example of this was seen on Britain's Got Talent. Watch this link: www.metacafe.com/watch/2696263/susan_boyle_singer_britains_got_talent_2009 /
I would like each of us to truly pray how we can really convince people who see the sexual drive in mankind as an opportunity to make money at the expense of people and their relationships that this is really wrong and harmful. Let us agree together in prayer for those who use social networks like "twitter" and "MySpace," etc. inappropriately to find the true unselfish love of Jesus Christ who paid the penalty for their sin.
Wikipedia defines expurgation as: "a form of censorship by way of purging anything noxious, offensive, or erroneous, usually from an artistic work. It has also been called bowdlerization, after Thomas Bowdler, who in 1818 published an expurgated edition of William Shakespeare's work that he considered to be more appropriate for women and children. He similarly edited Edward Gibbon's Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire."
"Clear Play" technology lets you watch regular DVD's and SKIP the VIOLENCE, NUDITY, and PROFANITY (so) you and your family can safely watch current films is an example of expurgation. The fact is that those outside of the Christian faith or without any religious scruples sees expurgation as censorship. They see freedom as the release from any boundaries and do not see freedom as the release from those things that can bind you. In reality there is no freedom apart from law (parameters that guide our behavior).
Recently we were in the home of a younger couple that we just met. While in their home, my wife noticed in the magazine rack some Playboy magazines. When we discussed this later, we realized that within our culture there is a real change in attitude about morality. That this young man would openly display a magazine that reduces the value of a woman to a mere image to provoke sexual desire surprised me. That his wife would allow such an open display would seem to imply that she has resigned her struggle for sole devotion from her husband, not realizing that he has reduced her value to that of her physical beauty. Neither is love. Love is not selfish; it is not lust (1Cor. 13:5).
Eroticism is certainly a motivational force in this world, but this twist on love based upon physical beauty is not a method of truly building each other up. It debases people, it changes the focus of desire to one's self and away from the other, and it devalues a person by allowing for competing images of desire (whether printed or in the flesh). The paradigm shift in our culture in regard to provocative images should not merely be dismissed as wrong without explaining the real reason for why this behavior is destructive. Yet, the desire for sex is so strong within mankind that Christians also must understand why it is so critical to not only expurgate them from the things we see and allow to influence us and our families (because they can truly tempt us to do things that would harm us and others), but also to explain why it is so harmful to our relationships and our understanding of the value of an individual.
By merely judging by the appearance, we will misjudge the value of people and their gifts. An example of this was seen on Britain's Got Talent. Watch this link: www.metacafe.com/watch/2696263/susan_boyle_singer_britains_got_talent_2009 /
I would like each of us to truly pray how we can really convince people who see the sexual drive in mankind as an opportunity to make money at the expense of people and their relationships that this is really wrong and harmful. Let us agree together in prayer for those who use social networks like "twitter" and "MySpace," etc. inappropriately to find the true unselfish love of Jesus Christ who paid the penalty for their sin.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
You Belong
Recently I received a letter from the General Council of the Assemblies of God confirming the recommendation by the WNMD that Hope Springs Christian Church is now officially listed as an A/G church. Along with this letter came a brochure that stated in large font: "You Belong!" Those words reminded me of a conversation that I had with a friend from church after the service; the gist of which was, "thank you for making me feel like I belong." He gave me a "man hug" and fought off tears as he expressed how much he valued my friendship and ministry.
There is always the thought as a pastor that numbers of attenders validate a ministry. While this has an element of truth, the fact is that churches are built by relationships that are nurtured one person at a time. It is not that you cannot nurture quantities of people over a period of time, but for a relationship to grow it must have moments of solitary focus on one person and draw them out of the crowd.
That is what Jesus did when he focused on Zacchaeus and called him out of the crowd (Luke 19). The importance of the story wasn't the stature of Zacchaeus, but rather that Jesus made him feel like he belonged. I want to be friends with you, I want to spend time with you, I am not distracted by others that might seem more important in this world's eyes, and all of these statements do the exact thing. These statements say, "You belong."
Statistically we are told that unless someone feels like they "belong" at a church they will eventually leave. Saying, "You belong," validates and affirms that person. If we can teach the value of individuals as a concept to each person in our church, we will grow.
The most valuable things on earth are not things, but people. What can (anyone) give in exchange for their soul? Of greater value than all this world possesses is a soul. What does it profit a man (or woman) if he/she gains the whole world? When God sent His Son, He sent the Worthy One and in essence told us, "You belong." He chose us in Christ before the world began and surprises us by calling us His children. Let us each reach out in love and make those God brings in our path feel they belong. If you or a family member do not belong to a church, we invite you to come and be a part of Hope Springs. You belong!
There is always the thought as a pastor that numbers of attenders validate a ministry. While this has an element of truth, the fact is that churches are built by relationships that are nurtured one person at a time. It is not that you cannot nurture quantities of people over a period of time, but for a relationship to grow it must have moments of solitary focus on one person and draw them out of the crowd.
That is what Jesus did when he focused on Zacchaeus and called him out of the crowd (Luke 19). The importance of the story wasn't the stature of Zacchaeus, but rather that Jesus made him feel like he belonged. I want to be friends with you, I want to spend time with you, I am not distracted by others that might seem more important in this world's eyes, and all of these statements do the exact thing. These statements say, "You belong."
Statistically we are told that unless someone feels like they "belong" at a church they will eventually leave. Saying, "You belong," validates and affirms that person. If we can teach the value of individuals as a concept to each person in our church, we will grow.
The most valuable things on earth are not things, but people. What can (anyone) give in exchange for their soul? Of greater value than all this world possesses is a soul. What does it profit a man (or woman) if he/she gains the whole world? When God sent His Son, He sent the Worthy One and in essence told us, "You belong." He chose us in Christ before the world began and surprises us by calling us His children. Let us each reach out in love and make those God brings in our path feel they belong. If you or a family member do not belong to a church, we invite you to come and be a part of Hope Springs. You belong!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Why Water Into Wine?
The Bible tells us that this was the first time that Jesus revealed His glory.[1] Was there some special significance to this miracle? John further explains that “Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which (were) not recorded... But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”[2] This tells me that the apostle John attached some significance to this miracle that would help us in our faith.
I have pondered this passage for a long time and I have noticed some interesting things about this miracle, especially in light of other passages of Scripture. First of all, I don’t believe the significance of this miracle has anything to do with what we should or should not drink. I think its importance is much deeper.
The story implies that this wedding event was one that was kept religiously sacred. The implication of this comes from the fact that there were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial washing.[3] Commentaries agree that these jars were used so that guests could ceremonially wash their hands before eating.[4] That this was done religiously and not just for cleansing is implied by the descriptive word translated “Jewish.” This does not refer to people coming from Judea, but rather referring to those that observed the Jewish religion – thus the word ceremonial is supplied.
There was another time when “an argument developed between some of John's disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing.”[5] This passage referred to baptism and the fact that Jesus’ disciples were now baptizing more people than John. John preached the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.[6] I mention this because all these ceremonial washings never really cleansed the hearts of those that partook in them, just as they neither do today.
Back to the event in Cana, Jesus has the servants use these six ceremonial jars and tells them to have them filled with water. This is the typical contents for these vessels and there is an allegory in regard to this ritual cleansing. The water is usually applied to the outside of the pious person to cleanse them. Jesus changes THIS water into wine! I believe this is the true significance of this passage.
We use water on the outside of our bodies to cleanse ourselves, but Jesus baptizes us with the Holy Spirit (the new wine) who cleanses and controls us from the inside out.[7] The scriptures teach, “Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit.”[8] One translation tells us, “to ever be filled with the Holy Spirit.” You see the real baptism of the Holy Spirit is His cleansing of our hearts from the inside out. We are to be under the influence and control of the Holy Spirit just as wine brings the partaker under its influence.
I think that this is the reason Jesus chose to do this miracle first. It prefigures his ministry of being the one who would come and baptize us with the Holy Spirit. The Bible teaches the Jesus’ blood keeps on cleansing us from our sins[9] as we continue to walk in the Spirit.[10] May each of us give ourselves to Jesus to be made new vessels able to receive His new wine.
[1] John 2:11
[2] John 20:30-31
[3] John 2:6
[4] Matt 15:2
[5] John 3:25
[6] Mark 1:4
[7] Acts 2:13
[8] Eph 5:18
[9] 1 John 1:7
[10] Gal 5:16
I have pondered this passage for a long time and I have noticed some interesting things about this miracle, especially in light of other passages of Scripture. First of all, I don’t believe the significance of this miracle has anything to do with what we should or should not drink. I think its importance is much deeper.
The story implies that this wedding event was one that was kept religiously sacred. The implication of this comes from the fact that there were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial washing.[3] Commentaries agree that these jars were used so that guests could ceremonially wash their hands before eating.[4] That this was done religiously and not just for cleansing is implied by the descriptive word translated “Jewish.” This does not refer to people coming from Judea, but rather referring to those that observed the Jewish religion – thus the word ceremonial is supplied.
There was another time when “an argument developed between some of John's disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing.”[5] This passage referred to baptism and the fact that Jesus’ disciples were now baptizing more people than John. John preached the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.[6] I mention this because all these ceremonial washings never really cleansed the hearts of those that partook in them, just as they neither do today.
Back to the event in Cana, Jesus has the servants use these six ceremonial jars and tells them to have them filled with water. This is the typical contents for these vessels and there is an allegory in regard to this ritual cleansing. The water is usually applied to the outside of the pious person to cleanse them. Jesus changes THIS water into wine! I believe this is the true significance of this passage.
We use water on the outside of our bodies to cleanse ourselves, but Jesus baptizes us with the Holy Spirit (the new wine) who cleanses and controls us from the inside out.[7] The scriptures teach, “Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit.”[8] One translation tells us, “to ever be filled with the Holy Spirit.” You see the real baptism of the Holy Spirit is His cleansing of our hearts from the inside out. We are to be under the influence and control of the Holy Spirit just as wine brings the partaker under its influence.
I think that this is the reason Jesus chose to do this miracle first. It prefigures his ministry of being the one who would come and baptize us with the Holy Spirit. The Bible teaches the Jesus’ blood keeps on cleansing us from our sins[9] as we continue to walk in the Spirit.[10] May each of us give ourselves to Jesus to be made new vessels able to receive His new wine.
[1] John 2:11
[2] John 20:30-31
[3] John 2:6
[4] Matt 15:2
[5] John 3:25
[6] Mark 1:4
[7] Acts 2:13
[8] Eph 5:18
[9] 1 John 1:7
[10] Gal 5:16
Monday, May 4, 2009
The Lord is with You, Mighty Warriors
I was recently thinking again about how much we have seen our culture attack faith in Jesus. Many areas we have surrendered and just have begun to accept that is just the way it is. It reminds me of the story of Gideon. (You can read the whole store beginning at Judges chapter 6). Gideon was in a winepress threshing wheat to keep it from the Midianites. The reason Gideon was in a winepress was he didn’t want to fight the Midianites. At the time the Midianites seemed like an unstoppable force, but he didn’t realize the LORD wanted Gideon and Israel to fight for what was right. The LORD wanted Gideon to fight with the strength that HE would provide.
We are no different then the many examples of people who have made compromises trying to avoid fighting for what is right. In the Preamble to the Declaration there is an explanation, “Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.”
There are many examples of our willingness to compromise from modern times to Biblical examples. There was another time in Israel’s history when fear overtook their ability to fight for what is right. Goliath, the Philistine, cursed God and defied the armies of Israel. When a shepherd boy questioned Israel’s fear, he was rebuked. But David said, “What have I done now?
Is there not a cause?”
It is our tendency to suffer for a while before we rise up and say enough is enough and we begin to fight for what is right. It is our right – yes it is our duty! The position of the church is always to be attacking the gates of hell. Our enemy is not with flesh and blood but with spiritual wickedness. We need not fear, but trust in God’s strength to provide for His purposes.
2 Thess 1:11 says, “With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by HIS power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.”
We limit God. We determine much of what we experience of God’s power. We set parameters on the depth of our relationship with God. In spite of limitless possibilities – we choose to impede what God does in our lives. The Bible says of Israel, “How often they provoked Him in the wilderness, and grieved Him in the desert! Yes, again and again they tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel. They did not remember His power: The day when He redeemed them from the enemy (Ps 78:40-42).
We must remember that Jesus has promised, “I am with you always…” Dwight L. Moody said, “The world has yet to see what God can do with a man fully consecrated to him. By God’s help, I aim to be that man.”
I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe. The Lord is with us, mighty warriors so let us trust in His strength and go forth and do the will of God. I don't believe the Gospel is no longer the power of God unto salvation.
We are no different then the many examples of people who have made compromises trying to avoid fighting for what is right. In the Preamble to the Declaration there is an explanation, “Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.”
There are many examples of our willingness to compromise from modern times to Biblical examples. There was another time in Israel’s history when fear overtook their ability to fight for what is right. Goliath, the Philistine, cursed God and defied the armies of Israel. When a shepherd boy questioned Israel’s fear, he was rebuked. But David said, “What have I done now?
Is there not a cause?”
It is our tendency to suffer for a while before we rise up and say enough is enough and we begin to fight for what is right. It is our right – yes it is our duty! The position of the church is always to be attacking the gates of hell. Our enemy is not with flesh and blood but with spiritual wickedness. We need not fear, but trust in God’s strength to provide for His purposes.
2 Thess 1:11 says, “With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by HIS power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.”
We limit God. We determine much of what we experience of God’s power. We set parameters on the depth of our relationship with God. In spite of limitless possibilities – we choose to impede what God does in our lives. The Bible says of Israel, “How often they provoked Him in the wilderness, and grieved Him in the desert! Yes, again and again they tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel. They did not remember His power: The day when He redeemed them from the enemy (Ps 78:40-42).
We must remember that Jesus has promised, “I am with you always…” Dwight L. Moody said, “The world has yet to see what God can do with a man fully consecrated to him. By God’s help, I aim to be that man.”
I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe. The Lord is with us, mighty warriors so let us trust in His strength and go forth and do the will of God. I don't believe the Gospel is no longer the power of God unto salvation.
Monday, April 27, 2009
We Are The Church
I want to talk to you about our church plant in Oconomowoc. To do that effectively, in my mind, I want to share my heart in regard to what the Lord has shown me about church planting. When Peter spoke to the church, he said the reason he wrote was to “stir up their pure minds by way of remembrance” “though they knew (those things) and were firmly established in the truth.” Many of the things I am writing serve that purpose, I want to stir them up again and bring them to your attention.
Jesus said, “I will build my church…” and yet we also are told from the Scriptures, “God has committed unto us the ministry of reconciliation.” Jesus affirmed this by saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
You see, I believe that Jesus is saying He is with us as we go and make disciples and thus build the church. When we go to build His church, we go with His authority and therefore His blessing. I am writing you because I believe that you also know how important it is for each of us to obey the great commission. Experience has taught the church at large that the most effective way to make disciples is church planting.
Why do many church plant attempts fail if Jesus is involved in building His church? One may blame the faith or skill of the church planter, but I believe no person is called to do the work of ministry on their own. Eph 4:16 tells us that “From Him the whole body… grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” That means we each have a part to do and share responsibility for the work. The Holy Spirit has told us that we cannot say that we do not need each other; each member is essential and necessary not only to the growth of the local church but also to the Church at large.
In the past there have been individual planters whose primary resource from the body of Christ was finances. Because they lacked the other elements of support necessary in planting a church, they failed. This has resulted in a move towards satellite churches where one local church provides almost all the necessary elements.
While these churches are more successful, they still do not reflect the image of the full body of Christ working together for growth and edification. The body of Christ shouldn’t have a sink or swim pragmatic attitude toward church planting success or failure. Rather the Bible says, “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it” (1 Cor 12:26). That tells me that for every church plant that has failed, the whole body has suffered and every success should be shared amongst the whole body (because the whole body contributed in some way toward that success).
What does a successful church plant need? I have grouped the needs into four categories:
1) Prayer – church planting is met with spiritual resistance according to Jesus (Mt 16:18). The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds (2 Cor 10:4).
2) People – The lead pastor is called of God to equip/prepare these people to do the work of the ministry (Eph 4:12) and entrusting the same to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others (2 Tim 2:2).
3) Provisions – finances are needed for start up costs, to purchase necessary equipment, and to provide for the lead pastor whom God has ordained or commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel (1 Cor 9:14 KJV/NIV).
4) Peers – these are those individuals and organizations willing to provide supervision, guidance, wisdom, and even accountability for the church plant’s leadership team.
Since you are my friends, I am making my plea to you to join with us to help plant Hope Springs Christian Church in Oconomowoc, WI. Pray seriously about what function God is calling you to do in this work. Friends, we do share responsibility and as such we share the success or failure of this church plant. Each one of us can do something, however great or small, however trivial or significant in our own eyes, the point is to have a good conscience before God that we did something and that something is all that Jesus has told us to do.
I am available to share my vision for Oconomowoc to you and your church if you like. Meanwhile check out our website at www.hopespringschristianchurch.org to see our specific plans and view a needs list.
Jesus said, “I will build my church…” and yet we also are told from the Scriptures, “God has committed unto us the ministry of reconciliation.” Jesus affirmed this by saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
You see, I believe that Jesus is saying He is with us as we go and make disciples and thus build the church. When we go to build His church, we go with His authority and therefore His blessing. I am writing you because I believe that you also know how important it is for each of us to obey the great commission. Experience has taught the church at large that the most effective way to make disciples is church planting.
Why do many church plant attempts fail if Jesus is involved in building His church? One may blame the faith or skill of the church planter, but I believe no person is called to do the work of ministry on their own. Eph 4:16 tells us that “From Him the whole body… grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” That means we each have a part to do and share responsibility for the work. The Holy Spirit has told us that we cannot say that we do not need each other; each member is essential and necessary not only to the growth of the local church but also to the Church at large.
In the past there have been individual planters whose primary resource from the body of Christ was finances. Because they lacked the other elements of support necessary in planting a church, they failed. This has resulted in a move towards satellite churches where one local church provides almost all the necessary elements.
While these churches are more successful, they still do not reflect the image of the full body of Christ working together for growth and edification. The body of Christ shouldn’t have a sink or swim pragmatic attitude toward church planting success or failure. Rather the Bible says, “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it” (1 Cor 12:26). That tells me that for every church plant that has failed, the whole body has suffered and every success should be shared amongst the whole body (because the whole body contributed in some way toward that success).
What does a successful church plant need? I have grouped the needs into four categories:
1) Prayer – church planting is met with spiritual resistance according to Jesus (Mt 16:18). The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds (2 Cor 10:4).
2) People – The lead pastor is called of God to equip/prepare these people to do the work of the ministry (Eph 4:12) and entrusting the same to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others (2 Tim 2:2).
3) Provisions – finances are needed for start up costs, to purchase necessary equipment, and to provide for the lead pastor whom God has ordained or commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel (1 Cor 9:14 KJV/NIV).
4) Peers – these are those individuals and organizations willing to provide supervision, guidance, wisdom, and even accountability for the church plant’s leadership team.
Since you are my friends, I am making my plea to you to join with us to help plant Hope Springs Christian Church in Oconomowoc, WI. Pray seriously about what function God is calling you to do in this work. Friends, we do share responsibility and as such we share the success or failure of this church plant. Each one of us can do something, however great or small, however trivial or significant in our own eyes, the point is to have a good conscience before God that we did something and that something is all that Jesus has told us to do.
I am available to share my vision for Oconomowoc to you and your church if you like. Meanwhile check out our website at www.hopespringschristianchurch.org to see our specific plans and view a needs list.
Friday, April 24, 2009
God's Duty of Care
As a Christian, often times I have struggled to understand seemingly contradictory concepts in regard to our faith, but because “to whom would I go? I believe and am sure that Jesus has the words of eternal life…”[1] I have held those questions in my heart and continued to pray about them until God gave me some answer that would make sense to me. One such struggle centered on the justice of God and the vicarious or substitutionary death of Jesus for mankind.
As a person who evangelizes fairly often, I came across a tract that illustrates the reason for my struggle. In this tract, a bully grows up to eventually become a murderer. Because there are witnesses, he is arrested, found guilty of murder, and sentenced to death. All his life his mother loves him and pleads for him to live right, yet her son continually spews out hatred toward her. Even while in jail, his mother comes with cookies and declares her unconditional love for her son, yet still he rejects her love. Eventually he is told the day of his execution will be the following day and he proclaims, “I’m too young to die!” The next day the guards come to lead him away, but to his surprise he is set free and informed that his mother bore his sentence and died on his behalf. From this tract an analogy is drawn of how Jesus died on our behalf.
I don’t know if you ever thought about it, or if you have just accepted this kind of analogy, but I am asking you to think about it now. Would this truly satisfy the justice of God who is holy? Think about it. If a righteous person approached the bench of a judge in the sentencing portion of a convicted murderer and said, “Judge, you and I know that this man is worthy of death. Since the law demands death as the penalty for his crime and I can prove I am a person of impeccable character, I request that you allow me to die in his place. The death sentence that the law requires will be satisfied so you may set him free.”
What do you really think the judge will say? “Hmmm…kill a righteous man so that a criminal can go free to commit the same, or worse, crime again!” You and I both know that a good and just judge would never allow the criminal to go free and a good person take their punishment. How could that ever be considered justice?
So do you now see the dilemma and the contradiction in regard to Jesus’ death being the righteous dying for the ungodly. How could a completely holy, just, and good God accept as payment for our wickedness the death of one righteous? In fact, contrary to popular belief, the more righteous Jesus was the more unjust His substitutionary death would become.
So I prayed, “God I do not understand. It doesn’t make any logical or right sense that just because Jesus was the only one without sin that he could ever legally be accepted as a payment for our sin. Help me to understand.” I prayed over and over till finally the answer came when I was watching a PBS program about tort law.
The word “tort” refers to injury and the dominant action in tort is negligence. The tort of negligence provides a cause of action leading to damages, or to injunctive relief, in each case designed to protect legal rights, including those of personal safety, property, and, in some cases, intangible economic interests. Negligence actions include claims arising primarily from automobile accidents and personal injury accidents of many kinds, including clinical negligence.[2] In tort law, the standard of care is the degree of prudence and caution required of an individual who is under a duty of care. A breach of the standard is necessary for a successful action in negligence.[3] What does this all have to do with Jesus and justice you ask?
Well, I think it could be argued to a Trier of fact that God had a breach of the standard and a duty of care in regard to Adam and Eve, who were His sole creation. By reason of God’s ability to foresee the consequences of giving them a free will to choose or reject obedience, by virtue of Him being in all places present and failing to prevent them from eating of the deadly fruit, and allowing another member of His creation to so deceive Eve that it led to her actions that resulted in the spiritual death and subsequent physical death of all mankind, God failed to act with prudence and caution with those individuals who were under His duty of care.
It could be thus argued although God is not held in direct liability for the actions of His creation, but indirectly by virtue of creating Adam and Eve with a manufacturing defect called, “Choice.” Because God allowed Adam and Eve to exercise their choice and did not prevent them from doing so, which resulted in tort to not only themselves but all mankind. Much like the manufacturer of an automobile who is held liable for damages resulting from foreseeable defects that result in injury, so it could be said that God is liable for our injuries resulting from our defects (called our weaknesses or the weakness of our flesh in the Bible). Consider also the fact that God hid from mankind His wisdom - which it was He who came in the flesh, for if they had known they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory.[4]
This is why the Bible in John chapter one and Colossians chapter one tells us that the one that took responsibility for our sins and redeemed us by paying our sin penalty was the same One who created us.[5] The fact is the only one that could have purchased us back was the Creator because He is the only one who could be held liable for our sin. This is why the Bible teaches that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself.[6] God through Christ willingly accepted responsibility for His creation, although it could also be argued that God should not be held liable.
So it could be said that there is a class action lawsuit against God for damages resulting from His tort liability for those under His duty of care. All those who wish to receive compensation must have their names added to the suit and be listed in the Lamb’s book of Life. As a result, all those who do cannot have their sins held against them.
God is both the judge and the defendant. Jesus is both the payment and our attorney. We are the plaintiffs and we truly have an opportunity to benefit for all eternity. Won't you come to God, not only to receive compensation but the fix to our resulting injuries caused by the exercise of our freewill - a new heart and a new Spirit.
“God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.”[7]
[1] John 6:68-69
[2] Wikipedia etymology of tort
[3] Wikipedia standard of care
[4] 1 Cor. 2:7-8; Acts 3:17
[5] John 1:1-4, 10-14; Col 1:12-20
[6] 2 Cor. 5:19
[7] Rom 3:25-26
As a person who evangelizes fairly often, I came across a tract that illustrates the reason for my struggle. In this tract, a bully grows up to eventually become a murderer. Because there are witnesses, he is arrested, found guilty of murder, and sentenced to death. All his life his mother loves him and pleads for him to live right, yet her son continually spews out hatred toward her. Even while in jail, his mother comes with cookies and declares her unconditional love for her son, yet still he rejects her love. Eventually he is told the day of his execution will be the following day and he proclaims, “I’m too young to die!” The next day the guards come to lead him away, but to his surprise he is set free and informed that his mother bore his sentence and died on his behalf. From this tract an analogy is drawn of how Jesus died on our behalf.
I don’t know if you ever thought about it, or if you have just accepted this kind of analogy, but I am asking you to think about it now. Would this truly satisfy the justice of God who is holy? Think about it. If a righteous person approached the bench of a judge in the sentencing portion of a convicted murderer and said, “Judge, you and I know that this man is worthy of death. Since the law demands death as the penalty for his crime and I can prove I am a person of impeccable character, I request that you allow me to die in his place. The death sentence that the law requires will be satisfied so you may set him free.”
What do you really think the judge will say? “Hmmm…kill a righteous man so that a criminal can go free to commit the same, or worse, crime again!” You and I both know that a good and just judge would never allow the criminal to go free and a good person take their punishment. How could that ever be considered justice?
So do you now see the dilemma and the contradiction in regard to Jesus’ death being the righteous dying for the ungodly. How could a completely holy, just, and good God accept as payment for our wickedness the death of one righteous? In fact, contrary to popular belief, the more righteous Jesus was the more unjust His substitutionary death would become.
So I prayed, “God I do not understand. It doesn’t make any logical or right sense that just because Jesus was the only one without sin that he could ever legally be accepted as a payment for our sin. Help me to understand.” I prayed over and over till finally the answer came when I was watching a PBS program about tort law.
The word “tort” refers to injury and the dominant action in tort is negligence. The tort of negligence provides a cause of action leading to damages, or to injunctive relief, in each case designed to protect legal rights, including those of personal safety, property, and, in some cases, intangible economic interests. Negligence actions include claims arising primarily from automobile accidents and personal injury accidents of many kinds, including clinical negligence.[2] In tort law, the standard of care is the degree of prudence and caution required of an individual who is under a duty of care. A breach of the standard is necessary for a successful action in negligence.[3] What does this all have to do with Jesus and justice you ask?
Well, I think it could be argued to a Trier of fact that God had a breach of the standard and a duty of care in regard to Adam and Eve, who were His sole creation. By reason of God’s ability to foresee the consequences of giving them a free will to choose or reject obedience, by virtue of Him being in all places present and failing to prevent them from eating of the deadly fruit, and allowing another member of His creation to so deceive Eve that it led to her actions that resulted in the spiritual death and subsequent physical death of all mankind, God failed to act with prudence and caution with those individuals who were under His duty of care.
It could be thus argued although God is not held in direct liability for the actions of His creation, but indirectly by virtue of creating Adam and Eve with a manufacturing defect called, “Choice.” Because God allowed Adam and Eve to exercise their choice and did not prevent them from doing so, which resulted in tort to not only themselves but all mankind. Much like the manufacturer of an automobile who is held liable for damages resulting from foreseeable defects that result in injury, so it could be said that God is liable for our injuries resulting from our defects (called our weaknesses or the weakness of our flesh in the Bible). Consider also the fact that God hid from mankind His wisdom - which it was He who came in the flesh, for if they had known they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory.[4]
This is why the Bible in John chapter one and Colossians chapter one tells us that the one that took responsibility for our sins and redeemed us by paying our sin penalty was the same One who created us.[5] The fact is the only one that could have purchased us back was the Creator because He is the only one who could be held liable for our sin. This is why the Bible teaches that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself.[6] God through Christ willingly accepted responsibility for His creation, although it could also be argued that God should not be held liable.
So it could be said that there is a class action lawsuit against God for damages resulting from His tort liability for those under His duty of care. All those who wish to receive compensation must have their names added to the suit and be listed in the Lamb’s book of Life. As a result, all those who do cannot have their sins held against them.
God is both the judge and the defendant. Jesus is both the payment and our attorney. We are the plaintiffs and we truly have an opportunity to benefit for all eternity. Won't you come to God, not only to receive compensation but the fix to our resulting injuries caused by the exercise of our freewill - a new heart and a new Spirit.
“God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.”[7]
[1] John 6:68-69
[2] Wikipedia etymology of tort
[3] Wikipedia standard of care
[4] 1 Cor. 2:7-8; Acts 3:17
[5] John 1:1-4, 10-14; Col 1:12-20
[6] 2 Cor. 5:19
[7] Rom 3:25-26
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Misunderstood Worship
Rom 11:36b-12:1 To him be the glory forever! Amen. Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship.
As a young Christian, I met many individuals who had a profound impact on me - some for good and many by virtue of them being so wrong. One such individual, told me the story of how they went to a pentecostal service that the praise and worship was so exuberant that many were "dancing in the spirit" along with the praise music. Their group was led by a self-proclaimed judge of the move of the Spirit. When this man saw a woman praising God in a red dress (because they believed that wearing red was sinful like the whore in the book of Revelation), he proclaimed, "That woman's praise is unacceptable!" He believed that God did indeed look at the outward and refused her praise on the basis the color of her dress!!
It is interesting to me that, in both the Old and Testaments, the words used that are translated "worship" mean to bow or to prostrate one's self in the presence of another. In this definition I see what Paul mentioned as our spiritual act of worship. It is first ascribing glory to another and second to sacrifice ourselves.
The Greek word translated "glory" means to "make very apparent." The idea is that whatever we glory gets bigger in our eyes. In other words, whatever we esteem, value, or focus more attention on we ascribe glory to. Paul, in the passage above, tells us that to Jesus should be the glory. He must increase in our eyes. He should be the focus of our lives.
The second aspect of worship is that of prostrating or sacrificing. John the baptist said of Jesus, "He must increase and I must decrease." Jesus said, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." The idea is that we sacrifice other things for whatever we worship. We lay down our wills and deny ourself. We humble ourselves with contrite and broken hearts.
You can see that THIS is the reason Jesus so hottly rebuked the Pharisees, they refused to prostrate their hearts and humble themselves. Whenever we refuse to humble ourselves and decrease in God's presence we are not worshiping in the literal sense.
So often in church during the "praise and worship" portion of the service we stand or are told to stand. It is not often we are told to bow or to fall to our knees. Yet this is what the figure or analogy is for worship. Let us bow our hearts, let us deny ourselves next time we praise Jesus and glorify Him, remembering that if we fail to humble ourselves we fail to worship. And MOST importantly...let us not judge others as they worship!! As the song says, "Down at Your feet, oh Lord, is the most high praise."
As a young Christian, I met many individuals who had a profound impact on me - some for good and many by virtue of them being so wrong. One such individual, told me the story of how they went to a pentecostal service that the praise and worship was so exuberant that many were "dancing in the spirit" along with the praise music. Their group was led by a self-proclaimed judge of the move of the Spirit. When this man saw a woman praising God in a red dress (because they believed that wearing red was sinful like the whore in the book of Revelation), he proclaimed, "That woman's praise is unacceptable!" He believed that God did indeed look at the outward and refused her praise on the basis the color of her dress!!
It is interesting to me that, in both the Old and Testaments, the words used that are translated "worship" mean to bow or to prostrate one's self in the presence of another. In this definition I see what Paul mentioned as our spiritual act of worship. It is first ascribing glory to another and second to sacrifice ourselves.
The Greek word translated "glory" means to "make very apparent." The idea is that whatever we glory gets bigger in our eyes. In other words, whatever we esteem, value, or focus more attention on we ascribe glory to. Paul, in the passage above, tells us that to Jesus should be the glory. He must increase in our eyes. He should be the focus of our lives.
The second aspect of worship is that of prostrating or sacrificing. John the baptist said of Jesus, "He must increase and I must decrease." Jesus said, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." The idea is that we sacrifice other things for whatever we worship. We lay down our wills and deny ourself. We humble ourselves with contrite and broken hearts.
You can see that THIS is the reason Jesus so hottly rebuked the Pharisees, they refused to prostrate their hearts and humble themselves. Whenever we refuse to humble ourselves and decrease in God's presence we are not worshiping in the literal sense.
So often in church during the "praise and worship" portion of the service we stand or are told to stand. It is not often we are told to bow or to fall to our knees. Yet this is what the figure or analogy is for worship. Let us bow our hearts, let us deny ourselves next time we praise Jesus and glorify Him, remembering that if we fail to humble ourselves we fail to worship. And MOST importantly...let us not judge others as they worship!! As the song says, "Down at Your feet, oh Lord, is the most high praise."
Friday, March 27, 2009
In the Hands of God - a mini church planting lesson
At our last Hope Springs staff meeting, Ben led us in devotions and brought out some very interesting points from Nehemiah about church planting. Since I cannot remember for sure which was the Holy Spirit speaking to me or that which Ben mentioned, I am just going to mention some of the things that I have noticed from the book of Nehemiah – to God be the glory!
The Call (Neh 1:2-3)
Henry Blackaby in his popular book “Experiencing God” mentions that God’s revelation of a need is His invitation (or call) to join Him in the work He plans to do. In this passage, Nehemiah inquires about the city Hanani and some of his friends come from. He is made aware of the need and his heart is filled with compassion – so much so it drives him to prayer about that city. In that prayer, he accepts responsibility for the sin that has taken place. In closing, he asks for divine favor from those who he works for.
I see this as the first initial call to plant a church or do anything for the Lord, it begins with revelation of needs, followed by compassion, that leads to intercessory prayer, and permission from superiors to do something about it. Nehemiah recognized that permission is a result of God’s divine favor.
The Ministry Plan (Neh 2:4-8)
The king responds to Nehemiah’s request by inquiring, “What is it you want?” (v. 4). Nehemiah doesn’t have time to go into his prayer closet and pray a lengthy prayer, instead he prays – what I would imagine is – a prayer of desperation. “Oh God, what do I say?!”
Nehemiah asks, “Send me to the city…” His leadership naturally asks for his ministry plan (How long will it take…? etc.) Nehemiah then presents his list of needs: a letter of approval to empower him to do the work; a request for resources for both the ministry and his residence (v.8). And because God’s hand was upon him, leadership granted his request. Along with these things, leadership sent with him a leadership team (v. 9). What is interesting about this is that king Artaxerxes gave without asking for anything in return. What was Artaxerxes motivation? You know what? I don't know, but what if Nehemiah didn't have the boldness to ask? We have to give people the opportunity to give to God's work and entrust them to the promises of God that He rewards those who give generously.
Opposition to the Plan (Neh 2:10, 19; 4:2-3)
Jesus said, “I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” That tells me that whenever Jesus is building His church there is opposition against it. In fact Jesus warns us if all men speak well of us (Luke 6:26). We must have a holy boldness and determination as a church planter or minister of Christ to finish the race marked out before us.
The Plan is Delegated (2:17; 3:1-32)
If at first you don't succeed, delegate it. In reality, the work God calls us to is designed to be too great for human hands. Again, Henry Blackaby brings this out in “Experiencing God.” God’s desire is for us to personally know Him as the God of – whatever it is you need. if you need healing – He is the God who heals us; if we need provision – He is Jehovah Jireh…etc. He is the One who plants and grows His church. God’s representation of Himself on earth is not a single person but it is a body of many members whose head is Christ. Nehemiah divides the work to be done and establishes leaders over each area. This is God’s plan for work in His kingdom to be accomplished – the effectual working of every member brings increase to the body (Eph 4:16).
Three factors for success involve effort on our part according to the “Life in the Spirit” study notes: the people put their whole heart into the work (4:6); the people were prayerful and watchful as they did the work (4:9); and the people demonstrated courage, determination, and faith when confronted with opposition (4:14).
The Workers Weary (Neh 4:6-12)
It is interesting that the laborers tire at the half way mark (v.6). It is to be expected that weariness will set in even when doing a great work for God. Part of the problem was that there was “so much” garbage in the way. Nehemiah listened to and validated the workers concerns and took appropriate measures. The other part of the problem was with those who “lived near” told them ten times over they needed to be afraid. Nehemiah had to both encourage and respond (v. 14) to their fears. Interestingly when the enemy realized that they were aware of Satan’s schemes (2 Cor 2:11) they left and allowed the work to continue. The Bible says they recognized “God had frustrated” their plan.
Conclusion
Church planting is not promised to be easy work but in it we each have the privilege of seeing God’s hands at work. We willingly place ourselves in the activity of God who is seeking to save that which is lost. Whatever it is that we are called to do; we must seek first His kingdom – I believe that means for His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. So, let us go into all nations and make disciples.
The Call (Neh 1:2-3)
Henry Blackaby in his popular book “Experiencing God” mentions that God’s revelation of a need is His invitation (or call) to join Him in the work He plans to do. In this passage, Nehemiah inquires about the city Hanani and some of his friends come from. He is made aware of the need and his heart is filled with compassion – so much so it drives him to prayer about that city. In that prayer, he accepts responsibility for the sin that has taken place. In closing, he asks for divine favor from those who he works for.
I see this as the first initial call to plant a church or do anything for the Lord, it begins with revelation of needs, followed by compassion, that leads to intercessory prayer, and permission from superiors to do something about it. Nehemiah recognized that permission is a result of God’s divine favor.
The Ministry Plan (Neh 2:4-8)
The king responds to Nehemiah’s request by inquiring, “What is it you want?” (v. 4). Nehemiah doesn’t have time to go into his prayer closet and pray a lengthy prayer, instead he prays – what I would imagine is – a prayer of desperation. “Oh God, what do I say?!”
Nehemiah asks, “Send me to the city…” His leadership naturally asks for his ministry plan (How long will it take…? etc.) Nehemiah then presents his list of needs: a letter of approval to empower him to do the work; a request for resources for both the ministry and his residence (v.8). And because God’s hand was upon him, leadership granted his request. Along with these things, leadership sent with him a leadership team (v. 9). What is interesting about this is that king Artaxerxes gave without asking for anything in return. What was Artaxerxes motivation? You know what? I don't know, but what if Nehemiah didn't have the boldness to ask? We have to give people the opportunity to give to God's work and entrust them to the promises of God that He rewards those who give generously.
Opposition to the Plan (Neh 2:10, 19; 4:2-3)
Jesus said, “I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” That tells me that whenever Jesus is building His church there is opposition against it. In fact Jesus warns us if all men speak well of us (Luke 6:26). We must have a holy boldness and determination as a church planter or minister of Christ to finish the race marked out before us.
The Plan is Delegated (2:17; 3:1-32)
If at first you don't succeed, delegate it. In reality, the work God calls us to is designed to be too great for human hands. Again, Henry Blackaby brings this out in “Experiencing God.” God’s desire is for us to personally know Him as the God of – whatever it is you need. if you need healing – He is the God who heals us; if we need provision – He is Jehovah Jireh…etc. He is the One who plants and grows His church. God’s representation of Himself on earth is not a single person but it is a body of many members whose head is Christ. Nehemiah divides the work to be done and establishes leaders over each area. This is God’s plan for work in His kingdom to be accomplished – the effectual working of every member brings increase to the body (Eph 4:16).
Three factors for success involve effort on our part according to the “Life in the Spirit” study notes: the people put their whole heart into the work (4:6); the people were prayerful and watchful as they did the work (4:9); and the people demonstrated courage, determination, and faith when confronted with opposition (4:14).
The Workers Weary (Neh 4:6-12)
It is interesting that the laborers tire at the half way mark (v.6). It is to be expected that weariness will set in even when doing a great work for God. Part of the problem was that there was “so much” garbage in the way. Nehemiah listened to and validated the workers concerns and took appropriate measures. The other part of the problem was with those who “lived near” told them ten times over they needed to be afraid. Nehemiah had to both encourage and respond (v. 14) to their fears. Interestingly when the enemy realized that they were aware of Satan’s schemes (2 Cor 2:11) they left and allowed the work to continue. The Bible says they recognized “God had frustrated” their plan.
Conclusion
Church planting is not promised to be easy work but in it we each have the privilege of seeing God’s hands at work. We willingly place ourselves in the activity of God who is seeking to save that which is lost. Whatever it is that we are called to do; we must seek first His kingdom – I believe that means for His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. So, let us go into all nations and make disciples.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Can God Create a Rock He Cannot Move? Or One Reason Reformed Theology is in Error
In my previous blog on this subject, I mentioned that the answer that was given to me in prayer, was, “Yes, and He did. The rock is the Word of God.”
The Scriptures truly bear this out:
Matthew 7:24-27 Jesus describes His word as a rock that, if men will build their lives upon, what they build will endure whatever devastating storms may come. Jesus said, “… on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. (Matt 16:18); which is commonly interpreted to mean that Jesus will build His Church upon that same word, or confession of faith, uttered by Peter – “You are the Christ the Son of the Living God.”
In fact Jesus himself is so closely related to the Word of God – this rock – He is Himself referred to as that “spiritual rock,” (1 Cor 10:4); the “foundation” of our faith (1 Cor 3:11); the cornerstone (Isa 28:16), and the Word of God (John 1:1; Rev 19:13).
That the Word of God is unmovable and eternal is shown by the following passages: The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever (Isa 40:8). Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words (said Jesus) will never pass away (Matt 24:35). The word of the Lord stands forever. And this is the word that was preached to you (1 Peter 1:25).
This is by no means an exhaustive list so if you have time to study it out I think that it will be a blessing to you.
So why would this be significant in view of the question, “Can God create a rock that He cannot move?”
First of all, I believe there is significance to the fact that God is unchanging and His word is unchanging. Whatever God says He fully stands behind in order to bring it to pass. If God is unchanging there are some things that He cannot do. For example: God cannot change, there is no shifting shadows from God changing (James 1:17); God cannot lie (Titus 1:2); in fact it is impossible for Him to lie (Heb 6:18); His promises are unchangeable.
The seeming contradiction to the nature of God is applied when one looks at the term “omnipotent.” When we say that God is omnipotent and that with God “all things are possible;” neither we nor the Bible implies that God can contradict Himself. The Bible teaches that God cannot deny (Gk.: arneomai) or contradict Himself (2 Tim 2:13). God does not create anything that is contradiction to His character (Rom 1:20). God can create what is eternal, (for example heaven, hell, angels, and humans) but all of these things reflect an aspect of God’s character or are made in His image.
When we are referring to God’s omnipotence we are saying that God is fully capable of doing what is faithful to His nature regardless of opposition. In other words, nothing can obstruct or prevent God from His fully being able to be Himself. What He has said He will do, He is fully able to bring it to pass (Isa 14:27, 46:11).
This is where those of the Reformed Theology persuasion make an error in regard to God’s “sovereign will.” They would say that God imputes faith to some and holds it back from others based upon “His sovereign will.” The phrase they use is "unconditional election;" as if to say that God’s sovereign will is an unknowable will that is somehow able to contradict His Word.
Yet the Bible says, He has made known the mystery of His will (Eph 1:9, 3:3-9; Rom 16:25-26; 1 Cor 2:10). God is holy. That means that it is impossible that God makes any judgment based upon an arbitrary reason. Unconditional election is false. The judgment of God is according to truth and will be righteousness (Rom 2:2, 5). In regard to imputation, the Bible never says that God imputes “faith.” The Bible says that what is imputed and what is the free gift – it is righteousness (Rom 4:11, 21-24, 5:17; James 2:23).
Because God is unchanging and always acts in accordance to ways that are holy, just, good, and loving, as the Bible states, does that mean that He is no longer sovereign and omnipotent? No, God is still the supreme power and presides over all external control.
Can God create a rock that even He cannot move? Most certainly! What this says about God is that He is faithful to His character, to His word, and cannot act outside the realm of either (just like those decrees made by kings in the Bible that cannot be reversed). God has absolutes. Therefore when God says, “I lay in Zion a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame (Rom 9:33), He means it. How do you not stumble or fall? Rom 10:8-11 tells us that “the word of faith we are proclaiming (is): That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame."
The Scriptures truly bear this out:
Matthew 7:24-27 Jesus describes His word as a rock that, if men will build their lives upon, what they build will endure whatever devastating storms may come. Jesus said, “… on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. (Matt 16:18); which is commonly interpreted to mean that Jesus will build His Church upon that same word, or confession of faith, uttered by Peter – “You are the Christ the Son of the Living God.”
In fact Jesus himself is so closely related to the Word of God – this rock – He is Himself referred to as that “spiritual rock,” (1 Cor 10:4); the “foundation” of our faith (1 Cor 3:11); the cornerstone (Isa 28:16), and the Word of God (John 1:1; Rev 19:13).
That the Word of God is unmovable and eternal is shown by the following passages: The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever (Isa 40:8). Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words (said Jesus) will never pass away (Matt 24:35). The word of the Lord stands forever. And this is the word that was preached to you (1 Peter 1:25).
This is by no means an exhaustive list so if you have time to study it out I think that it will be a blessing to you.
So why would this be significant in view of the question, “Can God create a rock that He cannot move?”
First of all, I believe there is significance to the fact that God is unchanging and His word is unchanging. Whatever God says He fully stands behind in order to bring it to pass. If God is unchanging there are some things that He cannot do. For example: God cannot change, there is no shifting shadows from God changing (James 1:17); God cannot lie (Titus 1:2); in fact it is impossible for Him to lie (Heb 6:18); His promises are unchangeable.
The seeming contradiction to the nature of God is applied when one looks at the term “omnipotent.” When we say that God is omnipotent and that with God “all things are possible;” neither we nor the Bible implies that God can contradict Himself. The Bible teaches that God cannot deny (Gk.: arneomai) or contradict Himself (2 Tim 2:13). God does not create anything that is contradiction to His character (Rom 1:20). God can create what is eternal, (for example heaven, hell, angels, and humans) but all of these things reflect an aspect of God’s character or are made in His image.
When we are referring to God’s omnipotence we are saying that God is fully capable of doing what is faithful to His nature regardless of opposition. In other words, nothing can obstruct or prevent God from His fully being able to be Himself. What He has said He will do, He is fully able to bring it to pass (Isa 14:27, 46:11).
This is where those of the Reformed Theology persuasion make an error in regard to God’s “sovereign will.” They would say that God imputes faith to some and holds it back from others based upon “His sovereign will.” The phrase they use is "unconditional election;" as if to say that God’s sovereign will is an unknowable will that is somehow able to contradict His Word.
Yet the Bible says, He has made known the mystery of His will (Eph 1:9, 3:3-9; Rom 16:25-26; 1 Cor 2:10). God is holy. That means that it is impossible that God makes any judgment based upon an arbitrary reason. Unconditional election is false. The judgment of God is according to truth and will be righteousness (Rom 2:2, 5). In regard to imputation, the Bible never says that God imputes “faith.” The Bible says that what is imputed and what is the free gift – it is righteousness (Rom 4:11, 21-24, 5:17; James 2:23).
Because God is unchanging and always acts in accordance to ways that are holy, just, good, and loving, as the Bible states, does that mean that He is no longer sovereign and omnipotent? No, God is still the supreme power and presides over all external control.
Can God create a rock that even He cannot move? Most certainly! What this says about God is that He is faithful to His character, to His word, and cannot act outside the realm of either (just like those decrees made by kings in the Bible that cannot be reversed). God has absolutes. Therefore when God says, “I lay in Zion a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame (Rom 9:33), He means it. How do you not stumble or fall? Rom 10:8-11 tells us that “the word of faith we are proclaiming (is): That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame."
Saturday, February 21, 2009
The Point of the Plan
Jer 29:11NIV - "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
As Christians, most of us are familiar with this scripture passage and from it we teach an important truth: God has a plan for each of our lives. As a result of that plan God promises to prosper us and give us hope and a future. Therefore we conclude this plan for our lives is a good plan because it is given to us by a good God. A holy God who cannot do anything but good. As the scripture says, "Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows" (James 1:16-17 NIV).
Here is a thought: Does this plan of God for our lives automatically take place apart from anything that we do? Well, of course not - correct? In other words, the plan of God is the call of God on our lives to which we must seek and respond to it. For instance, it would do us no good to know that God called us to overseas missions where He planned to prosper us if we failed to respond to that call and become a missionary and go.
The point of God having a plan for your life and mine is the "call." The "call" is different for each person's life and one person may be "called" to do many different things in their lifetime. The point is that we must become aware of what God is "calling" each of us to do and then for us to adjust our lives to obey and follow that "call."
What is God calling you to do? Has He told you to do something like enter full time ministry? or has He called you to help a church grow by contributing your time, gifts, and resources? "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving" (Col 3:23-24 NIV).
How will you recognize God's calling? Look for the opportunities to do good that God places in your life and respond to them. "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers" (Gal 6:10 NIV). Like the story of the good Samaritan, we are responsible for those God places in our path not outside of it.
Father bless your children as they listen and respond to your call and bring about the good purpose and plan that you have for their lives, in Jesus name. amen.
As Christians, most of us are familiar with this scripture passage and from it we teach an important truth: God has a plan for each of our lives. As a result of that plan God promises to prosper us and give us hope and a future. Therefore we conclude this plan for our lives is a good plan because it is given to us by a good God. A holy God who cannot do anything but good. As the scripture says, "Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows" (James 1:16-17 NIV).
Here is a thought: Does this plan of God for our lives automatically take place apart from anything that we do? Well, of course not - correct? In other words, the plan of God is the call of God on our lives to which we must seek and respond to it. For instance, it would do us no good to know that God called us to overseas missions where He planned to prosper us if we failed to respond to that call and become a missionary and go.
The point of God having a plan for your life and mine is the "call." The "call" is different for each person's life and one person may be "called" to do many different things in their lifetime. The point is that we must become aware of what God is "calling" each of us to do and then for us to adjust our lives to obey and follow that "call."
What is God calling you to do? Has He told you to do something like enter full time ministry? or has He called you to help a church grow by contributing your time, gifts, and resources? "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving" (Col 3:23-24 NIV).
How will you recognize God's calling? Look for the opportunities to do good that God places in your life and respond to them. "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers" (Gal 6:10 NIV). Like the story of the good Samaritan, we are responsible for those God places in our path not outside of it.
Father bless your children as they listen and respond to your call and bring about the good purpose and plan that you have for their lives, in Jesus name. amen.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Can God Create A Rock He Cannot Move?
“I have a question for you…,” one of the two obviously college students proceeded to ask me, “Can God create a rock that He cannot move?”
It was a few years ago that I was standing on a corner in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin on a Saturday evening with a friend of mine from the church where I was attending at the time. We had a sidewalk sign that read, “Read the Bible, it’s for you and concerns you.” I had only come to receive God’s grace through Jesus Christ a year or so earlier and I was quite nervous to return to my home town to “street witness.”
The person that I was with was a much more experienced Christian who engaged passers by with ease while I secretly hoped that everyone would ignore me. While the person I was with from the church spoke to a man who had been walking down this busy street, suddenly two guys approached me.
I was nervous, I wasn’t sure what I was going to say, or how God could use me to “witness” about Him, but sure enough, one of them spoke to me. “I have a question for you…,” one of the two obviously college students proceeded to ask me, “Can God create a rock that He cannot move?”
I had known that this was a trick question used in philosophy classes to show the impossibility of an “all powerful creator God.” The idea is this: If God couldn’t create such a rock; it would be proven that there is something that God couldn’t do, who supposedly by definition, could do all things. As a result, you couldn’t answer, “No,” without disproving God. On the other hand, If someone would answer, “Yes,” then the result would be a God was not all-powerful because there is now something He cannot do. Either reply supposedly disproved God’s existence as being irrational to the logical mind.
As all of this flashed across my mind, I felt like I would soon become a failure as a witness for Jesus. Admittedly I replied, “I don’t know the answer,” but I continued, “Let me pray and ask God if He will give me an answer to your question.” So, I bowed my head to pray right there on the sidewalk in front of them. As I prayed silently suddenly I knew the answer.
I raised my head and looked the young man in the eyes and said, “The answer is: Yes and God did! The rock is the Word of God! The Bible says, Heaven and Earth will pass away but my Word will never pass away. Jesus said, upon this rock I will build my church. God has established His Word forever.”
At this, the young man’s friend slapped him on the back and shouted, “He got you!” In disbelief, the young men walked away.
There are some very important reasons why this answer is significant and why I believe this answer was in deed from God. In subsequent posts I will go on to explain the ramifications of this immoveable rock and the Scriptural reason for our God who willingly limits Himself so that He cannot do all things (e.g., it is impossible for God to lie). I will also explain the hidden agenda of philosophers who ask the question, “Can God create a rock that He cannot move.”
It was a few years ago that I was standing on a corner in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin on a Saturday evening with a friend of mine from the church where I was attending at the time. We had a sidewalk sign that read, “Read the Bible, it’s for you and concerns you.” I had only come to receive God’s grace through Jesus Christ a year or so earlier and I was quite nervous to return to my home town to “street witness.”
The person that I was with was a much more experienced Christian who engaged passers by with ease while I secretly hoped that everyone would ignore me. While the person I was with from the church spoke to a man who had been walking down this busy street, suddenly two guys approached me.
I was nervous, I wasn’t sure what I was going to say, or how God could use me to “witness” about Him, but sure enough, one of them spoke to me. “I have a question for you…,” one of the two obviously college students proceeded to ask me, “Can God create a rock that He cannot move?”
I had known that this was a trick question used in philosophy classes to show the impossibility of an “all powerful creator God.” The idea is this: If God couldn’t create such a rock; it would be proven that there is something that God couldn’t do, who supposedly by definition, could do all things. As a result, you couldn’t answer, “No,” without disproving God. On the other hand, If someone would answer, “Yes,” then the result would be a God was not all-powerful because there is now something He cannot do. Either reply supposedly disproved God’s existence as being irrational to the logical mind.
As all of this flashed across my mind, I felt like I would soon become a failure as a witness for Jesus. Admittedly I replied, “I don’t know the answer,” but I continued, “Let me pray and ask God if He will give me an answer to your question.” So, I bowed my head to pray right there on the sidewalk in front of them. As I prayed silently suddenly I knew the answer.
I raised my head and looked the young man in the eyes and said, “The answer is: Yes and God did! The rock is the Word of God! The Bible says, Heaven and Earth will pass away but my Word will never pass away. Jesus said, upon this rock I will build my church. God has established His Word forever.”
At this, the young man’s friend slapped him on the back and shouted, “He got you!” In disbelief, the young men walked away.
There are some very important reasons why this answer is significant and why I believe this answer was in deed from God. In subsequent posts I will go on to explain the ramifications of this immoveable rock and the Scriptural reason for our God who willingly limits Himself so that He cannot do all things (e.g., it is impossible for God to lie). I will also explain the hidden agenda of philosophers who ask the question, “Can God create a rock that He cannot move.”
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Having an Eternal Hope that Springs up in You
There is a story from Our Daily Bread, December 19, 1996, that reads:
The English poet Alexander Pope wrote, “Hope springs eternal in the human breast: Man never is, but always to be blest.” But where does man turn when hope dries up?
The director of a medical clinic told of a terminally ill young man who came in for his usual treatment. A new doctor who was on duty said to him casually and cruelly, “You know, don’t you, that you won’t live out the year?”
As the young man left, he stopped by the director’s desk and wept. “That man took away my hope,” he blurted out.
“I guess he did,” replied the director. “Maybe it’s time to find a new one.”
Commenting on this incident, Lewis Smedes wrote, “Is there a hope when hope is taken away? Is there hope when the situation is hopeless? That question leads us to Christian hope, for in the Bible, hope is no longer a passion for the possible. It becomes a passion for the promise.”
The fact is that man’s hope does not spring up eternally. There are all sorts of times that we lose hope or feel hopeless. There is a reason why:
Hope for the future is based upon the faith that you have now. Thomas Aquinas said, “Faith has to do with things that are not seen and hope with things that are not at hand.” Until there is substance for your hope, whatever hope you have for the future is fleeting. The Bible says, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for (Heb 11:1). In other words, the substance of our hope is our faith or, what you believe is the tangible reason for whatever hope that you possess.
WE NEED HOPE
Job rightly said, “If the only home I hope for is the grave … where then is my hope? Who can see any hope for me?” (Job 17:13-15).
Job had lost everything and he was extremely sick and in pain. He was saying that if we believe that this life is all there is then what hope for the future is there for him? Do you see how what we believe now affects what hope we have for the future?
When you come to hear a sermon, I believe you come to find that there is hope for your life and your circumstances from the Bible. A working definition of hope is - to desire with expectation of obtainment or to expect with confidence.
WHAT ARE WE HOPING FOR?
What is it that you expect to receive from God? The forgiveness of your sins? Help in time of your need? Healing for your body? Provision for your financial needs? Deliverance from your sinful or addictive behavior? A fresh start? A ministry? Eternal life? Spiritual gifts? Justice?
WHAT ARE YOU TRUSTING IN?
The fact is that there is hope, but for what reason do you have hope? Is it because I or someone else said that you should not feel hopeless? Is it because you have some warm fuzzy feeling of hope because you are an optimistic person? How can you hope against hope? How can you have hope when the circumstances of your life look hopeless?
We have hope that springs up in us and lasts, or is eternal, when it is not based upon merely our experiences (because not every circumstance works out the same way); when it is not based merely upon our feelings (because our feelings change and are too often subject to our circumstances); when it is not based upon what we see (because we walk by faith, not by sight).
The natural consequence of false beliefs will be false hopes.
BIBLICAL FAITH IS THE ONLY PROPER BASIS FOR OUR HOPES
Five different times in Psalms 119 David says, “I have put my hope in your word.”
Ps 119:49-50
Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.
Rom 15:4
Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
The basis for our hope and expectations is found in God’s Word, the Bible. Why?
Titus 1:2
A faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, [i.e. cannot lie – most other translations] promised before the beginning of time.
Heb 6:17-19
Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.
PASSION FOR THE PROMISES
You see; we can have great confidence for our hope when it is based upon God’s Word because He cannot lie and He has the power to bring about what He has promised. His Word is guaranteed.
Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” (Matt 24:35).
Isaiah 55:11
My word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Jeremiah 1:12
The LORD said to me, "…, I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled."
Rom 3:4
Let God be true, and every man a liar.
Isa 14:24
The LORD Almighty has sworn, "Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will stand.”
If we have hope that is not based in God’s word when conflicting circumstances come to us we will fall into despair and lose hope.
Notice the story from Luke 24:13-27:
Now that same day two of them [referring to the disciples] were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things [what had happened that resurrection day] with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him. He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?" They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?" "What things?" he asked.
"About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see."
Notice, because they believed the wrong thing their hope for the future was dashed.
He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! …And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
Do you recognize that without Biblical faith that comes from the Word we will lose our hope? Some of us are only “hoping” for salvation because we have yet to find in the Bible faith that is unshakeable because it is based on God’s Word. We have no security that way. Some of us only hope for God to hear our prayers without understanding when God listens or why He refuses to answer our requests.
The phrase “hope against hope” is defined as – having hope when there is no basis for that hope. But that is NOT what the Bible teaches about the subject.
Rom 4:18-25
Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, "So shall your offspring be." Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead — since he was about a hundred years old — and that Sarah's womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. This is why "it was credited to him as righteousness." The words "it was credited to him" were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness — for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.
Just as much as our faith is not baseless but there exist tangible reasons for what we believe, so our hope is not baseless, it is based upon our faith in the promises of God. We have hope because God has given us hope in His Word.
Let me challenge you today to find some substance for your hopes by searching the Scriptures for the basis for your faith that your hope is built upon.
Gal 5:5
By faith we eagerly await -through the Spirit the righteousness - for which we hope.
The English poet Alexander Pope wrote, “Hope springs eternal in the human breast: Man never is, but always to be blest.” But where does man turn when hope dries up?
The director of a medical clinic told of a terminally ill young man who came in for his usual treatment. A new doctor who was on duty said to him casually and cruelly, “You know, don’t you, that you won’t live out the year?”
As the young man left, he stopped by the director’s desk and wept. “That man took away my hope,” he blurted out.
“I guess he did,” replied the director. “Maybe it’s time to find a new one.”
Commenting on this incident, Lewis Smedes wrote, “Is there a hope when hope is taken away? Is there hope when the situation is hopeless? That question leads us to Christian hope, for in the Bible, hope is no longer a passion for the possible. It becomes a passion for the promise.”
The fact is that man’s hope does not spring up eternally. There are all sorts of times that we lose hope or feel hopeless. There is a reason why:
Hope for the future is based upon the faith that you have now. Thomas Aquinas said, “Faith has to do with things that are not seen and hope with things that are not at hand.” Until there is substance for your hope, whatever hope you have for the future is fleeting. The Bible says, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for (Heb 11:1). In other words, the substance of our hope is our faith or, what you believe is the tangible reason for whatever hope that you possess.
WE NEED HOPE
Job rightly said, “If the only home I hope for is the grave … where then is my hope? Who can see any hope for me?” (Job 17:13-15).
Job had lost everything and he was extremely sick and in pain. He was saying that if we believe that this life is all there is then what hope for the future is there for him? Do you see how what we believe now affects what hope we have for the future?
When you come to hear a sermon, I believe you come to find that there is hope for your life and your circumstances from the Bible. A working definition of hope is - to desire with expectation of obtainment or to expect with confidence.
WHAT ARE WE HOPING FOR?
What is it that you expect to receive from God? The forgiveness of your sins? Help in time of your need? Healing for your body? Provision for your financial needs? Deliverance from your sinful or addictive behavior? A fresh start? A ministry? Eternal life? Spiritual gifts? Justice?
WHAT ARE YOU TRUSTING IN?
The fact is that there is hope, but for what reason do you have hope? Is it because I or someone else said that you should not feel hopeless? Is it because you have some warm fuzzy feeling of hope because you are an optimistic person? How can you hope against hope? How can you have hope when the circumstances of your life look hopeless?
We have hope that springs up in us and lasts, or is eternal, when it is not based upon merely our experiences (because not every circumstance works out the same way); when it is not based merely upon our feelings (because our feelings change and are too often subject to our circumstances); when it is not based upon what we see (because we walk by faith, not by sight).
The natural consequence of false beliefs will be false hopes.
BIBLICAL FAITH IS THE ONLY PROPER BASIS FOR OUR HOPES
Five different times in Psalms 119 David says, “I have put my hope in your word.”
Ps 119:49-50
Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.
Rom 15:4
Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
The basis for our hope and expectations is found in God’s Word, the Bible. Why?
Titus 1:2
A faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, [i.e. cannot lie – most other translations] promised before the beginning of time.
Heb 6:17-19
Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.
PASSION FOR THE PROMISES
You see; we can have great confidence for our hope when it is based upon God’s Word because He cannot lie and He has the power to bring about what He has promised. His Word is guaranteed.
Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” (Matt 24:35).
Isaiah 55:11
My word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Jeremiah 1:12
The LORD said to me, "…, I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled."
Rom 3:4
Let God be true, and every man a liar.
Isa 14:24
The LORD Almighty has sworn, "Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will stand.”
If we have hope that is not based in God’s word when conflicting circumstances come to us we will fall into despair and lose hope.
Notice the story from Luke 24:13-27:
Now that same day two of them [referring to the disciples] were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things [what had happened that resurrection day] with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him. He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?" They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?" "What things?" he asked.
"About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see."
Notice, because they believed the wrong thing their hope for the future was dashed.
He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! …And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
Do you recognize that without Biblical faith that comes from the Word we will lose our hope? Some of us are only “hoping” for salvation because we have yet to find in the Bible faith that is unshakeable because it is based on God’s Word. We have no security that way. Some of us only hope for God to hear our prayers without understanding when God listens or why He refuses to answer our requests.
The phrase “hope against hope” is defined as – having hope when there is no basis for that hope. But that is NOT what the Bible teaches about the subject.
Rom 4:18-25
Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, "So shall your offspring be." Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead — since he was about a hundred years old — and that Sarah's womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. This is why "it was credited to him as righteousness." The words "it was credited to him" were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness — for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.
Just as much as our faith is not baseless but there exist tangible reasons for what we believe, so our hope is not baseless, it is based upon our faith in the promises of God. We have hope because God has given us hope in His Word.
Let me challenge you today to find some substance for your hopes by searching the Scriptures for the basis for your faith that your hope is built upon.
Gal 5:5
By faith we eagerly await -through the Spirit the righteousness - for which we hope.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
