Give from the Heart

 June 1, 2024

Saturday

Acts 20:35 (NASB 2020) ³⁵ In everything I showed you that by working hard in this way you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

Let's see if I get this. Jesus said it is more blessed to give than receive. Then, why are so few people giving?

First, I would say that many people aren't giving even when it appears they are giving. They have listened to their preachers who told them that they needed to sow a faith gift that would return, O I don't know, ten or one hundred fold. It depends on the preacher. These people aren't giving. They are investing. They are looking for a good return on their money. They expect money back. Who wouldn't pay a dime to get a dollar? (I could argue that they are trying to bribe God but I just don't want to get hung up on semantics.) Of course, it is the preacher who is getting the ten and hundred fold return.

Second, some people are giving out of obligation. They have heard that they should tithe and they do. Obligation is a drudgery. It buys righteousness for the giver. Many of these people think they are God's very special people because they tithe (or they call whatever they give a tithe). This isn't really a gift. They do this to claim to be better. They have simply bought their right to absolve their guilt of not tithing. There is no blessing in it.

Third, some people are giving to be seen. They will make the big splash when there is a campaign at the church. (In one debt paying campaign I had several people ask if they could give the last thousand dollars. When we got down to about ten thousand dollars I thought, "I could say that there is only one thousand dollars left and ten of them would have come forward immediately to pay it off." But then, that wouldn't have been very ethical would it?)  They will pseudo-hide that they have given the big gift. Once the church is in a stir from where it came from, they of course, admit they gave it. Their blessing will come from people. That will not last into eternity.

The problem with the unblessed giving is that each person is doing it from their flesh, not from their heart. The heart gives out of love. The evidence of our love for our Lord is in our commitment. It is not from obligation or compulsion but from our hearts.

Think of it. When you truly love someone a gift doesn't seem to cost anything. You are so eager to give the gift that you can't wait until it is given. No recognition is needed. No quid pro quo is expected. No guilt is absolved. It is an act of the heart. Then, it is more blessed to give than receive.

2 Corinthians 9:7 (NASB 2020) ⁷ Each one must do just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Who Is Saved?

 May 31, 2024

Friday

How is it that a person is saved? Romans says: 

Romans 10:9 (NASB 2020)⁹ that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;

Jesus Himself says: 

Matthew 7:21 (NASB 2020)²¹ “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.

On the one hand, we have Paul telling us that our words will save us with a heart belief that Jesus is raised from the dead. On the other hand, Jesus tells us that not everyone who calls Him Lord will enter heaven. So, which is it?

There is no contradiction here. The key to understanding scripture is always to take it in context. (That is the same for all communication no matter what the political ads or news outlets tell you.) Paul explains his statement in verse 10:

Romans 10:10 (NASB 2020) ¹⁰ for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.

I think it is interesting that Paul's first statement puts the mouth before the heart but in the second statement it is switched. The most visible evidence of salvation to others is from what we say. The second is in what we believe. But when it comes to realizing salvation, the mouth follows the heart.

Jesus says that no everyone who says to Me; Paul says that everyone who confesses. These are two different actions. The person who says that Jesus is Lord without the commitment of seeing Him as Lord has said magic words that he hopes will save him. "I said the right thing!" will be his cry before the Lord. But the one who confesses must say what Jesus has said is lordship. It is giving all for the sake of the one called Lord. That doesn't come from words. It comes from the heart.

I once say a bumper sticker many years ago that said, "Tithe if you love Jesus, any fool can honk." Many people will say that Jesus is Lord but they do not have the evidence from what they do. Their hearts have nothing to do with Him being Lord. Even if they dabble in things that are for the Lord, their commitment is not to Jesus as Lord. They are doing this to earn salvation. No one can earn salvation.

Words will reflect righteousness but they will not necessarily prove righteousness. People can say a prayer of salvation but not mean a word of it. They might just be trying to get the pesky Christians out of their homes. Saying that prayer seems to be the quickest way.

We had a homeless guy in one of the churches that I served whom we had helped quite a bit. His requests got greater and greater. We finally told him that he would have to show some responsibility and we limited the help we would give him. He said, "I bet you would help me if I was a member of the church. We had three morning worship services and one evening service on Sunday. So he came forward to join in the 8:30, 9:30, 11:00 and 7:00 services. He wanted everyone to know that he was joining the church. Was he really joining us in our mission to make disciples? No! He was trying to get more from us.

The person who says the right things, no matter how many people he has said them to, has not necessarily been saved. He may convince you and me from his many words but his heart will prove who he is before the Lord.

I believe there are many people who are in our churches today who do not truly know Jesus as Lord. They have said the right thing but their hearts have not made the commitment. They have not truly confessed Jesus by making their commitment to Him. Thus, they may know a lot about Jesus but they do not know Him.

I believe these are the people who give churches bad names. They are the ones condemning those outside the church. They are the ones claiming righteousness without the commitment that receives righteousness. They are the ones who are the tares planted among the good wheat. They are the ones causing the troubles in churches. They say the right words but their commitment to the Lord is missing no matter how many works they do.

The Danger of the Complacent Christian Walk

 May 30, 2024

Thursday

Maybe you have seen it. Maybe it has happened to you. There is someone who either doesn't know the Lord or has been far away from the Lord for some time. But there is something missing so she or he comes to church. She or he hears of Jesus either for the first time or remember the walk she or he had with Him at one time. He or she makes a commitment to Christ and resolves that he or she will come to church and walk with the Lord. Everything seems fine. But what happens next. The euphoria of discovering his or her need for the Lord is gone because He is right there. In other words, the thrill is gone.

So, people in this state may do something they did before coming back to the Lord. They may start drinking again. They may sneak a peak at pornography. They become more irritated with their spouses and start having marital problems again. They may just miss a discipleship meeting or church altogether one week. Then, it happens more and more. If something doesn't happen, this person will be in a worse state then he was before.

Understand, that Satan had this person and lost him or her. But he is also patient. He waits for the dullness that follows those who are not passionately involved in ministry. He waits for those who do not have an accountability group that will notice what is going on and he pounces on the person. He does so subtly for too much might make them repent and become more deeply embedded in the Lord's love. He is ever so smart to destroy this person's witness. Satan makes sure he or she will not have any impact for the Lord.

Satan is seeking to destroy all of God's creation. He hates God so much that he will destroy what he can't have. He is, therefore, claiming all those who have never trusted in Christ and working diligently with his demons to steal the joy and witness of all those who have come to Christ. He is a formidable foe but his end is sure so he is taking as much with him as he can.

God warned Cain after he feels dejected because God did not accept his offering:

Genesis 4:7 (NASB 2020) ⁷ If you do well, will your face not be cheerful? And if you do not do well, sin is lurking at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.”

Peter would warn in his letter:

1 Peter 5:8 (NASB 2020) ⁸ Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

We shouldn't be surprised. Satan, like a wolf, goes after those who are separate from the flock. That is why it is so necessary to have a small group that knows and cares for you. This group will encourage and correct you when necessary. They will warn you of things you may not see coming.

But be assured, no matter how diligent you are, Satan is still looking to devour you. He just wants to get you away from the One who can kick him to the curb.

Love People into the Kingdom of God

 May 29, 2024

Wednesday

Several years ago the Navy Band came to play their Christmas program at our church. We advertised on the radio and in the newspaper. They have come many times since then but the first time elicited a phone call  from someone who saw our ad. He asked me what was going to happen. I told him that the Navy Band would present their Christmas program. (It was spectacular!) Then he asked a very peculiar question, "And then what are you going to do?" I knew what he was asking. Too many times churches have events that seem like they are just fun events, then, with a captured audience preach for thirty minutes while pressuring people to become Christians. You see, what appears to be a service to the community becomes a means of getting people to buy our product. Yes, I know that it common in businesses but we should not need to bait and switch people if the gospel is as essential as we say it is.

While in college I was invited to go with some friends to a Billy Graham movie. They didn't tell me that a preacher would stand and start preaching after the movie was over. I felt deceived. I got up and left while this preacher was preaching and tried to take as many people with me on the way out. I wasn't a Christian at the time.

Now, I am not opposed to showing people that we love them. I am not opposed to inviting people to church at an event at the church. I am not opposed to doing something for my neighbors and inviting them to an event at the church. Everyone expects that they will be invited when they come to a special event like the Navy Band. No one is offended. They also expect preaching when they come to church. There is no bait and switch here.

Many people only see marketing when the church advertises one thing and makes it into something else. They do not see that we love them. They think we are using them. When they come and find that we are using an event to get to know them, they understand that. They realize what we are doing but it isn't offensive. Yes, the gospel is offensive but what we are doing is not the gospel. We are using deception to present the gospel. The gospel doesn't need this type of help.

Could there be people who get saved in our bait and switch events. Of course! But that will always happen because God has drawn them already. You see, fast food is only delicious to the hungry. They have already been made hungry before they arrive. We do not know what else could have happened that wouldn't have turned off those who weren't hungry. 

Why do churches do these things? Because believers are not sharing the gospel with those around them. They do not know their neighbors well enough to have a spiritual conversation with them. They haven't shown love enough to have that conversation. In our reclusiveness, we are protecting ourselves at all costs. How will they know the love of the Lord if we don't have that love for them?

So, I answered the man who asked what I would do after the Navy Band, "I'm going home. We don't have anything else planned." I don't know if he came but if he did, we didn't bait and switch.

Strange, but Jesus didn't use a bait and switch when He called His disciples. He said:

Matthew 4:19 (NASB 2020) ¹⁹ And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of people.”

People are saved because God gives them faith and they accept it. Anyone who claims to be saved otherwise isn't truly saved. 

Ephesians 2:8–9 (NASB 2020) ⁸ For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; ⁹ not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

So, just love people into God's kingdom.

The Truth Is Out There

 May 28, 2024

Tuesday

It is easier to criticize than to find out the truth. Confirmation bias is always at play when people criticize.  We see that a lot in politics. People will swallow anything their favorite politician says while they will reject those they oppose. They don't want the truth. They want whatever supports their position. This is why negative politics works. People will lean toward the negative they hear without looking for  the truth. Thus, a political opponent needs to play part of what was said rather than all of what was said. They take things out of context and rush toward condemnation.

Some very godly people have been criticized severely through social outlets as heretics and false teachers. That doesn't mean that some of those who have been criticized aren't truly heretics. They are, but some good godly preachers and teachers are lumped in with them because they don't walk the party line or they have said something taken out of context or they just made a mistake. Sometimes it is because there isn't full agreement on an interpretation of the Bible.

A young man in our church told me that his family questioned his salvation because he didn't agree with them on politics. Give me a break! Does anyone believe they have found God's party in either the Democrat or Republican party? Lots of politicians wave the Christian flag. I can't find waving the flag as a sign of salvation.

Don't you think that many of the people who rejected Jesus as the Messiah did so because of the testimony of others they trusted. These people said that He wasn't the Messiah because He ate with sinners. Of course, if He was the true Messiah He would have been eating with them. They were always trying to get Jesus on washing hands, fasting or not fulfilling their own image of what the Messiah should look like. It was just easier to criticize Him than to find out the truth.

It's funny how people will criticize when they don't know you. They may say that our church doesn't teach the Bible because we have some women teaching men in Sunday School classes. Of course, we would disagree with them on women being qualified. Since we don't agree with them, we must not believe the Bible. They aren't interested in knowing why we encourage women to teach. We do so because of what it says in the Bible.

So, before you decide that someone is a heretic, please find out why. They just may be. But the other side of the story is that they might disagree with those who claim that they have all the answers. These determine heretics as people who don't agree with them.

Read the scriptures when you hear a claim. Ask why a certain position is taken. Work to be approved rather than simply accepting the criticisms of others.

2 Timothy 2:14–16 (NASB 2020)¹⁴ Remind them of these things, and solemnly exhort them in the presence of God not to dispute about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the listeners. ¹⁵ Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. ¹⁶ But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness,

Walking with God in Faith

 May 27, 2024

Monday

It is great to know that God is working. It is greater to know that He is working on us. The greatest yet is to know that He has called us to work with Him. Notice that I said "with" and not "for." God wants us to work with Him. When we do, He promises to supply everything we need to work with Him.

Now, working with God is hardly practical. Practical people will determine what they can do and then do it for God. Those who work with God will simply work with Him in all that He provides. It isn't a matter of what you have but what God has willed to happen. If He has willed it, He will also provide for it. Once anyone knows what God is doing, prayers are simply agreeing with God on what is needed. They are no longer moments of anxiety that wonder if God will supply. They are opportunities to give God glory for His wisdom and provision in everything needed. 

Who should get the praise when people do what they think they can do? Of course, they do. They did the work apart from what God has provided. They did what they thought they should do rather than what God wanted them to do. He wanted them to work with Him in His will rather than they work for Him in their will. Thus, they deserve the praise for they did what human beings can do.

But God does not share His glory with others. He does not want us working in our own strength and provision. He sees a walk of faith from us. He seeks us to be closely drawn to Him. He wants us to step away from all of our safety nets and realize that He is the One who is truly safe. He wants all anxieties to dissipate in His firm and loving arms.

Those who walk with God are weird. They aren't so concerned about the conventional wisdom of the day. They aren't so worried about what is going on. They have learned to trust in the One they are walking with.

Of course, this is a process as well as a decision. The trials that look like the provision isn't there create greater perseverance, patience and endurance. It is the one thing that shouldn't diminish. We may not be able to do at fifty what we did at fifteen physically. But spiritually we should be able to do so much more.

Maybe that's why we see old people chosen so often to accomplish what seems to be impossible. Look at Abraham, Moses or Caleb. They weren't spring chickens when they took on what seemed more than hard. They believed. And God got the glory.

Isn't that what our lives should be? What is it that God is calling you to? Do you know or are you just not listening because you are trying to figure out what you can do for Him?

Hebrews 11:6 (NASB 2020) ⁶ And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for the one who comes to God must believe that He exists, and that He proves to be One who rewards those who seek Him.

God Is Here

 May 26, 2024

Sunday

Many people do not recognize God in church. They come because they believe they are supposed to. They come because church offers a social outlet. They come because they have a service they need to perform. They come without knowing that God is sitting next to them. Therefore, they also come not expecting anything to happen. Or they come expecting that all that happens to be the actions of people rather than actions of God.

Pastors lament over church members becoming consumers who complain about the music, the temperature, the sermons, and just about anything that brings change to what they have expected. There should be no surprise when people don't recognize that God is in the church. Often, it appears that people are uninterested when they hear of someone proclaiming faith in Christ. They fail to rejoice over baptisms. They don't see the miracle performed in the restoration of a failing marriage. A person from the outside is met with suspicion because they can't imagine that God has worked in this person's life to bring him or her to this church.

What would happen if every church member knew that God was at church? I believe they would go to church unless providentially hindered. I believe they would expect salvations every week. They would cheer during baptisms. They would praise God with every fiber of their being when they saw marriages restored. They would sing to glorify God without regard to what their voices sounded like.

Most people know that God is present but they have not acknowledged that He is present. They treat Him as if He is powerless, purposeless and somewhat useless. He is present but they have placed Him on life support. They can't imagine that He is aware of what is going on in their hearts.

In the comedy "Joe vs. the Volcano" Joe Banks is floating at sea on the luggage he has bought after his ship sinks. He has spent days taking care of Patricia who is unconscious. The moon comes up over the sea. He says, "Dear God, whose name I do not know - thank you for my life. I forgot how BIG... thank you. Thank you for my life." We know His name but it seems we have forgotten how BIG too.

God is present in church. He is present outside church. He is with you now regardless of where you are. Remember this for it is easy to forget.

Genesis 28:16 (NASB 2020) ¹⁶ Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “The Lord is certainly in this place, and I did not know it!”

The Truth that Sets Us Free

 May 25, 2024

Saturday

Media is a powerful tool. It isn't just the news. It is all of entertainment. The news has just become part of the entertainment business and we want to criticize it for being entertainment rather than historical reporting. Let's accept that it is entertainment. It is, as other media, trying to change our views of what we have held for a long time.

The individual is becoming celebrated because he or she breaks out of what has been an accepted role. Queen Elsa in Frozen is excited that she doesn't need to be the good girl anymore. Isabela in Encanto can make cacti rather than flowers and becomes excited with the line, "What else can I do?" It seems that rebellion is the virtue being promoted and compliance is frowned upon.

That is happening in the Christian community too. There are those who do not attend church, nor serve in any Christian community that are praised for breaking the chains that the church has held on them. They are lauded for their rebellion from being the people who are free from attending church regularly. They claim they have a stronger relationship with the Lord than ever before. Major Christian authors have supported the claims of these people. I am not a major anything in the Christian world but I don't think this is God's plan for His people. I believe He wants His children in church when they can be in church. 

The church was so important to believers in the New Testament that excluding someone from church was used as a motivator to come into compliance with God's word. In Paul's first existing Corinthian letter, Paul admonishes the church for allowing incest in the church to go unchecked. Surely, this is a rebellion beyond what pagans would allow. He tells the church to exclude those who are doing such so that they can be brought back into fellowship with the church. That doesn't sound like approval of their individuality in choosing what values are theirs and theirs alone.

Those who are rejecting their practice of faith are actually just joining a different crowd. As soon as someone says that what they are doing is okay, others join the rebellion. What is approved becomes vogue. Soon, everyone wants to be the individual who doesn't follow the crowd. The irony is that they are following the crowd.

There is another problem. How does anyone make the journey back to the faith they once had if they have declared themselves to be rejecters of that faith? The answer is simple: humility. Now, that's something that is not in vogue. There, of course, will be a lot of crow to eat and there will be those who will not trust the one coming home. You can't leave one day and walk back to be exactly in the same place as you were before. Trust is faithfulness over time. Losing trust in unfaithfulness in a moment.

Becoming a disciple of Jesus requires one to hold onto the truth of His words. That means these words can slip away from you if you don't hold onto them. We must continue in what Jesus says so that we don't stop living in what Jesus said. The old flesh simply does not want to accept this. It wants to celebrate the flesh with rebellion against the words of Jesus. But true disciples remain in His word. They abide in His word.  They continue. They hold onto. 

Watch carefully those who will celebrate the individualism that removes people from walking with Jesus even if it claims to walk with Jesus. Look to see if these people are doing what God's word has said or if they are doing what makes them happy. The truth is not inside us. It is found in a person and His name is Jesus. Be a true disciple. You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.

John 8:31–32 (NASB 2020) ³¹ So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples; ³² and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Is a Cup of Water a Small Thing?

 May 24, 2024

Friday

It seems everywhere I look Christian authors are saying that God wants to do something big with each of us. Who determines what is big? They seem to say that God wants to do something that appears impossible. Who determines what is impossible? Does God want our walk with Him to be lived like an action movie?

I love action movies. The start with a big event at the beginning and have chases and people in impossible situations continually throughout the movie. They leave me exhausted. Why would we believe that this is always what God wants us to do?

Jesus didn't say that we must continually do things that are impossible in this world. He said that even a cup of water shared would not be forgotten. Something like that probably wouldn't be a testimony given in a worship service but it would be consistent with the words of Jesus. Yes, there are things that should happen that seem impossible but don't forget the things that should happen that aren't impossible. What is the value of doing great things if we don't show love to others? Didn't Paul say that would make us nothing more than clanging gongs? Sure, clanging gongs gather a crowd but is the crowd gathered more important than love being shown? I don't think so.

Listen to God. Do what He says. But don't disregard a command from Him that is possible. Make a pie or cake and take it to a grieving neighbor. Help someone who doesn't have correct change in the grocery line. Give a container of water to those raking leaves across the street. Sometimes God speaks in the small voice that commands us to do what we and others might think is small. Even the small things might not be that small when God uses them.

Matthew 10:42 (NASB 2020) ⁴² And whoever gives one of these little ones just a cup of cold water to drink in the name of a disciple, truly I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.”

Aren't You Glad We're Not Sinners?

 May 23, 2024

Thursday

A guy once told me that he was stopped by the police for speeding in one of those "speed traps" that small towns often have. He told the policeman that he should be out catching people breaking the law. I thought he was joking but he seemed very sincere. It appears that speeding is not breaking the law.

That seems to be the way we treat sin in church too. We have things that we will condemn you for and let other things go as if they are just a part of life. Pornography, adultery, thievery and the such will cause the members to wag their heads and condemn a person forever but hatred, gossip and gluttony are just a part of church. It seems that sin is what we condemn and the other things are just being human.

Surely, there are sins with greater consequences. Pornography, adultery and thievery carry greater consequences whether or not the person is caught in them. Yet, we fail to notice the consequences of hatred, gossip and gluttony. Of the latter, you can't even bring it up. I have never seen a church torn apart by pornography, adultery or thievery but I have seen many churches destroy their witnesses for Christ and cause turmoil in the church from hatred and gossip. It seems that consequences are also ignored when considering what sin is.

Some may read this and think I am condoning some sin. No, pornography, adultery and thievery are very egregious sins. My point is that hatred, gossip and gluttony may not shock the congregation but they are just as damaging. The cause of Christ is so damaged that churches are failing to see new people enter. They become complacent with doing what they have always done and calling those outside the church sinners without addressing the sins within their midst. The Spirit is grieved over this. His presence is not known in these congregations.

The key to revival is total commitment to the Lord. It comes with complete confession and repentance of all sins. It requires doing what the Spirit says immediately. It proclaims Jesus as Lord loudly by the actions of those who experience revival. But it never condones any sin. It gives forgiveness always. It loves always. Then, those sins which we have somehow overlooked become egregious. They are uncomfortable. They irritate us and we seek our relationship with the Lord to be healed.

As long as we think we are better because we haven't done the more spectacular sins, we will never have that relationship with the Lord that initiates revival. We are calling our sins more precious than that relationship with the Lord when we fail to confess and repent of them. We are reaping the fruit of our sins. Our churches are dying for the lack of the Spirit.

Will you be one who will confess any known sin and repent of it? Will you be one who will obey whatever the Spirit says immediately? Will you be one who will proclaim Jesus as Lord publicly and with your life? Well, you can't as long as you won't.

Matthew 5:21–22 (NASB 2020) ²¹ “You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘You shall not murder,’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be answerable to the court.’ ²² But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be answerable to the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing,’ shall be answerable to the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell.

The Authority of Darkness

 May 22, 2024

Wednesday

I do not believe that people who do not know Christ realize that they are under the authority of darkness. They believe they are in full control of their lives and their futures. They are being influenced by the world around them without any effective means of refusing to act as the world demands. They participate in the contemporary wisdom of the day even when they see themselves as rebels to the society they are in. You see, they are under the authority of darkness. They cannot see the need to trust in Christ. They see Him as a religious icon which foolish people pledge an allegiance to. They are not in need of education. They cannot be educated to see the bondage they are under. They must be rescued. They must be taken from their prison cells and set free. They are like people who have been brain washed for they do not know they are under this influence. 

Of course, they would say the same thing of us. They believe we are under bondage to our religion. They will use the word "religion or religious" to designate themselves as different. Many times they refuse to say that they don't believe for they often have some belief in Jesus but they have very little commitment. They see commitment as a prison. They see being whatever you want to be as freedom. And in that lies their prison.

We on the other hand, often treat them as if they are obstinate when we tell them of Christ. We fail to see that they are under the authority of darkness and cannot see what we see. We are scolding these blind people for being blind rather than rescuing them from the darkness. We will never see them come to Christ by our actions alone. No cleaver presentation of the gospel saves anyone. It is the Spirit that gives them faith  that saves them. It is their willingness to accept this faith that causes them to believe.

Of course, we share Christ and live lives that reflect Christ to lead them to the gospel. It is a stumbling block to them until they are made ready. The Lord seeks after them to make them ready. How long this takes depends on how stiff their necks are. They are certainly able to resist the Holy Spirit if they bow their necks. Some will never be rescued.

We should reflect back on our own Christian lives and realize that wherever they are we have been there at one time. There was a time when we were under the authority of darkness from which we were rescued and transferred to the kingdom of God's Son. There was a time when we were headed for eternal destruction. But we have been redeemed. We have been forgiven. And this is from no merit of our own actions. We were rescued.

Are we grateful? I hope so. But I also want to pray that we are faithful in continuing to share the gospel to those who are ready to hear it and to those who aren't. I pray that we do not see ourselves as those who have arrived at our final destination but those who are on a journey of freedom from the authority of darkness.

Colossians 1:13–14 (NASB 2020)¹³ For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, ¹⁴ in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Are You Walking in a Manner Worthy of the Lord

 May 21, 2024

Tuesday

Can a Christian be worthy of the Lord? Note that I am not asking whether a Christian can be worthy of salvation. That would imply that we could be good enough to be saved. That's already impossible. That assumes we could save ourselves. God would never have let Jesus go through the terrible death He endured if salvation could have come some other way. No, Christians will never be worthy of salvation. A Christian can, however, walk in a manner worthy of the Lord. How is that done?

In Paul's letter to the Colossians he says:

Colossians 1:9–10 (NASB 2020) ⁹ For this reason we also, since the day we heard about it, have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, ¹⁰ so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Paul remarks of the Colossians faith and love for other believers. He speaks of them being as they are because of the hope that is reserved for them in heaven. Paul prays that they will have the knowledge of God's will in all wisdom and understanding. Thus, they will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord. They will please Him, bear fruit and increase in their knowledge of God.

So, let's get this straight: They must first be filled with the knowledge of God's will. This is more than simply knowing God's will. We all know God's general will for many things. For example, it is God's will that we share the gospel. It is God's will that we are generous. It is God's will that we show mercy. While this is God's will, it is not knowing His will with spiritual wisdom and understanding. Spiritual wisdom and understanding is where the rubber meets the road. It brings us to act specifically for His glory. It is truly walking with the Lord rather than general obedience within our own parameters. In other words, we know and are committed to His will even if it will cost us a great deal.

This committed action pleases Him, bears fruit and increases our knowledge of Him. This is certainly different from the person who seeks to bear fruit without walking in a manner worthy of the Lord. The person simply seeking to bear fruit isn't necessarily walking with the Lord. This person sees himself as one who has orders and goes out to accomplish them. The one walking with the Lord goes as the Lord is beside him. With all spiritual wisdom and knowledge, he acts with the Spirit rather than acting on his own. He acts in the Spirit's strength which increases his knowledge of God for he knows more of the walk with the Lord. This is the walk worthy of the Lord.

Even though we may have walked in this manner before, we may not always walk that way. Many of us have seen God at work in us and others. We have known what it is to walk closely with Him. Yet, our fervent desire to see Him fades when we take our eyes off of Him and place them on the task. The task becomes more important than the walk. Thus, we are no longer walking in a manner worthy of the Lord. This is when the task is more important that knowing the Lord's presence.

If we are to walk worthy of the Lord, we must walk with the Lord. That is why we are more important to the Lord than the tasks He has given us. God seeks to bring us closer to Himself. He uses us to bring others closer to Himself. However, we must never think that this task is to be done without Him. Doing the task with Him is the definition of walking with Him.

So, are you walking with the Lord?

Does a Crowd Mean It Is Good?

 May 20, 2024

Monday

It is said that if three people appear to be in a line (que) that others will quickly line up behind them. We have a propensity for thinking that goodness is found by everyone. If someone else is doing this, it must be the right thing to do. And if there is a crowd of people doing it, it is assured to be excellent.

There is a local restaurant that crowds of people try to eat breakfast in. It is loud, crowded and the service is slow. The food isn't bad, but it isn't stellar either. I believe the only reason people line up to eat there is because there are people lined up to eat there. I ate there a couple of times and determined that I wasn't coming back. It may take a while, but I believe there are others who will come to my same conclusion. The food isn't worth it.

We have all seen restaurants come and go. They start off with a bang and end with a whimper. The psychological effect of new, coupled with a crowd makes things take off. The value is simply what people are giving it. There is no inherent value. It is like bitcoin. If the crowd quits buying, the price drops dramatically fast.

This also happens in churches. The church that was all the rage twenty years ago is struggling to pay its staff. If the preacher doesn't continue to be on the best sellers list, churches will slowly shrink. Notoriety is more valuable that substance. We should ask ourselves why we are worshiping in this church in the first place. It should be a place where God has called you to make a difference. If not, you are just following the crowd.

Let's face it, the gospel is offensive. Popularity is not at the core of the gospel.

1 Corinthians 1:23–25 (NASB 2020) ²³ but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block, and to Gentiles foolishness, ²⁴ but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. ²⁵ For the foolishness of God is wiser than mankind, and the weakness of God is stronger than mankind.

Paul was facing a dilemma. The Jews weren't drawn to the gospel because it did not offer the law as a means of salvation. The Gentiles didn't like the gospel because surrendering your life to Someone who died and was resurrected made no sense to them. It could only be personal conviction that any person came to know the Lord and follow Him. Crowds didn't trust in Christ collectively because they were in a crowd. Each person had to make their own personal decision.

That doesn't change once a person comes to know the Lord, either. We should be very careful when we join what the crowd is doing. Though many others may participate, our decisions must be individual. This is probably why churches that start new programs constantly have crowds at the beginning of the programs and few at the end. Many people want to join the crowd in proclaiming a deep relationship with the Lord but they never made the decision to pay the price for that relationship.

Mark Twain said, "A classic is something that everyone wants to have read, but nobody wants to read." I would say, "A best seller is a book everyone wants but no one reads." Buying the book is the cheapest part of the book. Reading the book is the commitment it takes to have read it. Wanting to have the characteristic of one who walks closely with the Lord is not the same as having the disciple to actually obey Him when it is inconvenient and will cost a great deal.

Following the Lord constricts those who are committed from those who aren't. The believer drops the unnecessary things to take that which is essential. It leaves behind those who are unwilling to make what appears to be a sacrifice. Of course, it is life that is grasped but the crowd cannot see it.

So, make sure that you make your decisions as individuals who know that each decision is deepening your relationship with the Lord. There may be a crowd when you start, but they won't all be there in the end.

Matthew 7:13–14 (NASB 2020) ¹³ “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. ¹⁴ For the gate is narrow and the way is constricted that leads to life, and there are few who find it.

Your Pastor Has Feet of Clay, Too

 May 19, 2024

Sunday

Maybe you have heard a story of the preacher who left his microphone on after a worship service and could be heard verbally destroying a church staff member. The person reporting this said something like, "I could never listen to that preacher again." I am a pastor and I know some things about pastors.

Pastors are human. We can be in the flesh as much as anyone. I am sure that there are pastors who have complete control of their tongues when they get upset. I am not one of them. That doesn't excuse my outbursts. But to elevate a pastor beyond being human is setting oneself up for a huge disappointment.

Pastors need forgiveness as much as anyone. Sure, it may seem that pastors are supposed to give forgiveness but never sin against anyone but that isn't true. I say things that I shouldn't. I have hurt people. Again, saying this doesn't mean that I should be excused for these sins. It means that the forgiveness that I preach must also be given to me. 

Pastors should neither condemn nor be condemned for their momentary lapses in anger. Pastors get hungry, just like others. We get stressed, just like others. We have pet peeves, just like others. We have expectations, just like others. Things set us off, just like others. Pastors need to be treated just like others. 

Pastors lose focus. It seems like someone who spends so much time in God's word should be just about perfect but our walks with the Lord are just like anyone else's. We can go from spiritual to fleshly in mere moments. Of course, we can also feel great remorse for what we have said or done. 

I am not nearly the person my church hopes I am. I have feet of clay. I don't like it. I don't want to be that way but out of the blue I act like I may not know the Lord in moments that get away from me. I need repentance. Yes. But I also need forgiveness from God and the congregation.

If you can forgive your pastor, you can forgive anyone. After all, who should know better than he when it comes to what is right and wrong?

Colossians 3:12–13 (NASB 2020) ¹² So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience; ¹³ bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so must you do also.

Where Is the Lord Today?

 May 18, 2024

Saturday

Hebrews 13:5 (NASB 2020) ⁵ Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever abandon you,”

It is so easy to misinterpret this scripture. On the one hand, people might think that they shouldn't work hard to get.a better job or salary. People might think they should never invest their money or save. On the other hand, people might think that by being content Jesus is going to load their boat with money so they don't need to worry about how much they have. Neither of these is the point of this scripture.

We need to put things in their proper place. Our relationship with the Lord should be at the center of our lives so that all that we do is filtered through our relationship with the Lord. The Greek uses a double negative when it speaks of the Lord deserting us or abandoning us. He will never ever desert us nor will He never ever abandon us. That relationship must be central to whatever we do. The contentment from that relationship results in satisfaction with what we have. Money is not to be loved. It is a tool to do what we need to do. You shouldn't love it any more than you would a hammer.

This, however, is going against the grain when living in this world. Too often, people are chasing after money. Their relationship with the Lord takes a back seat. They may be believers but they do not have their lives organized for the Lord. They put their possessions and the gaining of more money before their relationship with the Lord. There is no end to this pursuit.

This can be seen in the churches that many believers attend. They love the preaching that says they can get more money from the Lord than they could ever make. They are just putting a spiritual bow around a secular pursuit. They are still putting money at the center of their lives. They are just claiming that it wasn't from hard work. They claim that God gave it to them because He loves them more than those who are living in poverty. Nothing is farther from the truth.

This is often seen in the man who works all the time so that his children can have nice things. They need him but his pursuit of the nice things keeps him from them. Dad becomes the ATM rather than the father he needs to be. The children can't have Dad so they settle for the things he gives them. He failed to put things in their proper place. That certainly didn't mean that there weren't times he needed to work overtime but the pursuit of the nicer things for his children didn't take the place of his presence with his children.

The challenge is to keep things in their proper place. There must be moments of assessing where you are with the Lord. There must be times when you admit when you had your last quiet time, attended church or discipled someone. There must be a time when you admit whether you know that the Lord will never desert nor leave you because you have His presence right now or you don't know where He is in any of your recent days.

Too often, people are desperate for the Lord until they have money. Then, they don't need Him anymore. But that can't be you. You must (and I do mean must) make sure things are in their proper place.

So, do you know the Lord will never leave you nor abandon you because you have a strong relationship with Him now or are you trying to live off of money rather than a relationship with Him?

Who Are You Listening To?

 May 17, 2024

Friday

We all know someone who used to be very involved in church that either comes sporadically or not at all. There was a time that this person was a regular that you could count on to sit in the same place each week, be involved in vital ministries, and genuinely seek the best for the church. Now, they don't attend nor do they really want to have much to do with the church. They are involved in other outside activities that take their time. Church is an afterthought.

Our problem is that we don't see that this falling away was coming long before they stopped attending church. There wasn't a day that "O, today I think I will stop being involved in church" was said. We must remember that the heart leaves long before the body.

The truth is that this could happen to any of us. Surprisingly, it depends on who we are listening to. The story goes like this: There was a young man who was so in love with a young woman that he told her that he would climb the highest mountain,  swim the widest river, and cross the largest desert to prove his love for her.  So, he left to climb the highest mountain, swim the widest river, and cross the largest desert while writing to her every day. He comes home to find that she has left him for the mailman. 

I know a couple who were very close. The wife decided to take up scuba diving. Her husband wasn't interested but didn't object to her taking the lessons and going on scuba diving trips. Several months later she left her husband for the scuba instructor.

So, let's say that you are very involved in your church. It has been instrumental to your growth in Christ. On the other hand, your friendships with people who don't go to church continue to grow. Eventually, you find yourself with stronger friends outside the church than inside the church. Your "outside" friends tease you about your church attendance. They point out the failures that church pastors and church members have in living up to the standards they espouse. They show how they are there for you when the church members haven't been. Your heart goes with the "outside" friends. You join them in their activities. You may still attend church but your heart is no longer there.

This is very subtle. Most people don't see it coming. They are still in the world and still have friends who are in the world. Some of these friends are typically of the world, as well. It isn't that you can't have friends who don't come to church. It becomes a problem when you are listening to them. It becomes a problem when you take your eyes off of what you should be. Listening doesn't mean that you fail to have conversations but these conversations are leading you astray. Satan questioned God's word to Eve. She was wooed away by listening to him. She took her eyes off of the word and placed them on the world. It's a short distance from there to disobeying God.

Each of us must have those we get to know well within the church so that we can watch and imitate what they do. They must be the ones who keep our feet to the fire. Each of us need to get to know those in the church and sort out the one or ones we should imitate. None of them are perfect. But together we hold each other together. 

I know I need people who are walking with the Lord around me. You do too.

Philippians 3:17–18 (NASB 2020) ¹⁷ Brothers and sisters, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. ¹⁸ For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even as I weep, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ,

You Can't Take It with You But You Can Send Things Ahead

 May 16, 2024

Thursday

I have changed the way I travel. I have always packed too much. Most of the things I pack never see the light of day on the journey. The problem is that I am trying to leave to go somewhere else by taking all that I already have with me. I can't do that.

A new journey causes us to look forward to what we will see and do in a new place. We may expect that we will come back to our old place after the journey is over. That is not the case when we leave this world. We won't be coming back to what we left behind.

And we can take none of the things we have here with us. We come into this world with a body but we leave it without our bodies. The moment of our departure will reveal how little the things in this world have meant. The only thing of value will be those whom we will leave behind. Yet, we will see them again if they have trusted in Christ.

That doesn't mean that there isn't anything in heaven waiting for us. We send ahead the works done by the power of the Holy Spirit which God prepared for us before the beginning of time. They are ours if we continue in faithfulness to the Lord. They can be lost if we don't. In either case, we won't lose our destination for heaven has been assured to those who trust in Christ but the rewards we send ahead can be disqualified if we are not faithful.

The key is knowing that you are packing to go on this journey all of your life. Instead of checking the bags at the airport, you are sending them ahead. Just like your bags, they can get lost. However, they are not lost because of the negligence of someone else. They are lost because of our negligence in remaining faithful to our Lord.

This is why the Apostle Paul presses on to his upward call. He knows that he can be just as unfaithful as anyone else. He knows he can lose all that he has sent ahead. He focuses on his relationship with the Lord. He focuses on what lies ahead. He leaves that which lies behind. He writes:

Philippians 3:12–16 (NASB 2020) ¹² Not that I have already grasped it all or have already become perfect, but I press on if I may also take hold of that for which I was even taken hold of by Christ Jesus. ¹³ Brothers and sisters, I do not regard myself as having taken hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. ¹⁵ Therefore, all who are mature, let’s have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that to you as well; ¹⁶ however, let’s keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.

None of us has attained perfection. We strain forward to come into a day of glory.

Don't Fall for Every Warning that Calls Someone a False Prophet

 May 15, 2024

Wednesday

Our faith has some fundamentals that we should never deviate from. The Bible is the inspired Word of God. It is completely true with miracles, parables, history and commands. It teaches, rebukes, corrects and trains the disciple in righteousness. Jesus is the only way to salvation. Jesus death on the cross paid the penalty of our sins. Salvation is free and no works will ever attain it. Faith in Christ is the means of receiving salvation. The Godhead is composed of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. They are three persons in perfect harmony. Jesus is coming back for His own someday. These are fundamental. Changing these will cause a deviation from our faith. We must guard these things carefully.

However, there are people on the internet pointing out the differences between how they have interpreted the Bible without any regard of the above principles being violated. They are saying that these preachers are false prophets because they do not agree with them. I don't think this is healthy for God's kingdom.

For example, some churches believe that babies should be baptized. They understand that baptism is now the sign of the covenant with God and note that circumcision was the former sign. Boys were circumcised on the eighth day after birth and could not have made any decision to follow the faith. These churches believe that baptism should follow this same pattern. I disagree but I am not calling those pastors who baptize babies false prophets. We differ in our understanding. We don't necessarily differ on the gospel.

But that's not the issue today. We now have those who will not want to fellowship with churches who have women pastors. Again, I don't see how this is fundamental to our faith. Each passage that seems to say that women can't be pastors is easier to explain than manipulating passages that would give them permission. It appears that women pastors are threatening some long held beliefs. I would say to those who want to believe one way or the other that each should take a careful look beyond their own traditions to see what the Bible actually says. They should look at the context of the scripture in the Bible and the culture to which it is written. They should look at the practices of those who appear to have prohibited women pastors. Each may maintain their position but they shouldn't be divisive over it.

It was the Pharisees who strained at the gnats and swallowed the camels.

Matthew 23:23–24 (NASB 2020) ²³ “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the Law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others. ²⁴ You blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!

Are we like them when we point out non-fundamental practices of each other? Are we trying to claim a higher righteousness as they did? This will neither give salvation nor deny salvation from anyone. We must ask what advantage it is to point out the flaws in others. It only makes us more blind to our own flaws.

I realize that some people are proud of their churches and pastors. They should be. But that pride cannot be a source of superiority. That is when pride gets in the way rather than shows appreciation. Some will speak in a tone of superiority to you. I hope that none of my church members would do that about our church. I would rather we appreciated our church and those who preach the gospel around us.

Yes, there are false prophets. They certainly violate the fundamentals of our faith and lead people astray. They keep people from the gospel. They should be identified and called out for their false preaching. Their character should not be attacked simply because they have a large ministry or they are very persuasive. Their false teaching should be pointed out by revealing the truth of the scriptures.

Please be discerning when someone says that a church is not a real church or that the preacher is a false prophet. Ask why. Don't allow them to be general about this. There need to be specifics to identify a false prophet. Discern whether this is a fundamental error, a means of manipulation or a difference in scriptural interpretation. If it is the latter, don't stop having fellowship. And don't be a scribe or Pharisee either. Ask what they believe about salvation, the Bible and God.

Is Everyone Going to Heaven?

 May 14, 2024

Tuesday

It seems that old heresies just get recycled again and again. One that has gained ground among many is the idea that since Jesus died for the sins of the world, everyone will go to heaven whether or not they have any faith in Christ. This emphasizes the love of God without understanding the justice of God. It ignores so many verses in the New Testament that I can't recite them all. So, I will give more of a summary than a complete treatise on the subject.

If everyone goes to heaven, then what does John 3:16 mean?

John 3:16 (NASB 2020) ¹⁶ “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.

Salvation obviously has a condition here. Those who believe in Him will have eternal life. I would argue that this is more than a perfunctory nod of the head. It is a commitment that places Jesus at the center of all decisions. It is a trust that places the believer in the Lord's hands. It is a day-to-day walk with the Lord. Can we honestly say that everyone has this commitment? Do you think that Adolph Hitler had this commitment? Do you really think that you will one day be standing next to him in heaven?

If everyone goes to heaven, then what does Matthew 7:21-23 mean?

Matthew 7:21–23 (NASB 2020) ²¹ “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. ²² Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ ²³ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; leave Me, you who practice lawlessness.’

Jesus declares that some people think they are going to heaven simply because they have acted like they know Him. They call Him Lord. The next verse points out that they have done things for Him. Some of these things are amazing but they do not come to the level of knowing Him. They practice lawlessness because they do not know Him. And on top of that, He doesn't know them either. Jesus casts them out. These people are not going to heaven.

If everyone is goes to heaven, why would Paul pray for his fellow Jews to have salvation?

Romans 9:3 (NASB 2020) ³ For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my countrymen, my kinsmen according to the flesh,

Paul saw that we are all cursed without Christ. He is willing to have himself cursed if only his fellow Jews would have salvation. Of course, no one can trade their salvation so that others may have it. Paul realizes the eternal condemnation that lies ahead for those who never have faith in Christ. He would do anything to see his fellow Jews saved.

If everyone goes to heaven, then what is going on in Revelation 20:15?

Revelation 20:15 (NASB 2020) ¹⁵ And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

This certainly doesn't sound like heaven. After Jesus sent out seventy of His disciples, they came back marveling that they could cast out demons. Jesus told them that this wasn't the real cause for joy. He told them that they should take joy in the fact that their names were written in heaven. Why even have joy in something if there is no downside in not having it?

This is not a matter of God being selfish or arrogant in wanting everyone to do as He says. This is a matter of justice that God must act upon or He cannot be just. The following verse states both sides:

Romans 6:23 (NASB 2020) ²³ For the wages of sin is death, but the gracious gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Justice is served by death. It is not the physical death that so many think it is. It is the death of being forever separated from God. It is a torment that comes from that separation. However, God graciously offers heaven to those who will receive it. If a rescue helicopter comes to save someone who is sitting on top of their house because of a flood and that person will not get in the basket that will save him, how is it the fault of the rescuers?

No, not everyone is going to heaven and that should cause us to pray and work to love people into the kingdom of God. Believing everyone is going to heaven is just a fairytale. 

Acts of Love Rather than Acts of Hate

 May 13, 2024

Monday

I'll admit, I'm like a one trick pony. Once I learn something, I apply what I know everywhere. What have I learned? People who think they are righteous can be as mean as they want to be with perceived impunity. This was the case of the chief priests, Pharisees, Sadducees and scribes who would condemn Jesus to crucifixion. This human condition is still seen in people who will call themselves Christians.

This condition helps me understand how Christians can try to hurt those who do not agree with them. In the process the Christians lose their ability to win people to the Lord and make disciples like they are commanded to do. They ignore the scriptures for what they claim is for the cause of the scriptures.

It seems that each time a secular company endorses sinful behavior Christians call for a boycott. The evident idea is that this boycott will hurt their bottom line profit and they will act like the Christians want them to act. This bothers me. Why should we expect non-Christians to act like Christians? Where in the scriptures does it tell us to make them act like we tell them to act? How did we become their judges?

The scriptures tell us that we are to judge those inside the Church. When an incestuous relationship was going on in the Corinthian church, Paul wrote them:

1 Corinthians 5:12–13 (NASB 2020) ¹² For what business of mine is it to judge outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? ¹³ But those who are outside, God judges. Remove the evil person from among yourselves.

Yes, we judge those inside the church but not on the outside. We can identify sin. There is no problem with that. But we aren't the judges of those outside the church who sin.

When someone takes a stand against Christ and subsequently against us, we can consider them our enemies. We did not make them enemies, but they chose to make us enemies. Jesus was clear what we are to do with our enemies.

Matthew 5:43–48 (NASB 2020) ⁴³ “You have heard that it was said, ‘you Shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵ so that you may prove yourselves to be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. ⁴⁶ For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Even the tax collectors, do they not do the same? ⁴⁷ And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Even the Gentiles, do they not do the same? ⁴⁸ Therefore you shall be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Our attitude is to love and pray for those who have declared themselves to be our enemies. Sometimes I don't think they even know that they have made us their enemies. The truth is we are irrelevant to what they are doing. Maybe that's really what incites the self-righteous. The church does not have the influence it once had. It had that influence because it condemned all who would not comply with its wishes. Those who want to go a different way no longer feel that pressure. Rome would have had the same attitude in the first century. Their only interest was that Christians complied with their rule. Christianity was irrelevant otherwise. They adopted the religions of each conquered country. Rome would have been willing to throw Christianity in the mix as long as it didn't call Jesus Lord.

The early Christians would never have thought of a boycott. They were in such small numbers and it wasn't their mission to change the world by force. They understood that their responsibility was to proclaim the gospel and disciple the followers. Those who boycott are not sharing the love of the gospel. They are declaring their opposition to those they boycott. I can't see how that will make it easier to love the sinners into the kingdom of God.

Instead of a boycott, why don't we send letters of love to those who endorse sinful behavior? Sure, maybe some may think this is an act of hate too but it doesn't matter for we will have fulfilled what we are supposed to do. What if we asked them to send us their prayer requests? And, yes, we are going to get some "I pray you die a horrible death" requests. That isn't the point. Those who share the gospel should expect to be opposed. The gospel confronts sin. Many people don't like to have their sins exposed or confronted.

Maybe today you should act in a way that shows you love someone who isn't a Christian. Maybe that person is your enemy. Pray for them. Do what the scriptures tell us to do.

The Promise of Mothers' Day

 May 12, 2024

Sunday

Before the Civil War a lady named Ann Reeves Jarvis from West Virginia held "Mother's Day Work Clubs" to help young women learn to properly care for their children. After her death, her daughter Anna Jarvis worked to establish a day in which mothers would be honored for all their sacrifices for their children. A contributor to her cause was John Wanamaker a Philadelphia Department store owner. The first successful Mothers' Day celebration was held in a Methodist church in Grafton, West Virginia as Wanamaker had thousands of people celebrate in his department stores in Philadelphia. 

Anna Jarvis began a massive letter writing campaign to newspapers and prominent politicians urging them to establish a special day honoring mothers. By 1912 many states, towns and churches held Mothers' Day celebrations. Finally President Woodrow Wilson signed a resolution that the second Sunday in May would be established as Mothers' Day.

Today there are few who would deny this holiday. It is a cause for reflection. It is a cause to think of what it is that honors mothers. They were the first to carry us. They were the ones who worked so hard to feed and clothe us. They were the ones who ate after we did and would always give up the last piece of fried chicken so that we could have it.

The Bible tells us that we should honor our fathers and mothers. It doesn't say that we should only honor some of them. We are not our parents' judges. We may think they favored another sibling. We may believe they had nothing left for us after giving it to our brother or sister. We may think they didn't give us enough time. But when we realize that our own parenting was somewhat flawed, we generally agree that our mothers were doing the best they could with what they had. The favor we say going to a sibling may have been to redeem that child from a life of hardship. It may have been a mother's last effort to keep the child from rebellion. We may not know the reasons why. It doesn't matter. No reason absolves us from honoring our mothers.

There is a blessing with this command. We will have a long life in the land the Lord gives. Some will dispute this. They will point out that some die early who have honored their mothers. Of course, we can't deny that many die when young. We can say that this land we are in now is not the land we will live long in. It is when we enter into God's heaven that we will truly live long. 

Honoring your mother will not save you but being saved will honor your mother. Think about it.

Exodus 20:12 (NASB 2020)¹² “Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be prolonged on the land which the Lord your God gives you.

That I May Know Christ

 May 11, 2024

Saturday

Following Jesus is the greatest commitment anyone can make. It requires placing your relationship with Christ above all other relationships. It requires that personal comforts not be considered when following Him. It requires that any of the advantages of the accolades in this world, family privilege, economic status or professional position be considered as inferior to walking with Jesus. The Apostle Paul would write:

Philippians 3:4–11 (NASB 2020) ⁴ although I myself could boast as having confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he is confident in the flesh, I have more reason: ⁵ circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; ⁶ as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless. ⁷ But whatever things were gain to me, these things I have counted as loss because of Christ. ⁸ More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them mere rubbish, so that I may gain Christ, ⁹ and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, ¹⁰ that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; ¹¹ if somehow I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Sometimes translators try to relate to people by giving a more common English word rather than the best translation. Paul says that he considers all of who he was mere rubbish in this translation. However, this word (skuballon in the Greek) is only used here in all the New Testament. It is used in the common writings of the time to describe the rotting, half-eaten flesh of a corpse or as dung. It was not mere rubbish because we can all tell stories of people who keep rubbish around. Some people have yards with things we would consider rubbish sitting in them. Some people are driving vehicles that we would consider rubbish. But when it comes to dung only those with a mental sickness keep it around. No one in their right mind displays it on their walls or coffee tables. No one uses it for anything profitable except fertilizer. People simply want it done away with. This is the meaning that Paul is using here.

Knowing Christ, the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings has overtaken all the things Paul's contemporaries would have praised him for. Paul places a much higher value on knowing Jesus than pursuing the things of this world. He sees his reward as he works. He seeks to attain the resurrection from the dead. He is not working for his salvation but is working out his salvation.

This commitment must cause us to pause and evaluate our lives. Am I where Paul was when he wrote this? Who can actually say? It is a step by step, day be day process of abandoning self and walking with our Lord. It must be worth it for Paul has given up the easy life to know his Lord.

Is it worth it for you?