Eclectic Personal Worship Preferences

To say that my Christian music taste is eclectic is an accurate statement.  Not long back I posted “I Then Shall Live” by the Gaither Vocal Band (This is #1 in my worship list).  Now are offerings from the other end of my personal listening and worshipping preferences.  The first is from Sister Act 2 and the other is “Stomp” by Kirk Franklin (Several years ago my kids listened to this one so much I started to like it.  After all… I grew up in the 70s!).  I also like Jeremy Camp… and here’s a post I did of his music titled, “I Will Not Be Afraid.” The last three are confined to me driving in my car.

UPDATE 11/12/08: I had to come back and add my #2 favorite worship song, “In Christ Alone.”  Click here for the video with the words printed OR just watch it as the first presented below…

What style of worship pleases God?  I would say that if/when He is glorified, He is pleased.  Although I wouldn’t be comfortable with the last one being performed in church, I enjoy listening to all of them during my private worship time.  Enjoy…

The 2nd Coming Of Christ

  I don’t have a corner on the truth about the return of Christ.  All I can be 100% sure about is that He is coming back and we need to be ready!  

  People I know, love, respect… who are conservative Christians… who love Jesus… disagree about the finer points of Christ’s return. This reminds me not to be dogmatic, but humble.  It also reminds me to be respectful of those who disagree with my view.  Anyway, here are a few of my thoughts about the Return of Christ.

  The term “Last Days” includes from the time Jesus ascended to heaven and will continue until he returns.  “Last Days” as used in reference to the particular day we are living as immediately preceding the return of Christ is not necessarily accurate.  Jesus could not return for another 1,000 years and still be in line with Scripture.

It is impossible to predict or know when Jesus will return.

     But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. (Mk 13:32-33)

The return of Christ will not happen until after the Antichrist is revealed.

     Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to Him, we ask you, brothers, 2 not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. 3 Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction… (2 Thess 2:1-3)

The sign of Jesus’ return will be… His return.

     Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory… (Mt 24:30)

When Jesus returns, it will be like in the days of Noah (Life as usual).

     For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, 39 and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.  (Mt 24:37-39)

When Christ returns, THEN will be the resurrection, rapture and Second Coming.

     For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.  (1 Thess 4:15-17)

Because of all the above, it is best to stay ready for His return.

     Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.  (Mt 24:44)

Thus:  I do not think there are multiple resurrections (One before the tribulation… after the tribulation… and then after the 1,000 year reign).  I don’t think Jesus will come back until after the Antichrist is revealed.  I do not believe the rapture will be “secret.”  I do believe that when Jesus comes back… He will come all the way back to earth and set up His kingdom (Thus the resurrection, rapture, and return are all one event as recorded in 1 Thessalonians 4).

I’m not sure anything much else can be nailed down… at least in my mind.

There is one more thought I have.  If we believe that Jesus is coming back… that the only way to God is through Jesus… and that those who don’t believe in Jesus will be separated from God for eternity in a place the Bible calls hell, then shouldn’t we be telling everyone that Jesus is the way to be saved?

Do Not Fear! (Message Manuscript)

Note: This is part of a manuscript I will use to deliver God’s Word today… If He so wills. There are devices I use in delivery like contractions so I ask for indulgence in these areas.

I Will Not Be Afraid (Isaiah 6:1-8)

It doesn’t take much for a person to become anxious given all that is going on around us.  If we’re not careful, we could fall prey to fear mongering.  Consider…

The financial crisis to the tune of a Gov’t bailout of $700 Bil.  Naval military maneuvers between Russia & Venezuela in the Caribbean.  Worldwide terror threats.  The presidential election in Nov.  Then add to that our own concerns about family, job, bills, health, children, and life in general…

What we fear defines who we are & who our God is.  If our ultimate fear is $ collapse… $ is our god.  If our ultimate fear is loss of national security… might is our god.  If our ultimate fear is…

My goal is for us to think Biblically.  My goal is for us to reboot our mind, heart, soul, & spirit to Scripture rather than succumb the enemy’s darts.  The way we overcome is by believing God.  We go to Scripture & believe HIS TRUTH.  So let’s do that for a while…

Trouble is nothing new.  Adversity has always been part of life.  People before us have had it rough & dealt w/ hardship.  The issue is what God tells us, not what happens TO us…

In ancient times the death of a king was much more a national tragedy than today.  It meant other nations might invade to plunder their wealth… kill many… & make others slaves.  So when Isaiah writes about King Uzziah’s death, it was a time of national unrest, anxiety, & insecurity.

In the midst of turmoil, Isaiah has a vision of God.  He is overwhelmed by the ultimate reality of who God is.  In the midst of cosmic chaos, God is still on His throne.  In the midst of earthly anarchy, God is still worshipped in heaven.  Nothing on earth affects what is most important… which is worship of The Most Holy God.  God is unaffected by anything that happens on earth. 

Regardless of what happens, God is still God.  He is still sovereign.  He is still on His throne.  Nothing, anywhere, anytime can or will ever change that.  And what happened when Isaiah realized that?

The events taking place around him vanished from His mind.  He saw who he was in light of who God is.  He saw his sinfulness in comparison to God’s holiness… & it tore him apart emotionally & spiritually.  But also gave him strength to follow God’s call…

Application!  When we are unsure… when troubles surround us… when we’re anxious, it is right to go to God’s throne & confess our sin.  Then participate w/ angels in worship of God.  This fulfills Colossians 3:2, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”

After Isaiah encountered God, He received God’s call.  It is by worshipping God that He gives His direction for life.  Clarity in troubled times is found by looking to God, not government… McCain, Obama, or Bush… but God!  Only in Jehovah God are we safe…

In Scripture we’re to seek God.  Consider Heb 4:16,  “Let us then w/ confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy & find grace to help in time of need.”  Mt 6:33, “Seek 1^st the kingdom of God & his righteousness, & all these things will be added to you.”

Forget Obama… McCain… Democrats… Republicans… military might… gov’t bail-outs… & every other human institution.  None of them have the answer.  None of them provide security.  None of them can help when life crashes.  They are all in God’s hands to do w/ as He wills (Dan 4:35)!

God raises up, & God brings low.  God gives life & takes it away.  God establishes nations & God brings an end to nations.  The heart of every king, president, prime minister, senator, congressman, governor, mayor, & county commissioner is in God’s hand to do w/ as He wills (Prov 21:1).  God is king.  God is Lord.  God is sovereign.  God is God & every man is a liar.

In God alone is hope.  In God alone is peace.  In God alone is security.  In God alone is joy.  In God alone is contentment.  In God alone is victory.  The Lord… The Lord God… HE alone is God.

The sooner those truths are buried into our soul, the sooner we will u’stand what is meant in Scripture where it is written… (Comment while reading)

Jn 14:27 Peace I leave w/ you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Jn 16:33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

Is 41:10 Fear not, for I am w/ you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you w/ my righteous right hand. 13 For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”

Ps 46:1 God is our refuge & strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar & foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.

Ps 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Hab 3:17 Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail & the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold & there be no herd in the stalls, 18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. 19 God, the Lord, is my strength; He makes my feet like the deer’s; He makes me tread on my high places.

2 Tim 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of fear or timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and a sound mind.

Important application point!  Use Scripture to battle for joy… strength… truth!

If/when we fear, we have taken our minds off of Christ & begun to look around us.  We are dominated by circumstances rather than God.  What we must do is put our mind back where it needs to be… On The Lord!

There may be uncertain times… but there is no uncertainty w/ God.  We don’t know what tomorrow holds, but we do know who holds it in His hand.

The OT prophets told the people in their day what to do when trouble hit.  They called the people to repentance… to confess their sin… to walk in righteousness before God.  And that is the call today!

Do you have the peace that comes from Christ?  If not, come to Him today…

God Strikes Dead… Sometimes Slowly

Tomorrow evening I will lead God’s People in partaking of The Lord’s Supper (If He so wills).  With that in mind, I am meditating about the seriousness of this act of worship.  This post is primarily for believers.

Does God strike people dead today?  If so, when… how… why? (Because I’m steering far from those things!)

Note!  The sin unto death is not the same thing as the unpardonable sin.

There are four places presented from the New Covenant where people’s life is ended “prematurely” by God as noted below. A few comments to follow afterward…

     Acts 12:21 On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. 22 And the people were shouting, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!” 23 Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last. 24 But the word of God increased and multiplied.

     Acts 5:3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” 5 When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. 6 The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him. (Note: Same thing happened to Anaias’ wife in vss 7-11)

     1 Cor 11:29 For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. 30 That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. 31 But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged. (In reference to the Lord’s Supper)

     1 John 5:16 If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that. 17 All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death.

In Acts 12 Herod’s life was taken because he didn’t give God glory.  This tells us that even unbelievers are subject to glorifying God.  How much more then should believers who know God ascribe glory to Him?!  God is serious about His glory.  Cause: Not giving God glory.

In Acts 5 lives were taken because: 1) They lied to God, 2) Their actions caused the church to get a black eye in the community.  God is serious about truthfulness along with the health and repuration of His church.  We should be very careful not to do anything that brings disrepute upon the Bride of Christ and the name of God!  Cause: Giving God’s Church a bad reputation.

In 1 Cor 11the attitude and conduct of people in the church was causing division and hard feelings among the fellowship (Click here for the context).  As a result some where weak (Warning?)… some were sick (Further warning?)… some had died (Didn’t heed warnings?).  Cause: Being the source of division in God’s church.

In 1 John it is recorded that believers are to watch out for one another.  Not every sin has the same consequences!  Christians are to warn fellow believers of testing God’s patience.  They are to intercede for God to spare them if they are in rebellion.  Yet there are times the situation is beyond hope and God decides to end their life rather than allow them to continue in their sin.  Causes: (From passages above) Not giving God glory… Giving God’s Church a bad reputation… Causing division in the church.

Hope.  1) God ending the lives of His People (Herod excluded) does not mean they lost their salvation (Thus the rainbow with lightening).  It simply means God goes ahead and brings them home rather than allow their life to destroy others faith and their own life (The 1 John passage).  2) God does not do anything without warning… as is given in Scripture.  3) We must examine and judge ourselves carefully so as not to fall into punishment.

NOTE: It is not our place to say if/when God has done this.  The reasons for a person’s death is in God’s hands.  The purpose of this post is for us to examine ourselves.

A Reminder Who Is Important

Posted before… but worth another look.  I’ve told my family I want this song played at my funeral… which I’m praying won’t happen for about another 50 years or so!

Do Not Fear, Do Not Be Afraid!

Situations: 1) Possible financial meltdown.  2) November Elections.  3) Russian/Venezuelan military maneuvers in Caribbean.  4) Terrorism.  5) The uncertainty of tomorrow.

Truths: 1) God is still God.  2) God is still in control.  3) God is still seated on His throne.

Helps: 1) Trust God, no one else.  2) Seeking God relieves anxiety.  3) Right meditation brings peace.  4) Following Christ manifests God’s presence in your life.  5) Worship of God is proper at all times… regardless of the situation… no matter what is happening around us… even when everything and everyone else fails.

    Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.

    Habakkuk 3:17 Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, 18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. 19 GOD, the Lord, is my strength; He makes my feet like the deer’s; He makes me tread on my high places

    Psalm 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?  The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

    2 Chronicles 20:12 For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.

This video below is Jeremy Camp singing, I Will Not Be Afraid…

Sarah Palin And Women Preachers

  Denny Burk has an excellent response to those who say that Christians have a problem… which is; “Is a woman is fit to be Vice-President or even President… but not to lead and pastor a church.”

  Click here for his answer to an article written by David Gushee in USA Today.

  “Test everything… hold on to what is good” (1 Thess 5:21).

  The Danver’s Statement regarding gender roles is another article worth reading in the vein of “Test Everything” and considering as part of a Biblical position on this topic.

Taking A Break From Seriousness

Okay… I feel like things have been a little heavy here for a while, so it’s time for me to hit the links.  However, the golf course is the only place God doesn’t answer prayer according to Billy Graham.  Hope you find some humor in this short highlight reel…

Preach And Teach All Of Scripture!

Have you noticed in Sunday School that difficult passages are skipped OR your pastor/preacher not addressing hot topics found in the Bible OR that your Bible teacher steers away from hard passages and/or difficult questions?  Those were, for whatever reason, attempts to censor God’s Word (That may be a little harsh).  Maybe the reason was because the person was fearful… or unsure of the texts meaning… or didn’t want to take the time to explain it.

The Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write in Acts 20:27… “For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.”   Remember this… there is nothing in God’s Word that can hurt you, it is all for God’s glory and your edification.  That applies to every single word!

When Jesus spoke and taught, it upset people!  There were times, because of his words, people quit following Him.  Consider the following.  Note: If you’re going to get mad, get mad at God… I’m just pointing you to His Word.

What Jesus said about eating his flesh and drinking his blood.

What Jesus said about divorce and remarriage.

What Jesus said about why people don’t believe in Him.

Others: Matthew 11; John 2; Matthew 13.

It is not the perogative of any teacher or preacher to avoid (And sometimes misrepresent) God’s Word.  When Scripture is taught or preached, follow Paul’s example to teach it all… as it is… without apology or theological gymnastics.  God is honored when we rightly handle the Word of Truth!

We must move on to maturity or else we are crippled Christians.  This means wrestling with texts that are hard to understand.  Even the Apostles struggled to comprehend Scripture… we’re no different.  STUDY!

Christians And Homosexuality

I’ve been thinking a lot about whether or not to write this post.  But I think it would be good to do so if for nothing else but to continue the dialogue…

Ray Boltz wrote and performed songs dearly loved by Christians such as, “The Anchor Holds,” “Thank You,” “Behold The Lamb,” and “I Pledge Allegiance To The Lamb.”  But now he admits that he is gay, leaving behind a wife of 30 years along with 4 children.  Click here for the Christianity Today article.

    “This is what it really comes down to,” he says. “If this is the way God made me, then this is the way I’m going to live.  It’s not like God made me this way and he’ll send me to hell if I am who he created me to be … I really feel closer to God because I no longer hate myself.”

   Compare that with Proverbs 14:12, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.”  Also read 1 Cor 6:9-11.  Mr. Boltz is wrong in his assessment no matter how convinced he is of his rightness.  I think the word “if” in his comment above reveals a lack of certainty in his spirit that God did not create him the way he would like to think.

  But this post isn’t to bash him, it is to confront Christians about how we are to relate to sin and sinners.  His sin is no worse in God’s eyes than gluttony (Pr 23:20), gossipping, greed, drunkenness, lying, fornication, or adultery (Did you read 1 Cor 6 above?).  His sin may have be more obvious due to his confession and immediate consequences, but sin is sin in God’s eyes.  

When we see sin in others it ought to bring about contrition over our own sin.  It ought to humble us by knowing we are just as able to sin horribly… and justify it in our own minds.  It ought to drive us to pray for the person… our friends and family for God’s protection.  It should never cause us to start throwing stones at the person who’s failed or fallen.  But back to my orignial goal…

I’m much more concerned that the Christian community lovingly speak the truth and seek to restore him. I’m much more concerned that the we in the Christian community conduct ourselves in a redemptive manner. I’m much more worried that we don’t become haughty and self righteous using offensive words.  If Christians attack Mr. Boltz as if he is not worthy of respect, then we have tarnished the name of Christ and the Gospel.

Don’t forget what Paul wrote in 1 Cor 6:11b… “And such were some of you…”

UPDATE: Below is how I answered a friend of mine who asked a question about Mr. Boltz as to whether or not he had “Regressed in his sanctification” which was a recent blog post.

This post does not apply to Ray Boltz in my estimation (Mr. Boltz recently admitted to being gay… left his wife of 30 years… along with his 4 children.). He is hopelessly blind to his lost condition outside the revelation of God. My personal thought is that he never has been, nor is he now, saved (Based on the lack of repentance in the face of the clear presence of ongoing and abiding sin.). I write that because of what God caused to be written in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10.

Mr. Boltz is not regressing, he has abandoned. There is a difference between failure and abandoning Christ. Peter failed Jesus… Judas abandoned Jesus. They may look similar to us, but they are universes apart! David failed and immediately confessed His sin. Peter failed and confessed his sin. Judas failed and never repented (Added: Judas had an awakened conscious, but did not repent.  There is a difference!). Ray Boltz is unrepentant in the face of clear Biblical teaching (1 Cor 6:9-10) thus it seems from Scripture he was never saved to begin with… regardless of what he says he feels.

This brings up the idea of the possibility of false conversion. This is what happened in Judas’ case. He believed intellectually… preached the Gospel… performed miracles… but was lost as a goose! Simon the magician also believed, was baptized, and followed… but was lost (Acts 8:9-24). This also happened to Billy Graham’s closest friend, Charles Templeton (Billy Graham was his understudy. Mr. Templeton preached to tens of thousands. But then became an agnostic.)

In Matthew 7:21-23 it is recorded that Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”

I call that passage “The Judas Factor.” Just because a person prays… gets baptized… preaches… teaches the Bible, or any of a hundred Christian things, it does NOT mean they are saved. Thus Paul wrote 2 Cor 13:5, “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!”

Movie About Billy Graham 10/10/08

  October 10th there will be a movie about Billy Graham.  It is titled “Billy: The Early Years.”  Click here to find out more.

  There is an interesting element that will be explored in the movie.  It has to do with Charles Templeton.  Mr. Templeton’s understudy was Billy Graham (!).  Mr. Templeton proclaimed the Gospel to stadiums filled with people.  He was viewed as the greatest preacher/evangelist of his day.  He and Billy Graham were very good friends.  Then something happened…

  Mr. Templeton went to seminary (Princeton University).  There he encountered teaching that challenged what he believed about God, Jesus, and Scripture.  He struggled desperately to resolve the issues that were in his spirit.  He talked with his friend Billy about his doubts.  It is at this point two critical decisions were made…

Charles Templeton became an agnostic and abandoned the Christian faith.  Billy Graham began to deal with questions in his own heart as a result of talking to Charles.  The difference between the two men was that Billy decided to give his life completely and totally to the cause of Christ rather than allow humanistic questions to extinguish his faith. This will be a major theme  in the movie.

Note: Virtually every Christian at some point will have what is called a “Crisis of Faith.”  They will be tempted as to whether or not they really believe God… whether or not the Christian faith is valid.  How we deal with that crisis will set the course for the rest of our life.  My crisis of faith came in my first class in college.  It was a religion class at The University of Southern Mississippi.  And as a result I came within a couple of hours of letting go of everything I believed and had been taught.  But by God’s grace and mercy I made it through it… and my faith was strengthened.

I strongly encourage you to go see “Billy: The Early Years.”  I’m sure it will be a blessing.

Progressive Sanctification?

My previous post suggested the possibility of regression in sanctification/maturity, yet it must not be thought that a Christian will continually become less and less like Christ (The opposite is true over the long term).  The examples used in the previous post were to show that sanctification/maturity is a process that has ups and downs.

  Fact is, the level to which we attain Christian maturity is in God’s hands.  If God wills (Vs 3) that we mature to this or that level, then that is where we will be… no more or less.  The level of maturity we attain is much like the parable Jesus used of the talents (Vs 15).. and the gifts we are given by God’s grace (Vs 11). The degree to which we are able to mature is completely in God’s hands, yet we too are responsible.

  Our responsibility to progress in sanctification and/or maturity is found in 2 Pet 1:5-8…

     For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ…

Our forward and backward… up and down… or growth and regression in the Christian life doesn’t happen randomly. It is the result of God’s determination ALONG WITH the Christian’s responsibility to grow in Christ. Because we are sinners, there will be times we fail.  Don’t be surprised when that happens.  Repent of your failure and submit that area of your life to Christ.

Regressive Sanctification?

   Christian maturity is not a steady upward growth curve.  Instead, Christian growth is an up and down proposition… although I believe it is generally an upward trajectory.

   There are stretches of times we mature in Christ.  We grow in the Christian disciplines (Prayer, Worship, Bible Reading, etc.), then… for whatever reason… we regress in our sanctification (Maybe a better word is “maturity”).  Instead of moving forward, we slip backwards.  There are times when we backslide.  It’s the classic two steps forward, one step back… ten steps forward, two steps back… throughout life.

This happens to the best and most dedicated of God’s family.  It happens to the heroes of the faith, and to those who very few people know of.  All believers have mountain top experiences, that are followed by the deepest of valleys.  Our lives are more like the graph to the right than the one above.  (Note: The graphs are for illustration purposes only)

Examples: Noah… obeyed God to build the ark… then got drunk after the flood. Abram… followed God’s call… then lied about Sari.  Moses… led Israel out of bondage… then sinned by striking a rock to bring forth water instead of speaking to it.  David… was a man after God’s own heart… but committed adultery and murder.  Peter confessed Jesus was the Son of God… then denied Christ three times… then preached at Pentecost… and then was a hypocrite by refusing to fellowship with Gentile believers.  Paul was taken to heaven and talked with Jesus personally… yet wrote that what he wanted to do he didn’t do but what he didn’t want to do he did… that the desire was present but the ability to carry it out wasn’t there.  (Sorry for all the links, just wanted the Scripture references to be available)

In short… even the best of us fail (That means you and me).  We can only repent to God confess our sin to Him.  Our failures are a reminder that we have to trust in God at all times and that even our sanctification is in God’s hands and subject to His will.

Encouragement/Application: Just because YOU fail does not mean your faith has failed nor that The One you trust in will abandon you.  You will have great times of fellowship and growth, but don’t be surprised when you slip… just confess and continue following Christ.  Those who keep following Christ, in spite of their failures, are the ones who are genuinely saved.  For the follow-up post, click here.

The Best Way To Preach/Teach

  My friend Ryan Whitley says about church, “The way you get them is the way you keep them.”  He’s right.  People aren’t reached for the Kingdom by slick productions, big events, the latest fads, “Best Life Now” heresy, hip websites, or spiritual bells and whistles. People are reached by teaching, preaching, and proclaiming the Word of God pure and simple.

  Paul had something to say on this point… (2 Cor 4:1-6)

     Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. 2 But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Study God’s Word.  Teach God’s Word.  Preach God’s Word.  Do it without theatrics, fireworks, or clever gimmicks.  Only then will God be glorified.  Consider 1 Cor 2:1-5, also from God through Paul’s pen…

      And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. 2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

Amen

The Purpose Of Scripture

  Usually we read the Bible with our first eye out for how it/God can help us.  “In what way will my life be better as a result of what I read” is foremost in our mind.  Granted, there are things in Scripture that do help us… but that is NOT the primary reason we were given God’s Word.

  The number one reason God inspired His Word to be written was to reveal Himself.  Everything else is secondary.  If we miss that as the reason for Scripture, we will miss it on everything else.  We are not to use the Bible as the ultimate “self help” book.  That is NOT the reason it was given to us!

 Two Questions To Ask When Reading Scripture:

What does this text/passage reveal about God?

How am I to trust God as a result of this truth?

If we will approach The Word with these two thoughts in our mind, our time will be much more profitable!  Try it…