The spotlight was placed on Daniel many times in his life by those not of similar beliefs. Daniel was challenged with food in Chapter 1. In chapter 2 Daniel interprets the vision/dream of King Nebuchadnezzar when no one else could. Daniel is recognized as one with wisdom and insight not only in chapter 2 but also continually from chapter 2 on. How did Daniel rise in recognition. Di Daniel have a public relations strategy? Was there an agent promoting Daniel?
Today Christians live in and live out our narcissistic behavior. The promotion of self drives much of what we do. We have traded the protest lines and parades for our social media tools. Some are real good at self promotion. So good that in today's world a person with limited success or wisdom from experience can rise to a popular level quickly. Maybe personality plays into the factors involved. It is possible that we humans are simply gullible enough to pass over the scrutiny that was once found before our attention and affections were given. Make no doubt, we promote but we also see simultaneous loss of influence in our world. And this is an important connection to understand.
With the increase use of secular methods comes the increase message of secular thought. Daniel was known and respected for his beliefs. His being known was not due to his self promotion but simply the conduct of how his life was lived out in the real world - a world that did not worship the God of Daniel. Much like today, few in Daniels time listened to the things of God. Yet they sought Daniel to enlighten them. We should ask the question WHY?
A close look at Daniels life reveals a life of consistency to his determined purpose. He had purposed in his heart whom he would worship. He adjusted his life to live out that purpose. Daniel wanted all glory to go to God. He lived for nothing else. He respected those who disagreed with him. He sought to understand them while resisting the human tendency to take things personally. He was relational with his life. And Daniel avoided arrogance almost perfectly.
Daniel was a person who influenced while only promoting God. Daniel was anything but narcissistic. We should seek to understand the Daniel way of living in our American secular culture. We should pray that God would give us the opportunity to influence people in a manner similar to Daniel. To be sought out because of how we live bears greater fruit than our self promotion could ever produce.
The lesson from Daniels popularity is profound. When God blesses and grants his favor, the evil one's in this world will pay attention. promotion is cause for humility. Humility is the path to influence with people. Daniel loved people much like Nehemiah did. He cared about the pain and destruction that would occur in their lives without surrender to Jehovah God. He knew that only from building relationships with them could he ever hope to find them willing to listen to his thoughts. Daniel lived his life loving God, loving people, and dependent on God to promote and provide the opportunity for influence. And in Daniel we that God opened doors in God like fashion.
I guess we could say about Daniel that he did have a public relations agent after all. He had the one that you and I have today - he had God. The difference between us and Daniel is easy to see. We promote for our sakes. Daniel was promoted for his exaltation of and living for, God.
When our lives match our announced commitment, God will promote bigger than we dream!
Self promotion can never gain us the influence that God can. So why do we continue to live in a such selfish, narcissistic manner?
Part 3 will deal with our methods.
Blogging for the purpose of Spiritual Growth and Edification
Monday, July 1, 2013
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Living in America - today! Part 1
There is a song from the old Rocky movies that I love. I do not agree with the singer famous for singing the song, but this song leads into this series extremely well. It is the James Brown song "Living In America". For many, just the title triggers the words and music rolling through our brain. At the end of the song, there is a dramatic closing that highlights the theme of the writers intent. Sing it with me - "living in America...I feel good!" I can just picture all you doing your best James Brown "I feel good!" Scary picture indeed!
Today it is next to impossible from a patriotic standpoint to say that we "feel good" about America. With multiple issues being magnified recently, no one can now doubt that America has changed greatly. Fear, sadness, and frustration are the most common emotions expressed once this new reality is grasped. And this new reality begs the question, "how are we Christians suppose to live in America today?"
I have more than hinted in this past on this blog that I think the best picture of how we Christians should live in the current American culture can be seen in the life of Daniel. The story of Daniel has been taught in many Bible Study classes and groups for years. The lions den and his unwillingness to bow to anyone but God are clearly etched in our minds. Daniels story is a great one. And yet there is more to the story than what we might think.
We begin by looking at:
His Commitment
Daniel was committed with all he had to God. His commitment was much different than what we may understand it to be today. When one reads of how God had brought him into favor with chief of the eunuchs in chapter 1, we see that Daniel was respectful and always seeking to help those around him learn. His commitment was not for dogma, but for the sharing of the awesomeness of God. Instead of demanding, Daniel was willing to be tested so that proof of God and His glory would be revealed. How was this possible? Chapter 1 reveals in verse 8 that he had PURPOSED in his HEART to NOT defile himself. The commitment of Daniel was more than a mental decision. The decision that Daniel had made was more than convenience and self rights. Daniel looked within his life and had made the decision that God was his God. He was determined to be used in whatever way God would choose. The commitment of Daniel began with his own surrendering of his life to God in his heart.
Applying Daniels Commitment
Many in our nation today have experienced commitment from the background of mere convenience. Just as America has slowly changed over the years, the idea of what a commitment looks like has also changed. It is extremely difficult for us to realize what it means to get to the core of our commitment. Priorities are numerous. But what priority is at the top of our list. This is where we must begin. For Daniel, it was God. For us, only each one can answer. Can we say that God is number 1 on our priority list? And if we say that, what does it look like? We like to add the word "but" when discussing our priorities. We will say something is number 1- BUT then will give importance to several other things at the same time.
Getting to the core of God being our priority in every aspect of life cannot be over stated. Understanding the depth of making that decision is vital. For once we determine as Daniel did, we will never have to make that decision again. It is a decision that helps in making other decisions down the road. As it was for Daniel, it will be settled once and for all in our lives. Only in making this decision is God then allowed to do His best work in our lives.
The results in Chapter 1 for Daniel spread beyond himself to those who were also willing to follow his lead. The first test of food resulted in Daniel and his men being found 10 times better than others who had eaten more completely. Daniel and his men sacrificed so that God and God alone could get all the glory in what would occur. Daniels commitment led him to put God to the test.
This is no small example of commitment. The life lesson from Daniel Chapter 1 reveals struggle and risk. Faithfulness and trust were immediately required. And do not overlook that Daniels commitment is highlighted by sacrifice. Commitment is not as easy as we Americans have been conditioned to think. Biblical commitment is tough!
Can we make Daniels type of commitment today? God says yes. The question for each one of us is will we?
Our commitment cannot be made to a way of life. Nothing Biblically nor nationally can guarantee a way of life. Our commitment can only have as the object the person of God! His glory and His glory alone must be the basis and focus of our commitment.
It was for Daniel, will it be for us?
Part 2 will deal with Daniels self marketing.
Today it is next to impossible from a patriotic standpoint to say that we "feel good" about America. With multiple issues being magnified recently, no one can now doubt that America has changed greatly. Fear, sadness, and frustration are the most common emotions expressed once this new reality is grasped. And this new reality begs the question, "how are we Christians suppose to live in America today?"
I have more than hinted in this past on this blog that I think the best picture of how we Christians should live in the current American culture can be seen in the life of Daniel. The story of Daniel has been taught in many Bible Study classes and groups for years. The lions den and his unwillingness to bow to anyone but God are clearly etched in our minds. Daniels story is a great one. And yet there is more to the story than what we might think.
We begin by looking at:
His Commitment
Daniel was committed with all he had to God. His commitment was much different than what we may understand it to be today. When one reads of how God had brought him into favor with chief of the eunuchs in chapter 1, we see that Daniel was respectful and always seeking to help those around him learn. His commitment was not for dogma, but for the sharing of the awesomeness of God. Instead of demanding, Daniel was willing to be tested so that proof of God and His glory would be revealed. How was this possible? Chapter 1 reveals in verse 8 that he had PURPOSED in his HEART to NOT defile himself. The commitment of Daniel was more than a mental decision. The decision that Daniel had made was more than convenience and self rights. Daniel looked within his life and had made the decision that God was his God. He was determined to be used in whatever way God would choose. The commitment of Daniel began with his own surrendering of his life to God in his heart.
Applying Daniels Commitment
Many in our nation today have experienced commitment from the background of mere convenience. Just as America has slowly changed over the years, the idea of what a commitment looks like has also changed. It is extremely difficult for us to realize what it means to get to the core of our commitment. Priorities are numerous. But what priority is at the top of our list. This is where we must begin. For Daniel, it was God. For us, only each one can answer. Can we say that God is number 1 on our priority list? And if we say that, what does it look like? We like to add the word "but" when discussing our priorities. We will say something is number 1- BUT then will give importance to several other things at the same time.
Getting to the core of God being our priority in every aspect of life cannot be over stated. Understanding the depth of making that decision is vital. For once we determine as Daniel did, we will never have to make that decision again. It is a decision that helps in making other decisions down the road. As it was for Daniel, it will be settled once and for all in our lives. Only in making this decision is God then allowed to do His best work in our lives.
The results in Chapter 1 for Daniel spread beyond himself to those who were also willing to follow his lead. The first test of food resulted in Daniel and his men being found 10 times better than others who had eaten more completely. Daniel and his men sacrificed so that God and God alone could get all the glory in what would occur. Daniels commitment led him to put God to the test.
This is no small example of commitment. The life lesson from Daniel Chapter 1 reveals struggle and risk. Faithfulness and trust were immediately required. And do not overlook that Daniels commitment is highlighted by sacrifice. Commitment is not as easy as we Americans have been conditioned to think. Biblical commitment is tough!
Can we make Daniels type of commitment today? God says yes. The question for each one of us is will we?
Our commitment cannot be made to a way of life. Nothing Biblically nor nationally can guarantee a way of life. Our commitment can only have as the object the person of God! His glory and His glory alone must be the basis and focus of our commitment.
It was for Daniel, will it be for us?
Part 2 will deal with Daniels self marketing.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
DOMA Gone - What does it mean?
Today the Supreme Court of America in a 5-4 decision struck down the Defense of Marriage Act. And the Supreme Court decided the defense of Prop 8 had NO standing in California. As the homosexual community celebrates, Christians must wake up and realize that America has indeed changed.
Religious Liberty is officially under attack!
Here are some questions that highlight this new day and the dangers therein:
1. If churches deny marriage ceremonies to homosexual couples - what will the Government do?
2. If a Pastor refuses to marry a homosexual couple - what will the Government do?
3. If a church continues to preach and teach the Bible and what it says about homosexuality - what will the Government do?
And if that is not enough:
4. If the Government says churches cannot discriminate against homosexuality - what will the churches do?
5. If the Government says a Pastor must marry heterosexuals and homosexuals - will Pastors still participate in the marriage ceremonies?
6. If the Government says the Bible cannot be taught where it deals with homosexuality - what will churches, Pastors, and people of faith do?
These questions are no longer hypothetical. These questions today became real for Christians in America.
And by the way, it is not the fault of the Supreme Court of our President. It is we Christians who have sat idle in our clubs excusing ourselves from witnessing for way too many years! And when we did teach, we did so in such a weak manner that few learned much of anything!
We will now see what all of this means. When will we wake up?
It is time we realize that our only path now in America is the path that Daniel lived within 2 evil forms of Government. In both, he rose to power and even more importantly, he was respected. Our conduct, words, actions, and ministry will now be under a microscope.
All is not lost! God is still on the throne and we have NO excuses in realizing that Christianity must be busy about reaching people. We must leave our club mentality at the altar and get out in the communities serving and sharing. We must care and love!
We must be Christians!
Religious Liberty is officially under attack!
Here are some questions that highlight this new day and the dangers therein:
1. If churches deny marriage ceremonies to homosexual couples - what will the Government do?
2. If a Pastor refuses to marry a homosexual couple - what will the Government do?
3. If a church continues to preach and teach the Bible and what it says about homosexuality - what will the Government do?
And if that is not enough:
4. If the Government says churches cannot discriminate against homosexuality - what will the churches do?
5. If the Government says a Pastor must marry heterosexuals and homosexuals - will Pastors still participate in the marriage ceremonies?
6. If the Government says the Bible cannot be taught where it deals with homosexuality - what will churches, Pastors, and people of faith do?
These questions are no longer hypothetical. These questions today became real for Christians in America.
And by the way, it is not the fault of the Supreme Court of our President. It is we Christians who have sat idle in our clubs excusing ourselves from witnessing for way too many years! And when we did teach, we did so in such a weak manner that few learned much of anything!
We will now see what all of this means. When will we wake up?
It is time we realize that our only path now in America is the path that Daniel lived within 2 evil forms of Government. In both, he rose to power and even more importantly, he was respected. Our conduct, words, actions, and ministry will now be under a microscope.
All is not lost! God is still on the throne and we have NO excuses in realizing that Christianity must be busy about reaching people. We must leave our club mentality at the altar and get out in the communities serving and sharing. We must care and love!
We must be Christians!
Monday, June 24, 2013
Sharing Your Faith - Simple and Profound
Today's America reveals that Christians seldom share their faith in Jesus Christ outside of church circles. In fact, the truth is that often in the functions and activities of the church, little is shared by anyone except key figures. We hear of preaching to the nations but we hear little of sharing to the individuals we meet and interact with on a daily basis.
We have retreated as Christians into our safe cocoons. In ministry and life we only want the "Christian" brand and scene. We have Christian schools, sports teams, hangouts, etc.. I asked a question in our Bible Study group yesterday that gets to the heart of this - how many non believers do you know and interact with in your life? I remember growing up and attending public school that I was around many. In public school I had teachers who were Christians. They shared and cared and taught. Yes there were a few that were not believers. Yet there was a respect present. During pewee football, we would load the guys up after practice and go to our church Revival meetings. Most of the team was happy to go.
Today, we discover the shelter approach being implemented by parents. We talk about protecting. We emphasis fear from evil influences. We have withdrawn from the public and thus, rarely except within family do we find anyone that we have close relationships with that provide opportunity for sharing the Gospel. We talk about events at church that we hope will attract people. But we do not share Jesus with those we do not want to be involved in our lives. One could rightly say that we have adopted a "cult like" attitude towards our faith and lives. But not totally! For in our version, we are NOT as faithful to our beliefs and to God as the cults are to theirs. We miss worship and Bible Study for any reason. We put things before God that cult members would never put before their beliefs.
We have forgotten the role that God placed us in here on earth - we are missionaries. We have a calling to reach people! Yes, we have a calling to preach to the nations also. But our simple beginning starts with GO and share Jesus with all people! We can send money for special projects and do offerings to support missionaries serving around the world but we are to also BE missionaries. We are to care that people who die without Jesus go to Hell. it should disturb us that our lack of sharing has led to such an increase in people who have not seen a Bible nor have heard that Jesus died for them. Why is there no remorse and sadness?
We are quick to tell people how to live and yet we are selective in whom we desire to attend church with. It is easier for us to promote our soapboxes and feel good projects than it is to reach a world that needs Jesus. Lives all around are falling apart. People are experiencing things that many of us have never had to deal with. Children are growing up in homes where the normal roles of parents are corrupted and the lack of love and interest from parents to their children screams from every direction. And we as Christians just sit in our cocoons safe and feeling good. We point out the evil. We are good at that. We attack politicians as if they really could or would do anything that could fix our issues. But we keep Jesus to ourselves. As Christians we only seek to practice the parts of the Bible that we like. We are as selective with our faith as we are with sharing Jesus. We create man made systems of theology that excuse our sharing and we seek churches that only emphasis the certain things we like to attend.
Sharing our faith is simple! The only requirement needed is obedience to God. He promises that if we will be faithful, He will save! The Gospel is profound! The fact that someone loves us - period! The fact that someone died for us! The fact that we can avoid Hell! The fact that God has given us a guide book that fits our lives no matter where we come from and answers our most difficult questions! The fact that anyone can receive Jesus! Profound may be to small of a word! The Gospel goes beyond our understanding. The Gospel is freeing! The Gospel is life giving! The Gospel is AWESOME!
So can we answer why do we not share it and live it?
We have retreated as Christians into our safe cocoons. In ministry and life we only want the "Christian" brand and scene. We have Christian schools, sports teams, hangouts, etc.. I asked a question in our Bible Study group yesterday that gets to the heart of this - how many non believers do you know and interact with in your life? I remember growing up and attending public school that I was around many. In public school I had teachers who were Christians. They shared and cared and taught. Yes there were a few that were not believers. Yet there was a respect present. During pewee football, we would load the guys up after practice and go to our church Revival meetings. Most of the team was happy to go.
Today, we discover the shelter approach being implemented by parents. We talk about protecting. We emphasis fear from evil influences. We have withdrawn from the public and thus, rarely except within family do we find anyone that we have close relationships with that provide opportunity for sharing the Gospel. We talk about events at church that we hope will attract people. But we do not share Jesus with those we do not want to be involved in our lives. One could rightly say that we have adopted a "cult like" attitude towards our faith and lives. But not totally! For in our version, we are NOT as faithful to our beliefs and to God as the cults are to theirs. We miss worship and Bible Study for any reason. We put things before God that cult members would never put before their beliefs.
We have forgotten the role that God placed us in here on earth - we are missionaries. We have a calling to reach people! Yes, we have a calling to preach to the nations also. But our simple beginning starts with GO and share Jesus with all people! We can send money for special projects and do offerings to support missionaries serving around the world but we are to also BE missionaries. We are to care that people who die without Jesus go to Hell. it should disturb us that our lack of sharing has led to such an increase in people who have not seen a Bible nor have heard that Jesus died for them. Why is there no remorse and sadness?
We are quick to tell people how to live and yet we are selective in whom we desire to attend church with. It is easier for us to promote our soapboxes and feel good projects than it is to reach a world that needs Jesus. Lives all around are falling apart. People are experiencing things that many of us have never had to deal with. Children are growing up in homes where the normal roles of parents are corrupted and the lack of love and interest from parents to their children screams from every direction. And we as Christians just sit in our cocoons safe and feeling good. We point out the evil. We are good at that. We attack politicians as if they really could or would do anything that could fix our issues. But we keep Jesus to ourselves. As Christians we only seek to practice the parts of the Bible that we like. We are as selective with our faith as we are with sharing Jesus. We create man made systems of theology that excuse our sharing and we seek churches that only emphasis the certain things we like to attend.
Sharing our faith is simple! The only requirement needed is obedience to God. He promises that if we will be faithful, He will save! The Gospel is profound! The fact that someone loves us - period! The fact that someone died for us! The fact that we can avoid Hell! The fact that God has given us a guide book that fits our lives no matter where we come from and answers our most difficult questions! The fact that anyone can receive Jesus! Profound may be to small of a word! The Gospel goes beyond our understanding. The Gospel is freeing! The Gospel is life giving! The Gospel is AWESOME!
So can we answer why do we not share it and live it?
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
A tractor, chef, and markers!
Today I was called and told that one of the ladies in our church was out at our church property on the tractor mowing. This was a big deal for this lady is our church chef! I flew out of my desk chair with my phone in pocket to drive out and get a picture of this event. She can cook! And I learned today that, even with it being her first time, she can mow with a trim mower on a tractor. I have been driving tractors for over 40 years. I was blown away with her new discovered ability to cut grass - and even get the corners!
After I took the picture, we talked for a while and she said something that really got me thinking. I mentioned how she was cutting even the grass on the corners. She described her quickly learned lesson. She lined the ornament on the front of the tractor to outside of the yet to be cut area and thus, she cut all the grass. Nothing was left standing. You need to realize that she was doing this with a trim mower - smaller than a bush hog. Once she realized that grass was being missed, she adjusted!
Is this not the way markers work in our lives. We track along in our journey looking back to see what we missed. If only we would realize that it is the markers in front of us that must be lined up. They prevent and thus help to avoid the need to look back. When our markers are right, our lives are on the path with nothing left out. We experience the full reality with no turning around and going back to get something we missed.
Peter said it this way:
2 Pet 3:11-18
11 Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,
12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat?
13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
14 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless;
15 and account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation-- as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you,
16 as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.
17 You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked;
18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.
(NKJ)
After I took the picture, we talked for a while and she said something that really got me thinking. I mentioned how she was cutting even the grass on the corners. She described her quickly learned lesson. She lined the ornament on the front of the tractor to outside of the yet to be cut area and thus, she cut all the grass. Nothing was left standing. You need to realize that she was doing this with a trim mower - smaller than a bush hog. Once she realized that grass was being missed, she adjusted!
Is this not the way markers work in our lives. We track along in our journey looking back to see what we missed. If only we would realize that it is the markers in front of us that must be lined up. They prevent and thus help to avoid the need to look back. When our markers are right, our lives are on the path with nothing left out. We experience the full reality with no turning around and going back to get something we missed.
Peter said it this way:
2 Pet 3:11-18
11 Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,
12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat?
13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
14 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless;
15 and account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation-- as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you,
16 as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.
17 You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked;
18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.
(NKJ)
We need markers in our lives. Have you lined your markers up recently. The things we are reminded of when a church chef gets on a tractor!
Monday, May 20, 2013
Why the Trifecta of Scandals Should Matter to Christians
In a world of conflicting views about how faith and politics should interact we discover a defining moment in the current trifecta of scandals. Benghazi, AP News Subpoenas, and the IRS targeting of individuals should be a wake up call to Christians in America. For those who have had enough of the political involvement among evangelicals, you might want to revisit that thought.
First Benghanzi
How can any Christian condone the ease of which the Administration is brushing off the fact that 4 Americans died? Where is the outcry? Have we heard the reports of how these men were killed? It was horrible! When an Ambassador is murdered along with other Government officials and we do not feel or see the outrage, we are in worse shape than many think as a country. I find the Gosnell trial and little response on the horrendous acts of murder and the cover up of Benghanzi highlighting how pathetic our understanding is for the preciousness of life. The endit movement to put an end to child sex slavery is important. But we must remember it is equally important! We must not forget that all life is valued and precious. When the Government of our country so easily brushes the value of life away and when the President of the United States has the audacity to actually say to Planned Parenthood "God Bless You" - the evil we feared would come has actually already arrived!
Second AP/Fox News Scandel
A free press is vital to a free society. A country that threatens and intimidates the press is a country where freedom is fleeing. Christians should be the first to take note of such a dangerous course. Yes we have had freedom for years. Yes we have often abused such freedom. But we cannot afford to allow such freedom to come to an end! It is one thing to get beat - it is another to not put up a fight! A move to control information is a move that will find itself seeking to control what is preached in churches across America. Pastors are you ready for this climate? Will you stand strong and preach the Word of God even if it means audits, harassment, and even jail time?
IRS Target of Specific People and Groups
This one gets to the core of the threat to the American way of life. Did you read the title of this section carefully? It was not only the Tea Party that got targeted. Specific people were targeted. I am told that more evangelical pastors have been audited under this administration than ever before. When the IRS goes after specific people, America is no longer free! This scandal ties in with the AP/Fox News scandal. When the Government is allowed to target specific people due to their message and beliefs, while fast tracking and look away from others who are in agreement with the Governments position, you and I are seeing a day that has never ever been before in America.
And all is not over. The fourth scandal will hit in October when we all discover that the overhaul of the healthcare system is a disaster unlike any we have ever seen.
Do Christians care? When will we engage? These scandals matter! They matter more than you and I can even imagine!
First Benghanzi
How can any Christian condone the ease of which the Administration is brushing off the fact that 4 Americans died? Where is the outcry? Have we heard the reports of how these men were killed? It was horrible! When an Ambassador is murdered along with other Government officials and we do not feel or see the outrage, we are in worse shape than many think as a country. I find the Gosnell trial and little response on the horrendous acts of murder and the cover up of Benghanzi highlighting how pathetic our understanding is for the preciousness of life. The endit movement to put an end to child sex slavery is important. But we must remember it is equally important! We must not forget that all life is valued and precious. When the Government of our country so easily brushes the value of life away and when the President of the United States has the audacity to actually say to Planned Parenthood "God Bless You" - the evil we feared would come has actually already arrived!
Second AP/Fox News Scandel
A free press is vital to a free society. A country that threatens and intimidates the press is a country where freedom is fleeing. Christians should be the first to take note of such a dangerous course. Yes we have had freedom for years. Yes we have often abused such freedom. But we cannot afford to allow such freedom to come to an end! It is one thing to get beat - it is another to not put up a fight! A move to control information is a move that will find itself seeking to control what is preached in churches across America. Pastors are you ready for this climate? Will you stand strong and preach the Word of God even if it means audits, harassment, and even jail time?
IRS Target of Specific People and Groups
This one gets to the core of the threat to the American way of life. Did you read the title of this section carefully? It was not only the Tea Party that got targeted. Specific people were targeted. I am told that more evangelical pastors have been audited under this administration than ever before. When the IRS goes after specific people, America is no longer free! This scandal ties in with the AP/Fox News scandal. When the Government is allowed to target specific people due to their message and beliefs, while fast tracking and look away from others who are in agreement with the Governments position, you and I are seeing a day that has never ever been before in America.
And all is not over. The fourth scandal will hit in October when we all discover that the overhaul of the healthcare system is a disaster unlike any we have ever seen.
Do Christians care? When will we engage? These scandals matter! They matter more than you and I can even imagine!
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Salvation: Free Gift and Fear and Trembling
Eph 2:8-9
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.
(NKJ)
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.
(NKJ)
Salvation is a free gift from God to everyone who will believe. Yes, salvation is that simple. The faith required to receive Christ is small. We know this. We teach this. We also teach something else.
Phil 2:12
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;
(NKJ)
Salvation is not to be taken likely. It is simple. But it is not as simple as saying "I do not want to go to Hell!". Salvation is simple. But it is not as simple as saying "I want to go to heaven!".
How do we put these two passages together. No doubt there has been in our history those who would emphasis the easy without much attention to the work. No doubt there are many parents and grandparents who want their family to be in heaven. And many times, these desires allow our emotions to control our sharing and teaching more than the Word of God. This issue is not new. This issue is not going away anytime soon.
As a Youth Pastor I dealt with this on many occasions. I can remember back when we would Baptize 30 to 40 teenagers a year. I remember a large portion of those who had "made decisions" as children wanting to avoid Hell and now as teenagers discovering that just avoiding was not the real deal. I can still hear many parents saying "but they were Baptized...".
I know as a Pastor the struggle of young parents wanting to answer the questions the right way for their children. The time spent reviewing the answers before they meet with me or one of my staff. I hear the words "they are almost there, they are getting it" only to discover that often they may not be as close as we would like to think.
I want everyone to go to Heaven! I do not want anyone to go to Hell! And this demands that people get a Biblical salvation. It is simple - Jesus died to pay for our sins. It is easy - we must simply accept through the exercise of faith in Jesus. But it is tough - to work out the repentance aspect. And some will say "what?" Indeed this is what Jesus said.
Mark 1:14-15
14 Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,
15 and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel."
(NKJ)
Without the act of repenting, there is no salvation. This is the most difficult aspect of sharing about Salvation. To repent means more than "I am sorry". It is not a head knowledge of right and wrong. It is more than realizing that we have sinned. To repent is to see the sin in our lives as the very thing that put Jesus on the cross. It is to see sin as Jesus sees it. To repent is to respond to our sin with godly sorrow. A sorrow that is deeper than regret.
2 Cor 7:10
10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.
(NKJ)
Matt 7:21
21 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.
(NKJ)
And now you see why though simple, salvation must be worked out within our lives. Do we repent? Do we have godly sorrow?
Salvation is a free gift that requires fear and trembling in getting it right. To miss it, is to spend an eternity in Hell with no hope forever! To say you believe in God and Jesus means nothing. To make a quick decision for Heaven to avoid Hell won't cut it. Being Baptized or sprinkled only gets you wet. To say love wins out and repentance is not too difficult is to fall for the trap of this world.
Where are you? Do you know with zero doubts? Are you sure? What is your connection with Jesus? Is it His connection or your religious way?
I Jn 5:13
13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.
(NKJ)
Why and how?
John 3:16
16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
(NKJ)
Rom 10:9-13
9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11 For the Scripture says, "Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame."
12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him.
13 For "whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."
(NKJ)
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