The Spirit Led Life (Part One)

Ever been in the place where you felt, “If I could only speak to Jesus face to face I know that He would have compassion and answer my need?” Jesus, why did you have to go away? If You were only here on this earth I would go to wherever you were at and plead my cause to You! How is it possible that Jesus could say:


“It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away the Helper will not come to you...” John 16:7

Try to imagine what it must have been like to have the Master guiding your ministry – correcting, teaching, and encouraging you every day for three years. Then you are told that He is going away. Who is going to solve our disputes? Who is going to reveal the secrets of the kingdom to us? Can you imagine all your insecurities and fears of failure bombarding your mind? Yet, Jesus told them that it was to their advantage not to have a person endlessly telling them what to do but rather to become led from within!

This subject of being led by the Holy Spirit from within is the game changing and power restoring truth that the people of God have missed because they haven’t really understood how absolutely necessary it is for EVERY aspect of our Christian walk. How many years are we willing to wander without refreshing in the desert before we realize that we need God’s direct and personal guidance?

Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years; to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Deut 8:2-3

Israel went without food and water various times during the period they spent in the desert. They would have died if the Lord had not given them specific instructions as to what to do to obtain these things. If you will remember His instructions weren’t consistent as if He was teaching them to just live by principles. No, one time to provide water Moses was told to hit a rock, another time he was told to throw a specific piece of wood in some bitter water to make it drinkable, and another time He was told to just speak to a rock and water would come out. God did this so that they might look to Him continually for direction. After all it was He who led them by a cloud by day and a pillar of fire at night. He was trying to teach His people that if they followed Him they would be protected and provided for.

In the proceeding passage, God said He withheld necessities and then provided what they needed so that they would all understand that they didn’t live by bread (food) but by every word that proceeds or comes from the mouth of the Lord. Now, often times we are told that this refers to God’s written word, but in reality He never pointed them to a scripture passage to tell His people what to do. He told them prophetically through Moses and this word had just as much authority as the written word. Just like we need to eat everyday so also was Israel instructed to gather fresh manna (or word) everyday.

The children of Israel didn’t get their manna or bread in one great supply. Instead, it was given every morning and if it wasn’t picked up, it was unfit for consumption by the next day (c.f. Ex.16:20-22). If this manna symbolically represents God’s word – can you see that it cannot be the written, unchangeable word of God? It has to be referring to specific direction given by God on a daily basis. Perhaps this really is the intended meaning of “give us this day our daily bread.” Consider the fact that in just a few subsequent verses Jesus states:

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?" Matt 6:25

Jesus is teaching us not to worry about what we are going to eat or the things of this life, but rather we are to focus on things that are eternal – the kingdom and righteousness (v. 33). If this is true, why in what we call the Lord’s Prayer, would He be teaching us to ask for food every day? Wouldn’t it make more sense that we should expect when we pray this for Him to lead us by speaking to us every day?

This concept of being Spirit led is not some “far out” and wacky doctrine. What I am going to endeavor to prove is that according to the Bible (God’s written Word) we must be led by the Spirit or we cannot be saved or victorious.

It is the Holy Spirit who convicts of our need for a Savior

When He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: (John 16:8).

The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned (1 Cor. 2:14).

Unless the Spirit of God convicts someone of their sin they will not see their need for a Savior. This is because the message of the gospel is foolishness to those who are perishing (c.f. 1 Cor. 1:18). An unbeliever cannot understand the gospel because it is spiritually discerned. Consider this: No matter how much we can try to show someone from a logical set of facts derived from the Bible they will not be convinced merely because of the information. The Holy Spirit speaks to their hearts, He tells them the message is true, He lets them know they are not right with Him and that they need to repent and trust Jesus. When we accept the Spirit’s witness we are saved and without it we cannot be.

It is the Holy Spirit who changes our hearts and teaches us truth

The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says: "This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds." Heb 10:15-16

But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26

Notice what the passage in Hebrews tells us: I will put my laws in a book for everyone to study. Is that correct? No, what He tells us is that He is going to put His laws into our hearts and help us remember them by engraving (writing) them on our minds. This is symbolically shown by the two sets of tablets of the Law. the first set Moses broke when the people disobeyed God. The second set was placed IN the ark of the covenant. The promised New Covenant teaches us that God is going to lead us from within not from some external source.

"I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. John 16:12-13

We cannot understand truth by way of our own reasoning and intelligence; we need the Holy Spirit’s continual guidance. The personal guidance of the Holy Spirit opens our understanding and reveals deep things about God. It prompts us to search for understanding about the deep (hard to be understood) things about God as the Scirpture says:

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"— but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. 1 Cor. 2:9-12

It is the Holy Spirit who testifies we belong to God

The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Rom 8:16

Those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. Rom 8:14

Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart. Anyone who does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because he has not believed the testimony God has given about his Son. 1 John 5:10

Again this testimony is not just from the written word because it the passage reads “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.”God speaks through His spirit to our spirit that we are His children. Are you beginning to see that we NEED the inner guidance of the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit gives wisdom to direct His people

I could have chosen Solomon as an example of this but Moses is a better example to me because he presents a problem and the solution which is later answered by God in a much more workable manner. Here Moses presents his problem as the sole leader of God’s people:

I am not able to bear all these people alone, because the burden is too heavy for me. Num 11:14 NKJV

So the Lord said to Moses: "Gather to Me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people and officers over them; bring them to the tabernacle of meeting, that they may stand there with you. 17 Then I will come down and talk with you there. I will take of the Spirit that is upon you and will put the same upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, that you may not bear it yourself alone. v.v.16-17

Then the Lord came down in the cloud, and spoke to him, and took of the Spirit that was upon him, and placed the same upon the seventy elders; and it happened, when the Spirit rested upon them, that they prophesied, although they never did so again. v.25

So Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' assistant, one of his choice men, answered and said, "Moses my lord, forbid them!" Then Moses said to him, "Are you zealous for my sake? Oh, that all the Lord's people were prophets and that the Lord would put His Spirit upon them!" v.v. 28-29

Joshua is concerned that Moses maintains his ability to lead the people of God – but much like the time to come when Israel would seek a King – God’s more perfect desire is that His people see Him as their sole leader. Moses wisely recognizes that this comes as a result of God’s Spirit working alongside of someone.

This is fulfilled in the New Testament:

The new and more perfect covenant includes this Spirit guidance and power for all who will believe and become His people by faith. Notice how it is prophesied in the Old Testament and applied by Peter on the day of Pentecost:

"'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. Acts 2:17-18

Who is not included to be able to receive God’s Spirit? The Word includes “all people,” referring to those present, their “sons and daughters” – not just for men, “old and young” – not dependent upon someone’s age, and even upon “servants” or slaves – both men and women. Peter clarifies that this promise Spirit is for everyone:

The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off — for all whom the Lord our God will call." Acts 2:39

It is written in the Prophets: 'They will all be taught by God.' Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me. John 6:45

The Scriptures do not teach that it will be necessary for us to have some final authority from men to teach us what we need to learn about God (as is taught by Roman Catholicism). Paul was an example of this. He was not taught by Peter or the other apostles what to believe, he was taught by God (c.f. Gal. 1:16-17). This is also confirmed by the apostle John who states:

As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit — just as it has taught you, remain in him. 1 John 2:27

It is not that we should neglect the equipping ministries that the Lord has given His people to combat false teachers (c.f. Eph. 4:11-14). I believe what this is teaching is that the Lord gifts and wants to utilize every believer in the Church. Each person has works marked out ahead of time for them to fulfill (c.f. Eph. 2:10). As such the Lord is able to speak to and guide each person in the way of righteousness.

If you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. Gal 5:18

If one thinks about this it makes total sense. If God is not directing you personally you will revert to man taught laws and tradition. As a leader we need to see God’s leading Spirit not as the loss of control but actually more effective control – not by man but by God Himself.

The Bible is a collection of accounts of men and women who did two things:

    1. They obeyed or disobeyed the written Word and its principles

    2. The obeyed or disobeyed the specific spoken words give to them

Examples are Adam and Eve; Noah; Abraham; Joseph; Moses; Joshua; David; etc.

The Holy Spirit’s Two Part Job Description

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. John 14:26

    1. He will teach you all things. (Personal spoken words)

    2. He will help you remember what the Lord said. (Basic commands)

If the Holy Spirit is not teaching and leading we will miss the intimate, life-giving, relationship the Lord really wants to have with us. Take a look at how Jesus responded to a mere “scripture-driven” relationship with God:

You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life. John 5:39-40

Can you see that the purpose of the Scriptures is to lead us to a personal relationship with Christ? Truth is not mere information. It is a person! Jesus said, “I am the Truth.” This is the truth that if a person will continue in His teaching they will know and who will set them free (c.f. John 8:31). Who the Son sets free is free indeed! v. 36

We have believed the lie that the only way God speaks to His people is through the Bible. It is not that we don’t discern His voice by what is said being in total agreement with the written word, but if we have lost the leading, guiding, teaching, directing voice of the Spirit it is no wonder we are powerless. The Bible prophesies of a time like this when it says:

"Behold, the days are coming," says the Lord God, "That I will send a famine on the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord.” Amos 8:11

Should we be in a famine when we are in the period of His grace and the covenant that is far better than the old? No! because Jesus taught:

“…the sheep follow Him, for they know His voice.” and “My sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me.” John 10:4, 27

If a person believes in the dispensational teaching in regard to the seven churches of Revelation that they resemble seven different historical church ages, it is to this final church age that believes it has need of nothing that Jesus says:

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. Rev 3:20

Notice a few things about this passage, even if we look at it in mere principle. Jesus initiates the conversation. He says, “Here I am! or, “Behold.” I think this is representative of the fact that Jesus wants to speak to His Church, to guide His Church, and to be in the midst of His Church. But He wants a Church that hears - (he that has ears to hear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches).

Jesus tells us there is a barrier (a door) between us and Him. This barrier is preventing a more intimate relationship – represented by eating together. He tells His people what they need to do is to begin to listen…listen for His voice. If anyone will hear it and respond by removing the barrier, He will come in.

Some possible barriers to hearing the Lord’s voice

    • Unawareness: Some would believe that God only speaks to pastors and ministers

    • Guilt: a sense of unworthiness

    • Fear: Who’s speaking … God, me or the devil?

In my next message I will deal with these barriers and more so that our ears will be unstopped. I believe the Lord is teaching that He is speaking and wants to direct our lives but we are not recognizing His voice. Notice what Proverbs 3:4-5 teaches:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

We are told to acknowledge Him in all our ways. In other words, recognize Him in all we do. Like others who have taught we need to “practice the presence of God” or hear the call to “Come Away My Beloved,” we should not merely follow our own understanding but expect the Lord’s leading, especially in the major decisions of our lives!

I will be including some “exercises” to help each of us learn to discern the Lord’s voice. There are four basic parts to these exercises:

    1. Pray

    2. Read the words of Jesus.

    3. Question: Why did Jesus said this? (Consider the context and true meaning of the passage first).

    4. Question: What are you saying to me personally, Lord? (How does what you said apply to my life in application?)

What if nothing seems to happen? If you don’t receive anything immediately, don’t get worried. Simply read the Scripture again and pray in the Spirit. If no thoughts come within a few minutes, just relax and believe God will speak to your heart later that day.

SAFEGUARDS

To ensure we don’t go ‘off track’; there are a couple of basic principles to follow:

1. Everything Must Agree with Scripture

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Tim. 3:16-17

Whatever we feel God is speaking to us cannot contradict His eternal word or the principles taught by His word. When the Lord truly speaks to us, it will be confirmed by the truth of His word.

2. Seek Godly Counsel

For our own protection and guidance, we need to submit to other more mature believers.

Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." 1 Peter 5:5

Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. 1 Cor 14:29

This is not uncommon at all in other areas of Christian living. For example: Someone may feel called by God to a particular ministry, God uses others in the Church to confirm this calling. A man and a woman may feel called to marry one another but the minister and the Church confirm and witness to the union. What we believe we hear from the Lord will be confirmed by those who are spiritually more mature. This is part of the ministry of pastors and elders. You may be able to think of other examples like the pastor's sermon from week to week confirmed by the congregation.

3. Don’t Follow the Pattern of our Selfish Thoughts

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isa 55:8-9

We need to avoid saying, “God said” presumptuously. There is a promised correction for those who will “pull the God card” to try to avoid submitting to godly leadership. It is this presumption that Satan has used to deceive God’s people into thinking God no longer wants to direct the day to day lives of His people. We have all heard some who claim to hear God speaking to them about things that are both selfish and foolish. This is NOT what I am claiming the Bible teaches.

OUR FIRST EXERCISE

“No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.” John 15:15

First pray along this line. If God’s child asks for bread will He give him a stone? Jesus, you said that your sheep will hear your voice and be able to follow it. Speak to me now. Holy Spirit guide me into truth. Do not allow me to go astray.

Why did Jesus say this? What was the context of this passage? Who was Jesus speaking to? Only after establishing the original intent of this passage, can we now ask:

What are You saying to me personally from this passage? Listen to your intuitive thoughts and journal the thought(s) that come to you. If you know someone who is mature and able to discern God’s voice let them read what came to you. They should be able to confirm and encourage you to as you learn to understand God’s voice from your own thoughts. If you have no one who you can trust you may respond back to me and I will be willing to help you on your journey to recognizing His voice. God bless!

Power-filled Evangelism

Frustrated by the fact that the church that I was called to start had only seen sporadic growth and was now even struggling for its very existence, I began to call out to the Lord with more earnest. I felt like Israel in captivity hearing about the mighty works of God and wondering where that God went. I began to compare what I have seen in our churches with what was evident in the book of Acts and the stories of the early church. I noticed a glaring contradiction! When I began to look for this contradiction mentioned in other places in the Bible, such as the epistles, it was there too!

What am I referring to? The fact that in church today when we talk about preaching the gospel we are referring to passing along information, by word, this was not the case in the early church! In the early church there was a promise of power that was meant to accompany the preaching of the Gospel. This power manifested itself in different ways, but if one looks for the activity of God in miraculous signs, in healings, the specific direction and guidance of the Holy Spirit, the involvement of angels, and casting out of demonic spirits, one can see that this was common place for the early church. Power and the Word were inseparable but we will never be powerful unless we become power filled.

Why do we not see the Gospel preached with accompanying manifestations of God’s power in the church today? I believe that the reason is that we have ignored one of the most important works of the Holy Spirit taught by Jesus and His apostles, which is the promise of the Spirit led life.

The church today is being led only by half of what it has been given. We have followed the teachings laid out in God’s Word, the Bible but we have ignored the promised leading of the Holy Spirit. In a manner of speaking, the modern church has become like the disciples in Acts 19 who hadn’t even heard about the Holy Spirit. As Pentecostals, we claim evidence of the Holy Spirit in our lives by our fruit and by our speaking in tongues. That is the problem of the modern church; we think we will be heard by our much speaking when what we need to do is to begin listening! I believe that we need to equip our members to discern the voice of God in everyday life and especially in evangelism.

One such example is the following passage:

Acts 8:26-29 NKJV - Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, "Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." This is desert. 27 So he arose and went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury, and had come to Jerusalem to worship, 28 was returning. And sitting in his chariot, he was reading Isaiah the prophet. 29 Then the Spirit said to Philip, "Go near and overtake this chariot."

Philip had previously been involved with the great revival that had taken place with the Samaritans. Crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did (notice the word was accompanied with a manifestation of power), they saw demons cast out and people healed as a result people paid attention to the message! The apostles came from Jerusalem to make sure that EVERYONE had received the Holy Spirit. The manifestation of the Spirit’s power was not meant for just a specified few.

In the midst of this revival, began by Philip, an angel speaks to Philip and tells him to leave and go to a specific place, the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza where there is a dessert. The Lord speaking through this angel did not freak Philip out! What Philip does is to respond in obedience and go.

Have you ever experienced anything like this? I have. One morning a few years ago I was praying and I had this odd thought come to me. “Go to George Webb’s.” One thing that I have learned about the Lord’s leading is that it often comes as a thought that you wouldn’t normally think. If anyone knows me, they could tell you that it would NOT be my idea to go to a George Webb’s restaurant! I do not like their food and I don’t like the smoke from the people that sit at the counter.

So I recognized right away that this was not a thought coming from me and I concluded that it must be from the Lord. So I figured what was the harm in continuing my devotion time there and I grabbed my Bible and began to leave. As I reached for my door, another thought came to my mind, “Take some tracts with you, you are going to need them.” So I did.

When I got to the restaurant, I ordered a cup of coffee (because I didn’t want to order any of their food) and sat down in a booth and began to read my Bible. In my peripheral vision, I spotted someone smoking a cigarette staring at me. My immediate reaction was to believe that he was going to mock me because I brought a Bible into the restaurant. Continuing to puff on his cigarette, he got up and began to walk towards the restroom. Then seemingly overcome with curiosity he turned back toward me and exclaimed, “That’s a Bible!”

I responded sarcastically (I am such a sinner), “That is correct genius!” With that he came and sat down across me at my booth! He said, “I have a Bible somewhere.”

I inquired, “So, do you have a church background?”

With that he began to tell me all about his life and the current struggles he was facing. I eventually led him in the sinner’s prayer right there in the restaurant! He was later baptized and went through our church’s discipleship program and is still following the Lord to this day.

It was miraculous, hey? But I didn’t even recognize it at the time. In fact, I had barely been saved myself. The Lord placed this prepared soul right in my lap! Isn’t that what happened in the story about Philip?

So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?" 31 And he said, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 The place in the Scripture which he read was this: "He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; And as a lamb before its shearer is silent, So He opened not His mouth. 33 In His humiliation His justice was taken away, And who will declare His generation? For His life is taken from the earth" (Acts 8:30-33).

The guy is reading Isaiah 53, one of the most clear prophesies about Jesus in the Old Testament! This is akin to someone reading John 3:16 and asking you, “Who is this Son the author is talking about that gives everlasting life?” Could we tell someone the gospel at this point? Of course we could!

I believe there is a reason that Jesus commanded His disciples to “wait” for the Holy Spirit (cf. Acts 1:4-5). It is because – although they knew the information about the good news of Jesus they needed to be filled with power that was meant to accompany that message (Acts 1:8).

In John 7:37-39, Jesus speaks in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." In other words, believing the message should be accompanied by a manifestation of the Spirit’s power – life giving water flowing out from within him. The following verse lets us know that specifically He was referring to the Holy Spirit.

Later Paul would confirm this by telling those at Thessalonica, “our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction (1 Thess. 1:5). In fact, those who preached a message without power were even questioned by Paul as to the validity of their calling especially when they attempted to contest his calling as an apostle. Paul said to those at Corinth, “I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have, for the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power (1 Cor 4:19-20 emphasis mine).

As Pentecostals we know this, and as a part of our heritage many even saw what I talking about. We expected that the Lord would work with us and confirm His word by the signs that accompanied it (Mark 16:20). But in recent years we have lost this kind of expectancy. Instead we have replaced the miraculous with our accomplishments, cleverness, and programs. An almost endless stream of “How to” books are being written by those pastors who are describing how they personally achieved success and growth in their church.

But, Paul had a completely different attitude about his success in ministry when he said, “I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done—by the power of signs and miracles, through the power of the Spirit (Rom 15:18-19). See, he couldn’t take the credit for success – it was the Lord’s leading and the power of the Holy Spirit!

Notice though what Paul lists first: Christ’s leading. I believe the Bible teaches that this “leading” is meant for everyone who is a believer! Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me (John 10:27). Jesus did not say, “Some of my sheep hear my voice,” no, it is part and parcel of becoming a child of God. Paul said, “those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God (Rom 8:14).

The Spirit guides us where to go and where not to go

Acts 16:6-7 gives us an example of Spirit’s guidance in regard to evangelism. “Having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to.” We know historically that other apostles eventually went and preached the gospel to these areas, so we can conclude that unlike our previous example in Acts 8 with the Ethiopian eunuch they had not been adequately prepared by the Spirit to receive the gospel. If one thinks about it, the Lord is always working to prepare hearts to repent and receive Him, but is it possible that the Lord actually can lead us to those hearts and souls He has already prepared and who are ready to receive? That is what happened in this instance:

“During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them (Acts 16:9-10). There Paul would eventually meet a jailer who would recognize the power of God shaking the prison and then listen to and receive the message about faith in Christ. As a result, not only he, but his complete household would put their faith in Jesus.

The Spirit Guides Us As To What We Say

Over and over I have heard of those who were “caught off guard” not knowing exactly what to say to their unsaved friend who out of the blue asks about salvation. The believer begins to speak what they know and then the Spirit begins to remind them of scripture passages, of specific things to say, sometimes even things that are even a word of knowledge. At the end of the conversation is this wonderful sense that the Lord led the conversation and gave us the words to say.

This really shouldn’t be surprising because the word does say that there are times when we can speak to an unbeliever and actually reveal the secrets of their heart (miraculous) and actually begin to worship God, exclaiming, "God is really among you!" (c.f. 1 Cor 14:24-25). Or at other instances of having to bear witness to the Lord that we need not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit (Mark 13:11). This tells me that it is not an uncommon thing for the Holy Spirit to speak to us specifically about what to say or what to do.
Consider the well known passage, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock if anyone hears my voice and opens the door I will come in and eat with him, and he with me” (Rev. 3:20). There are some very interesting things about this passage that I want to point out. First of all, Jesus is the person taking the initiative by being at the door, knocking, and calling out, “Here I am.” What I take from this is that Jesus wants to speak to us. That He wants to speak to us like a friend (there is a whole lesson just in that point) because He wants to speak to us over a meal. Secondly, there is a barrier restricting this conversation He wants to have (there is a door between us). This barrier is something that we have been given the control over. We can open the door and expect that when we do He will come in. And lastly, all of this is dependent upon us “hearing His voice.” Because He says, “If anyone.” We can assume that hearing His voice is possible for anyone not just a select few. Because He says, “If anyone hears,” we can assume that not all people are discerning that the voice of the Lord is calling out. Now it is obvious that the Lord is calling out for this church to repent and be hot for the Lord in the context of this passage, but is it possible that the Lord is actually speaking, and calling to us now but we have not discerned his voice?
In upcoming posts I will be discussing this further. I want to help equip God’s people to hear His voice because it seems obvious to me that we should all be able to “hear what the Spirit is saying to the church,” that hearing His voice is the key to the miraculous power meant to accompany the gospel, and that not being led by the Spirit is evidence that there is something deficient in our relationship with the Lord according to the Bible.

Jesus Loves You!

Perhaps to those who read this post, since many of you already profess faith in Jesus as Lord, this topic may seem inconsequential and even over stated. This because you have seen the “John 3:16” signs at sporting events, you have been told that God loves you, and you probably even give mental ascent to the truth that God does love you. But if you are like me, when no one else is around and you come face to face with the pain of this life and the tragedy we often are confronted with . . . the thought enters your mind. If God really loves me why has He allowed this circumstance in my life?


Rather than this being a trite and overly simplistic topic, it was Dr. Karl Barth, a prolific writer who wrote volumes on the meaning of life and faith and who was considered by many scholars to be one of the most brilliant theologians of the 20th Century, when he was lecturing at Princeton Theological Seminary was asked by a student what was the greatest truth he had ever learned. Dr. Barth thought for a moment and then said: “The greatest truth that I have ever learned was at my mother’s knee, ‘Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.’"

There is no doubt that “Jesus Loves Me” is one of the best known children’s songs in the world. But how could it be that such a renowned biblical scholar would say that the “greatest truth” that he had ever learned was the fact that Jesus loved him?

I can think of four reasons that I think can lead us to question or even doubt that God loves us and this because I struggle with each of these.

1. Lack of godly examples

2. Our inadequacies

3. Our sin

4. Our circumstances

It seems that when we do not have a loving earthly father we struggle with many of the concepts of a loving heavenly Father. If we have struggled to please our earthly father then we will have a tendency to be “works” minded when it comes to God. When this happens we feel condemned by our failures and deserving when we seem to have performed well. The concept of a god that loves us “unconditionally” and not based upon anything that we have done “does not compute” if our parents did not show us unconditional love.

Often times we believe that we are more loveable when we are sucessful or do a good job at something. But whether we want to admit it or not, we all have short-comings and inadequacies. These short-comings often humble us allow an area in our lives where God can reveal our need for Him. If these inadequacies are what God used to draw us to Himself we often question why they remain after we have surrendered our lives to Him. It is often even more difficult if these areas of weakness lead to sin and its consequences.

Sin still brings about death and separation in spite of Satan’s lie to Eve. We can feel the separation and loss if our hearts have not been hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. This is good because it causes us to feel “godly sorrow that leads to repentance” or change in our lives. But often Satan wants to keep us hiding from God by way of feelings of condemnation and unworthiness. If we have a propensity toward a particular sin in our lives we can question, “How can God love me when I keep failing Him over and over?”

Whether brought about by the consequences of sin in our lives or as a result of someone else’s sin, or even situations in which we can find no one to blame often our circumstances cause us to question God’s love for us. How many times have you heard something similar to this statement, “How can a loving God allow this to happen to me or someone I love?” We equate love as being free from difficult or hurtful situations. Someone who loves me most certainly not allow something hurtful or difficult in my life.

My wife recently brought our daughter in to receive her immunization shots. For a full day afterward my daughter who is now 4 months old was very upset! She would not lay down in her crib but cried and cried until she was held. My wife and I took turns throughout the night holding her as we slept. I am sure she questioned in her little mind how could mommy and daddy take me to someone who hurt me and gave me a bit of a fever? It was beyond her comprehension to understand that our motivation for doing so was really out of love and our desire for her to continue to be with us.

So if all these things cannot be trusted to reveal God’s love for us what witnesses has God left us as a proof of His love?

There are three eternal witnesses that I can think of:

1. His Word

2. Jesus’ death and resurrection

3. His Spirit

The children’s song, “Jesus Loves Me” tells us we know it because the “Bible tells me so.” So I think that it is appropriate for us to look at what the Bible mentions about the four reasons we question His love for us.

A Lack of Godly Examples

The Bible asks this question, “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne?” And then gives the following response, “Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands (Isa. 49:15-16). God tells us that in most situations a mother will love and have compassion for her children. In another place the Bible states this as natural affection. Yet in the absence of a loving mother, God declares, “I will not forget you!” The scars left by the nails from the cross serve as an everlasting reminder of His love. Every time He sees those scars He remembers you. In the Psalms He tells us, “Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me” (Ps. 27:10).

The Bible declares, “God is love” and He is unchanging in His nature (c.f. 1Jn. 4:8,16; James 1:17). He wants us to understand that He is the example given to the world including our parents, spouses, friends, and children, not the other way around. That is why the Bible further tells us, “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us …” (Eph. 5:1-2).

Our Inadequacies

The majority of times when we struggle with inadequacy, it is because we are comparing ourselves to others. If everyone had the same weakness we would consider it normal and therefore have no recognition of any insufficiency on our part. The Bible teaches that it is unwise to compare ourselves with others (2 Cor. 10:12). Further the Bible teaches that it is God who made us to differ from one another (c.f. 1 Cor. 4:7) and that in the church – the body of Christ – He has placed us right where He wanted us to be (c.f. 1 Cor. 12:18-22).

For those weaknesses that are contrary to God’s will, the Bible teaches that both the Spirit and the Son intercede for us on behalf of them (c.f. Rom 8:26, 34). So the fact is that God is aware of the way in which He created us with both our strengths and weaknesses and in all these things He accepts us in Christ and intercedes for our welfare according to the mind of God.

Our Sin

In regard to our sin, God tells us that sin brings about both separation and death (c.f. Isa. 59:2; Rom. 6:23). But herein lies the beautiful truth of the Gospel that God showed His love for us while we were still in sin and did not withhold that love from us because of our sin. Here is how it is stated, “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Rom. 5:6-8).

God tells us that He demonstrated His kind of love which is very different than the kind of love that we normally experience in this world. Christ died on our behalf in spite of our sin and rejection of Him. This tells me two things, first of all that His love is available to everyone. “For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died” (2 Cor. 5:14). You see how this is stated? The presupposition is that Christ died for all therefore the assumption can be made that all were dead. Since we know that in fact all have sinned and are spiritually dead (Rom. 3:23 Eccl. 7:20) we can be certain that Jesus died on your behalf – all our behalf. It is “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” (Eph 2:4-5).

Further the Bible teaches that this grace of God is appropriated by faith not by works we have done (Rom. 5:2; Eph. 2:8-9). Unlike some have been known to teach faith is not a work. Here is how the Bible says it: “Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness” (Rom. 4:4-5).

Our Circumstances

Perhaps the most difficult times that we find ourselves struggling with the fact that Jesus loves us is when our circumstances don’t seem to feel like they are orchestrated by someone who really loves us. How often have you heard someone say, “If God really loved me then why did He allow this to happen to me?” I have seen this be the point at which many felt it was easier to believe there is no God and walk away from Him rather than asking the question, why?

In reality, there is more than one thing at play in our circumstances. First of all, it is God who gives you a life in the first place. This gift of life has been poisoned by sin, both ours and that of others. Because of that, this world is not our home or our hope. We should never be mistaken by the fact that “If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men (1 Cor. 15:19).

Since in this life our faith in Christ is what reconciles us to God, we should expect that faith to be tested. Not so that we would possibly fail, but God controls each test and temptation to what level we gain overcome with His strength (c.f. 1 Cor. 10:13).

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith — of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire — may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed (1 Peter 1:6-7). The purpose of these trials is to prove that our faith is genuine and real.

Finally, Rom 8:28 affirms, “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.” Because God is holy, just and faithful and cannot lie we know that He is attempted to turn every difficult situation in life to something that has an eternal good. We may never understand what He is doing or why He has allowed us to face what we are going through but we also know that He is right there with us in the trial. He has said, “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you. So you can boldly say, ‘God is my helper…’”

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us (Rom 8:35, 37).

We Must Follow the Promises

Rather than having a relationship that is based upon our performance or lack thereof, we need to have a relationship with God that is based upon faith in His promises. We know He loves us based upon the information that has been given to us, but each one of us must personally take hold of that promise of love and believe that He does love us not based upon anything that we have done but because He is love.

We have known and believed the love that God has for us (1 John 4:16).

Slaves In Christ?

Recently John MacArthur released his conspiracy accusing book entitled, Slave. The book is supposed to describe “the hidden truth about our identity in Christ.” If someone would simply read the book you would find that even the author realizes that we have a greater identity and that there is a more predominant metaphor for our relationship with God and that is one of a son, daughter, or child.

MacArthur spends much of the beginning of his book setting forth his conspiracy theory in regard to the translation of a particular Greek word, “doulos.” The Greek word doulos is translated “servant” in the KJV and other popular translations but is used in many other Greek writings to refer specifically to a slave. It is for this reason the Holman Study Bible translates doulos as “slave” and other translations as a “bondslave.”

Not unaware of the treatment of first century slaves or the more recent mistreatment of Africans and others with dark skin tones, MacArthur believes the conspiracy is the result of our more modern sensitivities. While the case can be made for the NT writers use of the word “doulos” (servant or slave) as a metaphor for aspects of our Christian life, but as with most metaphors, if carried beyond their context they reveal many contradictions. As previously mentioned, even MacArthur struggles with these contradictions toward the latter half of his book, which makes the book noticeably disjointed.

There is a much more important and practical reason for contesting the concept that slavery reflects our identity in Christ than refuting John MacArthur’s book, Slave. I think that it is absolutely necessary and God’s will for us to see ourselves not as slaves but as sons. As I describe the characteristics of each, I want you to think about which covenant, Law or Grace, each aspect more readily lends itself to.

• A slave has a master or lord while a child has a father and/or mother

• A slave is purchased at a cost to the master while a child is the product of a relationship

• A slave is the ‘property’ of the master while a child is a “gift” from God and shares in all the resources of the family (cf. Mt. 15:26; Luke 15:31)

• A slave is bound to involuntary service while a child is taught to obey their parents and trained in the way they should go

• A slave only pleases his master by way of working well and working hard while with a child the parents care more about time spent rather than the things done for them

• A slave has no possessions but a child receives an inheritance

• While both a slave and child are protected and provided for, the motivation for doing so differs greatly. The slave is provided for and protected so that they may produce - a child is provided for and protected out of love and so they may carry on a legacy.

• A slave is motivated by fear but a child should be motivated by relationship, right and wrong, and a sense of calling.

Did you see that the characteristics of slaves more accurately describe those under law? The slave must obey his master.

“Slaves know no law but their master’s word; they have no rights of their own; they are absolute possessions of their master; and they are bound to give their master unquestioning obedience.” - William Barclay

So also must those who are under the Law must continue to be obedient to the whole Law or be punished (cf. Gal. 3:10-12).

Slaves receive no inheritance or lasting legacy. Jesus said, “Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (Jn 8:35-36). And Galatians 3:26-29 teaches, “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

Do you recognize that if we see ourselves as slaves to our Lord we actually miss out on the very reason we are eternally saved? We are saved not out of obedience but out of our relationship as sons and daughters in Christ. We must be born again or born from above (cf. Eph. 2:8-9 and John 3:5).

Obedience follows our relationship to Christ. That is why Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey what I command” (John 14:15). The preeminent description of followers of Jesus is that of God’s children and we are each brothers and sisters.

Paul describes our former relationship to God under the Law as slavery saying:

“What I am saying is that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. He is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. So also, when we were children, we were in slavery under the basic principles of the world. But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir (Gal. 4:1-7).

Did you get that? We were slaves but now having received the Spirit of His Son we now call God, “Abba, Father.” He did this so that we might receive the full rights of sons. This is confirmed by the apostle John who says, “He (Jesus) came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God (John 1:11-12). The inheritance is our right as sons but if we think that we must earn it by working for it we will never receive it because God gives it to us for one reason and one reason only – we are Christ’s and as such we are fellow heirs (see also Rom. 8:15-17).

So the real application of this is that we must realize that all that we obtain from God we receive by way of His loving, and fatherly grace. We see ourselves as blessed, accepted, chosen as adopted children, and forgiven because we are God’s children by faith in Christ Jesus. We have the right to come boldly, with confidence, before God’s throne of Grace solely on the basis of Christ’s priestly work on the cross (cf. Heb. 4:15). If we do not see ourselves as God’s children we will think that it is by self-effort and good works that we may present our requests to God. To those who see themselves as unworthy (which we truly are) they will not see God as a loving Father who gives good gifts to those who ask (Mt. 7:9-12). This hurts us because James tells us that if we want to receive anything from God we must ask in faith without wavering and without this kind of faith we should not expect to receive anything from God (Jas.1:6-7).

Love Hunger – The Search For Significance

   This message begins a series that I have entitled “Relationships God’s Way.” The Bible has a lot to say about relationships. Some of what is declared is taught in principle, some is taught via the narratives in the Bible, and still others are like nuggets of wisdom that are plainly stated.
   This week we are going to discuss one of the strongest emotions and motivating forces known to man – love. But as with nearly all things, the world twists the meaning and takes what God designed for good and makes it filthy and dishonorable. As we will see, the purpose of the enemy is to use this false love to hurt and destroy lives. Here is how God describes what love really is:
   “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance” (1 Cor 13:4-7 NLT).

The Meaning of Life – Two Views:

   The world says, “The meaning for life is to love and be loved.”
   Gods says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these" (Mark 12:30-31).
   “Why be like the (unbelievers) who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern” (Matt 6:32-33 NLT).
   Notice that although God’s greatest command is to love, God says to love Him first and make living for Him your primary concern and He will provide all that you really need. In fact it was God who first recognized our need for love.
   I have jokingly paraphrased Genesis 2:18 to say, “The Lord God said, 'the man shouldn’t be left alone, he needs some real help!'” But what God says in reality is enlightening. To show some of the depth of what was said in this passage here is how it is translated in the Amplified version of the Bible:
   “Now the Lord God said, It is not good (sufficient, satisfactory) that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper meet (suitable, adapted, complementary) for him” (Gen 2:18 AMP).

•    Pets don’t meet the need

   Right after God determines that it is not good for the man to be alone; He does this strange thing of bringing all the animals to Adam to see what he would call them. Interestingly the animals were created from the same source as Adam, the ground. But the Bible declares of none of them did Adam call helper or partner. Perhaps this was God’s way to show that no pet could be found to be a suitable companion for mankind in life – we long, or hunger, for someone to love like us. In spite of the wonderful companionship pets provide God is letting us know that He understands we need more.

•    Friends don’t meet the need

   Then when God does bring a suitable helper to Adam He brings a “kanegadow” literally in the Hebrew an “opposite counterpart,” not one of the same. It has been said that when God made man, He made Adam and Eve and not Adam and Steve. Beyond the sexual ramifications of this, by God creating a counterpart, this reveals that a copy of Adam, as in friendship, doesn’t meet that need either. Friends are wonderful and it is important that we each have some but the true longing of the heart required something more. The need was met by a complementary counterpart, who was both different and yet harmonizing.
   When God said that it is not good that man should be alone, He lets us know that He already recognized the need! This He said even before Adam is quoted as having been lonely. What did God do? He brought to him a counterpart companion that was suitable to Adam. And was Adam was pleased by God’s choice? Yes, in fact he was exstatic by it and broke out into song! We need to trust His choice for a companion for us in our lives.
   In reality, the world is setting us up for failure and disillusionment. The Bible describes the world’s solutions to this love hunger within us. The Bible describes the way of the world in 1 John 2:15-17 which reads:
   “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does-comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.”
   The world’s solutions to love hunger are revealed in three ways according to this passage: 1) the lust of the flesh, 2) the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Lust, or the desire of the flesh, makes itself known by being self-focused, impatient, and a lack of self-control which leads to promiscuity. When this lust is feed in our thoughts and unable to be satisfied it can lead to pornography or an abuse of food, drink, or even drugs to try to fill the need.
   Our culture in the U.S. and other places is driven by the lust of the eyes or by desiring others based upon their appearance and physical fitness, their style, provocative clothing, and jewelry. Advertising constantly blasts images designed to feed our desires. Desiring what we see and cannot or should not have is in reality covetousness – which is idolatry according to the Bible (Col. 3:5).
   Finally, the pride of life is used to attract a mate by boasting in our achievements and possessions. This is the idea that marrying someone who is well off financially or has a prestigious career can bring real happiness. Another aspect of this devalues people to mere possessions and conquests, neither of which are God’s will for our lives.
   The Bible says concerning outward beauty that: “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful” (1 Peter 3:3-5).
   The Bible is not teaching that women should not wear jewelry, nice clothes, or braid their hair; what it is saying is that the focus of what truly makes someone beautiful is in our heart and in our spirit. In other words, God says true beauty is found in our character. I love how the Message paraphrase renders 1 Samuel 16:7, “God told Samuel, ‘Looks aren't everything. Don't be impressed with his looks and stature. I've already eliminated him. God judges persons differently than humans do. Men and women look at the face; God looks into the heart.’” This is true for both women and men.
   This is because God recognizes, as we should that beauty is fleeting (cf. Prov 31:30) as He told the prophet Isaiah, “A voice says, "Cry out." And I said, "What shall I cry?" "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." (Isa 40:6-8).
   James applies this same metaphor to a man and his riches in James 1:10-11, that just like a flower in the sun it will soon wither and die. The Bible further teaches that riches take wings and are deceptive.
   What God really wants is for us to be holy and pure and to keep clear of all sexual sin so that each of us will marry in holiness and honor- not in lustful passion as the heathen do, in their ignorance of God and his ways. And this also is God's will: that you never cheat in this matter by taking another man's wife because the Lord will punish you terribly for this, as we have solemnly told you before. For God has not called us to be dirty-minded and full of lust but to be holy and clean. If anyone refuses to live by these rules, he is not disobeying the rules of men but of God who gives his Holy Spirit to you (1 Thess 4:3-8).
   God is not saying this because He is a ‘prude’ but rather God loves us so much that He doesn’t want to see us hurt! Marrying because of lustful passion like unbelievers do will lead to disallusionment and often times divorce. The world has taught, even Christians, a false concept of love and a false method to find love. This is exemplified by Hollywood media. How many Hollywood marriages last and are truly successful, loving relationships? The whole focus of Hollywood love is backward!

Look at what Hollywood says makes a successful relationship:

Step 1: Find the right person – they say the key to love is finding that one special person that was made just for you; so you date, you search, and you may even pray until you find that one special person.

Step 2: Fall in love – they say when you find that right person something inside of you will click and you will instantly know they are the one for you. In the movies you can fall in love with strangers more often called “love at first sight.” That is because Hollywood love is based on that “oooey gooey” feeling that makes you crazy, and causes you to do wild and impetuous things.

Step 3: Fix your hopes and dreams on that person for you future fulfillment – in the movies love trumps every other decision whether it is career, schooling, previous dreams, the love of your parents, financial stability, or ministry calling. Because the purpose of living (the meaning of life) is to love and be loved – Hollywood (and the music industry) teaches “How can I live without you?” “If I can’t have you I don’t want nobody baby.” Yet, if someone doesn’t meet those expectations or you fall out of love, drop them and fly to Seattle to meet a stranger. Which leads to:

Step 4: If Failure occurs, repeat steps 1-3 – because Hollywood’s formula naturally leads to failure in relationships we see those in the public eye of Hollywood divorcing and remarrying over and over again. We hear of illicit sex, promiscuity and divorce battles time and again. They should get a clue – that it doesn’t work as a formula for a successful marriage and relationship. At the very least the Church should get a clue.

Here is God’s prescription for lasting relationships:

Step 1: Become the right person – Joshua Harris in his book, “I Kissed Dating Goodbye,” teaches that we first need to get our lives in order and to the place where we are the right person for the person God has for us. That is why in the Bible a man betrothed to a woman would first prepare a house then take a woman to become his wife. Too many times we are looking for love when we should be focusing on accomplishing God’s will and plan for our lives. Do you remember that God recognized the need in Adam for love and companionship and when the time was right, he brought his wife and Adam was pleased with God’s choice? Believe me; you don’t want someone that is out of God’s will for you! You will be extremely hurt by the results. We need to see relationships before we are ready for marriage as distractions to the destiny God has for us.

Step 2: Walk in love – instead of falling in love we need to learn to walk in love – the love that is described in 1 Cor. 13. See, the first responsibility for any Godly relationship does not fall upon them but first upon you. The Golden Rule (do unto others as you would have them do to you) focuses the primary responsibility for how others treat us on how we first treat them. That is why the Bible also teaches that he who wants friends, should show himself first to be friendly. Walking in love means giving the other person what he or she needs most when it is least deserved. That is how God treated us. Walking in love is much different than “falling in love.” When someone falls in love they can’t help how they feel, how they act and what they are driven to do. Why? Because falling means you have lost control but the fruit of the spirit is self-control (cf. 2 Tim. 1:7; Gal 5:23). Walking requires purpose, balance, and self-control.

Step 3: Fix your eyes and hope on Jesus and seek to please Him through your relationships – God needs to be the most important person in your life (not the person you marry or are dating). When we make our personal fulfillment the goal of every relationship it never works out. We need to break the self-centered focus of our lives. Neither can we make a flaw filled sinner the hope of our life’s fulfillment. And that is what any human is – a sinner. We must remember that the other person is always going to need forgiveness as well as you. If we focus our eyes and hope on Jesus we cannot fail. The Bible says, “Those that put their trust in Him will never be ashamed.”

Step 4: If failure occurs, repeat steps 1-3 – if we fail we must always go back to the beginning and get right. This process is called repentance and acknowledges that we have failed and that we need to change some things in our life. The beautiful thing about repentance and this humbling process is that most often it will save relationships – not destroy them. As humans we often fall into to role playing in our relationships. One person dominates while the other person is a doormat. One person is addicted and the other person enables them by being codependent. To break the cycle we must take responsibility for our actions and work on ourselves becoming godly in our character.

   So what does God want us to do from this point? First of all, God wants to be trusted that He recognizes the need, in fact, He saw it long ago and He has someone in mind for you that is better than you could ever imagine if you will seek to become the person He wants you to become. In reality, unless you change and become like Christ that person will not be attracted to you.
   Secondly, God wants us to learn from His word what love really is and to begin by walking in love. This is especially true if you are already married and you want your marriage to be fulfilling and happy. God places the emphasis of a godly relationship not on the other person but upon us first. I heard a message years ago called, “Changing your husband’s wife!” given to a group of ministers wives. The title could just as well be changed to “Changing your wife’s husband!” for the men. The idea is that the responsibility for a good relationship begins with you changing not on our spouses.
   "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. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will" (Romans 12:1-2).
   We must cease to be first concerned about the externals of our appearances as priority and become more concerned with changing our heart and pleasing God. Just as we prepare our appearance before we walk out of the door in the mornings, so we should be concerned to prepare our hearts to please God and serve others as His representatives in this world.
   Does God love you? Yes, of course He does! “Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: (Ps 37:4-5).

Be Afraid...Be VERY Afraid!

Perhaps one of the most difficult things for Christians to reconcile in the Bible to what is most often taught about the love of God and grace is the fear of God. There is almost a conspiracy to remove fear from the minds of Christians with respect to the character of God. A popular example of this would be the changing of the definition of the word fear to only mean to revere, have in awe, or to respect. It is not that we should not have awe and respect (see Heb. 12:28) but even that passage goes on to say, “for our God is a consuming fire.”

It is both obvious and found in the Scriptures that the wicked do not fear God. But in lieu of whom God is and the consequences of rejecting God’s salvation in Christ, is this wise and more importantly are Christians partially to blame?

Let’s take a look at what the Bible teaches on this subject and I would like to offer six reasons a Christian should seriously fear God. First of all should anyone every be afraid of God? I would suppose the first objection would be that:

God has not given us a Spirit of Fear:

2 Tim 1:7 NKJV - For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (a spirit of timidity NIV)

The context of this passage though is expressly speaking about the fear of men. Paul was trying to encourage his son in the faith to stand boldly for Christ, not speak to his relationship to God in this passage.

Prov 29:25 – Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.

Jesus speaks about our fear of man versus our fear of God and says:

Luke 12:4-5 – "I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him."

Considering the consequence of what man can do versus what God will do to those who fail to receive His grace and salvation, Jesus tells us we should not fear men who can only kill us but we should fear the One who can throw us into hell.

Isa 8:13 – The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread.

The problem is that the Wicked Do Not Fear God as the Bible teaches.

Ps 36:1-4 NASU – Transgression speaks to the ungodly within his heart; there is no fear of God before his eyes. For it flatters him in his own eyes concerning the discovery of his iniquity and the hatred of it. The words of his mouth are wickedness and deceit; He has ceased to be wise and to do good. He plans wickedness upon his bed; He sets himself on a path that is not good; He does not despise evil.

Rom 3:18 – "There is no fear of God before their eyes."

The Greek word used in the NT for fear is the word: phobos it is from this word that we get the word phobia. The word means “to be put in fear; alarm or fright” and the KJV translates the word “be afraid, exceedingly, fear, terror.” This seems to me to be quite different than just revering or reverencing God.

Rev 15:4 – Who will not fear you, O Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.

Jer 5:22 – Should you not fear me?" declares the Lord. "Should you not tremble in my presence?

Ps 76:7 – You alone are to be feared. Who can stand before you when you are angry?

Ps 90:11 NLT – Who can comprehend the power of your anger? Your wrath is as awesome as the fear you deserve.

Did you notice that in these passages God actually deserves to be feared and expects it from those who will bring Him glory? It is true what the Bible teaches:

Ps 111:10 – The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.

That leads me to my first reason as to why we should fear the Lord: SO WE WILL HATE SIN.

Prov 8:13 – To fear the Lord is to hate evil.

Job 28:28 NASU – "And to man He said, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.'"

Prov 16:6 NKJV – In mercy and truth atonement is provided for iniquity; and by the fear of the Lord one departs from evil.

We are to be so afraid of God, who is holy, that we want to avoid sin at all costs because we understand what it does to us, to those around us, and to our relationship with God. This I believe is why Jesus taught:

Mark 9:43-48 – If your hand causes you to sin cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, where "'their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.'

Consider the following passage, what emotion is God trying to illicit from us? God want us to fear Him so much that He wants us not to deliberately keep on sinning by rejecting Christ as the only sacrifice for sin.

Heb 10:26-31 – If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. Anyone who rejected the Law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," and again, "The Lord will judge his people." It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

In Deut 5:22-29, Moses is recounting the story of when God spoke to the nation of Israel when He proclaimed His Law to them. In this passage He describes how the people were so overcome with fear that they actually feared death. As a result they asked Moses to hear God for them and “whatever the Lord our God tells you. (They said,) We will listen and obey.” What was God’s response? Moses tell the people not to fear me? No. God said, “Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever!”

The second reason I believe that we should all fear God is SO THAT WE WILL COME TO CHRIST FOR FORGIVENESS AND SALVATION. In Acts 13:7-12, the proconsul, who is described as an intelligent man, sent for Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God. But Elymas the sorcerer opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith. Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said, "You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord? Now the hand of the Lord is against you. You are going to be blind, and for a time you will be unable to see the light of the sun." Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand. When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was astonished/amazed at the teaching about the Lord.

When the proconsul saw the power and the results of that power against wickedness he believed. Remember Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11)? “Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard.” I am sure after that no one else lied about their giving to the church. God has used fear to awaken men’s hearts time and time again.

Reason number three to fear God is SO WE WILL REMAIN FAITHFUL. In the letter to the Romans, Paul, through the Holy Spirit, warns believers not to be proud of their salvation but to fear if they don’t continue in faith because they too will be rejected as were the Jews.

Rom 11:20-22 NKJV – Do not be haughty, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either. Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.

We must also be faithful to preserving God’s word and be afraid not to add or take away from Scripture. The Bible warns:

Rev 22:18-19 – I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.

Along with this passage, Deuteronomy 4:2 and Proverbs 30:6 give similar warnings about adding to or taking away from God’s word. Considering the consequences, we would all do well to heed this warning. Furthermore this carries into the actual message that is being preached.

We must also be faithful to the message of the gospel. If we would turn and preach another gospel we will be eternally condemned! I wonder how many preachers take this warning seriously.

Gal 1:8-10 – But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned! Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.

We must not be seeking to please men in regard to proclaiming the gospel and yet that is what many churches really are trying to do. It is like they are trying to convince God what His word says rather than God convincing them of the truth. Does God in His gospel demand obedience, or has that passed away with the Law?

Eph 5:3-12 – But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person — such a man is an idolater — has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.

Yes God demands obedience and anyone who tells you different is a deceiver. The Bible teaches that in the Lord we CAN produce the fruit of righteousness and we can overcome sin – sin no longer has dominion over us. Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil and those works are called sin. As children of God we are to emulate the characteristics of our heavenly Father. He is holy and as a result of Him living inside of us we should be holy. This requires effort that is based in our faith in Christ and His strength.

Heb 12:14-17 – Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. He could bring about no change of mind, though he sought the blessing with tears.

If we do not learn how to receive the promised gift of righteousness now we will regret it later. Paul warns us to “see to it” that we do not miss the grace of God and as a result be rejected as Esau was. Understanding our sinful tendencies, our hearts that are prone to wander, knowing the consequences for our sin, and receiving Christ’s sacrificial death as an atonement for our sins brings me to the fourth reason to fear God which is SO THAT WE WILL LOVE HIM MUCH.

Luke 7:41-43 - "Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?" Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled." "You have judged correctly," Jesus said.

Luke 7:47 – Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven — for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little."

If we don’t fear God we will have the tendency to not take our sins seriously. We will not see ourselves as truly needing salvation and power over sin. The outcome will be that we will not be as thankful or love God very much. That is why we need to look at the Law and the punishments directed toward those who disobey that Law. We will find ourselves as wretched and our sin exceedingly sinful.

Rom 7:9-14 NKJV – I was alive once without the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died. And the commandment, which was to bring life, I found to bring death. For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it killed me. Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good. Has then what is good become death to me? Certainly not! But sin, that it might appear sin, was producing death in me through what is good, so that sin through the commandment might become exceedingly sinful.

What was the reaction of men who saw or heard God? Did they not plead for God to speak no more to them as the Israelites in Deut 5? Did they not fall like dead men and need to be strengthened to stand in God’s presence? Did they not exclaim they were sinners as Peter and Isaiah did?

1 Cor 6:9-11 - Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

How can those who understand the wretchedness of their sinful condition who have now come to Christ and have received His salvation not love Him? We love Him because He first loved us and sent Jesus to die for us while we were ungodly. If we don’t understand what God saved us from how can we expect the world to recognize their need? If we don’t fear God and the consequences for our sin, how can those in the world be convinced they need Christ? So the fifth reason is SO THAT OTHERS WILL FEAR.

Prov 13:19 NKJV – it is an abomination to fools to depart from evil.

Since it is an abomination for them to depart from evil they “think that it is strange” and insult you now because they are surprised that you no longer join them in the same excesses of wild living ( 1 Peter 4:4).

This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature and despise authority. Bold and arrogant, these men are not afraid to slander celestial beings; yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not bring slanderous accusations against such beings in the presence of the Lord. But these men blaspheme in matters they do not understand. They are like brute beasts, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like beasts they too will perish (2 Peter 2:10-12).

If we live lives that are a contradiction to what we say the world should not do will not the world blaspheme God because of our hypocrisy? Many unbelievers become emboldened to speak and act against God because we don’t fear Him. How do they know we don’t fear Him? Because we do the things we condemn in others. As a result

If you … "brag about your relationship to God; if you know his will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law; if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who brag about the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? As it is written: "God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles (or unbelievers also) because of you" (Rom 2:17-24).

See? Our hypocrisy and inability to lead godly lives does not honor God. What it does do is give occasion to sinful men to blaspheme. We see it all the time after a spiritual leader falls. The world is quick to pick up on this and they blaspheme that worthy name by which we are called.

The book of Revelation was not given to unbelievers, rather it was given to the Church so that they being moved with fear and compassion would diligently seek the lost. This is my sixth reason for fearing God; SO WE WILL SHARE CHRIST.

2 Cor 5:10-11 NKJV - For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men.

This passage lets me know that if we truly understood the fear of the Lord it would motivate us to persuade men and women to Christ. It is true that not everyone will come to faith if we give good reason to fear God but our job is to fully relate the message of God’s word and this is most certainly part of it. Be afraid…Be very afraid of the consequences of rejecting God’s salvation in Christ.

I am aware a message like this is not very popular. I do also believe that God wants us to move beyond fear and be motivated by love (perfect love casts out fear), but we should always have a godly fear of Him in the back of our minds. After all, didn't the Serpent esentially tell Eve not to fear God when he told her, "You shall not surely die?" Look in the Bible for yourself and you will see that this message merely scratches the surface.

Father help each of us to truly fear the consequences of sin and let that fear so motivate us as to seek your strength to overcome sin in our lives. May we gain greater love for you by understanding more of what you have saved us from and let our understanding of why You should be feared motivate us to seek those who are lost so that they too will be saved. In Jesus name.