"For it is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and he of the freewoman through promise, which things are symbolic. For these are the two covenants: the one from Mount Sinai which give birth to bondage, which is Hagar - for this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children - but the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all. For it is written: 'Rejoice, O barren, You who do not bear! Break forth and shout, You who are not in labor! For the desolate has many more children Than she who has a husband.' Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise. But as he who was born according to the flesh then persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, even so it is now. Nevertheless what does the Scripture say? "Cast out the bondwoman and her son, for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.' So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman but of the free. Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage."
Galatians 4:22-5:1
I realize that is a chunk of Scripture to read for a devotional, but to take out a verse or to just jump in there in the middle would not do for this passage. Paul is explaining here, that we believers are children of the promise; children of the inheritance that God has set up for us, through Christ Jesus. We are free in Christ Jesus. The two systems of the law, which we have spoken of here previously, and grace, cannot exist at the same time.
You and I, as believers in Christ Jesus, are now children of freedom that is found in Jesus Christ. To begin to allow our lives, our daily walk, to be governed by the law, is to put ourselves back under the "yoke of bondage." To allow rules and regulations, and the traditions of man, to be the dominant guide by which we order our lives, is bondage. And Paul so dearly here instructs us to not allow ourselves to fall into that trap.
When someone comes along, and says, "Yes your salvation is through Jesus Christ. But you need to be walking the line, following all these rules as well," then you know that is the voice of legalism and the law, and we should get as far away from that as we can. Christianity, being a true Christ follower, is about just that, following Christ, and not following the religious rules that are set before us. Nowhere in the Scripture does it say, in answer to the question, "What must I do to be saved?" that you need to start wearing a shirt and tie, for the men, and a dress and hat, for the women. Jesus never said that you needed to go to this fellowship, read this version of the Bible, believe this certain way. Jesus never said anything like that. Jesus spoke about the religious rulers of His day, and said, "...They bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers." Matthew 23:4. In other words, they had taken rules, regulations, and religion, and had put it on people so that it had become a burden to people. And that is what religion is, trying to keep rules and regulations. Jesus had no use for religion, and neither should we.
True Christianity is found in Jesus Christ, and an intimate relationship with Him. We are born of the new covenant, the new testament, that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. And there is freedom from religion found in that relationship with Him. That is THE Promise. Beloved, don't let anyone tell you any different. It's all about Jesus. Period. Amen.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Sons and Daughters
"But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, "Abba, Father!" Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ."
Galatians 4:4-7
When I was younger, my mother and I would stay up and watch The Late Show, which was a movie that came on after the news at 11:30 p.m. She would fall asleep at the end, and I would have to tell her the ending to the movie. But on that late show movie, many times, would be old films, that depicted wealthy people who had servants. In everyone of those old movies, the servants had some of the benefits of living in the house, such as protection, and food and clothing, but there was one key element missing: they had no ownership.
Paul is telling us, that once we were slaves to this world, but that through Jesus Christ coming to earth, born of the virgin Mary, He redeemed us, so that we would no longer have to be slaves to this world, in bondage under the yoke of sin. Not only are we no longer slaves, but as followers of Jesus Christ, through Him we have received adoption into His family. And since we have been adopted, we are part of His family, and since we are part of His family, we now are an heir to the family inheritance. That is so key, the difference between a servant and a son (or daughter).
Now, He has sent the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of His Son, to dwell within us, so that we can cry out, "Abba, Father!" We can cry out, "Daddy!" Notice it is cry out, and not just cry. We are not whining and crying, but our hearts, now released by the bondage, cry out to Him in gratitude and thanksgiving, love and acceptance, of the greatest act of love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness we can ever know.
Beloved, we are not sons and daughters in the kingdom of the King! To me, that is a staggering thought. God the Father, through His Son Jesus Christ, has made a way for us to be joint heirs with Jesus, partaking of the kingdom of heaven, and all the eternal "benefits." We now get to come running home, throw open the door, and cry out, "Daddy," with a heart full of love and worship of the One who died for us. My heart is truly humbled by the thought of His love for me, and for you. Beloved, don't ever forget, that through Jesus Christ, we are sons and daughters. His sons and daughters. Amen.
Galatians 4:4-7
When I was younger, my mother and I would stay up and watch The Late Show, which was a movie that came on after the news at 11:30 p.m. She would fall asleep at the end, and I would have to tell her the ending to the movie. But on that late show movie, many times, would be old films, that depicted wealthy people who had servants. In everyone of those old movies, the servants had some of the benefits of living in the house, such as protection, and food and clothing, but there was one key element missing: they had no ownership.
Paul is telling us, that once we were slaves to this world, but that through Jesus Christ coming to earth, born of the virgin Mary, He redeemed us, so that we would no longer have to be slaves to this world, in bondage under the yoke of sin. Not only are we no longer slaves, but as followers of Jesus Christ, through Him we have received adoption into His family. And since we have been adopted, we are part of His family, and since we are part of His family, we now are an heir to the family inheritance. That is so key, the difference between a servant and a son (or daughter).
Now, He has sent the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of His Son, to dwell within us, so that we can cry out, "Abba, Father!" We can cry out, "Daddy!" Notice it is cry out, and not just cry. We are not whining and crying, but our hearts, now released by the bondage, cry out to Him in gratitude and thanksgiving, love and acceptance, of the greatest act of love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness we can ever know.
Beloved, we are not sons and daughters in the kingdom of the King! To me, that is a staggering thought. God the Father, through His Son Jesus Christ, has made a way for us to be joint heirs with Jesus, partaking of the kingdom of heaven, and all the eternal "benefits." We now get to come running home, throw open the door, and cry out, "Daddy," with a heart full of love and worship of the One who died for us. My heart is truly humbled by the thought of His love for me, and for you. Beloved, don't ever forget, that through Jesus Christ, we are sons and daughters. His sons and daughters. Amen.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
It's The Law
"Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor."
Galatians 3:24-25
There are speed limit signs everywhere. Traffic lights abound. Police cars screaming down the streets of our cities at night. There is no shortage on the evidence that we are governed in our society by the law. That is what we call the law of the land. It is what keeps societies in order, and with some framework within which to operate.
God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses on the top of Mt. Sinai, written by His own finger. How awesome that must have been. God told Moses to tell the people not to come near the mountain. They were so fearful, that they didn't want to get that close. Here, Paul is telling the Galatians the reason for the giving of the law. They had allowed men to come in and tell them that not only they needed Jesus for salvation, but that they needed the law as well. "The law" refers to the Law of Moses, which are the Ten Commandments, but also all of those instructions given in Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. The religious leaders had taken the Law, and divided it out into some 600+ individual laws to keep. But the Law was given, Paul says, to be a "tutor," translated "schoolmaster." The law was given to us, to show us that no one can keep it. It is impossible for us to keep the law. Try as we might, we can't do it.
That is what Paul is saying. The Law was our schoolmaster, to point out our need for a Savior. We need Jesus Christ in our lives. That is the long and short of it. We try and we try in the church to keep our rules and regulations, but no one is ever good enough. There is only One who can fulfill all the law. He came as a sacrifice for our sins, a substitutionary atonement for our sins.
As we go through this day, let us observe the law of the land, and also let us know that the fulfillment of the law that the law of the land is based upon, was accomplished already, and the fulfillment of the law is found in Jesus Christ, the lover of our souls.
Galatians 3:24-25
There are speed limit signs everywhere. Traffic lights abound. Police cars screaming down the streets of our cities at night. There is no shortage on the evidence that we are governed in our society by the law. That is what we call the law of the land. It is what keeps societies in order, and with some framework within which to operate.
God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses on the top of Mt. Sinai, written by His own finger. How awesome that must have been. God told Moses to tell the people not to come near the mountain. They were so fearful, that they didn't want to get that close. Here, Paul is telling the Galatians the reason for the giving of the law. They had allowed men to come in and tell them that not only they needed Jesus for salvation, but that they needed the law as well. "The law" refers to the Law of Moses, which are the Ten Commandments, but also all of those instructions given in Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. The religious leaders had taken the Law, and divided it out into some 600+ individual laws to keep. But the Law was given, Paul says, to be a "tutor," translated "schoolmaster." The law was given to us, to show us that no one can keep it. It is impossible for us to keep the law. Try as we might, we can't do it.
That is what Paul is saying. The Law was our schoolmaster, to point out our need for a Savior. We need Jesus Christ in our lives. That is the long and short of it. We try and we try in the church to keep our rules and regulations, but no one is ever good enough. There is only One who can fulfill all the law. He came as a sacrifice for our sins, a substitutionary atonement for our sins.
As we go through this day, let us observe the law of the land, and also let us know that the fulfillment of the law that the law of the land is based upon, was accomplished already, and the fulfillment of the law is found in Jesus Christ, the lover of our souls.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Beginning and Finishing
"Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?"
Galatians 3:3
I love to read. I am usually reading two or three books at the same time. Rarely do I only read one book to finish, before I pick up another. One thing I really like, is when I get to begin a new book. There is just something about the newness and the freshness of it; the chance to start in a new story, a new world of imagination (mostly, but not entirely, dealing with fiction). It is like starting over.
When we become new believers, followers of Christ, 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us, that we become something new. Not something old but changed, or cleaned up. No. We became something new - a new creation. The Holy Spirit in us, making us new. What a thought! The Holy Spirit of God dwelling within us. Each one of us, as believers in Jesus Christ, are made new in Him.
Paul was talking to the Galatians about "works of the flesh" being taught to them by "legalizers," men who insisted that salvation was of Christ, but that works were also necessary for salvation. In other words, yes, salvation is by grace through faith, but you also needed to keep this list of rules and regulations, to really be saved. At least that is what the "legalizers" were teaching. And having begun as a new creation in Christ, made new by the Holy Spirit of God, the Galatians were being swayed by this Pharisaical teaching.
In our world today, there are hints of this teaching still around. You must dress a certain way. You must sing the right songs, accompanied by the right instruments. You must look a certain way, and read a certain translation of God's Word. However, no matter which translation you use, it tells us in Ephesians 2:8 that we are saved by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ, and that it is a gift. When someone wants to give me a gift, they don't first give me a list of things I must do, or put a check mark beside, in order to receive the gift. No. They just give the gift to me. There is no list you must do to receive salvation. Or to maintain it. On the cross, Jesus said, "It is finished" (emphasis mine). In my book, when something is finished, that means it is done, with nothing more to be added. It is like when I finish a book. When I turn that final page and close the back cover, there are not any more pages to turn. The book is finished. Nothing more to be added.
We have begun in the Spirit, just as Paul tells the Galatians. So let us also finish in the Spirit, and not get carried away by those who would come and try to impose a set of rules and regulations on us. That is putting a yoke of bondage upon us for which Christ never intended. We are free in Christ. Let's go out there today and live like we are free. We have begun in the Spirit, let us finish in the Spirit. Amen.
Galatians 3:3
I love to read. I am usually reading two or three books at the same time. Rarely do I only read one book to finish, before I pick up another. One thing I really like, is when I get to begin a new book. There is just something about the newness and the freshness of it; the chance to start in a new story, a new world of imagination (mostly, but not entirely, dealing with fiction). It is like starting over.
When we become new believers, followers of Christ, 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us, that we become something new. Not something old but changed, or cleaned up. No. We became something new - a new creation. The Holy Spirit in us, making us new. What a thought! The Holy Spirit of God dwelling within us. Each one of us, as believers in Jesus Christ, are made new in Him.
Paul was talking to the Galatians about "works of the flesh" being taught to them by "legalizers," men who insisted that salvation was of Christ, but that works were also necessary for salvation. In other words, yes, salvation is by grace through faith, but you also needed to keep this list of rules and regulations, to really be saved. At least that is what the "legalizers" were teaching. And having begun as a new creation in Christ, made new by the Holy Spirit of God, the Galatians were being swayed by this Pharisaical teaching.
In our world today, there are hints of this teaching still around. You must dress a certain way. You must sing the right songs, accompanied by the right instruments. You must look a certain way, and read a certain translation of God's Word. However, no matter which translation you use, it tells us in Ephesians 2:8 that we are saved by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ, and that it is a gift. When someone wants to give me a gift, they don't first give me a list of things I must do, or put a check mark beside, in order to receive the gift. No. They just give the gift to me. There is no list you must do to receive salvation. Or to maintain it. On the cross, Jesus said, "It is finished" (emphasis mine). In my book, when something is finished, that means it is done, with nothing more to be added. It is like when I finish a book. When I turn that final page and close the back cover, there are not any more pages to turn. The book is finished. Nothing more to be added.
We have begun in the Spirit, just as Paul tells the Galatians. So let us also finish in the Spirit, and not get carried away by those who would come and try to impose a set of rules and regulations on us. That is putting a yoke of bondage upon us for which Christ never intended. We are free in Christ. Let's go out there today and live like we are free. We have begun in the Spirit, let us finish in the Spirit. Amen.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Chameleon
"Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed; for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy."
Galatians2:11-13
Paul was observing the change in his brother, Peter, and it bothered him. In one climate, or setting, Peter was eating with the Gentiles, because all things were okay for him to eat. But when the representatives from the church back home in Jerusalem came, Peter would eat with the Jews, and revert back to his this-is-kosher-and-this-is-not ways. Paul saw this and pointed it out to Peter, "to his face."
For me, this is bittersweet, because on one hand, I see Peter as being human. I read the great sermon he preached on Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came upon them there in the upper room, and the Lord added 3,000 new believers to the kingdom that day. I see Peter at Cornelius' house, ministering to him and his family, his household, as Peter was obedient to the direction of God in his life. I see this and I am encouraged. But then I also see what Paul saw: Peter's fear of what men would think of him.
I grew up in the church. I learned all the "Christian-ese" that anyone would want. I knew what to say, and when to say it. When I was with Christians, I was a "nice Christian boy." But my heart was dark. Kind of like when Jesus told the Pharisees they were nothing but "whitewashed tombs," clean on the outside but full of death on the inside. I look back on that time now with sadness and regret. It's hard to be a chameleon person, changing with your surroundings. But praise God, I have now been set free from that bondage, because "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32), and "Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed" (John 8:36). I look back on those early days, afraid to even mention that I went to church, and I can rejoice now, that I am truly free.
If you are bound by the bondage that the fear of man can bring, allow the Son, Jesus, to set you free. Are there inconsistencies in your life, that even you don't like? Allow Jesus into every corner of your heart. Allow Him to clean you, not only on the outside (because that is the least important part), but allow Him to clean you on the inside; to remove the death and decay that you have been trying to hide for so long. There is nothing to fear about what men may think of you. I know from that you can be set free. Even a chameleon can change.
Galatians2:11-13
Paul was observing the change in his brother, Peter, and it bothered him. In one climate, or setting, Peter was eating with the Gentiles, because all things were okay for him to eat. But when the representatives from the church back home in Jerusalem came, Peter would eat with the Jews, and revert back to his this-is-kosher-and-this-is-not ways. Paul saw this and pointed it out to Peter, "to his face."
For me, this is bittersweet, because on one hand, I see Peter as being human. I read the great sermon he preached on Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came upon them there in the upper room, and the Lord added 3,000 new believers to the kingdom that day. I see Peter at Cornelius' house, ministering to him and his family, his household, as Peter was obedient to the direction of God in his life. I see this and I am encouraged. But then I also see what Paul saw: Peter's fear of what men would think of him.
I grew up in the church. I learned all the "Christian-ese" that anyone would want. I knew what to say, and when to say it. When I was with Christians, I was a "nice Christian boy." But my heart was dark. Kind of like when Jesus told the Pharisees they were nothing but "whitewashed tombs," clean on the outside but full of death on the inside. I look back on that time now with sadness and regret. It's hard to be a chameleon person, changing with your surroundings. But praise God, I have now been set free from that bondage, because "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32), and "Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed" (John 8:36). I look back on those early days, afraid to even mention that I went to church, and I can rejoice now, that I am truly free.
If you are bound by the bondage that the fear of man can bring, allow the Son, Jesus, to set you free. Are there inconsistencies in your life, that even you don't like? Allow Jesus into every corner of your heart. Allow Him to clean you, not only on the outside (because that is the least important part), but allow Him to clean you on the inside; to remove the death and decay that you have been trying to hide for so long. There is nothing to fear about what men may think of you. I know from that you can be set free. Even a chameleon can change.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
The Ministry
"Now for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be burdensome to you; for I do not seek yours, but you....And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls...."
2 Corinthians 12:14a, 15a
To the lay person, this seems like a situation, or an emotion, or something that is linked only to Paul. But to a pastor, these verses represent the heart of the minister. A minister's life is the people whom God has placed under his care. They become his friends...they become his life.
In this culture, especially in the town where I live, there are a lot of churches. It happens to be probably the biggest pet peave I have as a pastor. Because when the Holy Spirit, through the Word of God, begins to rub on the rough edges of a person's life, and deal with them, it doesn't "feel" good, and so the person has no problem telling the pastor, "I'm not being fed. We are leaving the church." And the pastor smiles, and says to them, "May the Lord bless you and keep you," when on the inside, he is dying.
What lay people don't understand, is that the minister's life is the people. His life is the ministry, and the ministry is his life. And the people, his life, are his friends. So when it may seem easy for someone to come up to the minister and say, "We're leaving," to the minister it is a knife in his heart.
That is why Paul says here, "...for i do not seek yours, but you...." He doesn't care about anything the people have or can give. He cares about the people, and would gladly lay down his very life for them; to "spend and be spent" for their souls. There are unseen laborings in prayer for the flock. There are times of sleeplessness when the Lord puts someone "on your heart." There is the loving. There is the caring. Paul was pouring his life out for the church there at Corinth, not necessarily because he loved the building they were meeting in, but he loved the church - the people. The people of Christ are the church. We are the church. And Paul, and any other minister true to his calling, would gladly pour out his life, to the very end if need be, for the people to whom God has given him to minister and to shepherd. The Word tells us that we are all ministers. We all belong to one another.
Allow the word of God to dwell in you richly, and do the work of the ministry. Allow God to use you today in the life of another believer, or in the lives of those around you who don't yet know the light and love of Christ. Shalom.
2 Corinthians 12:14a, 15a
To the lay person, this seems like a situation, or an emotion, or something that is linked only to Paul. But to a pastor, these verses represent the heart of the minister. A minister's life is the people whom God has placed under his care. They become his friends...they become his life.
In this culture, especially in the town where I live, there are a lot of churches. It happens to be probably the biggest pet peave I have as a pastor. Because when the Holy Spirit, through the Word of God, begins to rub on the rough edges of a person's life, and deal with them, it doesn't "feel" good, and so the person has no problem telling the pastor, "I'm not being fed. We are leaving the church." And the pastor smiles, and says to them, "May the Lord bless you and keep you," when on the inside, he is dying.
What lay people don't understand, is that the minister's life is the people. His life is the ministry, and the ministry is his life. And the people, his life, are his friends. So when it may seem easy for someone to come up to the minister and say, "We're leaving," to the minister it is a knife in his heart.
That is why Paul says here, "...for i do not seek yours, but you...." He doesn't care about anything the people have or can give. He cares about the people, and would gladly lay down his very life for them; to "spend and be spent" for their souls. There are unseen laborings in prayer for the flock. There are times of sleeplessness when the Lord puts someone "on your heart." There is the loving. There is the caring. Paul was pouring his life out for the church there at Corinth, not necessarily because he loved the building they were meeting in, but he loved the church - the people. The people of Christ are the church. We are the church. And Paul, and any other minister true to his calling, would gladly pour out his life, to the very end if need be, for the people to whom God has given him to minister and to shepherd. The Word tells us that we are all ministers. We all belong to one another.
Allow the word of God to dwell in you richly, and do the work of the ministry. Allow God to use you today in the life of another believer, or in the lives of those around you who don't yet know the light and love of Christ. Shalom.
Burrito Thursday
Today was the day, dear readers, when myself, and a couple other pastors, made the trek to our favorite burrito palace, and partook of the best burritos in this part of the state. I jokingly told the others, "It is a holy day. It is Burrito Thursday."
I had a lot of things on my mind last night, and could not get to sleep, until about 1:45 this morning, with my alarm set to go off at 5:00 a.m. to prepare for my journey. Due to much lack of sleep, I somehow shut off my alarm, and did not get this blog written this morning, and for that, I apologize. So, it may seem like it is a lot "less spiritual" than the normal "blog fare" found here, please take another look.
It is amazing the things that human beings can worship. Yes, I was being funny (or at least trying to be) by calling this a holy day, Burrito Thursday, and yet, there are some amazing things that I find people worshiping. At last night's Bible study, we saw how the kings of Israel worshiped some strange gods, idols, made of stone and wood, and continued to do evil in the sight of the Lord.
Here in this life, in this century, in the modern age, if you will, we might scoff at that and think that we would never do such things. But that one-eyed monster that sets in our den or our family room comes to mind. You know the one, it plugs into the electricity, and has an on/off switch, usually on the remote? Many people worship at that altar. It is the altar of the "American Idol," and the home of "Big Brother," and countless other manifestations where we spend large portions of our time, and money.
In the ministry, even Burrito Thursday can be an idol if it is set up as something that takes the time up that we should be using in growing closer to the Lord. Good things, even church things, can be idols if they come between us and the Lord. Let us focus on the Lord, and not let anything, Burrito Thursday included, sway us from growing deeper in our walk with the Lord. ...Adios.
I had a lot of things on my mind last night, and could not get to sleep, until about 1:45 this morning, with my alarm set to go off at 5:00 a.m. to prepare for my journey. Due to much lack of sleep, I somehow shut off my alarm, and did not get this blog written this morning, and for that, I apologize. So, it may seem like it is a lot "less spiritual" than the normal "blog fare" found here, please take another look.
It is amazing the things that human beings can worship. Yes, I was being funny (or at least trying to be) by calling this a holy day, Burrito Thursday, and yet, there are some amazing things that I find people worshiping. At last night's Bible study, we saw how the kings of Israel worshiped some strange gods, idols, made of stone and wood, and continued to do evil in the sight of the Lord.
Here in this life, in this century, in the modern age, if you will, we might scoff at that and think that we would never do such things. But that one-eyed monster that sets in our den or our family room comes to mind. You know the one, it plugs into the electricity, and has an on/off switch, usually on the remote? Many people worship at that altar. It is the altar of the "American Idol," and the home of "Big Brother," and countless other manifestations where we spend large portions of our time, and money.
In the ministry, even Burrito Thursday can be an idol if it is set up as something that takes the time up that we should be using in growing closer to the Lord. Good things, even church things, can be idols if they come between us and the Lord. Let us focus on the Lord, and not let anything, Burrito Thursday included, sway us from growing deeper in our walk with the Lord. ...Adios.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Betrothed
"For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For Ihave betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ."
2 Corinthians 11:2
Imagine the church. Imagine the people arriving all dressed up. Imagine the flowers. Imagine the cleanness and the newness of it. A wedding. The wedding party enters the church as all the people crane their necks to see the bridesmaids and the groomsmen as they are standing up front so crisp and clean. The ring-bearer and the flower girl come up the aisle, so cute. And then, the doors open, the wedding march begins playing, and people stand up. There she is, the bride. It is her event. It is her day. She is dressed in lovely white. And she is beaming. So lovely, so clean, so new. No matter how familiar you are with the bride, she always looks new on her wedding day. And she is coming up the aisle, walking past all others, to be with her groom. The engagement period is over. Today is the wedding.
In the Bible, believers are collectively called the Church, the Bride of Christ. And as a believer, one day we will be united with our Groom, Jesus Christ. But for now, we are in the engagement period, or the betrothal. That isn't a word you hear much of these days. Engagement is what is used now. Betrothal is a much stronger word. If you look it up in the dictionary, it will mean a mutal contract for a future marriage. In Bible times, a betrothal was a binding period of time, where the bride was "contracted" to the groom, and no other, for a specified period of time. It was a binding contract with serious ramifications and consequences if it were broken. Engagement is a lighter term, and though there are ramifications and consequences if broken, society today seems to take it in stride.
We as believers, are betrothed to Christ, as Paul also is speaking here to the Corinthians. We are soon to be united with our Groom, and be with Him forever. There is so much encouragement in that! Think of it. Forever with the One who knows us best and loves us most! It is a truly amazing thought! So today, when you feel beaten down, discouraged, maybe even a bit depressed, think on this: you are the Bride of Christ, betrothed to Him, and soon to be united with Him forever!
Be encouraged. Be strengthened. He has not forgotten you, or me, and He wants us to be with Him. We are betrothed to Christ.
2 Corinthians 11:2
Imagine the church. Imagine the people arriving all dressed up. Imagine the flowers. Imagine the cleanness and the newness of it. A wedding. The wedding party enters the church as all the people crane their necks to see the bridesmaids and the groomsmen as they are standing up front so crisp and clean. The ring-bearer and the flower girl come up the aisle, so cute. And then, the doors open, the wedding march begins playing, and people stand up. There she is, the bride. It is her event. It is her day. She is dressed in lovely white. And she is beaming. So lovely, so clean, so new. No matter how familiar you are with the bride, she always looks new on her wedding day. And she is coming up the aisle, walking past all others, to be with her groom. The engagement period is over. Today is the wedding.
In the Bible, believers are collectively called the Church, the Bride of Christ. And as a believer, one day we will be united with our Groom, Jesus Christ. But for now, we are in the engagement period, or the betrothal. That isn't a word you hear much of these days. Engagement is what is used now. Betrothal is a much stronger word. If you look it up in the dictionary, it will mean a mutal contract for a future marriage. In Bible times, a betrothal was a binding period of time, where the bride was "contracted" to the groom, and no other, for a specified period of time. It was a binding contract with serious ramifications and consequences if it were broken. Engagement is a lighter term, and though there are ramifications and consequences if broken, society today seems to take it in stride.
We as believers, are betrothed to Christ, as Paul also is speaking here to the Corinthians. We are soon to be united with our Groom, and be with Him forever. There is so much encouragement in that! Think of it. Forever with the One who knows us best and loves us most! It is a truly amazing thought! So today, when you feel beaten down, discouraged, maybe even a bit depressed, think on this: you are the Bride of Christ, betrothed to Him, and soon to be united with Him forever!
Be encouraged. Be strengthened. He has not forgotten you, or me, and He wants us to be with Him. We are betrothed to Christ.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Hey Look At Me
"For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise."
2 Corinthians 10:12
Too many times, I am looking around, comparing myself with someone else, saying to myself, in effect, "I'm not too bad compared to them. Look at what they have done." The fact is, that I shouldn't be comparing myself with others at all. I should be comparing myself with the Lord. He is the standard. Not others. I know some people who think it their God-given position on earth, to point out my "blind spots." Frankly, I don't think that is wise. If you are constantly looking for the "blind spot" in others, you will eventually become blind to your own.
It is time for followers of Jesus Christ, to not make others the standard, but to remember that Christ is our standard, and to believe anything else is to be blinded by the god of this age, and to place something else in the place of Christ in our life, namely, self-righteousness.
Earlier in 2 Corinthians 10, Paul tells the church at Corinth, that our weapons are not of this world, that they are not carnal, but mighty in God for the pulling down of strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God (see 2 Corinthians 10:4-5). Beloved, it is time to set aside our high opinion of ourselves, and "think of ourselves as we ought." That Christ is our example, who never exalted Himself while here on earth, because it was not the time. One day we will rule and reign with Him on this earth, but today is not that day. We need to be showing the world around us the love and light of Christ, to win them into the kingdom, not exalting ourselves up so we can go on some ego trip, by comparing our lives to those of other Christians. It is my prayer, that Christ would always be our example, and foremost in our lives. Let us compare ourselves to Him.
2 Corinthians 10:12
Too many times, I am looking around, comparing myself with someone else, saying to myself, in effect, "I'm not too bad compared to them. Look at what they have done." The fact is, that I shouldn't be comparing myself with others at all. I should be comparing myself with the Lord. He is the standard. Not others. I know some people who think it their God-given position on earth, to point out my "blind spots." Frankly, I don't think that is wise. If you are constantly looking for the "blind spot" in others, you will eventually become blind to your own.
It is time for followers of Jesus Christ, to not make others the standard, but to remember that Christ is our standard, and to believe anything else is to be blinded by the god of this age, and to place something else in the place of Christ in our life, namely, self-righteousness.
Earlier in 2 Corinthians 10, Paul tells the church at Corinth, that our weapons are not of this world, that they are not carnal, but mighty in God for the pulling down of strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God (see 2 Corinthians 10:4-5). Beloved, it is time to set aside our high opinion of ourselves, and "think of ourselves as we ought." That Christ is our example, who never exalted Himself while here on earth, because it was not the time. One day we will rule and reign with Him on this earth, but today is not that day. We need to be showing the world around us the love and light of Christ, to win them into the kingdom, not exalting ourselves up so we can go on some ego trip, by comparing our lives to those of other Christians. It is my prayer, that Christ would always be our example, and foremost in our lives. Let us compare ourselves to Him.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Hunger and Thirst
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled."
Matthew 5:6
This is not where I usually am in my daily Bible reading, but the Lord has really put it on my heart to contemplate what this verse means. Through a series of events, He has brought across my path visuals of believers from other parts of the world, namely Australia and China. To see these brothers and sisters worship the Lord brings tears to my eyes, as I see that look of hunger and thirst on their faces, wanting to be in the presence of our Lord God more then anything else. For the last couple of days, I have been trying to figure out if they are tears of sadness or gladness. The Lord has brought it to my attention that it is a little of both.
My heart is so desirous for the people at our fellowship to want God more than anything else. I see those faces of the brothers and sisters in China, knowing that they put everything on the line, just to meet together, not to mention sharing their faith, and I am humbled, and to a point, disappointed, at the excuses we use to not drive across town to meet together with our church family. I see those brothers and sisters in Australia, meeting together with hands upraised, lost in abandonment to being in the presence of God, that they seem not to care what the person next to them is going to think.
And then the Lord taps me on the shoulder and says, "Are you hungry and thirsty for me? Like that?" It is very sobering to have the Lord ask you those questions. I examine my heart today, and I say, "Yes, Lord, I am hungry and thirsty for You, like that." My desire is for others to be that hungry and thirsty for the Lord. So I ask myself, "How do I do that?" And the answer is, I can't do that. That hunger, that thirst, is something that is developed over time, by repeatedly and consistently being in the presence of the Lord on a daily basis. Being in the Word brings about a thirst to be in the Word more, and being in the presence of God, through prayer and meditation, brings about a hunger for more of His presence. I am humbled again, by the thought that I have a cousin who is a cop in Indiana, and he sends me emails to let me know he is praying for our fellowship, and he has never been there. He prays while he is patrolling the streets in his hometown. While he is protecting the streets where he lives in a physical way, he is praying for our fellowship to grow strong in the Lord. I think about that every time it rains, and wonder how many people will see the weather as an excuse not to meet together with other believers. I think about believers I met in Costa Rica, who travel an hour or more one way, just to meet together to worship God, and to learn more about Him from His Word. They don't care that their "pews" are just 2x12's on concrete blocks, or that you can look through the walls of the church a see the river down below. They are hungry and thirsty. I know that there are others like them all over the world.
I think about our fellowship, and wonder if we have it too easy here in America. Not that I would want to live anywhere else, but it makes me wonder, "Where is the hunger? Where is the thirst?" And it reminds me that we are in the last days, and that the devil is working overtime to deceive as many as he can, possibly even some of the elect (see Matthew 24:24). Let us not be a casualty of the devil, a statistic of the elect who have been deceived. Put on the full armor of God today, for the battle ahead is serious and fierce. And let us get into the Word of God, and let it get into us. Let us, beloved, be hungry and thirsty, for the presence and power of the Lord in our lives. Amen.
Matthew 5:6
This is not where I usually am in my daily Bible reading, but the Lord has really put it on my heart to contemplate what this verse means. Through a series of events, He has brought across my path visuals of believers from other parts of the world, namely Australia and China. To see these brothers and sisters worship the Lord brings tears to my eyes, as I see that look of hunger and thirst on their faces, wanting to be in the presence of our Lord God more then anything else. For the last couple of days, I have been trying to figure out if they are tears of sadness or gladness. The Lord has brought it to my attention that it is a little of both.
My heart is so desirous for the people at our fellowship to want God more than anything else. I see those faces of the brothers and sisters in China, knowing that they put everything on the line, just to meet together, not to mention sharing their faith, and I am humbled, and to a point, disappointed, at the excuses we use to not drive across town to meet together with our church family. I see those brothers and sisters in Australia, meeting together with hands upraised, lost in abandonment to being in the presence of God, that they seem not to care what the person next to them is going to think.
And then the Lord taps me on the shoulder and says, "Are you hungry and thirsty for me? Like that?" It is very sobering to have the Lord ask you those questions. I examine my heart today, and I say, "Yes, Lord, I am hungry and thirsty for You, like that." My desire is for others to be that hungry and thirsty for the Lord. So I ask myself, "How do I do that?" And the answer is, I can't do that. That hunger, that thirst, is something that is developed over time, by repeatedly and consistently being in the presence of the Lord on a daily basis. Being in the Word brings about a thirst to be in the Word more, and being in the presence of God, through prayer and meditation, brings about a hunger for more of His presence. I am humbled again, by the thought that I have a cousin who is a cop in Indiana, and he sends me emails to let me know he is praying for our fellowship, and he has never been there. He prays while he is patrolling the streets in his hometown. While he is protecting the streets where he lives in a physical way, he is praying for our fellowship to grow strong in the Lord. I think about that every time it rains, and wonder how many people will see the weather as an excuse not to meet together with other believers. I think about believers I met in Costa Rica, who travel an hour or more one way, just to meet together to worship God, and to learn more about Him from His Word. They don't care that their "pews" are just 2x12's on concrete blocks, or that you can look through the walls of the church a see the river down below. They are hungry and thirsty. I know that there are others like them all over the world.
I think about our fellowship, and wonder if we have it too easy here in America. Not that I would want to live anywhere else, but it makes me wonder, "Where is the hunger? Where is the thirst?" And it reminds me that we are in the last days, and that the devil is working overtime to deceive as many as he can, possibly even some of the elect (see Matthew 24:24). Let us not be a casualty of the devil, a statistic of the elect who have been deceived. Put on the full armor of God today, for the battle ahead is serious and fierce. And let us get into the Word of God, and let it get into us. Let us, beloved, be hungry and thirsty, for the presence and power of the Lord in our lives. Amen.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Exit, Stage Left
"Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the LORD Almighty."
2 Corinthians 6:17-18
Paul is talking to the church in Corinth about being unequally yoked together with unbelievers. Now, before all of you out there who are married to an unbelieving spouse hit the eject button, there is a portion of Scripture just for you. Take a look at 1 Peter 3:1-12. Here, Paul is telling us, that even though we are in the world, we are not to be part of the world. In Numbers 33, when Moses is leading the children of Israel towards the promised land, the LORD spoke and told them to clean house of the pagan peoples living there. This was so that the people of Israel would not intermingle, intermarry, and interfere with their being set apart by God, as an example, as a jewel, to the rest of the world around them. Beloved, that is what we are called to today. To be in the world, but to be separate from the thinking and practices of the world. I am not talking about being so apart from the world that we are just, well, weird or bizarre. I am talking about, and what I believe Scripture bears out, is that we are not to subscribe to the thinking of the world, to not think the way the world thinks, nor practice the way the world practices. It comes down to living a pure life before our God, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Yes, we can live a pure and holy life in this world. But we have to separate ourselves from the world.
Separation is a two-fold process. It is from one thing, and to something else. We are to separate ourselves from the world and the things that go against God's Word and heart and desire for us, and we are to separate ourselves to God Himself, for a life that is dedicated to serving Him. Some people believe that we are to be so separated from the world that we become weird in the eyes of the world, and are become ineffective in the weirdness. Other people believe that we are to blend in so much, that no one can tell that we are Christ followers. The answer lies in what Jesus told His disciples in John 13:35: "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love one for another." It is our love that sets us apart from the world - our love for one another. And not just believers, but love for all people, saved and unsaved alike, keeping in mind that everyone we meet is someone for whom Christ came to die. As we go through our life today, let us look for those opportunities to love someone, because let's face it, there isn't much love out there in the world. When we show love to people, it truly makes us stand out, and shine, as the love and light of Christ goes forth out of our lives and into the world. Let your light shine today.
Don't just eject from the world or your situations. Don't check out of being in the world. Don't opt out. Don't be a Snagglepuss, and "Exit, stage left." Engage the world you live in with the love that Christ gives, and let your light shine. It attracts. It is what sets us apart.
2 Corinthians 6:17-18
Paul is talking to the church in Corinth about being unequally yoked together with unbelievers. Now, before all of you out there who are married to an unbelieving spouse hit the eject button, there is a portion of Scripture just for you. Take a look at 1 Peter 3:1-12. Here, Paul is telling us, that even though we are in the world, we are not to be part of the world. In Numbers 33, when Moses is leading the children of Israel towards the promised land, the LORD spoke and told them to clean house of the pagan peoples living there. This was so that the people of Israel would not intermingle, intermarry, and interfere with their being set apart by God, as an example, as a jewel, to the rest of the world around them. Beloved, that is what we are called to today. To be in the world, but to be separate from the thinking and practices of the world. I am not talking about being so apart from the world that we are just, well, weird or bizarre. I am talking about, and what I believe Scripture bears out, is that we are not to subscribe to the thinking of the world, to not think the way the world thinks, nor practice the way the world practices. It comes down to living a pure life before our God, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Yes, we can live a pure and holy life in this world. But we have to separate ourselves from the world.
Separation is a two-fold process. It is from one thing, and to something else. We are to separate ourselves from the world and the things that go against God's Word and heart and desire for us, and we are to separate ourselves to God Himself, for a life that is dedicated to serving Him. Some people believe that we are to be so separated from the world that we become weird in the eyes of the world, and are become ineffective in the weirdness. Other people believe that we are to blend in so much, that no one can tell that we are Christ followers. The answer lies in what Jesus told His disciples in John 13:35: "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love one for another." It is our love that sets us apart from the world - our love for one another. And not just believers, but love for all people, saved and unsaved alike, keeping in mind that everyone we meet is someone for whom Christ came to die. As we go through our life today, let us look for those opportunities to love someone, because let's face it, there isn't much love out there in the world. When we show love to people, it truly makes us stand out, and shine, as the love and light of Christ goes forth out of our lives and into the world. Let your light shine today.
Don't just eject from the world or your situations. Don't check out of being in the world. Don't opt out. Don't be a Snagglepuss, and "Exit, stage left." Engage the world you live in with the love that Christ gives, and let your light shine. It attracts. It is what sets us apart.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
God Pleaser
"So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well-pleasing to Him."
2 Corinthians 5:6-9
Paul is telling us that he wants to be a God pleaser, not a man pleaser. He tells us again in 1 Thessalonians, and elsewhere. Do the right thing that is pleasing to God, and don't worry about what other people think. Just live your life pleasing to God.
We get into trouble in this area, because as humans, we naturally care what others think, about us and our family, and about things we are associated with, because to us, it is a reflection on us. Paul is telling us in this chapter, that he is not going to be so concerned about viewing people in the flesh, but more about being faithful to God, and being obedient to Him. Now, I'm not talking about just being cavalier about a person's soul, that if they die and have not been born again, are going to spend eternity separated from God. We must do whatever we can to tell people about sin, and God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ, and not worry so much about what they are going to think about us.
We have been given, as was Paul, the ministry of reconciliation - telling our friends, neighbors, and family, that they can be reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. You don't need a big "up-front" ministry. The most important ministry of all is the life lived to please God, and not worry about what man thinks of us. We are a royal priesthood. What does a priest do? What does it look like in my life? A priest represents man, presents man before God, and represents God, presents God to man. As ministers and priests, we are called to stand in the gap before God and man, representing each to the other. The ministry of reconciliation.
The Corinthians were a people much like North Americans today. They lived largely for themselves and what is good for them. Paul addresses several issues with them, both in 1 and 2 Corinthians. 2 Corinthians 5 is an excellent chapter where Paul talks about the freedom that comes from following Christ, but more importantly, the freedom that comes from focusing on being a God pleaser, not a man pleaser. I leave you with this:
"For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."
2 Corinthians 5:21
Remember beloved, we are the righteousness of God in Him. We are His ambassadors. We are priests and ministers, called to the ministry of reconciliation. May that be our focus today, as we live our lives as an act of worship before a holy God.
2 Corinthians 5:6-9
Paul is telling us that he wants to be a God pleaser, not a man pleaser. He tells us again in 1 Thessalonians, and elsewhere. Do the right thing that is pleasing to God, and don't worry about what other people think. Just live your life pleasing to God.
We get into trouble in this area, because as humans, we naturally care what others think, about us and our family, and about things we are associated with, because to us, it is a reflection on us. Paul is telling us in this chapter, that he is not going to be so concerned about viewing people in the flesh, but more about being faithful to God, and being obedient to Him. Now, I'm not talking about just being cavalier about a person's soul, that if they die and have not been born again, are going to spend eternity separated from God. We must do whatever we can to tell people about sin, and God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ, and not worry so much about what they are going to think about us.
We have been given, as was Paul, the ministry of reconciliation - telling our friends, neighbors, and family, that they can be reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. You don't need a big "up-front" ministry. The most important ministry of all is the life lived to please God, and not worry about what man thinks of us. We are a royal priesthood. What does a priest do? What does it look like in my life? A priest represents man, presents man before God, and represents God, presents God to man. As ministers and priests, we are called to stand in the gap before God and man, representing each to the other. The ministry of reconciliation.
The Corinthians were a people much like North Americans today. They lived largely for themselves and what is good for them. Paul addresses several issues with them, both in 1 and 2 Corinthians. 2 Corinthians 5 is an excellent chapter where Paul talks about the freedom that comes from following Christ, but more importantly, the freedom that comes from focusing on being a God pleaser, not a man pleaser. I leave you with this:
"For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."
2 Corinthians 5:21
Remember beloved, we are the righteousness of God in Him. We are His ambassadors. We are priests and ministers, called to the ministry of reconciliation. May that be our focus today, as we live our lives as an act of worship before a holy God.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Blinded
"But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them."
2 Corinthians 4:3-4
I read these verses in my quiet time this morning, and I couldn't help but think about people I know, people who are close to me, who have been blinded by the "god of this age," who is the devil himself. And frankly, it stirs up a holy anger within me, directed at Satan, for deceiving the ones whom I love.
I know people, who I know to be completely rational and reasonable, become like a completely different person, because Satan has put what I call a "dark cloud" over their ability to "think spiritually." And to the person, they believe they are acting normal, and making logical decisions, while the rest of us look on from the outside and think to ourselves "How can they even think that, let alone be doing it?" The god of this age is very cunning and insidious, and as the time approaches for his demise, we see more and more people whom we know and love, become blinded by him. Some even walk away from their faith in Christ. And that is heart breaking.
It isn't that the light of the gospel is powerless against this darkness. It is just that there is more required from us, believers, to overcome the devil and his darkness, especially in these last days. In Matthew 17, the disciples return to Jesus, asking Him why they were unable to cast a demon out.
"Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, 'Why could we not cast it out?' So Jesus said to them, 'Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, "Move from here to there," and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.'" Matthew 17:19-21
Could it be, that we too, must go beyond the daily prayer for our friends and loved ones? That we need to set aside time for prayer and fasting? While I will save a teaching on fasting for another time, I will say that there is "maximum power" in the prayers we pray while we are fasting. It is a more focused power. It is a purifying time for us, spiritually and physically. When we fast and pray, things happen in the spiritual realm. I believe that it is a time to show that our will is totally focused on the spiritual realm, and our desire becomes aligned with the desires of God's heart. And there is power in that; unbelievable power. Oh, not in a human understanding of power, but there is spiritual power, that overcomes what I call the "veil of darkness" or "cloud of darkness." And prayer and fasting pulls that back and away from the hearts and minds of our loved ones, and God gets glory, and our friends and loved ones begin to come around. But there is also the element of their will and their desire, too. It is a concerted effort. Our part, God's part, and their part. Christian, I say that we begin now, if we haven't already, to do our part for the kingdom, and let us begin to set aside a time of prayer and fasting, for our friends and loved ones, for our church, and for our nation.
2 Corinthians 4:3-4
I read these verses in my quiet time this morning, and I couldn't help but think about people I know, people who are close to me, who have been blinded by the "god of this age," who is the devil himself. And frankly, it stirs up a holy anger within me, directed at Satan, for deceiving the ones whom I love.
I know people, who I know to be completely rational and reasonable, become like a completely different person, because Satan has put what I call a "dark cloud" over their ability to "think spiritually." And to the person, they believe they are acting normal, and making logical decisions, while the rest of us look on from the outside and think to ourselves "How can they even think that, let alone be doing it?" The god of this age is very cunning and insidious, and as the time approaches for his demise, we see more and more people whom we know and love, become blinded by him. Some even walk away from their faith in Christ. And that is heart breaking.
It isn't that the light of the gospel is powerless against this darkness. It is just that there is more required from us, believers, to overcome the devil and his darkness, especially in these last days. In Matthew 17, the disciples return to Jesus, asking Him why they were unable to cast a demon out.
"Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, 'Why could we not cast it out?' So Jesus said to them, 'Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, "Move from here to there," and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.'" Matthew 17:19-21
Could it be, that we too, must go beyond the daily prayer for our friends and loved ones? That we need to set aside time for prayer and fasting? While I will save a teaching on fasting for another time, I will say that there is "maximum power" in the prayers we pray while we are fasting. It is a more focused power. It is a purifying time for us, spiritually and physically. When we fast and pray, things happen in the spiritual realm. I believe that it is a time to show that our will is totally focused on the spiritual realm, and our desire becomes aligned with the desires of God's heart. And there is power in that; unbelievable power. Oh, not in a human understanding of power, but there is spiritual power, that overcomes what I call the "veil of darkness" or "cloud of darkness." And prayer and fasting pulls that back and away from the hearts and minds of our loved ones, and God gets glory, and our friends and loved ones begin to come around. But there is also the element of their will and their desire, too. It is a concerted effort. Our part, God's part, and their part. Christian, I say that we begin now, if we haven't already, to do our part for the kingdom, and let us begin to set aside a time of prayer and fasting, for our friends and loved ones, for our church, and for our nation.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
9-11 Thoughts
"All the kings of the nations, All of them, sleep in glory, Everyone in his own house; But you are cast out of your grave Like an abominable branch, Like the garment of those who are slain, Thrust through with a sword, Who go down to the stones of the pit, Like a corpse trodden underfoot."
Isaiah 14:18-19
"He is the LORD our God; His judgments are in all the earth."
1 Chronicles 16:14/Psalm 105:7
That passage from Isaiah is the Word of the Lord to Lucifer, who was kicked out of heaven for desiring to be equal to God, or worse, exalted above Him.
In this day and age of Al-Qaida and other terrorist organizations, on this day of remembrance of the fall of the Twin Towers, let us not forget, that Satan was once cast out of heaven by God. Let us not forget that Satan is not the equal evil counterpart to God. Satan is a created being, who must go to God and report in, just as he did in Job 1.
On this day, it is sometimes easy to forget that God is still God, and it is in Him we live and breathe and have our being. It is God who is in charge of the universe, not terrorist organizations. Not Osama Bin Laden and Al-Qaida. Not Iraq. Not Iran. It is the One True God, Yahweh. Elohim. El-Shaddai. LORD Jehovah. Yah. It is not Satan or any of his fallen angels who follow him. It is easy to forget sometimes when all we see around us is wars and rumors of wars, and earthquakes, and famines, and pestilence. Beloved, it is time to burn white hot for the kingdom of God, because the time is short. Jesus is coming soon for His Bride, the Church.
Let us examine ourselves to make sure we are in the faith, as Paul said in 2 Corinthians 13:5. Jesus is coming soon, at a time when we know not, or least expect Him. If we get our eyes off of Him, and onto this world full of kings seeking power, and terrorists seeking fear, then we will be anxious and fearful. But we are not called to fear. We are called to faith. Fear is the opposite of faith. This day, I choose to place my trust in the One who is coming again. Jesus Christ the Son of God.
Isaiah 14:18-19
"He is the LORD our God; His judgments are in all the earth."
1 Chronicles 16:14/Psalm 105:7
That passage from Isaiah is the Word of the Lord to Lucifer, who was kicked out of heaven for desiring to be equal to God, or worse, exalted above Him.
In this day and age of Al-Qaida and other terrorist organizations, on this day of remembrance of the fall of the Twin Towers, let us not forget, that Satan was once cast out of heaven by God. Let us not forget that Satan is not the equal evil counterpart to God. Satan is a created being, who must go to God and report in, just as he did in Job 1.
On this day, it is sometimes easy to forget that God is still God, and it is in Him we live and breathe and have our being. It is God who is in charge of the universe, not terrorist organizations. Not Osama Bin Laden and Al-Qaida. Not Iraq. Not Iran. It is the One True God, Yahweh. Elohim. El-Shaddai. LORD Jehovah. Yah. It is not Satan or any of his fallen angels who follow him. It is easy to forget sometimes when all we see around us is wars and rumors of wars, and earthquakes, and famines, and pestilence. Beloved, it is time to burn white hot for the kingdom of God, because the time is short. Jesus is coming soon for His Bride, the Church.
Let us examine ourselves to make sure we are in the faith, as Paul said in 2 Corinthians 13:5. Jesus is coming soon, at a time when we know not, or least expect Him. If we get our eyes off of Him, and onto this world full of kings seeking power, and terrorists seeking fear, then we will be anxious and fearful. But we are not called to fear. We are called to faith. Fear is the opposite of faith. This day, I choose to place my trust in the One who is coming again. Jesus Christ the Son of God.
Monday, September 10, 2007
The Box
"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:19
Growing up, my mom always had cats in the house. One thing I have noticed about cats, is that they like to play. There have been times, when we have had an empty box laying around, and somehow, the cat jumped into the box.
While it was cute to watch, I can't help but think that is how some of us live our lives. We jump into an empty box, before we even entertain the first thought about how we are going to get out. So we jump and we jump and expend all this time and energy, going nowhere.
God's Word promises that He will supply all our need, according to HIS riches. It doesn't even suggest any human involvement, by means of human intellect or material resources. Because the fact is, no matter how hard we try, we cannot meet our needs. Only God can, if we let Him.
As we go through our days here on this earth, let us spend time aligning our hearts with God's, and allowing Him to be the guiding force in our life. Let us allow Him to lead and guide us in what we are doing today, and who we are going to talk to, and where we are going. Let's not be like the cat inside the empty box. God is big enough to handle our circumstances. All He wants us to do, is allow Him into our lives, and for us to let Him be Lord and Savior. Let's take Him up on His Word. Let's allow God to be God, and not put Him in a box.
Philippians 4:19
Growing up, my mom always had cats in the house. One thing I have noticed about cats, is that they like to play. There have been times, when we have had an empty box laying around, and somehow, the cat jumped into the box.
While it was cute to watch, I can't help but think that is how some of us live our lives. We jump into an empty box, before we even entertain the first thought about how we are going to get out. So we jump and we jump and expend all this time and energy, going nowhere.
God's Word promises that He will supply all our need, according to HIS riches. It doesn't even suggest any human involvement, by means of human intellect or material resources. Because the fact is, no matter how hard we try, we cannot meet our needs. Only God can, if we let Him.
As we go through our days here on this earth, let us spend time aligning our hearts with God's, and allowing Him to be the guiding force in our life. Let us allow Him to lead and guide us in what we are doing today, and who we are going to talk to, and where we are going. Let's not be like the cat inside the empty box. God is big enough to handle our circumstances. All He wants us to do, is allow Him into our lives, and for us to let Him be Lord and Savior. Let's take Him up on His Word. Let's allow God to be God, and not put Him in a box.
Friday, September 7, 2007
The Lion
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world."
1 Peter 5:8-9
We have quoted v. 8 of this passage so many times, but have we noticed the following verse? It is telling us to resist this lion that wants to devour us. If the Word of God is telling us to resist the devil, it must mean that we CAN resist the devil. How do we do that? Through the power of the Holy Spirit. Not in our own strength, that is for sure. If we try to do it alone, the lion will tear our flesh apart. It says in Zechariah 4:6, "...'Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit' says the Lord of hosts." But through the power of the Spirit of God, we can resist the devil, being steadfast in our faith. The word for "steadfast" there, means "solid, stable, strong, sure." All of those words give the idea of something that does not move. So as we read, meditate on, and put into practice God's Word, and as we exercise our faith in our daily walk, our faith becomes stronger. We can never go wrong by placing our faith and trust God the Father, in Jesus Christ the Son of God, and in the power of His Holy Spirit.
Most of us think, that when the devil attacks us, we are to just absorb the attack, and try to continue on as best we can, maimed and injured by the attack. While I am not a subscriber, per se, to the theology that calls for us to rush out and attack the enemy, I do believe that Scripture teaches us to resist the devil. It is there for us in v. 9. Yes, the devil is seeking to devour us, but we can resist him, by being steadfast, immovable, unswerving in our faith. And in Ephesians 6, the armor of God is listed, things we put on and pick up, to help us in our resistance of the devil.
And we can be encouraged by the fact, that we are not alone in the battle. Sometimes, thinking that you are the only one, and that you are all alone is, well, lonely. But when we see that we go through this life with others all around the world who fight the same battles, struggle with the same kinds of attacks, then fighting the battles doesn't seem so much like we are isolated and alone in the fight. The sound of other shields quenching the fiery darts, and the voice of the Word of God fending off attacks, can strengthen our arms that are hanging down, and bring life back into our weary knees. As we look around our fellowship on Sunday mornings, you can know that even though the battle is tough, here we are, together worshiping our Creator God, and praising the name of His Son Jesus.
Yes, the lion is out there. But as we put on the armor of God, be encouraged to know, that we can resist the devil, being steadfast in faith, knowing that we are not alone in the fight.
1 Peter 5:8-9
We have quoted v. 8 of this passage so many times, but have we noticed the following verse? It is telling us to resist this lion that wants to devour us. If the Word of God is telling us to resist the devil, it must mean that we CAN resist the devil. How do we do that? Through the power of the Holy Spirit. Not in our own strength, that is for sure. If we try to do it alone, the lion will tear our flesh apart. It says in Zechariah 4:6, "...'Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit' says the Lord of hosts." But through the power of the Spirit of God, we can resist the devil, being steadfast in our faith. The word for "steadfast" there, means "solid, stable, strong, sure." All of those words give the idea of something that does not move. So as we read, meditate on, and put into practice God's Word, and as we exercise our faith in our daily walk, our faith becomes stronger. We can never go wrong by placing our faith and trust God the Father, in Jesus Christ the Son of God, and in the power of His Holy Spirit.
Most of us think, that when the devil attacks us, we are to just absorb the attack, and try to continue on as best we can, maimed and injured by the attack. While I am not a subscriber, per se, to the theology that calls for us to rush out and attack the enemy, I do believe that Scripture teaches us to resist the devil. It is there for us in v. 9. Yes, the devil is seeking to devour us, but we can resist him, by being steadfast, immovable, unswerving in our faith. And in Ephesians 6, the armor of God is listed, things we put on and pick up, to help us in our resistance of the devil.
And we can be encouraged by the fact, that we are not alone in the battle. Sometimes, thinking that you are the only one, and that you are all alone is, well, lonely. But when we see that we go through this life with others all around the world who fight the same battles, struggle with the same kinds of attacks, then fighting the battles doesn't seem so much like we are isolated and alone in the fight. The sound of other shields quenching the fiery darts, and the voice of the Word of God fending off attacks, can strengthen our arms that are hanging down, and bring life back into our weary knees. As we look around our fellowship on Sunday mornings, you can know that even though the battle is tough, here we are, together worshiping our Creator God, and praising the name of His Son Jesus.
Yes, the lion is out there. But as we put on the armor of God, be encouraged to know, that we can resist the devil, being steadfast in faith, knowing that we are not alone in the fight.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Mail Delivery Failure
Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.
1 John 5:14-15
I sent some email today, and a few seconds after I sent it, I got a new email in my inbox, with the words "Mail Delivery Failure" in the subject line. I really needed that email to go. So there was a certain level of frustration upon seeing those words. I immediately knew that my email wasn't leaving my computer, and being received by the person to whom it was sent.
Sometimes, we followers of Christ feel this way about our prayers. It just seems like that our prayers are "bouncing off the ceiling," or that God has somehow left us to fend for ourselves. In other words, it seems to us to be a "Mail Delivery Failure."
Christian, know this, that God may not "feel" like He is close to us. But we don't (or at least we shouldn't) operate on feelings. We walk by faith, and confidence in His Word, and in the promises of His word. The above verses tell us that God is there, listening to us, listening to our prayers. In Revelation 5, it tells us that God collects the prayers of His saints in golden bowls of incense. That means that every prayer that we make in our hearts or with our lips, God hears it, and savors it, and saves it.
In my life, and in my daily walk, I have learned (and am still learning) that prayer is the most powerful thing that a believer can do. Spending time with God, in prayer, moves things in the spiritual realm. I don't mean that it makes God do what we want Him to do. There is a theology out there that is under the premise that we can demand things from God. Demanding things from God is something that makes me shudder. Listen. Prayer is not for us to rattle off a "grocery list" of wants and desires to God and say "Amen" and be on our way. That is not what prayer is all about. Prayer is for us to get our hearts in line with the will of God; what He wants for our lives today. Because once our hearts are in line with God's heart, then whatever we ask, He hears us, because whatever we ask is already in line with His will. And then it is His will to answer that prayer. Our part is to then have the "spirit eyes" to see the answer when He sends it, however He answers.
God tells us in His Word that He will not leave us, that He will not forsake us. God is near. Never doubt that, Christian. He is watching, He is listening, and He is active in our lives. Sometimes He works behind the scenes, so that it "feels" like He isn't there. Just know, God doesn't send a message to us of "Mail Delivery Failure."
1 John 5:14-15
I sent some email today, and a few seconds after I sent it, I got a new email in my inbox, with the words "Mail Delivery Failure" in the subject line. I really needed that email to go. So there was a certain level of frustration upon seeing those words. I immediately knew that my email wasn't leaving my computer, and being received by the person to whom it was sent.
Sometimes, we followers of Christ feel this way about our prayers. It just seems like that our prayers are "bouncing off the ceiling," or that God has somehow left us to fend for ourselves. In other words, it seems to us to be a "Mail Delivery Failure."
Christian, know this, that God may not "feel" like He is close to us. But we don't (or at least we shouldn't) operate on feelings. We walk by faith, and confidence in His Word, and in the promises of His word. The above verses tell us that God is there, listening to us, listening to our prayers. In Revelation 5, it tells us that God collects the prayers of His saints in golden bowls of incense. That means that every prayer that we make in our hearts or with our lips, God hears it, and savors it, and saves it.
In my life, and in my daily walk, I have learned (and am still learning) that prayer is the most powerful thing that a believer can do. Spending time with God, in prayer, moves things in the spiritual realm. I don't mean that it makes God do what we want Him to do. There is a theology out there that is under the premise that we can demand things from God. Demanding things from God is something that makes me shudder. Listen. Prayer is not for us to rattle off a "grocery list" of wants and desires to God and say "Amen" and be on our way. That is not what prayer is all about. Prayer is for us to get our hearts in line with the will of God; what He wants for our lives today. Because once our hearts are in line with God's heart, then whatever we ask, He hears us, because whatever we ask is already in line with His will. And then it is His will to answer that prayer. Our part is to then have the "spirit eyes" to see the answer when He sends it, however He answers.
God tells us in His Word that He will not leave us, that He will not forsake us. God is near. Never doubt that, Christian. He is watching, He is listening, and He is active in our lives. Sometimes He works behind the scenes, so that it "feels" like He isn't there. Just know, God doesn't send a message to us of "Mail Delivery Failure."
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Strong Faith-Good Reputation: The Model Church (Part 2)
"...Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father...."
1 Thessalonians 1:3
Yesterday, we talked about the labor of love, about which Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica, and praised them for to the Father in heaven. Today, we are going to talk briefly about the other two qualities of the church at Thessalonica: labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Once we, as believers, realize in our lives, who Jesus is, and the work that He did for us on the cross, our hearts begin to overflow with love for Him. He is always the initiator. He first loved us. Because He first loved us, we serve Him, out of a heart of love for Him.
The model church, the example church, loves God, and loves His people. And they show that love by serving one another. We are that church, the model church, the example church. We love God. The hard part for some of us, is loving each other. Oh, I know we say we love each other. But the actual loving of people is what is difficult. Someone once said, "We Christians don't mind being a servant, until we get treated like one." Loving the unlovable is what sets us apart. Yes, even that person who cuts you off in traffic on your way home from church. Because He first loved us, we in turn love each other. That is how people know we belong to Christ: by our love for one another (see John 13:35). Out of a heart overflowing with the love of Christ Jesus comes the labor of love for one another.
Next, Paul talks about the patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. The model church, the mature church, the church that is the example to the community and to the surrounding region, openly anticipates the immanent return of Jesus Christ. The hope of heaven puts this life in perspective, and entreats the follower of Christ to not hold too tightly to the things of this world, the stuff that we like to buy and own and possess. We are not citizens of this world. Our citizenship is in heaven. This life is a vapor, and then eternity. Don't put your stock in this world. That being said, don't be like someone once said, "Too heavenly minded to be any earthly good." While we await the return of Jesus Christ, we are to be about the work of the kingdom, bringing the kingdom to the world around us.
So that is where we are. To be the model church, the church that is the example, not only to our own Thessalonica, but to our own Macedonia, we are to be a church that has the work of faith, the labor of love, and the patience of our Lord Jesus Christ. And we do this by living our lives as an act of worship unto Him, by the power of the Holy Spirit.
1 Thessalonians 1:3
Yesterday, we talked about the labor of love, about which Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica, and praised them for to the Father in heaven. Today, we are going to talk briefly about the other two qualities of the church at Thessalonica: labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Once we, as believers, realize in our lives, who Jesus is, and the work that He did for us on the cross, our hearts begin to overflow with love for Him. He is always the initiator. He first loved us. Because He first loved us, we serve Him, out of a heart of love for Him.
The model church, the example church, loves God, and loves His people. And they show that love by serving one another. We are that church, the model church, the example church. We love God. The hard part for some of us, is loving each other. Oh, I know we say we love each other. But the actual loving of people is what is difficult. Someone once said, "We Christians don't mind being a servant, until we get treated like one." Loving the unlovable is what sets us apart. Yes, even that person who cuts you off in traffic on your way home from church. Because He first loved us, we in turn love each other. That is how people know we belong to Christ: by our love for one another (see John 13:35). Out of a heart overflowing with the love of Christ Jesus comes the labor of love for one another.
Next, Paul talks about the patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. The model church, the mature church, the church that is the example to the community and to the surrounding region, openly anticipates the immanent return of Jesus Christ. The hope of heaven puts this life in perspective, and entreats the follower of Christ to not hold too tightly to the things of this world, the stuff that we like to buy and own and possess. We are not citizens of this world. Our citizenship is in heaven. This life is a vapor, and then eternity. Don't put your stock in this world. That being said, don't be like someone once said, "Too heavenly minded to be any earthly good." While we await the return of Jesus Christ, we are to be about the work of the kingdom, bringing the kingdom to the world around us.
So that is where we are. To be the model church, the church that is the example, not only to our own Thessalonica, but to our own Macedonia, we are to be a church that has the work of faith, the labor of love, and the patience of our Lord Jesus Christ. And we do this by living our lives as an act of worship unto Him, by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Strong Faith-Good Reputation: The Model Church (Part 1)
"...Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father...."
1 Thessalonians 1:3
In 1 Thessalonians 1, Paul commends the church at Thessalonica to the Father in heaven, for three things:
1) Work of faith;
2) Labor of love;
3) Patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ (v. 3).
Later on in chapter 1, Paul tells the church that they are examples in the entire regions of Macedonia and Achaia.
I believe that is what God wants for our church...to be the model church; to be the example to the community and surrounding area. Not just in word only, but as we live our lives in the power of the Holy Spirit. It is through the power of the Holy Spirit, that our church can turn the world upside down, just as Paul and Silas and Timothy were accused of doing, in Thessalonica, in Acts 17.
We might say to ourselves, "I could NEVER turn the world upside down. He is the great apostle Paul, and I am just "lil' ol' me." But Christian, know this: That in our own strength and power, we cannot do it, to be sure. It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that we accomplish anything for the kingdom of God.
You see, Paul thought the church at Thessalonica was a model church, a mature church, the example, so he commends them to the Father for their work of faith. What does that look like in our lives? Individually? Corporately? In John 6:28, the disciples were asking Jesus, "What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?" And in v. 29, Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God, that you believe Him whom He sent."
A mature church says, "We believe in Jesus Christ, and the work that He did for us on the cross. And we believe that it is the love of Christ that compels us," just as Paul said in 2 Corinthians 5:14.
What does the work of faith look like in my daily life? First of all, I DO believe in Jesus Christ the Son of God, and the work that He did on the cross was the atonement for my sins. Secondly, because He first loved me, I get up in the morning, and start my day with Him, by spending time with Him, and with His Word. Thirdly, because He first loved me, and because He forgave me of my sins, when I was still a sinner, running around living a life that was far from glorious - because of that debt that I owe - His Word says, that we are to forgive one another. And get this. I am to love people. Not only Christian people, but all people. Do you know why? Because every person I come in contact with today, is someone for whom Jesus Christ came to die. Did you get that? Every person I come in contact with today, is a person that Jesus Christ came to the earth, for whom He died on the cross. You know that person who cut you off in traffic today? Christ died for him or her. The work of faith? It is believing in who Jesus Christ really is, and why He came to this earth, and then living like you believe it. Jesus came to the earth to be the atoning sacrifice, the substitutionary sacrifice for our sins. My sins. Your sins. The sins you committed yesterday, the sins you commit today, and the sins you will commit tomorrow. And He gave us some pretty good promises to hang our hats on, if we believe. If we really believe, in Jesus Christ the Son of God.
Paul says that the mature church, the model church, the church at Thessalonica, had the work of faith. And he praises them for it to the Father in heaven, in his prayers. The model church, Paul tells them, has the work of faith. Our church can be the model church in this community, by having the work of faith...by believing Jesus Christ was the Son of God, by believing that Jesus is who He says He is, and that the work on the cross was for us, and then, the key: living our lives like we believe it.
Coming next time...the Labor of love that Paul speaks about in this chapter.
1 Thessalonians 1:3
In 1 Thessalonians 1, Paul commends the church at Thessalonica to the Father in heaven, for three things:
1) Work of faith;
2) Labor of love;
3) Patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ (v. 3).
Later on in chapter 1, Paul tells the church that they are examples in the entire regions of Macedonia and Achaia.
I believe that is what God wants for our church...to be the model church; to be the example to the community and surrounding area. Not just in word only, but as we live our lives in the power of the Holy Spirit. It is through the power of the Holy Spirit, that our church can turn the world upside down, just as Paul and Silas and Timothy were accused of doing, in Thessalonica, in Acts 17.
We might say to ourselves, "I could NEVER turn the world upside down. He is the great apostle Paul, and I am just "lil' ol' me." But Christian, know this: That in our own strength and power, we cannot do it, to be sure. It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that we accomplish anything for the kingdom of God.
You see, Paul thought the church at Thessalonica was a model church, a mature church, the example, so he commends them to the Father for their work of faith. What does that look like in our lives? Individually? Corporately? In John 6:28, the disciples were asking Jesus, "What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?" And in v. 29, Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God, that you believe Him whom He sent."
A mature church says, "We believe in Jesus Christ, and the work that He did for us on the cross. And we believe that it is the love of Christ that compels us," just as Paul said in 2 Corinthians 5:14.
What does the work of faith look like in my daily life? First of all, I DO believe in Jesus Christ the Son of God, and the work that He did on the cross was the atonement for my sins. Secondly, because He first loved me, I get up in the morning, and start my day with Him, by spending time with Him, and with His Word. Thirdly, because He first loved me, and because He forgave me of my sins, when I was still a sinner, running around living a life that was far from glorious - because of that debt that I owe - His Word says, that we are to forgive one another. And get this. I am to love people. Not only Christian people, but all people. Do you know why? Because every person I come in contact with today, is someone for whom Jesus Christ came to die. Did you get that? Every person I come in contact with today, is a person that Jesus Christ came to the earth, for whom He died on the cross. You know that person who cut you off in traffic today? Christ died for him or her. The work of faith? It is believing in who Jesus Christ really is, and why He came to this earth, and then living like you believe it. Jesus came to the earth to be the atoning sacrifice, the substitutionary sacrifice for our sins. My sins. Your sins. The sins you committed yesterday, the sins you commit today, and the sins you will commit tomorrow. And He gave us some pretty good promises to hang our hats on, if we believe. If we really believe, in Jesus Christ the Son of God.
Paul says that the mature church, the model church, the church at Thessalonica, had the work of faith. And he praises them for it to the Father in heaven, in his prayers. The model church, Paul tells them, has the work of faith. Our church can be the model church in this community, by having the work of faith...by believing Jesus Christ was the Son of God, by believing that Jesus is who He says He is, and that the work on the cross was for us, and then, the key: living our lives like we believe it.
Coming next time...the Labor of love that Paul speaks about in this chapter.
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