Friday, December 30, 2011
New Sermon
Check out the newly added sermon entitled Division and Darkness. What makes us a part of the Body? Can we be Christians and still live in darkness? These and many other questions are answered in this message. Check it out here.
Monday, December 19, 2011
What is salvation?
Mark 2:17 When Jesus heard it, He said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
In today's society, there is much confusion on true salvation. We see many that profess to know God, but in works they deny Him. (Titus 1:16) What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus Christ and how does one begin such and adventure? Through Scripture, I would like to show you what true conversion is and also give you some examples of what it is not.
First, in order to need salvation, one must understand that they need saved. This comes through the understanding of what sin is. James 4:17 says, "Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin." When an individual comes to understand what God expects from them, and they choose not to obey, they have sinned. Age of accountability is to be considered at this point. Some may understand this fairly early, others later on, but for salvation to occur, all must come to the understanding that they have broken God's law and fall short. (Romans 3:23)
Secondly, the Father must be drawing. John 6:44 says, "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him..." I understand that God desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (I Tim. 2:4) and that He equally desires that none should perish, but it is important to make a clear distinction between God's work on a person's heart and man's work on a person's emotions. Many false conversions have occurred not because the Lord was convicting the individuals heart, but simply because the preacher and musicians set the stage for such an event. When the Lord is drawing an individual, human methods are unnecessary.
Lastly, when the Lord draws an individual, He will convict them of their sin and there will be a cutting "to the heart" as mentioned in Acts 2:37. This acknowledgement of their lost state will lead to a yearning for a Savior who can redeem them. This is where the essential command for repentance is made. Repentance occurs when an individual decides to abandon his sin and way of life and turn to Christ for forgiveness and newness of life. This transformation begins in the heart, but does not stay there. As Romans 10:10 says, "For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Once the heart has been transformed, the mouth will desire to let it be known. If one resists this public proclamation, the conversion may need to be questioned.
To close, I would like to state what salvation is not. It is not a repeated prayer, baptism, going forward in a church, or church attendance. These things may be good and necessary but do not guarantee salvation.
Romans 10:13 For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
In today's society, there is much confusion on true salvation. We see many that profess to know God, but in works they deny Him. (Titus 1:16) What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus Christ and how does one begin such and adventure? Through Scripture, I would like to show you what true conversion is and also give you some examples of what it is not.
First, in order to need salvation, one must understand that they need saved. This comes through the understanding of what sin is. James 4:17 says, "Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin." When an individual comes to understand what God expects from them, and they choose not to obey, they have sinned. Age of accountability is to be considered at this point. Some may understand this fairly early, others later on, but for salvation to occur, all must come to the understanding that they have broken God's law and fall short. (Romans 3:23)
Secondly, the Father must be drawing. John 6:44 says, "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him..." I understand that God desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (I Tim. 2:4) and that He equally desires that none should perish, but it is important to make a clear distinction between God's work on a person's heart and man's work on a person's emotions. Many false conversions have occurred not because the Lord was convicting the individuals heart, but simply because the preacher and musicians set the stage for such an event. When the Lord is drawing an individual, human methods are unnecessary.
Lastly, when the Lord draws an individual, He will convict them of their sin and there will be a cutting "to the heart" as mentioned in Acts 2:37. This acknowledgement of their lost state will lead to a yearning for a Savior who can redeem them. This is where the essential command for repentance is made. Repentance occurs when an individual decides to abandon his sin and way of life and turn to Christ for forgiveness and newness of life. This transformation begins in the heart, but does not stay there. As Romans 10:10 says, "For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Once the heart has been transformed, the mouth will desire to let it be known. If one resists this public proclamation, the conversion may need to be questioned.
To close, I would like to state what salvation is not. It is not a repeated prayer, baptism, going forward in a church, or church attendance. These things may be good and necessary but do not guarantee salvation.
Romans 10:13 For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Spiritually illiterate
John 11:49--"...You know nothing at all."
Christian, what at pity, what a shame. You have spent years of your life sitting in that pew, that chair, that bench, and you know no more today than you did years ago. Yes, you may recall a story or two, you may even be able to vaguely recollect parts of the sermon from last week, but still you know nothing. Jesus said in Matthew 7:23--I never knew you. When He said this, Jesus was letting the audience know that there was a difference between head knowledge and heart knowledge. The word "knew" means a knowledge grounded on personal experience. You know love because you have personally experienced the love of Christ in your life. You know John 3:16, not because you can quote it from memory, but because you understand the depth of its contents. Scripture is personal for you, not just a mundane routine that you practice. The words that you read penetrate your heart and transform you mind. They infect every fiber of your being. You begin to know Him, and not just know Him.
Do you know where you can find a group of people that are 50-80% illiterate? Prison. Do you know where you can find 50-80% of Christians? In a spiritual prison. Why? Because they are spiritually illiterate. They are bound by bitterness or entrapped by envy. They succumb to self-centeredness or are puffed up by pride. They are in jail, imprisoned by their lack of understanding. Yes, they may know the armor of God found in Ephesians 6:11-17, but they have no understanding on how to withstand the wickedness that satan throws their way. It is a shame, it is a pity. My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge. (Hosea 4:6)
But there is hope!!! The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned. Matt. 4:16 For those that acknowledge their lack of knowledge, Christ will begin to teach. He will begin to shine the Light of His Word into the dark crevices of your heart. He will take stories that you knew with your head and He will begin to make them real in your heart. You must only repent and desire to know Him, truly know Him. We, at Lighthouse Family Fellowship, would love to invite you to join us as we strive to become more spiritually literate.
Christian, what at pity, what a shame. You have spent years of your life sitting in that pew, that chair, that bench, and you know no more today than you did years ago. Yes, you may recall a story or two, you may even be able to vaguely recollect parts of the sermon from last week, but still you know nothing. Jesus said in Matthew 7:23--I never knew you. When He said this, Jesus was letting the audience know that there was a difference between head knowledge and heart knowledge. The word "knew" means a knowledge grounded on personal experience. You know love because you have personally experienced the love of Christ in your life. You know John 3:16, not because you can quote it from memory, but because you understand the depth of its contents. Scripture is personal for you, not just a mundane routine that you practice. The words that you read penetrate your heart and transform you mind. They infect every fiber of your being. You begin to know Him, and not just know Him.
Do you know where you can find a group of people that are 50-80% illiterate? Prison. Do you know where you can find 50-80% of Christians? In a spiritual prison. Why? Because they are spiritually illiterate. They are bound by bitterness or entrapped by envy. They succumb to self-centeredness or are puffed up by pride. They are in jail, imprisoned by their lack of understanding. Yes, they may know the armor of God found in Ephesians 6:11-17, but they have no understanding on how to withstand the wickedness that satan throws their way. It is a shame, it is a pity. My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge. (Hosea 4:6)
But there is hope!!! The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned. Matt. 4:16 For those that acknowledge their lack of knowledge, Christ will begin to teach. He will begin to shine the Light of His Word into the dark crevices of your heart. He will take stories that you knew with your head and He will begin to make them real in your heart. You must only repent and desire to know Him, truly know Him. We, at Lighthouse Family Fellowship, would love to invite you to join us as we strive to become more spiritually literate.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Morality without God is immoral
Many have heard the phrase, “separation between church and state” but many may not know that that phrase is found nowhere in our Constitution, or within any of our founding documents. But yet, many, me included, have been taught that there is to be a clear line between the church and politics. We have been told that those worlds are vastly different and are not to intertwine. We see the results of this thinking in our schools (no public prayer, restricting the name of Jesus Christ from speeches and writings), in our workplace (threats of dismissal for posting Christian literature in your office) and in our government (removal of the 10 Commandments) Was this the intent of the Founders? Would they agree with the stances we have taken, in our attempt to be a moral people by excluding God from many facets of life? Today, I would like to give you a picture of how far we have fallen from where we began.
The above text was taken from the Agreement of the Settlers at Exeter in New Hampshire July 5, 1639 under the heading, “The Elders or Rulers Oath.” The whole document is an exceptional piece of work, in that it understands and acknowledges that our government is under the authority of the Supreme Governor and that the purpose of those within the government is to minister encouragement to those that do well and judgment upon those doing evil. That sounds very familiar to what is said in I Peter 2:14. It says, “or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good.” When deciding if some action is good or evil, can God and God’s Word be left out? Are we, as humans, able to decipher those matters using our own intellect? NO!!! We are trying to, as a nation, but it is impossible.
Today, we are seeing our President attempting to punish those doing good and praising those doing evil. Just take a look at his recent speech to the Human Rights group October 1. In it he praises the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community, while belittling those that understand those behaviors as deviant and wrong. It is very clear that our President and many in government desire to impose their religious views upon others, apart from God. And where have I been during this slide toward humanism? On the sidelines watching from my church seat, minding my own business, as I was told to do; preaching from the Word and often ignoring the trends I was seeing, thinking that was not my role. Well, I am beginning to see things a bit differently now. I am understanding that it is my responsibility to speak up, my job to try to enlighten others on our founding, my duty to show others how far we have fallen and encourage us to rise back up to the standard we once held dear.
Am I a democrat? Am I a republican? NO, I am a Christian, my allegiance is to God, not to man. May we all begin to understand the importance of seeing Christ as our moral compass and not our own intellect, because morality without God is simply immoral.
“You shall swear by the great and dreadful Name of the High God, Maker and Governor of Heaven and earth and by the Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of the Kings and rulers of the earth, that in his Name and fear you will rule and govern his people according to the righteous will of God, ministering justice and judgment on the workers of iniquity, and ministering due encouragement and countenance to well doers, protecting of the people so far as in you lieth, by the help of God from foreign annoyance and inward disturbance, that they may live a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. So God be helpful and gracious to you and yours in Christ Jesus.”
Today, we are seeing our President attempting to punish those doing good and praising those doing evil. Just take a look at his recent speech to the Human Rights group October 1. In it he praises the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community, while belittling those that understand those behaviors as deviant and wrong. It is very clear that our President and many in government desire to impose their religious views upon others, apart from God. And where have I been during this slide toward humanism? On the sidelines watching from my church seat, minding my own business, as I was told to do; preaching from the Word and often ignoring the trends I was seeing, thinking that was not my role. Well, I am beginning to see things a bit differently now. I am understanding that it is my responsibility to speak up, my job to try to enlighten others on our founding, my duty to show others how far we have fallen and encourage us to rise back up to the standard we once held dear.
Am I a democrat? Am I a republican? NO, I am a Christian, my allegiance is to God, not to man. May we all begin to understand the importance of seeing Christ as our moral compass and not our own intellect, because morality without God is simply immoral.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Who's raising our children?
Ephesians 5:14-17 Therefore He says: "Awake, you who sleep, Arise fromthe dead, and Christ will give you light. See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
I understand that this topic may get very little traction in most circles, but in others it may cause some feathers to be ruffled; but its extreme importance drives me to speak. This article is not meant to be judgmental or challenging to your motives, but an honest attempt to bring to light something that is very puzzling, which I believe is also one cause of the destruction of our homes.
I believe that mose would agree that the days we are living in are evil. We are surrounded by immoral behavior like promiscuity, violence, drugs and foul language. It is in such a time that God's Word commands us to walk as wise people, redeeming the time. So, are we redeeming the time when it comes to our children? Are we the ones raising them, or is it our society?
Let me give you a run-down of what a life (birth-18) could look like in today's society. This is not meant to be scientific or perfectly applicable to every situation, but I believe many will be able to relate in some fashion. Baby is born, babysitter is sought after. Once one is found, baby spends roughly 8 hours a day there. Baby grows up and enters daycare and then preschool, all the while, probably spending more time with kids who act contrary to your standards than with you. Then, baby turns into a child and enters school. For the next 12 years your child spends 7-8 hours in school, possibly 1-2 hours involved in some extracurricular activity, 2-3 hours hanging out with friends, playing video games, watching TV or doing homework(probably not). Mix in an hour for breakfast and supper, which may be done as a family, or maybe not, and 8 hours for sleep and you have your day. Now fast forward to the age of 16. You begin to notice that your once very respectful, obedient child doesn't seem to be so respectful and obedient. Traits begin to arise that you had not seen before. The battle has begun, and you begin to ask yourself, "Where did they learn this behavior?"
Let me be clear, our children are always learning. The question is, who will be there teacher? Will society through teachers, friends, coaches, TV, movies and music, or will it be you? As parents, especially fathers, we have been given a huge responsibility. God's Word makes it clear that it is our duty to train up our children in the Word (and this does not mean merely taking them to church.) In Deuteronomy 6 Moses is clear, in that our training happens all the time (when you sit in your house, when taking a walk, when you wake up and when you go to sleep.)
Parents, are you redeeming the time with your children? Are you using the precious commodity, that the world wants, to teach your children how to live? My hope is that you are. By doing so, I truly believe that you show that you understand and practice the will of the Lord.
May God bless and protect your children from the schemings of the devil as you safeguard them from the one who desires to steal, kill and destroy them.
I understand that this topic may get very little traction in most circles, but in others it may cause some feathers to be ruffled; but its extreme importance drives me to speak. This article is not meant to be judgmental or challenging to your motives, but an honest attempt to bring to light something that is very puzzling, which I believe is also one cause of the destruction of our homes.
I believe that mose would agree that the days we are living in are evil. We are surrounded by immoral behavior like promiscuity, violence, drugs and foul language. It is in such a time that God's Word commands us to walk as wise people, redeeming the time. So, are we redeeming the time when it comes to our children? Are we the ones raising them, or is it our society?
Let me give you a run-down of what a life (birth-18) could look like in today's society. This is not meant to be scientific or perfectly applicable to every situation, but I believe many will be able to relate in some fashion. Baby is born, babysitter is sought after. Once one is found, baby spends roughly 8 hours a day there. Baby grows up and enters daycare and then preschool, all the while, probably spending more time with kids who act contrary to your standards than with you. Then, baby turns into a child and enters school. For the next 12 years your child spends 7-8 hours in school, possibly 1-2 hours involved in some extracurricular activity, 2-3 hours hanging out with friends, playing video games, watching TV or doing homework(probably not). Mix in an hour for breakfast and supper, which may be done as a family, or maybe not, and 8 hours for sleep and you have your day. Now fast forward to the age of 16. You begin to notice that your once very respectful, obedient child doesn't seem to be so respectful and obedient. Traits begin to arise that you had not seen before. The battle has begun, and you begin to ask yourself, "Where did they learn this behavior?"
Let me be clear, our children are always learning. The question is, who will be there teacher? Will society through teachers, friends, coaches, TV, movies and music, or will it be you? As parents, especially fathers, we have been given a huge responsibility. God's Word makes it clear that it is our duty to train up our children in the Word (and this does not mean merely taking them to church.) In Deuteronomy 6 Moses is clear, in that our training happens all the time (when you sit in your house, when taking a walk, when you wake up and when you go to sleep.)
Parents, are you redeeming the time with your children? Are you using the precious commodity, that the world wants, to teach your children how to live? My hope is that you are. By doing so, I truly believe that you show that you understand and practice the will of the Lord.
May God bless and protect your children from the schemings of the devil as you safeguard them from the one who desires to steal, kill and destroy them.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Complaining and Disputing
Philippians 2:14 says that we are to do all things without complaining or disputing. In this message we tackle this tough issue while looking at the Israelites in the desert. Click here to hear it.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Bread of Life
John 6:48 I am the bread of life.
If you were to see this stat--Attendance:93 Bible readers:5--on your church wall, what might you think? Would it bother you? Would you be concerned or would you just realize that people are busy and don't really have time to read their Bibles? I'm curious what priority you put on Bible studying; is it something that is unnecessary, something that would benefit you, if you had time, or something that you cannot live without? Sadly, most Christians fall into one of the first two categories.
Today, I would like to challenge you to revisit your priority list and see if Bible studying is where it should be. The Bible clearly tells us that Jesus is the Word (John 1) and that the Word is our bread of life (John 6). While your physical body was made to live on physical food, your spiritual body was designed to be sustained with the Word. That is why we have many, many believers today walking around on spiritual life support (and some are just plain dead). Some are propped up by a weekly Sunday service, which acts like a spiritual flotation device; take it away, and that person sinks into spiritual death. Others seek no propping at all, and are just content with their social gathering; either not realizing, or not caring about their spiritual deadness. It is a shame that Christ has given us a resource that is designed to create strong, vibrant, productive and healthy followers, but we have reduced it to a book end on our book shelf.
As believers, we must gain our strength and endurance from the Word daily; allowing it to rebuke, correct and instruct us in righteousness. My hope and prayer is that you will understand the importance of His Word, and then reprioritize your life, so that it takes center stage. I believer that then your life will begin to become a fountain that living water flows from.
May Christ richly bless you as you seek His face.
If you were to see this stat--Attendance:93 Bible readers:5--on your church wall, what might you think? Would it bother you? Would you be concerned or would you just realize that people are busy and don't really have time to read their Bibles? I'm curious what priority you put on Bible studying; is it something that is unnecessary, something that would benefit you, if you had time, or something that you cannot live without? Sadly, most Christians fall into one of the first two categories.
Today, I would like to challenge you to revisit your priority list and see if Bible studying is where it should be. The Bible clearly tells us that Jesus is the Word (John 1) and that the Word is our bread of life (John 6). While your physical body was made to live on physical food, your spiritual body was designed to be sustained with the Word. That is why we have many, many believers today walking around on spiritual life support (and some are just plain dead). Some are propped up by a weekly Sunday service, which acts like a spiritual flotation device; take it away, and that person sinks into spiritual death. Others seek no propping at all, and are just content with their social gathering; either not realizing, or not caring about their spiritual deadness. It is a shame that Christ has given us a resource that is designed to create strong, vibrant, productive and healthy followers, but we have reduced it to a book end on our book shelf.
As believers, we must gain our strength and endurance from the Word daily; allowing it to rebuke, correct and instruct us in righteousness. My hope and prayer is that you will understand the importance of His Word, and then reprioritize your life, so that it takes center stage. I believer that then your life will begin to become a fountain that living water flows from.
May Christ richly bless you as you seek His face.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
A Lesson from Jonah
Many lessons could be ascertained from the short book of Jonah, but one that may be overlooked, which is of utmost importance is God’s Providence. Four times (1:17, 4:6, 4:7, 4:8) we see that God prepared something for Jonah. First, it was a great fish to swallow him; second, a plant to shade him. Then God arranged for a worm to eat the plant that He provided. Lastly, a strong east wind was prepared.
All of these provisions were designed with one distinct purpose in mind: get Jonah’s mind on the right track. God used different circumstances, that many of us would say were awful, to draw Jonah’s attention back to Himself. The same could be true in some circumstances in your life today. Maybe God is allowing certain events to occur in your life as an attempt to draw you back to Himself. Many resist God’s calling, choosing rather to blame Him than submit to His will. I do not claim to understand why all things happen in today’s society (death, destruction, poverty and starvation), but I do understand that I serve a Sovereign God who controls the wind and waves and has a perfect plan that I may not understand.
I also believe in God’s promise found in Romans 8:28. It says, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” For the God-seeker, life is centered on the understanding that God is in control and that He wants what is best for us, even if we do not understand it now.
Will you submit to His will? Will you surrender your will and allow Him to begin to direct your steps?
All of these provisions were designed with one distinct purpose in mind: get Jonah’s mind on the right track. God used different circumstances, that many of us would say were awful, to draw Jonah’s attention back to Himself. The same could be true in some circumstances in your life today. Maybe God is allowing certain events to occur in your life as an attempt to draw you back to Himself. Many resist God’s calling, choosing rather to blame Him than submit to His will. I do not claim to understand why all things happen in today’s society (death, destruction, poverty and starvation), but I do understand that I serve a Sovereign God who controls the wind and waves and has a perfect plan that I may not understand.
I also believe in God’s promise found in Romans 8:28. It says, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” For the God-seeker, life is centered on the understanding that God is in control and that He wants what is best for us, even if we do not understand it now.
Will you submit to His will? Will you surrender your will and allow Him to begin to direct your steps?
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
Guidelines for Giving
Last week we covered the idea of tithing vs. freewill giving and tried to establish which principle was practiced and promoted in the New Testament. This week we will tackle the guidelines, found in the Bible, which should be followed for each individual desiring to give.
Born Again. III John 5-8 shows us that when workers were sent out they took, “nothing from the Gentiles(unbeliever’s).” I believe this pattern should be followed today. The spreading of the Good News should be laid squarely on the shoulders of the believer’s, not the unbeliever’s. The sad state of our churches today, however, is that most congregations will take money from anyone, with no consideration to their spiritual status. Are you born again? If “yes” then you have passed the first test.
Clear conscience. Matthew 5:23-24 says, “Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” When we desire to bring our gift to the Lord we must check ourselves to be sure that we can do so with a clear conscience. Unresolved bitterness and unforgiveness must be dealt with first, then our gift may be offered. Again, many people do not take this Scripture to heart. Have you cleared your conscience? Is there any individual who you need to forgive, or ask for forgiveness? Do so today, and then bring your gift to the altar.
Secretly. Matthew 6:1-18 highlights three areas in which one practices righteousness: almsgiving, prayer and fasting. One theme is found in each of these areas: secrecy. This is an area that most everyone struggles with at one point or another. Our human nature is programmed to desire the praise of men, but as we grow in the Spirit, we recognize the importance of receiving the praise of God. When you give, do not tell others the amount you gave, or hint at the idea that you tithe often. Leave the amount and frequency with the Lord and see how well the Lord can reward you.
With preparation. I Corinthians 9:7 says, “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” Since we talked about free-willing/cheerful giving last week, I will not discuss that part again, but I would like to address the first part of this verse. When we give, it is to be done purposefully with preparation. We are not called to give based on coercion or guilt. Nor should our giving be a practice where we give the loose bill or change that we have in our pocket. Our giving should be based solely on what the Lord has laid on our hearts through prayer.
To close, this guideline to giving is not intended to be all inclusive, but a simple plan to help all of us understand the basics. Again, if any of you have questions, complaints or comments, please let me know.
May God richly bless you as you seek His face in your giving.
Born Again. III John 5-8 shows us that when workers were sent out they took, “nothing from the Gentiles(unbeliever’s).” I believe this pattern should be followed today. The spreading of the Good News should be laid squarely on the shoulders of the believer’s, not the unbeliever’s. The sad state of our churches today, however, is that most congregations will take money from anyone, with no consideration to their spiritual status. Are you born again? If “yes” then you have passed the first test.
Clear conscience. Matthew 5:23-24 says, “Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” When we desire to bring our gift to the Lord we must check ourselves to be sure that we can do so with a clear conscience. Unresolved bitterness and unforgiveness must be dealt with first, then our gift may be offered. Again, many people do not take this Scripture to heart. Have you cleared your conscience? Is there any individual who you need to forgive, or ask for forgiveness? Do so today, and then bring your gift to the altar.
Secretly. Matthew 6:1-18 highlights three areas in which one practices righteousness: almsgiving, prayer and fasting. One theme is found in each of these areas: secrecy. This is an area that most everyone struggles with at one point or another. Our human nature is programmed to desire the praise of men, but as we grow in the Spirit, we recognize the importance of receiving the praise of God. When you give, do not tell others the amount you gave, or hint at the idea that you tithe often. Leave the amount and frequency with the Lord and see how well the Lord can reward you.
With preparation. I Corinthians 9:7 says, “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” Since we talked about free-willing/cheerful giving last week, I will not discuss that part again, but I would like to address the first part of this verse. When we give, it is to be done purposefully with preparation. We are not called to give based on coercion or guilt. Nor should our giving be a practice where we give the loose bill or change that we have in our pocket. Our giving should be based solely on what the Lord has laid on our hearts through prayer.
To close, this guideline to giving is not intended to be all inclusive, but a simple plan to help all of us understand the basics. Again, if any of you have questions, complaints or comments, please let me know.
May God richly bless you as you seek His face in your giving.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Content or Contentious?
Which are you? Which would those close to you say that you are? Are you content with who you are, what you have, what decisions have been made, what your life is like or do you find yourself unhappy in these areas? What is the one indicator that others will use to decipher our attitude? Our tongue!!! Let me share a few Scripture verses that can guide us in our use of our tongue, so that when others hear us they will know that we are content.
Let’s keep I Timothy 6:6 and 8 in the forefront of our memory throughout this discussion. They say, “Now godliness with contentment is great gain” and “Having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.” There is great gain for the individual who strives for godliness and accompanies that with a happy attitude. Now, how do we demonstrate this attitude with our tongue? I Corinthians 14 would be a good place to look. Throughout the chapter, Paul is discussing the use of tongues and all throughout the section he mentions that it should be used for edification.(vs. 3, 5, 12, and 26) Edification means to uplift or encourage. We must use our tongue to find the good in people, situations and life and not the bad. Hebrews 3:13 and 10:25 both speak to the idea of exhorting one another one a continual basis, encouraging them with our tongue.
When you have been sincerely encouraged by someone, what is the effect? Do you feel more united or divided? See, God desires for us to be content and for us to demonstrate this contentment by building others up to create unity among brethren. This unity cannot develop if we spend our time looking at the negative, putting others down in the process. Ephesians 4:29 says, “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” So, let me encourage you to spend your days finding the good in others and in life. Focus on the blessings of God and talk of it often. Let your wife know she’s wonderful, or that you appreciate your husband. Believe me, the results will be wonderful.
Let me close with a few more verses that encourage us to build others up. Romans 14:19 says, “Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.” I Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.”When you have been sincerely encouraged by someone, what is the effect? Do you feel more united or divided? See, God desires for us to be content and for us to demonstrate this contentment by building others up to create unity among brethren. This unity cannot develop if we spend our time looking at the negative, putting others down in the process. Ephesians 4:29 says, “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” So, let me encourage you to spend your days finding the good in others and in life. Focus on the blessings of God and talk of it often. Let your wife know she’s wonderful, or that you appreciate your husband. Believe me, the results will be wonderful.
May we continually demonstrate our content attitude by uplifting others by the expressions of our mouth.
“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” I Thessalonians 5:23Wednesday, July 20, 2011
The two fires
James 3:8-12 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.
Do you struggle with your tongue? Have you ever noticed yourself saying something and then shortly after wondering why you ever opened your mouth? Have you used your tongue to bless God and also to curse man? My brethren, these things ought not to be so. I have been working on this lately, trying to rid my tongue of corrupt speech and only speaking what is good for necessary edification. Ephesians 4:29
Here are a few verses that have helped me when dealing with my unruly tongue. Psalms 141:3 “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.” Proverbs 13:3 “He who guards his mouth preserves his life, But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.” Proverbs 21:23 “Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles.” We must remember that in the multitude of words, sin is not lacking.
There are two fires that our tongue can be set on fire by: hell and the Holy Spirit. In James 3:6 we see that our tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The end of that verse states that the tongue is set on fire by hell. On the other hand, we see in Acts 2:3-4 that our tongue can also be set on fire by the Holy Spirit. “Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
A tongue set on fire by hell will result in division; one set on fire by the Holy Spirit will create unity. Just as the story of the Tower of Babel, where their languages were confused, causing division; so, on the Day of Pentecost, where the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit, unity was found. People from many nations were able to hear the gospel preached in their own language. How do you use your tongue? Do you sharpen your tongue like a sword, using bitter words to harm others? Psalms 64:3 Or do you use your tongue like a wise person, which promotes health? Proverbs 12:18
May the Lord work in us to make one of our most powerful instruments only edify and not destroy.
Do you struggle with your tongue? Have you ever noticed yourself saying something and then shortly after wondering why you ever opened your mouth? Have you used your tongue to bless God and also to curse man? My brethren, these things ought not to be so. I have been working on this lately, trying to rid my tongue of corrupt speech and only speaking what is good for necessary edification. Ephesians 4:29
Here are a few verses that have helped me when dealing with my unruly tongue. Psalms 141:3 “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.” Proverbs 13:3 “He who guards his mouth preserves his life, But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.” Proverbs 21:23 “Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles.” We must remember that in the multitude of words, sin is not lacking.
There are two fires that our tongue can be set on fire by: hell and the Holy Spirit. In James 3:6 we see that our tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The end of that verse states that the tongue is set on fire by hell. On the other hand, we see in Acts 2:3-4 that our tongue can also be set on fire by the Holy Spirit. “Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
A tongue set on fire by hell will result in division; one set on fire by the Holy Spirit will create unity. Just as the story of the Tower of Babel, where their languages were confused, causing division; so, on the Day of Pentecost, where the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit, unity was found. People from many nations were able to hear the gospel preached in their own language. How do you use your tongue? Do you sharpen your tongue like a sword, using bitter words to harm others? Psalms 64:3 Or do you use your tongue like a wise person, which promotes health? Proverbs 12:18
May the Lord work in us to make one of our most powerful instruments only edify and not destroy.
Missionary Dating
II Corinthians 6:14-16a--Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God.
For those of you that may not be familiar with the term, missionary dating is when a believer chooses to date a non-believer, with the hope that they (the believer) will win over the non-believer by their actions. In my experience, the end result has never been good. In some cases the believer gets deeply hurt because they invested so much and got nothing in return. In other cases the believer stops coming to church, because they are no longer interested in the things of God. Scripture is clear; believers are to have no fellowship or communion with an unbeliever. (To avoid any confusion, fellowship and communion are not the same as association. Check out I Corinthians 5:9-11)
My concern is that the concept of missionary dating has entered the church. The goal is correct, save the lost, but the means is not. I fear that many churches today are attempting to draw worldly people into church and into Christ by using worldly means. We attempt to get the unreachable into the door of the church through some worldly facet, in hope that through our neat activities they will desire to have fellowship with us and more importantly, with Christ. The problem, when we use worldly means to entice the world, we must continue to use worldly means to keep them there.
Let me ask you a few questions. What methods are you using to draw people to your church and to Christ? Are they similar to the ones used by Christ and the apostles? Remember what Ephesians 2:20-22 says, “having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” Whenever we consider an approach to grow Christ’s church we must compare it to the methods Christ, the apostles and prophets used. We do not need some new and improved, study-proven plan to draw in unbelievers, Christ already gave us one. It is found in Luke 24:47. The message we are to preach is a very basic one: repentance and remission of sins. You won’t draw many fleshly oriented people with it, but those that realize their need for a Savior and the fruits that He provides, will come.
I challenge each church to check the message they are preaching and methods they are using to draw in people. Would you be willing to try one test to see where you are spiritually? As a church, take away every extra activity you do for 6 months, no more Friday night game night, or Sunday morning children’s church; no more band or Wednesday night youth group, and then look around and see who is left in your congregation. All that would remain is simple worship, with a piano or guitar or maybe no instruments, and preaching that centers on repentance and remission of sins. What would your church look like in 6 months? I fear that most churches in the U.S. would dwindle away, because our foundation is not on the Rock, but on sinking sand. May God encourage you to seek revival within yourself and then within your church.
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