Matthew 18:3-4, “and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
This verse has become more alive and real to me this past week. If children like something they tell everyone and they desire everyone to share in their new found excitement. The other day my oldest daughter had a friend over and she asked her friend if she wanted to come to church with her. How many of us do that today? It gets better and more convicting as the story moves forward.
The young girl never heard of church and asked what it was. Kayla told her all about it and then asked her about Jesus. Now mind you she is only 4 years old. The little girl did not know who Jesus was. We had just finished three days prior explaining Easter to her and my wife had made a detailed visual for her to understand what happened in the death and resurrection of Christ. Kayla then proceeds to tell this little girl all about how Jesus died for our sins and then is now alive in Heaven waiting for us and that He now lives in our hearts if we believe in Him.
What is amazing is that Kayla thought nothing of talking about her faith and church. It is so much part of her life and exciting to her that she tells anyone who will listen. She wanted them to share in the excitement that she has about Jesus and church.
Are we like this? As adults something seems to change. We make excuses that we have to be friends first, or earn the right to be heard. Do we earn the right to be heard when we tell someone about a movie we thought was great? Do we have to be friends with someone to tell them about a wonderful book we are reading? Then we do have to be so cautious about telling them the greatest thing in our lives? Or do we not believe that Jesus Christ is the greatest thing in our lives?
Maybe this is what Jesus was talking about when He said we must be like a child to be the greatest in the kingdom. A person who is like a child in the Kingdom of God will tell everyone about Christ. They will do it naturally, because they are excited and want everyone to share in their excitement.
Are you excited? Is Jesus Christ the greatest thing that ever happened to you? If I asked those around you would they confirm this?
Friday, March 28, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
I'm Sorry
Luke 24:46-47, “Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”
Have you ever said “I’m sorry” to someone to end the argument? Has someone ever said it to you and you knew they did not mean it, but you accept it anyway? Then later the topic is brought up again, usually with greater vigor. Maybe you said you were sorry and you truly meant it. Maybe someone said it to you and they truly meant it. Is that a real forgiveness?
In my nearly ten years of marriage I have said “I’m sorry” thousands of times and quite a few times it was just to stop the conversation or because I thought I was suppose to say it. Many times I truly meant it, but never admitted any sin, though I might have said why I was sorry. But there is a big difference when we say “I sinned,” rather then “I am sorry.”
The Bible, from what I have read, nowhere tells us to apologize by saying “I am sorry.” The Bible holds the offender and the offended much more accountable then that. We are told in Scripture that we should go to our brother or sister we have wronged and ask for forgiveness first by repenting. Meaning, telling them you sinned against them and you are turning from that sin, which is what repenting literally means. Then ask them for forgiveness.
If someone you know has sinned against you then seek them out and let them know they have sinned against you in a loving manner. As believers we are called to hold each other accountable. Isn’t this being judgmental? Yep. We all judge, as it is impossible to get away from logically. To even say that you are not judgmental is a judgmental statement about yourself. You just declared how you are – nonjudgmental. If you are judging in love and through the Word of God then your judgment should be a blessing as it is trying to reconcile a relationship that has been hurt and not just casting stones at someone.
Forgiveness means not to give someone what they deserve, as Christ did for us on the cross. He kept us from being in our sins if we repent and call on Him as Savior and Lord. He remembers them no more, as we are cleansed by His blood. When we forgive someone then we are to remember no more what they did to us. How can we hold onto sin if Jesus does not? This means that we should not bring it up again in any future arguments, as it is forgiven – not remembered. This holds much more power then “I am sorry.”
The next time you seek forgiveness from someone, ask for it by first telling them how you sinned against them and then ask them to forgive you. The next time you forgive someone, remember it no more and do not bring it up ever again in the future. How would you like it if Christ kept throwing your sin in your face every time He was upset with you? People always ask, “What would Jesus do?” He forgives if you repent sincerely, and we should do the same, as we want Christ and others to do the same for us.
Mark 11:25-26, “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.”
Have you ever said “I’m sorry” to someone to end the argument? Has someone ever said it to you and you knew they did not mean it, but you accept it anyway? Then later the topic is brought up again, usually with greater vigor. Maybe you said you were sorry and you truly meant it. Maybe someone said it to you and they truly meant it. Is that a real forgiveness?
In my nearly ten years of marriage I have said “I’m sorry” thousands of times and quite a few times it was just to stop the conversation or because I thought I was suppose to say it. Many times I truly meant it, but never admitted any sin, though I might have said why I was sorry. But there is a big difference when we say “I sinned,” rather then “I am sorry.”
The Bible, from what I have read, nowhere tells us to apologize by saying “I am sorry.” The Bible holds the offender and the offended much more accountable then that. We are told in Scripture that we should go to our brother or sister we have wronged and ask for forgiveness first by repenting. Meaning, telling them you sinned against them and you are turning from that sin, which is what repenting literally means. Then ask them for forgiveness.
If someone you know has sinned against you then seek them out and let them know they have sinned against you in a loving manner. As believers we are called to hold each other accountable. Isn’t this being judgmental? Yep. We all judge, as it is impossible to get away from logically. To even say that you are not judgmental is a judgmental statement about yourself. You just declared how you are – nonjudgmental. If you are judging in love and through the Word of God then your judgment should be a blessing as it is trying to reconcile a relationship that has been hurt and not just casting stones at someone.
Forgiveness means not to give someone what they deserve, as Christ did for us on the cross. He kept us from being in our sins if we repent and call on Him as Savior and Lord. He remembers them no more, as we are cleansed by His blood. When we forgive someone then we are to remember no more what they did to us. How can we hold onto sin if Jesus does not? This means that we should not bring it up again in any future arguments, as it is forgiven – not remembered. This holds much more power then “I am sorry.”
The next time you seek forgiveness from someone, ask for it by first telling them how you sinned against them and then ask them to forgive you. The next time you forgive someone, remember it no more and do not bring it up ever again in the future. How would you like it if Christ kept throwing your sin in your face every time He was upset with you? People always ask, “What would Jesus do?” He forgives if you repent sincerely, and we should do the same, as we want Christ and others to do the same for us.
Mark 11:25-26, “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.”
Thursday, March 20, 2008
BEING USED?
Matthew 28:18-20, “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 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, teaching 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.”
Have you ever been used by God? Have you ever had the privilege of being part of God bringing someone to salvation? It is an awesome experience.
During this time of year I think of how I have been used by God and one young man always comes to mind. Richard was one of our 7 young men who lived with us while Erin and I were houseparents in Florida. He was sixteen years old, six feet tall, dark black hair and golden colored skin (he was Mexican). Within a few minutes of meeting this young man you could tell there was a lot of anger and resentment there. His eyes were cold and he showed little emotion except furry.
Within two weeks of being there Richard had swung at me, and hit me. He also was in a fight with another young man within the house and repeatedly walked out of the house, school and the cafeteria because he was angry. He was nearly unapproachable, especially when it came to discipline. He wanted nothing to do with it. He was a big kid, as he was six feet tall and weighed probably nearly 170lbs. It was no easy task to restrain him. Oh, and did I mention he was a gang member. I cannot remember which one, but I am almost certain it was an MS-13. A conscience is one thing I was almost certain he was lacking.
After several weeks of dealing with Richard on a constant basis, Erin and I were at our wits end and I was ready to have him released from our house. I was praying and so was a lot of the other staff, but there just seemed to be nochange nor any real desire to change on Richard’s behalf.
One day something happened, actually one night. We always had devotions each night and typically I would always end talking about the importance of accepting Christ. This night Richard was stirred by the Holy Spirit and accepted Christ. It was truly an amazing experience, because the change was immediate and dramatic in this case.
Almost over night Richard’s behavior completely changed. He became much happier, showed real emotions and worked hard to control his anger. Within a couple of months you would not recognize him from where he was. By the time we left the house Richard was the leader in the house and the most behaved student and an honor roll student. The following year he was the student of the year.
Better then all that, he started witnessing to gang members in prisons. He was living his faith and telling everyone he knew about his love for Jesus. He was truly a changed young man and God allowed me to be part of His transformation of Richard.
A great reminder of the resurrection and what was accomplished by Christ. Take time to thank God for all those whose lives have been changed by the power of the cross and resurrection.
Have you ever been used by God? Have you ever had the privilege of being part of God bringing someone to salvation? It is an awesome experience.
During this time of year I think of how I have been used by God and one young man always comes to mind. Richard was one of our 7 young men who lived with us while Erin and I were houseparents in Florida. He was sixteen years old, six feet tall, dark black hair and golden colored skin (he was Mexican). Within a few minutes of meeting this young man you could tell there was a lot of anger and resentment there. His eyes were cold and he showed little emotion except furry.
Within two weeks of being there Richard had swung at me, and hit me. He also was in a fight with another young man within the house and repeatedly walked out of the house, school and the cafeteria because he was angry. He was nearly unapproachable, especially when it came to discipline. He wanted nothing to do with it. He was a big kid, as he was six feet tall and weighed probably nearly 170lbs. It was no easy task to restrain him. Oh, and did I mention he was a gang member. I cannot remember which one, but I am almost certain it was an MS-13. A conscience is one thing I was almost certain he was lacking.
After several weeks of dealing with Richard on a constant basis, Erin and I were at our wits end and I was ready to have him released from our house. I was praying and so was a lot of the other staff, but there just seemed to be nochange nor any real desire to change on Richard’s behalf.
One day something happened, actually one night. We always had devotions each night and typically I would always end talking about the importance of accepting Christ. This night Richard was stirred by the Holy Spirit and accepted Christ. It was truly an amazing experience, because the change was immediate and dramatic in this case.
Almost over night Richard’s behavior completely changed. He became much happier, showed real emotions and worked hard to control his anger. Within a couple of months you would not recognize him from where he was. By the time we left the house Richard was the leader in the house and the most behaved student and an honor roll student. The following year he was the student of the year.
Better then all that, he started witnessing to gang members in prisons. He was living his faith and telling everyone he knew about his love for Jesus. He was truly a changed young man and God allowed me to be part of His transformation of Richard.
A great reminder of the resurrection and what was accomplished by Christ. Take time to thank God for all those whose lives have been changed by the power of the cross and resurrection.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
What Does It Mean To You?
1 Corinthians 15:13-15, “But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is without foundation, and so is your faith. In addition, we are found to be false witnesses about God, because we have testified about God that He raised up Christ—whom He did not raise up if in fact the dead are not raised.”
Easter Sunday is approaching and many will come to church to celebrate our risen Savior. Many only come on this occasion and usually Christmas for various reasons I have discovered over the years. Some are just your usual Christer’s, meaning they just come as part of obligation on Christmas and Easter. Others come because they truly want to celebrate Christ, but during the year they just have not found a church they feel is sound and/or where they have felt welcomed. It is the latter that my heart goes out to, as that is a failure of the church.
My question though for all that will come this Sunday is, “What does the resurrection really mean to you?” When is the last time you sat down and just reflected on what really happened because of Christ defeating death for you. This is the cornerstone of our faith. The very thread that holds all we believe together, because as the verse plainly tells us above that if it did not happen then our faith is futile and we are false witnesses of God.
You and I would still be in our sin, not for the resurrection. Yes, Christ died for our sins, but Satan was defeated in the resurrection and if not for it then you would still be in your sins, as is said if you continue reading further in 1 Corinthians 15.
Our God took on human flesh and did what we cannot do for ourselves. It just amazes me when I reflect upon it. He then defeated death’s sting for us, so that if we believe in Jesus as Savior and Lord then we can have eternal life with Him. INCREDIBLE!
Take time this week to reflect on the goodness of God. Remember where you once were and thank Him for where you are now. Then reflect on how you are living out what He did for you. He gave everything for you. Are you doing the same for Him? He sacrificed when He did not have to. There was nothing for Him to gain out of it. He did so we would gain something out of it – Him!
Take time to test your heart and see where you are currently at as a believer. What does the resurrection mean to you? Can you quote the verse below and truly mean it? If not, then again I ask: What does the resurrection mean to you?
Philippians 1:21, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
Easter Sunday is approaching and many will come to church to celebrate our risen Savior. Many only come on this occasion and usually Christmas for various reasons I have discovered over the years. Some are just your usual Christer’s, meaning they just come as part of obligation on Christmas and Easter. Others come because they truly want to celebrate Christ, but during the year they just have not found a church they feel is sound and/or where they have felt welcomed. It is the latter that my heart goes out to, as that is a failure of the church.
My question though for all that will come this Sunday is, “What does the resurrection really mean to you?” When is the last time you sat down and just reflected on what really happened because of Christ defeating death for you. This is the cornerstone of our faith. The very thread that holds all we believe together, because as the verse plainly tells us above that if it did not happen then our faith is futile and we are false witnesses of God.
You and I would still be in our sin, not for the resurrection. Yes, Christ died for our sins, but Satan was defeated in the resurrection and if not for it then you would still be in your sins, as is said if you continue reading further in 1 Corinthians 15.
Our God took on human flesh and did what we cannot do for ourselves. It just amazes me when I reflect upon it. He then defeated death’s sting for us, so that if we believe in Jesus as Savior and Lord then we can have eternal life with Him. INCREDIBLE!
Take time this week to reflect on the goodness of God. Remember where you once were and thank Him for where you are now. Then reflect on how you are living out what He did for you. He gave everything for you. Are you doing the same for Him? He sacrificed when He did not have to. There was nothing for Him to gain out of it. He did so we would gain something out of it – Him!
Take time to test your heart and see where you are currently at as a believer. What does the resurrection mean to you? Can you quote the verse below and truly mean it? If not, then again I ask: What does the resurrection mean to you?
Philippians 1:21, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Is America Heading for Jerusalem?
Luke 19:41-44, “I wish that even today you would find the way of peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from you. Before long you enemies will build ramparts against your walls and encircle you and close in on you. They will crush you to the ground and your children with you. Your enemies will not leave a single stone in place, because you have rejected the opportunity God offered you.”
Jesus said these words during His triumphal entry while weeping. His heart longed for them to see who He truly was, but they were blinded and because of that they were going to reap what they sowed. We see the prediction fulfilled in A.D. 70 when the temple was completely destroyed and every stone was out of place, as they were trying to obtain every ounce of gold from the building.
What does this have to do with today? Where it is not a prophecy for America, it sure gives us an example of what can happen when we lose sight of true peace through Jesus Christ. America has lost sight of what it set out to do in its original intent and the original convictions of the founding fathers and most people just a few generations ago.
I fear that America is heading down the same road. Just look around today at what is happening in our country. We have killed 45 million unborn babies; homosexuality, pre-marital sex, drug use, and a list of other sins have become normalized. Very few churches today stand up for the inerrant Gospel and instead we end up with “new” heretical teachings seeping into the church as the Emergent Movement, Word Faith Movement, and many others. We have rationalized sin and call it by new names, like addiction. Instead of repenting and seeking God we blame everyone around us for our issues. Some in the counseling industry call this Oprahfication, just blame society.
We should take very seriously the words Christ spoke to Jerusalem. Why do we think we are exempt from what happened to Jerusalem if we do not repent and turn? I think currently we are heading down a disastrous path and true believers need to be in prayer repenting for ourselves, our brothers and sisters and our nation, asking for God’s mercy and that the Holy Spirit would do a great work in America. If we do not, I believe America will be a much different place in ten years for Christians in that the hostility we see starting today will be normalized and accepted. Pray that the church opens the door and let’s Christ truly into its sanctuary.
I find Christ’s warning to the church of Laodicea a fitting warning for America, as we seem to fit very well in the description within the verses.
Luke 3:17-19, “Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”
Jesus said these words during His triumphal entry while weeping. His heart longed for them to see who He truly was, but they were blinded and because of that they were going to reap what they sowed. We see the prediction fulfilled in A.D. 70 when the temple was completely destroyed and every stone was out of place, as they were trying to obtain every ounce of gold from the building.
What does this have to do with today? Where it is not a prophecy for America, it sure gives us an example of what can happen when we lose sight of true peace through Jesus Christ. America has lost sight of what it set out to do in its original intent and the original convictions of the founding fathers and most people just a few generations ago.
I fear that America is heading down the same road. Just look around today at what is happening in our country. We have killed 45 million unborn babies; homosexuality, pre-marital sex, drug use, and a list of other sins have become normalized. Very few churches today stand up for the inerrant Gospel and instead we end up with “new” heretical teachings seeping into the church as the Emergent Movement, Word Faith Movement, and many others. We have rationalized sin and call it by new names, like addiction. Instead of repenting and seeking God we blame everyone around us for our issues. Some in the counseling industry call this Oprahfication, just blame society.
We should take very seriously the words Christ spoke to Jerusalem. Why do we think we are exempt from what happened to Jerusalem if we do not repent and turn? I think currently we are heading down a disastrous path and true believers need to be in prayer repenting for ourselves, our brothers and sisters and our nation, asking for God’s mercy and that the Holy Spirit would do a great work in America. If we do not, I believe America will be a much different place in ten years for Christians in that the hostility we see starting today will be normalized and accepted. Pray that the church opens the door and let’s Christ truly into its sanctuary.
I find Christ’s warning to the church of Laodicea a fitting warning for America, as we seem to fit very well in the description within the verses.
Luke 3:17-19, “Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Flounder or Follow
Luke 14:26, “If you want to be my follower you must love me more than your own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters – yes, more than your own life. Otherwise you cannot be my disciple.”
Have you ever really pondered these words by Jesus? Do you truly feel this way, and if so would others believe you?
I was reading this chapter as part of my devotions the other day and these words really hit me. As followers we are not to succumb to the world’s standard for life, 2.5 kids and a white picket fence, but to Christ. As Erin and I are looking at the approaching date of India coming closer and closer, I start to have those little thoughts in the back of my mind. What are you doing? Why would you take your family out of the country? Is that fair to everyone who will be here that has come to depend on you?
The questions can go on and on, but the end of it is that we know this is what God wants us to do and we are committed to that no matter the cost. As scary as that can be to write or say, it is how we feel. The more we have grown in Christ the more we have longed to be in His will for our lives, though at times everything seems to fight against us. Meaning, all the earthly pleasures we currently have and become accustomed to in our lives is hard to let go of because we start to believe we deserve them this side of Heaven. Many of these conveniences we will not have in India.
Also, there is the pain of leaving the relationships we have built over the three years being in our current location. Most have been very supportive, but some that have let their negative opinion be known to others. That is the part that frustrates me the most as you try to be in the will of God.
People, who call themselves Christians, tear you down or say negative things because you are not doing what they think you should do, and instead of coming to you they tell whoever will give them an ear to hear. Some of these individuals I could care less about their opinion, but some it is really bothersome when you invest in their lives for so long and instead of celebrating what God is doing in your life they try to ruin it through destructive gossip. This type of gossip is neither Christian, nor healthy and truly needs to stop in general among believers.
Yes, you may be sad if someone leaves that you thought would be there longer, but that gives no right to try and destroy what God is doing. Instead you should be celebrating with your fellow believer, praying for them, and praising God that He is using them in any way He sees fit, even if you have to let them go.
In the end, Erin and I will follow Christ regardless of what is said if anything via gossip. I only pray that those who try to squelch the voice of God in others would wake up and see that they are sinning by trying to change what God has commanded. Our Christian walk on this earth is not easy to begin with, but it becomes twice as hard when Believers are taking the side of the world as well.
Hebrews 3:13, “But encourage each other daily, while it is still called today, so that none of you is hardened by sin’s deception.”
Have you ever really pondered these words by Jesus? Do you truly feel this way, and if so would others believe you?
I was reading this chapter as part of my devotions the other day and these words really hit me. As followers we are not to succumb to the world’s standard for life, 2.5 kids and a white picket fence, but to Christ. As Erin and I are looking at the approaching date of India coming closer and closer, I start to have those little thoughts in the back of my mind. What are you doing? Why would you take your family out of the country? Is that fair to everyone who will be here that has come to depend on you?
The questions can go on and on, but the end of it is that we know this is what God wants us to do and we are committed to that no matter the cost. As scary as that can be to write or say, it is how we feel. The more we have grown in Christ the more we have longed to be in His will for our lives, though at times everything seems to fight against us. Meaning, all the earthly pleasures we currently have and become accustomed to in our lives is hard to let go of because we start to believe we deserve them this side of Heaven. Many of these conveniences we will not have in India.
Also, there is the pain of leaving the relationships we have built over the three years being in our current location. Most have been very supportive, but some that have let their negative opinion be known to others. That is the part that frustrates me the most as you try to be in the will of God.
People, who call themselves Christians, tear you down or say negative things because you are not doing what they think you should do, and instead of coming to you they tell whoever will give them an ear to hear. Some of these individuals I could care less about their opinion, but some it is really bothersome when you invest in their lives for so long and instead of celebrating what God is doing in your life they try to ruin it through destructive gossip. This type of gossip is neither Christian, nor healthy and truly needs to stop in general among believers.
Yes, you may be sad if someone leaves that you thought would be there longer, but that gives no right to try and destroy what God is doing. Instead you should be celebrating with your fellow believer, praying for them, and praising God that He is using them in any way He sees fit, even if you have to let them go.
In the end, Erin and I will follow Christ regardless of what is said if anything via gossip. I only pray that those who try to squelch the voice of God in others would wake up and see that they are sinning by trying to change what God has commanded. Our Christian walk on this earth is not easy to begin with, but it becomes twice as hard when Believers are taking the side of the world as well.
Hebrews 3:13, “But encourage each other daily, while it is still called today, so that none of you is hardened by sin’s deception.”
Friday, March 07, 2008
A Perspective on Church Today
Distributed by: www.christianworldviewnetwork.com
By Ingrid Schlueter
Wanted: An Old-fashioned Church
To Whom it May Concern:
I’m looking for a good Christian church. I don’t want to sing songs off a wall, the same five notes, over and over and over and over again while I am lightheaded from standing so long. There’s a record of the hymns of God’s people that spans 2000 years. Why are we so arrogant as to think we don’t need those wonderful songs any longer? Have we gone through more suffering, more affliction, more pain for Jesus than those who wrote these enduring hymns? Does a semi-secular song writer in Nashville with a multi-million dollar music contract have more to say to us about God and the Christian life than the 17th-century hymn writer who lost four children and his wife during the 30 years War?
I don’t want to have my eardrums bashed in by the three kids in the “worship band” who can’t be bothered to bathe, shave, dress or comb their hair on Sunday morning. If it’s really all about the God that Scripture describes as ineffably holy, shouldn’t that be reflected in attitude and dress for those who serve in church music?
I don’t want a vampy “praise and worship” leader who is flaunting her wares at every male within view as she does her worship moves on “stage”. If we are to worship God in spirit and in truth, as Scripture tell us, than what’s all the flesh about? Can we no longer discern the difference?
I don’t want to see people in beach attire with their backsides peeping out of their shorts because they think that God isn’t worth their best efforts at dressing. “God doesn’t care about clothes, only man”, they say. But the real reason is that it’s just plain easier to cruise into church in jeans or whatever is still lying on the floor from the night before. Dressing up for worship of the Lord would cost them something, however little, and they don’t want to pay it.
I also don’t want to see all the variations on lovers’ back rubs where Chuck and Sue take turns massaging each other’s neck and shoulders during the sermon so everyone behind them is completely distracted. Behavior affects other people. Are Christians so self-absorbed that they never think about the people behind them trying to hear the message?
I don’t want to hear announcements during “worship” about the youth group pizza blast and laser tag event next Tuesday night, the need for grills for the upcoming church fun fest or jokes about how Bill burned the wieners last summer at the church picnic. Why can this not be put at the end after our “worship” is completed?
I don’t want Christian karaoke for “special music”. Screeching females trying to imitate their favorite pop stars belong at the local bar, not a house of prayer.
Let me tell you what I looking for in corporate worship of believers.
I’m looking for a spirit of reverence among God’s people, a sense that we have come to join in with the company of angels, archangels, and the church triumphant who gather before God’s throne in that never ending heavenly worship.
I’m looking for a service that is founded upon and completely focused on God and His Word. I want to begin the worship with an entrance Psalm, to be reminded that in worship we enter heaven’s gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. I want to hear the name of God invoked at the beginning, opening the worship in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, without which Spirit, we worship in vain.
I need to confess my sins, receive the comforting assurance that God has forgiven me, and I want to corporately confess my faith with my fellows believers. I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our LORD…
I need to sing of God’s holiness, His attributes and His greatness through the hymns of the faith that have been handed down through the ages from the pens and the lips of those who have gone before us. Why? Because God is truly “Immortal, Invisible, God only Wise, in light inaccessible, hid from our eyes”. Because God is “Holy, Holy Holy,” our Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come. Because it is right and fitting that our souls should praise the King of Heaven. He is worthy of all our praise because He is “Lord, Enthroned in Heavenly Splendor”. To discard this canon of music of Christ’s church down through time is to turn our backs on our family in the faith. In 21st Century America, we truly do not know better than they.
I need to hear the Scriptures read out—as much of it as possible. Three Scripture lessons are hardly enough. How often has a passage of Scripture read out spoken to my heart about something? Why is Scripture so often limited to the text of a message, if it’s there at all now? The Old Testament Lesson. The New Testament Lesson. The Gospel Lesson. I need all the lessons that God’s holy Word can provide.
I need to hear the Scriptures preached from a man of God, who is a man of prayer and personal holiness and who takes seriously his office of under-shepherd. Why do I want preaching? Because faith comes by hearing, the Bible says, and hearing by God’s Word. I need conviction of the Holy Spirit in my own heart and life. I want to be reminded who God is and my duty before Him. I don’t want a pastor who spews vulgarities and crude talk to show how “real” he is, or who feeds on Hollywood so that the only thing that comes out of his mouth is foolishness in his pathetic attempts at cultural relevance. God’s Word is eternally relevant. I can tell where the pastor gets his life food from. It always, always shows. Any pastor who is not a man of the Word and of prayer is no pastor at all.
I want a pastor who prays for his sheep, who understands that we are in a spiritual battle, and that Satan hates us and will do anything he can to try to take our faith from us. I want elders who lead by example with their families. No family is ever perfect. That’s why we need the forgiveness of our Savior daily. But elders should be leading lives that are Christ-honoring in their marriages and in their leadership and training of their children. When the children of an elder are worldly and carnal and disrespectful, it is plain that they are not keeping their homes in order. This kind of leadership no church needs because how will the members learn how to run their own homes and families if no godly example is in view? We are sheep. We need leaders.
I want a time of serious prayer in church, seeking God for His help and wisdom in these dark times, for the needs of the congregation and for the witness of the fellowship in the community. As we kneel, we’re reminded of our utter helplessness without the Lord.
I want a benediction at the end of the worship, where the pastor tells us to go in peace, because we have been washed in the blood of the Lamb, have been forgiven for our sins, and have the joyful assurance that God is with us and will take care of us.
This kind of old-fashioned church might meet in a rented room, a home, a gymnasium, a new, modern building, a vine-covered, old brick traditional church, a little white frame building or anywhere else. It is not the location that matters, it is the content and focus of the worship, and the heart of the leaders of the church.
Outside of the corporate worship, I want a church that believes in evangelism and outreach. Doctrinal clubs that sit smugly complacent are actually mausoleums. Who wants to worship in a tomb? There is a world out there that needs the message of the Gospel. It is our responsibility to take it to them, and churches should facilitate and train members for this critical mission. Truly saved believers have a burning heart to share it with others. I want to be part of a church that has this burning heart. I want to be part of a church where the young people are not just going on mission trips because they get to have fun in cool places, but because they get to share with those who have never heard the truth that Jesus saves. Social work is fine, but the Gospel message of Jesus must be heard loud and clear in the midst of it.
If you know of such a church in my area, would you please contact me at the earliest convenience. I would be grateful.
Sincerely,
A Christian
There are many who crave the kind of church I have described in my letter. They are weary of the things that go on in churches today where the careless, thoughtless and vacuous man-centered services leave them empty and longing for real worship and real food. For those who have nothing resembling this in their area, pray whether God might ask you to begin such a fellowship. Reverence, God-centeredness, Scripture reading, prayer, Psalms, hymns, a message from the Word—these things can be done even in your living room with like-minded fellow believers.
To the many Disney-fied/emerging church refugees, you may need to consider this if you have exhausted other possibilities. Perhaps the church comes full circle today. What began in the homes of believers 2,000 years ago may return there as the corrupt institutional churches and denominations grow ever worse. May the Lord lead us all to worship Him in reverence and awe, in spirit and in Truth. He is worthy of all our praise, now and through eternal ages. Praise the Lord.
And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.
–Revelation 5:11-14
Distributed by http://www.christianworldviewnetwork.com/
By Ingrid Schlueter
By Ingrid Schlueter
Wanted: An Old-fashioned Church
To Whom it May Concern:
I’m looking for a good Christian church. I don’t want to sing songs off a wall, the same five notes, over and over and over and over again while I am lightheaded from standing so long. There’s a record of the hymns of God’s people that spans 2000 years. Why are we so arrogant as to think we don’t need those wonderful songs any longer? Have we gone through more suffering, more affliction, more pain for Jesus than those who wrote these enduring hymns? Does a semi-secular song writer in Nashville with a multi-million dollar music contract have more to say to us about God and the Christian life than the 17th-century hymn writer who lost four children and his wife during the 30 years War?
I don’t want to have my eardrums bashed in by the three kids in the “worship band” who can’t be bothered to bathe, shave, dress or comb their hair on Sunday morning. If it’s really all about the God that Scripture describes as ineffably holy, shouldn’t that be reflected in attitude and dress for those who serve in church music?
I don’t want a vampy “praise and worship” leader who is flaunting her wares at every male within view as she does her worship moves on “stage”. If we are to worship God in spirit and in truth, as Scripture tell us, than what’s all the flesh about? Can we no longer discern the difference?
I don’t want to see people in beach attire with their backsides peeping out of their shorts because they think that God isn’t worth their best efforts at dressing. “God doesn’t care about clothes, only man”, they say. But the real reason is that it’s just plain easier to cruise into church in jeans or whatever is still lying on the floor from the night before. Dressing up for worship of the Lord would cost them something, however little, and they don’t want to pay it.
I also don’t want to see all the variations on lovers’ back rubs where Chuck and Sue take turns massaging each other’s neck and shoulders during the sermon so everyone behind them is completely distracted. Behavior affects other people. Are Christians so self-absorbed that they never think about the people behind them trying to hear the message?
I don’t want to hear announcements during “worship” about the youth group pizza blast and laser tag event next Tuesday night, the need for grills for the upcoming church fun fest or jokes about how Bill burned the wieners last summer at the church picnic. Why can this not be put at the end after our “worship” is completed?
I don’t want Christian karaoke for “special music”. Screeching females trying to imitate their favorite pop stars belong at the local bar, not a house of prayer.
Let me tell you what I looking for in corporate worship of believers.
I’m looking for a spirit of reverence among God’s people, a sense that we have come to join in with the company of angels, archangels, and the church triumphant who gather before God’s throne in that never ending heavenly worship.
I’m looking for a service that is founded upon and completely focused on God and His Word. I want to begin the worship with an entrance Psalm, to be reminded that in worship we enter heaven’s gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. I want to hear the name of God invoked at the beginning, opening the worship in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, without which Spirit, we worship in vain.
I need to confess my sins, receive the comforting assurance that God has forgiven me, and I want to corporately confess my faith with my fellows believers. I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our LORD…
I need to sing of God’s holiness, His attributes and His greatness through the hymns of the faith that have been handed down through the ages from the pens and the lips of those who have gone before us. Why? Because God is truly “Immortal, Invisible, God only Wise, in light inaccessible, hid from our eyes”. Because God is “Holy, Holy Holy,” our Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come. Because it is right and fitting that our souls should praise the King of Heaven. He is worthy of all our praise because He is “Lord, Enthroned in Heavenly Splendor”. To discard this canon of music of Christ’s church down through time is to turn our backs on our family in the faith. In 21st Century America, we truly do not know better than they.
I need to hear the Scriptures read out—as much of it as possible. Three Scripture lessons are hardly enough. How often has a passage of Scripture read out spoken to my heart about something? Why is Scripture so often limited to the text of a message, if it’s there at all now? The Old Testament Lesson. The New Testament Lesson. The Gospel Lesson. I need all the lessons that God’s holy Word can provide.
I need to hear the Scriptures preached from a man of God, who is a man of prayer and personal holiness and who takes seriously his office of under-shepherd. Why do I want preaching? Because faith comes by hearing, the Bible says, and hearing by God’s Word. I need conviction of the Holy Spirit in my own heart and life. I want to be reminded who God is and my duty before Him. I don’t want a pastor who spews vulgarities and crude talk to show how “real” he is, or who feeds on Hollywood so that the only thing that comes out of his mouth is foolishness in his pathetic attempts at cultural relevance. God’s Word is eternally relevant. I can tell where the pastor gets his life food from. It always, always shows. Any pastor who is not a man of the Word and of prayer is no pastor at all.
I want a pastor who prays for his sheep, who understands that we are in a spiritual battle, and that Satan hates us and will do anything he can to try to take our faith from us. I want elders who lead by example with their families. No family is ever perfect. That’s why we need the forgiveness of our Savior daily. But elders should be leading lives that are Christ-honoring in their marriages and in their leadership and training of their children. When the children of an elder are worldly and carnal and disrespectful, it is plain that they are not keeping their homes in order. This kind of leadership no church needs because how will the members learn how to run their own homes and families if no godly example is in view? We are sheep. We need leaders.
I want a time of serious prayer in church, seeking God for His help and wisdom in these dark times, for the needs of the congregation and for the witness of the fellowship in the community. As we kneel, we’re reminded of our utter helplessness without the Lord.
I want a benediction at the end of the worship, where the pastor tells us to go in peace, because we have been washed in the blood of the Lamb, have been forgiven for our sins, and have the joyful assurance that God is with us and will take care of us.
This kind of old-fashioned church might meet in a rented room, a home, a gymnasium, a new, modern building, a vine-covered, old brick traditional church, a little white frame building or anywhere else. It is not the location that matters, it is the content and focus of the worship, and the heart of the leaders of the church.
Outside of the corporate worship, I want a church that believes in evangelism and outreach. Doctrinal clubs that sit smugly complacent are actually mausoleums. Who wants to worship in a tomb? There is a world out there that needs the message of the Gospel. It is our responsibility to take it to them, and churches should facilitate and train members for this critical mission. Truly saved believers have a burning heart to share it with others. I want to be part of a church that has this burning heart. I want to be part of a church where the young people are not just going on mission trips because they get to have fun in cool places, but because they get to share with those who have never heard the truth that Jesus saves. Social work is fine, but the Gospel message of Jesus must be heard loud and clear in the midst of it.
If you know of such a church in my area, would you please contact me at the earliest convenience. I would be grateful.
Sincerely,
A Christian
There are many who crave the kind of church I have described in my letter. They are weary of the things that go on in churches today where the careless, thoughtless and vacuous man-centered services leave them empty and longing for real worship and real food. For those who have nothing resembling this in their area, pray whether God might ask you to begin such a fellowship. Reverence, God-centeredness, Scripture reading, prayer, Psalms, hymns, a message from the Word—these things can be done even in your living room with like-minded fellow believers.
To the many Disney-fied/emerging church refugees, you may need to consider this if you have exhausted other possibilities. Perhaps the church comes full circle today. What began in the homes of believers 2,000 years ago may return there as the corrupt institutional churches and denominations grow ever worse. May the Lord lead us all to worship Him in reverence and awe, in spirit and in Truth. He is worthy of all our praise, now and through eternal ages. Praise the Lord.
And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.
–Revelation 5:11-14
Distributed by http://www.christianworldviewnetwork.com/
By Ingrid Schlueter
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Going to India for Two Years!
The word is now out and public that we are going to Bangalore, India for two years. We are very excited and saddened at the same time. We look forward to seeing what God is going to do in us and through us in Bangalore.
I am not going to spend much time writing about our India trip on this blog, but you can go to a blog that is specifically for that trip and we will update it regularly with pictures and posts. The blog site is www.alerisindia.blogspot.com. Please go there and read about why we are going and about the ministry we will be serving with while there.
I am not going to spend much time writing about our India trip on this blog, but you can go to a blog that is specifically for that trip and we will update it regularly with pictures and posts. The blog site is www.alerisindia.blogspot.com. Please go there and read about why we are going and about the ministry we will be serving with while there.
Do We Really Love Him?
“If you want to be my follower you must love me more than your own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters – yes, more than your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26).
Did you ever notice that when you are sick how much more you realize a need for prayer? I caught the stomach flu over the last weekend, and I am still recovering from it. I have this very high phobia of throwing-up (you may laugh), but I do, so catching the stomach flu is one of my worst nightmares. I laid there on my bed and prayed that I would not get sick. I begged, pleaded and to no avail, you guessed it, I got sick. And sick I got, as I ended up in the emergency room dehydrated with a 102 temperature. What a wonderful way to spend your days off.
Just so you know, this was after spending three days in bed with cluster migraines. Of the past 8 days, I have only spent two out of my bedroom somewhat healthy. To say the least, it has been a whirlwind of fun for me, not to mention my poor wife. I cried out to God much more then I did to my wife during this time, as I knew He could heal me if He wanted and Erin could not. She could only care for the symptoms. It hit me during this time of excitement that I am much more aware of my Savior when I need something.
Did you ever notice that when things are going great the first people we usually tell are family, friends, associates and then many times God if at all? Think about the last great day, event or special occasion that was just for you. Who did you think of first? Who did you thank first? And I do not mean like the phony actions many do by thanking “God.” If you thanked God, how did you do it? Was it so all knew, or just a whisper? When we thank our mother, father, wife, husband for doing something for us it is usually very vocal and we let everyone know, but do you do that for the One that we are to love most? We show everyone and tell everyone about the gift given to us, but do we do that with Christ? Only you can answer that question.
How long does it take for people to know you are a believer? When people ask about your family, is Jesus included? If we are to love Him more then them, He should probably be at least included in that list, correct? Why do we need to earn the right to tell someone about the One we love so much? We should be excited to tell others. Do you wait to introduce your wife, mother, brother, father or sister? Wait until you have earned some favor, or done some nice thing for them. No, if they are there you introduce them. Is not Christ always with us?
Maybe it is because you are afraid of what others might think. Maybe you are afraid you cannot answer questions or that they will tease you and call you names. Maybe you will lose a job or receive a lower grade in class. Who cares? There are many excuses, but the reality is that if we love Jesus like He commands then people will not be in doubt of who we are or Whom we love.
Jesus continues on with this statement in Luke 14:27-28, “And you cannot be my disciple if you do not carry your own cross and follow me. But don’t begin until you count the cost. . . .” Are you carrying your own cross? Have you truly counted the cost, or is He just there to heal your sickness? Is He someone you talk about among your “Christian” friends, and if you ‘earn’ the right to tell someone and if it ‘feels’ right you will tell them? Or is He Lord of your life, Lover of your soul?
YOU DECIDE!
Did you ever notice that when you are sick how much more you realize a need for prayer? I caught the stomach flu over the last weekend, and I am still recovering from it. I have this very high phobia of throwing-up (you may laugh), but I do, so catching the stomach flu is one of my worst nightmares. I laid there on my bed and prayed that I would not get sick. I begged, pleaded and to no avail, you guessed it, I got sick. And sick I got, as I ended up in the emergency room dehydrated with a 102 temperature. What a wonderful way to spend your days off.
Just so you know, this was after spending three days in bed with cluster migraines. Of the past 8 days, I have only spent two out of my bedroom somewhat healthy. To say the least, it has been a whirlwind of fun for me, not to mention my poor wife. I cried out to God much more then I did to my wife during this time, as I knew He could heal me if He wanted and Erin could not. She could only care for the symptoms. It hit me during this time of excitement that I am much more aware of my Savior when I need something.
Did you ever notice that when things are going great the first people we usually tell are family, friends, associates and then many times God if at all? Think about the last great day, event or special occasion that was just for you. Who did you think of first? Who did you thank first? And I do not mean like the phony actions many do by thanking “God.” If you thanked God, how did you do it? Was it so all knew, or just a whisper? When we thank our mother, father, wife, husband for doing something for us it is usually very vocal and we let everyone know, but do you do that for the One that we are to love most? We show everyone and tell everyone about the gift given to us, but do we do that with Christ? Only you can answer that question.
How long does it take for people to know you are a believer? When people ask about your family, is Jesus included? If we are to love Him more then them, He should probably be at least included in that list, correct? Why do we need to earn the right to tell someone about the One we love so much? We should be excited to tell others. Do you wait to introduce your wife, mother, brother, father or sister? Wait until you have earned some favor, or done some nice thing for them. No, if they are there you introduce them. Is not Christ always with us?
Maybe it is because you are afraid of what others might think. Maybe you are afraid you cannot answer questions or that they will tease you and call you names. Maybe you will lose a job or receive a lower grade in class. Who cares? There are many excuses, but the reality is that if we love Jesus like He commands then people will not be in doubt of who we are or Whom we love.
Jesus continues on with this statement in Luke 14:27-28, “And you cannot be my disciple if you do not carry your own cross and follow me. But don’t begin until you count the cost. . . .” Are you carrying your own cross? Have you truly counted the cost, or is He just there to heal your sickness? Is He someone you talk about among your “Christian” friends, and if you ‘earn’ the right to tell someone and if it ‘feels’ right you will tell them? Or is He Lord of your life, Lover of your soul?
YOU DECIDE!
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