God's rule does not begin in heaven. That may seem like an obvious statement. But reflect on it for a moment: God does not begin ruling when we get to heaven. He is already ruling. Are we willingly--indeed JOYfully--under his rule? God ruling over us doesn't begin when we get to heaven; he rules over us now... IF we will have him as our Ruler. We don't begin to follow his lead in heaven, we follow his lead now. We are currently the subjects in his kingdom... if we will have him as our King.
Satan is currently opposing God's rule and trying to usurp His authority so that he (the devil) can reign instead. The devil has the "whole world" under his control (1 John 5:19). That's what the Bible says--the WHOLE world! What is Satan trying to use the whole world to accomplish? He wants to make God's ways look undesirable. He wants to make God's ways seem "burdensome". He wants other things to seem more "fun" than walking in harmony with our Creator. Satan wants us distracted so that the distraction becomes a sort of false reality.
But we--the Church, those who hold to the testimony of Jesus--have another mission, handed to us by God Himself. It is our mission to make God's wisdom known (Eph. 3:10)--to make Him look good, to make His Ways appear as they really are: wonderful, peaceful, joyful, full of goodness, lovely, etc, etc, etc. This is why we are hear.
It is OUR job to break down Satan's distractions, to destroy everything that sets itself up against the TRUTH--we don't want people to buy into Satan's false reality any longer. We are to demolish any argument, reveal any deception, and shed light on all darkness. See 1 Cor. 10:1-5. We don't want people to fall for the devil's lies. The devil has sold millions of people a false hope--a LIE. God's ways actually do bring peace, love, joy, and hope. Walking according to the ways of "the world", which the devil controls, will only bring misery--it would mean walking against everything that we were created to be. A creature trying to go against that for which he is created is most miserable.
And so, we NOW find ourselves right in the middle of a great struggle. The struggle is invisible to most, but it is as REAL as any war that is being fought on the face of the planet today. We must take a step back and recognize the battle. If we don't, we will buy into the lie. We cannot walk around carelessly in the world--the world which is under the control of the devil. We cannot lightly tread in this place. That's why the Bible tells us so often to be sober, to be vigilant, to be careful, to walk circumspectly, to be alert, to be self-controlled, etc. For our enemy the devil currently walks around like a lion seeking to devour (1 Peter 5:8).
But what a wonderful salvation we have! Jesus came so that the blind may SEE! Oh, if you are blind to much of what I have written, pray that you may have eyes to see, and ears to hear! Jesus opens prisons doors and sets captives free. Our salvation has come. He has delivered us and he will continue to deliver us.
A huge part of Salvation is this: being brought out of the kingdom of darkness and into the kingdom of light--the kingdom of the Son (Col. 1:13). Salvation does not only concern "sins forgiven", "hell avoided", or "heaven promised". Salvation includes these things, but even more. What are we saved from RIGHT NOW? Have you been saved from the kingdom of Satan and brought into God's Kingdom? Are you demolishing the deceptions of the devil and making God's ways look wise and loving and good? How sad if we wear a name tag that says "kingdom of God" and yet we relish in the things of the world! How hypocritical!
When our time comes and our lives end, we will continue existing in the kingdom of which we are now a part. If we are belong God's Kingdom NOW, we will be in God's Kingdom in heaven too. If we belong to the world now, we will later be in the kingdom of the one who manipulates the world--the devil. Let us war against the world. We must choose sides now. The world or God--you can't follow both. Do not be conformed to this world; rather be TRANSFORMED (Romans 12:1-2). Let us not be a part of this kingdom. Rather, let us give up all this world, to attain that which is True. "He who seeks to save his life will lose it; he who loses his life for my sake will keep it for eternal life" (Matt. 16:25).
John 15:19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.
Galatians 4:3 So also, when we were children, we were in slavery under the basic principles of the world.
Galatians 6:14 May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
James 1:27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
James 4:4 You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
1 Peter 2:11 Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.
1 John 2:15-17 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.
Praise God for such a wonderful Salvation! He saves us from an empty way of life NOW. He has delivered us from a wandering existence and filled us with eternal purposes! What a wonderful God we have. May he receive glory. Use us, O Lord, to gain the attention you are due; may all creation praise your holy name.
Monday, March 20, 2006
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
We Must Go Deeper
A recent survey of American pastors reveals that the average pastor believes that 70% of the congregation consider their faith in God as their number one priority. However, the same survey reveals that only 23% of church goers consider God their number one priority. Why the discrepancy????
The discrepancy exists in part because of how the pastors measure the spirituality of the congregations. If a lot of people volunteer, if church attendance is good, if the people SAY they have had a religious experience then the pastor is likely to think that they value God more than anything else. ALL of these measures are very superficial.
We must go deeper than this. How do we know when our brothers and sisters are "doing well". It cannot be based on attendance. It cannot be based on claims that "everything is fine" or "I've been doing well". The Bible tells us that each of us is responsible to "see to it" that "none" has a sinful, unbelieving heart in departing from God (Hebrews 3:12-13).
Let's take this seriously! Let's not live in a dream world where we think everything is fine with the church but in reality we don't know, we haven't CARED enough to find out, and we haven't been vulnerable enough to really open our lives up to each other. Let's CARE!
Well, that's all for now... the study I referred to earlier can be found at the following link. It's quite interesting and may be worth the read:
http://www.barna.org/FlexPage.aspx?Page=BarnaUpdate&BarnaUpdateID=215
The discrepancy exists in part because of how the pastors measure the spirituality of the congregations. If a lot of people volunteer, if church attendance is good, if the people SAY they have had a religious experience then the pastor is likely to think that they value God more than anything else. ALL of these measures are very superficial.
We must go deeper than this. How do we know when our brothers and sisters are "doing well". It cannot be based on attendance. It cannot be based on claims that "everything is fine" or "I've been doing well". The Bible tells us that each of us is responsible to "see to it" that "none" has a sinful, unbelieving heart in departing from God (Hebrews 3:12-13).
Let's take this seriously! Let's not live in a dream world where we think everything is fine with the church but in reality we don't know, we haven't CARED enough to find out, and we haven't been vulnerable enough to really open our lives up to each other. Let's CARE!
Well, that's all for now... the study I referred to earlier can be found at the following link. It's quite interesting and may be worth the read:
http://www.barna.org/FlexPage.aspx?Page=BarnaUpdate&BarnaUpdateID=215
Thursday, March 09, 2006
You Have Mustard On Your Cheek
The other day a few people (not from our church) asked me, "what do you do if your wife picks out some clothes that you don't really like?" I said, "I'll tell her." They hardly believed me. In fact, some of them scolded me and said that would be unkind. Since when is it unkind to speak the truth? After lunch, if you see someone who has a streak of mustard on his cheek, don't you tell him so that he can get it off? That's an uncomfortable feeling. We don't like to say something that may potentially embarass someone else. But what if we don't speak up?!?! Someone will be walking around with mustard on his face... and it will be YOUR fault if you didn't tell him!
The Life we are seeking as a Body in Christ is much more than merely having a church where we know each other really well. We do want to merely "know one another well". We want to help each other conform to Christ--to become all that he wants us to be. Part of that is being willing to speak up when we see something in our brother or sister's life that appears to be un-Christlike.
We need to be willing to obey God and "speak the truth in love" when necessary, even taking along with us two or three others when a person displays an unopen attitude, or a prideful, rebellious attitude in not wanting to hear.
What I have just written about hardly ever happens in most "churches". Let's break the mold. Let's be willing to not let our brothers and sisters walk around with "mustard" on their faces.
The Life we are seeking as a Body in Christ is much more than merely having a church where we know each other really well. We do want to merely "know one another well". We want to help each other conform to Christ--to become all that he wants us to be. Part of that is being willing to speak up when we see something in our brother or sister's life that appears to be un-Christlike.
We need to be willing to obey God and "speak the truth in love" when necessary, even taking along with us two or three others when a person displays an unopen attitude, or a prideful, rebellious attitude in not wanting to hear.
What I have just written about hardly ever happens in most "churches". Let's break the mold. Let's be willing to not let our brothers and sisters walk around with "mustard" on their faces.
Monday, February 20, 2006
Row the Boat
This morning on my way to work, I noticed a sign at an auto repair place:
"Men who are busy rowing seldom have time to rock the boat."
I immediately thought about the Church. Instead of sitting back logically deducing the "best way" to row... Instead of watching other people row the "wrong way"... Instead of trying to find an easier, more efficient way to move the boat... Let's just obey God! Let's DO what he wants us to do. Let's give our lives away. Let's love one another with a sacrificial love. And as he sees fit he will steer the ship and point us in the direction we should go. Let's use the oars he has supplied us with and in due time he'll get us more powerfully designed ones--ones we wouldn't be able to handle right now. And PLEASE let's keep our eyes of Jesus instead of the waves.
Ephesians 4 talks about the body of Christ growing as each part does its work. As each person grabs an oar and rows, we will be busy about the Father's business and we won't have the time to get into our own business (our own philosophies, ideas, methods, or who know what else).... which would end in disaster.
There's probably some more helpful meditations about being busy rowing, but I'll leave it there for now.
"Men who are busy rowing seldom have time to rock the boat."
I immediately thought about the Church. Instead of sitting back logically deducing the "best way" to row... Instead of watching other people row the "wrong way"... Instead of trying to find an easier, more efficient way to move the boat... Let's just obey God! Let's DO what he wants us to do. Let's give our lives away. Let's love one another with a sacrificial love. And as he sees fit he will steer the ship and point us in the direction we should go. Let's use the oars he has supplied us with and in due time he'll get us more powerfully designed ones--ones we wouldn't be able to handle right now. And PLEASE let's keep our eyes of Jesus instead of the waves.
Ephesians 4 talks about the body of Christ growing as each part does its work. As each person grabs an oar and rows, we will be busy about the Father's business and we won't have the time to get into our own business (our own philosophies, ideas, methods, or who know what else).... which would end in disaster.
There's probably some more helpful meditations about being busy rowing, but I'll leave it there for now.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
It Takes Time
Great are the works of the LORD; they are pondered by all who delight in them. (Psalm 111:2)
It takes time to be a worshipper. We need to stop and look and listen for a while to appreciate all that God does and who He is. It takes time. Take the time necessary to consider the goodness of the Lord.
Are you thankful for your spouse? Take a few extra minutes to think about just what it took for God to put you two together. If you've ever had something happen "just in time", think about that too. Try to consider all of the times that God has put much love and care into your day. When a good thing "happens", think about all the "little" things that God had to do. Think of all the circumstances that needed to be timed perfectly; all the schedules that needed to line up properly. God puts much thought and care into each of our days, more than we often take time to notice or appreciate.
Take time to appreciate the Lord. He cares. Taking time to notice and appreciate Him is much of what I think of when I think about "worship".
Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love (Psalm 48:9).
It takes time to be a worshipper. We need to stop and look and listen for a while to appreciate all that God does and who He is. It takes time. Take the time necessary to consider the goodness of the Lord.
Are you thankful for your spouse? Take a few extra minutes to think about just what it took for God to put you two together. If you've ever had something happen "just in time", think about that too. Try to consider all of the times that God has put much love and care into your day. When a good thing "happens", think about all the "little" things that God had to do. Think of all the circumstances that needed to be timed perfectly; all the schedules that needed to line up properly. God puts much thought and care into each of our days, more than we often take time to notice or appreciate.
Take time to appreciate the Lord. He cares. Taking time to notice and appreciate Him is much of what I think of when I think about "worship".
Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love (Psalm 48:9).
Thought-Provoking
Here's a quote that you can't read quickly. Please take the time to read it and think about it. Don't simply nod your head and "agree". Truly ponder it and consider how it may apply to you. A friend wrote:
"CHRISTIANITY is not a technique, something to attend in a home or building, a philosophy of lifestyle, a belief system, or a social and do-good club. "CHURCH" is not something we can attain with knowledge and effort and sincerity. It is a Sovereign issue of God’s Intent, Timing, and Gifts. "I praise You, Father" for that! :) "
Christianity is not a philosophy of lifestyle…Christianity is not a belief system… It is not merely about believing the right things. It is tempting and even easy to begin thinking that what is wrong with some people is that they are believing false doctrines and they have false ideas about what God is like. But if the only thing we accomplish is to reform one's belief system… if all they do is exchange wrong beliefs for right beliefs… if all they do is think about God in a more accurate way… that comes up short. Yes, it is good to not follow false doctrines. But, there's something lacking.
For example: If someone stays married because they believe they "have to" because the Bible teaches against divorce, it is good that they are willing to follow the instruction of God's Word by not getting a divorce. However, their marriage will fall VERY short of what God wants their marriage to be like. He wants their marriage to be an example of Christ and the church, yet they are married only because "the Bible says". There will be many "small" facial expressions of disappointment and deep down there will not be joy in the marriage at all. I'm sure you know people who are "married", but there is very little heartfelt affection between them. How sad!!!!
See what I'm getting at? If we obey God merely because of a belief system… i.e. if we believe that a Christian is someone who must be Christlike, rather than someone who has merely said a prayer (i.e. we "believe" the right thing)… then our lives will lack many characteristics of Christ. We will lack joy. We will not be in awe over our God. A form of thankfulness will be there because the Bible says "be thankful", but it will not be overflowing from our hearts to the extent God wants it to. What about our genuine affection toward God? Loving God with all our heart must come from our heart!
Christianity is not a technique…
Do you ever treat Christianity like a "belief system" or "philosophy of lifestyle"? Do you ever treat it like a "technique"? Ask God to reveal it to you, to search you. I must admit, there have definitely been thinking patterns develop in my own life, that reduced Christianity to such things. Thankfully, God showed me. We are so prone to invent methods and mental compartments. We are so prone to treat the study of God the same way we treat the study of science, deriving theories for how he does things and models for how God works. Hmmm.
So, here's the original quote again. And if you like, I posted the link to the entire article from which the quote came:
"CHRISTIANITY is not a technique, something to attend in a home or building, a philosophy of lifestyle, a belief system, or a social and do-good club. "CHURCH" is not something we can attain with knowledge and effort and sincerity. It is a Sovereign issue of God’s Intent, Timing, and Gifts. "I praise You, Father" for that! :) "
-- http://www.allathisfeet.com/housechurch/index.html
"CHRISTIANITY is not a technique, something to attend in a home or building, a philosophy of lifestyle, a belief system, or a social and do-good club. "CHURCH" is not something we can attain with knowledge and effort and sincerity. It is a Sovereign issue of God’s Intent, Timing, and Gifts. "I praise You, Father" for that! :) "
Christianity is not a philosophy of lifestyle…Christianity is not a belief system… It is not merely about believing the right things. It is tempting and even easy to begin thinking that what is wrong with some people is that they are believing false doctrines and they have false ideas about what God is like. But if the only thing we accomplish is to reform one's belief system… if all they do is exchange wrong beliefs for right beliefs… if all they do is think about God in a more accurate way… that comes up short. Yes, it is good to not follow false doctrines. But, there's something lacking.
For example: If someone stays married because they believe they "have to" because the Bible teaches against divorce, it is good that they are willing to follow the instruction of God's Word by not getting a divorce. However, their marriage will fall VERY short of what God wants their marriage to be like. He wants their marriage to be an example of Christ and the church, yet they are married only because "the Bible says". There will be many "small" facial expressions of disappointment and deep down there will not be joy in the marriage at all. I'm sure you know people who are "married", but there is very little heartfelt affection between them. How sad!!!!
See what I'm getting at? If we obey God merely because of a belief system… i.e. if we believe that a Christian is someone who must be Christlike, rather than someone who has merely said a prayer (i.e. we "believe" the right thing)… then our lives will lack many characteristics of Christ. We will lack joy. We will not be in awe over our God. A form of thankfulness will be there because the Bible says "be thankful", but it will not be overflowing from our hearts to the extent God wants it to. What about our genuine affection toward God? Loving God with all our heart must come from our heart!
Christianity is not a technique…
Do you ever treat Christianity like a "belief system" or "philosophy of lifestyle"? Do you ever treat it like a "technique"? Ask God to reveal it to you, to search you. I must admit, there have definitely been thinking patterns develop in my own life, that reduced Christianity to such things. Thankfully, God showed me. We are so prone to invent methods and mental compartments. We are so prone to treat the study of God the same way we treat the study of science, deriving theories for how he does things and models for how God works. Hmmm.
So, here's the original quote again. And if you like, I posted the link to the entire article from which the quote came:
"CHRISTIANITY is not a technique, something to attend in a home or building, a philosophy of lifestyle, a belief system, or a social and do-good club. "CHURCH" is not something we can attain with knowledge and effort and sincerity. It is a Sovereign issue of God’s Intent, Timing, and Gifts. "I praise You, Father" for that! :) "
-- http://www.allathisfeet.com/housechurch/index.html
Monday, February 13, 2006
What is the Kingdom of God?
Perhaps the title of this post sounds a bit too definite. I'm certainly not going to attempt to define the "Kingdom" exactly or to explain all the ins and outs of it. But, to me, something that I think of when I consider the "Kingdom of God" is that it is about being under God's loving authority and living as a subject in his kingdom--a kingdom that is invisible to most, and that will some day be visible to all. These are a few thoughts I had a couple days ago...
This morning I was thinking about having an eternal mindset. Jesus said that we are blessed if we are persecuted and suffer for righteousness. We are blessed when people say all kinds of evil things about us for his sake. We should rejoice because great is our reward in heaven (Matt. 5:12). When I thought about that phrase, "great is your reward in heaven", it hit me that such a mindset kind of sums up a lot of what I think about the kingdom of God.
When I think about the kingdom of God I think about being under the authority or "kingship" of God and therefore realizing that living with eternity in mind is more worthwhile than living with earthly things in mind. It is the mindset that allows me to say "amen" from the heart to the thought of being persecuted. It is the mindset that recognizes that my current citizenship is in heaven and I'm eagerly awaiting Jesus to return from there (Phil. 3:20). My citizenship in heaven is much more real than my citizenship of the United States. My citizenship here will expire upon death, but my citizenship there will be with me forever. The government of the United States will end; but his government will never end (Is. 9:7).
Knowing that only my citizenship in heaven will last, how then should I live? Such a thought embodies to me what it means to be in the Kingdom of God right now. Right now it is as if our King has gone on a journey and we are waiting for him to return (Matt. 21:33; 25:14). Actually, of course, our King is still very near to us and has not left us alone, but his physical presence is not here. We cannot see him with our eyes or touch him with our hands. The whole world cannot see him. The world does not know him (John 14:17; 1 John 3:1). But we know him. And we eagerly wait for the day when every eye shall see him (Rev. 1:7) and every knee bow before him (Phil. 2:10).
That Day is real to us. It WILL happen and we are excited. So, we choose to bow our knees now. We "see" him now, by faith with the eyes of our hearts. "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen; for what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" (2 Cor 4:18). And that's what I think of when I think of the Kingdom of God right now--an eternal mindset that lives by faith rather than sight. The things we cannot see are more real than what we can see.
The physical, bodily presence of our King is "on a journey" and he has given us tasks to do. We will be about his business, waiting for his return more than "watchmen wait for the morning" (Ps. 130:6). The Kingdom of God is here right now. God is a ruling King among those who will have him. Not everyone recognizes it now, but soon… "Come, Lord Jesus!" He will come and his reward will be with him. He is actually bringing a reward. What a Savior!
This morning I was thinking about having an eternal mindset. Jesus said that we are blessed if we are persecuted and suffer for righteousness. We are blessed when people say all kinds of evil things about us for his sake. We should rejoice because great is our reward in heaven (Matt. 5:12). When I thought about that phrase, "great is your reward in heaven", it hit me that such a mindset kind of sums up a lot of what I think about the kingdom of God.
When I think about the kingdom of God I think about being under the authority or "kingship" of God and therefore realizing that living with eternity in mind is more worthwhile than living with earthly things in mind. It is the mindset that allows me to say "amen" from the heart to the thought of being persecuted. It is the mindset that recognizes that my current citizenship is in heaven and I'm eagerly awaiting Jesus to return from there (Phil. 3:20). My citizenship in heaven is much more real than my citizenship of the United States. My citizenship here will expire upon death, but my citizenship there will be with me forever. The government of the United States will end; but his government will never end (Is. 9:7).
Knowing that only my citizenship in heaven will last, how then should I live? Such a thought embodies to me what it means to be in the Kingdom of God right now. Right now it is as if our King has gone on a journey and we are waiting for him to return (Matt. 21:33; 25:14). Actually, of course, our King is still very near to us and has not left us alone, but his physical presence is not here. We cannot see him with our eyes or touch him with our hands. The whole world cannot see him. The world does not know him (John 14:17; 1 John 3:1). But we know him. And we eagerly wait for the day when every eye shall see him (Rev. 1:7) and every knee bow before him (Phil. 2:10).
That Day is real to us. It WILL happen and we are excited. So, we choose to bow our knees now. We "see" him now, by faith with the eyes of our hearts. "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen; for what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" (2 Cor 4:18). And that's what I think of when I think of the Kingdom of God right now--an eternal mindset that lives by faith rather than sight. The things we cannot see are more real than what we can see.
The physical, bodily presence of our King is "on a journey" and he has given us tasks to do. We will be about his business, waiting for his return more than "watchmen wait for the morning" (Ps. 130:6). The Kingdom of God is here right now. God is a ruling King among those who will have him. Not everyone recognizes it now, but soon… "Come, Lord Jesus!" He will come and his reward will be with him. He is actually bringing a reward. What a Savior!
Thursday, February 09, 2006
His Great Love
We love because he first loved us (1 John 4:19).
This truth has been hitting me lately. He loved us FIRST. Before we ever thought of seeking him, he sought us. Before we ever had the smallest desire to begin walking after the truth, he drew us. We love because he first loved us.
This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins (1 John 4:10).
That's what love is: GOD'S LOVE. It is easy to think about how we love him and how we want to love him more and how we want to love him with all of our hearts. But let's remember that his love is everything.
And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him (1 John 4:16).
Do I? Do you? Do we really put our confidence, reliance, trust, faith in the love God has for us? If so, we will be able to live in love; God himself will be living in us. His love will be made manifest among us. This is supernatural and beyond anything that anyone can "work up".
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them-yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me (1 Cor 15:10).
Oh, let us get a glimpse of God's grace--the pleasure he takes in us, the delight he has in us, his favor upon us, his love for us! If we RECEIVE that grace, it will have an effect on us... a powerful effect on us. We will no longer be the same. We will walk in the light as he is in the light. Our love will abound.
Love is a fruit of the Spirit. It is the result of his favor and his love being realized within us. Let us KNOW and RELY on the love he has for us. Take the time to consider him. Take the time to ponder his love for you. Think about his gracious hand upon you many times from the time you were a baby until now. Think about his loving, drawing hand that has chosen you to know the Gospel that had been hidden for ages, but revealed TO YOU. Think of the many billions of people who clearly do not have God's favor upon them as much as it is upon you. Think of how "lucky" you are to be confronted with the Holy One of Israel.... and then remember that there is no "luck".... it is God's choice. He has done this because of his great affection for you. An affection you didn't earn. Receive it. Let it be effectual in you.
You'll never be the same.
"The LORD did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because the LORD loved you... KNOW therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands..." (Deut 7:7-9).
He is WORTHY!
This truth has been hitting me lately. He loved us FIRST. Before we ever thought of seeking him, he sought us. Before we ever had the smallest desire to begin walking after the truth, he drew us. We love because he first loved us.
This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins (1 John 4:10).
That's what love is: GOD'S LOVE. It is easy to think about how we love him and how we want to love him more and how we want to love him with all of our hearts. But let's remember that his love is everything.
And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him (1 John 4:16).
Do I? Do you? Do we really put our confidence, reliance, trust, faith in the love God has for us? If so, we will be able to live in love; God himself will be living in us. His love will be made manifest among us. This is supernatural and beyond anything that anyone can "work up".
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them-yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me (1 Cor 15:10).
Oh, let us get a glimpse of God's grace--the pleasure he takes in us, the delight he has in us, his favor upon us, his love for us! If we RECEIVE that grace, it will have an effect on us... a powerful effect on us. We will no longer be the same. We will walk in the light as he is in the light. Our love will abound.
Love is a fruit of the Spirit. It is the result of his favor and his love being realized within us. Let us KNOW and RELY on the love he has for us. Take the time to consider him. Take the time to ponder his love for you. Think about his gracious hand upon you many times from the time you were a baby until now. Think about his loving, drawing hand that has chosen you to know the Gospel that had been hidden for ages, but revealed TO YOU. Think of the many billions of people who clearly do not have God's favor upon them as much as it is upon you. Think of how "lucky" you are to be confronted with the Holy One of Israel.... and then remember that there is no "luck".... it is God's choice. He has done this because of his great affection for you. An affection you didn't earn. Receive it. Let it be effectual in you.
You'll never be the same.
"The LORD did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because the LORD loved you... KNOW therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands..." (Deut 7:7-9).
He is WORTHY!
Thursday, February 02, 2006
People Who Care
"Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God" (Col 4:12).
Epaphras was a bondservant of Christ. And he was a man of prayer. Obviously, Epaphras cared deeply for the wellfare of the Colossians. Paul said that he always labored fervently in prayer, praying that the Colossians would be able to stand "perfect and complete" in all of God's will.
There weren't many people like Epaphras who cared deeply for others. Specifically, he cared for the spiritual well-being of others.
Another man who comes to mind is Timothy. About him Paul said, "I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ" (Phil 2:20-21). This is a sad commentary about the cares of others, but a great testimony of the love of God inside of Timothy.
Similarly, today there are not many who take a genuine interest in the spiritual well-being of others. Each person has their own cares of life that they are busy attending to. The call for us is to be a people who care for one another and will "go the extra mile" to help each other grow. The body of Christ grows as EACH ONE does it's part (Ephesians 4:16). Sometimes it is harder than we realize to truly put our own interests aside and invest ourselves in the lives of others.
You don't have to be a "preacher"; you just have to CARE.
"My house remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with his own house" (Haggai 1:9).
Epaphras was a bondservant of Christ. And he was a man of prayer. Obviously, Epaphras cared deeply for the wellfare of the Colossians. Paul said that he always labored fervently in prayer, praying that the Colossians would be able to stand "perfect and complete" in all of God's will.
There weren't many people like Epaphras who cared deeply for others. Specifically, he cared for the spiritual well-being of others.
Another man who comes to mind is Timothy. About him Paul said, "I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ" (Phil 2:20-21). This is a sad commentary about the cares of others, but a great testimony of the love of God inside of Timothy.
Similarly, today there are not many who take a genuine interest in the spiritual well-being of others. Each person has their own cares of life that they are busy attending to. The call for us is to be a people who care for one another and will "go the extra mile" to help each other grow. The body of Christ grows as EACH ONE does it's part (Ephesians 4:16). Sometimes it is harder than we realize to truly put our own interests aside and invest ourselves in the lives of others.
You don't have to be a "preacher"; you just have to CARE.
"My house remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with his own house" (Haggai 1:9).
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Love From the Heart
"Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart" (1 Peter 1:22).
So far I've written some blog entries about topics like "Shocking" each other with our love and the need to have "Daily" relationships invested in helping each other become more like Christ. Hebrews 3:13 comes to mind: "exhort one another daily, lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin."
A church where EACH one is devoted to "coming alongside" others everyday to help keep each other from being hardened by deceitful sin is almost non-existent. Where are the people who put Hebrews 3:13 into practice? Where are the people who live like they did in Acts 2:42, "daily with one accord"?
Why don't people live this way? We desperately need "sincere love" for one another. But let us love one another deeply, FROM THE HEART.
When we seek to follow God or keep his commands, we must do so by faith. If we want to "exhort one another daily", if we want to love one another, it must be by faith and from the heart. We cannot merely invent a principle to live by and then try to adhere to the principle. In this case, we cannot merely read Hebrews 3:13 and say to ourselves, "OK, now I'm going to start hanging out with people every day." It goes deeper than that.
The believers in Acts 2 sold their possessions, were together daily, committed themselves to one another and to following the apostles' teaching, etc. They LIVED Christianity. Most of them hadn't heard nearly as many teachings or "sermons" as most Christians today, but their lives were unquestionably committed to Christ and to one another. They were "cut to the heart" (Acts 2:37) by God's word and the way they lived was the overflow of their hearts (i.e. Matt 12:34).
We desperately need to be cut to the heart by God's Word. It is sharper than any two edged sword (Heb. 4:12) and it is supposed to go much deeper than our brains. We cannot merely increase in knowledge of what "the church" is supposed to be and then try to walk it out as best as we can.
Here's an analogy. If a neglectful dad reads in the Bible that his heart should be turned toward his children (Malachi 4:6), he may feel guilty and decide to start spending more time with his children. Maybe he will begin spending more money on his children, buying them gifts. But unless his heart actually turns, unless his love and compassion actually increases, his efforts alone will not produce everything that God wants in that relationship. In fact, his actions will be reluctant at times and incomplete, sometimes motivated by guilt and duty rather than love. But the dad who loves his children from the heart can't wait to be with them. He rushes home from work. He invests into their lives and longs to do so more and more. Hundreds of "little" things about him change, from subtle attitudes and facial expressions to large sacrifices of his time and energy.
Applied toward the church, Christ's Body, we cannot be satisfied with an intellectual understanding. For example, we cannot merely read that we are supposed to need one another just like a hand needs a foot and that if one part suffers the rest suffers too (1 Cor. 12) and then change a few of our actions. Let's not merely "hang out" more with one another. Let's love one another deeply from the heart. If our hearts are for one another we will consider one another better than ourselves (Phil. 2). We will honor one another above ourselves (Rom. 12). We will labor to present each one mature in Christ (Col. 1:28). We will wrestle fervently in prayer for one another (Col. 4:12, Eph. 6:18).
"Get a new heart and a new spirit" (Ezekiel 18:31), not just some new actions. May our actions proceed out of a heart devoted to loving God and loving one another. God will do it; he who has promised is faithful. We, however, cannot be content with intellectual understanding. God will quickly put his word into our hearts if we will let him--this a promise of the new covenant. May God receive glory in his church!
So far I've written some blog entries about topics like "Shocking" each other with our love and the need to have "Daily" relationships invested in helping each other become more like Christ. Hebrews 3:13 comes to mind: "exhort one another daily, lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin."
A church where EACH one is devoted to "coming alongside" others everyday to help keep each other from being hardened by deceitful sin is almost non-existent. Where are the people who put Hebrews 3:13 into practice? Where are the people who live like they did in Acts 2:42, "daily with one accord"?
Why don't people live this way? We desperately need "sincere love" for one another. But let us love one another deeply, FROM THE HEART.
When we seek to follow God or keep his commands, we must do so by faith. If we want to "exhort one another daily", if we want to love one another, it must be by faith and from the heart. We cannot merely invent a principle to live by and then try to adhere to the principle. In this case, we cannot merely read Hebrews 3:13 and say to ourselves, "OK, now I'm going to start hanging out with people every day." It goes deeper than that.
The believers in Acts 2 sold their possessions, were together daily, committed themselves to one another and to following the apostles' teaching, etc. They LIVED Christianity. Most of them hadn't heard nearly as many teachings or "sermons" as most Christians today, but their lives were unquestionably committed to Christ and to one another. They were "cut to the heart" (Acts 2:37) by God's word and the way they lived was the overflow of their hearts (i.e. Matt 12:34).
We desperately need to be cut to the heart by God's Word. It is sharper than any two edged sword (Heb. 4:12) and it is supposed to go much deeper than our brains. We cannot merely increase in knowledge of what "the church" is supposed to be and then try to walk it out as best as we can.
Here's an analogy. If a neglectful dad reads in the Bible that his heart should be turned toward his children (Malachi 4:6), he may feel guilty and decide to start spending more time with his children. Maybe he will begin spending more money on his children, buying them gifts. But unless his heart actually turns, unless his love and compassion actually increases, his efforts alone will not produce everything that God wants in that relationship. In fact, his actions will be reluctant at times and incomplete, sometimes motivated by guilt and duty rather than love. But the dad who loves his children from the heart can't wait to be with them. He rushes home from work. He invests into their lives and longs to do so more and more. Hundreds of "little" things about him change, from subtle attitudes and facial expressions to large sacrifices of his time and energy.
Applied toward the church, Christ's Body, we cannot be satisfied with an intellectual understanding. For example, we cannot merely read that we are supposed to need one another just like a hand needs a foot and that if one part suffers the rest suffers too (1 Cor. 12) and then change a few of our actions. Let's not merely "hang out" more with one another. Let's love one another deeply from the heart. If our hearts are for one another we will consider one another better than ourselves (Phil. 2). We will honor one another above ourselves (Rom. 12). We will labor to present each one mature in Christ (Col. 1:28). We will wrestle fervently in prayer for one another (Col. 4:12, Eph. 6:18).
"Get a new heart and a new spirit" (Ezekiel 18:31), not just some new actions. May our actions proceed out of a heart devoted to loving God and loving one another. God will do it; he who has promised is faithful. We, however, cannot be content with intellectual understanding. God will quickly put his word into our hearts if we will let him--this a promise of the new covenant. May God receive glory in his church!
Friday, January 27, 2006
Put What We Learn About the Kingdom of God Into Practice
On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus...
Religious expert: "Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
Jesus: "What is written in the Law? How do you read it?"
Religious expert: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"
Jesus: "You have answered correctly. Do this and you will live." (see Luke 10:25-28)
The above dialogue from the Gospel of Luke was on my mind this morning. Very simple. Yet, often overlooked. Jesus didn't tell him to make sure he believed a certain set of doctrines or make sure that he did a whole bunch of things. How Jesus dealt with the question got right to the man's heart.
Notice that the man already knew the answer to his own question. Jesus said DO THIS and you will live; he didn't say KNOW THIS and you will live. People who have grown up around religion often know the right answer, but doing it proves difficult. Jesus said that those who hear his words will be blessed if they put them into practice (John 13:17). Otherwise, they will be like a man building a house on the sand (Matt 7:26). There will be a house there; it might look nice to the occassional passerby... but the end is destruction.
I may learn a lot about "the Kingdom of God" or "church" or all kinds of things, but if the things I learn do not find reality in my life, then it is no good at all.
So, if you know the right answer, but do not put it into practice... the answer does you no good. In fact, you have actually deceived yourself.
As we learn more about what it means to be part of the Body of Christ, let's not let our knowledge get in the way of actually doing what we learn.
Religious expert: "Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
Jesus: "What is written in the Law? How do you read it?"
Religious expert: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"
Jesus: "You have answered correctly. Do this and you will live." (see Luke 10:25-28)
The above dialogue from the Gospel of Luke was on my mind this morning. Very simple. Yet, often overlooked. Jesus didn't tell him to make sure he believed a certain set of doctrines or make sure that he did a whole bunch of things. How Jesus dealt with the question got right to the man's heart.
Notice that the man already knew the answer to his own question. Jesus said DO THIS and you will live; he didn't say KNOW THIS and you will live. People who have grown up around religion often know the right answer, but doing it proves difficult. Jesus said that those who hear his words will be blessed if they put them into practice (John 13:17). Otherwise, they will be like a man building a house on the sand (Matt 7:26). There will be a house there; it might look nice to the occassional passerby... but the end is destruction.
I may learn a lot about "the Kingdom of God" or "church" or all kinds of things, but if the things I learn do not find reality in my life, then it is no good at all.
So, if you know the right answer, but do not put it into practice... the answer does you no good. In fact, you have actually deceived yourself.
As we learn more about what it means to be part of the Body of Christ, let's not let our knowledge get in the way of actually doing what we learn.
Saturday, January 14, 2006
What Really Lasts?
"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory" (Col 3:1-4).
That's a big IF at the beginning of Colossians 3. IF you were indeed raised with Christ then seek the things above. Set your minds on things above, NOT on earthly things. Is your life really hidden with Christ in God? If so, what will we be DOING here on earth? If our minds are set on things above, what will our "earthly" relationships be like? What will be the point of our lives? WHY will we be living? WHY will we "get together" with other people? There's more than one way to answer these questions, but here's what Paul said:
Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily (Col 1:28-29).
Paul lived for Christ. "For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain." He labored and struggled mightily so that people could stand before God blameless. He wanted his life to count. When he got to the heavenly kingdom he wanted other people to be there because of his work (actually God working through him). This is one type of fruit that lasts.
Paul was not the only one who was supposed to live this way. Aren't we also? We may not be traveling by boat all over Asia and the Middle East like Paul, but we can have that mindset in whatever calling the Lord has us. We can be like Epaphras, "always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God" (Col 4:12). As Paul said, "Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me..." (Rom 15:30). Isn't this part of what it means to be a living sacrifice (Rom. 12:1), that we CARE and help others to know Christ? And with others who already know Christ that we labor fervently, with much effort, to do whatever we can to help them know him better?
These things are not just for "the pastor" to do. No, EACH one MUST be laboring to present each other "perfect in Christ". If that's not our mindset, then we need to set our minds on things above; we need to TURN our minds (repent) from earthly things to heavenly things. Stop letting pointless, fruitless earthly things get in the way of a lasting, heavenly calling.
"From him the WHOLE body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as EACH part does its work" (Eph 4:16).
Indeed, there is much work, but not enough are willing to be laborers.
Saturday, January 07, 2006
Shocking One Another With Love
If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you (John 13:14-15).
This portion of Scripture recently stood out to me. I think that most of us know that Jesus is talking about more than washing feet here. Of course, there is nothing wrong with washing each other's feet. But I think we can all see that Jesus meant much more than just literal foot washing. If all we do is get a bucket and a towel and wash someone's feet, I think we will miss a lot of what we need to get from this Scripture.
Jesus set us an example. We should do as he did. What did he do?
He shocked them by expressing his love to them. How do you think the disciples felt when their Lord and Master got up from the meal, took off his garments and girded himself with a towel, and then began to go around and wash each of their feet? At least Peter was shocked. He initially refused Jesus saying, "You shall never wash my feet!" Certainly, this act amazed, surprised, and even shocked the disciples.
So, how do we follow Christ's example? He said that we ought to follow his example in this?
When is the last time others around you were amazed by the love and humility that you demonstrated?
"Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity" (1 Tim 4:12).
Let's set a "shocking" example of love, good works, faith, purity, etc. Don't look around you at what other people are doing; think about yourself. What can you do to show your love? How can you be an example for others to follow?
As we seek to apply these Scriptures to ourselves we need to allow God to show us things outside the box. Many people cannot see because they are blinded by their own experience. May that not be true of us! Do we secretly limit God working in us? Have we ever allowed God to take our thoughts to something as radical as taking off our garments, putting on a towel, and going around one by one and washing peoples' feet? Most of the ways Christianity is expressed these days does not live up to what Jesus wants. We must allow God to take our thinking outside of our experiences. We must allow him to radically tranform us. And we must be willing to put into practice a radical, wholehearted love.
We all have a "comfort zone". We will sacrifice for others up until a certain point. Maybe we will allow ourselves to be uncomfortable, but we all will stop at a certain point. My appeal is this: let's be as uncomfortable as Jesus wants us to be.
This portion of Scripture recently stood out to me. I think that most of us know that Jesus is talking about more than washing feet here. Of course, there is nothing wrong with washing each other's feet. But I think we can all see that Jesus meant much more than just literal foot washing. If all we do is get a bucket and a towel and wash someone's feet, I think we will miss a lot of what we need to get from this Scripture.
Jesus set us an example. We should do as he did. What did he do?
He shocked them by expressing his love to them. How do you think the disciples felt when their Lord and Master got up from the meal, took off his garments and girded himself with a towel, and then began to go around and wash each of their feet? At least Peter was shocked. He initially refused Jesus saying, "You shall never wash my feet!" Certainly, this act amazed, surprised, and even shocked the disciples.
So, how do we follow Christ's example? He said that we ought to follow his example in this?
When is the last time others around you were amazed by the love and humility that you demonstrated?
"Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity" (1 Tim 4:12).
Let's set a "shocking" example of love, good works, faith, purity, etc. Don't look around you at what other people are doing; think about yourself. What can you do to show your love? How can you be an example for others to follow?
As we seek to apply these Scriptures to ourselves we need to allow God to show us things outside the box. Many people cannot see because they are blinded by their own experience. May that not be true of us! Do we secretly limit God working in us? Have we ever allowed God to take our thoughts to something as radical as taking off our garments, putting on a towel, and going around one by one and washing peoples' feet? Most of the ways Christianity is expressed these days does not live up to what Jesus wants. We must allow God to take our thinking outside of our experiences. We must allow him to radically tranform us. And we must be willing to put into practice a radical, wholehearted love.
We all have a "comfort zone". We will sacrifice for others up until a certain point. Maybe we will allow ourselves to be uncomfortable, but we all will stop at a certain point. My appeal is this: let's be as uncomfortable as Jesus wants us to be.
As the ark of the LORD was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, she despised him in her heart... Michal daughter of Saul came out to meet him and said, "How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, disrobing in the sight of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would!" David replied, "...I will celebrate before the LORD. I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes. (2 Sam 6:16,20-22)
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Wisdom
"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom" (James 3:13).
I was talking with a dear brother yesterday and he said something like this: "wisdom is not about content." This got me thinking. Wisdom is not all about knowing a bunch of stuff. Wisdom involves good fruit in our lives, as we can see by the verse quoted above. A few verses later we read:
James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.
That's what we want: wisdom from above. We want these characteristics to be abundant in our lives. We don't merely want to know some facts. Wisdom is not only about lots of content...
I was talking with a dear brother yesterday and he said something like this: "wisdom is not about content." This got me thinking. Wisdom is not all about knowing a bunch of stuff. Wisdom involves good fruit in our lives, as we can see by the verse quoted above. A few verses later we read:
James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.
That's what we want: wisdom from above. We want these characteristics to be abundant in our lives. We don't merely want to know some facts. Wisdom is not only about lots of content...
Friday, December 30, 2005
Considering Others
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds" (Heb 10:24).
This verse was on my mind today. My own personal experience tells me that the more I consider others the more beneficial I am to them. If I think about my fellow believers and pray for them... if they are in my thoughts often, then when I see them I can more effectively spur them on toward love and good works.
How often do we really consider our fellow believers? Do we realize that one of the reasons we exist is to help others conform to Christ?
"To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me" (Col 1:29).
This verse was on my mind today. My own personal experience tells me that the more I consider others the more beneficial I am to them. If I think about my fellow believers and pray for them... if they are in my thoughts often, then when I see them I can more effectively spur them on toward love and good works.
How often do we really consider our fellow believers? Do we realize that one of the reasons we exist is to help others conform to Christ?
"To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me" (Col 1:29).
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
The Purpose of "Church"
"His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Eph 3:10-11).
I was pondering Ephesians 3:10-11 this morning. I just have to say WOW! God is wonderful. Did you catch what the verse is saying? God has had a purpose for a long time: an "eternal purpose". The previous verse says that for "ages" the mystery of Christ had been hidden. At just the "right time" Christ came and died for the ungodly (Rom. 5:6). And there was an eternal purpose for it all.
His intent, or purpose, according to Ephesians 3:10-11 was to make known his wisdom to the "rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms". Perhaps the "rulers and authorities" are angels, perhaps angels and demons. Either way, the church is supposed to live in such a way that it makes God look very wise. When people, or angels, or demons see God's people, functioning as "one body" (Eph. 3:6) they will say, "wow, God's ways are best; he is all-wise!" This is God's intent.
Yes, God also wants people to recognize his glory as they observe the church. He hopes that men would see the love of the church and then come to him. But his plan, his purpose, his intent is even greater than this. There are other observers, "rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms", who are looking on. And God has an eternal purpose that they will see his manifold wisdom through the church!
"To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen" (Eph 3:21).
Right now, in this generation (and in all generations), there needs to be glory coming to God as a result of the church. How ought God's people to conduct themselves? How ought they to love one another, to sacrifice for one another, to lay down their very lives for one another? If God's people REALLY believe that eternity is more important than temporary things, how will they live?
Later in Ephesians, God has a wonderful description of the church. It says very clearly why Christ died and what kind of church he is building:
Eph 5:25-27 ...Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.
Is that your "church experience"? First of all, are you part of a "body"? Are you part of a "radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless? Literally. Practically. So that all the "rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms" will not be able to do anything but cry out, "God is wise!".
What is commonly called "church" falls so far short of these things! It is not God's will that we fall short! His will is that we display his wisdom by being a radiant church! Praise God that there is a remnant. There are people on earth today who are bringing God glory like Ephesians 3:10-11 says. But there are very few (Luke 13:24, Matt 7:14). Few churches would fit the Biblical description of being part of the "pillar and foundation of the truth" (1 Tim. 3:15).
If you're reading this, I guess that I'm hoping that you will not make excuses and say that all these things are impossible and that God is hoping for something that won't happen. No, Jesus died for these things. And Ephesians 3:11 says that not only did he purpose or intend to receive glory through the church, but he also made it possible--he "accomplished" it through Christ! May he receive what he died for.
Eph 4:1 I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received
Col 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.
I was pondering Ephesians 3:10-11 this morning. I just have to say WOW! God is wonderful. Did you catch what the verse is saying? God has had a purpose for a long time: an "eternal purpose". The previous verse says that for "ages" the mystery of Christ had been hidden. At just the "right time" Christ came and died for the ungodly (Rom. 5:6). And there was an eternal purpose for it all.
His intent, or purpose, according to Ephesians 3:10-11 was to make known his wisdom to the "rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms". Perhaps the "rulers and authorities" are angels, perhaps angels and demons. Either way, the church is supposed to live in such a way that it makes God look very wise. When people, or angels, or demons see God's people, functioning as "one body" (Eph. 3:6) they will say, "wow, God's ways are best; he is all-wise!" This is God's intent.
Yes, God also wants people to recognize his glory as they observe the church. He hopes that men would see the love of the church and then come to him. But his plan, his purpose, his intent is even greater than this. There are other observers, "rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms", who are looking on. And God has an eternal purpose that they will see his manifold wisdom through the church!
"To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen" (Eph 3:21).
Right now, in this generation (and in all generations), there needs to be glory coming to God as a result of the church. How ought God's people to conduct themselves? How ought they to love one another, to sacrifice for one another, to lay down their very lives for one another? If God's people REALLY believe that eternity is more important than temporary things, how will they live?
Later in Ephesians, God has a wonderful description of the church. It says very clearly why Christ died and what kind of church he is building:
Eph 5:25-27 ...Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.
Is that your "church experience"? First of all, are you part of a "body"? Are you part of a "radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless? Literally. Practically. So that all the "rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms" will not be able to do anything but cry out, "God is wise!".
What is commonly called "church" falls so far short of these things! It is not God's will that we fall short! His will is that we display his wisdom by being a radiant church! Praise God that there is a remnant. There are people on earth today who are bringing God glory like Ephesians 3:10-11 says. But there are very few (Luke 13:24, Matt 7:14). Few churches would fit the Biblical description of being part of the "pillar and foundation of the truth" (1 Tim. 3:15).
If you're reading this, I guess that I'm hoping that you will not make excuses and say that all these things are impossible and that God is hoping for something that won't happen. No, Jesus died for these things. And Ephesians 3:11 says that not only did he purpose or intend to receive glory through the church, but he also made it possible--he "accomplished" it through Christ! May he receive what he died for.
Eph 4:1 I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received
Col 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.
Monday, December 19, 2005
When Will the Kingdom of God Appear?
Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, "The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17:20-21)
Someone quite angrily and rudely insisted to me that the "kingdom of God" is not now at all because it is only when Jesus comes and rules. So, I thought I'd write a little about my thoughts on "when" the kingdom of God is. I don't have many answers, so most of the time I'll just quote Jesus. :-)
Certainly, in the Bible there is a future sense in which the "kingdom of God" is used. Jesus talks of the 12 disciples sitting on 12 thrones. He talks of a big feast in the kingdom. These, and many other aspects of the kingdom, are obviously yet to come.
But there is also a present aspect of the kingdom of God. There is a sense in which it has begun already. Even as Luke 17:20-21 hints at (quoted above).
John the baptist hinted that the time was very near when he said, "The time has come, the kingdom of God is near; repent and believe the good news!" (Mark 1:15). It was so near that Jesus could say, "I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power" (Mark 9:1).
Jesus told many parables about the kingdom of God. One of them is as follows:
He explained the parable a few verses later:
Please notice the present and future senses of the kingdom of God in the words of Jesus. The good seed is being sown and there are present-tense "sons of the kingdom". There are weeds, an enemy, and a looking forward to the harvest. Notice that when the harvest, or end of the age, comes the kingdom is already there. Yet, there is still a future shining like the sun in the kingdom. But there is a kingdom already established and the angels are sent to weed out all who do evil out of it. Obviously, we are in the "phase" of the kingdom where there is a lot of sowing of seed. The enemy is lurking. We are looking forward to the harvest.
Hopefully it is clear what I'm trying to say. This blog has been emphasizing the present sense of the kingdom. Even as Paul wrote that we are already in the kingdom: "For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves" (Col 1:13).
Well, there is much more to say, but hopefully everyone will get my point. And actually, what I am trying to write about on this blog isn't some theological treatise about what exactly the kingdom of God is and isn't and when and how.... There is MUCH that I don't understand. What I am trying to write about is how Christians are supposed to interact with one another right now.
Well, hope all that helps. Maybe I can refer you to all the parables in which Jesus describes the "kingdom of God". Come, Lord Jesus!
Someone quite angrily and rudely insisted to me that the "kingdom of God" is not now at all because it is only when Jesus comes and rules. So, I thought I'd write a little about my thoughts on "when" the kingdom of God is. I don't have many answers, so most of the time I'll just quote Jesus. :-)
Certainly, in the Bible there is a future sense in which the "kingdom of God" is used. Jesus talks of the 12 disciples sitting on 12 thrones. He talks of a big feast in the kingdom. These, and many other aspects of the kingdom, are obviously yet to come.
But there is also a present aspect of the kingdom of God. There is a sense in which it has begun already. Even as Luke 17:20-21 hints at (quoted above).
John the baptist hinted that the time was very near when he said, "The time has come, the kingdom of God is near; repent and believe the good news!" (Mark 1:15). It was so near that Jesus could say, "I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power" (Mark 9:1).
Jesus told many parables about the kingdom of God. One of them is as follows:
Jesus told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25 But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26 When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared. 27 "The owner's servants came to him and said, 'Sir, didn't you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?' 28 "'An enemy did this,' he replied. "The servants asked him, 'Do you want us to go and pull them up?' 29 "'No,' he answered, 'because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.'" (Matt 13:24-30 )
He explained the parable a few verses later:
He answered, "The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, 39 and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. 40 "As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. 42 They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear." (Matt 13:37-43)
Please notice the present and future senses of the kingdom of God in the words of Jesus. The good seed is being sown and there are present-tense "sons of the kingdom". There are weeds, an enemy, and a looking forward to the harvest. Notice that when the harvest, or end of the age, comes the kingdom is already there. Yet, there is still a future shining like the sun in the kingdom. But there is a kingdom already established and the angels are sent to weed out all who do evil out of it. Obviously, we are in the "phase" of the kingdom where there is a lot of sowing of seed. The enemy is lurking. We are looking forward to the harvest.
Hopefully it is clear what I'm trying to say. This blog has been emphasizing the present sense of the kingdom. Even as Paul wrote that we are already in the kingdom: "For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves" (Col 1:13).
Well, there is much more to say, but hopefully everyone will get my point. And actually, what I am trying to write about on this blog isn't some theological treatise about what exactly the kingdom of God is and isn't and when and how.... There is MUCH that I don't understand. What I am trying to write about is how Christians are supposed to interact with one another right now.
Well, hope all that helps. Maybe I can refer you to all the parables in which Jesus describes the "kingdom of God". Come, Lord Jesus!
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Why "Preaching" is Not Enough...
Most people realize that experience is more valuable than head-knowledge. If people want to become school teachers, they go to school to learn their subject matter AND they spend a lot of time visiting teachers’ classrooms. Before they graduate they must spend at least half of a year “student teaching” —- actually running a classroom under the close supervision of a teacher. It is during “student teaching” that every school teacher will tell you that he or she really learned how to teach. Sure, some of their university classes may have been helpful, but every teacher learns their “basic survival skills” during student teaching.
Someone who wants to be an engineer goes to a university to learn a lot of things, but when they are done if they want to get hired they had better have experience working as an engineer in the real world. If they are hired in as an engineer at, say, Ford Motor Company, they have a two year training program working side by side with other engineers to teach them how to be an engineer in the real world.
If someone wants to become a plumber, they do not even go to school for several years. Instead, they work side by side with a plumber for several years. Would you hire a plumber who had a four year “degree” in plumbing, but had never actually fixed a toilet?
Where am I going with all this? In the church world, it seems that many times we stop at the education phase. There’s lots of teaching a preaching; lots of books on almost every topic. People can become pastors with enough "education". It’s almost like we feel like we’ve done our job if we have taught people something. We feel like we’ve received what we needed from the church if we’ve received teaching from them. “Marriage counseling” has become a once a month “meeting” to discuss a few things. The person counseling has little knowledge of the couple’s real life and the couple has very little knowledge of what their “counselor’s” life is really like.
I have noticed that despite the increase in the amount of books and sermons on various topics, the quality of church life is not improving. Divorces continue in the churches. The youth in the “youth groups” continue to dress more and more according to the world’s pattern with shorter and shorter skirts, etc. Clearly, more books alone will not solve the problem. Teaching is good and necessary, but it is not the end all solution.
I have preached several times on topics such as child training and marriage and then in the days and weeks that follow, I have noticed that people’s lives do not change as much as I thought they would. There could be more than one reason for this, but one big reason is that teaching and preaching are not enough. What is more valuable -— hearing someone speaking about raising children or spending a weekend with someone who is very good at raising children?
If I teach something to the believers, I cannot simply conclude that the job is done. In essence, after speaking to them, I need to then walk with them in their lives side by side so that I can help them apply the teaching to their lives. After I receive instruction from others, I desire to have them help me apply what they have taught.
Jesus did the same thing. He said, “love one another as you have seen me loving you.” Paul often told his readers to remember is way of life, not just his words. Let’s help each other move beyond the “education phase” of life and get into the trenches together.
Someone who wants to be an engineer goes to a university to learn a lot of things, but when they are done if they want to get hired they had better have experience working as an engineer in the real world. If they are hired in as an engineer at, say, Ford Motor Company, they have a two year training program working side by side with other engineers to teach them how to be an engineer in the real world.
If someone wants to become a plumber, they do not even go to school for several years. Instead, they work side by side with a plumber for several years. Would you hire a plumber who had a four year “degree” in plumbing, but had never actually fixed a toilet?
Where am I going with all this? In the church world, it seems that many times we stop at the education phase. There’s lots of teaching a preaching; lots of books on almost every topic. People can become pastors with enough "education". It’s almost like we feel like we’ve done our job if we have taught people something. We feel like we’ve received what we needed from the church if we’ve received teaching from them. “Marriage counseling” has become a once a month “meeting” to discuss a few things. The person counseling has little knowledge of the couple’s real life and the couple has very little knowledge of what their “counselor’s” life is really like.
I have noticed that despite the increase in the amount of books and sermons on various topics, the quality of church life is not improving. Divorces continue in the churches. The youth in the “youth groups” continue to dress more and more according to the world’s pattern with shorter and shorter skirts, etc. Clearly, more books alone will not solve the problem. Teaching is good and necessary, but it is not the end all solution.
I have preached several times on topics such as child training and marriage and then in the days and weeks that follow, I have noticed that people’s lives do not change as much as I thought they would. There could be more than one reason for this, but one big reason is that teaching and preaching are not enough. What is more valuable -— hearing someone speaking about raising children or spending a weekend with someone who is very good at raising children?
If I teach something to the believers, I cannot simply conclude that the job is done. In essence, after speaking to them, I need to then walk with them in their lives side by side so that I can help them apply the teaching to their lives. After I receive instruction from others, I desire to have them help me apply what they have taught.
Jesus did the same thing. He said, “love one another as you have seen me loving you.” Paul often told his readers to remember is way of life, not just his words. Let’s help each other move beyond the “education phase” of life and get into the trenches together.
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Seek First the Kingdom of God
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness..."
About a year and a half ago in May of 2004, I bought 4.5 acres of land halfway between Grand Rapids (where the believers are) and where I work. I would have a 20 minute drive to work and "only" a 20 minute drive to see believers. I had talked everything over with several of the brothers here and instead of living right in the town where I work, I decided to "sacrifice" so that I could be close to believers. I was seeking first his kingdom...
The house that we built was the perfect house for us. It had open spaces to promote togetherness in our family. We designed it so that we could have lots of people over for fellowship and even put a large parking pad on the side of the driveway. (By large, I mean large enough to hold about 10 cars.) I had all kinds of ideas of how living in the country would be good for my children; from raising chickens to chopping wood, I was going to teach them responsibility. We were seeking first his kingdom...
By the time the house was ready, one year ago, in December of 2004..... God made it clear to us that we should SELL it! "Oh no", was my initial reaction. Furthermore, God made it clear that we should move the city of Grand Rapids to be very near the believers. "Oh no." I didn't like the city! And I certainly didn't want a 40 minute commute to work. It was as if God was saying, "Nice try; you were trying to seek first my kingdom, but since your heart is right I'm going to lead you in such a way that you can seek first my kingdom the way I want you to."
I learned quite a bit about seeking first God's kingdom. Even though I thought that I had God's best in mind, I didn't go far enough. By May of 2005 God brought us to where we currently live--right in the city of Grand Rapids, about 2 miles from downtown. This was the last place I wanted to live.
But by the end of the summer, God had moved upon the other believers here to want to live closer together. And now we all live within 3 or 4 blocks of each other. Close proximity has really helped us to carry out sharing life ("fellowship") with one another in real, practical ways (see "Practical Daily Life in the Kingdom" Part 1 and Part 2 for examples).
And now, I really enjoy living here in the city! Wow! I am so surprised. But I have this strange peace and joy. I really like this house! But I NEVER would have designed a house like this. This is NOT what I THOUGHT I would like. But God knows best, that's for sure.
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths" (Prov 3:5-6).
I had a lot to learn about what seeking first God's kingdom meant in that situation. And I suspect I have a lot more to learn!
Whoever is reading this, would you consider one thing? Do you go all out in pursuing the will of God? Empty yourself of your own thoughts and preferences and see if there's more for God to show you. You just might be surprised.
About a year and a half ago in May of 2004, I bought 4.5 acres of land halfway between Grand Rapids (where the believers are) and where I work. I would have a 20 minute drive to work and "only" a 20 minute drive to see believers. I had talked everything over with several of the brothers here and instead of living right in the town where I work, I decided to "sacrifice" so that I could be close to believers. I was seeking first his kingdom...
The house that we built was the perfect house for us. It had open spaces to promote togetherness in our family. We designed it so that we could have lots of people over for fellowship and even put a large parking pad on the side of the driveway. (By large, I mean large enough to hold about 10 cars.) I had all kinds of ideas of how living in the country would be good for my children; from raising chickens to chopping wood, I was going to teach them responsibility. We were seeking first his kingdom...
By the time the house was ready, one year ago, in December of 2004..... God made it clear to us that we should SELL it! "Oh no", was my initial reaction. Furthermore, God made it clear that we should move the city of Grand Rapids to be very near the believers. "Oh no." I didn't like the city! And I certainly didn't want a 40 minute commute to work. It was as if God was saying, "Nice try; you were trying to seek first my kingdom, but since your heart is right I'm going to lead you in such a way that you can seek first my kingdom the way I want you to."
I learned quite a bit about seeking first God's kingdom. Even though I thought that I had God's best in mind, I didn't go far enough. By May of 2005 God brought us to where we currently live--right in the city of Grand Rapids, about 2 miles from downtown. This was the last place I wanted to live.
But by the end of the summer, God had moved upon the other believers here to want to live closer together. And now we all live within 3 or 4 blocks of each other. Close proximity has really helped us to carry out sharing life ("fellowship") with one another in real, practical ways (see "Practical Daily Life in the Kingdom" Part 1 and Part 2 for examples).
And now, I really enjoy living here in the city! Wow! I am so surprised. But I have this strange peace and joy. I really like this house! But I NEVER would have designed a house like this. This is NOT what I THOUGHT I would like. But God knows best, that's for sure.
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths" (Prov 3:5-6).
I had a lot to learn about what seeking first God's kingdom meant in that situation. And I suspect I have a lot more to learn!
Whoever is reading this, would you consider one thing? Do you go all out in pursuing the will of God? Empty yourself of your own thoughts and preferences and see if there's more for God to show you. You just might be surprised.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Contradictions in the Lives of "Christians"
“Not everyone who calls me, ‘Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of my Father.”
--Jesus (Matthew 7:21)
Many people say that God is their first priority, but their lives testify otherwise. Jesus said that not everyone who calls him Lord will enter heaven. Doing God's will is the deciding factor. Let me jot down a few of the contradictions I've observed in peoples' lives. By the way, for the most part, I'm speaking from personal experience. All of the following things used to be true in my life. I thought I was following Christ, but he lovingly showed me I was not. Here goes...
Professing Christians claim that the Bible is the most important book in the world, but they spend more time watching TV than reading their Bibles.
Although the Bible says that complaining leads to destruction (1 Cor. 10:10), many people complain about their difficulties and even complain about the weather that God made.
Much of what entertains people on television is sin. In this world we will see sin occur around us, but should we deliberately put it in front of our eyes? Should we be entertained by it? Have you ever laughed at a sexually perverted comment that the movie calls "comedy"? God grieves and weeps at the sin, but many of his professed children laugh at it. Something is wrong!
Jesus told his disciples in Matthew 10 to freely give since they had freely received. Do you think Jesus would have been pleased if his disciples wrote memoirs of their experiences with Jesus and then sold copies of them for $14.95???? Isn't this what happens in modern Christianity today?
Many people in churches speak of peoples’ faults behind their backs. The Bible clearly forbids this.
I wonder if people would be honest and if you asked them what they truly enjoyed more: their sporting events or spiritual things? Are they more alert and excited during the 4th quarter or during a sermon or prayer or opportunity to witness on the street...
Many people are ashamed to share their faith. They might be ashamed at work, at the supermarket, or any other time. Sure, some are not ashamed. But some definitely are. "If you are ashamed of me and my words, I'll be ashamed of you."
Well, that's all I'll say for now. I don't want to be too "negative", but the truth sometimes hurts. I know that not all of these things apply to everyone. But whoever reads this maybe it'll help you take a good, hard, honest look at how you live. Do you live what you say you believe?
If we really believe that our lives are a drop in the bucket compared to eternity, how will we live? If we really believe that only what is done for God will last, how will we live?
“Will you come to my house and say, ‘We are saved,’ and then continue to do these detestable things? I have seen it!”
--God (Jeremiah 7:10-11)
--Jesus (Matthew 7:21)
Many people say that God is their first priority, but their lives testify otherwise. Jesus said that not everyone who calls him Lord will enter heaven. Doing God's will is the deciding factor. Let me jot down a few of the contradictions I've observed in peoples' lives. By the way, for the most part, I'm speaking from personal experience. All of the following things used to be true in my life. I thought I was following Christ, but he lovingly showed me I was not. Here goes...
Professing Christians claim that the Bible is the most important book in the world, but they spend more time watching TV than reading their Bibles.
Although the Bible says that complaining leads to destruction (1 Cor. 10:10), many people complain about their difficulties and even complain about the weather that God made.
Much of what entertains people on television is sin. In this world we will see sin occur around us, but should we deliberately put it in front of our eyes? Should we be entertained by it? Have you ever laughed at a sexually perverted comment that the movie calls "comedy"? God grieves and weeps at the sin, but many of his professed children laugh at it. Something is wrong!
Jesus told his disciples in Matthew 10 to freely give since they had freely received. Do you think Jesus would have been pleased if his disciples wrote memoirs of their experiences with Jesus and then sold copies of them for $14.95???? Isn't this what happens in modern Christianity today?
Many people in churches speak of peoples’ faults behind their backs. The Bible clearly forbids this.
I wonder if people would be honest and if you asked them what they truly enjoyed more: their sporting events or spiritual things? Are they more alert and excited during the 4th quarter or during a sermon or prayer or opportunity to witness on the street...
Many people are ashamed to share their faith. They might be ashamed at work, at the supermarket, or any other time. Sure, some are not ashamed. But some definitely are. "If you are ashamed of me and my words, I'll be ashamed of you."
Well, that's all I'll say for now. I don't want to be too "negative", but the truth sometimes hurts. I know that not all of these things apply to everyone. But whoever reads this maybe it'll help you take a good, hard, honest look at how you live. Do you live what you say you believe?
If we really believe that our lives are a drop in the bucket compared to eternity, how will we live? If we really believe that only what is done for God will last, how will we live?
“Will you come to my house and say, ‘We are saved,’ and then continue to do these detestable things? I have seen it!”
--God (Jeremiah 7:10-11)
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