“As long as people have no reason to believe that we are Christians, at least obedient and righteous Christians, we need not worry about persecution.” – John MacArthur
Matthew 5:10, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Have you ever been persecuted for your faith in Christ? If so, did you feel blessed for it? If not, why not? Maybe you are not living your faith the way Christ tells you too, because if you are a Christian then there is a promise of persecution. 2 Timothy 3:12, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” If you are not or have not been persecuted for your faith in some manner then I would take a look at what is going on in your faith walk.
Being blessed for persecution is something that seems very opposite of the way if feels when persecution occurs. Unless of course blessing in this case is not a feeling, but an internal aspect of our faith. It is the internal, blessed means to be fully satisfied, but this is not to be from the things of this earth or life, but because of Christ’s indwelling you. Makes being persecuted that much easier and truly blessed; knowing that we are in a relationship with our Savior and some day will be able to spend eternity with Him. What better reward is there!!
If you have not faced ridicule, rejection, criticism or ostracism for your faith it may be time to look at what you truly believe. If the world starts praising us for who we are then we definitely need to look at what is going on, because it is not the world that has become better, but we who have become more like the world. And if we are being loved by the world, we can be assured that we are not in God’s love. 1 John 2:15-17, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.”
Listen to Richard Wurmbrand talk a little about his persecution, and then see if being called names or being ostracized is still a big deal.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Are You Sick?
Matthew 23:25, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and £self-indulgence. 26Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also.”
Ephesians 5:8-11, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.
Why do we have more concern for the physically ill then the spiritually ill? Or better yet, why do we worry more about a physically ill person being in our presence then a spiritually ill person? Which is worse?
When a doctor tells you the treatment for your cold, flu, or sore throat you typically take the advice and are cured. But when someone tells you that you are spiritually sick and need help it is called intolerance. Why? The cures the doctor gives us sometimes make us feel worse at first, or it hurts (a shot) just as it hurts when we have to deal with spiritually sick matters, but one we have no problem undertaking and the other we reject outright.
A sick person walks in the room, and he is noticeably sick, most people will not sit by him or get to close in proximity because they do not want to catch it. And many times they will ask the person to leave until they are better. Most of the time the sick person understands and leaves, as they do not want to infect anyone else accidentally. Someone that is spiritually sick walks into the room, and it is known; we cannot say anything because it would be offensive. Or we do not say anything because we are afraid. Why? If your life could possibly be infected, wouldn’t you say something? If I had a contagious cold, I am betting you would ask me to stay clear, but why not if I have a contagious false doctrine?
We have it backwards. We are more concerned about personal sickness then spiritual sickness and it is now permeating our churches and society. Most cannot even identify a spiritually sick person among them, because they do not understand spiritual health. We understand when we are physically unhealthy and can see it in others, but we do not recognize spiritual unhealthy. Why?
It is time to stand up and start worrying more about the health of our church and helping the spiritually sick, and whether or not they accept the help is up to them. Otherwise they must be asked to leave so they do not infect others with there sickness. Are you allowing spiritual sickness to infect your life or your families life?
1 Corinthians 5:11-12, “But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person. For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? 13But those who are outside God judges.”
2 Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. . . .”
2 Timothy 4:2, “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.”
Ephesians 5:8-11, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.
Why do we have more concern for the physically ill then the spiritually ill? Or better yet, why do we worry more about a physically ill person being in our presence then a spiritually ill person? Which is worse?
When a doctor tells you the treatment for your cold, flu, or sore throat you typically take the advice and are cured. But when someone tells you that you are spiritually sick and need help it is called intolerance. Why? The cures the doctor gives us sometimes make us feel worse at first, or it hurts (a shot) just as it hurts when we have to deal with spiritually sick matters, but one we have no problem undertaking and the other we reject outright.
A sick person walks in the room, and he is noticeably sick, most people will not sit by him or get to close in proximity because they do not want to catch it. And many times they will ask the person to leave until they are better. Most of the time the sick person understands and leaves, as they do not want to infect anyone else accidentally. Someone that is spiritually sick walks into the room, and it is known; we cannot say anything because it would be offensive. Or we do not say anything because we are afraid. Why? If your life could possibly be infected, wouldn’t you say something? If I had a contagious cold, I am betting you would ask me to stay clear, but why not if I have a contagious false doctrine?
We have it backwards. We are more concerned about personal sickness then spiritual sickness and it is now permeating our churches and society. Most cannot even identify a spiritually sick person among them, because they do not understand spiritual health. We understand when we are physically unhealthy and can see it in others, but we do not recognize spiritual unhealthy. Why?
It is time to stand up and start worrying more about the health of our church and helping the spiritually sick, and whether or not they accept the help is up to them. Otherwise they must be asked to leave so they do not infect others with there sickness. Are you allowing spiritual sickness to infect your life or your families life?
1 Corinthians 5:11-12, “But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person. For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? 13But those who are outside God judges.”
2 Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. . . .”
2 Timothy 4:2, “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.”
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Go Therefore Only in Your Nation
Matthew 28:19-20, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.”
Mark 16:14-15, “Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. 15And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”
I was asked the other day why I needed to go to India when there are plenty of places to evangelize here. The argument was that we should not even go to other countries, but instead just focus on our own country. He said that we are to make disciples and not evangelize, meaning that we are to invest in people and we can only do that by being part of the nation and spending time with them. The verses above were used to support the belief of not evangelizing other nations and staying in your home country.
First, I believe that this person is correct in that we need to disciple people and it is lacking everywhere. It is heavily needed in the United States. I also agree that to just evangelize in other countries without discipleship programs set up or prepared for new believers then it will cause problems in the future for the believers.
But to say that we are not to go into all the world and preach the word is against the very Word of God and the verses stated in the beginning. The nations and all the world used above signify more then just your community or nation, but anywhere that has not heard the name of Christ. If we do not go then how will they know? If the people in Jerusalem just focused on them and said that they were not to take it anywhere else then why were the Gentiles saved? How did we ever get the Good News if we are not to go into other nations, as only Jews should be Christians then?
My guess is that people become upset with short stints that people participate in where they build something or just go because their friends are going (which happens a lot in high school trips). Seems to be a lot of money used for things and not for preaching Christ and growing in Him. But what if a young adult or adult goes just for the experience and encounters Christ, would that not be worth it? Spend $10,000 for one soul to come to Christ, is that too much? Though money could be used more efficiently, we should not put a price tag on those that come to Christ and be willing to spend what it takes. We do need more accountability with what we do and how we do it, but lets not base it on that it is not needed. Missions are not only for those we go to at times, but for us and sometimes more for us then them.
Lastly, how can one disciple if we do not evangelize first? In order for one to know Christ, he/she has to be told, which is evangelizing. Then there is growing in Him through people investing in them and that is discipleship. We are to go into all the nations teaching, preaching and discipling for the cause of Christ.
How does a country come to know Christ if no one goes? How do they grow in Christ if missionaries do not stay? To just keep Christ to ourselves is selfish and sinful and I would not want to stand before God and tell Him that we just kept His salvation to ourselves. Shout it out from the mountain tops; shout it to the entire world so that everyone may know about Christ. That is our calling, to tell people about Christ. That is what disciples do; they tell others by the way they walk, the way the talk. They go as Jesus did and go, as He did when He talked with others outside His nation and people.
If God is calling you then go. It is more important to answer God then man. We are told to go into all nations. Not some or just your own, but ALL. I thank God for all those men and women who go into lands where the Word of God has not been heard and risk their lives for the cause of someone coming to know Christ as Savior and Lord.
Just a foot note, Mark 16:9-20 is not found in the earliest Greek manuscripts and thus any doctrine of belief needs to be based on other Scriptures for complete truth, but even then Mark says that we are to go into all the world.
Mark 16:14-15, “Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. 15And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”
I was asked the other day why I needed to go to India when there are plenty of places to evangelize here. The argument was that we should not even go to other countries, but instead just focus on our own country. He said that we are to make disciples and not evangelize, meaning that we are to invest in people and we can only do that by being part of the nation and spending time with them. The verses above were used to support the belief of not evangelizing other nations and staying in your home country.
First, I believe that this person is correct in that we need to disciple people and it is lacking everywhere. It is heavily needed in the United States. I also agree that to just evangelize in other countries without discipleship programs set up or prepared for new believers then it will cause problems in the future for the believers.
But to say that we are not to go into all the world and preach the word is against the very Word of God and the verses stated in the beginning. The nations and all the world used above signify more then just your community or nation, but anywhere that has not heard the name of Christ. If we do not go then how will they know? If the people in Jerusalem just focused on them and said that they were not to take it anywhere else then why were the Gentiles saved? How did we ever get the Good News if we are not to go into other nations, as only Jews should be Christians then?
My guess is that people become upset with short stints that people participate in where they build something or just go because their friends are going (which happens a lot in high school trips). Seems to be a lot of money used for things and not for preaching Christ and growing in Him. But what if a young adult or adult goes just for the experience and encounters Christ, would that not be worth it? Spend $10,000 for one soul to come to Christ, is that too much? Though money could be used more efficiently, we should not put a price tag on those that come to Christ and be willing to spend what it takes. We do need more accountability with what we do and how we do it, but lets not base it on that it is not needed. Missions are not only for those we go to at times, but for us and sometimes more for us then them.
Lastly, how can one disciple if we do not evangelize first? In order for one to know Christ, he/she has to be told, which is evangelizing. Then there is growing in Him through people investing in them and that is discipleship. We are to go into all the nations teaching, preaching and discipling for the cause of Christ.
How does a country come to know Christ if no one goes? How do they grow in Christ if missionaries do not stay? To just keep Christ to ourselves is selfish and sinful and I would not want to stand before God and tell Him that we just kept His salvation to ourselves. Shout it out from the mountain tops; shout it to the entire world so that everyone may know about Christ. That is our calling, to tell people about Christ. That is what disciples do; they tell others by the way they walk, the way the talk. They go as Jesus did and go, as He did when He talked with others outside His nation and people.
If God is calling you then go. It is more important to answer God then man. We are told to go into all nations. Not some or just your own, but ALL. I thank God for all those men and women who go into lands where the Word of God has not been heard and risk their lives for the cause of someone coming to know Christ as Savior and Lord.
Just a foot note, Mark 16:9-20 is not found in the earliest Greek manuscripts and thus any doctrine of belief needs to be based on other Scriptures for complete truth, but even then Mark says that we are to go into all the world.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Where is Your Treasure?
Below you will find a basic summary of a sermon I delivered this past Sunday at my church. It was a blessing to be asked and to deliver the Word of God.
Matthew 6:19-24, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22“The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. 23But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness! 24“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”
A lot of sermons have been done on this as it pertains to giving and money. Just Google the verses and you will get a plethora of returns and choices. Many of those sermons are correct in saying that as it pertains financially, we are to give graciously, lovingly, knowing it is for the work of Christ and that is where our heart is to be.
Some have used this passage as a warning against the rich and say they should give their money away, and that is not the case either. When it says laying up treasure here it is talking about stockpiling money or hoarding it. It is wealth that is simply kept for wealth’s sake.
The rich young man in Matthew 19:21 was being shown his idol, which was money. There were plenty of rich men that were not condemned for being rich, Philemon was one of them. If money is your idol then you may have to look at allowing God to direct you what to do. I am guessing it will be the same. Share it and give it.
I want us to pay attention to the last section of this verse in particular, 6:22-24, because if we are aligned with God’s will and the light is in us then we will not have to worry about our giving or our actions for that matter as our treasure will be Heaven.
The eye is another illustration of the heart, as it is the eye of the soul. When our spiritual eyes are clear then so will our souls be clear. This happens when we are looking to the eternal instead of the temporal.
A clear heart will have a single minded focus, and that is the will of God. It will follow the first and greatest commandment, Mark 12:30, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'” I like this verse because it adds with all your strength, meaning everything you have.
An eye that is bad is one that is trying to live a double life or one that is concerned more about material things of this temporal life then spiritual things. This person is selfishly indulgent, materialistic, and more concerned what the world thinks then what God thinks. This is exactly what Paul is talking against in Romans 12:1-2, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”
What goes into our eyes and ears will impact our soul and ultimately how we present ourselves to the public and to God. If we continue to feed ourselves on junk: whether it is movies, books, or friends that live sinful lives then we will continue to only have junk in our souls. Darkness and light do not coexist together.
But if we are feeding on the things that glorify God then we will also demonstrate that in our lives. Are we in devotions to know Him deeper? Are we coming Sundays to worship or out of obligation? Are we taking everything captive to make sure it is not sin?
Money comes so much into play because it gives a great measure of where we are. It is like a barometer. Money is typically what we use for things that interest us. Whether it is to go to movies, buying books, where we hang out, or what/who we give to. If someone were to look where your money was going how would you rate? Hot, Luke Warm, Cold or Dead? Our money typically shows what is in our hearts. How is your heart rating?
It is interesting because as you prepare something like this we have to take account of our own lives, so it is convicting when we look at our check books, credit card statements and see where our money is going. “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will hold to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”
We see this in other Scriptures as well. Again, money is used as the example, because it typically plays an important role in our selfishness.
In Luke 16:14 Jesus says this about the Pharisees, “The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus.” They were more concerned with worldly wealth and accolades then the Son of God staring them in the face.
2 Peter 2:3, “3By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.”
2 Peter 2:14, “having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin, enticing unstable souls. They have a heart trained in covetous practices, and are accursed children.
To covet in Greek meant to be a lover of silver and gold. It also means to defraud. These people were known for defrauding for money and keeping money for monies sake. Not using it for God.
Verse 24 is a powerful statement as it tells us that if we let money run our lives then we are hating and despising God. That is rough.
Master here is referring to the idea of a slave owner. Who are you a slave to? A slave is totally owned and controlled by his master. They have nothing for anyone or anything else. Christ is telling us that we are to be His slaves, that there is nothing in place of Him.
You cannot serve anything else and if you do you are not serving Him faithfully and fully, if at all. Jesus is not playing around here. He is calling you and me out. We cannot claim Christ as our Lord if something else is controlling our lives.
This application can go for anything besides money. If we are allowing the public eye to control us, our peers, even our church politic over Christ then He is not our Lord.
John Calvin said, “Where riches hold the dominion of the heart, God has lost His authority.” Our treasure is here or there and cannot be in both places. We are for the world or for Christ. The lines have been drawn and the cast has been set. All we have to do is choose.
One master asks us to walk by faith and the other master asks us to walk by sight. What will you choose? One will end in disappointment, depression, emptiness and despair. The other will end in fullness and blessing because your treasure will be forever.
Picture it: You are in Heaven and you are being greeted by so many loved ones and then someone comes up and says thank you. Thank you for what you did for me, for bringing Christ to me. You do not recognize him. He is not even the same nationality as you. You try to think where you could have met him. Finally you ask how you brought Christ to him. He tells you it was because you when God called you to give, you did and the money was used to train missionaries for village outreach and they came to my village and taught me about Christ. Had you not answered the call and donated, maybe I would have died before my village heard. Your giving provided me the opportunity to hear Christ.
Or this: Same scenario, but a young woman walks up to you next and thanks you also for your impact in her life, and for helping her in her decision to accept Christ. Again, you have no idea of how in the world you helped this girl and you ask her to how you impacted her. She tells you that she once heard you were a Christian and wanted to see what that was and watched your life. She saw you deny the things of the world, she saw you living so contently, and she then saw you stand up and not participate in watching a movie that was far from clean, or engaging in crude humor, but you lived what you believed. This impacted her and she went and asked someone about Christ and accepted Him as Savior. Because of your example not living worldly she was pricked by the Holy Spirit and came to faith in Jesus.
Or would you rather be this person: You arrive in Heaven and you are allowed for a moment to look over a chasm and there are several people looking at you and asking why you did not tell them about Christ? Asking why you were so afraid to be different then the world. They are angry because you did what they did and acted like them, but you never told them about your salvation in Christ as Lord. You did nothing to let them know you were different. You walked both sides of the fence. They did know there was difference but to be “good.” They are tormented because we did not choose to give, or go and do what we could to reach them.
How do we even look at one person knowing they are bound for Hell and not tell them about Christ? Tell them about the love of our Savior and what He has done for us and can do for them.
Where is our treasure? Is it our cars, our toys, our video games, our books, our families, or you fill in the blank. I will tell you my struggle at times, and people that know me closely will know that I buy books like a mad man at times. Now I read them, but sometimes I tend to put too much into my library then in making sure I am giving first to the church and ministries I support. We all have to look at ourselves and see.
Pastor Rick and I were talking about this and he was telling me about missionaries that have to save up for months to buy one book and I buy around 5 month at times. The comment the missionary said was, “I heard people in the states buy books they never read.” I told him I was convicted enough without all the examples. I had to look at where my treasure was. . .my library or Christ.
Is our treasure here or is it Christ. . .and all else is a blessing from above whether it be your wealth, toys, books, or families. Still not sold that video games are a blessing of any kind.
If you are rich give till it hurts! If you are poor give till it hurts! If your middle income give till it hurts! Give your time, your money, your life for the cause of Christ. That is what He demands. Then you will have treasure in Heaven that will not rust and moths will not eat.
You can take it with you. But only if you choose the right treasure. Choose today to follow Christ as Lord and build your treasure there and not here.
If you do not know Him as Savior then now is the time. Do not wait.
Matthew 6:19-24, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22“The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. 23But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness! 24“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”
A lot of sermons have been done on this as it pertains to giving and money. Just Google the verses and you will get a plethora of returns and choices. Many of those sermons are correct in saying that as it pertains financially, we are to give graciously, lovingly, knowing it is for the work of Christ and that is where our heart is to be.
Some have used this passage as a warning against the rich and say they should give their money away, and that is not the case either. When it says laying up treasure here it is talking about stockpiling money or hoarding it. It is wealth that is simply kept for wealth’s sake.
The rich young man in Matthew 19:21 was being shown his idol, which was money. There were plenty of rich men that were not condemned for being rich, Philemon was one of them. If money is your idol then you may have to look at allowing God to direct you what to do. I am guessing it will be the same. Share it and give it.
I want us to pay attention to the last section of this verse in particular, 6:22-24, because if we are aligned with God’s will and the light is in us then we will not have to worry about our giving or our actions for that matter as our treasure will be Heaven.
The eye is another illustration of the heart, as it is the eye of the soul. When our spiritual eyes are clear then so will our souls be clear. This happens when we are looking to the eternal instead of the temporal.
A clear heart will have a single minded focus, and that is the will of God. It will follow the first and greatest commandment, Mark 12:30, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'” I like this verse because it adds with all your strength, meaning everything you have.
An eye that is bad is one that is trying to live a double life or one that is concerned more about material things of this temporal life then spiritual things. This person is selfishly indulgent, materialistic, and more concerned what the world thinks then what God thinks. This is exactly what Paul is talking against in Romans 12:1-2, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”
What goes into our eyes and ears will impact our soul and ultimately how we present ourselves to the public and to God. If we continue to feed ourselves on junk: whether it is movies, books, or friends that live sinful lives then we will continue to only have junk in our souls. Darkness and light do not coexist together.
But if we are feeding on the things that glorify God then we will also demonstrate that in our lives. Are we in devotions to know Him deeper? Are we coming Sundays to worship or out of obligation? Are we taking everything captive to make sure it is not sin?
Money comes so much into play because it gives a great measure of where we are. It is like a barometer. Money is typically what we use for things that interest us. Whether it is to go to movies, buying books, where we hang out, or what/who we give to. If someone were to look where your money was going how would you rate? Hot, Luke Warm, Cold or Dead? Our money typically shows what is in our hearts. How is your heart rating?
It is interesting because as you prepare something like this we have to take account of our own lives, so it is convicting when we look at our check books, credit card statements and see where our money is going. “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will hold to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”
We see this in other Scriptures as well. Again, money is used as the example, because it typically plays an important role in our selfishness.
In Luke 16:14 Jesus says this about the Pharisees, “The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus.” They were more concerned with worldly wealth and accolades then the Son of God staring them in the face.
2 Peter 2:3, “3By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.”
2 Peter 2:14, “having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin, enticing unstable souls. They have a heart trained in covetous practices, and are accursed children.
To covet in Greek meant to be a lover of silver and gold. It also means to defraud. These people were known for defrauding for money and keeping money for monies sake. Not using it for God.
Verse 24 is a powerful statement as it tells us that if we let money run our lives then we are hating and despising God. That is rough.
Master here is referring to the idea of a slave owner. Who are you a slave to? A slave is totally owned and controlled by his master. They have nothing for anyone or anything else. Christ is telling us that we are to be His slaves, that there is nothing in place of Him.
You cannot serve anything else and if you do you are not serving Him faithfully and fully, if at all. Jesus is not playing around here. He is calling you and me out. We cannot claim Christ as our Lord if something else is controlling our lives.
This application can go for anything besides money. If we are allowing the public eye to control us, our peers, even our church politic over Christ then He is not our Lord.
John Calvin said, “Where riches hold the dominion of the heart, God has lost His authority.” Our treasure is here or there and cannot be in both places. We are for the world or for Christ. The lines have been drawn and the cast has been set. All we have to do is choose.
One master asks us to walk by faith and the other master asks us to walk by sight. What will you choose? One will end in disappointment, depression, emptiness and despair. The other will end in fullness and blessing because your treasure will be forever.
Picture it: You are in Heaven and you are being greeted by so many loved ones and then someone comes up and says thank you. Thank you for what you did for me, for bringing Christ to me. You do not recognize him. He is not even the same nationality as you. You try to think where you could have met him. Finally you ask how you brought Christ to him. He tells you it was because you when God called you to give, you did and the money was used to train missionaries for village outreach and they came to my village and taught me about Christ. Had you not answered the call and donated, maybe I would have died before my village heard. Your giving provided me the opportunity to hear Christ.
Or this: Same scenario, but a young woman walks up to you next and thanks you also for your impact in her life, and for helping her in her decision to accept Christ. Again, you have no idea of how in the world you helped this girl and you ask her to how you impacted her. She tells you that she once heard you were a Christian and wanted to see what that was and watched your life. She saw you deny the things of the world, she saw you living so contently, and she then saw you stand up and not participate in watching a movie that was far from clean, or engaging in crude humor, but you lived what you believed. This impacted her and she went and asked someone about Christ and accepted Him as Savior. Because of your example not living worldly she was pricked by the Holy Spirit and came to faith in Jesus.
Or would you rather be this person: You arrive in Heaven and you are allowed for a moment to look over a chasm and there are several people looking at you and asking why you did not tell them about Christ? Asking why you were so afraid to be different then the world. They are angry because you did what they did and acted like them, but you never told them about your salvation in Christ as Lord. You did nothing to let them know you were different. You walked both sides of the fence. They did know there was difference but to be “good.” They are tormented because we did not choose to give, or go and do what we could to reach them.
How do we even look at one person knowing they are bound for Hell and not tell them about Christ? Tell them about the love of our Savior and what He has done for us and can do for them.
Where is our treasure? Is it our cars, our toys, our video games, our books, our families, or you fill in the blank. I will tell you my struggle at times, and people that know me closely will know that I buy books like a mad man at times. Now I read them, but sometimes I tend to put too much into my library then in making sure I am giving first to the church and ministries I support. We all have to look at ourselves and see.
Pastor Rick and I were talking about this and he was telling me about missionaries that have to save up for months to buy one book and I buy around 5 month at times. The comment the missionary said was, “I heard people in the states buy books they never read.” I told him I was convicted enough without all the examples. I had to look at where my treasure was. . .my library or Christ.
Is our treasure here or is it Christ. . .and all else is a blessing from above whether it be your wealth, toys, books, or families. Still not sold that video games are a blessing of any kind.
If you are rich give till it hurts! If you are poor give till it hurts! If your middle income give till it hurts! Give your time, your money, your life for the cause of Christ. That is what He demands. Then you will have treasure in Heaven that will not rust and moths will not eat.
You can take it with you. But only if you choose the right treasure. Choose today to follow Christ as Lord and build your treasure there and not here.
If you do not know Him as Savior then now is the time. Do not wait.
Monday, August 06, 2007
Think You Love Christ!
I had to go to a leadership retreat a couple of weeks ago, and during this time we looked at different passages of Scripture, and one stuck out to me. Acts 2:42-47, and in particular one certain phrase in verse 46, “They worshipped together at the temple each day. . . .” Every day this verse says they worshipped at the temple.
What do you think of when you read this verse? Do you think there is no way you could go to church everyday or how incredibly boring that would be? Or do you think that would be the greatest thing if you could worship together with fellow believers, and wish it started tomorrow?
Many of you, and me, start to think about the people you would have to see, or the music that is played, or the absence of or too much liturgy for your taste, but is that what we should be thinking about when we consider worship. I am thinking that if it does not excite us then Heaven may not be where we want to be when we die. I would certainly think we would all come together each “day” at some interval to worship God directly, even though we will be in His presence continually.
The Bible talks about us continually worshipping God in Heaven, but to think of gathering together at the church each day to worship God is seen as troublesome or too time consuming today. Most churches do not even have Wednesday night services any more because there is no interest. Demonstrating our cultures attitude toward our Savior.
Some will say, “Wait a minute, I worship God in all I do.” The key word in that sentence being “I.” We try to rationalize that what we do is worshipping God, but when we take account, how much of that time really has anything to do with worshipping God? Or how often do you do everything you do in consideration of God? What you think, drink, eat, watch, read, do at work, on a date, or in your marriage.
Would all that change if you gathered together with everyone each day at church? What do you think the attitude of the apostles were when they went to church? I am guessing they could not wait and looked forward to it, as they realized who they were worshipping. I wonder if sometimes we forget why we truly gather together to worship.
It was a gut check and a heart check for me to read this verse. Why do I come to worship on Sunday, and do I look at Christ this way everyday? Do I realize who Christ is and what He has done for me, or is it just a Sunday morning ritual? Christ is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and deserves our daily and continual worship!!
What do you think of when you read this verse? Do you think there is no way you could go to church everyday or how incredibly boring that would be? Or do you think that would be the greatest thing if you could worship together with fellow believers, and wish it started tomorrow?
Many of you, and me, start to think about the people you would have to see, or the music that is played, or the absence of or too much liturgy for your taste, but is that what we should be thinking about when we consider worship. I am thinking that if it does not excite us then Heaven may not be where we want to be when we die. I would certainly think we would all come together each “day” at some interval to worship God directly, even though we will be in His presence continually.
The Bible talks about us continually worshipping God in Heaven, but to think of gathering together at the church each day to worship God is seen as troublesome or too time consuming today. Most churches do not even have Wednesday night services any more because there is no interest. Demonstrating our cultures attitude toward our Savior.
Some will say, “Wait a minute, I worship God in all I do.” The key word in that sentence being “I.” We try to rationalize that what we do is worshipping God, but when we take account, how much of that time really has anything to do with worshipping God? Or how often do you do everything you do in consideration of God? What you think, drink, eat, watch, read, do at work, on a date, or in your marriage.
Would all that change if you gathered together with everyone each day at church? What do you think the attitude of the apostles were when they went to church? I am guessing they could not wait and looked forward to it, as they realized who they were worshipping. I wonder if sometimes we forget why we truly gather together to worship.
It was a gut check and a heart check for me to read this verse. Why do I come to worship on Sunday, and do I look at Christ this way everyday? Do I realize who Christ is and what He has done for me, or is it just a Sunday morning ritual? Christ is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and deserves our daily and continual worship!!
Empty Gaze
If one were to sit and stare
would anyone really care?
Would you see anything in the air
or would it be an act of despair?
Could this action some how bring repair
to a life lived without any real flair?
Would anyone really care
if on were to sit and stare?
You see some one does care!
Maybe not me, but someone sweeter
than a pear.
Love Him if you dare
and you will never again have a reason
to sit and stare!
would anyone really care?
Would you see anything in the air
or would it be an act of despair?
Could this action some how bring repair
to a life lived without any real flair?
Would anyone really care
if on were to sit and stare?
You see some one does care!
Maybe not me, but someone sweeter
than a pear.
Love Him if you dare
and you will never again have a reason
to sit and stare!
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Contend for the Faith!
“To remain faithful to the truth, sometimes it is even necessary to wage “civil war” within the church—especially when enemies of truth posing as brethren and believers are smuggling dangerous heresy in by stealth.” – John MacArthur.
Jude 3, “Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.”
What does this verse make you think of? It is certainly in my opinion lacking in our church today. Too many churches and people are becoming lackadaisical; we are more worried about making people comfortable then making them disciples. This is why we need to contend for the faith in and out of the church.
The words “to contend” that are used here mean an intense effort as in a wrestling match. It is the only time this word is used in the New Testament, and it is used in defending our Christian faith. Our culture today demands that we stand up and start becoming defenders of Christ, who died for us and gave everything for us to have eternal life.
Why should we defend the faith? A lot of people say we should because it is the absolute truth. Some say because it is a command from Scripture. Others say because our culture is going to hell in a hand-basket and the only way is to fix it is by teaching and defending the Christian faith and truth.
These are all great reasons to defend the Christian faith. The Word of God is absolute truth and we are to be prepared to defend it and give a reason for our faith, as 1 Peter 3:15 tells us. We are commanded all over the Bible to tell people about Christ and to proclaim the truth. Our culture today is going to hell quickly. All one has to do is watch T.V., look at the magazine racks in the check-out line to see that. And the only way to bring culture back is by the faith in Christ as Savior and Lord.
But in the end these are all just things we do and not the ultimate reason why should be contending for the faith. What is the ultimate reason we should be engaging in such an intense effort? Why we should put our reputations on the line, our jobs and even our lives if necessary? Not because of truth, which it is; not because of our culture’s troubles, which there are plenty. Why then?
John 14:21, “He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” We contend for the faith because we love Christ!! Because we understand what He did for us on the cross and what that means ultimately for our eternal destination.
Who doesn’t defend those they love to the death? I would die for my children, and would not let anyone tell lies or tarnish their names. I would do everything in my power to protect them. If this is true of my children, how much more should it be true for my Savior?
How many times have we allowed people to make fun of Christ and not said anything? How many shows have we watched where Jesus is the blunt of jokes, and we continued to watch anyway? How many times have we purposely not followed what Jesus commands?
What if this was being done to one of your family members? How would you respond?
We should be in love with our Savior to the point that it offends us to see Him being deliberately made fun of on T.V. shows, by the world, by our friends, or our family. Our love should be so deep that we long to see others enjoy what we have and want to share it with everyone we know. When we share it we are able to defend it, because we know the Word, we live the Word, and it is demonstrated by everything we do. Are we watching shows that offend Christ? Are we allowing friends and family to tarnish Jesus’ name without saying anything? If so, why?
We should not care if the world hates us, our friends or families, because we love our Savior so intensely that we would rather be hated by everyone and everything then allow His name to be tainted or defamed by the world.
Contend for the faith, as Jesus paid it all for you and me on the cross. Do it because you love Him. Do it because you know that it is the best thing for the world and everything else. Do it because you want others to understand the love you found in Jesus. Do it because you know that without Him there is no eternal life in Heaven without Him. And do it regardless of what the world tells us, and even when the world hates you, as it will because it hated Jesus. Are you willing to be hated for Christ?
John 15:18-21, ““If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.”
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Urgency to Pray!
Here is a plea for prayer. I would urge all the read this blog, whether or not you agree with all my opinions to take time now to pray.
Korean Presbyterians urge prayer for hostages held in Afghanistan
Two killed; Taliban sets Wednesday deadline for others
by Jerry Van MarterPresbyterian News Service
LOUISVILLE — The Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea (PROK) has issued an “urgent prayer appeal” to its ecumenical partners — including the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) — on behalf of the two dozen Korean Presbyterians held hostage by the Taliban in Afghanistan.
One of the hostages, the Rev. Bae Hyung-Kyu, was killed July 22, and another, Shim Sung-Min, was executed early this morning (July 31).
The appeal, received here by Insik Kim, coordinator for Asia/Pacific in the World Mission program area, was sent by PROK General Secretary Yoon Kil Soo. Expressing “the deep sorrow and pain” of the Korean people and church, he called on the U.S. and Afghan governments to lead negotiations with the Taliban and urged the global community “to work for true peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan.”
Insik Kim added, “Let us pray to God that the killing of innocent people may stop and the remaining hostages be returned safely to their families in Korea, and to work for peace and reconciliation for all people.”
The full text of the appeal from the PROK general secretary, dated July 31:
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea (PROK) has consistently prayed for “peace and life” in the global village.
We, together with the whole Korean people, are in deep sorrow and pain after we heard today the shocking news that the Taliban have killed a second Korean hostage, Mr. Shim Sung-Min, early this morning. This terrible news came to us only a few days after Rev. Bae Hyung-Kyu was killed by the Taliban last Wednesday. Moreover, the threat of further executions of the hostages is driving not only the affected families but the whole Korean society into the most painful situation.
Therefore, we urgently call on the entire ecumenical community around the world to pray to God that the killings of innocent people may stop and that these hostages may safely return to their families. We deeply appreciate the earlier expression of prayer sent from the World Council of Churches to the National Council of Churches in Korea.
We urge the global community to work for true peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan. Particularly, we sincerely request the governments of both Afghanistan and the US to lead the negotiations with the Taliban for the sake of the safe return of the hostages.
We express our deep condolences to the families of Rev. Bae Hyung-Kyu and Mr. Shim Sung-Min and stand in firm solidarity with all the affected families.
Let us all continue to pray for all people whose lives are threatened by conflict situations and to make our utmost effort to work for abundant life for all people.
Korean Presbyterians urge prayer for hostages held in Afghanistan
Two killed; Taliban sets Wednesday deadline for others
by Jerry Van MarterPresbyterian News Service
LOUISVILLE — The Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea (PROK) has issued an “urgent prayer appeal” to its ecumenical partners — including the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) — on behalf of the two dozen Korean Presbyterians held hostage by the Taliban in Afghanistan.
One of the hostages, the Rev. Bae Hyung-Kyu, was killed July 22, and another, Shim Sung-Min, was executed early this morning (July 31).
The appeal, received here by Insik Kim, coordinator for Asia/Pacific in the World Mission program area, was sent by PROK General Secretary Yoon Kil Soo. Expressing “the deep sorrow and pain” of the Korean people and church, he called on the U.S. and Afghan governments to lead negotiations with the Taliban and urged the global community “to work for true peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan.”
Insik Kim added, “Let us pray to God that the killing of innocent people may stop and the remaining hostages be returned safely to their families in Korea, and to work for peace and reconciliation for all people.”
The full text of the appeal from the PROK general secretary, dated July 31:
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea (PROK) has consistently prayed for “peace and life” in the global village.
We, together with the whole Korean people, are in deep sorrow and pain after we heard today the shocking news that the Taliban have killed a second Korean hostage, Mr. Shim Sung-Min, early this morning. This terrible news came to us only a few days after Rev. Bae Hyung-Kyu was killed by the Taliban last Wednesday. Moreover, the threat of further executions of the hostages is driving not only the affected families but the whole Korean society into the most painful situation.
Therefore, we urgently call on the entire ecumenical community around the world to pray to God that the killings of innocent people may stop and that these hostages may safely return to their families. We deeply appreciate the earlier expression of prayer sent from the World Council of Churches to the National Council of Churches in Korea.
We urge the global community to work for true peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan. Particularly, we sincerely request the governments of both Afghanistan and the US to lead the negotiations with the Taliban for the sake of the safe return of the hostages.
We express our deep condolences to the families of Rev. Bae Hyung-Kyu and Mr. Shim Sung-Min and stand in firm solidarity with all the affected families.
Let us all continue to pray for all people whose lives are threatened by conflict situations and to make our utmost effort to work for abundant life for all people.
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