If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF," you are doing well.
James 2:8 NASB
Jesus sums up the law and prophets with what we call the golden rule. We are to treat others as we would have them treat us (Matthew 7:12). When asked what was the greatest commandment, Jesus replied that it was to love God with all of the heart, soul, mind, and strength, and the second was to love one's neighbor as one's self (Mark 12:28-31).
Likewise, the Apostle Paul shows us that the law is fulfilled as we love our neighbor, as love does no wrong to those we love (Romans 13:8-10).
Sadly we see so many who call themselves Christians who show little or no love towards their fellow brothers and sisters within the body of Christ. Is it any wonder that the world looks at the visible church with contempt? They see very little difference between themselves and so called believers. James in confronting prejudice among brethren, exhorts us to love one another, referring to love, as the royal law.
You see, this is what we are called to live out in our lives. It validates Jesus Christ, as the world beholds Christians living in selfless love (John 17:23). It validates the message of the gospel, by the miracle of a transformed life.
What would happen if we loved one another as Jesus has called us to do; if we loved each other with the same unselfish, sacrificial love that Jesus calls us to (John 15:12-17)?
Saturday, January 31, 2015
Friday, January 30, 2015
The Nations in an Uproar.
Why are the nations in an uproar and the peoples devising a vain thing?
The kings of the earth take their stand, and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying,
"Let us tear their fetters apart and cast away their cords from us!"
He who sits in the heavens laughs, the Lord scoffs at them. Then He will speak to them in His anger and terrify them in His fury, saying,
"But as for Me, I have installed My King upon Zion, My holy mountain."
"I will surely tell of the decree of the Lord: He said to Me, 'You are My Son, today I have begotten You. Ask of Me and I will surely give the nations as your inheritance, and the very ends of the earth as Your possession.
'You shall break them with a rod of iron, You shall shatter them like earthenware.' "
Now therefore, O kings, show discernment; take warning, O judges of the earth. Worship the Lord with reverence and rejoice with trembling. Do homage to the son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way, for His wrath may soon be kindled. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!
Psalm 2:1-12 NASB
Nations and rulers have indeed cast off godly restraint in these turbulent times. We see the literal fulfillment of these verses unfolding before our eyes. Unregenerate man is indeed raging against God, and imagining a vain thing in that they set themselves up as their own god.
It will not always be this way however. The day is soon coming when Jesus Christ will reign over this earth with an iron rod. The nations and rulers who once raged will not rage again. Those who cast off restraint now, will face the wrath of almighty God. When He comes to rule, He will rule in righteousness and justice. He will not tolerate the rebellion we now see running rampant throughout this world.
We are given a sobering bit of wisdom in the close of this Psalm. In light of the coming kingdom of Christ, we are to use discernment. Now is the time to reverence God, to submit to Him and His rule in our lives. We are promised a blessing for those who take refuge in Christ.
One day every knee will bow before the Lord Jesus Christ, and confess that He is indeed Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:10-11). Sadly, there will be many who will bow too late. They will regrettably confess that Jesus is Lord too late. Instead of confessing Him now in submission to Him and His ways, they will have to admit that they were wrong in this life, they were wrong in their rejection of His Lordship over their lives.
We need to wake up and seek God for a mighty outpouring of His spirit in this day we live in. As we see wickedness waxing more and more, we need to cry out to Him for revival to shake our land once again. Our cities and countries need a Spirit of grace and supplication poured out upon them (Zech 12:10). We need Holy Ghost inspired repentance to bring us back to our place in Christ. We need revival, before it is too late.
The kings of the earth take their stand, and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying,
"Let us tear their fetters apart and cast away their cords from us!"
He who sits in the heavens laughs, the Lord scoffs at them. Then He will speak to them in His anger and terrify them in His fury, saying,
"But as for Me, I have installed My King upon Zion, My holy mountain."
"I will surely tell of the decree of the Lord: He said to Me, 'You are My Son, today I have begotten You. Ask of Me and I will surely give the nations as your inheritance, and the very ends of the earth as Your possession.
'You shall break them with a rod of iron, You shall shatter them like earthenware.' "
Now therefore, O kings, show discernment; take warning, O judges of the earth. Worship the Lord with reverence and rejoice with trembling. Do homage to the son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way, for His wrath may soon be kindled. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!
Psalm 2:1-12 NASB
Nations and rulers have indeed cast off godly restraint in these turbulent times. We see the literal fulfillment of these verses unfolding before our eyes. Unregenerate man is indeed raging against God, and imagining a vain thing in that they set themselves up as their own god.
It will not always be this way however. The day is soon coming when Jesus Christ will reign over this earth with an iron rod. The nations and rulers who once raged will not rage again. Those who cast off restraint now, will face the wrath of almighty God. When He comes to rule, He will rule in righteousness and justice. He will not tolerate the rebellion we now see running rampant throughout this world.
We are given a sobering bit of wisdom in the close of this Psalm. In light of the coming kingdom of Christ, we are to use discernment. Now is the time to reverence God, to submit to Him and His rule in our lives. We are promised a blessing for those who take refuge in Christ.
One day every knee will bow before the Lord Jesus Christ, and confess that He is indeed Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:10-11). Sadly, there will be many who will bow too late. They will regrettably confess that Jesus is Lord too late. Instead of confessing Him now in submission to Him and His ways, they will have to admit that they were wrong in this life, they were wrong in their rejection of His Lordship over their lives.
We need to wake up and seek God for a mighty outpouring of His spirit in this day we live in. As we see wickedness waxing more and more, we need to cry out to Him for revival to shake our land once again. Our cities and countries need a Spirit of grace and supplication poured out upon them (Zech 12:10). We need Holy Ghost inspired repentance to bring us back to our place in Christ. We need revival, before it is too late.
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Grieving the Spirit.
Many people live devoid of the Spirit's power in their lives. They wonder why their prayer lives seem dull and listless. Others seem to have no victory in their lives. They struggle with besetting sins. We wonder that there is no convicting power in our preaching and witnessing.
The word of God tells us to be filled with the Spirit continually (Ephesians 5:18). This is the source of the Christian's power. Many Christians are filled with the Holy Spirit, and experience His power and presence in their lives, only to find out at some point that they are empty, powerless.
We are warned against grieving The Spirit of God in Ephesians 4:30-32 (NASB).
Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.
Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
You can see that it is our anger, our wrath, bitterness, unforgiveness, etc, that grieves the Holy Spirit, and causes us to lose His power and presence in our lives. Our fellowship with God through His Spirit in us, can be broken by our lack of love for our fellow human beings.
When we explode in anger we grieve the Spirit. When we slander someone we grieve Him. To be bitter, to refuse to forgive, to be argumentative, will grieve the Holy Spirit, and shut off the flow of His power in our lives.
What do we do to get back His presence and power in our lives? REPENT! confess it to God, and go back to the one you have offended, and make it right. Jesus tells us to first be reconciled to our brother, then offer our gift on the altar (Matt 5:23-25). What good is it to tell God we are sorry, but never apologize to one we have hurt with our anger or by slandering their name. We must make it right if we would desire to open up the flow of the Spirit's life and power once again.
Jesus tells us to forgive in the same way He forgives us. He tells us that when we stand praying, we are to forgive others (Mark 11:24-26). Our prayers will be hindered otherwise. In fact we can not be forgiven if we will not forgive. God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).
You see it is all about love. We are to love our fellow man as Christ has loved us. Our relationship with Christ hinges upon our love for Him, and each other. We cannot say we love Him if we hate our brother (1 John 4:20). It is all bound together.
In Colossians we read that love is the bond of unity among Christian brethren. We are to be kind, compassionate, forgiving, humble, gentle, and patient (Col 3:12-14). This is what the Holy spirit works to accomplish within the body of Christ. He strives to bring about unity, in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:1-3). When we let our anger get the best of us, or allow bitterness to spring up and fester, we find ourselves fighting the Holy Spirit's work in us. Anything that we would do that selfishly hurts another believer chips away at the unity that God desires among brethren. There is a serious warning for those who would destroy the temple of the Holy Spirit by causing strife (1 Cor 3:16-18).
We have a high and holy calling as followers of Christ. Let us love one another as Christ has loved us. This is how the world will know that we are Christians, by our love (John 17: 22-23).
The word of God tells us to be filled with the Spirit continually (Ephesians 5:18). This is the source of the Christian's power. Many Christians are filled with the Holy Spirit, and experience His power and presence in their lives, only to find out at some point that they are empty, powerless.
We are warned against grieving The Spirit of God in Ephesians 4:30-32 (NASB).
Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.
Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
You can see that it is our anger, our wrath, bitterness, unforgiveness, etc, that grieves the Holy Spirit, and causes us to lose His power and presence in our lives. Our fellowship with God through His Spirit in us, can be broken by our lack of love for our fellow human beings.
When we explode in anger we grieve the Spirit. When we slander someone we grieve Him. To be bitter, to refuse to forgive, to be argumentative, will grieve the Holy Spirit, and shut off the flow of His power in our lives.
What do we do to get back His presence and power in our lives? REPENT! confess it to God, and go back to the one you have offended, and make it right. Jesus tells us to first be reconciled to our brother, then offer our gift on the altar (Matt 5:23-25). What good is it to tell God we are sorry, but never apologize to one we have hurt with our anger or by slandering their name. We must make it right if we would desire to open up the flow of the Spirit's life and power once again.
Jesus tells us to forgive in the same way He forgives us. He tells us that when we stand praying, we are to forgive others (Mark 11:24-26). Our prayers will be hindered otherwise. In fact we can not be forgiven if we will not forgive. God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).
You see it is all about love. We are to love our fellow man as Christ has loved us. Our relationship with Christ hinges upon our love for Him, and each other. We cannot say we love Him if we hate our brother (1 John 4:20). It is all bound together.
In Colossians we read that love is the bond of unity among Christian brethren. We are to be kind, compassionate, forgiving, humble, gentle, and patient (Col 3:12-14). This is what the Holy spirit works to accomplish within the body of Christ. He strives to bring about unity, in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:1-3). When we let our anger get the best of us, or allow bitterness to spring up and fester, we find ourselves fighting the Holy Spirit's work in us. Anything that we would do that selfishly hurts another believer chips away at the unity that God desires among brethren. There is a serious warning for those who would destroy the temple of the Holy Spirit by causing strife (1 Cor 3:16-18).
We have a high and holy calling as followers of Christ. Let us love one another as Christ has loved us. This is how the world will know that we are Christians, by our love (John 17: 22-23).
Saturday, January 17, 2015
Desperation.
We are at a time in history when we need a mighty move of God like never before. Look around at the scandal, and gross immorality that pervades every aspect of our society.
The Church is not immune either, as we see much of the world's ways rushing in like destructive flood waters. It makes me think of Jesus' parable of the builders (Matt 7:24-27). The Church that is built upon the sand, one that compromises the word of God, one that hears the word, but does not put it into practice, will fall as the flood of sin rushes in.
The Church built upon the rock, will prevail. We cannot afford to compromise solid Biblical principles so that we are not viewed as offensive, or so that we will seem more seeker friendly. A Church built upon the rock is a Church that stands for the truth, teaches the truth, and lives out the truth. Though the world will rage against it, we have the promise of Christ that it will stand, and the gates of hell itself will not prevail against it (Matt 16:18).
These are desperate times, and we need to bombard heaven with a holy desperation that will not be denied. We must seek with all earnestness the Holy Spirit, to come and strengthen us, to give us resolve, to give us boldness to stand up for truth in an evil world. Our light must be shining brightly in this darkness that seeks to envelope us. We need fresh oil (Matt 25:1-13).
Like the woman who touched the hem of Jesus' garment (Mark 5:25-34), we too must reach out in a desperate, but faith filled effort, through the thronging crowd, and grab hold of the one who can make all things new.
We need revival! We need the manifest presence of the living God to come down in our midst. We need the convicting power of the Holy spirit, the encouragement, and wisdom that He brings. We need power in our lives, and boldness in our witness.
It is time to fall on our knees and seek Him in desperation, and not give up until He comes and brings refreshing to us once again.
The Church is not immune either, as we see much of the world's ways rushing in like destructive flood waters. It makes me think of Jesus' parable of the builders (Matt 7:24-27). The Church that is built upon the sand, one that compromises the word of God, one that hears the word, but does not put it into practice, will fall as the flood of sin rushes in.
The Church built upon the rock, will prevail. We cannot afford to compromise solid Biblical principles so that we are not viewed as offensive, or so that we will seem more seeker friendly. A Church built upon the rock is a Church that stands for the truth, teaches the truth, and lives out the truth. Though the world will rage against it, we have the promise of Christ that it will stand, and the gates of hell itself will not prevail against it (Matt 16:18).
These are desperate times, and we need to bombard heaven with a holy desperation that will not be denied. We must seek with all earnestness the Holy Spirit, to come and strengthen us, to give us resolve, to give us boldness to stand up for truth in an evil world. Our light must be shining brightly in this darkness that seeks to envelope us. We need fresh oil (Matt 25:1-13).
Like the woman who touched the hem of Jesus' garment (Mark 5:25-34), we too must reach out in a desperate, but faith filled effort, through the thronging crowd, and grab hold of the one who can make all things new.
We need revival! We need the manifest presence of the living God to come down in our midst. We need the convicting power of the Holy spirit, the encouragement, and wisdom that He brings. We need power in our lives, and boldness in our witness.
It is time to fall on our knees and seek Him in desperation, and not give up until He comes and brings refreshing to us once again.
Monday, January 12, 2015
Upon This Rock I Will Build My Church.
The Church triumphant has been under attack since it's inception some 2,000 years ago. Nations and rulers have tried to destroy the Church through persecution, they have tried to legislate it out of existence, and have had a measure of success by merging it with the state.
The union of church and state has probably done more harm to the cause of Christ than any other device satan has come up with. By this union, governments have controlled what the church believes, and what it practices. By legislating Christianity, nations have been declared "Christian" deceiving their members into thinking they are true Christians when in fact they are not.
No human government on this earth has the God given ability to determine what constitutes true faith and practice. God alone, through His word has set forth the standard for Christian practice. No one has the right or ability to come between a man's conscience and his God.
Jesus tells us that He will build His Church upon the rock of our confession of faith, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18). The Bible tells us that there is one body, one Spirit, and we were called in one hope of our calling. One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all, who is over all, through all and in all (Ephesians 4:4-6). Jude tells us to contend earnestly for the faith that was once delivered (Jude 1:3). That is the true faith, the one delivered down through the Apostles and Prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20).
This is the foundation that the true follower of Christ Jesus is built upon. Every one who names the name Of Jesus in a true and living faith is being built up into a spiritual dwelling place for God (Ephesians 2:19-22; 1 Peter 2:4-5)
Trials and tribulations will come as we are told in the word of God (1 Peter 4:12-14; Rev 1:9; Matt 5:10-12). We are to rejoice in this, and stand fast, as Jesus tells us, "He who endures to the end will be saved" (Matt 24:13). We have the precious promise of Christ that He will be with us to the end of the age (Matt 28:18-20).
The Church has always prospered under adversity. It has triumphed in what seemed it's darkest hour. This is when a line is drawn so to speak, and those who cling to Christ with a ruthless trust are separated from those who are merely nominal. When things get a little tough, they are out of there. This is when the people of God shine the brightest, filled with the glorious presence of the Holy Spirit.
Do not grow weary or give up as you see things get tough in these last days.
It is a trustworthy statement: For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him; If we endure we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He will also deny us; If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.
2 Timothy 2:11-13 NASB
The union of church and state has probably done more harm to the cause of Christ than any other device satan has come up with. By this union, governments have controlled what the church believes, and what it practices. By legislating Christianity, nations have been declared "Christian" deceiving their members into thinking they are true Christians when in fact they are not.
No human government on this earth has the God given ability to determine what constitutes true faith and practice. God alone, through His word has set forth the standard for Christian practice. No one has the right or ability to come between a man's conscience and his God.
Jesus tells us that He will build His Church upon the rock of our confession of faith, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18). The Bible tells us that there is one body, one Spirit, and we were called in one hope of our calling. One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all, who is over all, through all and in all (Ephesians 4:4-6). Jude tells us to contend earnestly for the faith that was once delivered (Jude 1:3). That is the true faith, the one delivered down through the Apostles and Prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20).
This is the foundation that the true follower of Christ Jesus is built upon. Every one who names the name Of Jesus in a true and living faith is being built up into a spiritual dwelling place for God (Ephesians 2:19-22; 1 Peter 2:4-5)
Trials and tribulations will come as we are told in the word of God (1 Peter 4:12-14; Rev 1:9; Matt 5:10-12). We are to rejoice in this, and stand fast, as Jesus tells us, "He who endures to the end will be saved" (Matt 24:13). We have the precious promise of Christ that He will be with us to the end of the age (Matt 28:18-20).
The Church has always prospered under adversity. It has triumphed in what seemed it's darkest hour. This is when a line is drawn so to speak, and those who cling to Christ with a ruthless trust are separated from those who are merely nominal. When things get a little tough, they are out of there. This is when the people of God shine the brightest, filled with the glorious presence of the Holy Spirit.
Do not grow weary or give up as you see things get tough in these last days.
It is a trustworthy statement: For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him; If we endure we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He will also deny us; If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.
2 Timothy 2:11-13 NASB
You Have Left Your First Love.
But this I have against you, that you have left your first love.
Revelation 2:4 NASB
One can be doing everything that a Christian should be doing, even love what they are doing, but still miss it.
Pastors can be in love with their preaching, teachers can be in love with their teaching, theologians can be consumed with theology. An individual may have a passion for doing good, he or she may pour themselves out in the service of others.
Others may be faithful in church, they may be there every service, take part in the worship, listen to the message, be on a prayer team, serve as a deacon, but only participate out of habit, even drudgery.
What is missing is the passionate love for Jesus that motivates the child of God. Without that passion for Christ motivating us, our actions are empty, mere forms, no matter how much we enjoy them. They are mere idols, taking the place in our hearts that belongs to Christ.
If this is you, repent and do the deeds you did at first, when all that mattered was Jesus (Rev 2:5).
Revelation 2:4 NASB
One can be doing everything that a Christian should be doing, even love what they are doing, but still miss it.
Pastors can be in love with their preaching, teachers can be in love with their teaching, theologians can be consumed with theology. An individual may have a passion for doing good, he or she may pour themselves out in the service of others.
Others may be faithful in church, they may be there every service, take part in the worship, listen to the message, be on a prayer team, serve as a deacon, but only participate out of habit, even drudgery.
What is missing is the passionate love for Jesus that motivates the child of God. Without that passion for Christ motivating us, our actions are empty, mere forms, no matter how much we enjoy them. They are mere idols, taking the place in our hearts that belongs to Christ.
If this is you, repent and do the deeds you did at first, when all that mattered was Jesus (Rev 2:5).
Saturday, January 10, 2015
Lo, I Am With You Always.
The exiles returning from the Babylonian captivity faced much opposition when they began to rebuild the temple (Ezra 4:1-7). They finally gave up in defeat when ordered to do so by Artaxerxes the King (Ezra 4:23-24).
We the same thing today as we try to advance the kingdom of God. We face threats from within and without. Lukewarmness and compromise fill many of our congregations. Political correctness has replaced the power of the gospel, and what that has failed to destroy, is being legislated out of existence by governments bent on eliminating true Christianity.
The Israelites of old needed to be encouraged back into action, as we do today. Through the Prophet Haggai, God rebuked the people for their inactivity, and also encouraged them to get back on task (Ezra 5:1-2; Haggai 1:2-10, 13-14, 2:4-9). They went back to work and rebuilt the temple in obedience to God, trusting in Him to enable them to finish. Notice that God declared that He was with them (Haggai 1:13, 2:4-5). What an encouragement to know that the god of heaven was with them to help them in spite og all the opposition they faced.
Jesus makes this same statement when He tells us to go into all the world making disciples (Matt 28:18-20). All authority has been given to Him, and all the strength we need will be supplied to us to do His will. He so graciously promises us that He will be with us to the very end of the age. No power in hell or on this earth can stop the advancement of the Kingdom of God. Jesus said that He will build His Church upon the rock, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18).
What an encouragement this should be to us as we advance His kingdom in all of its glory!
We the same thing today as we try to advance the kingdom of God. We face threats from within and without. Lukewarmness and compromise fill many of our congregations. Political correctness has replaced the power of the gospel, and what that has failed to destroy, is being legislated out of existence by governments bent on eliminating true Christianity.
The Israelites of old needed to be encouraged back into action, as we do today. Through the Prophet Haggai, God rebuked the people for their inactivity, and also encouraged them to get back on task (Ezra 5:1-2; Haggai 1:2-10, 13-14, 2:4-9). They went back to work and rebuilt the temple in obedience to God, trusting in Him to enable them to finish. Notice that God declared that He was with them (Haggai 1:13, 2:4-5). What an encouragement to know that the god of heaven was with them to help them in spite og all the opposition they faced.
Jesus makes this same statement when He tells us to go into all the world making disciples (Matt 28:18-20). All authority has been given to Him, and all the strength we need will be supplied to us to do His will. He so graciously promises us that He will be with us to the very end of the age. No power in hell or on this earth can stop the advancement of the Kingdom of God. Jesus said that He will build His Church upon the rock, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18).
What an encouragement this should be to us as we advance His kingdom in all of its glory!
Thursday, January 8, 2015
The Church, Training Ground or Hospital?
Many people today have the idea that the church is a hospital for the spiritually ill. Now I understand that there are some individuals who are weak in the faith, or those who struggle in their Christian walk, and these should receive help. It is scriptural (Gal 6:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:14).
It is also true that an unbeliever may come into the assembly, but the presence of God should be so noticeable to them that they are either truly saved, or feel uncomfortable enough in their sin, to not play church for the rest of their lives (1 Cor 14:24-25; Acts 5:11-14).
In acts 5:11-14, great fear fell upon the people after the deaths of Annanias and Sapphira. Notice how unbelievers did not associate themselves with the church. The presence of God was there, and a casual individual did not want to go in and hang around and yet have no desire to repent and serve Christ. Yet we see that people were indeed being saved and added to the Church.
The difference is this. The Church of Acts was going out and winning the lost, then bringing them in and making disciples. Today, we want them to come in, and we hope that in time something will click and they will get saved. Sadly, we see people spend their entire lives in church trying to overcome multitudes of sins and habits, needing to be led through all manners of issues affecting their homes and relationships, all because they are not getting saved. The church is seen as a divine hospital for the patching up of sinners, and for the most part, that is all that is happening, a lot of patches, but very few transformed lives.
Once again, I understand the need for compassion, and the call on our lives as Christians to reach out to help the weak and needy, but we are going about it wrong for the most part.
We are told in the book of Ephesians that the assembly of believers, the Church, is where we come to be equipped for works of service (Ephesians 4:11-12). The Church is comprised of true believers, who have been born into the kingdom of God. The epistles are written to Saints, ones who are separated unto the service of God. These are holy people, not unrepentant sinners.
It is true that Jesus tells us that there will be tares sown along side the wheat. A tare looks like wheat, but does not bear "fruit". In the world there will be individuals who may pass as Christians, but in reality they are not. Many of them fill our churches ever week (Matt 13:24-30, 36-43). We must do what we can to make sure that any unbeliever who would be in one of our churches would come to a saving knowledge of Christ, but this is not the purpose of our gathering together as believers!
As I said, the Church is the gathering of redeemed people, the Bride of Christ! We are to be equipped to go out and do the works of service that God has called us to. Paul tells us that we are to grow up into maturity, no longer being tossed back and forth like children, carried away by false doctrines (Ephesians 4:13-14).
The writer of Hebrews exhorts us to press on to maturity (Hebrews 6:1). Many of us can relate to the fact that we ought to be teachers, but are in need of being taught the basics after years of Christianity (Hebrews 5:12-14). I believe that much of this comes from a hospital mentality; the church exists to fix us and patch us up. Sadly many never seem to get beyond the patching up stage.
We are called to go into all the world and make disciples, and the Church is where the training, and praying, and encouragement, happens. This is where many of the missionaries of old received their callings (Acts 13:1-3). Men were made strong in the presence of the Holy Spirit, in the midst of the gathering of the Saints of God. We are called to encourage one another on to good deeds, as we assemble together (Hebrews 10:24-25).
We are in a war of a spiritual nature, and need all the training and edification that we can get. We cannot remain infants, and expect to be effective in our service to Christ our King. We are to be advancing the Kingdom of God in the face of a wicked world dominated by satan, and all his devices. We must be strong, we must be filled with the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. We must grow to a mature man, complete in Christ.
If you are struggling, find true deliverance in Christ Jesus, and press on to maturity. Don't settle for a life of struggle and bondage. The Christian life is one of victory. We are more than conquerors through Christ (Romans 8:37). Go on to maturity, and do your part to fulfill the great commission (Matthew 28:18-20). Come to church and be encouraged to go out to the battle field!
It is also true that an unbeliever may come into the assembly, but the presence of God should be so noticeable to them that they are either truly saved, or feel uncomfortable enough in their sin, to not play church for the rest of their lives (1 Cor 14:24-25; Acts 5:11-14).
In acts 5:11-14, great fear fell upon the people after the deaths of Annanias and Sapphira. Notice how unbelievers did not associate themselves with the church. The presence of God was there, and a casual individual did not want to go in and hang around and yet have no desire to repent and serve Christ. Yet we see that people were indeed being saved and added to the Church.
The difference is this. The Church of Acts was going out and winning the lost, then bringing them in and making disciples. Today, we want them to come in, and we hope that in time something will click and they will get saved. Sadly, we see people spend their entire lives in church trying to overcome multitudes of sins and habits, needing to be led through all manners of issues affecting their homes and relationships, all because they are not getting saved. The church is seen as a divine hospital for the patching up of sinners, and for the most part, that is all that is happening, a lot of patches, but very few transformed lives.
Once again, I understand the need for compassion, and the call on our lives as Christians to reach out to help the weak and needy, but we are going about it wrong for the most part.
We are told in the book of Ephesians that the assembly of believers, the Church, is where we come to be equipped for works of service (Ephesians 4:11-12). The Church is comprised of true believers, who have been born into the kingdom of God. The epistles are written to Saints, ones who are separated unto the service of God. These are holy people, not unrepentant sinners.
It is true that Jesus tells us that there will be tares sown along side the wheat. A tare looks like wheat, but does not bear "fruit". In the world there will be individuals who may pass as Christians, but in reality they are not. Many of them fill our churches ever week (Matt 13:24-30, 36-43). We must do what we can to make sure that any unbeliever who would be in one of our churches would come to a saving knowledge of Christ, but this is not the purpose of our gathering together as believers!
As I said, the Church is the gathering of redeemed people, the Bride of Christ! We are to be equipped to go out and do the works of service that God has called us to. Paul tells us that we are to grow up into maturity, no longer being tossed back and forth like children, carried away by false doctrines (Ephesians 4:13-14).
The writer of Hebrews exhorts us to press on to maturity (Hebrews 6:1). Many of us can relate to the fact that we ought to be teachers, but are in need of being taught the basics after years of Christianity (Hebrews 5:12-14). I believe that much of this comes from a hospital mentality; the church exists to fix us and patch us up. Sadly many never seem to get beyond the patching up stage.
We are called to go into all the world and make disciples, and the Church is where the training, and praying, and encouragement, happens. This is where many of the missionaries of old received their callings (Acts 13:1-3). Men were made strong in the presence of the Holy Spirit, in the midst of the gathering of the Saints of God. We are called to encourage one another on to good deeds, as we assemble together (Hebrews 10:24-25).
We are in a war of a spiritual nature, and need all the training and edification that we can get. We cannot remain infants, and expect to be effective in our service to Christ our King. We are to be advancing the Kingdom of God in the face of a wicked world dominated by satan, and all his devices. We must be strong, we must be filled with the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. We must grow to a mature man, complete in Christ.
If you are struggling, find true deliverance in Christ Jesus, and press on to maturity. Don't settle for a life of struggle and bondage. The Christian life is one of victory. We are more than conquerors through Christ (Romans 8:37). Go on to maturity, and do your part to fulfill the great commission (Matthew 28:18-20). Come to church and be encouraged to go out to the battle field!
Thursday, January 1, 2015
What Your Speech Says About You.
From the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way.
Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water?
Can a fig tree my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh.
James 3:10-12 NASB
Consider what James is saying here. There are many supposed followers of Christ who use filthy language on a regular basis, with little or no thought of what they are saying, or how offensive it is.
James is telling us that those who both bless and curse, are an anomaly. They deviate from what is a set rule, from the way things are supposed to be. Look at the examples he presents in nature. Fresh and bitter water do not come from the same fountain, figs come from fig trees, olives come from olive trees, and salt water does not produce fresh. There is something wrong with the testimony of an individual claiming Christ, but using filthy language.
Look what Jesus says about our speech in Matthew's gospel.
"Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit.
"You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.
"The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good; and the evil man brings out of his evil treasure what is evil.
"But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment.
"For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."
Matthew 12:33-37 NASB
These are very sobering words that we as Christians need to take very seriously. We tend to think that somehow, because we have made a profession, or said a prayer, that what we do does not matter. In this instance our speech is a very accurate indicator of our spiritual life, or lack thereof.
Look at what Jesus is saying here. Our speech comes out of what fills our hearts. The ruling preference of our lives determines what flows out of our mouths. If Christ is on the throne of our hearts, we will speak in a manner consistent with this. If we are in control of our lives, if Christ is dethroned, or we have never even been truly saved in the biblical sense of salvation, our mouths will run consistent with that.
You will say that no man can tame the tongue (James 3:8). I agree! An individual apart from Christ cannot tame his tongue, or any other sin or bad habit in his or her life! We need Christ on the throne, the Holy Spirit dwelling in the temples of our hearts. When we walk by the Spirit we will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh (Galatians 5:16), including our speech!
What does your speech say about you!
Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water?
Can a fig tree my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh.
James 3:10-12 NASB
Consider what James is saying here. There are many supposed followers of Christ who use filthy language on a regular basis, with little or no thought of what they are saying, or how offensive it is.
James is telling us that those who both bless and curse, are an anomaly. They deviate from what is a set rule, from the way things are supposed to be. Look at the examples he presents in nature. Fresh and bitter water do not come from the same fountain, figs come from fig trees, olives come from olive trees, and salt water does not produce fresh. There is something wrong with the testimony of an individual claiming Christ, but using filthy language.
Look what Jesus says about our speech in Matthew's gospel.
"Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit.
"You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.
"The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good; and the evil man brings out of his evil treasure what is evil.
"But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment.
"For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."
Matthew 12:33-37 NASB
These are very sobering words that we as Christians need to take very seriously. We tend to think that somehow, because we have made a profession, or said a prayer, that what we do does not matter. In this instance our speech is a very accurate indicator of our spiritual life, or lack thereof.
Look at what Jesus is saying here. Our speech comes out of what fills our hearts. The ruling preference of our lives determines what flows out of our mouths. If Christ is on the throne of our hearts, we will speak in a manner consistent with this. If we are in control of our lives, if Christ is dethroned, or we have never even been truly saved in the biblical sense of salvation, our mouths will run consistent with that.
You will say that no man can tame the tongue (James 3:8). I agree! An individual apart from Christ cannot tame his tongue, or any other sin or bad habit in his or her life! We need Christ on the throne, the Holy Spirit dwelling in the temples of our hearts. When we walk by the Spirit we will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh (Galatians 5:16), including our speech!
What does your speech say about you!
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