"And He told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart." (Luke 18:1)
It would seem that our options are to either pray or to lose heart. Other translations say, "pray and do not faint." Jesus described the Christian life in John 15:5 with the illustration of a vine and branches. If you sever the branch from the vine it will wither and die. We are to abide in Christ in a relationship like the branch to the vine. One of the ways that we do that is through prayer.
Today I have one of those days that seems to have more in it than I can possibly do. I need to cut my grass, finish sermon preparation, attend a grandaughter's dance recital, perform a wedding, and go to a barbeque for a daughter that is leaving town. I am reminded of Martin Luther, the great reformer, who once said, "I have so much to do today that I must spend more time in prayer."
Prayer puts us in touch with the unlimited power and resources of God. Do not neglect your time in the prayer closet. You heavenly Father wants to spend quality time with you today.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
Gain a World Vision
"Where there is no vision, the people wander without direction." (Prov. 29:18)
Many of you know that I have planted a garden for the first time in my life. Tomatoes are on the vines, as well as squash. The corn and beans are growing. There are blooms on the cucumber plants. All of the hard work and labor, from plowing, to sowing, to weeding, is all with a view to the harvest.
In John 4 Jesus compares the harvest to world evangelization. He says, "Don't say there are still four months until harvest. Lift up your eyes and notice that the fields are already white to harvest." While God has not called every Christian to be a vocational missionary, He has called every single one of us to devote our lives to being a witness for Him, at home and all the way to the ends of the earth. (Recall Acts 1:8).
Our 15th team in 26 months returns to Hopkins from two weeks in West Africa. We are working among a people group of 4 million, most of whom have not yet heard the Gospel. In the village where we work no one had ever preached the Gospel before we arrived. What about you? Who are you telling, and who else will you tell?
Pray that God will give to you a world vision. Ask Him to lead you to adopt His passion for the nations to hear and know the Gospel. You can pray for the peoples of the world. Some can go. If you cannot go, you can financially help others to go. For more information on world evangelization, contact me at brad@beulahbaptist.com.
Many of you know that I have planted a garden for the first time in my life. Tomatoes are on the vines, as well as squash. The corn and beans are growing. There are blooms on the cucumber plants. All of the hard work and labor, from plowing, to sowing, to weeding, is all with a view to the harvest.
In John 4 Jesus compares the harvest to world evangelization. He says, "Don't say there are still four months until harvest. Lift up your eyes and notice that the fields are already white to harvest." While God has not called every Christian to be a vocational missionary, He has called every single one of us to devote our lives to being a witness for Him, at home and all the way to the ends of the earth. (Recall Acts 1:8).
Our 15th team in 26 months returns to Hopkins from two weeks in West Africa. We are working among a people group of 4 million, most of whom have not yet heard the Gospel. In the village where we work no one had ever preached the Gospel before we arrived. What about you? Who are you telling, and who else will you tell?
Pray that God will give to you a world vision. Ask Him to lead you to adopt His passion for the nations to hear and know the Gospel. You can pray for the peoples of the world. Some can go. If you cannot go, you can financially help others to go. For more information on world evangelization, contact me at brad@beulahbaptist.com.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Opportunity
"And Jesus said, 'Bring them here to me.'" (Matt. 14:18)
A very large crowd was assembled, and the day was almost gone. The disciples suggested to Jesus that he send the people to nearby villages where they could all buy food and eat. Jesus said "they don't need to go away, you guys feed them." The disciples said, we have only five loaves and two fish. That seemed so small an offering, and yet Jesus said, "Bring them here to me."
You probably remember this story. Jesus had the crowds sit down, he prayed, and he took the small offering and distributed it to the crowd. The scripture says, "They all ate and were satisfied." And when all was said and done there were 12 baskets of food left. That is more than they started with.
Our particular occaisions of life are actually opportunities for God, if we will present them to Him. We need to bring ourselves, our needs, and our resources to God, and say, "Here I am, here is what I have, here is what is needed, what do you want me to do? What will You do?"
There are multiple truths here. Obviously there is faith to believe God can do. There is also obedience. We must give Jesus ourselves and our resources. Not because He needs us or them, but because we need Him. Bring what you have to Jesus today. He will amaze you.
A very large crowd was assembled, and the day was almost gone. The disciples suggested to Jesus that he send the people to nearby villages where they could all buy food and eat. Jesus said "they don't need to go away, you guys feed them." The disciples said, we have only five loaves and two fish. That seemed so small an offering, and yet Jesus said, "Bring them here to me."
You probably remember this story. Jesus had the crowds sit down, he prayed, and he took the small offering and distributed it to the crowd. The scripture says, "They all ate and were satisfied." And when all was said and done there were 12 baskets of food left. That is more than they started with.
Our particular occaisions of life are actually opportunities for God, if we will present them to Him. We need to bring ourselves, our needs, and our resources to God, and say, "Here I am, here is what I have, here is what is needed, what do you want me to do? What will You do?"
There are multiple truths here. Obviously there is faith to believe God can do. There is also obedience. We must give Jesus ourselves and our resources. Not because He needs us or them, but because we need Him. Bring what you have to Jesus today. He will amaze you.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Wells of Strength (Devotional)
Read all of Psalm 84
"Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. As they go through the Valley of Baca they make it a place of springs;" (Ps. 84: 4-5a)
"Baca" is from Hebrew for "weeping". We all face valleys of weeping in our lives. There are times of difficulty and struggle. The person who has placed their faith and confidence in God will not only find their strength to go through these valleys in victory, they will find a way to turn the valleys into wells, springs of strength for others. Their example, their testimony will lead others to find a way.
In the book of Numbers we read, "Spring up, O well; sing ye unto it." (21:17). The Israelites had been traveling over the barren sands of the desert. They were famished with thirst. God told Moses to gather the people together and He would supply their need. The children of God began to sing praises to the Lord and they began to dig in the sands, and God sent springs of water.
The real instrument of digging the wells for the Israelites was their praise to God in the midst of difficult circumstances. Turn your difficulties into opportunities of praise. And God will send refreshing wells of strength in your life.
"Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. As they go through the Valley of Baca they make it a place of springs;" (Ps. 84: 4-5a)
"Baca" is from Hebrew for "weeping". We all face valleys of weeping in our lives. There are times of difficulty and struggle. The person who has placed their faith and confidence in God will not only find their strength to go through these valleys in victory, they will find a way to turn the valleys into wells, springs of strength for others. Their example, their testimony will lead others to find a way.
In the book of Numbers we read, "Spring up, O well; sing ye unto it." (21:17). The Israelites had been traveling over the barren sands of the desert. They were famished with thirst. God told Moses to gather the people together and He would supply their need. The children of God began to sing praises to the Lord and they began to dig in the sands, and God sent springs of water.
The real instrument of digging the wells for the Israelites was their praise to God in the midst of difficult circumstances. Turn your difficulties into opportunities of praise. And God will send refreshing wells of strength in your life.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Time of Exile (Devotion)
"Conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile." (I Peter 1:17b)
This is written to Christians. The idea of "fear" here means "reverence for God". In other words, Peter's instructions are that while we live in this world, we are to remember that this is not our home and we are to live as those who will give an account of their life to their Father when they arrive home.
We tend to put down our roots and buy things like this world is our final desitination. The truth is we are sojourners, pilgrims, people living in exile. Our home is heaven and we are only here for a short period of time.
One of the difficulties we face in mission work in West Africa is how to make the Bible fit the every day practicalities of life. They are learning and know the stories. But how do they impact their daily lifestyle. As I think about that, it is the same problem that we have here in America. How do I translate the principles of truth into practical application to my life each day.
I see the story. I see the principle of truth. How does God want me to apply that today in my personal life? How will I make it real and genuine? What does God want me to do in light of His Word? It is what James talks about as a living faith, when he says faith without works is dead. As John Calvin once said, "Faith alone saves, but the faith that saves is not alone."
This is written to Christians. The idea of "fear" here means "reverence for God". In other words, Peter's instructions are that while we live in this world, we are to remember that this is not our home and we are to live as those who will give an account of their life to their Father when they arrive home.
We tend to put down our roots and buy things like this world is our final desitination. The truth is we are sojourners, pilgrims, people living in exile. Our home is heaven and we are only here for a short period of time.
One of the difficulties we face in mission work in West Africa is how to make the Bible fit the every day practicalities of life. They are learning and know the stories. But how do they impact their daily lifestyle. As I think about that, it is the same problem that we have here in America. How do I translate the principles of truth into practical application to my life each day.
I see the story. I see the principle of truth. How does God want me to apply that today in my personal life? How will I make it real and genuine? What does God want me to do in light of His Word? It is what James talks about as a living faith, when he says faith without works is dead. As John Calvin once said, "Faith alone saves, but the faith that saves is not alone."
Friday, May 22, 2009
Trust and Obey (Devotion)
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding, In all your ways acknowledge him, and he wil make straight your paths." (Prov. 3:5-6)
Do you remember the words of the hymn many of us grew up singing in church? "When we walk with the Lord, in the light of His Word, what a glory He sheds on our way; When we do His good will, He abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey. Trust and obey, for there's no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey."
Trusting has to do with believing God. Placeing all of our confidence in Him and the promises that He has made. Acknowledging Him in all our ways means being completely obedient to what He tells us to do. We have a hard time with that. But listen, partial obedience is the same thing as disobedience. And for obedience to truly be obedience, it must be immediate.
We can sit around waiting on some "feeling" to come our way, but we will be disappointed. If our approach is "I will do that when I feel like it", we will discover that we are not truly walking with the Lord. If you want to experience the "glory" that He can shed on our way, as the song says, then obey God right now. He will bless your obedience. He will meet you at the point of your obedience.-
Do you remember the words of the hymn many of us grew up singing in church? "When we walk with the Lord, in the light of His Word, what a glory He sheds on our way; When we do His good will, He abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey. Trust and obey, for there's no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey."
Trusting has to do with believing God. Placeing all of our confidence in Him and the promises that He has made. Acknowledging Him in all our ways means being completely obedient to what He tells us to do. We have a hard time with that. But listen, partial obedience is the same thing as disobedience. And for obedience to truly be obedience, it must be immediate.
We can sit around waiting on some "feeling" to come our way, but we will be disappointed. If our approach is "I will do that when I feel like it", we will discover that we are not truly walking with the Lord. If you want to experience the "glory" that He can shed on our way, as the song says, then obey God right now. He will bless your obedience. He will meet you at the point of your obedience.-
Thursday, May 21, 2009
The Habit of Prayer (Devotion)
"But He would withdraw to desolate places and pray." (Luke 5:16)
We noted yesterday that Jesus got up early in the morning while it was still dark to go and pray. The night before He had been pressed upon by the crowd. When He finished praying in that passage in Mark 1:35, everyone was pressing on Him again with demands on His time. What we discover in this passage in Luke is that prayer was not an every once in a while occurrence for Jesus, but the settled habit of His life. It was the priority of His life. It was the thing that gave Him direction and clarity of purpose.
How much more is it significant for us, if it was important to Jesus? Over and over again I am amazed at how little time dedicated Christian people spend in prayer. When Christianity Today put out the results many years ago saying that the average american christian spends 1 minute a day in prayer, I thought that has to be wrong. But the more I talk with believers, the more likely I think it is a reflection of the absolute truth.
What about in your life? How significant is prayer? I am not talking about the obligatory blessing we say before we eat, or the "Now I lay me down to sleep" kinds of prayers, but the genuine time alone talking with and listening to God. Why not start today with a determined commitment to make an appointment with God? He is waiting to spend quality time with you. Pick a time of the day when you will not be interrupted. Take your Bible, a notebook and something to write with. Turn off your cell phone and the computer. Get alone with God. He has time for you.
We noted yesterday that Jesus got up early in the morning while it was still dark to go and pray. The night before He had been pressed upon by the crowd. When He finished praying in that passage in Mark 1:35, everyone was pressing on Him again with demands on His time. What we discover in this passage in Luke is that prayer was not an every once in a while occurrence for Jesus, but the settled habit of His life. It was the priority of His life. It was the thing that gave Him direction and clarity of purpose.
How much more is it significant for us, if it was important to Jesus? Over and over again I am amazed at how little time dedicated Christian people spend in prayer. When Christianity Today put out the results many years ago saying that the average american christian spends 1 minute a day in prayer, I thought that has to be wrong. But the more I talk with believers, the more likely I think it is a reflection of the absolute truth.
What about in your life? How significant is prayer? I am not talking about the obligatory blessing we say before we eat, or the "Now I lay me down to sleep" kinds of prayers, but the genuine time alone talking with and listening to God. Why not start today with a determined commitment to make an appointment with God? He is waiting to spend quality time with you. Pick a time of the day when you will not be interrupted. Take your Bible, a notebook and something to write with. Turn off your cell phone and the computer. Get alone with God. He has time for you.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Priority of Prayer (Devotional)
"And rising early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed." (Mark 1:35)
This is a description of what was a regular habit of Jesus throughout His earthly ministry. Although He never ceased to be God in His essence, He did the things that He did in this world as a man led by God's Spirit. If prayer was significantly important in the life of Jesus, how much more so should it be in our lives?
In almost every major world religion, prayer is all about how to manipulate God to do something that a person desires or wants. In the Christian faith it is about ordering our will and priorities to God. If we delight ourselves in Him, He will give us the desires of our hearts, the psalmist said. That is because when we delight ourself in Him, our desires become a reflection of His will.
God created and designed us and knows what is best. His interest in our lives is for us to discover His absolute best. Sometimes His answers are "No" because He knows what we desire is ultimately harmful or less than His best. Sometimes He says, "Wait" because He wants to teach us to trust Him. When we manage to pray that which is His will, His answer of "Yes" comes even before we say, "Amen."
When Jesus comes out of His prayer time, Simon says to Him, "Everyone is looking for you." What is interesting is that Jesus does not respond to that and go where they are looking for Him.
God has given Him another priority and He does God's will. So should we.
This is a description of what was a regular habit of Jesus throughout His earthly ministry. Although He never ceased to be God in His essence, He did the things that He did in this world as a man led by God's Spirit. If prayer was significantly important in the life of Jesus, how much more so should it be in our lives?
In almost every major world religion, prayer is all about how to manipulate God to do something that a person desires or wants. In the Christian faith it is about ordering our will and priorities to God. If we delight ourselves in Him, He will give us the desires of our hearts, the psalmist said. That is because when we delight ourself in Him, our desires become a reflection of His will.
God created and designed us and knows what is best. His interest in our lives is for us to discover His absolute best. Sometimes His answers are "No" because He knows what we desire is ultimately harmful or less than His best. Sometimes He says, "Wait" because He wants to teach us to trust Him. When we manage to pray that which is His will, His answer of "Yes" comes even before we say, "Amen."
When Jesus comes out of His prayer time, Simon says to Him, "Everyone is looking for you." What is interesting is that Jesus does not respond to that and go where they are looking for Him.
God has given Him another priority and He does God's will. So should we.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Does God Ever Change His Mind? (Discussion)
Hezekiah was one of the great kings among God's people, and there is an incredible story in 2 Kings 20. Isaiah the prophet comes at God's command and informs Hezekiah that he needs to put his house in order because he is fixing to die. Hezekiah weeps and prays before God, and before Isaiah gets out of the palace, God stops him and says, "Go back and tell Hezekiah that I have seen his tears, and I have heard his prayers, and I am going to heal him." (v. 5)
It is truly an incredible story about the power of prayer. I read today that when we pray rightly, God answers our prayer before we finish praying. That is based on the promises of His word. Jesus told us that anything we ask in His name will be done. So when we pray God's will in faith, He answers before we finish our prayers. Wow.
But my question today, is "Does God change His mind?" We know the scripture teaches that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. So does that mean there is no real need to pray because God has already decided what will happen? Is the outcome so pre-determined that our prayers are just mechanical recitations that have no impact? Of does God never changing have to do with His character, and in fact He does change what He is going to do in certain situations based on our prayers.
Offer your opinion. No matter how radical you are, let's seek the truth.
It is truly an incredible story about the power of prayer. I read today that when we pray rightly, God answers our prayer before we finish praying. That is based on the promises of His word. Jesus told us that anything we ask in His name will be done. So when we pray God's will in faith, He answers before we finish our prayers. Wow.
But my question today, is "Does God change His mind?" We know the scripture teaches that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. So does that mean there is no real need to pray because God has already decided what will happen? Is the outcome so pre-determined that our prayers are just mechanical recitations that have no impact? Of does God never changing have to do with His character, and in fact He does change what He is going to do in certain situations based on our prayers.
Offer your opinion. No matter how radical you are, let's seek the truth.
Stop it. (Devotion)
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be t ransformed by the renewal of your mind..." (Rom. 12:2)
When this text speaks of this world, it is talking about the "world order" around us, which would mean the standards and ethics of a world system under the control of satan. One paraphrase says, "Don't let the world squeeze you into its mold." In the Greek text the command is literally, "Stop being conformed." In other words, don't let the standards of the world system guide you in your lifestyle. Instead, let God transform you.
One of the difficulties is sorting through what is our responsibility and what is God's. The scripture does not teach that the Christian life is lived by imitating Jesus. It is not thinking hard, "What would Jesus do" and then trying to do it. The Christian life is about reproduction. It is staying so connected to Christ that the Holy Spirit produces the new life in us.
Our responsibility then is to cooperate. We are to daily choose to not adopt the world order, but to stay yielded to Christ. We are to stop letting the world squeeze us into its mold. We are to actively allow the Holy Spirit to guide us. That means, "We say 'Yes' to His promptings, and "no" to temptation when it comes.
God has promised in I Cor. 10:13 to show us the way out of every temptation that comes, if we will look to Him. Paul wrote to the Phillipian church that we are to work out what God has worked in. So today, cooperate with God. He wants to transform our character.
When this text speaks of this world, it is talking about the "world order" around us, which would mean the standards and ethics of a world system under the control of satan. One paraphrase says, "Don't let the world squeeze you into its mold." In the Greek text the command is literally, "Stop being conformed." In other words, don't let the standards of the world system guide you in your lifestyle. Instead, let God transform you.
One of the difficulties is sorting through what is our responsibility and what is God's. The scripture does not teach that the Christian life is lived by imitating Jesus. It is not thinking hard, "What would Jesus do" and then trying to do it. The Christian life is about reproduction. It is staying so connected to Christ that the Holy Spirit produces the new life in us.
Our responsibility then is to cooperate. We are to daily choose to not adopt the world order, but to stay yielded to Christ. We are to stop letting the world squeeze us into its mold. We are to actively allow the Holy Spirit to guide us. That means, "We say 'Yes' to His promptings, and "no" to temptation when it comes.
God has promised in I Cor. 10:13 to show us the way out of every temptation that comes, if we will look to Him. Paul wrote to the Phillipian church that we are to work out what God has worked in. So today, cooperate with God. He wants to transform our character.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Comfortable Christianity (For Discussion)
"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you." ( I Peter 4:12)
Notice that this does not say "if" fiery trials come your way, but "when." These words come from Peter who had three times denied Jesus, but then be restored in John 21 only to be told he would die a violent death for serving Christ. Jesus told us not to be surprised when persecution comes or way.
But we don't like that. We want a little dose of God and faith. We want enough of God to have a sense of security that we are going to go to heaven, but not enough faith that will bring on the fiery trials. We like our comfort. We complain if it is too hot or cold in our cushioned pews on Sunday. We worry if the worship service goes a little too long or if the preacher asks for too much money.
Maybe most of us aren't convinced of the "prosperity gospel". While some have fallen victim to that plight, most of us are more grounded in scripture. But we are far more concerned about our comfort level. We even preach that to be in the center of God's will is safe. But is it? Wasn't Daniel in the will of God when he got tossed into the lion's den? Weren't Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego in the Lord's will when they got grilled in the oven? And what about Stephen, was he safe in the will of God, or did he not die?
I believe it was Rick Warren who reminded us that God is far more interested in our character than in our comfort. Which one are you seeking? To be comfortable, or to be yielded to God's will and His purpose to transform your character? Are we teaching God's Word, or are we proclaiming a Comfort Zone message?
Notice that this does not say "if" fiery trials come your way, but "when." These words come from Peter who had three times denied Jesus, but then be restored in John 21 only to be told he would die a violent death for serving Christ. Jesus told us not to be surprised when persecution comes or way.
But we don't like that. We want a little dose of God and faith. We want enough of God to have a sense of security that we are going to go to heaven, but not enough faith that will bring on the fiery trials. We like our comfort. We complain if it is too hot or cold in our cushioned pews on Sunday. We worry if the worship service goes a little too long or if the preacher asks for too much money.
Maybe most of us aren't convinced of the "prosperity gospel". While some have fallen victim to that plight, most of us are more grounded in scripture. But we are far more concerned about our comfort level. We even preach that to be in the center of God's will is safe. But is it? Wasn't Daniel in the will of God when he got tossed into the lion's den? Weren't Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego in the Lord's will when they got grilled in the oven? And what about Stephen, was he safe in the will of God, or did he not die?
I believe it was Rick Warren who reminded us that God is far more interested in our character than in our comfort. Which one are you seeking? To be comfortable, or to be yielded to God's will and His purpose to transform your character? Are we teaching God's Word, or are we proclaiming a Comfort Zone message?
Love So Amazing (Devotional)
"For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jeuss our Lord." (Rom. 8:38-39)
How reassuring it is to know that there is nothing in the entire order of creation that can separate us from God's love. God loves us with such an amazing love that is totally based on who God is and His capacity to love and which has absolutely nothing to do with how loveable we are. We cannot earn God's love, and we certainly do not deserve God's love.
Yet God loves us with a never failing, never changing, absolutely dependable love. There is nothing we can do to make God love us any more than He already does. And there is absolutely nothing that we can do to make God love us any less. He loves us because it is His essence to love, it is His nature to love us.
In a world of constant turmoil and transition, it is reassuring to begin this new week and each new day with the absolute assurance that God's love is constant and reliable. When everyone else lets you down, and when no one else seems to care, remember, God loves you with perfect love. Nothing can change that.
How reassuring it is to know that there is nothing in the entire order of creation that can separate us from God's love. God loves us with such an amazing love that is totally based on who God is and His capacity to love and which has absolutely nothing to do with how loveable we are. We cannot earn God's love, and we certainly do not deserve God's love.
Yet God loves us with a never failing, never changing, absolutely dependable love. There is nothing we can do to make God love us any more than He already does. And there is absolutely nothing that we can do to make God love us any less. He loves us because it is His essence to love, it is His nature to love us.
In a world of constant turmoil and transition, it is reassuring to begin this new week and each new day with the absolute assurance that God's love is constant and reliable. When everyone else lets you down, and when no one else seems to care, remember, God loves you with perfect love. Nothing can change that.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Does Church Matter Anymore?
"Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Heb. 10:24-25)
For many of us church life has likely been about "doing church" most of our lives. We go to Church services, attend Bible studies, work on committees, and a variety of other things, including ministries. And yet in our day, church attendance as a whole is decreasing, and while sociologists tell us that spiritual interest is at an all time high, people do not see the importance of church.
Maybe that is because we lost sight of the fact that it is not to be about "Doing church" but about being the church. Relating to Christ first, and then to the members of His body in such a way that church is real, and vibrant, the living organism that God desires. Our responsibility is not to be about building churches (the group, not the building.) That is Jesus's responsibility. He said, "I will build my church."
Our call is to be disciples and then to make disciples. A part of being a disciple is connecting to the body, belonging to local expressions of the church, particularly in small cell groups. The purpose of being together is to encourage one another to love and good works, says the scripture above.
Maybe when we focus on being the church, instead of doing church, the world will see the church as significant and relevant once again. When people that don't know God see that we are genuine and real, they will be attracted to the Christ who lives in our hearts.
For many of us church life has likely been about "doing church" most of our lives. We go to Church services, attend Bible studies, work on committees, and a variety of other things, including ministries. And yet in our day, church attendance as a whole is decreasing, and while sociologists tell us that spiritual interest is at an all time high, people do not see the importance of church.
Maybe that is because we lost sight of the fact that it is not to be about "Doing church" but about being the church. Relating to Christ first, and then to the members of His body in such a way that church is real, and vibrant, the living organism that God desires. Our responsibility is not to be about building churches (the group, not the building.) That is Jesus's responsibility. He said, "I will build my church."
Our call is to be disciples and then to make disciples. A part of being a disciple is connecting to the body, belonging to local expressions of the church, particularly in small cell groups. The purpose of being together is to encourage one another to love and good works, says the scripture above.
Maybe when we focus on being the church, instead of doing church, the world will see the church as significant and relevant once again. When people that don't know God see that we are genuine and real, they will be attracted to the Christ who lives in our hearts.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Washing Feet (Discussion Fodder)
"Lord, do you wash my feet?" (John 13:6)
Can you see that picture? The God of the universe, clothed in human flesh, is kneeling on the floor washing the disciples feet. We have done that in small group settings in our church. Generally, however, the feet are clean and soft and nothing like what Jesus must have encountered. In that culture they walked, either in sandals, or barefoot. In West Africa where we work in missions they walk everywhere in flip flops. The feet are calloused, and dirty, and yes, we have done foot washing there as well.
But the whole point of the lesson is that as followers of Christ who would reach a lost world for with the Gospel, we must be willing to do the most common and humbling of tasks. Jesus said that a disciple is not greater than his master. Jesus said that if we understand what He did in washing feet, we should be willing to follow His example.
Do we want the jobs where there is greater glory? Do we prefer the seats of honor? Must we have our name in the headlines, or at least in the church bulletin? Are we willing to humble ourselves and reach out to the homeless? Or what about those with HIV, the leoprosy of our day? Are we willing to go the extra mile? To turn the other cheek? To deny self? To truly humble ourselves? What about loving our enemy? Can we take off our outer garments and get down on our knees in the dirt and wash feet?
Someone once said we actually believe as much of the Bible as we practice or seek to obey. I wonder if this chapter on Jesus washing feet is missing in many of our modern personal Bibles.
Can you see that picture? The God of the universe, clothed in human flesh, is kneeling on the floor washing the disciples feet. We have done that in small group settings in our church. Generally, however, the feet are clean and soft and nothing like what Jesus must have encountered. In that culture they walked, either in sandals, or barefoot. In West Africa where we work in missions they walk everywhere in flip flops. The feet are calloused, and dirty, and yes, we have done foot washing there as well.
But the whole point of the lesson is that as followers of Christ who would reach a lost world for with the Gospel, we must be willing to do the most common and humbling of tasks. Jesus said that a disciple is not greater than his master. Jesus said that if we understand what He did in washing feet, we should be willing to follow His example.
Do we want the jobs where there is greater glory? Do we prefer the seats of honor? Must we have our name in the headlines, or at least in the church bulletin? Are we willing to humble ourselves and reach out to the homeless? Or what about those with HIV, the leoprosy of our day? Are we willing to go the extra mile? To turn the other cheek? To deny self? To truly humble ourselves? What about loving our enemy? Can we take off our outer garments and get down on our knees in the dirt and wash feet?
Someone once said we actually believe as much of the Bible as we practice or seek to obey. I wonder if this chapter on Jesus washing feet is missing in many of our modern personal Bibles.
Too Great A Cost (Devotional)
"When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions." (Matt. 19:22)
A rich young man had come to Jesus and asked what he had to do to gain eternal life. Jesus had sized up the issues in the man's heart and replied "Go sell what you possess, and give to the poor." For this young man, the wealth of the world was the most important matter in his life. Jesus knew that. And He knows our heart in the same way.
Jesus told the disciples that it was very difficult for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. In fact, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle. When someone is rich, they tend to trust in the materialism of their lives. They don't need God, or so they think. By the world's standards, most Americans are extremely rich.
So how difficult is it? We tend to want a little bit of God. A god we can control and keep in a box. A Santa Claus of a Gennie type god. When we realize that He wants us to surrender all, we often are like this rich young man who went away disappointed.
Let me ask you something. How much did God surrender for you in order to bring forgiveness of your sins and the oppotunity of eternal life? He gave it all. Is it really too great a cost for Him to ask us to surrender all to Him?
A rich young man had come to Jesus and asked what he had to do to gain eternal life. Jesus had sized up the issues in the man's heart and replied "Go sell what you possess, and give to the poor." For this young man, the wealth of the world was the most important matter in his life. Jesus knew that. And He knows our heart in the same way.
Jesus told the disciples that it was very difficult for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. In fact, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle. When someone is rich, they tend to trust in the materialism of their lives. They don't need God, or so they think. By the world's standards, most Americans are extremely rich.
So how difficult is it? We tend to want a little bit of God. A god we can control and keep in a box. A Santa Claus of a Gennie type god. When we realize that He wants us to surrender all, we often are like this rich young man who went away disappointed.
Let me ask you something. How much did God surrender for you in order to bring forgiveness of your sins and the oppotunity of eternal life? He gave it all. Is it really too great a cost for Him to ask us to surrender all to Him?
Thursday, May 14, 2009
New Leadership Style (Discussion)
"Whoever would be great among you must be your servant." (Mark 10:43)
Two of the disciples came before Jesus and said, "Grant us what we ask." "What do you want?" said Jesus. "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory." It reflected the culture of that day. These were two prominent members of Jesus' band of disciples, James and John. They wanted the positions of greatest honor when Jesus ushered in His kingdom. Jesus pointed out that it might be like that in the world, where rulers lord it over one another, but in His kingdom, the position of honor was being a servant. He even said, "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." On the occasion of the Passover, Jesus went so far as to Himself wash the disciple's feet, modeling what He taught.
In a world where we 'have it our way' this model of leadership is rare. We are taught to excel, be the best, outdo everyone else. Even in the church people vie for positions of authority and respect. Where are the servants? Where are the leaders who are willing to be used up in service to their King? What does it really mean to be a servant?
I am not interested in blog discussions that deal with the theoretical. How about a discussion on real life servanthood. Are you one of the few, the unproud, the disciples? Nathan Barlow was a medical doctor who chose to use his skills in Ethiopia for over 60 years. Once during his time of service he developed a severe tooth ache that caused him to have to leave the mission field to be treated. He was so determined not to be away again from the mission field that he had all of his teeth pulled and replaced with false teeth. (Crazy Love, Francis Chan). We live in a comfortable environment in the church in the USA. Where is the servant spirit in leadership and ministry, and I am not talking about just the paid professionals, but the pew sitters as well?
Two of the disciples came before Jesus and said, "Grant us what we ask." "What do you want?" said Jesus. "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory." It reflected the culture of that day. These were two prominent members of Jesus' band of disciples, James and John. They wanted the positions of greatest honor when Jesus ushered in His kingdom. Jesus pointed out that it might be like that in the world, where rulers lord it over one another, but in His kingdom, the position of honor was being a servant. He even said, "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." On the occasion of the Passover, Jesus went so far as to Himself wash the disciple's feet, modeling what He taught.
In a world where we 'have it our way' this model of leadership is rare. We are taught to excel, be the best, outdo everyone else. Even in the church people vie for positions of authority and respect. Where are the servants? Where are the leaders who are willing to be used up in service to their King? What does it really mean to be a servant?
I am not interested in blog discussions that deal with the theoretical. How about a discussion on real life servanthood. Are you one of the few, the unproud, the disciples? Nathan Barlow was a medical doctor who chose to use his skills in Ethiopia for over 60 years. Once during his time of service he developed a severe tooth ache that caused him to have to leave the mission field to be treated. He was so determined not to be away again from the mission field that he had all of his teeth pulled and replaced with false teeth. (Crazy Love, Francis Chan). We live in a comfortable environment in the church in the USA. Where is the servant spirit in leadership and ministry, and I am not talking about just the paid professionals, but the pew sitters as well?
His Name is Jesus (Devotional)
"And Jesus cried out and said, 'Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me. And whoever sees me sees him who sent me." (John 12:44-45)
C.S. Lewis once suggested that we can only conclude one of three things with regard to Jesus. He was a fruitcake (My words not his), a nut, a crazy, who thought He was someone that he wasn't; he was a liar that intentionally sought to deceive people; or He was actually God. There is no room for a nice guy, a good man, some great moralist. He claimed to be God. "He who sees me has seen Him who sent me."
In the opening words of the Gospel, John boldly declares, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." And then he writes, "And the Word was made flesh and dwellt among us." Jesus was the only 200%er. He was 100% God, and He was 100% man. He was as much God as though He never became man, and He was as much man as though He never was God.
The other night I had an interesting dream. I was standing in a group looking at a car for sale. The group were people I had never met. And they got into a conversation about whether someone could know God or not. I spoke up and said, "I know God." They all then looked at me in amazement, until someone voiced what all were thinking, "If you know God, what is His name?" "That's easy," I said. Someone said, "Is his name Buddha?" Another asked, "Is His name Mohammed?" And there were others. I said, "His name is Jesus."
And the Word of God says, "It is the name above every other name. It is the name at which one day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess, Jesus Christ is Lord."
C.S. Lewis once suggested that we can only conclude one of three things with regard to Jesus. He was a fruitcake (My words not his), a nut, a crazy, who thought He was someone that he wasn't; he was a liar that intentionally sought to deceive people; or He was actually God. There is no room for a nice guy, a good man, some great moralist. He claimed to be God. "He who sees me has seen Him who sent me."
In the opening words of the Gospel, John boldly declares, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." And then he writes, "And the Word was made flesh and dwellt among us." Jesus was the only 200%er. He was 100% God, and He was 100% man. He was as much God as though He never became man, and He was as much man as though He never was God.
The other night I had an interesting dream. I was standing in a group looking at a car for sale. The group were people I had never met. And they got into a conversation about whether someone could know God or not. I spoke up and said, "I know God." They all then looked at me in amazement, until someone voiced what all were thinking, "If you know God, what is His name?" "That's easy," I said. Someone said, "Is his name Buddha?" Another asked, "Is His name Mohammed?" And there were others. I said, "His name is Jesus."
And the Word of God says, "It is the name above every other name. It is the name at which one day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess, Jesus Christ is Lord."
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Substitute Worship (Discussion)
"Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." (Ro. 12:2)
In my devotional thought today I introduced this idea and I would like for us to tackle a discussion about it. With all of the new praise music available, and the lively introduction of a contemporarly style to the service some have talked about the "revival of worship." My interest today is not a debate about the style of worship. Worship style as far as traditional, country, contemporary, hip-hop or whatever is a conversation for a different day. My interest is in whether we are substituting an outward form for reality.
Regardless of style, I want us to think about what Paul says in Rom. 12. The word used for "worship" is the word that we get our word "liturgy" from. So in essence Paul says, true liturgy is found in living out every moment of your day in total surrender to Christ. He says it is the only "acceptable" form of worship to a God who has done so much for us. Does that mean, I think it does, that anything we offer to God from less than a position of total surrender is not acceptable?
If someone comes and participates fully in a worship celebration in any church, but leaves and there life is unchanged, did they worship? Paul wrote tot he Corinthians one time that they came together for worship and left worse off than when they came. If we come and pray, and sing, and hear a lesson, and go through all that is involved in a weekly celebration, but our life is unchanged, are we actually leaving in a worse condition than the way we arrived? At the very least, are we not just a little more hardened to the message of God? Is God really interested in how many Bible Study programs we have attended? Is He concerned about how much information we retain? Is He not all about life transformation?
Jump in, weigh in, raise your questions, voice your position. Let's do it.
In my devotional thought today I introduced this idea and I would like for us to tackle a discussion about it. With all of the new praise music available, and the lively introduction of a contemporarly style to the service some have talked about the "revival of worship." My interest today is not a debate about the style of worship. Worship style as far as traditional, country, contemporary, hip-hop or whatever is a conversation for a different day. My interest is in whether we are substituting an outward form for reality.
Regardless of style, I want us to think about what Paul says in Rom. 12. The word used for "worship" is the word that we get our word "liturgy" from. So in essence Paul says, true liturgy is found in living out every moment of your day in total surrender to Christ. He says it is the only "acceptable" form of worship to a God who has done so much for us. Does that mean, I think it does, that anything we offer to God from less than a position of total surrender is not acceptable?
If someone comes and participates fully in a worship celebration in any church, but leaves and there life is unchanged, did they worship? Paul wrote tot he Corinthians one time that they came together for worship and left worse off than when they came. If we come and pray, and sing, and hear a lesson, and go through all that is involved in a weekly celebration, but our life is unchanged, are we actually leaving in a worse condition than the way we arrived? At the very least, are we not just a little more hardened to the message of God? Is God really interested in how many Bible Study programs we have attended? Is He concerned about how much information we retain? Is He not all about life transformation?
Jump in, weigh in, raise your questions, voice your position. Let's do it.
All In (Devotional)
"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, whish is your spiritual worship." (Rom. 12: 1-2)
When Jesus encountered the woman at the well in John 4, she commented that as a Samaritan they worshipped in the mountains and that the Jews worshipped in Jerusalem. Jesus pointed out to her that where you worship is not the issue, but how. He told her that true worship is in "spirit and in truth." That makes it a matter of the heart.
When Paul writes these words in Romans 12: 1-2 he also makes it a heart matter. He says true spiritual worship is in presenting yourself completely to God. It is a matter of total surrender of your life to God. It is being 'All in'.
I love the way I heard Manley Beasley put it one time. He said it is like taking a blank sheet of paper and signing it at the bottom, and then saying, "OK, God fill in the details."
When you consider all that God has done for you, outlined in Romans 1-11, then you realize the logical "therefore" of Rom. 12: 1-2. The only true spiritual worship is to totally present yourself to God, and say, "Ok, Lord, I am yours. I report for duty. Who do you want me to be? Where do you want me to go? What do you want me to do? I am all in."
When Jesus encountered the woman at the well in John 4, she commented that as a Samaritan they worshipped in the mountains and that the Jews worshipped in Jerusalem. Jesus pointed out to her that where you worship is not the issue, but how. He told her that true worship is in "spirit and in truth." That makes it a matter of the heart.
When Paul writes these words in Romans 12: 1-2 he also makes it a heart matter. He says true spiritual worship is in presenting yourself completely to God. It is a matter of total surrender of your life to God. It is being 'All in'.
I love the way I heard Manley Beasley put it one time. He said it is like taking a blank sheet of paper and signing it at the bottom, and then saying, "OK, God fill in the details."
When you consider all that God has done for you, outlined in Romans 1-11, then you realize the logical "therefore" of Rom. 12: 1-2. The only true spiritual worship is to totally present yourself to God, and say, "Ok, Lord, I am yours. I report for duty. Who do you want me to be? Where do you want me to go? What do you want me to do? I am all in."
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Good or Bad Preaching (Discussion)
"And a young man named eutychus, sitting at the window, sank into a deep sleep as Paul talked still longer." (Acts 20:9)
You can almost sense in the tone of Luke's voice as he penned these words that he thought Paul went a little long in his message. Putting Eutychus to sleep wasn't the worst of it, because the young man fell from a third story window and died. I don't remember ever killing anyone with my preaching, although a few might have longed for it. LOL.
A church member commented on the sermon from our first service this past week, and she said, "It seemed a little blah." Thanks for the honesty. So it generates some questions for discussion today, and I hope the debate will be lively and challenging to all of us. Is the preacher the only one responsible for the quality of the sermon? Yes, we need God's annointing, so how much responsibility do the attendees have for that? God has promised to "show up" where two or three are gathered, but He hasn't promised to "show off" under those conditions.
The scripture says that God inhabits the praise of His people. So if two or three or two or three thousand show up in His name, but do not genuinely worship, do not come with receptive hearts, does God always manifest Himself with an annointing on the preaching. Is it only dependent on the "preacher".
Here is one more thought? Is the worship celebration of God's people about a performance by the band, the choir, the preacher, or someone else, or is it a stage for the person of God to be exhibited? If the point of our lives is to point to Him, how well are we actually doing that? Can you offer some solutions, not just point at the problems today? Can you shoulder some responsibility as well as just pointing the fingers at how bad the "church" has become? Let's hear it.
You can almost sense in the tone of Luke's voice as he penned these words that he thought Paul went a little long in his message. Putting Eutychus to sleep wasn't the worst of it, because the young man fell from a third story window and died. I don't remember ever killing anyone with my preaching, although a few might have longed for it. LOL.
A church member commented on the sermon from our first service this past week, and she said, "It seemed a little blah." Thanks for the honesty. So it generates some questions for discussion today, and I hope the debate will be lively and challenging to all of us. Is the preacher the only one responsible for the quality of the sermon? Yes, we need God's annointing, so how much responsibility do the attendees have for that? God has promised to "show up" where two or three are gathered, but He hasn't promised to "show off" under those conditions.
The scripture says that God inhabits the praise of His people. So if two or three or two or three thousand show up in His name, but do not genuinely worship, do not come with receptive hearts, does God always manifest Himself with an annointing on the preaching. Is it only dependent on the "preacher".
Here is one more thought? Is the worship celebration of God's people about a performance by the band, the choir, the preacher, or someone else, or is it a stage for the person of God to be exhibited? If the point of our lives is to point to Him, how well are we actually doing that? Can you offer some solutions, not just point at the problems today? Can you shoulder some responsibility as well as just pointing the fingers at how bad the "church" has become? Let's hear it.
The Test of Faith (Devotional Thought)
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." (James 1:2-3)
From Romans 10 we know that genuine and real faith is built upon the Word of God. We hear from God and we choose to believe. What sometimes seems to slip away from our awareness is the fact that God is all about transforming us into Christlike character and that He often does that by testing our faith. Sometimes that comes in the form of trials of a variety of nature, none of which are outside of God's realm of sovereignty and ability to direct.
Some tests, however, come in the form of prayers that are answered with "Wait" or with "silence on God's part." God has promised. We are praying in accord with His will, and yet the answer delays.
My encouragement to you today is keep on persevering in your prayers. God has heard and He is at work to mold you and refine you and shape you. What He has promised, He will do in His time.
Consider Elijah after the showdown with the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel. God had promised rain and so he told King Ahab, rain is coming. And yet for six trips out to look by the servant the sky had been clear, and on the seventh a cloud in the distance the size of a man's fist. Faith is the ability to hear the rain when the sun is shining, and to believe the answer when there is a cloud the size of a fist and that is all you have.
From Romans 10 we know that genuine and real faith is built upon the Word of God. We hear from God and we choose to believe. What sometimes seems to slip away from our awareness is the fact that God is all about transforming us into Christlike character and that He often does that by testing our faith. Sometimes that comes in the form of trials of a variety of nature, none of which are outside of God's realm of sovereignty and ability to direct.
Some tests, however, come in the form of prayers that are answered with "Wait" or with "silence on God's part." God has promised. We are praying in accord with His will, and yet the answer delays.
My encouragement to you today is keep on persevering in your prayers. God has heard and He is at work to mold you and refine you and shape you. What He has promised, He will do in His time.
Consider Elijah after the showdown with the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel. God had promised rain and so he told King Ahab, rain is coming. And yet for six trips out to look by the servant the sky had been clear, and on the seventh a cloud in the distance the size of a man's fist. Faith is the ability to hear the rain when the sun is shining, and to believe the answer when there is a cloud the size of a fist and that is all you have.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Tossed on the Manure Pile (Discussion)
"Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out." (Luke 14:34-35)
I once heard somone say that Christians can be a lot like manure. Spread manure out and it is good to fertilize the soil, but pile it up and it does nothing but stink. There may be some truth in that analogy. Over the weekend we generated some discussion about what may have happened to the church over the years and whether or not we have radically departed from Jesus' original plan.
Last year at a church planting conference, I heard Vince Antonucci (I Became a Christian and All I got was this lousy T shirt) say, 'Only 2.2% of the churches in the United States are growing by converting non-believers into followers of Jesus Christ." That is a staggering statistic. Since Jesus Christ says, "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men", if we are not fishers of men, then who are we following?
So here is the question I want to raise today and see if anyone is interested enough to discuss or debate. What is missing in the 21st century American church that keeps us from impacting the world with multiplication speed like the church in Acts 2 and Acts 4 and through the first century?
I am going to suggest my perspective is that at least two ingredients seem to be typically missing in the average American church, accountability and reproduction.
The average Sunday School class, small group, or Bible Study is often built around dumping a load of information on the students. Typically there is little dynamic that produces life change. Maybe we have made it comfortable for ourselves so that we do not have to deal honestly with God's Word impacting our lives. Maybe we have grown numb to the current situation and do not even notice. What do you think?
I once heard somone say that Christians can be a lot like manure. Spread manure out and it is good to fertilize the soil, but pile it up and it does nothing but stink. There may be some truth in that analogy. Over the weekend we generated some discussion about what may have happened to the church over the years and whether or not we have radically departed from Jesus' original plan.
Last year at a church planting conference, I heard Vince Antonucci (I Became a Christian and All I got was this lousy T shirt) say, 'Only 2.2% of the churches in the United States are growing by converting non-believers into followers of Jesus Christ." That is a staggering statistic. Since Jesus Christ says, "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men", if we are not fishers of men, then who are we following?
So here is the question I want to raise today and see if anyone is interested enough to discuss or debate. What is missing in the 21st century American church that keeps us from impacting the world with multiplication speed like the church in Acts 2 and Acts 4 and through the first century?
I am going to suggest my perspective is that at least two ingredients seem to be typically missing in the average American church, accountability and reproduction.
The average Sunday School class, small group, or Bible Study is often built around dumping a load of information on the students. Typically there is little dynamic that produces life change. Maybe we have made it comfortable for ourselves so that we do not have to deal honestly with God's Word impacting our lives. Maybe we have grown numb to the current situation and do not even notice. What do you think?
What Kind of Soil Are You? (Devotional)
"As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty." (Matt. 13:23)
One of the dangers of reading the parable of the sower is for those of us active in our church to assume that we are the good soil. It is so easy to be a Christian in many ways in the United States. We don't typically face outward persecution where someone is threatening to take our job away, or even kill us.
JJ moved from the village to the city to find work to care for his mother and siblings. He has been through several jobs because the Islamic employers are uncomfortable with his witness to Jesus Christ. They mock him and torment him and eventually fire him.
Out in the village the Islamic majority taunt the handful of Christians with words like this, "When you die, we will let your body rot in the fields because we will not bury you." Some of us might say, "So what, I won't be there." But it is a challenge to these young believers.
Jesus speaks of the seed being the Word of God, and it is constant in each type of soil. The elements are the same. The only variable is the soil. Are you hardened ground, that the seed cannot penetrate? Are you rocky soil, that is shallow, and does not allow for roots to nourish the new life over the long haul? Are you ground with weeds and thorns that choke out the truth? Or are you the soil that bears much fruit for God? Read Matthew 13 and ask God's Spirit to reveal to you God's perspective on which one you are today.
One of the dangers of reading the parable of the sower is for those of us active in our church to assume that we are the good soil. It is so easy to be a Christian in many ways in the United States. We don't typically face outward persecution where someone is threatening to take our job away, or even kill us.
JJ moved from the village to the city to find work to care for his mother and siblings. He has been through several jobs because the Islamic employers are uncomfortable with his witness to Jesus Christ. They mock him and torment him and eventually fire him.
Out in the village the Islamic majority taunt the handful of Christians with words like this, "When you die, we will let your body rot in the fields because we will not bury you." Some of us might say, "So what, I won't be there." But it is a challenge to these young believers.
Jesus speaks of the seed being the Word of God, and it is constant in each type of soil. The elements are the same. The only variable is the soil. Are you hardened ground, that the seed cannot penetrate? Are you rocky soil, that is shallow, and does not allow for roots to nourish the new life over the long haul? Are you ground with weeds and thorns that choke out the truth? Or are you the soil that bears much fruit for God? Read Matthew 13 and ask God's Spirit to reveal to you God's perspective on which one you are today.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Cathegogues
"And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts." (Acts 2:46)
Until AD 70 the early believers continued to gather at the temple for worship. And they met together from house to house in hospitality, fellowship, and presumably discipleship. Wolfgang Simson in Houses that Change the World says that the historic Orthodox and Catholic Church after Constantine formulated the religious system that had a cathedral based on the Old Testament temple and worship based on the Jewish synagogue. He calls it the "Cathegogue" and he says the Protestant reformation did not really do much to change that. He calls for us to move from church houses back to house churches.
In yesterday's blog I tried to generate some discussion to no avail. So let me try again. There is no doubt that the average church is a far cry from Acts 2 and Acts 4. We have opted for organization over being organic. We have chosen programs over the person of God. We have allowed form to shut out growth and life. So is Wolfgang Simson correct? Do we need to start over completely? He envisions meetings from house to house and city wide gatherings for celebration. God is certainly using the "House Church" movement in China, India, and many other parts of the world.
Whether we adopt his suggestions full fledged, I believe the church is in need of a major overhaul. We need to build back in accountibility and reproduction by multiplication. Traditional Bible studies and seminars are basically informational and built on the personalities of teachers, more than they are transformational and dependent on the moving of God. We need to pray that in these last days before Jesus returns that He breathe again on HIs church and call us to become what He created His church to be, a living organism that leads people to love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength and which is submitted to going to the ends of the earth to make disciples.
Until AD 70 the early believers continued to gather at the temple for worship. And they met together from house to house in hospitality, fellowship, and presumably discipleship. Wolfgang Simson in Houses that Change the World says that the historic Orthodox and Catholic Church after Constantine formulated the religious system that had a cathedral based on the Old Testament temple and worship based on the Jewish synagogue. He calls it the "Cathegogue" and he says the Protestant reformation did not really do much to change that. He calls for us to move from church houses back to house churches.
In yesterday's blog I tried to generate some discussion to no avail. So let me try again. There is no doubt that the average church is a far cry from Acts 2 and Acts 4. We have opted for organization over being organic. We have chosen programs over the person of God. We have allowed form to shut out growth and life. So is Wolfgang Simson correct? Do we need to start over completely? He envisions meetings from house to house and city wide gatherings for celebration. God is certainly using the "House Church" movement in China, India, and many other parts of the world.
Whether we adopt his suggestions full fledged, I believe the church is in need of a major overhaul. We need to build back in accountibility and reproduction by multiplication. Traditional Bible studies and seminars are basically informational and built on the personalities of teachers, more than they are transformational and dependent on the moving of God. We need to pray that in these last days before Jesus returns that He breathe again on HIs church and call us to become what He created His church to be, a living organism that leads people to love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength and which is submitted to going to the ends of the earth to make disciples.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Members
"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ." (I Cor. 12:12)
It would be a classic understatement if I were to say today that we have really messed up God's plan for the church. There are many metaphors in the Bible for church such as the body of Christ, the family of God, the bride of Christ, to just name a few. What I have noticed that they all have in common is they are living organisms, not buildings or organizations.
In I Cor. 12, the apostle Paul uses the analogy of a body. What is obvious is that a body has many different component parts, two legs, two arms, one mouth, two eyes, etc. They are all a part of the body. They cannot function independently, but rather are interdependent upon one another. If you sever the arm it dies, and the body is handicapped.
When God saves us by the regenerating work of His Holy Spirit, He places us into the body of Christ. The theology behind that is we are "baptized" into the body by the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit. And what makes the church function is not programs and plans, not organizations and committees, but the life force of the Spirit working through God's people.
It is interesting that in Eph. 3:20 that we often quote about how God is able to do more than we think or ask, the point is about God receiving glory. Read that verse again. Paul expresses his desire that God receive glory in His church. And He does that through the power that works in us.
I wonder if before Jesus returns our hearts might be stirred and moved to desire God to restore the church to His plan and move it away from what we have made it.
It would be a classic understatement if I were to say today that we have really messed up God's plan for the church. There are many metaphors in the Bible for church such as the body of Christ, the family of God, the bride of Christ, to just name a few. What I have noticed that they all have in common is they are living organisms, not buildings or organizations.
In I Cor. 12, the apostle Paul uses the analogy of a body. What is obvious is that a body has many different component parts, two legs, two arms, one mouth, two eyes, etc. They are all a part of the body. They cannot function independently, but rather are interdependent upon one another. If you sever the arm it dies, and the body is handicapped.
When God saves us by the regenerating work of His Holy Spirit, He places us into the body of Christ. The theology behind that is we are "baptized" into the body by the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit. And what makes the church function is not programs and plans, not organizations and committees, but the life force of the Spirit working through God's people.
It is interesting that in Eph. 3:20 that we often quote about how God is able to do more than we think or ask, the point is about God receiving glory. Read that verse again. Paul expresses his desire that God receive glory in His church. And He does that through the power that works in us.
I wonder if before Jesus returns our hearts might be stirred and moved to desire God to restore the church to His plan and move it away from what we have made it.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Receiving the Desires of Your Heart
"Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart." (Ps. 37:4)
Someone has rightly said, I believe, that God's will for our lives is what we would want if we knew what God knows. God is outside of the boundaries of time and the physical constraints of our world, and He sees our lives with clear focus and perspective. As some say, "He can see the big picture." Because He desires the very best for us His will is that we live in obedience to Him.
If we concentrate on delighting in Him, our heart begins to desire what God desires. We begin to want what He wants. We surrender to His will and we pray according to His promises in the Scripture. So if I want to see God answer in a positive way the prayers I am praying, I need to learn to delight in the Lord. I can do that by spending quality time reading His Word and praying according to what He has promised in His Word.
This incredible promise is not about how to manipulate God into doing our will. It is about so totally being consummed with who God is that our desires begin to be transformed until they are a reflection of what God desires. His desires become my desires. His will becomes my will. When I am delighted in the Lord, I can pray as Jesus prayed, "Not my will, buts yours be done."
Someone has rightly said, I believe, that God's will for our lives is what we would want if we knew what God knows. God is outside of the boundaries of time and the physical constraints of our world, and He sees our lives with clear focus and perspective. As some say, "He can see the big picture." Because He desires the very best for us His will is that we live in obedience to Him.
If we concentrate on delighting in Him, our heart begins to desire what God desires. We begin to want what He wants. We surrender to His will and we pray according to His promises in the Scripture. So if I want to see God answer in a positive way the prayers I am praying, I need to learn to delight in the Lord. I can do that by spending quality time reading His Word and praying according to what He has promised in His Word.
This incredible promise is not about how to manipulate God into doing our will. It is about so totally being consummed with who God is that our desires begin to be transformed until they are a reflection of what God desires. His desires become my desires. His will becomes my will. When I am delighted in the Lord, I can pray as Jesus prayed, "Not my will, buts yours be done."
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Fully Surrendered, or Just Committed
"Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Christ Jesus..." (Philippians 1:1a)
It is sometimes translated "slaves" and sometimes "servants" but the Greek word is "doulos" which literally means a "bond-servant." It is a word that denotes a person who has voluntarily chosen to become a slave to someone else. It comes from the Old Testament practices related to the year of Jubilee, every 7th year when slaves were released. But if someone preferred to work for the master forever because they had such a great relationship, they would voluntarily become bond slaves. The master would provide all they needed, and the servant was completely obedient to the master, always.
Many people in our post-modern culture, just as in the modern culture that preceded it, make some type of commitment to Christ. The problem with that is the person remains in control of whatever amount of their life that they choose. Jesus called everyone to surrender totally. When He called Peter and Andrew, the scripture tells us they left everything immediately. When He called John and James, they left everything, including their father and followed Jesus. Jesus said, "If anyone wants to come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me." Genuine discipleship, true beleivers are those who have surrendered all to Christ.
What if the Japanese or the Germans at the end of WW II had said, "We want to make a commitment to you," instead of "We surrender?" What if General Lee had said, "We make a commitment to you," instead of "We surrender" at the end of the War between the States. God doesn't ask us to make some negotiable commitment to Him. He asks us to surrender our lives to His direction and control. Only then do we truly experience His abundant life.
Ponder the difference in your own mind. If and when you determine that this is correct, ask yourself, "Am I committed to being a follower of Jesus Christ, or have I fully surrendered?"
It is sometimes translated "slaves" and sometimes "servants" but the Greek word is "doulos" which literally means a "bond-servant." It is a word that denotes a person who has voluntarily chosen to become a slave to someone else. It comes from the Old Testament practices related to the year of Jubilee, every 7th year when slaves were released. But if someone preferred to work for the master forever because they had such a great relationship, they would voluntarily become bond slaves. The master would provide all they needed, and the servant was completely obedient to the master, always.
Many people in our post-modern culture, just as in the modern culture that preceded it, make some type of commitment to Christ. The problem with that is the person remains in control of whatever amount of their life that they choose. Jesus called everyone to surrender totally. When He called Peter and Andrew, the scripture tells us they left everything immediately. When He called John and James, they left everything, including their father and followed Jesus. Jesus said, "If anyone wants to come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me." Genuine discipleship, true beleivers are those who have surrendered all to Christ.
What if the Japanese or the Germans at the end of WW II had said, "We want to make a commitment to you," instead of "We surrender?" What if General Lee had said, "We make a commitment to you," instead of "We surrender" at the end of the War between the States. God doesn't ask us to make some negotiable commitment to Him. He asks us to surrender our lives to His direction and control. Only then do we truly experience His abundant life.
Ponder the difference in your own mind. If and when you determine that this is correct, ask yourself, "Am I committed to being a follower of Jesus Christ, or have I fully surrendered?"
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Members
"Now you are the body of Christ, and individually members of it." (I Cor. 12:27)
I have one body. It is made up of many different members. I have two hands, two arms, two feet, ten fingers, ten toes, one nose, two eyes, one mouth, two kidneys, etc. You get the point. We need each member, and when we forfeit a part, we are hindered in our behavior and action. If my eye sees a beautiful flower, it can only observe it. It cannot smell it, without the nose. It cannot cut it and put in a vase to give to someone. Each part of the body is interdependent on the other.
First Century missionary Paul uses that analogy in I Corinthians to describe the church. It says that the church universal is the body of Christ. But keep in mind he is writing to a specific expression of that universal church, the church in the city of Corinth. Granted they had not divided up by denominations. They were the church in Corinth.
But they were struggling with divisions in their fellowship and with arrogance and pride, and a host of other problems. So Paul reminds them that by God's Spirit they have been made to be members of one body. That happened at the point of their conversion to Christ. As each member of a body is important, so each person who is genuinely part of the church has been equipped by God to fulfill a specific function in the body. All of the body depends on each member.
How has God placed you in the body? Keep in mind it is sovereignly His choice, and it is based on grace, not personal merit. So there is no room for pride, and their is no room for inferiority. God has crafted the church to fulfill His mission in the world. All believers matter to God and to the body.
I have one body. It is made up of many different members. I have two hands, two arms, two feet, ten fingers, ten toes, one nose, two eyes, one mouth, two kidneys, etc. You get the point. We need each member, and when we forfeit a part, we are hindered in our behavior and action. If my eye sees a beautiful flower, it can only observe it. It cannot smell it, without the nose. It cannot cut it and put in a vase to give to someone. Each part of the body is interdependent on the other.
First Century missionary Paul uses that analogy in I Corinthians to describe the church. It says that the church universal is the body of Christ. But keep in mind he is writing to a specific expression of that universal church, the church in the city of Corinth. Granted they had not divided up by denominations. They were the church in Corinth.
But they were struggling with divisions in their fellowship and with arrogance and pride, and a host of other problems. So Paul reminds them that by God's Spirit they have been made to be members of one body. That happened at the point of their conversion to Christ. As each member of a body is important, so each person who is genuinely part of the church has been equipped by God to fulfill a specific function in the body. All of the body depends on each member.
How has God placed you in the body? Keep in mind it is sovereignly His choice, and it is based on grace, not personal merit. So there is no room for pride, and their is no room for inferiority. God has crafted the church to fulfill His mission in the world. All believers matter to God and to the body.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Called to Belong
"See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are." (I John 3:1)
We often speak of God's love as being demonstrated by His giving His only Son, Jesus Christ, to die on a cross in our place. (John 3:16) But God not only loved us enough to provide a Savior and a way for us to have a relationship with God through Him, He also calls us His children. Wow. As a believer in Jesus Christ, I am a child of God. That is the glorious truth of this scripture verse.
One of the greatest blessings that comes with becoming a follower of Jesus Christ is that God makes us a part of a family. Every other follower of Jesus Christ is my brother or sister. God is our Father. We belong to a family. And in a sense this is an even more significant relationship than that of my earthly family because my Christian family is eternal.
In spite of the fact that our society has developed a sense of strong independence and people like to think of their relationship to God as private, the truth is we need one another. Heb. 10: 24 calls us to consider ways to encourage one another to a faithful walk with God. Prov. 27:17 says, "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." Whether we like it or not, God has created us in such a way that it is absolutely vital to our survival that we connect as family, and God calls that family church.
We often speak of God's love as being demonstrated by His giving His only Son, Jesus Christ, to die on a cross in our place. (John 3:16) But God not only loved us enough to provide a Savior and a way for us to have a relationship with God through Him, He also calls us His children. Wow. As a believer in Jesus Christ, I am a child of God. That is the glorious truth of this scripture verse.
One of the greatest blessings that comes with becoming a follower of Jesus Christ is that God makes us a part of a family. Every other follower of Jesus Christ is my brother or sister. God is our Father. We belong to a family. And in a sense this is an even more significant relationship than that of my earthly family because my Christian family is eternal.
In spite of the fact that our society has developed a sense of strong independence and people like to think of their relationship to God as private, the truth is we need one another. Heb. 10: 24 calls us to consider ways to encourage one another to a faithful walk with God. Prov. 27:17 says, "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." Whether we like it or not, God has created us in such a way that it is absolutely vital to our survival that we connect as family, and God calls that family church.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
God is listening for Your Call.
"And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be delivered." (Joel 2:32)
When you find yourself in a predicament, what do you usually do first? We sit down and figure it out and come up with a plan. We run to our family, or to our friends, and we cry "Help". The reality is the one who is able to help us is waiting on us to call on him.
Notice the scope of this promise. "Everyone" who calls. It is not limited to the rich or the knowledgeable. It is open to any who will sincerely and genuined call on God. And notice the certainty of this promise. It does not say might be delivered, but it says, "Will" be delivered."
In Romans 10, Paul quotes this passage in relationship to salvation from sin and into new life in Christ. Let me raise this question. If we can trust God to save us from an eternity in a devil's hell, which is what our sins deserve, then why in the world are we so reluctant to trust Him with every other matter in our lives? Let me encourage you today, whatever you are facing, cry out to the Lord for help. He is listening for your call.
When you find yourself in a predicament, what do you usually do first? We sit down and figure it out and come up with a plan. We run to our family, or to our friends, and we cry "Help". The reality is the one who is able to help us is waiting on us to call on him.
Notice the scope of this promise. "Everyone" who calls. It is not limited to the rich or the knowledgeable. It is open to any who will sincerely and genuined call on God. And notice the certainty of this promise. It does not say might be delivered, but it says, "Will" be delivered."
In Romans 10, Paul quotes this passage in relationship to salvation from sin and into new life in Christ. Let me raise this question. If we can trust God to save us from an eternity in a devil's hell, which is what our sins deserve, then why in the world are we so reluctant to trust Him with every other matter in our lives? Let me encourage you today, whatever you are facing, cry out to the Lord for help. He is listening for your call.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Are Your Feet Beautiful?
"How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news?" (Ro. 10:15)
Last night we were walking across the parking lot at Target and my 13 year old daughter looked down at my feet in flip flops and boldly declared, "Dad, you sure have ugly feet." So I asked her,
"How can you say that?" She said, "They are scarred and hairy, and just old." We both laughed.
I am reading a book on missions for a class I am taking this summer and this morning I read a debate about whether someone who has never heard the gospel can be saved. The old hypothetical, what about a lost heathen on a remote island who never hears and never has an opportunity to hear. Can they be saved? I certainly trust a loving God with the decisions that He makes about that. But let me ask a more important question of those of us who are followers of Jesus. If we never make an effort to tell them the Good News, can we really be saved?
On a trip into our village in West Africa last year one of the leaders in the church there complained of his feet hurting. As we looked at them we saw large sores on the bottom that looked to be indicative of parasites. But as I saw the calloused and pocketed with sores feet, I was reminded of this verse in Romans. "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Gospel."
This African believer had been walking a couple of times every week to villages as far as15 to 20 miles away to share the Good News. With tears in my eyes I prayed for this man's feet that he might be able to continue to share with those who have not yet heard. What will you do today to tell others about the Good News of Jesus Christ? Are your feet beautiful in God's eyes?
Last night we were walking across the parking lot at Target and my 13 year old daughter looked down at my feet in flip flops and boldly declared, "Dad, you sure have ugly feet." So I asked her,
"How can you say that?" She said, "They are scarred and hairy, and just old." We both laughed.
I am reading a book on missions for a class I am taking this summer and this morning I read a debate about whether someone who has never heard the gospel can be saved. The old hypothetical, what about a lost heathen on a remote island who never hears and never has an opportunity to hear. Can they be saved? I certainly trust a loving God with the decisions that He makes about that. But let me ask a more important question of those of us who are followers of Jesus. If we never make an effort to tell them the Good News, can we really be saved?
On a trip into our village in West Africa last year one of the leaders in the church there complained of his feet hurting. As we looked at them we saw large sores on the bottom that looked to be indicative of parasites. But as I saw the calloused and pocketed with sores feet, I was reminded of this verse in Romans. "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Gospel."
This African believer had been walking a couple of times every week to villages as far as15 to 20 miles away to share the Good News. With tears in my eyes I prayed for this man's feet that he might be able to continue to share with those who have not yet heard. What will you do today to tell others about the Good News of Jesus Christ? Are your feet beautiful in God's eyes?
Friday, May 1, 2009
All the Peoples
"And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing." (Gen. 12:2)
When God called Abraham to follow him, He told Him that He would bless him in order for him to in turn be a blessing to all the peoples of the world. Throughout the Old Testament and the New Testament God's heart is for every people group of the world to hear the Good News of Redemption. God always blesses us in order that we be a blessing to others.
In Acts 16, God turned Paul on his second missionary journey toward Europe and the Gospel went west. What if He had sent Paul toward the east and Asia or China had received the Gospel first? Would they have shared with western nations? Would we have prospered so much without the Gospel in our civilization?
I believe hat God blessed Europe for years and blessed the United States for years so that we would in turn be a blessing to the rest of the world. The greatest of the blessings that He gives is the message of Good News to redeem us from our sins. We have a tremendous responsibility to make sure that every people group hears the Gospel message in their heart language. That is not the responsibility of a few carreer missionaries, but the responsibility of every person who knows the Lord Jesus as Savior.
When God called Abraham to follow him, He told Him that He would bless him in order for him to in turn be a blessing to all the peoples of the world. Throughout the Old Testament and the New Testament God's heart is for every people group of the world to hear the Good News of Redemption. God always blesses us in order that we be a blessing to others.
In Acts 16, God turned Paul on his second missionary journey toward Europe and the Gospel went west. What if He had sent Paul toward the east and Asia or China had received the Gospel first? Would they have shared with western nations? Would we have prospered so much without the Gospel in our civilization?
I believe hat God blessed Europe for years and blessed the United States for years so that we would in turn be a blessing to the rest of the world. The greatest of the blessings that He gives is the message of Good News to redeem us from our sins. We have a tremendous responsibility to make sure that every people group hears the Gospel message in their heart language. That is not the responsibility of a few carreer missionaries, but the responsibility of every person who knows the Lord Jesus as Savior.
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